Nor do I believe that for any bribe of woman's love I shall forswear it in act or thought.

Yet if such things come about it is fate that drives me on, not my will--and what man can flee his fate?
But even though this lady be she whom I am doomed to love, you say that because she is heathen I must reject her.

Shame upon the thought, for if she is heathen it is through ignorance, and it may be mine to change her heart.
Because I stand in danger shall I suffer her who, as you tell me, was one with me from the beginning, to be lost in that hell of Baal of which you speak?
Nay, your dream is false.

I will not renounce my faith, but rather will win her to share it, and together we shall triumph, and that I swear to you, Issachar." "Truly the evil one has many wiles," answered the Levite, "and I did ill to tell you of my dream, seeing that it can be twisted to serve the purpose of your madness.

Have your will, Aziel, and reap the fruit of it, but of this I warn you--that while I can find a way to thwart it, never, Prince, shall you take that witch to your bosom to be the ruin of your life and soul." "Then, Issachar, on this matter there may be war between us!" "Ay! there is war," said the Levite, and left him.
***** The sun was already high in the heavens when Aziel awoke from the deep and dreamless sleep which followed on the excitements and exhaustion of the previous day.