For this once he would look upon these abominations and learn what part Elissa played in them, and thus be cured for ever of the longings that had seized him.
"What is the ceremony ?" he asked.
"A sacrifice for the recovery of the lady Baaltis who is sick, Prince." "And what is the sacrifice ?" asked Aziel.
"A dove, as I am told," was the indifferent answer.
"I will come with you, Metem." "So be it, Prince.

Your retinue awaits you at the gate." At the main entrance to the palace Aziel found his guard and other servants gathered there to escort him.

With them was Issachar, whom he greeted, asking him if he knew the errand upon which they were bent.
"I do, Prince; it is to witness the abomination of a sacrifice of these heathens." "Will you then accompany me there, Issachar ?" "Where my lord goes I go," answered the Levite gravely.

"Moreover, Prince, if you have your reasons for wishing to see this devil-worship, I may have mine." Then they set out, Metem guiding them.

At the north gate of the temple, which was not more than a yard in width, the Phoenician spoke to the guards on duty, who drew back to let them pass.