He has demanded public audience of me this afternoon, and I have it privately that then he will formally ask you in marriage before the people, and if he is refused will declare war upon the city, with which he has many an ancient quarrel.

Yes, yes, king Ithobal is that sword of God which the Jew said he saw hanging over us, and should it fall it will be because of you, Elissa." "The Jew did not say that, father; he said it would be because of the sins of the people and their idolatries." "What does it matter what he said ?" broke in Sakon hastily.

"How shall I answer Ithobal ?" "Tell him," she replied with a strange smile, "that he does wisely to be jealous of the prince Aziel." "What! Of the stranger who this very day reviled you in words of such shame, and so soon ?" asked her father astonished.
Elissa did not speak in answer; she only looked straight before her, and nodded her head.
"Had ever man such a daughter ?" Sakon went on in petulant dismay.

"Truly it is a wise saying which tells that women love those best who beat them, be it with the tongue or with the fist.

Not but what I would gladly see you wedded to a prince of Israel and of Egypt rather than of this half-bred barbarian, but the legions of Solomon and of Pharaoh are far away, whereas Ithobal has a hundred thousand spears almost at our gate." "There is no need to speak of such things, father," she said, turning aside, "since, even were I willing, the prince would have nought to do with me, who am a priestess of Baaltis." "The matter of religion might be overcome," suggested Sakon; "but, no, for many reasons it is impossible.