Nay, while the prince Aziel can take her to wife it is well-nigh impossible, since no threats of war or ruin can turn a woman's heart from him she seeks--to him she flies.
Therefore, I ask you----" "Your pardon, King," Metem broke in, "I see that you, like your rival, are so besotted with the beauty of this girl, that in all with which she has to do you have lost the rule of your own reason.

I would save you perchance from saying words to which I do not wish to listen, and when you find a quiet mind again, that you may regret having spoken.

If you were about to require of me that I should cause or be privy to the death of the prince Aziel, you would require it in vain; yes, even if you were willing to pay me gold in mountains, and gems in camel loads.

With murder I will have nothing to do; moreover, the prince, your rival, is my friend and master, and I will not harm him.

Further, I may tell you that after the adventure of last night none will be able to come near him to hurt a hair of his head, seeing that through daylight and through darkness he is guarded by two men." "With a woman's body to set before him as a shield," said Ithobal bitterly.