Yet this one has a certain strength of will, and I question if all the elders of the city will bring her living to the arms of Ithobal." "It is nought to me, Metem, if she weds Ithobal, or weds him not, save that I do not love this heathen man, and surely her temper and her witcheries would bring ruin on him.

What I would have you do is to prevent her from marrying Aziel; the way I leave to you." "And what should I be paid for this service, holy Issachar ?" The Jew thought and answered, "A hundred golden shekels." "Two hundred gold shekels," replied Metem reflectively, "nay, I am sure you said _two_ hundred, Issachar.

At least, I do not work for less, and it is a small sum enough, seeing that to earn it I must take upon myself the guilt of severing two loving hearts.

But I know well that you are right, and that this would be an evil marriage for the prince Aziel, and also for the lady Elissa, who then day by day and year by year must bear the scourge of your reproaches, Issachar.

Therefore I will do my best, not for the money indeed, but because I see herein a righteous duty.