GREETING TO THE BAALTIS When Metem accepted bribes from Issachar and from Ithobal, in consideration of his finding means to make the union of Aziel and Elissa impossible, he had already thought out his scheme.

It was one which, while promoting, as he considered, the true welfare of the lovers, if successful would separate them effectually and for ever.
It will be remembered that Elissa had explained to the prince how, on the death of the lady Baaltis, another woman was elected by the colleges of the priests and priestesses to fill her place.

This lady could marry, indeed she was expected to do so, but her husband must take the title of Shadid, and for her lifetime act as high-priest of El.

Therefore, thought Metem, if it could be brought about that Elissa should be chosen as the new Baaltis, it was obvious that there would be an end of the possibility of her marriage to Aziel.

Then, in order to wed her, he must renounce his own religion--a thing which no Jew would do--and pose as the earthly incarnation of one whom he considered a false divinity or a devil.
Indeed, not only marriage, but any further intimacy between the pair would be rendered impracticable, for upon this point the religious law, lax enough in many particulars, was very strict.