"It is that I have no power over the coming or the going of the lady Merapi, or at least wish to claim none.

Address yourself to her." "What is it you wish with me, Priest ?" asked Merapi quickly.
"That you should return to the town of Goshen, daughter of Nathan.

Have you no ears to hear ?" "I hear, but if I return, what will you of me ?" "That you who have proved yourself a prophetess by your deeds in yonder temple should dedicate your powers to the service of your people, receiving in return full forgiveness for the evils you have wrought against them, which we swear to you in the name of God." "I am no prophetess, and I have wrought no evils against my people, Priest.

I have only saved them from the evil of murdering one who has shown himself their friend, even as I hear to the laying down of his crown for their sake." "That is for the Fathers of Israel and not for you to judge, woman.

Your answer ?" "It is neither for them nor for me, but for God only." She paused, then added, "Is this all you ask of me ?" "It is all the Fathers ask, but Laban asks his affianced wife." "And am I to be given in marriage to--this assassin ?" "Without doubt you are to be given to this brave soldier, being already his." "And if I refuse ?" "Then, Daughter of Nathan, it is my part to curse you in the name of God, and to declare you cut off and outcast from the people of God.