ny and reject Him? Was not evil once more triumphant,
and must not they, its ministers, rejoice?

Again the Shadid raised his wand and they were silent.

"Brother you have, indeed, done well and wisely," he said, addressing
Aziel. "Now take to wife the divine lady who has chosen you," and he
pointed to Elissa, who lay prostrated on the rock. "Yes, take her and
be happy in her love, sitting in my seat, which henceforth is yours, as
ruler of the priests of El and master of their mysteries, forgetting the
follies of your former faith, and spitting on its altars. Hail to you,
Shadid, Lord of the Baaltis and chosen of El! Take him, you priests,
and with him the divine lady, his wife, to bear them in triumph to their
high house."

"What of the Levite?" asked the woman Mesa.

The Shadid glanced at Issachar, who all this while had stood like one
stricken to the soul, woe stamped upon his face, and a stare of horror
in his eyes. "Jew," he said, "I had forgotten you, but you also are on
your trial, who dared against the law to hold secret meeting with the
lady Baaltis. For this sin the punishment is death, nor, as I think,
would any woman name you husband to save you. Still in this hour of joy
we will be merciful; therefore do as your master did, cast incense on
the altar, uttering the appointed words, and go your way."

"Before I make my offering on yonder altar according to your command,
I have indeed some words to say, O priest of El," answered Issachar
quietly, but in a voice that chilled the blood of those who listened.

"First, I address myself to you, Aziel, and to you, woman," and he
pointed to Elissa, who had risen, and leaned, trembling, upon her
father. "My dream is fulfilled. Aziel, you have sinned indeed, and must
bear the appointed punishment of your sin. Yet hear a message of mercy
spoken through my lips: Because you have sinned through love and pity,
your offence is not unto death. Still shall you sorrow for it all your
life's days, and in desolation of heart and bitterness of soul shall
creep back to the feet of Him you have forsworn.

"Woman, your spirit is noble and your feet are set in the way of
righteousness, yet through you has this offence come. Therefore your
love shall bear no fruit, nor shall the blasphemy of your beloved save
your flesh from doom. Upon this earth there is no hope for you, daughter
of Sakon; set your eyes beyond it, for there alone is hope.

"Yonder she stands who swore our live