but I see, the caverns of the
Caucasus are not a school for empire.'

'Sire, I had humbly deemed the school for empire was the law of Moses.'

'Ay! adapted to these times.'

'Can aught divine be changed?'

'Am I as tall as Adam? If man, the crown, the rose of all this fair
creation, the most divine of all divine inventions, if Time have altered
even this choicest of all godlike works, why shall it spare a law made
but to rule his conduct? Good Jabaster, we must establish the throne of
Israel, that is my mission, and for the means, no matter how, or where.
Asriel, what news of Medad?'

'All is quiet between the Tigris and Euphrates. It would be better
to recall his division, which has been much harassed. I thought of
relieving him by Abidan.'

'I think so, too. We may as well keep Abidan out of the city. If the
truth were known, I'll wager some of his company plundered the mosque.
We must issue a proclamation on that subject. My good Jabaster, we'll
talk over these matters alone. At present I will leave you with your
brother. Scherirah, sup with me to-night; before you quit Asriel, come
with me to my cabinet.'

'I must see the king!'

'Holy priest, his highness has retired. It is impossible.'

'I must see the king. Worthy Pharez, I take all peril on myself.'

'Indeed his highness' orders are imperative. You cannot see him.'

'Knowest thou who I am?'

'One whom all pious Hebrews reverence.'

'I say I must see the king.'

'Indeed, indeed, holy Jabaster, it cannot be.'

'Shall Israel perish for a menial's place? Go to; I _will_ see him.'

'Nay! if you _will_, I'll struggle for my duty.'

'Touch not the Lord's anointed. Dog, you shall suffer for this!'

So saying, Jabaster threw aside Pharez, and, with the attendant clinging
to his robes, rushed into the royal chamber.

'What is all this?' exclaimed Alroy, starting from the divan. 'Jabaster!
Pharez, withdraw! How now, is Bagdad in insurrection?'

'Worse, much worse, Israel soon will be.'

'Ay!'

'My fatal brother has told me all, nor would I sleep, until I lifted up
my voice to save thee.'

'Am I in danger?'

'In the wilderness, when the broad desert quivered beneath thy trembling
feet, and the dark heavens poured down their burning torrents, thou wert
less so. In that hour of death, One guarded thee, who never forgets His
fond and faithful offspring, and now, when He has brought thee out of
the house of bondage; now, when thy fortunes, like a