Here Metem gave her over into the care of her father, telling
him as much of the story as he thought wise, and cautioning him to keep
silent concerning what had happened.
At the door of the palace Issachar spoke to Aziel.
"Did I dream, Prince," he said, "or did my ears indeed hear you tell
that idolatress that you loved her for ever, and did my eyes see you
kiss her on the lips?"
"It seems that you saw and heard these things, Issachar," said Aziel,
setting his face sternly. "Now hear this further, and then I pray you
give me peace on this matter of the lady Elissa: If in any way it is
possible, I shall make her my wife, and if it be not possible, then for
so long as she may live at least I will look upon no other woman."
"Then that is good news, Prince, to me, who am charged with your
welfare, for be sure, if I can prevent you, you shall never mix your
life with that of this heathen sorceress."
"Issachar," the prince replied, "I have borne much from you because
I know well that you love me, and have stood to me in the place of a
father. But now, in my turn, I warn you, do not seek to work harm to the
lady Elissa, for in striking her you strike me, and such blows may bring
my vengeance after them."
"Vengeance?" mocked the Levite. "I fear but one vengeance, and it is not
yours, nor do I listen to the whisperings of love when duty points the
path. Rather would I see you dead, prince Aziel, then lured down to hell
by the wiles of yonder witch.
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