"
"Gates, however strong, can be broken," answered the priestess, "so,
lady, do not wait till you are dragged hence like some discovered
slave."
"Ay," replied Elissa, with a little laugh, "but what if rather than be
thus dishonoured, I should choose to break another gate, that of my own
life? Look, traitress, here is poison and here is bronze, and I swear to
you that should any lay a hand upon me, by one or other of them I will
die before their eyes. Then, if you will, bear these bones to Ithobal
and take his thanks for them. Now, begone, and give this message to
my father and to all those who have plotted with him, that since they
cannot bribe Ithobal with my beauty, they will do well to be men, and to
fight him with their swords."
Then she turned and left them, vanishing into the darkness of the tomb.
Great indeed was the dismay of the councillors of Zimboe and of the
priests who had plotted with them when, an hour later, Mesa came, not to
deliver Elissa into their hands, but to repeat to them her threats and
message. In vain did they appeal to Sakon, who only shook his head and
answered:--
"Of this I am sure, that what my daughter has threatened that she will
certainly do if you force her to the choice. But if you will not believe
me, go ask her and satisfy yourselves. I know well what she will answer
you, and I hold that this is a judgment upon us, who first made her
Baaltis against her will, then threatened her with death because of
the prince Aziel, and now would do sacrilege to her sacred office and
violence to herself by tearing her from her consecrated throne, breaking
her bond of marriage and delivering her to Ithobal.
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