d, since it seems that the prince here can only tend her
lips."

"Nay," answered the Levite, "what have I to do with this daughter of
Baaltis? Cure her if you can, or if you cannot, let her die, for so
shall a stone of stumbling be removed from the feet of the foolish." And
he glanced indignantly at Aziel.

"Had it not been for this same stone at least the feet of the foolish by
now would have pointed skywards. The gods send me such a stone if ever a
black dwarf draws a poisoned arrow at me," answered Metem, as he busied
himself with his drugs. Then he added, "Nay, Prince, do not stop to
answer him, but hold the lady's hand to the light."

Aziel obeyed, and having washed out the wound with water, Metem rubbed
ointment into it which burnt Elissa so sorely that she groaned aloud.

"Be patient beneath the pain, lady," he said, "for if it has not already
passed into your blood, this salve will eat away the poison of the
arrow."

Then half-leading and half-carrying her, they brought her back to the
palace. 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 t