meeting when we crossed the Tigris. But that is nothing. We come
to act, and not to argue. Our great minds, they are resolved: our solemn
purpose requires no demonstration. If there be one among us who would
have Israel a slave to Ishmael, who would lose all we have prayed
for, all we have fought for, all we have won, and all for which we
are prepared to die, if there be one among us who would have the Ark
polluted, and Jehovah's altar stained with a Gentile sacrifice, if there
be one among us who does not sigh for Zion, who would not yield his
breath to build the Temple and gain the heritage his fathers lost,
why, let him go! There is none such among us: then stay, and free your
country!'

'We are prepared, great Jabaster; we are prepared, all, all!'

'I know it; you are like myself. Necessity hath taught decision. Now for
our plans. Speak, Zalmunna.'

'Noble Jabaster, I see much difficulty. Alroy no longer quits his
palace. Our entrance unwatched is, you well know, impossible. What say
you, Scherirah?'

'I doubt not of my men, but war against Alroy is, to say nought of
danger, of doubtful issue.'

'I am prepared to die, but not to fail,' said Abidan. 'We must be
certain. Open war I fear. The mass of the army will side with their
leaders, and they are with the tyrant. Let us do the deed, and they must
join us.'

'Is it impossible to gain his presence to some sacrifice in honour of
some by-gone victory; what think ye?'

'I doubt much, Jabaster. At this moment he little wishes to sanction our
national ceremonies with his royal person. The woman assuredly will
stay him. And, even if he come, success is difficult, and therefore
doubtful.'

'Noble warriors, list to a woman's voice,' exclaimed the prophetess,
coming forward. ''Tis weak, but with such instruments, even the
aspirations of a child, the Lord will commune with his chosen people.
There is a secret way by which I can gain the gardens of the palace.
To-morrow night, just as the moon is in her midnight bower, behold the
accursed pile shall blaze. Let Abidan's troops be all prepared, and at
the moment when the flames first ascend, march to the Seraglio gate as
if with aid. The affrighted guard will offer no opposition. While
the troops secure the portals, you yourselves, Zalmunna, Abidan, and
Jabaster, rush to the royal chamber and do the deed. In the meantime,
let brave Scherirah, with his whole division, surround the palace, as if
unconscious of the migh