The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-04-11
1895. by H. Rider Haggard.)
CHAPTER XIV.

THE MARTYRDOM OF ISSACHAR.
It was done, and from the mouths of
the priests and priestesses rose a shrilI
cry of triumph, for had not their gods
conquered? Had not this servant of
the hated Lord of Israel been caught
by the bait of-the beauty of a priestess
of Baaltis. denying and rejecting him ?
Was not evil once more triumphant,
and must not they, its ministers, re-
joice?
Again the Shadid raised his wand
and they were silent.
You have indeed done we'll and
wisely" he said. addressing Aziel.
Now, take to wife the divine lady who
has chosen you and he pointed to
ELISA, who lay fainting on the ground,
land be happy in her love, sitting in
my seat, which henceforth is yours, as
ruler of the priests of El and master
of their mysteries, forgetting the fol-
lies of your former faith and splitting
on its affairs. Hail to you, Shadid, lord
of the Baaltis and chosen of FL. Take
him, you priests, and with him the di-
vine lady, his wife. bearing them in
triumph TO their high house"
What of the Levite?" asked voice.
The Shadid glanced at Issachar. who
all this while had stood like one
stricken to the soul. woe stamped upon
his face and stare of horror in his
eyes. Jew" he said, L had forgotten
you; but you also are on trial. who
dared against the law to hold secret
meeting with the Lady Baaltis. For
this sin the punishment is death, nor
would any woman name you husband
to save you from it. Still in this hour
of soy we will be merciful: therefore
do as your master did. cast incense on
the altar. saying the appointed words,
and so your way"
Before I make my Offering on yon-
der altar according to your commands,
1 have some words to say, o, priest of
Ell" answered Issachar, quietly but in
a voice that chilled the blood of those
who heard it. First. I address myself
to you, Aziel, and TO you, woman" and
he pointed TO ELISA, who had risen,
and leaned trembling upon her father.
MY dream is fulfilled. Aziel, you
have sinned indeed, and must bear the
appointed punishment of your sin, vet
hear message of mercy spoken
through my lips. Because you have
sinned through love and pity, your Of
fence is not unto death, yet shall sor-
row for it all your life'S days. and in
desolation of heart and bitterness of
soul shall creep back to the feet of
him you have fOrSworn. Woman, your
spirit is noble and your feet are set in
the way of righteousness, yet through
you has this offence come, and there
fore your love shall bear no fruit. nor
shall the blasphemy of your beloved
save your flesh from doom. Upon the
earth there is no hope for you, daught-
er Of Saxon. Set your eyes beyond it,
for there is hope. Where is she who
swore our lives away?" and he pointed
to Mesa.
Woman, you plotted this that you
might succeed to the throne of BaaI-
tbs; you hear fate: You shall live to
sweep the nuts and bear the babes of
savages. You, priest" and he pointed
to the Shadid, II read your heart you
design TO murder this man whom you
greet as your successor, that you may
usurp his place. I show you yours. 1t
lies in the bellies of the jackals of the
desert You priests and priestesses of
FL and Baaltis. think of my words and
raise your loud song of triumph to