Yield, yield thee, dear Schirene, yield to
thy suppliant! Thy faith, thy father's faith, thy native customs, these,
these shall be respected, beauteous lady! Pharaoh's daughter yielded her
dusky beauty to my great ancestor. Thy face is like the bright inspiring
day! Let it not be said that the daughter of the Nile shared Israel's
crown, the daughter of the Tigris spurned our sceptre. I am not Solomon,
but I am one that, were Schirene the partner of my throne, would
make his glowing annals read like a wearisome and misty tale to our
surpassing lustre!'
He ceased, the princess turned her hitherto hidden countenance, and
bowed it on his heart. 'O Alroy!' she exclaimed, 'I have no creed, no
country, no life, but thee!'
'The king is late to-day.'
'Is it true, Asriel, there is an express from Hamadan?'
'Of no moment, Ithamar. I have private letters from Abner. All is
quiet.'
''Tis much past the hour. When do you depart, Scherirah?'
'The troops are ready. I wait orders. This morning's council will
perchance decide.'
'This morning's council is devoted to the settlement of the civil
affairs of the capital,' remarked Jabaster.
'Indeed!' said Asriel. 'Is your report prepared, Jabaster?'
''Tis here,' replied the high priest.
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