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.
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