“Learn then, that the stars resent as the foulest of human crimes an insult to their servants and delegates below.
“Ye are all aware of the manner of life of Morven, whom ye have surnamed the Prophet!
“He harms not man or beast; he lives alone; and, far from the wild joys of the warrior tribe, he worships in awe and fear the Powers of Night!
“So is he able to advise ye of the coming danger—so is he able to save ye from the foe. Thus are your huntsmen swift and your warriors bold; and thus do your cattle bring forth their young, and the earth its fruits.
“What think ye, and what do ye ask to hear?
“Listen, men of Oestrich!—they have laid snares for my life; and there are amongst you those who have whetted the sword against the bosom that is only filled with love for you.
“Therefore have the stern lords of heaven loosened the chains of the river—therefore doth this evil menace ye.
“Neither will it pass away until they who dig the pit for the servant of the stars are buried in the same.”
Then, by the red torches, the faces of the men looked fierce and threatening; and ten thousand voices shouted forth:
“Name them who conspired against thy life, O holy prophet! and surely they shall be torn limb from limb.”