A shriek! his name was called. Alroy, wild and panting, rushed into the court with extended arms. The Cabalist started up, seized him, and held him in his careful grasp, foaming and in convulsions.
‘Jabaster, Jabaster!’
‘I am here, my child.’
‘The Lord hath spoken.’
‘The Lord is our refuge. Calm thyself, son of David, and tell me all.’
‘I have been sleeping, master; is it not so?’
‘Even so, my child. Exhausted by his flight and the exciting narrative of his exploit, my Prince lay down upon the couch and slumbered; but I fear that slumber was not repose.’
‘Repose and I have naught in common now. Farewell for ever to that fatal word. I am the Lord’s anointed.’
‘Drink of the fountain, David: it will restore thee.’
‘Restore the covenant, restore the ark, restore the holy city.’