“At what price will he be set free, king Ithobal?”
“Lady, you know the price; it is yourself. Oh! I beseech you, be wise! spare his life and your own. Listen: spare his life, and I will spare this city which lies in the hollow of my hand, and you shall rule it with me.”
“You cannot bribe me thus, king Ithobal. My father whom I loved is dead, and shall I give myself to you for the sake of a city and a Faith that would have betrayed me into your hands?”
“Nay, but for the sake of the man to whom you are dear, you shall do even this, Elissa. Think: if you refuse, his blood will be upon your head, and what will you have gained?”
“Death, which I seek, for I weary of the struggle of my days.”
“Then end it in my arms, lady. Soon this fancy will escape your mind, and you will remain one of the mightiest queens of men.”
Elissa returned no answer, and for a while there was silence.
“Lady,” said Ithobal at length, “the sun rises and my servants yonder await a signal.”
Then she spoke like one who hesitates.
“Are you not afraid, king Ithobal, to trust your life to a woman won in such a fashion?”