wayside, and take it for adoption. That child the Gods in their
infinite wisdom fashioned into a scourge for Atlantis, and you who
have felt the weight of Phorenice's hand, know with what
completeness the High Gods can fashion their instruments.

"Yet, even as they set up, so can they throw down, and those
that shall debase Phorenice are even now appointed. The old rule
is to be re-established; but not till you who have sinned are
sufficiently chastened to cry to it for relief." He waved the
mysterious glowing Symbol before him. "See," he cried in his high
old quavering voice, "you know the unspeakable Power of which that
is the sign, and for which I am the mouthpiece. It is for you to
make decision now. Are the Gods to throw down this woman who has
scorned Them and so cruelly trodden on you? Or are you to be still
further purged of your pride before you are ripe for deliverance?"

The old priest broke off with a gesture, and his ragged white
beard sank on to his chest. Promptly a young man, skin clad and
carrying his weapon, elbowed up through the press of listeners, and
jumped on to the platform beside him. "Hear me, brethren!" he
bellowed, in his strong young voice. "We are done with tyrants.
Death may come, and we all of us here have shown how little we fear
it. But own rulers again we will not, and that is our final say.
My lord," he said, turning to the old man with a brave face, "I
know it is in your power to kill me by magic if you choose, but I
have said my say, and can stand the cost if needs be."

"I can kill you, but I will not," said Zaemon. "You have said
your silliness. Now go you to the ground again."