an empty braggart-word forever on the mouths of kings and judges,
but never in their hearts! Moreover,--what is guilt? ... What is
innocence? Both must be defined according to the law of the realm
wherein we dwell,--and from that law there can be no appeal. These
men we lately saw were the chief priests and executioners of the
Sacred Temple,--they have done no wrong--they have simply
fulfilled their duty. The culprits slain deserved their fate,--
they loved where loving was forbidden,--torture and death was the
strictly ordained punishment, and herein was justice,--justice as
portioned out by the Penal Code of the High Court of Council."

Theos heard, and gave an expressive gesture of loathing and
contempt.

"O narrow jurisdiction! ... O short-sighted, false equity!" he
exclaimed passionately. "Are there different laws for high and
low? ... Must the weak and defenceless be condemned to death for
the self-same sin committed openly by their more powerful brethren
who yet escape scot-free? What of the High Priestess then? ... If
these poor lover-victims merited their doom, why is not Lysia
slain? ... Is not SHE a willingly violated vestal? ... doth SHE
not count her lovers by the score? ... are not her vows long since
broken? ... is not her life a life of wanton luxury and open
shame? ... Why doth the Law, beholding these things, remain in her
case dumb and ineffectual?"

"Hush, hush, my son!" said the aged Zuriel anxiously--"These stone
walls hear thee far too loudly,--who knows but they may echo forth
thy words to unsuspected listeners! Peace--peace! ... Lysia is as
much Queen, as Zephoranim is King of Al-Kyris; and surely thou