Page:Wisdom's daughter; the life and love story of She-who-must-be-obeyed (IA wisdomsdaughterl00hagg 0).pdf/146

128  has sent to this land to destroy Tenes and the Sidonians.

Then I welcome you, Stranger. Speak on.

So briefly I told her all my tale, and in proof of it read to her the writing in which I promised myself to Tenes when he could crown me queen of the world.

So you desire my place and this man?

Aye, I answered, as much, or as little, as life desires death. Study the conditions. Can he crown me queen of all the earth, and under them until he does so, can he take me? Do you not understand that I would lead the fool on to his ruin?

She nodded her head.

Then will you not help me?

Aye, Lady, but how?

I will show you how, and bending forward, I whispered in her ear.

It is good, she said when I had finished. By Jehovah my God, and by the blood of my son, with you I stand or fall, and when all is done take Tenes if you will.