I demand of you now that you should loose that bond, for I do not desire to become a Christian; and surely, O most good and holy man, having one wife already, it will not please you henceforth to live in sin with a heathen woman." Now Hokosa turned to Owen:-- "In the old days," he said, "I could have answered her; but now I am fallen; or raised up--at the least I am changed and cannot.

O prophet of Heaven, tell me what I shall do." "Sever the bond that you have upon her and let her go," answered Owen.
"This love of yours is unnatural, unholy and born of witchcraft; have done with it, or if you cannot, at the least deny it, for such a woman, a woman who hates you, can work you no good.

Moreover, since she is a second wife, you being a Christian, are bound to free her should she so desire." "She can work me no good, Messenger, that I know; but I know also that while she struggles in the net of my will she can work me no evil.

If I loose the net and the fish swims free, it may be otherwise." "Loose it," answered Owen, "and leave the rest to Providence.
Henceforth, Hokosa, do right, and take no thought for the morrow, for the morrow is with God, and what He decrees, that shall befall." "I hear you," said Hokosa, "and I obey." For a while he rocked himself to and fro, staring at the ground, then he lifted his head and spoke:-- "Woman," he said, "the knot is untied and the spell is broken.

Begone, for I release you and I divorce you.