868 B. C.] Pygmalion ascended the throne of Tyrus 868 years before the Christian Æra, and from an after action against the life of a near relation, and that relative even closer allied by marriage,--his character must have been cruel, bloody, and treacherous. Acerbas the near kinsman of the Monarch, was not only a Royal Prince, but also High Priest of the Religion of the Country, and consequently of superior knowledge and accomplishments. In addition to his station by birth and intellect (for he was regarded as the wisest man of Tyrus) he was, also, the richest person in the kingdom, and in default of issue from the reigning family, was heir to the throne. These circumstances combined were causes of jealousy to Pygmalion while Acerbas was yet unmarried. His immense wealth may have been augmented by the then novel and favourable results of Commerce; for, according to the Prophet ISAIAH, the Tyrian "traffickers were the honourable of the earth," and in "the crowning city" her "merchants were _Princes_." The sister of the King was the renowned Princess, known in poetry and general history as Dido; but whose name, while yet in Tyrus, was Eliza,--or Elizabeth,--which name translated from the original language means _an Oath_,--and as applied to its possessor may be defined--_an Oath-taker_. It is therefore probable that the attachment and devotion of the Princess for Acerbas must have commenced in her earliest days,--because her death (as will be shewn) arose from an _irrevocable oath_ taken by her of fidelity and widowhood to Acerbas, should she in the course of nature survive her betrothed. She, therefore, upon taking the Oath probably received the name of Elizabeth, and from that circumstance, its definition, and final consummation completely illustrate our supposition. There was no Princess of antiquity endowed with more enlarged attributes of the mind than the Tyrian Elizabeth:--her resolution, active courage, intellect, and womanly devotion were alike conspicuous, and consequently she was worthy of being allied to a Prince possessing the exalted virtue and character of Acerbas. That the Oath was taken before the marriage is apparent; for the Tyrant did not prevent the union, but actually promoted it,--and from this deceitful acquiescence on the part of the King, their nuptials must have been solemnized amid the rejoicings of the Nation and of the Throne. [861 B. C.] The happy bride and bridegroom, in the consummation of their devoted union, were blinded to the deep scheme revolving in the traitorous brain of their King and brother.