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diff --git a/old/5175-h.htm.2021-01-27 b/old/5175-h.htm.2021-01-27 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4b409d7 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/5175-h.htm.2021-01-27 @@ -0,0 +1,17499 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Pearl-maiden, by H. Rider Haggard + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Pearl-Maiden, by H. Rider Haggard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Pearl-Maiden + +Author: H. Rider Haggard + +Release Date: April 22, 2006 [EBook #5175] +Last Updated: September 22, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PEARL-MAIDEN *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers; Dagny; David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + PEARL-MAIDEN + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + A Tale Of The Fall of Jerusalem + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By H. Rider Haggard + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + First Published 1901. + </h3> + <h4> + TO GLADYS CHRISTIAN A DWELLER IN THE EAST <br /> THIS EASTERN TALE IS + DEDICATED <br /> BY HER OWN AND <br /> HER FATHER’S FRIEND<br /> <br /> THE + AUTHOR <br /> Ditchingham: September 14, 1902. <br /> <br /> + </h4> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <big><b>PEARL-MAIDEN</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + PEARL-MAIDEN + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + THE PRISON AT CÆSAREA + </h3> + <p> + It was but two hours after midnight, yet many were wakeful in Cæsarea on + the Syrian coast. Herod Agrippa, King of all Palestine—by grace of + the Romans—now at the very apex of his power, celebrated a festival + in honour of the Emperor Claudius, to which had flocked all the mightiest + in the land and tens of thousands of the people. The city was full of + them, their camps were set upon the sea-beach and for miles around; there + was no room at the inns or in the private houses, where guests slept upon + the roofs, the couches, the floors, and in the gardens. The great town + hummed like a hive of bees disturbed after sunset, and though the louder + sounds of revelling had died away, parties of feasters, many of them still + crowned with fading roses, passed along the streets shouting and singing + to their lodgings. As they went, they discussed—those of them who + were sufficiently sober—the incidents of that day’s games in the + great circus, and offered or accepted odds upon the more exciting events + of the morrow. + </p> + <p> + The captives in the prison that was set upon a little hill, a frowning + building of brown stone, divided into courts and surrounded by a high wall + and a ditch, could hear the workmen at their labours in the amphitheatre + below. These sounds interested them, since many of those who listened were + doomed to take a leading part in the spectacle of this new day. In the + outer court, for instance, were a hundred men called malefactors, for the + most part Jews convicted of various political offences. These were to + fight against twice their number of savage Arabs of the desert taken in a + frontier raid, people whom to-day we should know as Bedouins, mounted and + armed with swords and lances, but wearing no mail. The malefactor Jews, by + way of compensation, were to be protected with heavy armour and ample + shields. Their combat was to last for twenty minutes by the sand-glass, + when, unless they had shown cowardice, those who were left alive of either + party were to receive their freedom. Indeed, by a kindly decree the King + Agrippa, a man who did not seek unnecessary bloodshed, contrary to custom, + even the wounded were to be spared, that is, if any would undertake the + care of them. Under these circumstances, since life is sweet, all had + determined to fight their best. + </p> + <p> + In another division of the great hall was collected a very different + company. There were not more than fifty or sixty of these, so the wide + arches of the surrounding cloisters gave them sufficient shelter and even + privacy. With the exception of eight or ten men, all of them old, or well + on in middle age, since the younger and more vigorous males had been + carefully drafted to serve as gladiators, this little band was made of + women and a few children. They belonged to the new sect called Christians, + the followers of one Jesus, who, according to report, was crucified as a + troublesome person by the governor, Pontius Pilate, a Roman official, who + in due course had been banished to Gaul, where he was said to have + committed suicide. In his day Pilate was unpopular in Judæa, for he had + taken the treasures of the Temple at Jerusalem to build waterworks, + causing a tumult in which many were killed. Now he was almost forgotten, + but very strangely, the fame of this crucified demagogue, Jesus, seemed to + grow, since there were many who made a kind of god of him, preaching + doctrines in his name that were contrary to the law and offensive to every + sect of the Jews. + </p> + <p> + Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Levites, priests, all called out against + them. All besought Agrippa that he would be rid of them, these apostates + who profaned the land and proclaimed in the ears of a nation awaiting its + Messiah, that Heaven-born King who should break the Roman yoke and make + Jerusalem the capital of the world, that this Messiah had come already in + the guise of an itinerant preacher, and perished with other malefactors by + the death of shame. + </p> + <p> + Wearied with their importunities, the King listened. Like the cultivated + Romans with whom he associated, Agrippa had no real religion. At Jerusalem + he embellished the Temple and made offerings to Jehovah; at Berytus he + embellished the temple and made offerings there to Jupiter. He was all + things to all men and to himself—nothing but a voluptuous + time-server. As for these Christians, he never troubled himself about + them. Why should he? They were few and insignificant, no single man of + rank or wealth was to be found among them. To persecute them was easy, and—it + pleased the Jews. Therefore he persecuted them. One James, a disciple of + the crucified man called Christ, who had wandered about the country with + him, he seized and beheaded at Jerusalem. Another, called Peter, a + powerful preacher, he threw into prison, and of their followers he slew + many. A few of these were given over to be stoned by the Jews, but the + pick of the men were forced to fight as gladiators at Berytus and + elsewhere. The women, if young and beautiful, were sold as slaves, but if + matrons or aged, they were cast to the wild beasts in the circus. + </p> + <p> + Such was the fate, indeed, that was reserved for these poor victims in the + prison on this very day of the opening of our history. After the + gladiators had fought and the other games had been celebrated, sixty + Christians, it was announced, old and useless men, married woman and young + children whom nobody would buy, were to be turned down in the great + amphitheatre. Then thirty fierce lions, with other savage beasts, made + ravenous by hunger and mad with the smell of blood, were to be let loose + among them. Even in this act of justice, however, Agrippa suffered it to + be seen that he was gentle-hearted, since of his kindness he had decreed + that any whom the lions refused to eat were to be given clothes, a small + sum of money, and released to settle their differences with the Jews as + they might please. + </p> + <p> + Such was the state of public feeling and morals in the Roman world of that + day, that this spectacle of the feeding of starved beasts with live women + and children, whose crime was that they worshipped a crucified man and + would offer sacrifice to no other god, either in the Temple or elsewhere, + was much looked forward to by the population of Cæsarea. Indeed, great + sums of money were ventured upon the event, by means of what to-day would + be called sweepstakes, under the regulations of which he who drew the + ticket marked with the exact number of those whom the lions left alive, + would take the first prize. Already some far-seeing gamblers who had drawn + low numbers, had bribed the soldiers and wardens to sprinkle the hair and + garments of the Christians with valerian water, a decoction which was + supposed to attract and excite the appetite of these great cats. Others, + whose tickets were high, paid handsomely for the employment of artifices + which need not be detailed, calculated to induce in the lions aversion to + the subject that had been treated. The Christian woman or child, it will + be observed, who was to form the <i>corpus vile</i> of these ingenious + experiments, was not considered, except, indeed, as the fisherman + considers the mussel or the sand-worm on his hook. + </p> + <p> + Under an arch by themselves, and not far from the great gateway where the + guards, their lances in hand, could be seen pacing up and down, sat two + women. The contrast in the appearance of this pair was very striking. One, + who could not have been much more than twenty years of age, was a Jewess, + too thin-faced for beauty, but with dark and lovely eyes, and bearing in + every limb and feature the stamp of noble blood. She was Rachel, the widow + of Demas, a Græco-Syrian, and only child of the high-born Jew Benoni, one + of the richest merchants in Tyre. The other was a woman of remarkable + aspect, apparently about forty years of age. She was a native of the + coasts of Libya, where she had been kidnapped as a girl by Jewish traders, + and by them passed on to Phoenicians, who sold her upon the slave market + of Tyre. In fact she was a high-bred Arab without any admixture of negro + blood, as was shown by her copper-coloured skin, prominent cheek bones, + her straight, black, abundant hair, and untamed, flashing eyes. In frame + she was tall and spare, very agile, and full of grace in every movement. + Her face was fierce and hard; even in her present dreadful plight she + showed no fear, only when she looked at the lady by her side it grew + anxious and tender. She was called Nehushta, a name which Benoni had given + her when many years ago he bought her upon the market-place. In Hebrew + Nehushta means copper, and this new slave was copper-coloured. In her + native land, however, she had another name, Nou, and by this name she was + known to her dead mistress, the wife of Benoni, and to his daughter + Rachel, whom she had nursed from childhood. + </p> + <p> + The moon shone very brightly in a clear sky, and by the light of it an + observer, had there been any to observe where all were so occupied with + their own urgent affairs, could have watched every movement and expression + of these women. Rachel, seated on the ground, was rocking herself to and + fro, her face hidden in her hands, and praying. Nehushta knelt at her + side, resting the weight of her body on her heels as only an Eastern can, + and stared sullenly at nothingness. + </p> + <p> + Presently Rachel, dropping her hands, looked at the tender sky and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “Our last night on earth, Nou,” she said sadly. “It is strange to think + that we shall never again see the moon floating above us.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, mistress? If all that we have been taught is true, we shall see + that moon, or others, for ever and ever, and if it is not true, then + neither light nor darkness will trouble us any more. However, for my own + part I don’t mean that either of us should die to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you prevent it, Nou?” asked Rachel with a faint smile. “Lions are + no respecters of persons.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, mistress, I think that they will respect my person, and yours, too, + for my sake.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, Nou?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that I do not fear the lions; they are country-folk of mine and + roared round my cradle. The chief, my father, was called Master of Lions + in our country because he could tame them. Why, when I was a little child + I have fed them and they fawned upon us like dogs.” + </p> + <p> + “Those lions are long dead, Nou, and the others will not remember.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not sure that they are dead; at least, blood will call to blood, and + their company will know the smell of the child of the Master of Lions. + Whoever is eaten, we shall escape.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no such hope, Nou. To-morrow we must die horribly, that King + Agrippa may do honour to his master, Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + “If you think that, mistress, then let us die at once rather than be rent + limb from limb to give pleasure to a stinking mob. See, I have poison + hidden here in my hair. Let us drink of it and be done: it is swift and + painless.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Nou, it would not be right. I may lift no hand against my own life, + or if perchance I may, I have to think of another life.” + </p> + <p> + “If you die, the unborn child must die also. To-night or to-morrow, what + does it matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof. Who knows? To-morrow Agrippa + may be dead, not us, and then the child might live. It is in the hand of + God. Let God decide.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” answered Nehushta, setting her teeth, “for your sake I have become + a Christian, yes, and I believe. But I tell you this—while I live no + lion’s fangs shall tear that dear flesh of yours. First if need be, I will + stab you there in the arena, or if they take my knife from me, then I will + choke you, or dash out your brains against the posts.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be a sin, Nou; take no such risk upon your soul.” + </p> + <p> + “My soul! What do I care about my soul? You are my soul. Your mother was + kind to me, the poor slave-girl, and when you were an infant, I rocked you + upon my breast. I spread your bride-bed, and if need be, to save you from + worse things, I will lay you dead before me and myself dead across your + body. Then let God or Satan—I care not which—deal with my + soul. At least, I shall have done my best and died faithful.” + </p> + <p> + “You should not speak so,” sighed Rachel. “But, dear, I know it is because + you love me, and I wish to die as easily as may be and to join my husband. + Only if the child could have lived, as I think, all three of us would have + dwelt together eternally. Nay, not all three, all four, for you are + well-nigh as dear to me, Nou, as husband or as child.” + </p> + <p> + “That cannot be, I do not wish that it should be, who am but a slave + woman, the dog beneath the table. Oh! if I could save you, then I would be + glad to show them how this daughter of my father can bear their torments.” + </p> + <p> + The Libyan ceased, grinding her teeth in impotent rage. Then suddenly she + leant towards her mistress, kissed her fiercely on the cheek and began to + sob, slow, heavy sobs. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” said Rachel. “The lions are roaring in their dens yonder.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta lifted her head and hearkened as a hunter hearkens in the desert. + True enough, from near the great tower that ended the southern wall of the + amphitheatre, echoed short, coughing notes and fierce whimperings, to be + followed presently by roar upon roar, as lion after lion joined in that + fearful music, till the whole air shook with the volume of their voices. + </p> + <p> + “Aha!” cried a keeper at the gate—not the Roman soldier who marched + to and fro unconcernedly, but a jailor, named Rufus, who was clad in a + padded robe and armed with a great knife. “Aha! listen to them, the pretty + kittens. Don’t be greedy, little ones—be patient. To-night you will + purr upon a full stomach.” + </p> + <p> + “Nine of them,” muttered Nehushta, who had counted the roars, “all bearded + and old, royal beasts. To hearken to them makes me young again. Yes, yes, + I smell the desert and see the smoke rising from my father’s tents. As a + child I hunted them, now they will hunt me; it is their hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me air! I faint!” gasped Rachel, sinking against her. + </p> + <p> + With a guttural exclamation of pity Nehushta bent down. Placing her strong + arms beneath the slender form of her young mistress, and lifting her as + though she were a child, she carried her to the centre of the court, where + stood a fountain; for before it was turned to the purposes of a jail once + this place had been a palace. Here she set her mistress on the ground with + her back against the stonework, and dashed water in her face till + presently she was herself again. + </p> + <p> + While Rachel sat thus—for the place was cool and pleasant and she + could not sleep who must die that day—a wicket-gate was opened and + several persons, men, women, and children, were thrust through it into the + court. + </p> + <p> + “Newcomers from Tyre in a great hurry not to lose the lions’ party,” cried + the facetious warden of the gate. “Pass in, my Christian friends, pass in + and eat your last supper according to your customs. You will find it over + there, bread and wine in plenty. Eat, my hungry friends, eat before you + are eaten and enter into Heaven or—the stomach of the lions.” + </p> + <p> + An old woman, the last of the party, for she could not walk fast, turned + round and pointed at the buffoon with her staff. + </p> + <p> + “Blaspheme not, you heathen dog!” she said, “or rather, blaspheme on and + go to your reward! I, Anna, who have the gift of prophecy, tell you, + renegade who were a Christian, and therefore are doubly guilty, that <i>you</i> + have eaten your last meal—on earth.” + </p> + <p> + The man, a half-bred Syrian who had abandoned his faith for profit and now + tormented those who were once his brethren, uttered a furious curse and + snatched a knife from his girdle. + </p> + <p> + “You draw the knife? So be it, perish by the knife!” said Anna. Then + without heeding him further the old woman hobbled on after her companions, + leaving the man to slink away white to the lips with terror. He had been a + Christian and knew something of Anna and of this “gift of prophecy.” + </p> + <p> + The path of these strangers led them past the fountain, where Rachel and + Nehushta rose to greet them as they came. + </p> + <p> + “Peace be with you,” said Rachel. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Christ, peace,” they answered, and passed on towards the + arches where the other captives were gathered. Last of all, at some + distance behind the rest, came the white-haired woman, leaning on her + staff. + </p> + <p> + As she approached, Rachel turned to repeat her salutation, then uttered a + little cry and said: + </p> + <p> + “Mother Anna, do you not know me, Rachel, the daughter of Benoni?” + </p> + <p> + “Rachel!” she answered, starting. “Alas! child, how came you here?” + </p> + <p> + “By the paths that we Christians have to tread, mother,” said Rachel, + sadly. “But sit; you are weary. Nou, help her.” + </p> + <p> + Anna nodded, and slowly, for her limbs were stiff, sank down on to the + step of the fountain. + </p> + <p> + “Give me to drink, child,” she said, “for I have been brought upon a mule + from Tyre, and am athirst.” + </p> + <p> + Rachel made her hands into a cup, for she had no other, and held water to + Anna’s lips, which she drank greedily, emptying them many times. + </p> + <p> + “For this refreshment, God be praised. What said you? The daughter of + Benoni a Christian! Well, even here and now, for that God be praised also. + Strange that I should not have heard of it; but I have been in Jerusalem + these two years, and was brought back to Tyre last Sabbath as a prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mother, and since then I have become both wife and widow.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom did you marry, child?” + </p> + <p> + “Demas, the merchant. They killed him in the amphitheatre yonder at + Berytus six months ago,” and the poor woman began to sob. + </p> + <p> + “I heard of his end,” replied Anna. “It was a good and noble one, and his + soul rests in Heaven. He would not fight with the gladiators, so he was + beheaded by order of Agrippa. But cease weeping, child, and tell me your + story. We have little time for tears, who, perhaps, soon will have done + with them.” + </p> + <p> + Rachel dried her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It is short and sad,” she said. “Demas and I met often and learned to + love each other. My father was no friend to him, for they were rivals in + trade, but in those days knowing no better, Demas followed the faith of + the Jews; therefore, because he was rich my father consented to our + marriage, and they became partners in their business. Afterwards, within a + month indeed, the Apostles came to Tyre, and we attended their preaching—at + first, because we were curious to learn the truth of this new faith + against which my father railed, for, as you know, he is of the strictest + sect of the Jews; and then, because our hearts were touched. So in the end + we believed, and were baptised, both on one night, by the very hand of the + brother of the Lord. The holy Apostles departed, blessing us before they + went, and Demas, who would play no double part, told my father of what we + had done. Oh! mother, it was awful to see. He raved, shouted and cursed us + in his rage, blaspheming Him we worship. More, woe is me that I should + have to tell it: When we refused to become apostates he denounced us to + the priests, and the priests denounced us to the Romans, and we were + seized and thrown into prison; but my husband’s wealth, most of it except + that which the priests and Romans stole, stayed with my father. For many + months we were held in prison here in Cæsarea; then they took my husband + to Berytus, to be trained as a gladiator, and murdered him. Here I have + stayed since with this beloved servant, Nehushta, who also became a + Christian and shared our fate, and now, by the decree of Agrippa, it is my + turn and hers to die to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Child, you should not weep for that; nay, you should be glad who at once + will find your husband and your Saviour.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, I am glad; but, you see my state. It is for the child’s sake I + weep, that now never will be born. Had it won life even for an hour all of + us would have dwelt together in bliss until eternity. But it cannot be—it + cannot be.” + </p> + <p> + Anna looked at her with her piercing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Have you, then, also the gift of prophecy, child, who are so young a + member of the Church, that you dare to say that this or that cannot be? + The future is in the hand of God. King Agrippa, your father, the Romans, + the cruel Jews, those lions that roar yonder, and we who are doomed to + feed them, are all in the hand of God, and that which He wills shall + befall, and no other thing. Therefore, let us praise Him and rejoice, and + take no thought for the morrow, unless it be to pray that we may die and + go hence to our Master, rather than live on in doubts and terrors and + tribulations.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right, mother,” answered Rachel, “and I will try to be brave, + whatever may befall; but my state makes me feeble. The spirit, truly, is + willing, but oh! the flesh is weak. Listen, they call us to partake of the + Sacrament of the Lord—our last on earth”; and rising, she began to + walk towards the arches. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta stayed to help Anna to her feet. When she judged her mistress to + be out of hearing she leaned down and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Mother, you have the gift; it is known throughout the Church. Tell me, + will the child be born?” + </p> + <p> + The old woman fixed her eyes upon the heavens, then answered, slowly: + </p> + <p> + “The child will be born and live out its life, and I think that none of us + are doomed to die this day by the jaws of lions, though some of us may die + in another fashion. But I think also that your mistress goes very shortly + to join her husband. Therefore it was that I showed her nothing of what + came into my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it is best that I should die also, and die I will.” + </p> + <p> + “Wherefore?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I go to wait upon my mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Nehushta,” answered Anna, sternly, “you stay to guard her child, + whereof when all these earthly things are done you must give account to + her.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + THE VOICE OF A GOD + </h3> + <p> + Of all the civilisations whose records lie open to the student, that of + Rome is surely one of the most wonderful. Nowhere, not even in old Mexico, + was high culture so completely wedded to the lowest barbarism. Intellect + Rome had in plenty; the noblest efforts of her genius are scarcely to be + surpassed; her law is the foundation of the best of our codes of + jurisprudence; art she borrowed but appreciated; her military system is + still the wonder of the world; her great men remain great among a + multitude of subsequent competitors. And yet how pitiless she was! What a + tigress! Amid all the ruins of her cities we find none of a hospital, + none, I believe, of an orphan school in an age that made many orphans. The + pious aspirations and efforts of individuals seem never to have touched + the conscience of the people. Rome incarnate had no conscience; she was a + lustful, devouring beast, made more bestial by her intelligence and + splendour. + </p> + <p> + King Agrippa in practice was a Roman. Rome was his model, her ideals were + his ideals. Therefore he built amphitheatres in which men were butchered, + to the exquisite delight of vast audiences. Therefore, also, without the + excuse of any conscientious motive, however insufficient or + unsatisfactory, he persecuted the weak because they were weak and their + sufferings would give pleasure to the strong or to those who chanced to be + the majority of the moment. + </p> + <p> + The season being hot it was arranged that the great games in honour of the + safety of Cæsar, should open each day at dawn and come to an end an hour + before noon. Therefore from midnight onwards crowds of spectators poured + into the amphitheatre, which, although it would seat over twenty thousand, + was not large enough to contain them all. An hour before the dawn the + place was full, and already late comers were turned back from its gates. + The only empty spaces were those reserved for the king, his royal guests, + the rulers of the city, with other distinguished personages, and for the + Christian company of old men, women and children destined to the lions, + who, it was arranged, were to sit in full view of the audience until the + time came for them to take their share in the spectacle. + </p> + <p> + When Rachel joined the other captives she found that a long rough table + had been set beneath the arcades, and on it at intervals, pieces of bread + and cups and vases containing wine of the country that had been purchased + at a great price from the guards. Round this table the elders or the + infirm among the company were seated on a bench, while the rest of the + number, for whom there was not room, stood behind them. At its head was an + old man, a bishop among the Christians, one of the five hundred who had + seen the risen Lord and received baptism from the hands of the Beloved + Disciple. For some years he had been spared by the persecutors of the + infant Church on account of his age, dignity, and good repute, but now at + last fate seemed to have overtaken him. + </p> + <p> + The service was held; the bread and wine, mixed with water, were + consecrated with the same texts by which they are blessed to-day, only the + prayers were extempore. When all had eaten from the platters and drunk + from the rude cups, the bishop gave his blessing to the community. Then he + addressed them. This, he told them, was an occasion of peculiar joy, a + love-feast indeed, since all they who partook of it were about to lay down + the burden of the flesh and, their labours and sorrows ended, to depart + into bliss eternal. He called to their memory the supper of the Passover + which had taken place within the lifetime of many of them, when the Author + and Finisher of their faith had declared to the disciples that He would + drink no more wine till He drank it new with them in His kingdom. Such a + feast it was that lay spread before them this night. Let them be thankful + for it. Let them not quail in the hour of trial. The fangs of the savage + beasts, the shouts of the still more savage spectators, the agony of the + quivering flesh, the last terror of their departing, what were these? + Soon, very soon, they would be done; the spears of the soldiers would + despatch the injured, and those among them whom it was ordained should + escape, would be set free by the command of the representative of Cæsar, + that they might prosecute the work till the hour came for them to pass on + the torch of redemption to other hands. Let them rejoice, therefore, and + be very thankful, and walk to the sacrifice as to a wedding feast. “Do you + not rejoice, my brethren?” he asked. With one voice they answered, “We + rejoice!” Yes, even the children answered thus. + </p> + <p> + Then they prayed again, and again with uplifted hands the old man blessed + them in the holy Triune Name. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had this service, as solemn as it was simple, been brought to an + end when the head jailer, whose blasphemous jocosity since his reproof by + Anna was replaced by a mien of sullen venom, came forward and commanded + the whole band to march to the amphitheatre. Accordingly, two by two, the + bishop leading the way with the sainted woman Anna, they walked to the + gates. Here a guard of soldiers was waiting to receive them, and under + their escort they threaded the narrow, darkling streets till they came to + that door of the amphitheatre which was used by those who were to take + part in the games. Now, at a word from the bishop, they began to chant a + solemn hymn, and singing thus, were thrust along the passages to the place + prepared for them. This was not, as they expected, a prison at the back of + the amphitheatre, but, as has been said, a spot between the enclosing wall + and the podium, raised a little above the level of the arena. Here, on the + eastern side of the building, they were to sit till their turn came to be + driven by the guards through a little wicket-gate into the arena, where + the starving beasts of prey would be loosed upon them. + </p> + <p> + It was now the hour before sunrise, and the moon having set, the vast + theatre was plunged in gloom, relieved only here and there by stray + torches and cressets of fire burning upon either side of the gorgeous, but + as yet unoccupied, throne of Agrippa. This gloom seemed to oppress the + audience with which the place was crowded; at any rate none of them + shouted or sang, or even spoke loudly. They addressed each other in + muffled tones, with the result that the air seemed to be full of + mysterious whisperings. Had this poor band of condemned Christians entered + the theatre in daylight, they would have been greeted with ironical cries + and tauntings of “Dogs’ meat!” and with requests that they should work a + miracle and let the people see them rise again from the bellies of the + lions. But now, as their solemn song broke upon the silence, it was + answered only by one great murmur, which seemed to shape itself to the + words, “the Christians! The doomed Christians!” + </p> + <p> + By the light of a single torch the band took their places. Then once more + they sang, and in that chastening hour the audience listened with + attention, almost with respect. Their chant finished, the bishop stood up, + and, moved thereto by some inspiration, began to address the mighty + throng, whom he could not see, and who could not see him. Strangely enough + they hearkened to him, perhaps because his speech served to while away the + weary time of waiting. + </p> + <p> + “Men and brethren,” he began, in his thin, piercing notes, “princes, + lords, peoples, Romans, Jews, Syrians, Greeks, citizens of Idumæa, of + Egypt, and of all nations here gathered, hearken to the words of an old + man destined and glad to die. Listen, if it be your pleasure, to the story + of One whom some of you saw crucified under Pontius Pilate, since to know + the truth of that matter can at least do you no hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “Be silent!” cried a voice, that of the renegade jailer, “and cease + preaching your accursed faith!” + </p> + <p> + “Let him alone,” answered other voices. “We will hear this story of his. + We say—let him alone.” + </p> + <p> + Thus encouraged the old man spoke on with an eloquence so simple and yet + so touching, with a wisdom so deep, that for full fifteen minutes none + cared even to interrupt him. Then a far-away listener cried: + </p> + <p> + “Why must these people die who are better than we?” + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” answered the bishop, in ringing tones, which in that heavy + silence seemed to search out even the recesses of the great and crowded + place, “we must die because it is the will of King Agrippa, to whom God + has given power to destroy us. Mourn not for us because we perish cruelly, + since this is the day of our true birth, but mourn for King Agrippa, at + whose hands our blood will be required, and mourn, mourn for yourselves, O + people. The death that is near to us perchance is nearer still to some of + you; and how will you awaken who perish in your sins? What if the sword of + God should empty yonder throne? What if the voice of God should call on + him who fills it to make answer of his deeds? Soon or late, O people, it + will call on him and you to pass hence, some naturally in your age, others + by the sharp and dreadful roads of sword, pestilence or famine. Already + those woes which He whom you crucified foretold, knock at your door, and + within a few short years not one of you who crowd this place in thousands + will draw the breath of life. Nothing will remain of you on earth save the + fruit of those deeds which you have done—these and your bones, no + more. Repent you, therefore, repent while there is time; for I, whom you + have doomed, I am bidden to declare that judgment is at hand. Yes, even + now, although you see him not, the Angel of the Lord hangs over you and + writes your names within his book. Now while there is time I would pray + for you and for your king. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke those words “the Angel of the Lord hangs over you,” so great + was the preacher’s power, and in that weary darkness so sharply had he + touched the imagination of his strange audience, that with a sound like to + the stir of rustling trees, thousands of faces were turned upwards, as + though in search of that dread messenger. + </p> + <p> + “Look, look!” screamed a hundred voices, while dim arms pointed to some + noiseless thing that floated high above them against the background of the + sky, which grew grey with the coming dawn. It appeared and disappeared, + appeared again, then seemed to pass downward in the direction of Agrippa’s + throne, and vanished. + </p> + <p> + “It is that magician’s angel,” cried one, and the multitudes groaned. + </p> + <p> + “Fool,” said another, “it was but a bird.” + </p> + <p> + “Then for Agrippa’s sake,” shrilled a new voice, “the gods send that it + was not an owl.” + </p> + <p> + Thereat some laughed, but the most were silent. They knew the story of + King Agrippa and the owl, and how it had been foretold that this spirit in + the form of a bird would appear to him again in the hour of his death, as + it had appeared to him in the hour of his triumph.[*] + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] See Josephus, “Antiquities of the Jews,” Book XVII., + Chap. VI., Sec. 7; and Book XIX., Chap. VIII., Sec. 2. +</pre> + <p> + Just then from the palace to the north arose a sound of the blare of + trumpets. Now a herald, speaking on the summit of the great eastern tower, + called out that it was dawn above the mountains, and that King Agrippa + came with all his company, whereon the preaching of the old Christian and + his tale of a watching Vengeance were instantly forgotten. Presently the + glad, fierce notes of the trumpets drew nearer, and in the grey of the + daybreak, through the great bronze gates of the Triumphal Way that were + thrown open to greet him, advanced Agrippa, wonderfully attired and + preceded by his legionaries. At his right walked Vibius Marsus, the Roman + President of Syria, and on his left Antiochus, King of Commagena, while + after him followed other kings, princes, and great men of his own and + foreign lands. + </p> + <p> + Agrippa mounted his golden throne while the multitude roared a welcome, + and his company were seated around and behind him according to their + degree. + </p> + <p> + Once more the trumpets sounded, and the gladiators of different arms, + headed by the equites who fought on horseback, numbering in all more than + five hundred men, were formed up in the arena for the preliminary march + past—the salutation of those about to die to their emperor and lord. + Now, that they also might take their part in the spectacle, the band of + Christian martyrs were thrust through the door in the podium, and to make + them seem as many as possible in number, marshalled two by two. + </p> + <p> + Then the march past began. Troop by troop, arrayed in their shining armour + and armed, each of them, with his own familiar weapon, the gladiators + halted in front of Agrippa’s throne, giving to him the accustomed + salutation of “Hail, King, we who are about to die, salute thee,” to be + rewarded with a royal smile and the shouts of the approving audience. Last + of all came the Christians, a motley, wretched-looking group, made up of + old men, terrified children clinging to their mothers, and ill-clad, + dishevelled women. At the pitiful sight, that very mob which a few short + minutes before had hung upon the words of the bishop, their leader, now, + as they watched them hobbling round the arena in the clear, low light of + the dawning, burst into peals of laughter and called out that each of them + should be made to lead his lion. Quite heedless of these scoffs and + taunts, they trudged on through the white sand that soon would be so red, + until they came opposite to the throne. + </p> + <p> + “Salute!” roared the audience. + </p> + <p> + The bishop held up his hand and all were silent. Then, in the thin voice + with which they had become familiar, he said: + </p> + <p> + “King, we who are about to die—forgive thee. May God do likewise.” + </p> + <p> + Now the multitude ceased laughing, and with an impatient gesture, Agrippa + motioned to the martyrs to pass on. This they did humbly; but Anna, being + old, lame and weary, could not walk so fast as her companions. Alone she + reached the saluting-place after all had left it, and halted there. + </p> + <p> + “Forward!” cried the officers. But she did not move nor did she speak. + Only leaning on her staff she looked steadily up at the face of the king + Agrippa. Some impulse seemed to draw his eyes to hers. They met, and it + was noted that he turned pale. Then straightening herself with difficulty + upon her tottering feet, Anna raised her staff and pointed with it to the + golden canopy above the head of Herod. All stared upward, but saw nothing, + for the canopy was still in the shadow of the velarium which covered all + the outer edge of the cavea, leaving the centre open to the sky. It would + appear, however, that Agrippa did see something, for he who had risen to + declare the games open, suddenly sank back upon his throne, and remained + thus lost in thought. Then Anna limped forward to join her company, who + once more were driven through the little gate in the wall of the arena. + </p> + <p> + For a second time, with an effort, Agrippa lifted himself from his throne. + As he rose the first level rays of sunrise struck full upon him. He was a + tall and noble-looking man, and his dress was glorious. To the thousands + who gazed upon him from the shadow, set in that point of burning light he + seemed to be clothed in a garment of glittering silver. Silver was his + crown, silver his vest, silver the wide robe that flowed from his + shoulders to the ground. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Cæsar, to the glory of Cæsar, I declare these games open!” + he cried. + </p> + <p> + Then, as though moved by a sudden impulse, all the multitude rose + shouting: “The voice of a god! The voice of a god! The voice of the god + Agrippa!” + </p> + <p> + Nor did Agrippa say them nay; the glory of such worship thundered at him + from twenty thousand throats made him drunken. There for a while he stood, + the new-born sunlight playing upon his splendid form, while the multitude + roared his name, proclaiming it divine. His nostrils spread to inhale this + incense of adoration, his eyes flashed and slowly he waved his arms, as + though in benediction of his worshippers. Perchance there rose before his + mind a vision of the wondrous event whereby he, the scorned and penniless + outcast, had been lifted to this giddy pinnacle of power. Perchance for a + moment he believed that he was indeed divine, that nothing less than the + blood and right of godhead could thus have exalted him. At least he stood + there, denying naught, while the people adored him as Jehovah is adored of + the Jews and Christ is adored of the Christians. + </p> + <p> + Then of a sudden smote the Angel of the Lord. Of a sudden intolerable pain + seized upon his vitals, and Herod remembered that he was but mortal flesh, + and knew that death was near. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” he cried, “I am no god, but a man, and even now the common fate of + man is on me.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a great white owl slid from the roof of the canopy above him + and vanished through the unroofed centre of the cavea. + </p> + <p> + “Look! look! my people!” he cried again, “the spirit that brought me good + fortune leaves me now, and I die, my people, I die!” Then, sinking upon + his throne, he who a moment gone had received the worship of a god, + writhed there in agony and wept. Yes, Herod wept. + </p> + <p> + Attendants ran to him and lifted him in their arms. + </p> + <p> + “Take me hence to die,” he moaned. Now a herald cried: + </p> + <p> + “The king is smitten with a sore sickness, and the games are closed. To + your homes, O people.” + </p> + <p> + For a while the multitude sat silent, for they were fear-stricken. Then a + murmur rose among them that spread and swelled till it became a roar. + </p> + <p> + “The Christians! The Christians! They prophesied the evil. They have + bewitched the king. They are wizards. Kill them, kill them, kill them!” + </p> + <p> + Instantly, like waves pouring in from every side, hundreds and thousands + of men began to flow towards that place where the martyrs sat. The walls + and palisades were high. Sweeping aside the guards, they surged against + them like water against a rock; but climb they could not. Those in front + began to scream, those behind pressed on. Some fell and were trodden + underfoot, others clambered upon their bodies, in turn to fall and be + trodden underfoot. + </p> + <p> + “Our death is upon us!” cried one of the Nazarenes. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, life remains to us,” answered Nehushta. “Follow me, all of you, for + I know the road,” and, seizing Rachel about the middle, she began to drag + her towards a little door. It was unlocked and guarded by one man only, + the apostate jailer Rufus. + </p> + <p> + “Stand back!” he cried, lifting his spear. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta made no answer, only drawing a dagger from her robe, she fell + upon the ground, then of a sudden rose again beneath his guard. The knife + flashed and went home to the hilt. Down fell the man screaming for help + and mercy, and there, in the narrow way, his spirit was stamped out of + him. Beyond lay the broad passage of the vomitorium. They gained it, and + in an instant were mixed with the thousands who sought to escape the + panic. Some perished, some were swept onwards, among them Nehushta and + Rachel. Thrice they nearly fell, but the fierce strength of the Libyan + saved her mistress, till at length they found themselves on the broad + terrace facing the seashore. + </p> + <p> + “Whither now?” gasped Rachel. + </p> + <p> + “Where shall I lead you?” answered Nehushta. “Do not stay. Be swift.” + </p> + <p> + “But the others?” said Rachel, glancing back at the fighting, trampling, + yelling mob. + </p> + <p> + “God guard them! We cannot.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me,” moaned her mistress. “Save yourself, Nou; I am spent,” and she + sank down to her knees. + </p> + <p> + “But I am still strong,” muttered Nehushta, and lifting the swooning woman + in her sinewy arms, she fled on towards the port, crying, “Way, way for my + lady, the noble Roman, who has swooned!” + </p> + <p> + And the multitude made way. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <h3> + THE GRAIN STORE + </h3> + <p> + Having passed the outer terraces of the amphitheatre in safety, Nehushta + turned down a side street, and paused in the shadow of the wall to think + what she should do. So far they were safe; but even if her strength would + stand the strain, it seemed impossible that she should carry her mistress + through the crowded city and avoid recapture. For some months they had + both of them been prisoners, and as it was the custom of the inhabitants + of Cæsarea, when they had nothing else to do, to come to the gates of + their jail, and, through the bars, to study those within, or even, by + permission of the guards, to walk among them, their appearance was known + to many. Doubtless, so soon as the excitement caused by the illness of the + king had subsided, soldiers would be sent to hunt down the fugitives who + had escaped from the amphitheatre. More especially would they search for + her, Nehushta, and her mistress, since it would be known that one of them + had stabbed the warden of the gate, a crime for which they must expect to + die by torture. Also—where could they go who had no friends, since + all Christians had been expelled the city? + </p> + <p> + No, there was but one chance for them—to conceal themselves. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta looked round her for a hiding-place, and in this matter, as in + others on that day, fortune favoured them. This street in the old days, + when Cæsarea was called Strato’s Tower, had been built upon an inner wall + of the city, now long dismantled. At a distance of a few yards from where + Nehushta had stopped stood an ancient gateway, unused save at times by + beggars who slept under it, which led nowhere, for the outer arch of it + was bricked up. Into this gateway Nehushta bore her mistress unobserved, + to find to her relief that it was quite untenanted, though a still + smouldering fire and a broken amphora containing clean water showed her + that folk had slept there who could find no better lodging. So far so + good; but here it would be scarcely safe to hide, as the tenants or others + might come back. Nehushta looked around. In the thick wall was a little + archway, beneath which commenced a stair. Setting Rachel on the ground, + she ran up it, lightly as a cat. At the top of thirty steps, many of them + broken, she found an old and massive door. With a sigh of disappointment, + the Libyan turned to descend again; then, by an afterthought, pushed at + the door. To her surprise it stirred. Again she pushed, and it swung open. + Within was a large chamber, lighted by loopholes pierced in the thickness + of the wall, for the use of archers. Now, however, it served no military + purpose, but was used as a storehouse by a merchant of grain, for there in + a corner lay a heap of many measures of barley, and strewn about the floor + were sacks of skin and other articles. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta examined the room. No hiding-place could be better—unless + the merchant chanced to come to visit his store. Well, that must be + risked. Down she sped, and with much toil and difficulty carried her still + swooning mistress up the steps and into the chamber, where she laid her on + a heap of sacks. + </p> + <p> + Again, by an afterthought, she ventured to descend, this time to fetch the + broken jar of water. Then she closed the door, setting it fast with a + piece of wood, and began to chafe Rachel’s hands and to sprinkle her face + from the jar. Presently the dark eyes opened and her mistress sat up. + </p> + <p> + “Is it over, and is this Paradise?” she murmured. + </p> + <p> + “I should not call the place by that name, lady,” answered Nehushta, + drily, “though perhaps, in contrast with the hell that we have left, some + might think it so. Drink!” and she held the water to her lips. + </p> + <p> + Rachel obeyed her eagerly. “Oh! it is good,” she said. “But how came we + here out of that rushing crowd?” + </p> + <p> + Before she answered, muttering “After the mistress, the maid,” Nehushta + swallowed a deep draught of water in her turn, which, indeed, she needed + sorely. Then she told her all. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Nou,” said Rachel, “how strong and brave you are! But for you I + should be dead.” + </p> + <p> + “But for God, you mean, mistress, for I hold that He sent that knife-point + home.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you kill the man?” asked Rachel. + </p> + <p> + “I think that he died by a dagger-thrust as Anna foretold,” she answered + evasively; “and that reminds me that I had better clean the knife, since + blood on the blade is evidence against its owner.” Then drawing the dagger + from its hiding-place she rubbed it with dust, which she took from a + loop-hole, and polished it bright with a piece of hide. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was this task accomplished to Nehushta’s satisfaction when her + quick ears caught a sound. + </p> + <p> + “For your life, be silent,” she whispered, and laid her face sideways to a + crack in the cement floor and listened. Well might she listen, for below + were three soldiers searching for her and her mistress. + </p> + <p> + “The old fellow swore that he saw a Libyan woman carrying a lady down this + street,” said one of them, the petty officer in charge, to his companion, + “and there was but a single brown-skin in the lot; so if they aren’t here + I don’t know where they can be.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” grumbled one of the soldiers, “this place is as empty as a drum, + so we may as well be going. There’ll be fun presently which I don’t want + to miss.” + </p> + <p> + “It was the black woman who knifed our friend Rufus, wasn’t it—in + the theatre there?” asked the third soldier. + </p> + <p> + “They say so; but as he was trodden as flat as a roof-board, and they had + to take him up in pieces, it is difficult to know the truth of that + matter. Anyhow his mates are anxious to get the lady, and I should be + sorry to die as she will, when they do, or her mistress either. They have + leave to finish them in their own fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadn’t we best be going?” said the first soldier, who evidently was + anxious to keep some appointment. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo!” exclaimed the second, a sharp-eyed fellow, “there’s a stair; we + had better just look up it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not much use,” answered the officer. “That old thief Amram, the + corn-merchant, has a store there, and he isn’t one of the sort to leave it + unlocked. Still, just go and see.” + </p> + <p> + Then came the sound of footsteps on the stair, and presently a man could + be heard fumbling at the further side of the door. Rachel shut her eyes + and prayed; Nehushta, drawing the knife from her bosom, crept towards the + doorway like a tigress, and placed her left hand on the stick that held it + shut. Well it was that she did so, since presently the soldier gave a + savage push that might easily have caused the wood to slip on the cemented + floor. Now, satisfied that it was really locked, he turned and went down + the steps. + </p> + <p> + With a gasp of relief Nehushta once more set her ear to the crack. + </p> + <p> + “It’s fast enough,” reported the man, “but perhaps it might be as well to + get the key from Amram and have a look.” + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” said the officer, “I think that you must be in love with this + black lady; or is it her mistress whom you admire? I shall recommend you + for the post of Christian-catcher to the cohort. Now we’ll try that house + at the corner, and if they are not there, I am off to the palace to see + how his godship is getting on with that stomach-ache and whether it has + moved him to order payment of our arrears. If he hasn’t, I tell you flatly + that I mean to help myself to something, and so do the rest of the lads, + who are mad at the stopping of the games.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be much better to get that key from Amram and have a look + upstairs,” put in number two soldier reflectively. + </p> + <p> + “Then go to Amram, or to Pluto, and ask for the key of Hades for aught I + care!” replied his superior with irritation. “He lives about a league off + at the other end of the town.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish for the walk,” said the conscientious soldier; “but as we + are searching for these escaped Christians, by your leave, I do think it + would have been much better to have got that key from Amram and peeped + into the chamber upstairs.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon the temper of the officer, already ruffled by the events of the + morning and the long watch of the preceding night, gave way, and he + departed, consigning the Christians, escaped or recaptured, Amram and the + key, his subordinate, and even the royal Agrippa who did not pay his + debts, to every infernal god of every religion with which he was + acquainted. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta lifted her head from the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks be to God! They are gone,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “But, Nou, will they not come back? Oh! I fear lest they should come + back.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not. That sharp-nosed rat has made the other angry, and I believe + that he will find him some harder task than the seeking of a key from + Amram. Still, there is danger that this Amram may appear himself to visit + his store, for in these days of festival he is sure to be selling grain to + the bakers.” + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the words out of her mouth when a key rattled, the door was + pushed sharply, and the piece of wood slipped and fell. Then the hinges + creaked, and Amram—none other—entered, and, closing the door + behind him, locked it, leaving the key in the lock. + </p> + <p> + Amram was a shrewd-faced, middle-aged Phoenician and, like most + Phoenicians of that day, a successful trader, this corn-store representing + only one branch of his business. For the rest he was clad in a + quiet-coloured robe and cap, and to all appearance unarmed. + </p> + <p> + Having locked the door, he walked to a little table, beneath which stood a + box containing his tablets whereon were entered the amounts of corn bought + and delivered, to come face to face with Nehushta. Instantly she slid + between him and the door. + </p> + <p> + “Who in the name of Moloch are you?” he asked, stepping back astonished, + to perceive as he did so, Rachel seated on the heap of sacks; “and you,” + he added. “Are you spirits, thieves, ladies in search of a lodging, or—perchance + those two Christians whom the soldiers are looking for in yonder house?” + </p> + <p> + “We are the two Christians,” said Rachel desperately. “We fled from the + amphitheatre, and have taken refuge here, where they nearly found us.” + </p> + <p> + “This,” said Amram solemnly, “comes of not locking one’s office. Do not + misunderstand me; it was no fault of mine. A certain apprentice is to + blame, to whom I shall have a word to say. In fact, I think that I will + say it at once,” and he stepped towards the door. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed you will not,” interrupted Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + “And pray, my Libyan friend, how will you prevent me?” + </p> + <p> + “My putting a knife into your gizzard, as I did through that of the + renegade Rufus an hour or two ago! Ah! I see you have heard the story.” + </p> + <p> + Amram considered, then replied: + </p> + <p> + “And what if I also have a knife?” + </p> + <p> + “In that case,” said Nehushta, “draw it, and we will see which is the + better, man or woman. Merchant, your weapon is your pen. You have not a + chance with me, an Arab of Libya, and you know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Amram, “I think I do; you desert folk are so reckless and + athletic. Also, to be frank, as you may have guessed, I am unarmed. Now, + what do you propose?” + </p> + <p> + “I propose that you get us safely out of Cæsarea, or, if you prefer it, + that we shall all die here in this grain-store, for, by whatever god you + worship, Phoenician, before a hand is laid upon my mistress or me, this + knife goes through your heart. I owe no love to your people, who bought + me, a king’s daughter, as a slave, and I shall be quite happy to close my + account with one of them. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly, perfectly. Why show such temper? The affair is one of + business; let us discuss it in a business spirit. You wish to escape from + Cæsarea; I wish you to escape from my grain-store. Let me go out and + arrange the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “On a plank; not otherwise unless we accompany you,” answered Nehushta. + “Man, why do you waste words with us. Listen. This lady is the only child + of Benoni, the great merchant of Tyre. Doubtless you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “To my cost,” replied Amram, with a bow. “Three times has he overreached + me in various bargains.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; then you know also that he is rich and will pay him liberally + who rescues his daughter from great peril.” + </p> + <p> + “He might do so, but I am not sure.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” answered Nehushta, “and for this service my mistress here + will give you a bill for any reasonable sum drawn upon her father.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the question is—will he honour it? Benoni is a prejudiced + man, a very prejudiced man, a Jew of the Jew, who—does not like + Christians.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that he will honour it, I believe that he will honour it; but + that risk is yours. See here, merchant, a doubtful draft is better than a + slit throat.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so. The argument is excellent. But you desire to escape. If you + keep me here, how can I arrange the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “That is for you to consider. You do not leave this place except in our + company, and then at the first sign of danger I drive this knife home + between your shoulders. Meanwhile my mistress is ready to sign any + moderate draft upon her father.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not necessary. Under the circumstances I think that I will trust to + the generosity of my fellow trader Benoni. Meanwhile I assure you that + nothing will give me greater happiness than to fall in with your views. + Believe me, I have no prejudice against Christians, since those of them + whom I have met were always honest and paid their debts in full. I do not + wish to see you or your mistress eaten by lions or tortured. I shall be + very glad to think that you are following the maxims of your peculiar + faith to an extreme old age, anywhere, outside the limits of my + grain-store. The question is, how can I help you do this? At present I see + no way.” + </p> + <p> + “The question is—how will you manage to keep your life in you over + the next twelve hours?” answered Nehushta grimly. “Therefore I advise you + to find a way”; and to emphasise her words she turned, and, having made + sure that the door was locked, slipped its key into the bosom of her + dress. + </p> + <p> + Amram stared at her in undisguised admiration. “I would that I were + unmarried,” he said, “which is not the case,” and he sighed; “for then, + upon my word, I should be inclined to make a certain proposal to you——” + </p> + <p> + “Nehushta—that is my name——” + </p> + <p> + “Nehushta—exactly. Well, it is out of the question.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite.” + </p> + <p> + “Therefore I have a suggestion to make. To-night a ship of mine sails for + Tyre. Will you honour me by accepting a passage on her?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” answered Nehushta, “provided that you accompany us.” + </p> + <p> + “It was not my intention to go to Tyre this voyage.” + </p> + <p> + “Then your intention can be changed. Look you, we are desperate, and our + lives are at stake. Your life is also at stake, and I swear to you, by the + Holy One we worship, that before any harm comes to my mistress you shall + die. Then what will your wealth and your schemes avail you in the grave? + It is a little thing we ask of you—to help two innocent people to + escape from this accursed city. Will you grant it? Or shall I put this + dagger through your throat? Answer, and at once, or I strike and bury you + in your own corn.” + </p> + <p> + Even in that light Amram turned visibly paler. “I accept your terms,” he + said. “At nightfall I will conduct you to the ship, which sails two hours + after sunset with the evening wind. I will accompany you to Tyre and + deliver the lady over to her father, trusting to his liberality for my + reward. Meanwhile, this place is hot. That ladder leads to the roof, which + is parapeted, so that those sitting or even standing there, cannot be + seen. Shall we ascend?” + </p> + <p> + “If you go first; and remember, should you attempt to call out, my knife + is always ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Of that I am quite aware—you have said so several times. I have + passed my words, and I do not go back upon my bargains. The stars are with + you, and, come what may, I obey them.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they ascended to the roof, Amram going first, Nehushta + following him, and Rachel bringing up the rear. On it, projecting inward + from the parapet, was a sloping shelter once made use of by the look-out + sentry in bad or hot weather. The change from the stifling store below + with its stench of ill-cured hides, to this lofty, shaded spot, where the + air moved freely, was so pleasant to Rachel, outworn as she was with all + she had gone through, that presently she fell asleep, not to wake again + till evening. Nehushta, however, who did not go to sleep, and Amram, + employed themselves in watching the events that passed in the city below. + From this height they could see the great square surrounding the palace, + and the strange scenes being enacted therein. It was crowded by thousands + of people, for the most part seated on the ground, clad in garments of + sack-cloth and throwing dust upon the heads of themselves, their wives and + children. From all this multitude a voice of supplication rose to heaven, + which, even at that distance, reached the ears of Nehushta and her + companion in a murmur of sound, constant and confused. + </p> + <p> + “They pray that the king may live,” said Amram. + </p> + <p> + “And I pray that he may die,” answered Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + The merchant shrugged his shoulders. “I care nothing either way, provided + that the peace is not disturbed to the injury of trade. On the whole, + however, he is a good king who causes money to be spent, which is what + kings are for—in Judæa—where they are but feathers puffed up + by the breath of Cæsar, to fall if he cease to blow. But look!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, a figure appeared upon the steps of the palace who made some + communication to the crowd, whereon a great wail went up to the very + skies. + </p> + <p> + “You have your wish,” said Amram; “Herod is dead or dying, and now, I + suppose, as his son is but a child, that we shall be ruled by some + accursed thief of a Roman procurator with a pocket like a sack without a + bottom. Surely that old bishop of yours who preached in the amphitheatre + this morning, must have had a hint of what was coming, from his familiar + spirit; or perhaps he saw the owl and guessed its errand. Moreover, I + think that troubles are brewing for others besides Herod, since the old + man said as much. + </p> + <p> + “What became of him and the rest?” asked Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a few were trampled to death, and others the Jews stirred up the mob + to stone, saying that they had bewitched the king, which they, who were + disappointed of the games, did gladly. Some, however, are said to have + escaped, and, like yourselves, lie in hiding.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta glanced at her mistress, now fast asleep, her pale face resting + on her arm. + </p> + <p> + “The world is hard—for Christians,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Friend, it is hard for all, as, were I to tell you my own story, even you + would admit,” and he sighed. “At least you Christians believe in something + beyond,” he went on; “for you death is but a bridge leading to a glorious + city, and I trust that you may be right. Is not your mistress delicate?” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta nodded. + </p> + <p> + “She was never very strong, and sorrow has done its work with her. They + killed her husband at Berytus yonder, and—her trouble is very near.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I heard that story, also that his blood is on the hands of her + own father, Benoni. Ah! who is so cruel as a bigot Jew? Not we Phoenicians + even, of whom they say such evil. Once I had a daughter”—here his + hard face softened—“but let be, let be! Look you, the risk is great, + but what I can do I will do to save her, and you also, friend, since, + Libyan or no, you are a faithful woman. Nay, do not doubt me. I have given + my word, and if I break it willingly, then may I perish and be devoured of + dogs. My ship is small and undecked. In that she shall not sail, but a big + galley weighs for Alexandria to-night, calling at Apollonia and Joppa, and + in it I will take you passages, saying that the lady is a relative of mine + and that you are her slave. This is my advice to you—that you go + straight to Egypt, where there are many Christians who will protect you + for a while. Thence your mistress can write to her father, and if he will + receiver her, return. If not, at least she will be safe, since no writ of + Herod runs in Alexandria, and there they do not love the Jews.” + </p> + <p> + “Your counsel seems good,” said Nehushta, “if she will consent to it.” + </p> + <p> + “She must consent who, indeed, is in no case to make other plans. Now let + me go. Before nightfall I will return again with food and clothing, and + lead you to the ship.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “I say to you, do not fear. Will you not trust me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Nehushta, “because I must. Nay, the words are not kind, + but we are sadly placed, and it is strange to find a true friend in one + whom I have threatened with a knife.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” said Amram gravely. “Let the issue prove me. Now descend + that you may lock the door behind me. When I return I will stand in the + open space yonder with a slave, making pretence to re-bind a burst bundle + of merchandise. Then come down and admit me without fear.” + </p> + <p> + When the Phoenician had gone Nehushta sat by her sleeping mistress, and + waited with an anxious heart. Had she done wisely? Would Amram betray them + and send soldiers to conduct them, not to the ship, but to some dreadful + death? Well, if so, at least she would have time to kill her mistress and + herself, and thus escape the cruelties of men. Meanwhile she could only + pray; and pray she did in her fierce, half-savage fashion, never for + herself, but for her mistress whom she loved, and for the child that, she + remembered thankfully, Anna had foretold would be born and live out its + life. Then she remembered also that this same holy woman had said that its + mother’s hours would be few, and at the thought Nehushta wept. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + THE BIRTH OF MIRIAM + </h3> + <p> + The time passed slowly, but none came to disturb them. Three hours after + noon Rachel awoke, refreshed but hungry, and Nehushta had no food to give + her except raw grain, from which she turned. Clearly and in few words she + told her mistress all that had passed, asking her consent to the plan. + </p> + <p> + “It seems good as another,” said Rachel with a little sigh, “and I thank + you for making it, Nou, and the Phoenician, if he is a true man. Also I do + not desire to meet my father—at least, for many years. How can I, + seeing the evil which he has brought upon me?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not speak of that,” interrupted Nehushta hastily, and for a long while + they were silent. + </p> + <p> + It was an hour before sunset, or a little less, when at length Nehushta + saw two persons walk on to the patch of open ground which she watched + continually—Amram and a slave who bore a bundle on his head. Just + then the rope which bound this bundle seemed to come loose; at least, at + his master’s command, the man set it down and they began to retie it, then + advanced slowly towards the archway. Now Nehushta descended, unlocked the + door and admitted Amram, who carried the bundle. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the slave?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear, friend; he is trusty and watches without, not knowing why. + Come, you must both of you be hungry, and I have food. Help me loose this + cord.” + </p> + <p> + Presently the package was undone, and within it appeared, first, two + flagons of old wine, then meats more tasty then Nehushta had seen for + months, then rich cloaks and other garments made in the Phoenician + fashion, and a robe of white with coloured edges, such as was worn by the + body-slaves of the wealthy among that people. Lastly—and this Amram + produced from his own person—there was a purse of gold, enough to + support them for many weeks. Nehushta thanked him with her eyes, and was + about to speak. + </p> + <p> + “There, say nothing,” he interrupted. “I passed my word, and I have kept + it, that is all. Also on this money I shall charge interest, and your + mistress can repay it in happier days. Now listen: I have taken the + passages, and an hour after sunset we will go aboard. Only I warn you, do + not let it be known that you are escaped Christians, for the seamen think + that such folk bring them bad luck. Come, help me carry the food and wine. + After you have eaten you can both of you retire here and robe yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Presently they were on the roof. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said Nehushta, “we did well to put faith in this man. He has come + back, and see what he has brought us.” + </p> + <p> + “The blessing of God be on you, sir, who help the helpless!” exclaimed + Rachel, looking hungrily at the tempting meats which she so sorely needed. + </p> + <p> + “Drink,” said Amram cheerfully, as he poured wine and water into a cup; + “it will hearten you, and your faith does not forbid the use of the grape, + for have I not heard you styled the society of drunkards?” + </p> + <p> + “That is only one bad name among many, sir,” said Rachel, as she took the + cup. + </p> + <p> + Then they ate and were satisfied, and afterwards descended into the + corn-store to wash with the remainder of the water, and clothe themselves + from head to foot in the fragrant and beautiful garments that might have + been made for their wear, so well had Amram judged their sizes and needs. + </p> + <p> + By the time that they were dressed the light was dying. Still, they waited + a while for the darkness; then, with a new hope shining through their + fears, crept silently into the street, where the slave, a sturdy, + well-armed fellow, watched for them. + </p> + <p> + “To the quay,” said Amram, and they walked forward, choosing those + thoroughfares that were most quiet. It was well for them that they did + this, for now it was known that Agrippa’s sickness was mortal, the most of + the soldiers were already in a state of mutiny, and, inflamed with wine, + paraded the market-places and larger streets, shouting and singing obscene + songs, and breaking into the liquor shops and private houses, where they + drank healths to Charon, who was about to bear away their king in his evil + bark. As yet, however, they had not begun killing those against whom they + had a grudge. This happened afterwards, though it has nothing to do with + our story. + </p> + <p> + Without trouble or molestation the party reached the quay, where a small + boat with two Phoenician rowers was waiting for them. In it they embarked, + except the slave, and were rowed out to the anchorage to board a large + galley which lay half a mile or more away. This they did without + difficulty, for the night was calm, although the air hung thick and heavy, + and jagged clouds, wind-breeders as they were called, lay upon the + horizon. On the lower deck of the galley stood its captain, a sour-faced + man, to whom Amram introduced his passengers, who were, as he declared, + relatives of his own proceeding to Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said the captain. “Show them to their cabin, for we sail as soon + as the wind rises.” + </p> + <p> + To the cabin they went accordingly, a comfortable place stored with all + that they could need; but as they passed to it Nehushta heard a sailor, + who held a lantern in his hand, say to his companion: + </p> + <p> + “That woman is very like one whom I saw in the amphitheatre this morning + when they gave the salute to King Agrippa.” + </p> + <p> + “The gods forbid it!” answered the other. “We want no Christians here to + bring evil fortune on us.” + </p> + <p> + “Christians or no Christians, there is a tempest brewing, if I understand + the signs of the weather,” muttered the first man. + </p> + <p> + In the cabin Amram bade his guests farewell. + </p> + <p> + “This is a strange adventure,” he said, “and one that I did not look for. + May it prove to the advantage of us all. At the least I have done my best + for your safety, and now we part.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a good man,” replied Rachel, “and whatever may befall us, I pray + again that God may bless you for your kindness to His servants. I pray + also that He may lead you to a knowledge of the truth as it was declared + by the Lord and Master Whom we serve, that your soul may win salvation and + eternal life.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said Amram, “I know nothing of these doctrines, but I promise you + this: that I will look into them and see whether or no they commend + themselves to my reason. I love wealth, like all my people, but I am not + altogether a time-server, or a money-seeker. Lady, I have lost those whom + I desire to find again.” + </p> + <p> + “Seek and you will find.” + </p> + <p> + “I will seek,” he answered, “though, mayhap, I shall never find.” + </p> + <p> + Thus they parted. + </p> + <p> + Presently the night breeze began to flow off the land, the great sail was + hoisted, and with the help of oars, worked by slaves, the ship cleared the + harbour and set her course for Joppa. Two hours later the wind failed so + that they could proceed only by rowing over a dead and oily sea, beneath a + sky that was full of heavy clouds. Lacking any stars to steer by, the + captain wished to cast anchor, but as the water proved too deep they + proceeded slowly, till about an hour before dawn a sudden gust struck them + which caused the galley to lean over. + </p> + <p> + “The north wind! The black north wind!” shouted the steersman, and the + sailors echoed his cry dismally, for they knew the terrors of that wind + upon the Syrian coast. Then the gale began to rage. By daylight the waves + were running high as mountains and the wind hissed through the rigging, + driving them forward beneath a small sail. Nehushta crawled out of the + cabin, and, in the light of an angry dawn, saw far away the white walls of + a city built near the shore. + </p> + <p> + “Is not that Appolonia?” she asked of the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he answered, “it is Appolonia sure enough, but we shall not anchor + there this voyage. Now it is Alexandria for us or nothing.” + </p> + <p> + So they rushed past Appolonia and forward, climbing the slopes of the + rising seas. + </p> + <p> + Thus things went on. About mid-day the gale became a hurricane, and do + what they would they were driven forward, till at length they saw the + breakers forming on the coast. Rachel lay sick and prostrate, but Nehushta + went out of the cabin to watch. + </p> + <p> + “Are we in danger?” she asked of a sailor. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, accursed Christian,” he replied, “and you have brought it on us with + your evil eye.” + </p> + <p> + Then Nehushta returned to the cabin where her mistress lay almost + senseless with sea-sickness. On board the ship the terror and confusion + grew. For a while they were able to beat out to sea until the mast was + carried away. Then the rudder broke, and, as the oars could not be worked + in that fearful tempest, the galley began to drive shorewards. Night fell, + and who can describe the awful hours that followed? All control of the + vessel being lost, she drove onwards whither the wind and the waves took + her. The crew, and even the oar-slaves, flew to the wine with which she + was partly laden, and strove to drown their terrors in drink. Thus + inflamed, twice some of them came to the cabin, threatening to throw their + passengers overboard. But Nehushta barred the door and called through it + that she was well armed and would kill the first man who tried to lay a + hand upon her. So they went away, and after the second visit grew too + drunken to be dangerous. + </p> + <p> + Again the dawn broke over the roaring, foaming sea and revealed the fate + that awaited them. Not a mile away lay the grey line of shore, and between + them and it a cruel reef on which the breakers raged. Towards this reef + they were driving fast. Now the men grew sober in their fear, and began to + build a large raft of oars and timber; also to make ready the boat which + the galley carried. Before all was done she struck beak first, and was + lifted on to a great flat rock, where she wallowed, with the water + seething round her. Then, knowing that their hour was come, the crew made + shift to launch the boat and raft on the lee side, and began to clamber + into them. Now Nehushta came out of the cabin and prayed the captain to + save them also, whereon he answered her with an oath that this bad luck + was because of them, and that if either she or her mistress tried to enter + the boat, they would stab them and cast them into the sea as an offering + to the storm-god. + </p> + <p> + So Nehushta struggled back to the cabin, and kneeling by the side of her + mistress, with tears told her that these black-hearted sailors had left + them alone upon the ship to drown. Rachel answered that she cared little, + but only desired to be free of her fear and misery. + </p> + <p> + As the words left her lips, Nehushta heard a sound of screaming, and + crawling to the bulwarks, looked forth to see a dreadful sight. The boat + and the raft, laden with a great number of men who were fighting for + places with each other, having loosed from the lee of the ship, were come + among the breakers, which threw them up as a child throws a ball at play. + Even while Nehushta gazed, their crafts were overturned, casting them into + the water, every one there to be dashed against the rocks or drowned by + the violence of the waves, so that not a man of all that ship’s company + came living to the shore. + </p> + <p> + Like tens of thousands of others on this coast in all ages, they perished, + every one of them—and that was the reward of their wickedness. + </p> + <p> + Giving thanks to God, Who had brought them out of that danger against + their wills, Nehushta crept back to the cabin and told her mistress what + had passed. + </p> + <p> + “May they find pardon,” said Rachel, shuddering; “but as for us, it will + matter little whether we are drowned in the boat or upon the galley.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think that we shall drown,” answered Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + “How are we to escape it, Nou? The ship lies upon the rock, where the + great waves will batter her to pieces. Feel how she shakes beneath their + blows, and see the spray flying over us.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, mistress; but we shall not drown.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta was right, for after they had remained fast a little longer they + were saved, thus: Suddenly the wind dropped, then it rose again in a last + furious squall, driving before it a very mountain of water. This vast + billow, as it rushed shorewards, caught the galley in its white arms and + lifted her not only off the rock whereon she lay, but over the further + reefs, to cast her down again upon a bed of sand and shells, within a + stone’s throw of the beach, where she remained fast, never to shift more. + </p> + <p> + Now also, as though its work were done, the gale ceased, and, as is common + on the Syrian coast, the sea sank rapidly, so that by nightfall it was + calm again. Indeed, three hours before sunset, had both of them been + strong and well, they might have escaped to the land by wading. But this + was not to be, for now what Nehushta had feared befell, and when she was + least fitted to bear it, being worn out with anguish of mind and weariness + of body, pain took sudden hold of Rachel, of which the end was that, + before midnight, there, in that broken vessel upon a barren coast where no + man seemed to live, a daughter was born to her. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see the child,” said Rachel. So Nehushta showed it to her by the + light of a lamp which burned in the cabin. + </p> + <p> + It was a small child, but very white, with blue eyes and dark hair that + curled. Rachel gazed at it long and tenderly. Then she said, “Bring me + water while there is yet time.” + </p> + <p> + When the water was brought she dipped her trembling hand into it, and made + the sign of the Cross upon the babe’s forehead, baptising her with the + name of Miriam, after that of her own mother, to the service and the + company of Jesus the Christ. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” she said, “whether she live an hour or an hundred years, this child + is a Christian, and whatever befalls, should she come to the age of + understanding, see to it, Nou, who are henceforth the foster-mother of her + body and her soul, that she does not forget the rites and duties of her + faith. Lay this charge on her also as her father commanded, and as I + command, that should she be moved to marriage, she wed none who is not a + Christian. Tell her that such was the will of those who begat her, and + that if she be obedient to it, although they are dead, and as it seems + strengthless, yet shall their blessing be upon her all her life’s days, + and with it the blessing of the Lord she serves.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” moaned Nehushta, “why do you speak thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am dying. Gainsay me not. I know it well. My life ebbs from me. + My prayers have been answered, and I was preserved to give this infant + birth; now I go to my appointed place and to one who waits for me, and to + the Lord in Whose care he is in Heaven, as we are in His care on earth. + Nay, do not mourn; it is no fault of yours, nor could any physician’s + skill have saved me, whose strength was spent in suffering, and who for + many months have walked the world, bearing in my breast a broken heart. + Give me of that wine to drink—and listen.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta obeyed and Rachel went on: “So soon as my breath has left me, + take the babe and seek some village on the shore where it can be nursed, + for which service you have the means to pay. Then when she is strong + enough and it is convenient, travel, not to Tyre—for there my father + would bring up the child in the strictest rites and customs of the Jews—but + to the village of the Essenes upon the shores of the Dead sea. There find + out my mother’s brother, Ithiel, who is of their society, and present to + him the tokens of my name and birth which still hang about my neck, and + tell him all the story, keeping nothing back. He is not a Christian, but + he is a good and gentle-hearted man who thinks well of Christians, and is + grieved at their persecution, since he wrote to my father reproving him + for his deeds towards us and, as you know, strove, but in vain, to bring + about our release from prison. Say to him that I, his kinswoman, pray of + him, as he will answer to God, and in the name of the sister whom he + loved, to protect my child and you; to do nothing to turn her from her + faith, and in all things to deal with her as his wisdom shall direct—for + so shall peace and blessing come upon him.” + </p> + <p> + Thus spoke Rachel, but in short and broken words. Then she began to pray, + and, praying, fell asleep. When she woke again the dawn was breaking. + Signing to Nehushta to bring her the child, for now she could no longer + speak, she scanned it earnestly in the new-born light, then placed her + hand upon its head and blessed it. Nehushta she blessed also, thanking her + with her eyes and kissing her. Then again she seemed to fall asleep, and + presently, when Nehushta looked at her, Rachel was dead. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta understood and gave a great and bitter cry, since to her after + the death of her first mistress, this woman had been all her life. As a + child she had nursed her; as a maiden shared her joys and sorrows; as a + wife and widow toiled day and night fiercely and faithfully to console her + in her desolation and to protect her in the dreadful dangers through which + she had passed. Now, to end it all, it was her lot to receive her last + breath and to take into her arms her new-born infant. + </p> + <p> + Then and there Nehushta swore that as she had done by the mother she so + would do by the child till the day when her labours ended. Were it not for + this child, indeed, they would have ended now, Christian though she was, + since she was crushed with bitter sorrow and her heart seemed void of hope + or joy. All her days had been hard—she who was born to great place + among her own wild people far away, and snatched thence to be a slave, set + apart by her race and blood from those into whose city she was sold; she + who would have naught to do with base men nor become the plaything of + those of higher birth; she who had turned Christian and drunk deep of the + tribulations of the faith; she who had centred all her eager heart upon + two beloved women, and lost them both. All her days had been hard, and + here and now, by the side of her dead mistress, she would have ended them. + But the child remained, and while it lived, she would live. If it died, + then perhaps she would die also. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Nehushta had no time for grief, since the babe must be fed, and + within twelve hours. Yet, as she could not bury her, and would not throw + her to the sharks, she was minded to give her mistress a royal funeral + after the custom of her own Libyan folk. Here was flame, and what pyre + could be grander than this great ship? + </p> + <p> + Lifting the body from its couch, Nehushta carried it to the deck and laid + it by the broken mast, closing the eyes and folding the hands. Then she + loosened from about the neck those tokens of which Rachel had spoken, made + some food and garments into a bundle, and, carrying the lamp with her, + went into the captain’s cabin amidships. Here a money-box was open, and in + it gold and some jewels which this man had abandoned in his haste. These + she took, adding them to her own store and securing them about her. This + done she fired the cabin, and passing to the hold, broke a jar of oil and + fired that also. Then she fled back again, knelt by her dead mistress and + kissed her, took the child, wrapping it warmly in a shawl, and by the + ladder of rope which the sailors had used, let herself down into the quiet + sea. Its waters did not reach higher than her middle, and soon she was + standing on the shore and climbing the sandhills that lay beyond. At their + summit she turned to look, and lo! yonder where the galley was, already a + great pillar of fire shot up to heaven, for there was much oil in the hold + and it burnt furiously. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell!” she cried, “farewell!” + </p> + <p> + Then, weeping bitterly, Nehushta walked on inland. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + MIRIAM IS ENTHRONED + </h3> + <p> + Presently Nehushta found herself out of sight of the sea and among + cultivated land, for here were vines and fig trees grown in gardens fenced + with stone walls; also patches of ripening barley and of wheat in the ear, + much trodden down as though horses had been feeding there. Beyond these + gardens she came to a ridge, and saw beneath her a village of many houses + of green brick, some of which seemed to have been destroyed by fire. Into + this village she walked boldly, and there the first sight that met her + eyes was that of sundry dead bodies, upon which dogs were feeding. + </p> + <p> + On she went up the main street, till she saw a woman peeping at her over a + garden wall. + </p> + <p> + “What has chanced here?” asked Nehushta, in the Syrian tongue. + </p> + <p> + “The Romans! the Romans! the Romans!” wailed the woman. “The head of our + village quarrelled with the tax-gatherers, and refused to pay his dues to + Cæsar. So the soldiers came a week ago and slaughtered nearly all of us, + and took such sheep and cattle as they could find, and with them many of + the young folk, to be sold as slaves, so that the rest are left empty and + desolate. Such are the things that chance in this unhappy land. But, + woman, who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am one shipwrecked!” answered Nehushta, “and I bear with me a new-born + babe—nay, the story is too long to tell you; but if in this place + there is any one who can nurse the babe, I will pay her well.” + </p> + <p> + “Give it me!” said the woman, in an eager whisper; “my child perished in + the slaughter; I ask no reward.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta looked at her. Her eyes were wild, but she was still young and + healthy, a Syrian peasant. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a house?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it still stands, and my husband lives; we hid in a cave, but alas! + they slew the infant that was out with the child of a neighbour. Quick, + give me the babe.” + </p> + <p> + So Nehushta gave it to her, and thus Miriam was nurtured at the breast of + one whose offspring had been murdered because the head of the village had + quarrelled with a Roman tax-collector. Such was the world in the days when + Christ came to save it. + </p> + <p> + After she had suckled the child the woman led Nehushta to her house, a + humble dwelling that had escaped the fire, where they found the husband, a + wine-grower, mourning the death of his infant and the ruin of his town. To + him she told as much of her story as she thought well, and proffered him a + gold piece, which, so she swore, was one of ten she had about her. He took + it gladly, for now he was penniless, and promised her lodging and + protection, and the service of his wife as nurse to the child for a month + at least. So there Nehushta stayed, keeping herself hid, and at the end of + the month gave another gold piece to her hosts, who were kindly folk that + never dreamed of working her evil or injustice. Seeing this, Nehushta + found yet more money, wherewith the man, blessing her, bought two oxen and + a plough, and hired labour to help him gather what remained of his + harvest. + </p> + <p> + The shore where the infant was born upon the wrecked ship, was at a + distance of about a league from Joppa and two days’ journey from + Jerusalem, whence the Dead Sea could be reached in another two days. When + Nehushta had dwelt there for some six months, as the babe throve and was + hearty, she offered to pay the man and his wife three more pieces of gold + if they would travel with her to the neighbourhood of Jericho, and, + further, to purchase a mule and an ass for the journey, which she would + give to them when it was accomplished. The eyes of these simple folk + glistened at the prospect of so much wealth, and they agreed readily, + promising also to stay three months by Jericho, if need were, till the + child could be weaned. So a man was hired to guard the house and vines, + and they started in the late autumn, when the air was cool and pleasant. + </p> + <p> + Of their journey nothing need be said, save that they accomplished it + without trouble, being too humble in appearance to attract the notice of + the thieves who swarmed upon the highways, or of the soldiers who were set + to catch the thieves. + </p> + <p> + Skirting Jerusalem, which they did not enter, on the sixth day they + descended into the valley of the Jordan, through the desolate hills by + which it is bordered. Camping that night outside the town, at daybreak on + the seventh morning they started, and by two hours after noon came to the + village of the Essenes. On its outskirts they halted, while Nehushta and + the nurse, bearing with them the child, that by now could wave its arms + and crow, advanced boldly into the village, where it would appear men + dwelt only—at least no women were to be seen—and asked to be + led to the Brother Ithiel. + </p> + <p> + The man to whom they spoke, who was robed in white, and engaged in cooking + outside a large building, averted his eyes in answering, as though it were + not lawful for him to look upon the face of a woman. He said, very + civilly, however, that Brother Ithiel was working in the fields, whence he + would not return till supper time. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta asked where these fields were, since she desired to speak with + him at once. The man answered that if they walked towards the green trees + that lined the banks of Jordan, which he pointed out to them, they could + not fail to find Ithiel, as he was ploughing in the irrigated land with + two white oxen, the only ones they had. Accordingly they set out again, + having the Dead Sea on their right, and travelled for the half of a league + through the thorn-scrub that grows in this desert. Passing the scrub they + came to lands which were well cultivated and supplied with water from the + Jordan by means of wheels and long poles with a jar at one end and a + weight at the other, which a man could work, emptying the contents of the + jar again and again into an irrigation ditch. + </p> + <p> + In one of these fields they saw the two white oxen at their toil, and + behind them the labourer, a tall man of about fifty years of age, bearded, + and having a calm face and eyes that were very deep and quiet. He was clad + in a rough robe of camel’s hair, fastened about his middle with a leathern + girdle, and wore sandals on his feet. To him they went, asking leave to + speak with him, whereon he halted the oxen and greeted them courteously, + but, like the man in the village, turned his eyes away from the faces of + the women. Nehushta bade the nurse stand back out of hearing, and, bearing + the child in her arms, said: + </p> + <p> + “Sir, tell me, I pray you, if I speak to Ithiel, a priest of high rank + among this people of the Essenes, and brother to the dead lady Miriam, + wife of Benoni the Jew, a merchant of Tyre?” + </p> + <p> + At the mention of these names Ithiel’s face saddened, then grew calm + again. + </p> + <p> + “I am so called,” he answered; “and the lady Miriam is my sister, who now + dwells in the happy and eternal country beyond the ocean with all the + blessed”—for so the Essenes imagined that heaven to which they went + when the soul was freed from the vile body. + </p> + <p> + “The lady Miriam,” continued Nehushta, “had a daughter Rachel, whose + servant I was.” + </p> + <p> + “Was?” he interrupted, startled from his calm. “Has she then been put to + death by those fierce men and their king, as was as her husband Demas?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir, but she died in childbirth, and this is the babe she bore”; and + she held the sleeping little one towards him, at whom he gazed earnestly, + yes, and bent down and kissed it—since, although they saw so few of + them, the Essenes loved children. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me that sad story,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I will both tell it and prove it to be true”; and Nehushta told him + all from the beginning to the end, producing to his sight the tokens which + she had taken from the breast of her mistress, and repeating her last + message to him word for word. When she had finished, Ithiel turned away + and mourned a while. Then, speaking aloud, he put up a prayer to God for + guidance—for without prayer these people would not enter upon + anything, however simple—and came back to Nehushta, who stood by the + oxen. + </p> + <p> + “Good and faithful woman,” he said, “who it would seem are not fickle and + light-hearted, or worse, like the multitude of your sex—perchance + because your dark skin shields you from their temptations—you have + set me in a cleft stick, and there I am held fast. Know that the rule of + my order is that we should have naught to do with females, young or old; + therefore how can I receive you or the child?” + </p> + <p> + “Of the rules of your order, sir, I know nothing,” answered Nehushta + sharply, since the words about the colour of her skin had not pleased her; + “but of the rules of nature I do know, and something of the rules of God + also, for, like my mistress and this infant, I am a Christian. These tell + me, all of them, that to cast out an orphan child who is of your own + blood, and whom a cruel fortune has thus brought to your door, would be an + evil act, and one for which you must answer to Him who is above the rules + of any order.” + </p> + <p> + “I may not wrangle, especially with a woman,” replied Ithiel, who seemed + ill at ease; “but if my first words are true, this is true also, that + those same rules enjoin upon us hospitality, and above all, that we must + not turn away the helpless or the destitute.” + </p> + <p> + “Clearly, then, sir, least of any must you turn away this child whose + blood is your blood, and those dead mother sent her to you, that she might + not fall into the power of a grandfather who has dealt so cruelly with + those he should have cherished, to be brought up among Zealots as a Jew + and taught to make offering of living things, and be anointed with the oil + and blood of sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, the thought is horrible,” answered Ithiel, holding up his hands. + “It is better, far better that she should be a Christian than one of that + fanatic and blood-spilling faith.” This he said, because among the Essenes + the use of oil was held to be unclean. Also above all things, they loathed + the offering of life in sacrifice to God; who, although they did not + acknowledge Christ—perhaps because He was never preached to them, + who would listen to no new religion—practised the most of His + doctrines with the greatest strictness. + </p> + <p> + “The matter is too hard for me,” he went on. “I must lay it before a full + Court of the hundred curators, and what they decide, that will be done. + Still, this is our rule: to assist those who need and to show mercy, to + accord succour to such as deserve it, and to give food to those in + distress. Therefore, whatever the Court, which it will take three days to + summon, may decide, in the meanwhile I have the right to give you, and + those with you, shelter and provision in the guest-house. As it chances, + it is situated in that part of the village where dwell the lowest of our + brethren, who are permitted to marry, so there you will find company of + your own sex.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be glad of it,” answered Nehushta drily. “Also I should call them + the highest of the brethren, since marriage is a law of God, which God the + Father has instituted, and God the Son has blessed.” + </p> + <p> + “I may not wrangle, I may not wrangle,” replied Ithiel, declining the + encounter; “but certainly, that is a lovely babe. Look. Its eyes are open + and they are beautiful as flowers”; and again he bent down and kissed the + child, then added with a groan of remorse, “Alas! sinner that I am, I am + defiled; I must purify myself and do penance.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked Nehushta shortly. + </p> + <p> + “For two reasons: I have touched your dress, and I have given way to + earthly passion and embraced a child—twice. Therefore, according to + our rule, I am defiled.” + </p> + <p> + Then Nehushta could bear it no more. + </p> + <p> + “Defiled! you puppet of a foolish rule! It is the sweet babe that is + defiled! Look, you have fouled its garments with your grimy hand and made + it weep by pricking it with your beard. Would that your holy rule taught + you how to handle children and to respect honest women who are their + mothers, without whom there would be no Essenes.” + </p> + <p> + “I may not wrangle,” said Ithiel, nervously; for now woman was appearing + before him in a new light; not as an artful and a fickle, but as an angry + creature, reckless of tongue and not easy to be answered. “These matters + are for the decision of the curators. Have I not told you so? Come, let us + be going. I will drive the oxen, although it is not time to loose them + from the plough, and do you and your companion walk at a distance behind + me. No, not behind—in front, that I may see that you do not drop the + babe, or suffer it to come to any harm. Truly it is sweet to look at, and, + may God forgive me, I do not like to lose sight of its face, which, it + seems to me, resembles that of my sister when she was also in arms.” + </p> + <p> + “Drop the babe!” began Nehushta; then understanding that this victim of a + rule already loved it dearly, and would suffer much before he parted with + it, pitying his weakness, she said only, “Be careful that you do not + frighten it with your great oxen, for you men who scorn women have much to + learn.” + </p> + <p> + Then, accompanied by the nurse, she stalked ahead in silence, while Ithiel + followed after at a distance, leading the cattle by the hide loops about + their horns, lest in their curiosity or eagerness to get home, they should + do some mischief to the infant or wake it from its slumbers. In this way + they proceeded to the lower part of the village, till they came to a good + house—empty as it chanced—where guests were accommodated in + the best fashion that this kind and homely folk could afford. Here a woman + was summoned, the wife of one of the lower order of the Essenes, to whom + Ithiel spoke, holding his hand before his eyes, as though she were not + good to look at. To her, from a distance, he explained the case, bidding + her to provide all things needful, and to send a man to bring in the + husband of the nurse with the beasts of burden, and attend to his wants + and theirs. Then, warning Nehushta to be very careful of the infant and + not to expose it to the sun, he departed to report the matter to the + curators, and to summon the great Court. + </p> + <p> + “Are all of them like this?” asked Nehushta of the woman, contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sister,” she answered, “fools, every one. Why, of my own husband I + see little; and although, being married, he ranks but low among them, the + man is forever telling me of the faults of our sex, and how they are a + snare set for the feet of the righteous, and given to the leading of these + same righteous astray, especially if they be not their own husbands. At + times I am tempted indeed to prove his words true. Oh! it would not be + difficult for all their high talk; I have learned as much as that, for + Nature is apt to make a mock of those who deny Nature, and there is no + parchment rule that a woman cannot bring to nothing. Yet, since they mean + well, laugh at them and let them be, say I. And now come into the house, + which is good, although did women manage it, it would be better.” + </p> + <p> + So Nehushta went into that house with the nurse and her husband, and there + for several days dwelt in great comfort. Indeed, there was nothing that + she or the child, or those with them, could want which was not provided in + plenty. Messages reached her even, through the woman, to ask if she would + wish the rooms altered in any way, and when she said that there was not + light enough in that in which the child slept, some of the elders of the + Essenes arrived and pierced a new window in the wall, working very hard to + finish the task before sunset. Also even the husband of the nurse was not + allowed to attend to his own beasts, which were groomed and fed for him, + till at length he grew so weary of doing nothing, that on the third day he + went out to plough with the Essenes and worked in the fields till dark. + </p> + <p> + It was on the fourth morning that the full Court gathered in the great + meeting-house, and Nehushta was summoned to appear before it, bringing the + babe with her. Thither she went accordingly, to find the place filled with + a hundred grave and reverend men, all clad in robes of the purest white. + In the lower part of that large chamber she sat alone upon a chair, while + before her upon benches ranged one above the other, so that all could see, + were gathered the hundred curators. + </p> + <p> + It seemed that Ithiel had already set out the case, since the President at + once began to question her on various points of her story, all of which + she was able to explain to the satisfaction of the Court. Then they + debated the matter among themselves, some of them arguing that as the + child was a female, as well as its nurse, neither of them could properly + be admitted to the care of the community, especially as both were of the + Christian faith, and it was stipulated that in this faith they should + remain. Others answered that hospitality was their first duty, and that he + would be weak indeed who was led aside from their rule by a Libyan woman + of middle age and an infant of a few months. Further, that the Christians + were a good people, and that there was much in their doctrines which + tallied with their own. Next, one made a strange objection—namely, + that if they adopted this child they would learn to love it too much, who + should love God and their order only. To this another answered, Nay, they + should love all mankind, and especially the helpless. + </p> + <p> + “Mankind, not womankind,” was the reply; “for this infant will grow into a + woman.” + </p> + <p> + Now they desired Nehushta to retire that they might take the votes. Before + she went, however, holding up the child that all could see it as it lay + smiling in her arms, she implored them not to reject the prayer of a dead + woman, and so deprive this infant of the care of the relative whom that + departed lady had appointed to be its guardian, and of the guidance and + directing wisdom of their holy Order. Lastly, she reminded them that if + they thrust her out, she must carry the infant to its grandfather, who, if + he received it at all, would certainly bring it up in the Jewish faith, + and thereby, perhaps, cause it to lose its soul, the weight of which sin + would be upon their heads. + </p> + <p> + After this Nehushta was led away to another chamber and remained there a + long while, till at length she was brought back again by one of the + curators. On entering the great hall her eyes sought the face of Ithiel, + who had not been allowed to speak, since the matter having to do with a + great-niece of his own, it was held that his judgment might be warped. + Seeing that he smiled, and evidently was well pleased, she knew her cause + was won. + </p> + <p> + “Woman,” said the President, “by a great majority of this Court we have + come to an irrevocable decision upon the matter that has been laid before + it by our brother Ithiel. It is, for reasons which I need not explain, + that on this point our rule may be stretched so far as to admit the child + Miriam to our care, even though it be of the female sex, which care is to + endure until she comes to a full age of eighteen years, when she must + depart from among us. During this time no attempt will be made to turn her + from her parents’ faith in which she has been baptised. A house will be + given you to live in, and you will be supplied with the best we have for + the use of our ward Miriam and yourself. Twice a week a deputation of the + curators will visit the house, and stay there for an hour to see that the + health of the infant is good, and that you are doing your duty by it, in + which, if you fail, you will be removed. It is prayed that you will not + talk to these curators on matters which do not concern the child. When she + grows old enough the maid Miriam will be admitted to our gatherings, and + instructed also by the most learned amongst us in all proper matters of + letters and philosophy, on which occasions you will sit at a distance and + not interfere unless your care is required. + </p> + <p> + “Now, that every one may know our decision, we will escort you back to + your house, and to show that we have taken the infant under our care, our + brother Ithiel will carry it while you walk behind and give him such + instruction in this matter as may be needful.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly a great procession was formed, headed by the President and + ended by the priests. In the centre of the line marched Ithiel bearing the + babe Miriam, to his evident delight, and Nehushta, who instructed him so + vigorously that at length he grew confused and nearly let it fall. + Thereon, setting this detail of the judgment at defiance, Nehushta + snatched it from his arms, calling him a clumsy and ignorant clown only + fit to handle an ox. To this Ithiel made no answer, nor was he at all + wroth, but finished the journey walking behind her and smiling foolishly. + </p> + <p> + Thus was the child Miriam, who afterwards came to be called the Queen of + the Essenes, royally escorted to her home. But little did these good men + know that it was not a house which they were giving her, but a throne, + built of the pure gold of their own gentle hearts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + CALEB + </h3> + <p> + It may be wondered whether any girl who was ever born into the world could + boast a stranger or a happier upbringing than Miriam. She was, it is true, + motherless, but by way of compensation Fate endowed her with several + hundred fathers, each of whom loved her as the apple of his eye. She did + not call them “Father” indeed, a term which under the circumstances they + thought incorrect. To her, one and all, they went by the designation of + “Uncle,” with their name added if she happened to know it, if not as Uncle + simply. It cannot be said, however, that Miriam brought peace to the + community of the Essenes. Indeed, before she had done with them she rent + it with deep and abiding jealousies, to the intense but secret delight of + Nehushta, who, although she became a person of great importance among them + as the one who had immediate charge of their jewel, could never forgive + them certain of their doctrines or their habit of persistent interference. + </p> + <p> + The domiciliary visits which took place twice a week, and, by special + subsequent resolution passed in full Court, on the Sabbath also, were, to + begin with, the subject of much covert bitterness. At first a standing + committee was appointed to make these visits, of whom Ithiel was one. + Before two years had gone by, however, much murmuring arose in the + community upon this matter. It was pointed out in language that became + vehement—for an Essene—that so much power should not be left + in the hands of one fixed set of individuals, who might become careless or + prejudiced, or, worst of all, neglectful of the welfare of the child who + was the guest not of them only, but of the whole order. It was demanded, + therefore, that this committee should change automatically every month, so + that all might serve upon it in turn, Ithiel, as the blood-relation of + Miriam, remaining its only permanent member. This proposal was opposed by + the committee, but as no one else would vote for them the desired + alteration was made. Further, to be removed temporarily, or for good, from + its roster was thenceforth recognised as one of the punishments of the + order. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, the absurdities to which its existence gave rise, especially as + the girl grew in years, sweetness and beauty, cannot be numbered. Thus, + every visiting member must wash his whole person and clothe himself in + clean garments before he was allowed to approach the child, “lest he + should convey to her any sickness, or impure substance, or odour.” Then + there was much trouble because some members were discovered to be + ingratiating themselves with Miriam by secretly presenting her with gifts + of playthings, some of them of great beauty, which they fashioned from + wood, shells, or even hard stones. Moreover, they purveyed articles of + food such as they found the child loved; and this it was that led to their + detection, for, having eaten of them, she was ill. Thereupon Nehushta, + enraged, disclosed the whole plot, using the most violent language, and, + amidst murmurs of “Shame on them!” designating the offenders by name. They + were removed from their office, and it was decreed that henceforth any + gifts made to the child must be offered to her by the committee as a + whole, and not by a single individual, and handed over in their name by + Ithiel, her uncle. + </p> + <p> + Once, when she was seven years old, and the idol of every brother among + the Essenes, Miriam fell ill with a kind of fever which often strikes + children in the neighbourhood of Jericho and the Dead Sea. Among the + brethren were several skilful and famous physicians, who attended her + night and day. But still the fever could not be abated, and at last, with + tears, they announced that they feared for the child’s life. Then indeed + there was lamentation among the Essenes. For three days and three nights + did they wrestle in constant prayer to God that she might be spared, many + of them touching nothing but water during all that time. Moreover, they + sat about at a distance from her house, praying and seeking tidings. If it + was bad they beat their breasts, if good they gave thanks. Never was the + sickbed of a monarch watched with more care or devotion than that of this + little orphan, and never was a recovery—for at length she did + recover—received with greater thankfulness and joy. + </p> + <p> + This was the truth. These pure and simple men, in obedience to the strict + rule they had adopted, were cut off from all the affections of life. Yet, + the foundation-stone of their doctrine being Love, they who were human + must love something, so they loved this child whom they looked upon as + their ward, and who, as there was none other of her age and sex in their + community, had no rival in their hearts. She was the one joy of their + laborious and ascetic hours; she represented all the sweetness and youth + of this self-renewing world, which to them was so grey and sapless. + Moreover, she was a lovely maid, who, wherever she had been placed, would + have bound all to her. + </p> + <p> + The years went by and the time came when, in obedience to the first + decree, Miriam must be educated. Long were the discussions which ensued + among the curators of the Essenes. At length three of the most learned of + their body were appointed to this task, and the teaching began. As it + chanced, Miriam proved an apt pupil, for her memory was good, and she had + a great desire to learn many things, more especially history and + languages, and all that has to do with nature. One of her tutors was an + Egyptian, who, brought up in the priests’ college at Thebes, when on a + journey to Judæa had fallen sick near Jericho, been nursed by the Essenes + and converted to their doctrine. From him Miriam learnt much of their + ancient civilisation, and even of the inner mysteries of the Egyptian + religion, and of its high and secret interpretations which were known only + to the priests. The second, Theophilus by name, was a Greek who had + visited Rome, and he taught her the tongues and literature of those + countries. The third, all his life long had studied beasts and birds and + insects, and the workings of nature, and the stars and their movements, in + which things he instructed her day by day, taking her abroad with him that + examples of each of them might be before her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, when she grew older, there was a fourth master, who was an artist. + He taught Miriam how to model animals, and even men, in the clay of the + Jordan, and how to carve them out in marble, and something of the use of + pigments. Also this man, who was very clever, had a knowledge of singing + and instrumental music, which he imparted to her in her odd hours. Thus it + came about that Miriam grew learned and well acquainted with many matters + of which most girls of her day and years had never even heard. Nor did she + lack knowledge of the things of her own faith, though in these the Essenes + did not instruct her further than its doctrines tallied with their own. Of + the rest, Nehushta told her something; moreover, on several occasions + Christian travellers or preachers visited this country to address the + Essenes or the other Jews who dwelt there. When they learned her case, + these showed themselves very eager to inform her of the Christian + doctrine. Among them was one old man who had heard the preaching of Jesus + Christ, and been present at His Crucifixion, to all of which histories the + girl listened with eagerness, remembering them to the last hour of her + life. + </p> + <p> + Further, and perhaps this was the best part of her education, she lived in + the daily company of Nature. But a mile or two away spread the Dead Sea, + and along its melancholy and lifeless shores, fringed with the white + trunks of trees that had been brought down by Jordan, she would often + walk. Before her day by day loomed the mountains of Moab, while behind her + were the fantastic and mysterious sand-hills of the desert, backed again + by other mountains and that grey, tormented country which stretches + between Jericho and Jerusalem. Quite near at hand also ran the broad and + muddy Jordan, whose fertile banks were clothed in spring with the most + delicious greenery and haunted by kingfishers, cranes, wildfowl, and many + other birds. About these banks, too, stretching into the desert land + beyond, the flowers of the field grew by myriads, at different periods of + the year carpeting the whole earth with various colours, brilliant as are + those of the rainbow. These it was her delight to gather, and even to + cultivate in the garden of her house. + </p> + <p> + Thus wisdom, earthly and divine, was gathered in Miriam’s heart till very + soon its light began to shine through her eyes and face, making them ever + more tender and beautiful. Nor did she lack charm and grace of person. + From the first, in stature she was small and delicate, pale also in + complexion; but her dark hair was plenteous and curling, and her eyes were + large and of a deep and tender blue. Her hands and feet were very slender, + and her every gesture quick and agile as that of a bird. Thus she grew up + loving all things and beloved by all; for even the flowers which she + tended and the creatures that she fed, seemed in her to find a friend. + </p> + <p> + Now of so much learning and all this system of solemn ordered hours, + Nehushta did not approve. For a while she bore with it, but when Miriam + was about eleven years of age, she spoke her mind to the Committee and + through them to the governing Court of Curators. + </p> + <p> + Was it right that a child should be brought up thus, she asked, and turned + into a grave old woman whilst, quite heedless of such things, others of + her age were occupied with youthful games? The end of it might be that her + brain would break and she would die or become crazy, and then what good + would so much wisdom do her? It was necessary that she should have more + leisure and other children with whom she could associate. + </p> + <p> + “White-bearded hermits,” she added with point, “were not suitable as sole + companions to a little maid.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon followed much debate and consultation with the doctors, who agreed + that friends of her own years should be found for the child. This, + however, proved difficult, since among these Essenes were no other girls. + Therefore those friends must be of the male sex. Here too were + difficulties, as at that time, of the lads adopted by this particular + community which they were destined to join in after days, there was but + one of equal birth with Miriam. Now so far as concerned their own order + the Essenes thought little of social distinctions, or even of the + differences of blood and race. But Miriam was not of their order; she was + their guest, no more, to whom they stood in the place of parents, and who + would go from them out into the great world. Therefore, notwithstanding + their childlike simplicity, being, many of them, men experienced in life, + they did not think it right that she should mix with those of lower + breeding. + </p> + <p> + This one lad, Caleb by name, was born in the same year as Miriam, when + Cuspius Fadus became governor on the death of Agrippa. His father was Jew + of very high rank named Hilliel, who, although he sided from time to time + with the Roman party, was killed by them, or perished among the twenty + thousand who were trampled to death at the Feast of the Passover at + Jerusalem, when Cumanus, the Procurator, ordered his soldiers to attack + the people. Thereon the Zealots, who considered him a traitor, managed to + get possession of all his property, so that his son Caleb, whose mother + was dead, was brought in a destitute condition by one of her friends to + Jericho. There, as she could not dispose of him otherwise, he was given + over to the Essenes, to be educated in their doctrine, and, should he wish + it, to enter their order when he reached full age. This lad, it was now + decreed, should become the playmate of Miriam, a decision that pleased + both of them very well. + </p> + <p> + Caleb was a handsome child with quick, dark eyes that watched everything + without seeming to watch, and black hair which curled upon his shoulders. + He was clever also and brave; but though he did his best to control his + temper, by nature very passionate and unforgiving. Moreover, that which he + desired he would have, if by any means it could be obtained, and was + faithful in his loves as in his hates. Of these hates Nehushta was one. + With all the skill of a Libyan, whose only book is that of Nature and + men’s faces, she read the boy’s heart at once and said openly that he + might come to be the first in any cause—if he did not betray it—and + that when God mixed his blood of the best, lest Cæsar should find a rival + He left out the salt of honesty and filled up the cup with the wine of + passion. When these sayings were repeated to Caleb by Miriam, who thought + them to be a jest fit to tease her playmate with, he did not fly into one + of his tempers, as she had hoped, but only screwed up his eyelids after + his fashion in certain moods, and looked black as the rain-storm above + Mount Nebo. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear, Caleb?” asked Miriam, somewhat disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! Lady Miriam,” for so he had been ordered to call her. “I heard. + Do you tell that old black woman that I will lead more causes than she + ever thought of, for I mean to be the first everywhere. Also that whatever + God left out of my cup, at least He mixed it with a good memory.” + </p> + <p> + When Nehushta heard this, she laughed and said that it was true enough, + only he that tried to climb several ladders at once generally fell to the + ground, and that when a head had said good-bye to its shoulders, the best + of memories got lost between the two. + </p> + <p> + Miriam liked Caleb, but she never loved him as she did the old men, her + uncles, or Nehushta, who to her was more than all. Perhaps this may have + been because he never grew angry with her whatever she might say or do, + never even spoke to her roughly, but always waited on her pleasure and + watched for her wish. Still, of all companions he was the best. If Miriam + desired to walk by the Dead Sea, he would desire the same. If she wanted + to go fishing in the Jordan, he would make ready the baits or net, and + take the fishes off the hook—a thing she hated. If she sought a rare + flower, Caleb would hunt it out for days, although she knew well that in + himself he did not care for flowers, and when he had found it, would mark + the spot and lead her there in triumph. Also there was this about him, as + she was soon quick enough to learn: he worshipped her. Whatever else might + be false, that note in his nature rang true. If one child could love + another, then Caleb loved Miriam, first with the love of children, then as + a man loves a woman. Only—and this was the sorrow of it—Miriam + never loved Caleb. Had she done so both their stories would have been very + different. To her he was a clever companion and no more. + </p> + <p> + What made the thing more strange was that he loved no one else, except, + mayhap, himself. In this way and in that the lad soon came to learn his + own history, which was sad enough, with the result that if he hated the + Romans who had invaded the country and trampled it beneath their heel, + still more did he hate those of the Jews who looked upon his father as + their enemy and had stolen all the lands and goods that were his by right. + As for the Essenes who reared and protected him, so soon as he came to an + age when he could weigh such matters, he held them in contempt, and + because of their continual habit of bathing themselves and purifying their + garments, called them the company of washer-women. On him their doctrines + left but a shallow mark. He thought, as he explained to Miriam, that + people who were in the world should take the world as they found it, + without dreaming ceaselessly of another world to which, as yet, they did + not belong; a sentiment that to some extent Nehushta shared. + </p> + <p> + Wishing, with the zeal of the young, to make a convert, Miriam preached to + him the doctrine of Christianity, but without success. By blood Caleb was + a Jew of the Jews, and could not understand or admire a God who would + consent to be trodden under foot and crucified. The Messiah he desired to + follow must be a great conqueror, one who would overthrow the Cæsars and + take the throne of Cæsar, not a humble creature with his mouth full of + maxims. Like the majority of his own, and, indeed, of every generation, to + the last day of his life, Caleb was unable to divine that mind is greater + than matter, while spirit is greater than mind; and that in the end, by + many slow advances and after many disasters seemingly irremediable, + spirituality will conquer all. He looked to a sword flashing from thrones, + not to the word of truth spoken by lowly lips in humble streets or upon + the flanks of deserts, trusting to the winds of Grace to bear it into the + hearts of men and thus regenerate their souls. + </p> + <p> + Such was Caleb, and these things are said of him here because the child is + father to the man. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly the years went by. There were tumults in Judæa and massacres in + Jerusalem. False prophets such as Theudas, who pretended that he could + divide Jordan, attracted thousands to their tinsel standards, to be hewn + down, poor folk! by the Roman legions. Cæsars rose and fell; the great + Temple was at length almost completed in its glory, and many events + happened which are remembered even to this day. + </p> + <p> + But in the little village of the Essenes by the grey shores of the Dead + Sea, nothing seemed to change, except that now and again an aged brother + died, and now and again a new brother was admitted. They rose before + daylight and offered their invocation to the sun; they went out to toil in + the fields and sowed their crops, to reap them in due season, thankful if + they were good, still thankful if they were bad. They washed, they prayed, + they mourned over the wickedness of the world, and wove themselves white + garments emblematic of a better. Also, although of this Miriam knew + nothing, they held higher and more secret services wherein they invoked + the presence of their “angels,” and by arts of divination that were known + to them, foretold the future, an exercise which brought them little joy. + But as yet, however evil might be the omens, none came to molest their + peaceful life, which ran quietly towards the great catastrophe as often + deep waters swirl to the lip of a precipice. + </p> + <p> + At length when Miriam was seventeen years of age, the first stroke of + trouble fell upon them. + </p> + <p> + From time to time the high priests at Jerusalem, who hated the Essenes as + heretics, had made demands upon them that they should pay tithe for the + support of the sacrifices in the Temple. This they refused to do, since + all sacrifices were hateful to them. So things went on until the day of + the high priest Ananos, who sent armed men to the village of the Essenes + to take the tithes. These were refused to them, whereon they broke open + the granary and helped themselves, destroying a great deal which they + could not carry away. As it chanced, on that day Miriam, accompanied by + Nehushta, had visited Jericho. Returning in the afternoon they passed + through a certain torrent bed in which were many rocks, and among them + thickets of thorn trees. Here they were met by Caleb, now a noble-looking + youth very strong and active, who carried a bow in his hand and on his + back a sheath of six arrows. + </p> + <p> + “Lady Miriam,” he said, “well met. I have come to seek you, and to warn + you not to return by the road to-day, since on it you will meet presently + those thieves sent by the high priest to plunder the stores of the Order, + who, perhaps, will offer you insult or mischief, for they are drunk with + wine. Look, one of them has struck me,” and he pointed to a bruise upon + his shoulder and scowled. + </p> + <p> + “What then shall we do?” asked Miriam. “Go back to Jericho?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, for there they will come too. Follow up this gully till you reach + the footpath a mile away, and by it walk to the village; so you will miss + these robbers.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a good plan,” said Nehushta. “Come, lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Whither are you going, Caleb?” asked Miriam, lingering, since she saw + that he did not mean to accompany them. + </p> + <p> + “I? Oh, I shall hide among the rocks near by till the men are passed, and + then go to seek that hyena which has been worrying the sheep. I have + tracked him down and may catch him as he comes from his hole at sunset. + That is why I have brought my bow and arrows.” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” broke in Nehushta impatiently, “come. The lad well knows how to + guard himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Be careful, Caleb, that you get no hurt from the hyena,” said Miriam, + doubtfully, as Nehushta seized her by the wrist and dragged her away. “It + is strange,” she added as they went, “that Caleb should choose this + evening to go hunting.” + </p> + <p> + “Unless I mistake, it is a human hyena whom he hunts,” answered Nehushta + shortly. “One of those men struck him, and he desires to wash the wound + with his blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, surely not! Nou. That would be taking vengeance, and revenge is + evil.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta shrugged her shoulders. “Caleb may think otherwise, as I do at + times. Wait, and we shall see.” + </p> + <p> + As it chanced, they did see something. The footpath by which they returned + to the village ran over a high ridge of ground, and from its crest, + although they were a mile or more away, in that clear desert air they + could easily discern the line of the high priest’s servants straggling + along, driving before them a score or so of mules, laden with wine and + other produce which they had stolen from the stores. Presently the company + of them descended into that gully along which the road ran, whence a + minute or two later rose a sound of distant shouting. Then they appeared + on the further side, running, or riding their beasts hither and thither, + as though in search of some one, while four of them carried between them a + man who seemed to be hurt, or dead. + </p> + <p> + “I think that Caleb has shot his hyena,” said Nehushta meaningly; “but I + have seen nothing, and if you are wise, you will say nothing. I do not + like Caleb, but I hate these Jewish thieves, and it is not for you to + bring your friend into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam looked frightened but nodded her head, and no more was said of the + matter. + </p> + <p> + That evening, as Miriam and Nehushta stood at the door of their house in + the cool, by the light of the full moon they saw Caleb advancing towards + them down the road, a sight that made Miriam glad at heart, for she feared + lest he might have come into trouble. Catching sight of them, he asked + permission to enter through the door, which he closed behind them, so that + now they stood in the little garden within the wall. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Nehushta, “I see that you had a shot at your hyena; did you + kill it?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that?” he asked, looking at her suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “A strange question to put to a Libyan woman who was brought up among + bowmen,” she replied. “You had six arrows in your quiver when we met you, + and now I count but five. Also your bow was newly waxed; and look, the wax + is rubbed where the shaft lay.” + </p> + <p> + “I shot at the beast, and, as I think, hit it. At least, I could not find + the arrow again, although I searched long.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless. You do not often miss. You have a good eye and a steady hand. + Well, the loss of a shaft will not matter, since I noticed, also, that + this one was differently barbed from the others, and double feathered; a + true Roman war-shaft, such as they do not make here. If any find your + wounded beast you will not get its hide, since it is known that you do not + use such arrows.” Then, with a smile that was full of meaning, Nehushta + turned and entered the house, leaving him staring after her, half in wrath + and half in wonder at her wit. + </p> + <p> + “What does she mean?” he asked Miriam, but in the voice of one who speaks + to himself. + </p> + <p> + “She thinks that you shot at a man, not at a beast,” replied Miriam; “but + I know well that you could not have done this, since that would be against + the rule of the Essenes.” + </p> + <p> + “Even the rule of the Essenes permits a man to protect himself and his + property from thieves,” he answered sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to protect himself if he is attacked, and his property—if he + has any. But neither that faith nor mine permits him to avenge a blow.” + </p> + <p> + “I was one against many,” he answered boldly. “My life was on the hazard: + it was no coward’s act.” + </p> + <p> + “Were there, then, a troop of these hyenas?” asked Miriam, innocently. “I + thought you said it was a solitary beast that took the sheep.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a whole company of beasts who took the wine, and smote those in + charge of it as though they were street dogs.” + </p> + <p> + “Hyenas that took wine like the tame ape whom the boys make drunken over + yonder——” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you mock me,” broke in Caleb, “who must know the truth? Or if you + do not know it, here it is. That thief beat me with his staff, and called + me the son of a dog, and I swore that I would pay him back. Pay him back I + did, for the head of that shaft which Nehushta noted, stands out a span + beyond his neck. They never saw who shot it; they never saw me at all, who + thought at first that the man had fallen from his horse. By the time they + knew the truth I was away where they could not follow. Now go and tell the + story if you will, or let Nehushta, who hates me, tell it, and give me + over to be tortured by the servants of the high priest, or crucified as a + murderer by the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “Neither Nehushta nor I saw this deed done, nor shall we bear witness + against you, Caleb, or judge you, who doubtless were provoked by violent + and lawless men. Yet, Caleb, you told me that you came out to warn us, and + it grieves me to learn that the true wish of your heart was to take the + life of a man.” + </p> + <p> + “It is false,” he answered angrily; “I said that I came to warn you, and + afterwards to kill a hyena. To make you safe—that was my first + thought, and until you were safe my enemy was safe also. Miriam, you know + it well.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I know it? To you, Caleb, I think revenge is more than + friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps; for I have few friends who am a penniless orphan brought up by + charity. But, Miriam, to me revenge is not more than—love.” + </p> + <p> + “Love,” she stammered, turning crimson to her hair and stepping back a + pace; “what do you mean, Caleb?” + </p> + <p> + “What I say, neither more nor less,” he answered sullenly. “As I have + worked one crime to-day, I may as well work two, and dare to tell the lady + Miriam, the Queen of the Essenes, that I love her, though she loves not me—as + yet.” + </p> + <p> + “This is madness,” faltered Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap, but it is a madness which began when first I saw you—that + was soon after we learned to speak—a madness which will continue + until I cease to see you, and that shall be soon before I grow silent + forever. Listen, Miriam, and do not think my words only those of a foolish + boy, for all my life shall prove them. This love of mine is a thing with + which you must reckon. You love me not—therefore, even had I the + power, I would not force myself upon you against your will; only I warn + you, learn to love no other man, for then it shall go ill either with him + or with me. By this I swear it,” and, snatching her to him, Caleb kissed + her on the forehead, then let her go, saying, “Fear not. It is the first + and last time, except by your own will. Or if you fear, tell the story to + the Court of the Essenes, and—to Nehushta, who will right your + wrongs.” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb,” she gasped, stamping her foot upon the ground in anger, “Caleb, + you are more wicked than I dreamed, and,” she added, as though to herself—“and + greater!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he answered, as he turned to go, “I think that you are right. I am + more wicked than you dreamed and—greater. Also, Miriam, I love you + as you will never be loved again. Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + MARCUS + </h3> + <p> + That night those of the curators who were engaged in prayer and fasting + were disturbed by the return of an officer of those Jews that had robbed + them, who complained violently that a man of his company had been murdered + by one of the Essenes. They asked how and when, and were told that the man + had been shot down with an arrow, in a gully upon the road to Jericho, by + a person unknown. They replied that robbers sometimes met with robbers, + and asked to see the arrow, which proved to be of a Roman make, such as + these men carried in their own quivers. This the Essenes pointed out, and + at length, growing angry at the unreasonableness of a complaint made by + persons of the worst character, drove him and his escort from their doors, + bidding them take their story to the high priest Ananos, with the goods + which they had stolen, or, if they preferred it, to that still greater + thief, the Roman procurator, Albinus. + </p> + <p> + This they did not neglect to do, with the result that presently the + Essenes were commanded to send some of their head men to appear before + Albinus to answer the charges laid against them. Accordingly they + dispatched Ithiel and two others, who were kept waiting three months at + Jerusalem before they could even obtain a hearing. At length the cause + came on, and after some few minutes of talk was adjourned, being but a + petty matter. That same evening Ithiel was informed by an intermediary + that if his Order would pay a certain large sum of money to Albinus, + nothing more would be heard of the question. This the Essenes refused to + do, as it was against their principles, saying that they demanded nothing + but justice, which they were not prepared to buy. So they spoke, being + ignorant that one of their neophytes, Caleb, had in fact aimed the fatal + arrow. + </p> + <p> + Then Albinus, wearying of the business and finding that there was no + profit to be made out of the Essenes, commanded them to be gone, saying + that he would send an officer to make inquiry on the spot. + </p> + <p> + Another two months went by, and at length this officer arrived, attended + by an escort of twenty soldiers. + </p> + <p> + As it chanced, on a certain morning in the winter season, Miriam with + Nehushta was walking on the Jericho road, when suddenly they saw + approaching towards them this little body of armed men. Perceiving that + they were Romans, they turned out of the path to hide themselves among the + thorns of the desert. Thereon he who seemed to be the officer spurred his + horse forward to intercept them. + </p> + <p> + “Do not run—stand still,” said Nehushta to Miriam, “and show no sign + of fear.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam halted and began to gather a few autumn flowers that still + bloomed among the bushes, till the shadow of the officer fell upon her—that + shadow in which she was destined to walk all her life-days. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said a pleasant voice in Greek, spoken with a somewhat foreign + accent—“lady, pardon, and I pray you, do not be alarmed. I am a + stranger to this part of the country, which I visit on official business. + Will you of your kindness direct me to the village of a people called + Essenes, who live somewhere in this desert?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir!” answered Miriam, “do you, who come with Roman soldiers, mean + them any harm?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. But why do you ask?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, sir, I am of their community.” + </p> + <p> + The officer stared at her—this beautiful, blue-eyed, white-skinned, + delicate-featured girl, whose high blood proclaimed itself in every tone + and gesture. + </p> + <p> + “You, lady, of the community of the Essenes! Surely then those priests in + Jerusalem lie more deeply than I thought. They told me that the Essenes + were old ascetics who worship Apollo, and could not bear so much as the + sight of a woman. And now you say you are an Essene—you, by Bacchus! + you!” and he looked at her with an admiration which, although there was + nothing brutal or even rude about it, was amusingly undisguised. + </p> + <p> + “I am their guest,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Their guest? Why, this is stranger still. If these spiritual outlaws—the + word is that old high priest’s, not mine—share their bread and water + with such guests, my sojourn among them will be happier than I thought.” + </p> + <p> + “They brought me up, I am their ward,” Miriam explained again. + </p> + <p> + “In truth, my opinion of the Essenes rises, and I am convinced that those + priests slandered them. If they can shape so sweet a lady, surely they + must themselves be good and gentle”; and he bowed gravely, perhaps to mark + the compliment. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, they are both good and gentle,” answered Miriam; “but of this you + will be able to judge for yourself very shortly, seeing that they live + near at hand. If you will follow us over yonder rise we will show you + their village, whither we go.” + </p> + <p> + “By your leave, I will accompany you,” he said, dismounting before she + could answer; then added, “Pardon me for one moment—I must give some + orders,” and he called to a soldier, who, with his companions, had halted + at a little distance. + </p> + <p> + The man advanced saluting, and, turning aside, his captain began to talk + with him, so that now, for the first time, Miriam could study his face. He + was young—not more than five or six and twenty years of age—of + middle height, and somewhat slender, but active in movement and athletic + in build. Upon his head, which was round and not large, in place of the + helmet that hung at his saddle-bow, he wore a little cap, steel lined and + padded as a protection against the sun, and beneath it she could see that + his short, dark brown hair curled closely. Under the tan caused by + exposure to the heat, his skin was fair, and his grey eyes, set rather + wide apart, were quick and observant. For the rest, his mouth was + well-shaped, though somewhat large, and the chin clean-shaved, prominent + and determined. His air was that of a soldier accustomed to command, but + very genial, and, when he smiled, showing his regular white teeth, even + merry—the air of one with a kind and generous heart. + </p> + <p> + Miriam looked at him, and in an instant was aware that she liked him + better than any man—that is any young man—she had ever seen. + This, however, was no great or exclusive compliment to the Roman, since of + such acquaintances she had but few, if, indeed, Caleb was not the only + one. However, of this she was sure, she liked him better than Caleb, + because, even then and there, comparing them in her thoughts, this truth + came home to her; with it, too, a certain sense of shame that the newcomer + should be preferred to the friend of her childhood, although of late that + friend had displeased her by showing too warm a friendship. + </p> + <p> + Having given his instructions, the captain dismissed the orderly, + commanding him to follow at a distance with the men. Then saying, “Lady, I + am ready,” he began to walk forward, leading his horse by the bridle. + </p> + <p> + “You will forgive me,” he added, “if I introduce myself more formally. I + am called Marcus, the son of Emilius—a name which was known in its + day,” and he sighed, “as I hope before I have done with it, mine will be. + At present I cannot boast that this is so, who, unless it should please my + uncle Caius to decease and leave me the great fortune he squeezes out of + the Spaniards—neither of which things he shows any present intention + of doing—am but a soldier of fortune: an officer under the command + of the excellent and most noble procurator Albinus,” he added + sarcastically. “For the rest,” he went on, “I have spent a year in this + interesting and turbulent but somewhat arid land of yours, coming here + from Egypt, and am now honoured with a commission to investigate and make + report on a charge laid at the door of your virtuous guardians, the + Essenes, of having murdered, or been privy to the murder of, a certain + rascally Jew, who, as I understand, was sent with others to steal their + goods. That, lady, is my style and history. By way of exchange, will you + be pleased to tell me yours?” + </p> + <p> + Miriam hesitated, not being sure whether she should enter on such + confidences at so short a notice. Thereon, Nehushta, who was untroubled by + doubts, and thought it politic to be quite open with this Roman, a man in + authority, answered for her. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, this maiden, whose servant I am, as I was that of her grandmother + and mother before her——” + </p> + <p> + “Surely you cannot be so old,” interrupted Marcus. He made it a rule to be + polite to all women, whatever their colour, having noticed that life went + more easily with those who were courteous to the sex. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta smiled a little as she answered—for at what age does a + woman learn to despise a compliment?—“Lord, they both died young”; + then repeated, “This maiden is the only child of the high-born + Græco-Syrian of Tyre, Demas, and his noble wife, Rachel——” + </p> + <p> + “I know Tyre,” he interrupted. “I was quartered there till two months + ago”; adding in a different tone, “I understand that this pair no longer + live.” + </p> + <p> + “They died,” said Nehushta sadly, “the father in the amphitheatre at + Berytus by command of the first Agrippa, and the mother when her child was + born.” + </p> + <p> + “In the amphitheatre at Berytus? Was he then a malefactor?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” broke in Miriam proudly; “he was a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I understand. Well, they are ill-spoken of as enemies of the human + race, but for my part I have had to do with several Christians and found + them very good people, though visionary in their views.” Here a doubt + struck him and he said, “But, lady, I understand that you are an Essene.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, sir,” she replied in the same steady voice, “I also am a Christian, + who have been protected by the Essenes.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her with pity and replied, “It is a dangerous profession for + one so young and fair.” + </p> + <p> + “Dangerous let it be,” she said; “at least it is mine from the beginning + to the end.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus bowed, perceiving that the subject was not to be pursued, and said + to Nehushta, “Continue the story, my friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, the father of my lady’s mother is a very wealthy Jewish merchant of + Tyre, named Benoni.” + </p> + <p> + “Benoni,” he said, “I know him well, too well for a poor man!—a Jew + of the Jews, a Zealot, they say. At least he hates us Romans enough to be + one, although many is the dinner that I have eaten at his palace. He is + the most successful trader in all Tyre, unless it be his rival Amram, the + Phoenician, but a hard man, and as able as he is hard. Now I think of it, + he has no living children, so why does not your lady, his grandchild, + dwell with him rather than in this desert?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, you have answered your own question. Benoni is a Jew of the Jews; + his granddaughter is a Christian, as I am also. Therefore when her mother + died, I brought her here to be taken care of by her uncle Ithiel the + Essene, and I do not think Benoni knows even that she lives. Lord, perhaps + I have said too much; but you must soon have heard the story from the + Essenes, and we trust to you, who chance to be Benoni’s friend, to keep + our secret from him.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not trust in vain; yet it seems sad that all the wealth and + station which are hers by right should thus be wasted.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, rank and station are not everything; freedom of faith and person + are more than these. My lady lacks for nothing, and—this is all her + story.” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite, friend; you have not told me her name.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, it is Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, Miriam,” he repeated, his slightly foreign accent dwelling softly + on the syllables. “It is a very pretty name, befitting such a——” + and he checked himself. + </p> + <p> + By now they were on the crest of the rise, and, stopping between two + clumps of thorn trees, Miriam broke in hastily: + </p> + <p> + “See, sir, there below lies the village of the Essenes; those green trees + to the left mark the banks of Jordan, whence we irrigate our fields, while + that grey stretch of water to the right, surrounded by a wall of mountain, + is the Dead Sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so? Well, the green is pleasant in this desert, and those fields + look well cultivated. I hope to visit them some day, for I was brought up + in the country, and, although I am a soldier, still understand a farm. As + for the Dead Sea, it is even more dreary than I expected. Tell me, lady, + what is that large building yonder?” + </p> + <p> + “That,” she answered, “is the gathering hall of the Essenes.” + </p> + <p> + “And that?” he asked, pointing to a house which stood by itself. + </p> + <p> + “That is my home, where Nehushta and I dwell.” + </p> + <p> + “I guessed as much by the pretty garden.” Then he asked her other + questions, which she answered freely enough, for Miriam, although she was + half Jewish, had been brought up among men, and felt neither fear nor + shame in talking with them in a friendly and open fashion, as an Egyptian + or a Roman or a Grecian lady might have done. + </p> + <p> + While they were still conversing thus, of a sudden the bushes on their + path were pushed aside, and from between them emerged Caleb, of whom she + had seen but little of late. He halted and looked at them. + </p> + <p> + “Friend Caleb,” said Miriam, “this is the Roman captain Marcus, who comes + to visit the curators of the Order. Will you lead him and his soldiers to + the council hall and advise my uncle Ithiel and the others of his coming, + since it is time for us to go home?” + </p> + <p> + Caleb glared at her, or rather at the stranger, with sullen fury; then he + answered: + </p> + <p> + “Romans always make their own road; they do not need a Jew to guide them,” + and once more he vanished into the scrub on the further side of the path. + </p> + <p> + “Your friend is not civil,” said Marcus, as he watched him go. “Indeed, he + has an inhospitable air. Now, if an Essene could do such a thing, I should + think that here is a man who might have drawn an arrow upon a Jewish + tax-gatherer,” and he looked inquiringly at Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “That lad!” put in Nehushta. “Why, he never shot anything larger than a + bird of prey.” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb,” added Miriam in excuse, “does not like strangers.” + </p> + <p> + “So I see,” answered Marcus; “and to be frank, lady, I do not like Caleb. + He has an eye like a knife-point.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Nehushta,” said Miriam, “this is our road, and there runs that of + the captain and his company. Sir, farewell, and thank you for your + escort.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady, for this while farewell, and thank you for your guidance.” + </p> + <p> + Thus for that day they parted. + </p> + <p> + The dwelling which many years before had been built by the Essenes for the + use of their ward and her nurse, stood next to the large guest-house. + Indeed, it occupied a portion of the ground which originally belonged to + it, although now the plot was divided into two gardens by an irrigation + ditch and a live pomegranate fence, covered at this season of the year + with its golden globes of fruit. That evening, as Miriam and Nehushta + walked in the garden, they heard the familiar voice of Ithiel calling to + them from the other side of this fence, and presently above it saw his + kindly face and venerable white head. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, my uncle?” asked Miriam running to him. + </p> + <p> + “Only this, child; the noble Roman captain, Marcus, is to stay in the + guest-house during his visit to us, so do not be frightened if you hear or + see men moving about in this garden—If, indeed, Romans care to walk + in gardens. I am to bide here also, to play host to him and see that he + lacks nothing. Also I do not think that he will give you any trouble, + since, for a Roman, he seems both courteous and kindly.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not afraid, my uncle,” said Miriam; “indeed,” she added, blushing a + little in spite of herself, “Nehushta and I have already become acquainted + with this captain”; and she told him of their meeting beyond the village. + </p> + <p> + “Nehushta, Nehushta,” said Ithiel reprovingly, “have I not said to you + that you should not walk so far afield without some of the brethren as an + escort? You might, perchance, have met thieves, or drunken men.” + </p> + <p> + “My lady wished to gather some flowers she sought,” answered Nehushta, “as + she has done without harm for many a year; and being armed, I did not fear + thieves, if such men are to be found where all are poor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, as it chances, no harm has happened; but do not go out + unattended again, lest the soldiers should not be so courteous as their + captain. They will not trouble you by the way, since, with the exception + of a single guard, they camp yonder by the streamlet. Farewell for this + night, my child; we will meet to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Then Miriam went to rest and dreamed of the Roman captain, and that he, + she, and Nehushta made a journey together and met with many great + adventures, wherein Caleb played some strange part. In that dream the + captain Marcus protected them from all these dangers, till at length they + came to a calm sea, on which floated a single white ship wherein they must + embark, having the sign of the Cross woven in its sails. Then she awoke + and found that it was morning. + </p> + <p> + Of all the arts she had been taught, Miriam was fondest of that of + modelling in clay, for which she had a natural gift. Indeed, so great had + her skill become, that these models which she made, after they had been + baked with fire, were, at her wish, sold by the Essenes to any who took a + fancy to them. As to the money which they fetched, it was paid into a fund + to be distributed among the poor. + </p> + <p> + This art Miriam carried on in a reed-thatched shed in the garden, where, + by an earthen pipe, water was delivered into a stone basin, which she used + to damp her clay and cloths. Sometimes also, with the help of masons and + the master who had taught her, now a very old man, she copied these models + in marble, which the Essenes brought to her from the ruins of a palace + near Jericho. At the time that the Romans came she was finishing a work + more ambitious than any which she had undertaken as yet; namely, a + life-sized bust cut from the fragment of an ancient column to the likeness + of her great-uncle, Ithiel. On the afternoon following the day that she + met Marcus, clad in her white working-robe, she was occupied in polishing + this bust, with the assistance of Nehushta, who handed her the cloths and + grinding-powder. Suddenly shadows fell upon her, and turning, she beheld + Ithiel and the Roman. + </p> + <p> + “Daughter,” said Ithiel, smiling at her confusion, “I have brought the + captain Marcus to see your work.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my uncle!” she replied indignantly, “am I in a state to receive any + captain?” and she held out her wet hands and pointed to her garments + begrimed with clay and powder. “Look at me.” + </p> + <p> + “I look,” said Ithiel innocently, “and see naught amiss.” + </p> + <p> + “And I look, lady,” added Marcus in his merry voice, “and see much to + admire. Would that more of your sex could be found thus delightfully + employed.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir,” she replied, adroitly misunderstanding him, for Miriam did + not lack readiness, “in this poor work there is little to admire. I am + ashamed that you should look on the rude fashionings of a half-trained + girl, you who must have seen all those splendid statues of which I have + been told.” + </p> + <p> + “By the throne of Cæsar, lady,” he exclaimed in a voice that carried a + conviction of his earnestness, staring hard at the bust of Ithiel before + him, “as it chances, although I am not an artist, I do know something of + sculpture, since I have a friend who is held to be the best of our day, + and often for my sins have sat as model to him. Well, I tell you this—never + did the great Glaucus produce a bust like that.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay not,” said Miriam smiling. “I daresay the great Glaucus would + go mad if he saw it.” + </p> + <p> + “He would—with envy. He would say that it was the work of one of the + glorious Greeks, and of no modern.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” said Ithiel reprovingly, “do not make a jest of the maid, who does + the best she can; it pains her and—is not fitting.” + </p> + <p> + “Friend Ithiel,” replied Marcus, turning quite crimson, “you must indeed + think that I lack manners who would come to the home of any artist to mock + his work. I say what I mean, neither more nor less. If this bust were + shown in Rome, together with yourself who sat for it, the lady Miriam + would find herself famous within a week. Yes,” and he ran his eye quickly + over various statuettes, some of them baked and some in the raw clay, + models, for the most part, of camels or other animals or birds, “yes, and + it is the same with all the rest: these are the works of genius, no less.” + </p> + <p> + At this praise, to them so exaggerated, Miriam, pleased as she could not + help feeling, broke into clear laugher, which both Ithiel and Nehushta + echoed. Now, so wroth was he, the face of Marcus grew quite pale and + stern. + </p> + <p> + “It seems,” he said severely, “that it is not I who mock. Tell me, lady, + what do you with these things?” and he pointed to the statuettes. + </p> + <p> + “I, sir? I sell them; or at least my uncles do.” + </p> + <p> + “The money is given to the poor,” interposed Ithiel. + </p> + <p> + “Would it be rude to ask at what price?” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes,” replied Ithiel with pride, “travellers have given me as much + as a silver shekel.[*] Once indeed, for a group of camels with their + Arabian drivers, I received four shekels; but that took my niece three + months to do.” + </p> + <p> + [*] About 2s. 6d. of English money. + </p> + <p> + “A shekel! Four shekels!” said Marcus in a voice of despair; “I will buy + them all—no, I will not, it would be robbery. And this bust?” + </p> + <p> + “That, sir, is not for sale; it is a gift to my uncle, or rather to my + uncles, to be set up in their court-room.” + </p> + <p> + An idea struck Marcus. “I am here for a few weeks,” he said. “Tell me, + lady, if your uncle Ithiel will permit it, at what price will you execute + a bust of myself of the same size and quality?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be dear,” said Miriam, smiling at the notion, “for the marble + costs something, and the tools, which wear out. Oh, it would be very + dear!” This she repeated, wondering what she could ask in her charitable + avarice. “It would be——” yes, she would venture it—“fifty + shekels!” + </p> + <p> + “I am poor enough,” replied Marcus quietly, “but I will give you two + hundred.” + </p> + <p> + “Two hundred!” gasped Miriam. “It is absurd. I could never accept two + hundred shekels for a piece of stonework. Then indeed you might say that + you had fallen among thieves on the banks of Jordan. No. If my uncles will + permit it and there is time, I will do my poor best for fifty—only, + sir, I advise you against it, since to win that bad likeness you must sit + for many weary hours.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said Marcus. “As soon as I get to any civilised place I will + send you enough commissions to make the beggars in these parts rich for + life, and at a very different figure. Let us begin at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I have no leave.” + </p> + <p> + “The matter,” explained Ithiel, “must be laid before the Court of + Curators, which will decide upon it to-morrow. Meanwhile, as we are + talking here, I see no harm if my niece chooses to work a lump of clay, + which can be broken up later should the Court in its wisdom refuse your + request.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope for its own sake that the Court in its wisdom will not be such a + fool,” muttered Marcus to himself; adding aloud, “Lady, where shall I + place myself? You will find me the best of sitters. Have I not the great + Glaucus for a friend—until I show him this work of yours?” + </p> + <p> + “If you will, sir, be seated on that stool and be pleased to look towards + me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am your servant,” said Marcus, in a cheerful voice; and the sitting + began. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + MARCUS AND CALEB + </h3> + <p> + On the morrow, as he had promised, Ithiel brought this question of whether + or no Miriam was to be allowed to execute a bust of the centurion, Marcus, + before the Court of the Curators of the Essenes, who were accustomed thus + to consider questions connected with their ward’s welfare in solemn + conclave. There was a division of opinion. Some of them saw no harm; + others, more strait-laced, held that it was scarcely correct that a Roman + whose principles, doubtless, were lax, should be allowed to sit to the + lady whom they fondly called their child. Indeed, it seemed dubious + whether the leave would be given, until a curator, with more worldly + wisdom than the rest, suggested that as the captain seemed desirous of + having his picture taken in stone, under the circumstances of his visit, + which included a commission to make a general report upon their society to + the authorities, it might be scarcely wise to deny his wish. Finally, a + compromise was effected. It was agreed that Miriam should be permitted to + do the work, but only in the presence of Ithiel and two other curators, + one of them her own instructor in art. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came about that when Marcus presented himself for the second time, + at an hour fixed by Ithiel, he found three white-bearded and white-robed + old gentlemen seated in a row in the workshop, and behind them, a smile on + her dusky face, Nehushta. As he entered they rose and bowed to him, a + compliment which he returned. Now Miriam appeared, to whom he made his + salutation. + </p> + <p> + “Are these,” he said, indicating the elders, “waiting their turn to be + modelled, or are they critics?” + </p> + <p> + “They are critics,” said Miriam drily, as she lifted the damp cloths from + the rude lump of clay. + </p> + <p> + Then the work began. As the three curators were seated in a line at the + end of the shed, and did not seem to think it right to leave their chairs, + they could see little of its details, and as they were early risers and + the afternoon was hot, soon they were asleep, every one of them. + </p> + <p> + “Look at them,” said Marcus; “there is a subject for any artist.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam nodded, and taking three lumps of clay, working deftly and + silently, presently produced to his delighted sight rough but excellent + portraits of these admirable men, who, when they woke up, laughed at them + very heartily. + </p> + <p> + Thus things went on from day to day. Each afternoon the elders attended, + and each afternoon they sank to slumber in their comfortable chairs, an + example that Nehushta followed, or seemed to follow, leaving Miriam and + her model practically alone. As may be guessed, the model, who liked + conversation, did not neglect these opportunities. Few were the subjects + which the two of them failed to discuss. He told her of all his life, + which had been varied and exciting, omitting, it is true, certain details; + also of the wars in which he had served, and the countries that he had + visited. She in turn told him the simple story of her existence among the + Essenes, which he seemed to find of interest. When these subjects were + exhausted they discussed other things—the matter of religion, for + instance. Indeed, Miriam ventured to expound to him the principles of her + faith, to which he listened respectfully and with attention. + </p> + <p> + “It sounds well,” he said at length with a sigh, “but how do such maxims + fit in with this world of ours? See now, lady, I am not old, but already I + have studied so many religions. First, there are the gods of Greece and + Rome, my own gods, you understand—well, the less said of them the + better. They serve, that is all. Then there are the gods of Egypt, as to + which I made inquiry, and of them I will say this: that beneath the + grotesque cloak of their worship seems to shine some spark of a holy fire. + Next come the gods of the Phoenicians, the fathers of a hideous creed. + After them the flame worshippers and other kindred religions of the East. + There remain the Jews, whose doctrine seems to me a savage one; at least + it involves bloodshed with the daily offering of blood. Also they are + divided, these Jews, for some are Pharisees, some Sadducees, some Essenes. + Lastly, there are you Christians, whose faith is pure enough in theory, + but whom all unite against in hate. What is the worth of a belief in this + crucified Preacher who promises that He will raise those who trust in Him + from the dead?” + </p> + <p> + “That you will find out when everything else has failed you,” answered + Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is a religion for those whom everything else has failed. When + that chances to the rest of us we commit suicide and sink from sight.” + </p> + <p> + “And we,” she said proudly, “rise to life eternal.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, lady, it may be so; but let us talk of something more + cheerful,” and he sighed. “At present, I hold that nothing is eternal—except + perhaps such art as yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Which will be forgotten in the first change of taste, or crumbled in the + first fire. But see, he is awake. Come here, my master, and work this + nostril, for it is beyond me.” + </p> + <p> + The old artist advanced and looked at the bust with admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Maid Miriam,” he said, “I used to have some skill in this art, and I + taught you its rudiments; but now, child, I am not fit to temper your + clay. Deal with the nostril as you will; I am but a hodman who bears the + bricks, you are the heaven-born architect. I will not meddle, I will not + meddle; yet perhaps——” and he made a suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “So?” said Miriam, touching the clay with her tool. “Oh, look! it is right + now. You are clever, my master.” + </p> + <p> + “It was always right. I may be clever, but you have genius, and would have + found the fault without any help from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not say so?” broke in Marcus triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” replied Miriam, “you say a great deal, and much of it, I think, you + do not mean. Please be silent; at this moment I wish to study your lips, + and not your words.” + </p> + <p> + So the work went on. They did not always talk, for soon they found that + speech is not necessary to true companionship. Once Miriam began to sing, + and since she discovered that her voice pleased Marcus and soothed the + slumbers of the elders, she sang often; quaint, sad songs of the desert + and of the Jordan fishermen. Also she told him tales and legends, and when + she had done Nehushta told others—wild stories of Libya, some of + them very dark and bloody, others of magic, black or white. Thus these + afternoons passed happily enough, and the clay model being finished, after + the masons among the brethren had rough hewn it for her, Miriam began to + fashion it in marble. + </p> + <p> + There was one, however, for whom these days did not pass happily—Caleb. + From the time that he had seen Miriam walking side by side with Marcus he + hated the brilliant-looking Roman in whom, his instinct warned him, he had + found a dangerous rival. Oh, how he hated him! So much, indeed, that even + in the moment of first meeting he could not keep his rage and envy in his + heart, but suffered them to be written on his face, and to shine like + danger signals in his eyes, which, it may be remembered, Marcus did not + neglect to note. + </p> + <p> + Of Miriam Caleb had seen but little lately. She was not angry with him, + since his offence was of a nature which a woman can forgive, but in her + heart she feared him. Of a sudden, as it were, the curtain had been drawn, + and she had seen this young man’s secret spirit and learned that it was a + consuming fire. It had come home to her that every word he spoke was true, + that he who was orphaned and not liked even by the gentle elders of the + Essenes, loved but one being upon earth—herself, whereas already his + bosom seethed with many hates. She was sure also that any man for whom she + chanced to care, if such an one should ever cross her path, would, as + Caleb had promised, go in danger at his hands, and the thought frightened + her. Most of all did it frighten her when she saw him glower upon Marcus, + although in truth the Roman was nothing to her. Yet, as she knew, Caleb + had judged otherwise. + </p> + <p> + But if she saw little of him, of this Miriam was sure enough—that he + was seldom far from her, and that he found means to learn from day to day + how she spent her hours. Indeed, Marcus told her that wherever he went he + met that handsome young man with revengeful eyes, who she had said was + named Caleb. Therefore Miriam grew frightened and, as the issue will show, + not without cause. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon, while Miriam was at work upon the marble, and the three + elders were as usual sunk in slumber, Marcus said suddenly: + </p> + <p> + “I forgot. I have news for you, lady. I have found out who murdered that + Jewish thief whose end, amongst other things, I was sent to investigate. + It was your friend Caleb.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam started so violently that her chisel gave an unexpected effect to + one of Marcus’s curls. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” she said, glancing towards the sleepers, one of whom had just + snored so loudly that he began to awake at the sound; then added in a + whisper, “They do not know, do they?” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head and looked puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “I must speak to you of this matter,” she went on with agitation, and in + the same whisper. “No, not now or here, but alone.” + </p> + <p> + “When and where you will,” answered Marcus, smiling, as if the prospect of + a solitary conversation with Miriam did not displease him, although this + evil-doing Caleb was to be its subject. “Name the time and place, lady.” + </p> + <p> + By now the snoring elder was awake, and rising from his chair with a great + noise, which in turn roused the others. Nehushta also rose from her seat + and in doing so, as though by accident, overset a copper tray on which lay + metal tools. + </p> + <p> + “In the garden one hour after sunset. Nehushta will leave the little lower + door unlocked.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” answered Marcus; then added in a loud voice, “Not so, lady. Ye + gods! what a noise! I think the curl improved by the slip. It looks less + as though it had been waxed after the Egyptian fashion. Sirs, why do you + disturb yourselves? I fear that to you this long waiting must be as + tedious as to me it seems unnecessary.” + </p> + <p> + The sun was down, and the last red glow had faded from the western sky, + which was now lit only by the soft light of a half-moon. All the world lay + bathed in peace and beauty; even the stern outlines of the surrounding + mountains seemed softened, and the pale waters of the Dead Sea and the + ashen face of the desert gleamed like silver new cast from the mould. From + the oleanders and lilies which bloomed along the edge of the irrigation + channels, and from the white flowers of the glossy, golden-fruited orange + trees, floated a perfume delicious to the sense, while the silence was + only broken from time to time by the bark of a wandering dog or the howl + of a jackal in the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + “A very pleasant night—to talk about Caleb,” reflected Marcus, who + had reached the appointed spot ten minutes before the time, as he strolled + from the narrow belt of trees that were planted along the high, outer + wall, into the more open part of the garden. Had Marcus chanced to notice + that this same Caleb, walking softly as a cat, and keeping with great care + in the shadow, had followed him through the little door which he forgot to + lock, and was now hidden among those very trees, he might have remembered + a proverb to the effect that snakes hide in the greenest grass and the + prettiest flowers have thorny stems. But he thought of no such thing, who + was lost in happy anticipations of a moonlight interview with a lovely and + cultured young lady, whose image, to speak truth, had taken so deep a hold + upon his fancy, that sometimes he wondered how he would be able to banish + it thence again. At present he could think of no better means than that + which at this moment he was following with delight. Meetings in moonlit + gardens tend proverbially to disenchantment! + </p> + <p> + Presently Marcus caught the gleam of a white robe followed by a dark one, + flitting towards him through the dim and dewy garden, and at the sight his + heart stood still, then began to beat again in a disorderly fashion. Had + he known it, another heart a few yards behind him also stood still, and + then began to beat like that of a man in a violent rage. It seems + possible, also, that a third heart experienced unusual sensations. + </p> + <p> + “I wish she had left the old lady behind,” muttered Marcus. “No, I don’t, + for then there are brutes who, if they knew, might blame her”; and, + luckily for himself, he walked forward a few paces to meet the white robe, + leaving the little belt of trees almost out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + Now Miriam stood before him, the moonlight shining on her delicate face + and in her tranquil eyes, which always reminded him of the blue depths of + heaven. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” she began—— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I pray you,” he broke in, “cease from ceremony and call me Marcus!” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Marcus,” she repeated, dwelling a little on the unfamiliar name, + “I beg that you will forgive me for disturbing you at so unseasonable an + hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I forgive you, Lady Miriam,” he replied, also dwelling on her + name and copying her accent in a fashion that made the grim-faced Nehushta + smile. + </p> + <p> + She waved her hand in deprecation. “The truth is, that this matter of + Caleb’s——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, may all the infernal gods take Caleb! as I have reason to believe + they shortly will,” broke in Marcus angrily. + </p> + <p> + “But that is just what I wish to prevent; we have met here to talk of + Caleb.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you must—talk and let us be done with him. What about + Caleb?” + </p> + <p> + Miriam clasped her hands. “What do you know of him, Captain Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “Know? Why, just this: a spy I have in my troop has found out a country + fellow who was hunting for mushrooms or something—I forget what—in + a gully a mile away, and saw this interesting youth hide himself there and + shoot that Jewish plunderer with a bow and arrow. More—he has found + another man who saw the said Caleb an hour or two before help himself to + an arrow out of one of the Jew’s quivers, which arrow appears to be + identical with, or at any rate, similar to, that which was found in the + fellow’s gullet. Therefore, it seems that Caleb is guilty, and that it + will be my duty to-morrow to place him under arrest, and in due course to + convey him to Jerusalem, where the priests will attend to his little + business. Now, Lady Miriam, is your curiosity satisfied about Caleb?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” she said, “it cannot be, it must not be! The man had struck him and + he did but return a blow for a blow.” + </p> + <p> + “An arrow for a blow, you mean; the point of a spear for the push of its + handle. But, Lady Miriam, you seem to be very deep in the confidence of + Caleb. How do you come to know all this?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, I only guess. I daresay, nay, I am sure, that Caleb is + quite innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you take such an interest in Caleb?” asked Marcus suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “Because he was my friend and playmate from childhood.” + </p> + <p> + “Umph,” he answered, “a strange couple—a dove and a raven. Well, I + am glad that you did not catch his temper, or you would be more dangerous + even than you are. Now, what do you want me to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I want you to spare Caleb. You, you, you—need not believe those + witnesses.” + </p> + <p> + “To think of it!” said Marcus, in mock horror. “To think that one whom I + thought so good can prove so immoral. Do you then wish to tempt me from my + duty?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose so. At least the peasants round here are great liars.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said Marcus, with stern conviction, “Caleb has improved upon his + opportunities as a playmate; he has been making love to you. I thought so + from the first.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” she answered, “how can you know that? Besides, he promised that he + would never do it again.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I know that? Why, because Caleb would have been a bigger fool + than I take him for if he had not. And if it rested with me, certainly he + never would do it again. Now be honest with me, if a woman can on such a + matter, and tell me true: are you in love with this Caleb?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I? In love with Caleb? Of course not. If you do not believe me, + ask Nehushta.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, I will be content with your own reply. You deny that you are + in love with him, and I incline to believe you; but, on the other hand, I + remember that you would naturally say this, since you might think that any + other answer would prejudice the cause of Caleb with me.” + </p> + <p> + “With you! What can it matter to you, sir, whether or no I am in love with + Caleb, who, to tell you the truth, frightens me?” + </p> + <p> + “And that, I suppose, is why you plead so hard for him?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered with a sudden sternness, “I plead hard for him as in + like case I would plead hard for you—because he has been my friend, + and if he did this deed he was provoked to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well spoken,” said Marcus, gazing at her steadily. Indeed, she was worth + looking at as she stood there before him, her hands clasped, her breast + heaving, her sweet, pale face flushed with emotion and her lovely eyes + aswim with tears. Of a sudden as he gazed Marcus lost control of himself. + Passion for this maiden and bitter jealousy of Caleb arose like twin + giants in his heart and possessed him. + </p> + <p> + “You say you are not in love with Caleb,” he said. “Well, kiss me and I + will believe you.” + </p> + <p> + “How could such a thing prove my words?” she asked indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know and I do not care. Kiss me once and I will believe further + that the peasants of these parts are all liars. I feel myself beginning to + believe it.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I will not?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am afraid I must refer the matter to a competent tribunal at + Jerusalem.” + </p> + <p> + “Nehushta, Nehushta, you have heard. What shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “What shall you do?” said Nehushta drily. “Well, if you like to give the + noble Marcus a kiss, I shall not blame you overmuch or tell on you. But if + you do not wish it, then I think you would be a fool to put yourself to + shame to save Caleb.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, I will do it—and to save Caleb only,” said Miriam with a sob, + and she bent towards him. + </p> + <p> + To her surprise Marcus drew back, placing his hand before his face. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me,” he said. “I was a brute who wished to buy kisses in such a + fashion. I forgot myself; your beauty is to blame, and your sweetness and + everything that is yours. I pray,” he added humbly, “that you will not + think the worse of me, since we men are frail at times. And now, because + you ask me, though I have no right, I grant your prayer. Mayhap those + witnesses lied; at least, the man’s sin, if sin there be, can be excused. + He has naught to fear from me.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” broke in Nehushta, “but I think you have much to fear from him; and + I am sorry for that, my lord Marcus, for you have a noble heart.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so; the future is on the knees of the gods, and that which is + fated will befall. My Lady Miriam, I, your humble servant and friend, wish + you farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell,” she answered. “Yes, Nehushta is right, you have a noble + heart”; and she looked at him in such a fashion that it flashed across his + mind that were he to proffer that request of his again, it might not be + refused. But Marcus would not do it. He had tasted of the joy of + self-conquest, who hitherto, after the manner of his age and race, had + denied himself little, and, as it seemed to him, a strange new power was + stirring in his heart—something purer, higher, nobler, than he had + known before. He would cherish it a while. + </p> + <p> + Of all that were spoken there in the garden, Caleb, the watcher, could + catch no word. The speakers did not raise their voices and they stood at a + distance, so that although he craned his head forward as far as he dared + in the shadow of the trees, sharp and trained as they were, naught save a + confused murmur reached his ears. But if these failed him, his eyes fed + full, so that he lost no move or gesture. It was a passionate love scene, + this was clear, for Nehushta stood at a little distance with her back + turned, while the pair poured out their sweet speeches to each other. Then + at length, as he had expected, came the climax. Yes, oh! shameless woman—they + were embracing. A mist fell upon Caleb’s eyes, in which lights flashed + like red-hot swords lifting and smiting, the blood drummed in his ears as + though his raging, jealous heart would burst. He would kill that Roman now + on the spot. Miriam should never kiss him more—alive. + </p> + <p> + Already Caleb had drawn the short-sword from its hiding-place in his ample + robe; already he had stepped out from the shadow of the trees, when of a + sudden his reason righted itself like a ship that has been laid over by a + furious squall, and caution came back to him. If he did this that + faithless guardian, Nehushta, who without doubt had been bought with Roman + gold, would come to the assistance of her patron and thrust her dagger + through his back, as she well could do. Or should he escape that dagger, + one or other of them would raise the Essenes on him, and he would be given + over to justice. He wished to slay, not to be slain. It would be sweet to + kill the Roman, but if he himself were laid dead across his body, leaving + Miriam alive to pass to some other man, what would he be advantaged? + Presently they must cease from their endearments; presently his enemy + would return as he had come, and then he might find his chance. He would + wait, he would wait. + </p> + <p> + Look, they had parted; Miriam was gliding back to the house, and Marcus + came towards him, walking like a man in his sleep. Only Nehushta stood + where she was, her eyes fixed upon the ground as though she were reasoning + with herself. Still like a man in a dream, Marcus passed him within touch + of his outstretched hand. Caleb followed. Marcus opened the door, went out + of it, and pulled it to behind him. Caleb caught it in his hand, slipped + through and closed it. A few paces down the wall—eight or ten + perhaps—was another door, by which Marcus entered the garden of the + guest-house. As he turned to shut this, Caleb pushed in after him, and + they were face to face. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” asked the Roman, springing back. + </p> + <p> + Caleb, who by now was cool enough, closed the door and shot the bolt. Then + he answered, “Caleb, the son of Hilliel, who wishes a word with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Marcus, “the very man, and, as usual, unless the light deceives + me, in an evil humour. Well, Caleb the son of Hilliel, what is your + business with me?” + </p> + <p> + “One of life and death, Marcus the son of Emilius,” he answered, in such a + tone that the Roman drew his sword and stood watching him. + </p> + <p> + “Be plain and brief, young man,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I will be both plain and brief. I love that lady from whom you have just + parted, and you also love, or pretend to love, her. Nay, deny it not; I + have seen all, even to your kisses. Well, she cannot belong to both of us, + and I intend that in some future day she shall belong to me if arm and eye + do not fail me now. Therefore one of us must die to-night.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus stepped back, overcome not with fear, but with astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Insolent,” he said, “you lie! There were no kisses, and our talk was of + your neck, that I gave to her because she asked it, which is forfeit for + the murder of the Jew.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” sneered Caleb. “Now, who would have thought that the noble + Captain Marcus would shelter thus behind a woman’s robe? For the rest, my + life is my own and no other’s to give or to receive. Guard yourself, + Roman, since I would kill you in fair fight. Had I another mind you would + be dead by now, never knowing the hand that struck you. Have no fear; I am + your equal, for my forefathers were nobles when yours were savages.” + </p> + <p> + “Boy, are you mad,” asked Marcus, “to think that I, who have fought in + three wars, can fear a beardless youth, however fierce? Why, if I feared + you I have but to blow upon this whistle and my guards would hale you + hence to a felon’s death. For your own sake it is that I pray you to + consider. Setting aside my rank and yours, I will fight you if you will, + and now. Yet think. If I kill you there is an end, and if by chance you + should kill me, you will be hunted down as a double murderer. As it is, I + forgive you, because I know how bitter is the jealousy of youth, and + because you struck no assassin’s blow when you might have done so safely. + Therefore, I say, go in peace, knowing that I shall not break my word.” + </p> + <p> + “Cease talking,” said Caleb, “and come out into the moonlight.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad that is your wish,” replied Marcus. “Having done all I can to + save you, I will add that I think you a dangerous cub, of whom the world, + the lady Miriam and I alike will be well rid. Now, what weapon have you? A + short sword and no mail? Well, so have I. In this we are well matched. + Stay, I have a steel-lined cap, and you have none. There it goes, to make + our chances equal. Wind your cloak about your left arm as I do. I have + known worse shields. Good foothold, but an uncertain light. Now, go!” + </p> + <p> + Caleb needed no encouragement. For one second they stood facing each + other, very types of the Eastern and Western world; the Roman—sturdy, + honest-eyed, watchful and fearless, his head thrown back, his feet apart, + his shield arm forward, his sword hand pressed to his side from which the + steel projected. Over against him was the Jew, crouched like a tiger about + to spring, his eyes half closed as though to concentrate the light, his + face working with rage, and every muscle quivering till his whole flesh + seemed to move upon his bones, like to that of a snake. Suddenly, uttering + a low cry, he sprang, and with that savage onslaught the fight began and + ended. + </p> + <p> + Marcus was ready; moreover, he knew what he would do. As the man came, + stepping swiftly to one side, he caught the thrust of Caleb’s sword in the + folded cloak, and since he did not wish to kill him, struck at his hand. + The blow fell upon Caleb’s first finger and severed it, cutting the others + also, so that it dropped to the ground with the sword that they had held. + Marcus put his foot upon the blade, and wheeled round. + </p> + <p> + “Young man,” he said sternly, “you have learnt your lesson and will bear + the mark of it till your death day. Now begone.” + </p> + <p> + The wretched Caleb ground his teeth. “It was to the death!” he said, “it + was to the death! You have conquered, kill me,” and with his bloody hand + he tore open his robe to make a path for the sword. + </p> + <p> + “Leave such talk to play-actors,” answered Marcus. “Begone, and be sure of + this—that if ever you try to bring treachery on me, or trouble on + the lady Miriam, I will kill you sure enough.” + </p> + <p> + Then with a sound that was half curse and half sob, Caleb turned and slunk + away. With a shrug of the shoulder Marcus also turned to go, when he felt + a shadow fall upon him, and swung round, to find Nehushta at his side. + </p> + <p> + “And pray where did you come from, my Libyan friend?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Out of that pomegranate fence, my Roman lord, whence I have seen and + heard all that passed.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed. Then I hope that you give me credit for good sword-play and good + temper.” + </p> + <p> + “The sword-play was well enough, though nothing to boast of with such a + madman for a foe. As for the temper, it was that of a fool.” + </p> + <p> + “Such,” soliloquised Marcus, “is the reward of virtue. But I am curious. + Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, my lord Marcus, this Caleb will grow into the most dangerous man + in Judæa, and to none more dangerous than to my lady Miriam and yourself. + You should have killed him while you had the chance, before his turn comes + to kill you.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” answered Marcus with a yawn; “but, friend Nehushta, I have been + associating with a Christian and have caught something of her doctrines. + That seems a fine sword. You had better keep it. Good-night.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + THE JUSTICE OF FLORUS + </h3> + <p> + On the following morning, when the roll of the neophytes of the Essenes + was called, Caleb did not appear. Nor did he answer to his name on the + next day, or indeed ever again. None knew what had become of him until a + while after a letter was received addressed to the Curators of the Court, + in which he announced that, finding he had no vocation for an Essenic + career, he had taken refuge with friends of his late father, in some place + not stated. There, so far as the Essenes were concerned, the matter ended. + Indeed, as the peasant who was concealed in the gully when the Jew was + murdered had talked of what he had witnessed, even the most simple-minded + of the Essenes could suggest a reason for this sudden departure. Nor did + they altogether regret it, inasmuch as in many ways Caleb had proved + himself but an unsatisfactory disciple, and already they were discussing + the expediency of rejecting him from the fellowship of their peaceful + order. Had they known that when he vanished he left behind him a drawn + sword and one of his forefingers, their opinion on this point might have + been strengthened. But this they did not know, although Miriam knew it + through Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + A week went by, during which time Miriam and Marcus did not meet, as no + further sittings were arranged for the completion of the bust. In fact, + they were not needful, since she could work from the clay model, which she + did, till, labouring at it continually, the marble was done and even + polished. One morning as the artist was putting the last touches to her + labours, the door of the workshop was darkened and she looked up to see + Marcus, who, except for his helmet, was clad in full mail as though about + to start upon a journey. As it chanced, Miriam was alone in the place, + Nehushta having gone to attend to household affairs. Thus for the first + time they met with no other eyes to watch them. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of him she coloured, letting the cloth fall from her hand + which remained about the neck of the marble. + </p> + <p> + “I ask your pardon, Lady Miriam,” said Marcus, bowing gravely, “for + breaking in thus upon your privacy; but time presses with me so that I + lacked any to give notice to your guardians of my visit.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you leaving us?” she faltered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am leaving you.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam turned aside and picked up the cloth, then answered, “Well, the + work is done, or will be in a few minutes; so if you think it worth the + trouble, take it.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my intention. The price I will settle with your uncles.” + </p> + <p> + She nodded. “Yes, yes, but if you will permit me, I should like to pack it + myself, so that it comes to no harm upon the journey. Also with your leave + I will retain the model, which by right belongs to you. I am not pleased + with this marble; I wish to make another.” + </p> + <p> + “The marble is perfect; but keep the model if you will. I am very glad + that you should keep it.” + </p> + <p> + She glanced at him, a question in her eyes, then looked away. + </p> + <p> + “When do you go?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Three hours after noon. My task is finished, my report—which is to + the effect that the Essenes are a most worthy and harmless people who + deserve to be encouraged, not molested—is written. Also I am called + hence in haste by a messenger who reached me from Jerusalem an hour ago. + Would you like to know why?” + </p> + <p> + “If it pleases you to tell me, yes.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that I told you of my uncle Caius, who was pro-consul under the + late emperor for the richest province of Spain, and—made use of his + opportunities.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the old man has been smitten with a mortal disease. For aught I + know he may be already dead, although the physicians seemed to think he + would live for another ten months, or perhaps a year. Being in this case, + suddenly he has grown fond of his relations, or rather relation, for I am + the only one, and expressed a desire to see me, to whom for many years he + has never given a single penny. He has even announced his intention—by + letter—of making me his heir ‘should he find me worthy,’ which, to + succeed Caius, whatever my faults, indeed I am not, since of all men, as I + have told him in past days, I hold him the worst. Still, he has forwarded + a sum of money to enable me to journey to him in haste, and with it a + letter from the Cæsar, Nero, to the procurator Albinus, commanding him to + give me instant leave to go. Therefore, lady, it seems wise that I should + go.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Miriam. “I know little of such things, but I think that it + is wise. Within two hours the bust shall be finished and packed,” and she + stretched out her hand in farewell. + </p> + <p> + Marcus took the hand and held it. “I am loth to part with you thus,” he + said suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “There is only one fashion of parting,” answered Miriam, striving to + withdraw her hand. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, there are many; and I hate them all—from you.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” she asked with gentle indignation, “is it worth your while to play + off these pretty phrases upon me? We have met for an hour; we separate—for + a lifetime.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not see the need of that. Oh, the truth may as well out. I wish it + least of all things.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it is so. Come, let my hand go; the marble must be finished and + packed.” + </p> + <p> + The face of Marcus became troubled, as though he were reasoning with + himself, as though he wished to take her at her word and go, yet could + not. + </p> + <p> + “Is it ended?” asked Miriam presently, considering him with her quiet + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I think not; I think it is but begun. Miriam, I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus,” she answered steadily, “I do not think I should be asked to + listen to such words.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? They have always been thought honest between man and woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, when they are meant honestly, which in this case can scarcely + be.” + </p> + <p> + He grew hot and red. “What do you mean? Do you suppose——” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose nothing, Captain Marcus.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you suppose,” he repeated, “that I would offer you less than the place + of wife?” + </p> + <p> + “Assuredly not,” she replied, “since to do so would be to insult you. But + neither do I suppose that you really meant to offer me that place.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet that was in my mind, Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes grew soft, but she answered: + </p> + <p> + “Then, Marcus, I pray you, put it out of your mind, since between us rolls + a great sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it named Caleb?” he asked bitterly. + </p> + <p> + She smiled and shook her head. “You know well that it has no such name.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me of this sea.” + </p> + <p> + “It is easy. You are a Roman worshipping the Roman gods; I am a Christian + worshipping the God of the Christians. Therefore we are forever separate.” + </p> + <p> + “Why? I do not understand. If we were married you might come to think like + me, or I might come to think like you. It is a matter of the spirit and + the future, not of the body and the present. Every day Christians wed + those who are not Christians; sometimes, even, they convert them.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know; but in my case this may not be—even if I wished that + it should be.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because both by the command of my murdered father and of her own desire + my mother laid it on me with her dying breath that I should take to + husband no man who was not of our faith.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you hold yourself to be bound by this command?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, without doubt and to the end.” + </p> + <p> + “However much you might chance to love a man who is not a Christian?” + </p> + <p> + “However much I might chance to love such a man.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus let fall her hand. “I think I had best go,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Then came a pause while he seemed to be struggling with himself. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, I cannot go.” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus, you must go.” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, do you love me?” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus, may Christ forgive me, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, how much?” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus, as much as a woman may love a man.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” he broke out bitterly, “you bid me begone because I am not a + Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “Because my faith is more than my love. I must offer my love upon the + altar of my faith—or, at the least,” she added hurriedly, “I am + bound by a rope that cannot be cut or broken. To break it would bring down + upon your head and mine the curse of Heaven and of my parents, who are its + inhabitants.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I became of your faith?” + </p> + <p> + Her whole face lit up, then suddenly its light died. + </p> + <p> + “It is too much to hope. This is not a question of casting incense on an + altar; it is a matter of a changed spirit and a new life. Oh! have done. + Why do you play with me?” + </p> + <p> + “A changed spirit and a new life. At the best that would take time.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, time and thought.” + </p> + <p> + “And would you wait that time? Such beauty and such sweetness as are yours + will not lack for suitors.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall wait. I have told you that I love you; no other man will be + anything to me. I shall wed no other man.” + </p> + <p> + “You give all and take nothing; it is not just.” + </p> + <p> + “It is as God has willed. If it pleases God to touch your heart and to + preserve us both alive, then in days to come our lives may be one life. + Otherwise they must run apart till perchance we meet—in the eternal + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Miriam, I cannot leave you thus! Teach me as you will.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, go, Marcus, and teach yourself. Am I a bait to win your soul? The + path is not so easy, it is very difficult. Fare you well!” + </p> + <p> + “May I write to you from Rome?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, why not, if by that time you should care to write, who then will + have recovered from this folly of the desert and an idle moon?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall write and I shall return, and we will talk of these matters; so, + most sweet, farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Marcus, and the love of God go with you.” + </p> + <p> + “What of your love?” + </p> + <p> + “My love is with you ever who have won my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Miriam, at least I have not lived in vain. Remember this always, + that much as I may worship you, I honour you still more,” and kneeling + before her he kissed first her hand, and next the hem of her robe. Then he + turned and went. + </p> + <p> + That night, watching from the roof of her house by the light of the full + moon, Miriam saw Marcus ride away at the head of his band of soldiers. On + the crest of a little ridge of ground outside the village he halted, + leaving them to go on, and turning his horse’s head looked backward. Thus + he stood awhile, the silver rays of the moon shining on his bright armour + and making him a point of light set between two vales of shadow. Miriam + could guess whither his eyes were turned and what was in his heart. It + seemed to her, even, that she could feel his loving thought play upon her + and that with the ear of his spirit he could catch the answer of her own. + Then suddenly he turned and was lost in the gloom of the night. + </p> + <p> + Now that he was gone, quite gone, Miriam’s courage seemed to leave her, + and leaning her head upon the parapet she wept tears that were soft but + very bitter. Suddenly a hand was laid upon her shoulder and a voice, that + of old Nehushta, spoke in her ear. + </p> + <p> + “Mourn not,” it said, “since him whom you lose in the night you may find + again in the daytime.” + </p> + <p> + “In no day that dawns from an earthly sun, I fear me, Nou. Oh, Nou! he has + gone, and taken my heart with him, leaving in its place a throbbing pain + which is more than I can bear.” + </p> + <p> + “He will come back; I tell you that he will come back,” she answered, + almost fiercely; “for your life and his are intertwined—yes, to the + end—a single cord bearing a double destiny. I know it; ask me not + how; but be comforted, for it is truth. Moreover, though it be sharp, your + pain is not more than you can bear, else it would never be laid upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Nou, if he does come back, what will it help me, who am built in by + this strict command of them that begat me, to break through which would be + to sin against and earn the curse of God and man?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know; I only know this, that in that wall, as in others, a door + will be found. Trouble not for the future, but leave it in the hand of Him + Who shapes all futures. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof. So He + said. Accept the saying and be grateful. It is something to have gained + the love of such a one as this Roman, for, unless the wisdom which I have + gained through many years is at fault, he is true and honest; and that man + must be good at heart who can be reared in Rome and in the worship of its + gods and yet remain honest. Remember these things, and I say be grateful, + since there are many who go through their lives knowing no such joy, even + for an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I will try, Nou,” said Miriam humbly, still staring at the ridge whence + Marcus had vanished. + </p> + <p> + “You will try, and you will succeed. Now there is another matter of which + I must speak to you. When the Essenes received us it was solemnly decreed + that if you lived to reach the full age of eighteen years you must depart + from among them. That hour struck for you nearly a year ago, and, although + you heard nothing of it, this decree was debated by the Court. Now such + decrees may not be broken, but it was argued that the words ‘full age of + eighteen years,’ meant and were intended to mean until you reached your + nineteenth birthday; that is—in a month from now.” + </p> + <p> + “Then must we go, Nou?” asked Miriam in dismay, for she knew no other + world but this village in the desert, and no other friends than these + venerable men whom she called her uncles. + </p> + <p> + “It seems so, especially as it is now guessed that Caleb fought the + Captain Marcus upon your account. Oh! that tale is talked of—for one + thing, the young wild-cat left a claw behind him which the gardener + found.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust then it is known also that the fault was none of mine. But, Nou, + whither shall we go who have neither friends, nor home, nor money?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not; but doubtless in this wall also there is a door. If the worst + comes to the worst, a Christian has many brothers; moreover, with your + skill in the arts you need never lack for a living in any great city in + the world.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Miriam, brightening; “that is, if I may believe Marcus + and my old master.” + </p> + <p> + “Also,” continued Nehushta, “I have still almost all the gold that the + Phoenician Amram gave us when I fled with your mother, and added to it + that which I took from the strong box of the captain of the galley on the + night when you were born. So have no fear, we shall not want; nor indeed + would the Essenes suffer such a thing. Now, child, you are weary; go to + rest and dream that you have your lover back again.” + </p> + <p> + It was with a heavy heart that Caleb, defeated and shamed, shook the dust + of the village of the Essenes off his feet. At dawn on the morning after + the night that he had fought the duel with Marcus, he also might have been + seen, a staff in his bandaged hand and a bag of provisions over his + shoulder, standing upon the little ridge and gazing towards the house + which sheltered Miriam. In love and war things had gone ill with him, so + ill that at the thought of his discomfiture he ground his teeth. Miriam + cared nothing for him; Marcus had defeated him at the first encounter and + given him his life; while, worst of all, these two from whom he had + endured so much loved each other. Few, perhaps, have suffered more sharply + than he suffered in that hour; for what agonies are there like those of + disappointed love and the shame of defeat when endured in youth? With time + most men grow accustomed to disaster and rebuff. The colt that seems to + break its heart at the cut of a whip, will hobble at last to the knacker + unmoved by a shower of blows. + </p> + <p> + While Caleb looked, the red rim of the sun rose above the horizon, + flooding the world with light and life. Now birds began to chirp, and + beasts to move; now the shadows fled away. Caleb’s impressionable nature + answered to this change. Hope stirred in his breast, even the pain of his + maimed hand was forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “I will win yet,” he shouted to the silent sky; “my troubles are done + with. I will shine like the sun; I will rule like the sun, and my enemies + shall whither beneath my power. It is a good omen. Now I am glad that the + Roman spared my life, that in a day to come I may take his—and + Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + Then he turned and trudged onward through the glorious sunlight, watching + his own shadow that stretched away before him. + </p> + <p> + “It goes far,” he said again; “this also is a very good omen.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb thought much on his way to Jerusalem; moreover he talked with all + whom he met, even with bandits and footpads whom his poverty could not + tempt, for he desired to learn how matters stood in the land. Arrived in + Jerusalem he sought out the home of that lady who had been his mother’s + friend and who gave him over, a helpless orphan, to the care of the + Essenes. He found that she was dead, but her son lived, a man of kind + heart and given to hospitality, who had heard his story and sheltered him + for his mother’s sake. When his hand was healed and he procured some good + clothes and a little money from his friend, without saying anything of his + purpose, Caleb attended the court of Gessius Florus, the Roman procurator, + at his palace, seeking an opportunity to speak with him. + </p> + <p> + Thrice did he wait thus for hours at a time, on each occasion to be driven + away at last by the guards. On his fourth visit he was more fortunate, for + Florus, who had noted him before, asked why he stood there so patiently. + An officer replied that the man had a petition to make. + </p> + <p> + “Let me hear it then,” said the governor. “I sit in this place to + administer justice by the grace and in the name of Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, Caleb was summoned and found himself in the presence of a + small, dark-eyed, beetle-browed Roman with cropped hair, who looked what + he was—one of the most evil rulers that ever held power in Judæa. + </p> + <p> + “What do you seek, Jew?” he asked in a harsh voice. + </p> + <p> + “What I am assured I shall find at your hands, O most noble Florus, + justice against the Jews—pure justice”; words at which the courtiers + and guards tittered, and even Florus smiled. + </p> + <p> + “It is to be had at a price,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “I am prepared to pay the price.” + </p> + <p> + “Then set out your case.” + </p> + <p> + So Caleb set it out. He told how many years before his father had been + accidentally slain in a tumult, and how he, the son, being but an infant, + certain Jews of the Zealots had seized and divided his estate on the + ground that his father was a partisan of the Romans, leaving him, the son, + to be brought up by charity—which estate, consisting of tracts of + rich lands and certain house property in Jerusalem and Tyre, was still in + their possession or in that of their descendants. + </p> + <p> + The black eyes of Florus glistened as he heard. + </p> + <p> + “Their names,” he said, snatching at his tablets. But as yet Caleb was not + minded to give the names. First, he intimated that he desired to arrive at + a formal agreement as to what proportion of the property, if recovered, + would be handed over to him, the heir. Then followed much haggling; but in + the end it was agreed that as he had been robbed because his father was + supposed to favour the Romans, the lands and a large dwelling with + warehouse attached, at Tyre, together with one-half the back rents, if + recoverable, should be given to the plaintiff. The governor, or as he put + it, Cæsar, for his share was to retain the property in Jerusalem and the + other half of the rents. In this arrangement Caleb proved himself, as + usual, prescient. Houses, as he explained afterwards, could be burned or + pulled down, but beyond the crops on it, land no man could injure. Then, + after the agreement had been duly signed and witnessed, he gave the names, + bringing forward good testimony to prove all that he had said. + </p> + <p> + Within a week those Jews who had committed the theft, or their + descendants, were in prison, whence they did not emerge till they had been + stripped, not only of the stolen property, but of everything else that + they possessed. Either because he was pleased at so great and unexpected a + harvest, or perhaps for the reason that he saw in Caleb an able fellow who + might be useful in the future, Florus fulfilled his bargain with him to + the letter. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came about that by a strange turn of the wheel of chance, within a + month of his flight from the colony of the Essenes, Caleb, the outcast + orphan, with his neck in danger of the sword, became a man of influence, + having great possessions. His sun had risen indeed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <h3> + BENONI + </h3> + <p> + A while later Caleb, no longer a solitary wanderer with only his feet to + carry him, his staff to protect him, and a wallet to supply him with food, + but a young and gallant gentleman, well-armed, clad in furs and a purple + cloak, accompanied by servants and riding a splendid horse, once more + passed the walls of Jerusalem. On the rising ground beyond the Damascus + gate he halted and looked back at the glorious city with her crowded + streets, her mighty towers, her luxurious palaces, and her world-famed + temple that dominated all, which from here seemed as a mountain covered + with snow and crowned with glittering gold. + </p> + <p> + “I will rule there when the Romans have been driven out,” he said to + himself, for already Caleb had grown very ambitious. Indeed, the wealth + and the place that had come to him so suddenly, with which many men would + have been satisfied, did but serve to increase his appetite for power, + fame, and all good things. To him this money was but a stepping-stone to + greater fortunes. + </p> + <p> + Caleb was journeying to Tyre to take possession of his house there, which + the Roman commander of the district had been bidden to hand over to him. + Also he had another object. At Tyre dwelt the old Jew, Benoni, who was + Miriam’s grandfather, as he had discovered years before; for when they + were still children together she had told him all her story. This Benoni, + for reasons of his own, he desired to see. + </p> + <p> + On a certain afternoon in one of the palaces of Tyre a man might have been + sitting in a long portico, or verandah as we should call it, which + overlooked the Mediterranean, whose blue waters lapped the + straight-scarped rock below—for this house was in the island city, + not in that of the mainland where most of the rich Syrians dwelt. + </p> + <p> + The man was old and very handsome. His dark eyes were quick and full of + fire, his nose was hooked like the beak of a bird of prey, his hair and + beard were long and snowy white. His robes also were rich and splendid, + and over them, since at this season of the year even at Tyre it was cold, + he wore a cloak of costly northern furs. The house was worthy of its + owner. Built throughout of the purest marble, the rooms were roofed and + panelled with sweet-smelling cedar of Lebanon, whence hung many silver + lamps, and decorated by statuary and frescoes. On the marble floors were + spread rugs, beautifully wrought in colours, while here and there stood + couches, tables and stools, fashioned for the most part of ebony from + Libya, inlaid with ivory and pearl. + </p> + <p> + Benoni, the owner of all this wealth, having finished his business for + that day—the taking count of a shipload of merchandise which had + reached him from Egypt—had eaten his midday meal and now sought his + couch under the portico to rest a while in the sun. Reclining on the + cushions, soon he was asleep; but it would seem that his dreams were + unhappy—at the least he turned from side to side muttering and + moving his hands. At last he sat up with a start. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Rachel, Rachel!” he moaned, “why will you haunt my sleep? Oh! my + child, my child, have I not suffered enough? Must you bring my sin back to + me in this fashion? May I not shut my eyes even here in the sunlight and + be at peace a while? What have you to tell me that you come thus often to + stand here so strengthless and so still? Nay, it is not you; it is my sin + that wears your shape!” and Benoni hid his face in his hands, rocking + himself to and fro and moaning aloud. + </p> + <p> + Presently he sprang up. “It was no sin,” he said, “it was a righteous act. + I offered her to the outraged majesty of Jehovah, as Abraham, our father, + would have offered Isaac, but the curse of that false prophet is upon me + and mine. That was the fault of Demas, the half-bred hound who crept into + my kennel, and whom, because she loved him, I gave to her as husband. Thus + did he repay me, the traitor, and I—I repaid him. Ay! But the sword + fell upon two necks. He should have suffered, and he alone. Oh, Rachel, my + lost daughter Rachel, forgive me, you whose bones lie there beneath the + sea, forgive me! I cannot bear those eyes of yours. I am old, Rachel, I am + old.” + </p> + <p> + Thus Benoni muttered to himself, as he walked swiftly to and fro; then, + worn out with his burst of solitary, dream-bred passion, he sank back upon + the couch. + </p> + <p> + As he sat thus, an Arab doorkeeper, gorgeously apparelled and armed with a + great sword, appeared in the portico, and after looking carefully to see + that his master was not asleep, made a low salaam. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Benoni shortly. + </p> + <p> + “Master, a young lord named Caleb wishes speech with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb? I know not the name,” replied Benoni. “Stay, it must be the son of + Hilliel, whom the Roman governor”—and turning, he spat upon the + ground—“has brought to his own again. I heard that he had come to + take possession of the great house on the quay. Bring him hither.” + </p> + <p> + The Arab saluted and went. Presently he returned and ushered in Caleb, now + a noble-looking young man clad in fine raiment. Benoni bowed to him and + prayed him to be seated. Caleb bowed in return, touching his forehead in + Eastern fashion with his hand, from which, as his host noticed, the + forefinger was missing. + </p> + <p> + “I am your servant, sir,” said Benoni with grave courtesy. + </p> + <p> + “Master, I am your slave,” answered Caleb. “I have been told that you knew + my father; therefore, on this, my first visit to Tyre, I come to make my + respects to you. I am the son of Hilliel, who perished many years ago in + Jerusalem. You may have heard his story and mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Benoni scanning his visitor, “I knew Hilliel—a + clever man, but one who fell into a trap at last, and I see that you are + his son. Your face proves it; indeed, it might be Hilliel who stands + before me.” + </p> + <p> + “I am proud that you should say so,” answered Caleb, though already he + guessed that between Benoni and his father no love had been lost. “You + know,” he added, “that certain of our people seized my inheritance, which + now has been restored to me—in part.” + </p> + <p> + “By Gessius Florus the procurator, I think, who on this account, has cast + many Jews—some of them innocent—into prison.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! Is that so? Well, it was concerning this Florus that I came + chiefly to ask your advice. The Roman has kept a full half of my + property,” and Caleb sighed and looked indignant. + </p> + <p> + “You are indeed fortunate that he has not kept it all.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been brought up in the desert far from cities,” pleaded Caleb. “Is + there no law by which I may have justice of this man? Cannot you help me + who are great among our people?” + </p> + <p> + “None,” answered Benoni. “Roman citizens have rights, Jews what they can + get. You can appeal to Cæsar if you wish, as the jackal appealed to the + lion. But if you are wise you will be content with half the carcase. Also + I am not great; I am but an old merchant without authority.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb looked downfallen. “It seems that the days are hard for us Jews,” he + said. “Well, I will be content and strive to forgive my enemies.” + </p> + <p> + “Better be content and strive to smite your enemies,” answered Benoni. + “You who were poor are rich; for this much thank God.” + </p> + <p> + “Night and morning I do thank Him,” replied Caleb earnestly and with + truth. + </p> + <p> + Then there was silence for a while. + </p> + <p> + “Is it your intention to reside in Hezron’s—I mean in your house—in + Tyre?” asked Benoni, breaking it. + </p> + <p> + “For a time, perhaps, until I find a tenant. I am not accustomed to towns, + and at present they seem to stifle me.” + </p> + <p> + “Where were you brought up, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Among the Essenes by Jericho. But I am not an Essene—their creed + disgusted me; I belong to that of my fathers.” + </p> + <p> + “There are worse men,” replied Benoni. “A brother of my late wife is an + Essene, a kindly natured fool named Ithiel; you may have known him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I know him. He is one of their curators and the guardian of the + lady Miriam, his great-niece.” + </p> + <p> + The old man started violently, then, recovering himself, said: + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, but Miriam was the name of my lost wife—one which it + disturbs me to hear. But how can this girl be Ithiel’s grand-niece? He had + no relations except his sister.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” answered Caleb carelessly. “The story is that the lady + Miriam, whom they call the Queen of the Essenes, was brought to them + nineteen or twenty years ago by a Libyan woman named Nehushta,”—here + again Benoni started—“who said that the child’s mother, Ithiel’s + niece, had been shipwrecked and died after giving birth to the infant, + commanding that it should be brought to him to be reared. The Essenes + consenting, he accepted the charge, and there she is still.” + </p> + <p> + “Then is this lady Miriam an Essene?” asked Benoni in a thick, slow voice. + </p> + <p> + “No; she is of the sect of the Christians, in which faith she has been + brought up as her mother desired.” + </p> + <p> + The old man rose from his couch and walked up and down the portico. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me of the lady Miriam, sir,” he said presently, “for the tale + interests me. What is she like?” + </p> + <p> + “She is, as I believe, the most beautiful maiden in the whole world, + though small and slight; also she is the most sweet and learned.” + </p> + <p> + “That is high praise, sir,” said Benoni. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, master, and perhaps I exaggerate her charms, as is but natural.” + </p> + <p> + “Why is it natural?” + </p> + <p> + “Because we were brought up together, and I hope that one day she will be + my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you then affianced to this maid?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not affianced—as yet,” replied Caleb, with a little smile; “but + I will not trouble you with a history of my love affairs. I have already + trespassed too long upon your kindness. It is something to ask of you who + may not desire my acquaintance, but if you will do me the honour to sup + with me to-morrow night, your servant will be grateful.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, young sir. I will come, I will come, for in truth,” he added + hastily, “I am anxious to hear news of all that passes at Jerusalem, + which, I understand, you left but a few days since, and I perceive that + you are one whose eyes and ears are always open.” + </p> + <p> + “I try both to see and to hear,” said Caleb modestly. “But I am very + inexperienced, and am not sure which cause a man who hopes to become both + wise and good, ought to espouse in these troubled days. I need guidance + such as you could give me if you wished. For this while, farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Benoni watched his visitor depart, then once more began to wander up and + down the portico. + </p> + <p> + “I do not trust that young man,” he thought, “of whose doings I have heard + something; but he is rich and able, and may be of service to our cause. + This Miriam of whom he speaks, who can she be? unless, indeed, Rachel bore + a daughter before she died. Why not? She would not have left it to my care + who desired that it should be reared in her own accursed faith and looked + upon me as the murderer of her husband and herself. If so, I who thought + myself childless, yet have issue upon the earth—at least there is + one in whom my blood runs. Beautiful, gifted—but a Christian! The + sin of the parents has descended on the child—yes, the curse is on + her also. I must seek her out. I must know the truth. Man, what is it now? + Can you not see that I would be alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Master, your pardon,” said the Arab servant, bowing, “but the Roman + captain, Marcus, desires speech with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus? Oh, I remember the officer who was stationed here. I am not well, + I cannot see him. Bid him come to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Master, he bid me say that he sails for Rome to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, admit him,” answered Benoni. “Perchance he comes to pay his + debt,” he added. + </p> + <p> + The Arab departed, and presently the Roman was ushered in. + </p> + <p> + “Greetings, Benoni,” he said, with his pleasant smile. “Here am I, yet + alive, for all your fears; so you see your money is still safe.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it, my lord Marcus,” answered the Jew, bowing low. “But + if it will please you to produce it, with the interest, I think,” he added + drily, “it may be even safer in my strongbox.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus laughed pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + “Produce it?” he said. “What jest is this? Why, I come to borrow more to + defray my costs to Rome.” + </p> + <p> + Benoni’s mouth shut like a trap. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Marcus, holding up his hand, “don’t begin. I know it all. The + times are full of trouble and danger. Such little ready cash as you have + at command is out at interest in safer countries—Egypt, Rome, and + Italy; your correspondent at Alexandria has failed to make you the + expected remittance; and you have reason to believe that every ship in + which you are concerned is now at the bottom of the ocean. So would you be + so good as to lend me half a talent of silver—a thousand shekels in + cash and the rest in bills of exchange on your agents at Brundisium?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Benoni, sternly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Marcus, with conviction. “Look you, friend Benoni, the + security is excellent. If I don’t get drowned, or have my throat slit + between here and Italy, I am going to be one of the richest men in Rome; + so this is your last chance of lending me a trifle. You don’t believe it? + Then read this letter from Caius, my uncle, and this rescript signed by + Nero the Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + Benoni perused the documents and returned them. + </p> + <p> + “I offer you my congratulations,” he said. “If God permits it and you will + walk steadily, your future should be brilliant, since you are of a + pleasant countenance, and when you choose to use it, behind that + countenance lies a brain. But here I see no security for my money, since + even if all things go right, Italy is a long way off.” + </p> + <p> + “Man, do you think that I should cheat you?” asked Marcus hotly. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, but accidents might happen.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will make it worth your while to risk them. For the half-talent + write a talent charged upon my estate, whether I live or die. And be + swift, I pray you, for I have matters to speak of, of more importance than + this miserable money. Whilst I was commissioner among the Essenes on the + banks of Jordan——” + </p> + <p> + “The Essenes! What of the Essenes?” broke in Benoni. + </p> + <p> + Marcus considered him with his grey eyes, then answered: + </p> + <p> + “Let us settle this little matter of business and I will tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. It is settled; you shall have the acknowledgment to sign and the + consideration in cash and bills before you leave my house. Now what of + these Essenes?” + </p> + <p> + “Only this,” said Marcus; “they are a strange people who read the future, + I know not how. One of them with whom I became friendly, foretold that + mighty troubles were about to fall upon this land of yours—slaughter + and pestilence, and famine, such as the world has not seen.” + </p> + <p> + “That is an old prophecy of those accursed Nazarenes,” broke in Benoni. + </p> + <p> + “Call them not accursed, friend,” said Marcus, in an odd voice, “for you + should do so least of all men. Nay, hear me out. It may be a prophecy of + the Nazarenes, but it is also a prophecy of the Essenes, and I believe it, + who watch the signs of the times. Now the elder told me this, that there + will be a great uprising of the Jews against the strength of Cæsar, and + that most of those who join in it shall perish. He even gave names, and + among them was yours, friend Benoni. Therefore, because you have lent me + money, although I am a Roman, I have come to Tyre to warn you to keep + clear of rebellions and other tumults.” + </p> + <p> + The old man listened quietly, but not as one who disbelieves. + </p> + <p> + “All this may be so,” he said, “but if my name is written in that book of + the dead, the angel of Jehovah has chosen me, and I cannot escape his + sword. Moreover, I am aged, and”—here his eyes flashed—“it is + a good end to die fighting one’s country’s enemies.” + </p> + <p> + “How you Jews do love us to be sure!” said Marcus with a little laugh. + </p> + <p> + “The nation that sends a Gessius Florus, or even an Albinus, to rule its + alien subjects must needs be loved,” replied Benoni with bitter sarcasm. + “But let us be done with politics lest we grow angry. It is strange, but a + visitor has just left me who was brought up among these Essenes.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said Marcus, staring vacantly into the sea. + </p> + <p> + “He told me that a young and beautiful woman resides with them who is + named the Queen of the Essenes. Did you chance to see her, my lord?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly Marcus became very wide awake. “Oh, yes, I saw her; and what + else did he tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “He told me that this lady was both beautiful and learned.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true,” said Marcus with enthusiasm. “To my mind, although she is + small, I never saw one lovelier, nor do I know a sculptor who is her + equal. If you will come with me to the ship I will open the case and show + you the bust she made of me. But tell me, did this visitor of yours lack + the forefinger on one hand—his right?” + </p> + <p> + “He did.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I suppose that he is named Caleb.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but how do you know that?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I cut off his forefinger,” said Marcus, “in a fair fight, and,” + he added savagely, “he is a young rascal, as murderous as he is able, + whose life I did ill to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Benoni, “it seems that I have still some discernment, for just + so I judged him. Well, what more do you know of the lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Something, since in a way I am affianced to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! Well, this is strange, for so, as he told me, is Caleb.” + </p> + <p> + “He told you that?” said Marcus springing from his chair. “Then he lies, + and would that I had time to prove it on his body! She rejected him; I + have it from Nehushta; also I know it in other ways.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she did accept you, my lord Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite,” he replied sadly; “but that was only because I am not a + Christian. She loves me all the same,” he added, recovering. “Upon that + point there can be no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb seemed to doubt it,” suggested Benoni. + </p> + <p> + “Caleb is a liar,” repeated Marcus with emphasis, “and one of whom you + will do well to beware.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I beware of him?” + </p> + <p> + Marcus paused a moment, then answered boldly: + </p> + <p> + “Because the lady Miriam is your granddaughter and the heiress of your + wealth. I say it, since if I did not Caleb would; probably he has done so + already.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Benoni hid his face in his hands. Then he lifted it and said: + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much, and now I am sure. But, my lord Marcus, if my blood is + hers my wealth is my own.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so. Keep it if you will, or leave it where you will. It is Miriam I + seek, and not your money.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that Caleb seeks both Miriam and my money—like a prudent + man. Why should he not have them? He is a Jew of good blood; he will, I + think, rise high.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am a Roman of better blood who will rise higher.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a Roman, and I, the grandfather, am a Jew who do not love you + Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “And Miriam is neither Jew nor Roman, but a Christian, brought up not by + you, but by the Essenes; and she loves me, although she will not marry me + because I am not a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + Benoni shrugged his shoulders as he answered: + </p> + <p> + “All of this is a problem which I must ponder on and solve.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus sprang from his seat and stood before the old man with menace in + his air. + </p> + <p> + “Look you, Benoni,” he said, “this is a problem not to be solved by you or + by Caleb, but by Miriam herself, and none other. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand that you threaten me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I do. Miriam is of full age; her sojourn with the Essenes must come + to an end. Doubtless you will take her to dwell with you. Well, beware how + you deal by her. If she wishes to marry Caleb of her own free will, let + her do so. But if you force her to it, or suffer him to force her, then by + your God, and by my gods, and by her God, I tell you that I will come back + and take such a vengeance upon him and upon you, and upon all your people, + that it shall be a story for generations. Do you believe me?” + </p> + <p> + Benoni looked up at the man who stood before him in his youth and beauty, + his eyes on fire and his form quivering with rage, and looking, shrank + back a little. He did not know that this light-hearted Roman had such + strength and purpose at command. Now he understood for the first time that + he was a true son of the terrible race of conquerors, who, if he were + crossed, could be as merciless as the worst of them, one whose very + honesty and openness made him to be feared the more. + </p> + <p> + “I understand that you believe what you say. Whether when you are back at + Rome, where there are women as fair as the Queen of the Essenes, you will + continue to believe it, is another matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a matter for me to settle.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so—for you to settle. Have you anything to add to the + commands you are pleased to lay upon your humble creditor, Benoni the + merchant?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, two things. First, that when I leave this house you will no longer + be my creditor. I have brought money to pay you off in full, principal and + interest. My talk of borrowing was but a play and excuse to learn what you + knew of Miriam. Nay, do not start, though it may seem strange to you that + I also can be subtle. Foolish man, did you think that I with my prospects + should be left to lack for a miserable half-talent? Why, there at + Jerusalem I could have borrowed ten, or twenty, if I would promise my + patronage by way of interest. My servants wait with the gold without. Call + them in presently and pay yourself, principal and interest, and something + for a bonus. Now for the second, Miriam is a Christian. Beware how you + tamper with her faith. It is not mine, but I say—beware how you + tamper with it. You gave her father and her mother, your own daughter, to + be slaughtered by gladiators and to be torn by lions because, forsooth, + they did not think as you do. Lift one finger against her and I will hale + you into the amphitheatre at Rome, there yourself to be slaughtered by + gladiators, or to be torn by lions. Although I am absent I shall know all + that you do, for I have friends who are good and spies that are better. + Moreover, I return here shortly. Now I ask you, will you give me your + solemn word, swearing it by that God whom you worship, first, that you + will not attempt to force your granddaughter Miriam into marriage with + Caleb the Jew; and secondly, that you will shelter her, treating her with + all honour, and suffering her to follow her own faith in freedom?” + </p> + <p> + Benoni sprang from his couch. + </p> + <p> + “No, Roman, I will not. Who are you who dare to dictate to me in my own + house as to how I shall deal with my own grandchild? Pay what you owe and + get you gone, and darken my doors no more. I have done with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Marcus. “Well, perhaps it is time that you should travel. Those + who travel and see strange countries and peoples, grow liberal-minded, + which you are not. Be pleased to read this paper,” and he laid a writing + before him. + </p> + <p> + Benoni took it and read. It was worded thus: + </p> + <p> + “To Marcus, the son of Emilius, the captain, in the name of Cæsar, + greetings. Hereby we command you, should you in your discretion think fit, + to seize the person of Benoni, the Jewish merchant, a dweller in Tyre, and + to convey him as a prisoner to Rome, there to answer charges which have + been laid against him, with the particulars of which you are acquainted, + which said particulars you will find awaiting you in Rome, of having + conspired with certain other Jews, to overthrow the authority of Cæsar in + this his province of Judæa. + </p> + <p> + “(Signed) Gessius Florus, Procurator.” + </p> + <p> + Benoni having read sank back upon his couch, gasping, his white face livid + with surprise and fear. Then a thought seemed to strike him. Seizing the + paper he tore it into fragments. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Roman,” he said, “where is your warrant?” + </p> + <p> + “In my pocket,” answered Marcus; “that which I showed you was but a copy. + Nay, do not ring, do not touch that bell. See this,” and he drew a silver + whistle from his robe. “Outside your gate stand fifty soldiers. Shall I + sound it?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” answered Benoni. “I will swear the oath, though indeed it is + needless. Why should you suppose that I could wish to force this maid into + any marriage, or to work her evil on account of matters of her faith?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you are a Jew and a bigot. You gave her father and her mother to + a cruel death, why should you spare her? Also you hate me and all my + people; why, then, should you not favour my rival, although he is a + murderer whose life I have twice spared at the prayer of Miriam? Swear + now.” + </p> + <p> + So Benoni lifted his hand and swore a solemn oath that he would not force + his granddaughter, Miriam, to marry Caleb, or any other man; and that he + would not betray the secret of her faith, or persecute her because of it. + </p> + <p> + “It is not enough,” said Marcus. “Write it down and sign.” + </p> + <p> + So Benoni went to the table and wrote out his undertaking and signed it, + Marcus signing also as a witness. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Benoni,” he said, as he took the paper, “listen to me. That warrant + leaves your taking to my discretion, after I have made search into the + facts. I have made such search and it seems that I am not satisfied. But + remember that the warrant is still alive and can be executed at any + moment. Remember also that you are watched and if you lift a finger + against the girl, it will be put in force. For the rest—if you + desire that the prophecy of the Essene should not come true, it is my + advice that you cease from making plots against the majesty of Cæsar. Now + bid your servant summon him who waits in the antechamber, that he may + discharge my debt. And so farewell. When and where we shall meet again I + do not know, but be sure that we shall meet.” Then Marcus left the + portico. + </p> + <p> + Benoni watched him go, and as he watched, an evil look gathered on his + face. + </p> + <p> + “Threatened. Trodden to the dirt. Outwitted by that Roman boy,” he + murmured. “Is there any cup of shame left for me to drink? Who is the + traitor and how much does he know? Something, but not all, else my arrest + could scarcely have been left to the fancy of this patrician, favourite + though he be. Yes, my lord Marcus, I too am sure that we shall meet again, + but the fashion of that meeting may be little to your taste. You have had + your hour, mine is to come. For the rest, I must keep my oath, since to + break it would be too dangerous, and might cut the hair that holds the + sword. Also, why should I wish to harm the girl, or to wed her to this + rogue Caleb, than whom, mayhap, even the Roman would be better? At least + he is a man who does not cheat or lie. Indeed, I long to see the maid. I + will go at once to Jordan.” + </p> + <p> + Then he sounded his bell and commanded that the servant of the lord Marcus + should be admitted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + THE ESSENES LOSE THEIR QUEEN + </h3> + <p> + The Court of the Essenes was gathered in council debating the subject of + the departure of their ward, Miriam. She must go, that was evident, since + not even for her, whom they loved as though each of them had been in truth + her father or her uncle, could their ancient, sacred rule be broken. But + where was she to go and how should she be supported as became her? These + were the questions that troubled them and that they debated earnestly. At + length her great-uncle Ithiel suggested that she should be summoned before + them, that they might hear her wishes. To this his brethren agreed, and he + was sent to fetch her. + </p> + <p> + A while later, attended by Nehushta, Miriam arrived, clad in a robe of + pure white, and wearing on her head a wimple of white, edged with purple, + and about her waist a purple scarf. So greatly did the Essenes love and + reverence this maid, that as she entered, all the hundred of the Court + rose and remaining standing until she herself was seated. Then the + President, who was sorrowful and even shamefaced, addressed her, telling + her their trouble, and praying her pardon because the ordinance of their + order forced them to arrange that she should depart from among them. At + the end of this speech he asked her what were her wishes as regarded her + own future, adding that for her maintenance she need have no fear, since + out of their revenues a modest sum would be set aside annually which would + suffice to keep her from poverty. + </p> + <p> + In answer Miriam, also speaking sadly, thanked them from her heart for all + their goodness, telling them she had long known this hour of separation to + be at hand. As to where she should dwell, since tumults were so many in + Jerusalem, she suggested that she might find a home in one of the coast + cities, where perhaps some friend or relative of the brethren would + shelter Nehushta and herself. + </p> + <p> + Instantly eight or ten of those present said that they knew such trusty + folk in one place or another, and the various offers were submitted to the + Court for discussion. While the talk was still going on there came a knock + upon the door. After the usual questions and precautions, a brother was + admitted who informed them that there had arrived in the village, at the + head of a considerable retinue, Benoni, the Jewish merchant of Tyre. He + stated that he desired speech with them on the subject of his + granddaughter Miriam, who, he learned, was, or had been recently, in their + charge. + </p> + <p> + “Here may be an answer to the riddle,” said the President. “We know of + this Benoni, also that he purposed to demand his granddaughter of us, + though until he did so it was not for us to speak.” Then he put it to the + Court that Benoni should be admitted. + </p> + <p> + To this they agreed, and presently the Jew came, splendidly attired, his + long white beard flowing down a robe that glittered with embroideries of + gold and silver. Entering the dim, cool hall, he stared in amazement at + the long half-circles of venerable, white-robed men who were gathered + there. Next his quick eyes fell upon the lovely maiden who, attended by + the dark-visaged Nehushta, sat before them on a seat of honour; and + looking, he guessed that she must be Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Little wonder,” reflected Benoni to himself, “that all men seem to love + this girl, since at the first sight of her my own heart softens.” + </p> + <p> + Then he bowed to the President of the Court and the President bowed back + in answer. But not one of the rest so much as moved his head, since + already every man of them hated this stranger who was about to carry away + her whom they called their Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Sirs,” said Benoni breaking the silence, “I come here upon a strange + errand—namely, to ask of you a maid whom I believe to be my + granddaughter, of whose existence I learned not long ago, and whom, as it + seems, you have sheltered from her birth. Is she among you here?” and he + looked at Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “The lady Miriam sits yonder,” said the President. “You are right in + naming her your granddaughter, as we have known her to be from the + beginning.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why,” said Benoni, “did I not know it also?” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” answered the President quietly, “we did not think it fitting to + deliver a child that was committed to our charge, to the care of one who + had brought her father, and tried to bring her mother, his own seed, to + the most horrible of deaths.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he fixed his eyes indignantly upon Benoni; as did every man of + all that great company, till even the bold-faced Jew dropped his head + abashed. + </p> + <p> + “I am not here,” he said, recovering himself, “to make defence of what I + have done, or have not done in the past. I am here to demand that my + grandchild, now as I perceive a woman grown, may be handed over to me, her + natural guardian.” + </p> + <p> + “Before this can be considered,” answered the President, “we who have been + her guardians for so many years, should require guarantees and sureties.” + </p> + <p> + “What guarantees, and what sureties?” asked Benoni. + </p> + <p> + “These among others—That money sufficient for her support after your + death should be settled upon her. That she shall be left reasonable + liberty in the matter of her daily life and her marriage, if it should + please her to marry. Lastly, that as we have undertaken not to meddle with + her faith, or to oppress her into changing it, so must you undertake + also.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I refuse these things?” asked Benoni. + </p> + <p> + “Then you see the lady Miriam for the first and last time,” answered the + President boldly, while the others nodded approval. “We are men of peace, + but, merchant, you must not, therefore, think us men without power. We + must part with the lady Miriam, who to every one of us is as a daughter, + because the unbreakable rule of our order ordains that she, who is now a + woman grown, can no longer remain among us. But wherever she dwells, to + the last day of her life our love shall go with her and the whole strength + of our Order shall protect her. If any harm is attempted to her, we shall + be swift to hear and swifter to avenge. If you refuse our conditions, she + will vanish from your sight, and then, merchant, go, search the world, the + coasts of Syria, the banks of Egypt, and the cities of Italy—and + find her if you can. We have spoken.” + </p> + <p> + Benoni stroked his white beard before he answered. + </p> + <p> + “You talk proudly,” he said. “Did I shut my eyes I might fancy that this + voice was the voice of a Roman procurator speaking the decrees of Cæsar. + Still, I am ready to believe that what you promise you can perform, since + I for one am sure that you Essenes are not mere harmless heretics who + worship angels and demons, see visions, prophesy things to come by the + help of your familiars, and adore the sun in huts upon the desert.” He + paused, but the President, without taking the slightest notice of his + insults or sarcasms, repeated merely: + </p> + <p> + “We have spoken,” and as with one voice, like some great echo, the whole + hundred of them cried, “We have spoken!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear them, master?” said Nehushta in the silence that followed. + “Well, I know them. They mean what they say, and you are right—what + which they threaten they can perform.” + </p> + <p> + “Let my grandchild speak,” said Benoni. “Daughter, is it your wish that + such dishonouring bonds should be laid upon me?” + </p> + <p> + “Grandsire,” replied Miriam, in a pure, clear voice, “I may not quarrel + with that which is done for my own good. For the wealth I care little, but + I would not become a slave in everything save the name, nor do I desire to + set my feet in that path my parents trod. What my uncles say—all of + these”—and she waved her hand—“speaking in the name of the + thousands that are without, that I do, for they love me and I love them, + and their mind is my mind and their words are my words.” + </p> + <p> + “Proud-spirited, and well spoken, like all her race,” muttered Benoni. + Still he stroked his beard and hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Be pleased to give your answer,” said the President, “that we may finish + our discussion before the hour of evening prayer. To help you to it, + remember one thing—we ask no new conditions.” Benoni glanced up + quickly and the President added: “Those of which we have received a copy, + that you swore to and signed in the presence of Marcus the Roman, are + enough for us.” + </p> + <p> + Now it was Miriam’s turn to look, first up and then down. As for her + grandfather, he turned white with anger, and broke into a bitter laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Now I understand——” + </p> + <p> + “——that the arm of the Essenes is longer than you thought, + since it can reach from here to Rome,” said the President. + </p> + <p> + “Ay! that you can plot with Romans. Well, be careful lest the sword of + these Romans prove longer than <i>you</i> thought and reach even to your + hearts, O you peaceful dwellers in the desert!” Then, as though he feared + some answer, he added quickly, “I am minded to return and leave this + maiden with you to dispose of as you think fit. Yet I will not do so, for + she is very fair and gracious, and with the wealth that I can give her, + may fill some high place in the world. Also—and this is more to me—I + am old and draw near my end and she alone has my blood in her veins. + Therefore I will agree to all your terms, and take her home with me to + Tyre, trusting that she may learn to love me.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said the President. “To-morrow the papers shall be prepared and + signed. Meanwhile we pray you to be our guest.” + </p> + <p> + Next evening signed they were accordingly, Benoni agreeing without demur + to all that the Essenes asked on behalf of her who had been their ward, + and even assigning to her a separate revenue during his lifetime. Indeed, + now that he had seen her, so loth was he to part with this new-found + daughter, that he would have done still more had it been asked of him, + lest she should be spirited from his sight, as, did he refuse, might well + happen. + </p> + <p> + Three days later Miriam bade farewell to her protectors, who accompanied + her by hundreds to the ridge above the village. Here they stopped, and + seeing that the moment of separation was at hand, Miriam’s tears began to + flow. + </p> + <p> + “Weep not, beloved child,” said Ithiel, “for though we part with you in + body, yet shall we always be with you in the spirit, now in this life, and + as we think, after this life. Moreover, by night and day, we shall watch + over you, and if any attempt to harm you—” here he glanced at + Benoni, that brother-in-law to whom he bore but little love—“the + very winds will bear us tidings, and in this way or that, help will come.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear, Ithiel,” broke in Benoni, “my bond, which you hold, is good + and it will be backed by love.” + </p> + <p> + “That I believe also,” said Miriam; “and if it be so, grandsire, I will + repay love for love.” Then she turned to the Essenes and thanked them in + broken words. + </p> + <p> + “Be not downhearted,” said Ithiel in a thick voice, “for I hope that even + in this life we shall meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “May it be so,” answered Miriam, and they parted, the Essenes returning + sadly to their home, and Benoni taking the road through Jericho to + Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + Travelling slowly, at the evening of the second day they set their camp on + open ground not far from the Damascus gate of the Holy City, but within + the new north wall that had been built by Agrippa. Into the city itself + Benoni would not enter, fearing lest the Roman soldiers should plunder + them. At moonrise Nehushta took Miriam by the hand and led her through the + resting camels to a spot a few yards from the camp. + </p> + <p> + There, standing with her back to the second wall, she pointed out to her a + cliff, steep but of no great height, in which appeared little caves and + ridges of rock that, looked at from this distance, gave to its face a rude + resemblance to a human skull. + </p> + <p> + “See,” she said solemnly. “Yonder the Lord was crucified.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam heard and sank to her knees in prayer. As she knelt there the grave + voice of her grandfather spoke behind her, bidding her rise. + </p> + <p> + “Child,” he said, “it is true. True is it also that signs and wonders + happened after the death of that false Messiah, and that for me and mine + He left a curse behind Him which it may well be is not done with yet. I + know your faith, and I have promised to let you follow it in peace. Yet I + beseech of you, do not make prayers to your God here in public, where with + malefactors He suffered as a malefactor, lest others less tolerant should + see you and drag you to your father’s death.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam bowed her head and returned to the camp, nor at that time did any + further words pass between them on this matter of her religion. + Thenceforward, however, she was careful to do nothing which could bring + suspicion on her grandfather. + </p> + <p> + Four days later they came to the rich and beautiful city of Tyre, and + Miriam saw the sea upon which she had been born. Hitherto, she had fancied + that its waters were much like those of the Dead Lake, upon whose shores + she had dwelt so many years; but when she perceived the billows rushing + onwards, white-crested, to break in thunder against the walls of island + Tyre, she clapped her hands with joy. Indeed, from that day to the end of + her life she loved the sea in all its moods, and for hours at a time would + find it sufficient company. Perhaps this was because the seethe of its + waves was the first sound that her ears had heard, while her first breath + was salted with its spray. + </p> + <p> + From Jerusalem, Benoni had sent messengers mounted on swift horses bidding + his servants make ready to receive a guest. So it came about that when she + entered his palace in Tyre, Miriam found it decked as though for a bride, + and wandered in amazement—she who had known nothing better than the + mud-houses of the Essenes—from hall to hall of the ancient building + that in bygone generations had been the home of kings and governors. + Benoni followed her steps, watching her with grave eyes, till at length + all was visited save the gardens belonging to him which were on the + mainland. + </p> + <p> + “Are you pleased with your new home, daughter?” he asked presently. + </p> + <p> + “My grandfather, it is beautiful,” she answered. “Never have I dreamed of + such a place as this. Say, may I work my art in one of these great rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam,” he answered, “of this house henceforth you are the mistress, as + in time to come you will be its owner. Believe me, child, it was not + needed that so many and such different men should demand from me sureties + for your comfort and your safety. All I have is yours, whilst all you + have, including your faith and your friends, of whom there seem to be + many, remains your own. Yet, should it please you to give me in return + some small share of your love, I who am childless and friendless shall be + grateful.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my desire,” answered Miriam hurriedly; “only, grandsire, between + you and me——” + </p> + <p> + “Speak it not,” he said, with a gesture almost of despair, “or rather I + will speak it—between you and me runs the river of your parents’ + blood. It is so, yet, Miriam, I will confess to you that I repent me of + that deed. Age makes us judge more kindly. To me your faith is nothing and + your God a sham, yet I know now that to worship Him is not worthy of death—at + least not for that cause would I bring any to their death to-day, or even + to stripes and bonds. I will go further; I will stoop even to borrow from + His creed. Do not His teachings bid you to forgive those who have done you + wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “They do, and that is why Christians love all mankind.” + </p> + <p> + “Then bring that law into this home of ours, Miriam, and love me who + sorrow for what I did in the blind rage of my zeal, and who now in my old + age am haunted by its memory.” + </p> + <p> + Then for the first time Miriam threw herself into the old man’s arms and + kissed him on the brow. + </p> + <p> + So it came about that they made their peace and were happy together. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, day by day Benoni loved her more, till at length she was + everything to him, and he grew jealous of all who sought her company, and + especially of Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + THE RING, THE NECKLACE AND THE LETTER + </h3> + <p> + So Miriam came to Tyre, where, for many months, her life was peaceful and + happy enough. At first she had feared meeting Caleb, who she knew from her + grandfather was dwelling there; but as it chanced, he had left the city + upon business of his own, so for the while she was free of him. In Tyre + were many Christians with whom she made friends and worshipped, Benoni + pretending to know nothing of the matter. Indeed, at this time and place + it was the Jews rather than the Christians who were in danger at the hands + of the Syrians and Greeks, who hated them for their wealth and faith, + threatening them continually with robbery and massacre. But as yet that + storm did not burst, and in its brewing the Christians, who were few, + humble, and of all races, escaped notice. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came about that Miriam dwelt in quiet, occupying herself much with + her art of modelling and going abroad but little, since it was scarcely + safe for her, the grandchild of the rich Jew merchant, to show her face in + the streets. Though she was surrounded by every luxury, far more than she + needed, indeed, this lack of liberty irked her who had been reared in the + desert, till at times she grew melancholy and would sit for hours looking + on the sea and thinking. She thought of her mother who had sat thus before + her; of her father, who had perished beneath the gladiators’ swords; of + the kindly old men who had nurtured her, and of the sufferings of her + brothers and sisters in the faith in Rome and at Jerusalem. But most of + all she thought of Marcus, her Roman lover, whom, strive as she would, she + could never forget—no, not for a single hour. She loved him, that + was the truth of it, and between them there was a great gulf fixed, not of + the sea only, which ships could sail, but of that command which the dead + had laid upon her. He was a pagan and she was a Christian, and they might + not wed. By now, too, it was likely that he had forgotten her, the girl + who took his fancy in the desert. At Rome there were many noble and lovely + women—oh! she could scarcely bear to think of it. Yet night by night + she prayed for him, and morn by morn his face arose before her + half-awakened eyes. Where was he? What was he doing? For aught she knew he + might be dead. Nay, for then, surely, her heart would have warned her. + Still, she craved for tidings, and alas! there were none. + </p> + <p> + At length tidings did come—the best of tidings. One day, wearying of + the house, with the permission of her grandfather, and escorted by + servants, Miriam had gone to walk in the gardens that he owned to the + north of that part of the city on the mainland, which was called + Palætyrus. They were lovely gardens, well watered and running down to the + sea-edge, and in them grew beautiful palms and other trees, with fruitful + shrubs and flowers. Here, when they had roamed a while, Miriam and + Nehushta sat down upon the fallen column of some old temple and rested. + Suddenly they heard a footstep, and Miriam looked up to see before her a + Roman officer, clad in a cloak that showed signs of sea-travel, and, + guiding him, one of Benoni’s servants. + </p> + <p> + The officer, a rough but kindly looking man of middle age, bowed to her, + asking in Greek if he spoke to the lady Miriam, the granddaughter of + Benoni the Jew, she who had been brought up among the Essenes. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am she,” answered Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Then, lady, I, who am named Gallus, have an errand to perform”; and + drawing from his robe a letter tied with silk and sealed, and with the + letter a package, he handed them to her. + </p> + <p> + “Who sends these?” she asked, hope shining in her eyes, “and whence come + they?” + </p> + <p> + “From Rome, lady, as fast as sails could waft them and me. And the sender + is the noble Marcus, called the Fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Miriam, blushing to her eyes, “tell me, sir, is he well?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so well but that such a look as that, lady, would better him, or any + other man, could he be here to see it,” answered the Roman, gazing at her + with admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Did you then leave him ill? I do not understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, his health seemed sound, and his uncle Caius being dead his wealth + can scarce be counted, or so they say, since the old man made him his + heir. Perhaps that is why the divine Nero has taken such a fancy to him + that he can scarce leave the palace. Therefore I cannot say that Marcus is + well to-day, since sometimes Nero’s friends are short-lived. Nay, be not + frightened, I did but jest; your Marcus is safe enough. Read the letter, + lady, and waste no time. As for me, my mission is fulfilled. Thank me not; + it is reward enough to have seen that sweet face of yours. Fortunate indeed + is the star of Marcus, and, though I am jealous of the man, for your sake + I pray that it may lead him back to you. Lady, farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “Cut the silk, Nou,” said Miriam when the Captain Gallus had gone. “Quick. + I have no knife.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta obeyed smiling and the letter was unrolled. It, or those parts of + it which concern us, ran thus: + </p> + <p> + “To the lady Miriam, from Marcus the Roman, her friend, by the hand of the + Captain Gallus. + </p> + <p> + “Dear friend and lady, greeting. Already since I came here I have written + you one letter, but this day news has reached me that the ship which bore + it foundered off the coast of Sicily. So, as Neptune has that letter, and + with it many good men, although I write more ill than I do most things, I + send you another by this occasion, hoping, I who am vain, that you have + not forgotten me, and that the reading of it may even give you pleasure. + Most dear Miriam, know that I accomplished my voyage to Rome in safety, + visiting your grandsire on the way to pay him a debt I owed. But that + story you will perhaps have heard. + </p> + <p> + “From Tyre I sailed for Italy, but was cast away upon the coasts of + Melita, where many of us were drowned. By the favour of some god, however—ah! + what god I wonder—I escaped, and taking another ship came safely to + Brundisium, whence I travelled as fast as horses would carry me to Rome. + Here I arrived but just in time, for I found my uncle Caius very will. + Believing, moreover, that I had been drowned in the shipwreck at Melita, + he was about to make a will bequeathing his property to the Emperor Nero, + but by good fortune of this he had said nothing. Had he done so I should, + I think, be as poor to-day as when I left you, dear, and perhaps poorer + still, for I might have lost my head with my inheritance. + </p> + <p> + “As it was I found favour in the sight of my uncle Caius, who a week after + my arrival executed a formal testament leaving to me all his land, goods, + and moneys, which on his death three months later I inherited. Thus I have + become rich—so rich that now, having much money to spend, by some + perversity which I cannot explain, I have grown careful and spend as + little as possible. After I had entered into my inheritance I made a plan + to return to Judæa, for one reason and one alone—to be near to you, + most sweet Miriam. At the last moment I was stayed by a very evil chance. + That bust which you made of me I had managed to save from the shipwreck + and bring safe to Rome—now I wish it was at the bottom of the sea, + and you shall learn why. + </p> + <p> + “When I came into possession of this house in the Via Agrippa, which is + large and beautiful, I set it in a place of honour in the antechamber and + summoned that sculptor, Glaucus, of whom I have spoken to you, and others + who follow the art, to come and pass judgment upon the work. They came, + they wondered and they were silent, for each of them feared lest in + praising it he should exalt some rival. When, however, I told them that it + was the work of a lady in Judæa, although they did not believe me, since + all of them declared that no woman had shaped that marble, knowing that + they had nothing to fear from so distant an artist whoever he might be, + they began to praise the work with one voice, and all that evening until + the wine overcame them, talked of nothing else. Also they continued + talking on the morrow, until at length the fame of the thing came to the + ears of Nero, who also is an artist of music and other things. The end of + it was that one day, without warning, the Emperor visited my house and + demanded to see the bust, which I showed to him. For many minutes he + examined it through the emerald with which he aids his sight, then asked: + </p> + <p> + “‘What land had the honour to bear the genius who wrought this work?’ + </p> + <p> + “I answered, ‘Judæa,’ a country, by the way, of which he seemed to know + little, except that some fanatics dwelt there, who refused to worship him. + He said that he would make that artist ruler of Judæa. I replied that the + artist was a woman, whereon he answered that he cared nothing—she + should still rule Judæa, or if this could not be managed he would send and + bring her to Rome to make a statue of him to be set up in the Temple at + Jerusalem for the Jews to worship. + </p> + <p> + “Now I saw that I had been foolish, and knowing well what would have been + your fate, my Miriam, had he once set eyes on you, I sighed and answered, + that alas! it was impossible, since you were dead, as I proved to him by a + long story with which I will not trouble you. Moreover, now that he was + sure that you were dead, I showed him the little statuette of yourself + looking into water, which you gave me. Whereon he burst into tears, at the + thought that such an one had departed from the earth, while it was still + cursed with so many who are wicked, old and ugly. + </p> + <p> + “Still he did not go, but remained admiring the bust, till at length one + of his favourites who accompanied him, whispered in my ear that I must + present it to the Emperor. I refused, whereon he whispered back that if I + did not, assuredly before long it would be taken, and with it all my other + goods, and, perhaps, my life. So, since I must, I changed my mind and + prayed him to accept it; whereon he embraced, first the marble and then + me, and caused it to be borne away then and there, leaving me mad with + rage. + </p> + <p> + “Now I tell you all this silly story for a reason, since it has hindered + and still hinders me from leaving Rome. Thus: two days later I received an + Imperial decree, in which it was stated that the incomparable work of art + brought from Judæa by Marcus, the son of Emilius, had been set up in a + certain temple, where those who would please their Emperor were desired to + present themselves and worship it and the soul of her by whom it was + fashioned. Moreover, it was commanded that I, Marcus, whose features had + served as a model for the work, should be its guardian and attend twice + weekly in the temple, that all might see how the genius of a great artist + is able to make a thing of immortal beauty from a coarse original of flesh + and blood. Oh, Miriam, I have no patience to write of this folly, yet the + end of it is, that except at the cost of my fortune and the risk of my + life, it is impossible for me to leave Rome. Twice every week, or by + special favour, once only, must I attend in that accursed temple where my + own likeness stands upon a pedestal of marble, and before it a marble + altar, on which are cut the words: ‘Sacrifice, O passer-by, to the spirit + of the departed genius who wrought this divine work.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there I sit, I who am a soldier, while fools come in and gaze first + at the marble and then at me, saying things for which often I long to kill + them, and casting grains of incense into the little fire on the altar in + sacrifice to your spirit, whereby I trust it may be benefited. Thus, + Miriam, are we ruled in Rome to-day. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, I am in great favour with Nero, so that men call me ‘the + Fortunate,’ and my house the ‘Fortunate House,’ a title of ill-omen. + </p> + <p> + “Yet out of this evil comes some good, since because of his present + affection for me, or my bust, I have now and again for your sake, Miriam, + been able to do service, even to the saving of their lives, to those of + your faith. Here there are many Christians whom it is an amusement to Nero + to persecute, torture, and slay, sometimes by soaking them in tar and + making of them living torches to illuminate his gardens, and sometimes in + other fashions. The lives of sundry of these poor people he has given to + me, when I begged them of him. Indeed, he has done more. Yesterday Nero + came himself to the temple and suggested that certain of the Christians + should be sacrificed in a very cruel fashion here as an offering to your + spirit. I answered that this could give it little pleasure, seeing that in + your lifetime you also were a Christian. Thereon he wrung his hands, + crying out, ‘Oh! what a crime have I committed,’ and instantly gave orders + that no more Christians should be killed. So for a little while, thanks to + your handiwork, and to me who am called ‘the Model,’ they are safe—those + who are left of them. + </p> + <p> + “I hear that there are wars and tumults in Judæa, and that Vespasian, a + great general, is to be sent to quell them. If I can I will come with him, + but at present—such is the madness of my master—this is too + much to hope, unless, indeed, he wearies suddenly of the ‘Divine Work’ and + its attendant ‘Model.’ + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile I also cast incense upon your altar, and pray that in these + troubles you may come to no harm. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, I am most unhappy. I think of you always and yet I cannot come to + you. I picture you in many dangers, and I am not there to save you. I even + dare to hope that you would wish to see me again; but it is the Jew Caleb, + and other men, who see you and make offerings to your sweet beauty as I + make them to your spirit. I beseech you, Miriam, do not accept the + offerings, lest in some day to come, when I am once more a soldier, and + have ceased to be a custodian of busts, it should be the worse for those + worshippers, and especially for Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “What else have I to tell you? I have sought out some of the great + preachers of your faith, hoping that by the magic whereof they are said to + be masters, they would be able to assure me of your welfare. But to my + sorrow they gave me no magic—in which it seems they do not deal—only + maxims. Also, from these I bought for a great sum certain manuscripts + written by themselves containing the doctrines of your law, which I intend + to study so soon as I have time. Indeed, this is a task which I wish to + postpone, since did I read I might believe and turn Christian, to serve in + due course as a night-light in Nero’s gardens. + </p> + <p> + “I send you a present, praying that you will accept it. The emerald in the + ring is cut by my friend, the sculptor Glaucus. The pearls are fine and + have a history which I hope to tell you some day. Wear them always, + beloved Miriam, for my sake. I do not forget your words; nay, I ponder + them day and night. But at least you said you loved me, and in wearing + these trinkets you break no duty to the dead. Write to me, I pray you, if + you can find a messenger. Or, if you cannot write, think of me always as I + do of you. Oh, that we were back together in that happy village of the + Essenes, to whom, as to yourself, be all good fortune! Farewell. + </p> + <p> + “Your ever faithful friend and lover, + </p> + <p> + “Marcus.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam finished her letter, kissed it, and hid it in her bosom. Then she + opened the packet and unlocked the ivory box within by a key that hung to + it. Out of the casket she took a roll of soft leather. This she undid and + uttered a little cry of joy, for there lay a necklace of the most lovely + pearls that she had ever seen. Nor was this all, for threaded on the + pearls was a ring, and cut upon its emerald bezel the head of Marcus, and + her own head taken from the likeness she had given him. + </p> + <p> + “Look! Nou, look!” said Miriam, showing her the beauteous trinkets. + </p> + <p> + “A sight to make old eyes glisten,” answered Nehushta handling them. “I + know something of pearls, and these are worth a fortune. Happy maid, to + whom is given such a lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy maid who can never be a happy wife,” sighed Miriam, her blue eyes + filling with tears. + </p> + <p> + “Grieve not; that still may chance,” answered Nehushta, as she fastened + the pearls about Miriam’s neck. “At least you have heard from him and he + still loves you, which is much. Now for the ring—the marriage finger—see, + how it fits.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I have no right,” murmured Miriam; still she did not draw it off + again. + </p> + <p> + “Come, let us be going,” said Nehushta, hiding the casket in her amble + robe, “for the sun sinks, and to-night there are guests to supper.” + </p> + <p> + “What guests?” asked Miriam absently. + </p> + <p> + “Plotters, every one,” said Nehushta, shrugging her shoulders. “The great + scheme to drive the Romans from the Holy City ripens fast, and your + grandsire waters its root. I pray that we may not all of us gather bitter + grapes from that vine. Have you heard that Caleb is back in Tyre?” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb!” faltered Miriam, “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he is. He arrived yesterday and will be among the guests to-night. + He has been fighting up in the desert there, and bravely, for I am told + that he was one of those who seized the fortress of Masada and put its + Roman garrison to the sword.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he is against the Romans?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, because he hopes to rule the Jews, and risks much to gain more.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to meet him,” said Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but you must, and the sooner the better. Why do you fear the man?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not, but fear him I do, now and always.” + </p> + <p> + When Miriam entered the supper chamber that night, the guests to the + number of twelve were already seated on their couches, waiting for the + feast to begin. By her grandfather’s command she was arrayed in her + richest robes fashioned and broidered after the Grecian fashion, having + her hair gathered into coils upon her head and held with a golden net. + Round her waist was a girdle of gold set with gems, about her throat the + necklace of pearls which Marcus had sent her, and on her hand a single + ring—that with his likeness and her own. As she entered the great + chamber, looking most lovely, notwithstanding her lack of height, her + grandfather came forward to meet her and present her to the guests, who + rose in greeting. One by one they bowed to her and one by one she searched + their faces with her eyes—faces for the most part stern and fierce. + Now all had passed and she sighed with relief, for among them there was no + Caleb. Even as she did so a curtain swung aside and Caleb entered. + </p> + <p> + It was he, of that there could be no doubt; but oh! how changed since last + she had seen him two years before. Then he had been but a raw, passionate + youth; now he was a tall and splendid young man, very handsome in his dark + fashion, very powerful of frame also and quick of limb. His person was + matched by his attire, which was that of an Eastern warrior noble, and his + mien was proud and conquering. As he advanced the guests bowed to him in + respect, as to a man of great and assured position who may become greater + still. Yes, even Benoni showed him this respect, stepping forward to greet + him. All these greetings Caleb acknowledged lightly, even haughtily, till + of a sudden he saw Miriam standing somewhat in the shadow, and heedless of + the other guests pushed his way towards her. + </p> + <p> + “Thus we meet again, Miriam,” he said, his proud face softening as he + spoke and his eyes gazing on her with a sort of rapture. “Are you pleased + to see me?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, Caleb,” she answered. “Who would not be well pleased to meet the + playfellow of her childhood?” + </p> + <p> + He frowned, for childhood and its play were not in his thoughts. Before he + could speak again Benoni commanded the company to be seated, whereon + Miriam took her accustomed place as mistress of the house. + </p> + <p> + To her surprise Caleb seated himself beside her on the couch that should + have been reserved for the oldest guest, who for some moments was left a + wanderer and wrathful, till Benoni, seeing what had passed, called him to + his side. Then, golden vessels of scented water having been handed by + slaves to each guest in turn, the feast began. As Miriam was about to dip + her fingers in the water she remembered the ring upon her left hand and + turned the bezel inwards. Caleb noted the action, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Whence come you, Caleb?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “From the wars, Miriam. We have thrown down the gate to Rome, and she has + picked it up.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him inquiringly and asked, “Was it wise?” + </p> + <p> + “Who can tell?” he answered. “At least it is done. For my part I hesitated + long, but your grandfather won me over, so now I must follow my fate.” + </p> + <p> + Then he began to tell her of the taking of Masada and of the bloody + struggles of the factions in Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + After this he spoke of the Essenes, who still occupied their village, + though in fear, for all about them was much fighting; and of their + childish days together—talk which pleased her greatly. Whilst they + spoke thus, a messenger entered the room and whispered something into the + ear of Benoni, who raised his hands to Heaven as though in gratitude. + </p> + <p> + “What tidings?” asked one. + </p> + <p> + “This, my friends. Cestius Gallus the Roman has been hunted from the walls + of Jerusalem and his army is destroyed in the pass of Beth-horon.” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised!” said the company as though with one voice. + </p> + <p> + “God be praised,” repeated Caleb, “for so great and glorious a victory! + The accursed Romans are fallen indeed.” + </p> + <p> + Only Miriam said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “What is in your mind?” he asked looking at her. + </p> + <p> + “That they will spring up again stronger than before,” she replied, then + at a signal from Benoni, rose and left the feast. + </p> + <p> + From the supper chamber Miriam passed down a passage to the portico and + there seated herself, resting her arms upon the marble balustrade and + listening to the waves as they lapped against the walls below. + </p> + <p> + That day had been disturbed, different, indeed, from all the peaceful days + which she was wont to spend. First had come the messenger bearing her + lover’s gifts and letter which already she longed to read again; then hard + upon his heels, like storm upon the sunshine, he who, unless she was + mistaken, still wished to be her lover—Caleb. How curious was the + lot of all three of them! How strangely had they been exalted! She, the + orphan ward of the Essenes, was now a great and wealthy lady with + everything her heart could desire—except one thing, indeed, which it + desired most of all. And Marcus, the debt-saddled Roman soldier of + fortune, he also, it seemed, had suddenly become great and wealthy, pomps + that he held at the price of playing some fool’s part in a temple to + satisfy the whimsy of an Imperial madman. + </p> + <p> + Caleb, too, had found fortune, and in these tumultuous times risen + suddenly to place and power. All three of them were seated upon pinnacles, + but as Miriam felt, they were pinnacles of snow, which for aught she knew, + might be melted by the very sun of their prosperity. She was young, she + had little experience, yet as Miriam sat there watching the changeful sea, + there came upon her a great sense of the instability of things, and an + instinctive knowledge of their vanity. The men who were great one day, + whose names sounded in the mouths of all, the next had vanished, disgraced + or dead. Parties rose and parties fell, high priest succeeded high priest, + general supplanted general, yet upon each and all of them, like the + following waves that rolled beneath her, came dark night and oblivion. A + little dancing in the sunshine, a little moaning in the shade, then death, + and after death—— + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of, Miriam?” said a rich voice at her elbow, the + voice of Caleb. + </p> + <p> + She started, for here she believed herself alone, then answered: + </p> + <p> + “My thoughts matter nothing. Why are you here? You should be with your + fellow——” + </p> + <p> + “Conspirators. Why do you not say the word? Well, because sometimes one + wearies even of conspiracy. Just now we triumph and can take our ease. I + wish to make the most of it. What ring is that you wear upon your finger?” + </p> + <p> + Miriam straightened herself and grew bold. + </p> + <p> + “One which Marcus sent me,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “I guessed as much. I have heard of him; he has become a creature of the + mad Nero, the laughing-stock of Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not laugh at him, Caleb.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you were ever faithful. But, say, do you laugh at me?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed not; why should I, since you seem to fill a great and dangerous + part with dignity?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miriam, my part is both great and dangerous. I have risen high and I + mean to rise higher.” + </p> + <p> + “How high?” + </p> + <p> + “To the throne of Judæa.” + </p> + <p> + “I think a cottage stool would be more safe, Caleb.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap, but I do not like such seats. Listen, Miriam, I will be great or + die. I have thrown in my lot with the Jews, and when we have cast out the + Romans I shall rule.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>If</i> you cast out the Romans, and <i>if</i> you live. Caleb, I have + no faith in the venture. We are old friends, and I pray of you to escape + from it while there is yet time.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Miriam?” + </p> + <p> + “Because He Whom your people crucified and Whom I serve prophesied its + end. The Romans will crush you, Caleb. His blood lies heavy upon the head + of the Jews, and the hour of payment is at hand.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb thought a while, and when he spoke again the note of confidence had + left his voice. + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, Miriam,” he said, “though I put no faith in the sayings of + your prophet; but at least I have taken my part and will see the play + through. Now for the second time I ask you to share its fortunes. I have + not changed my mind. As I loved you in childhood and as a youth, so I love + you as a man. I offer to you a great career. In the end I may fall, or I + may triumph, still either the fall or the triumph will be worth your + sharing. A throne, or a glorious grave—both are good; who can say + which is the better? Seek them with me, Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb, I cannot.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it is laid upon me as a birthright, or a birth-duty, that I + should wed no man who is not a Christian. You know the story.” + </p> + <p> + “Then if there were no such duty would you wed me, Miriam?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I love another man whom also I am forbid to wed, and until death + I am pledged to him.” + </p> + <p> + “The Roman, Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, the Roman Marcus. See, I wear his ring,” and she lifted her hand, + “and his gift is about my throat,” and she touched the necklet of pearls. + “Till death I am his and his alone. This I say, because it is best for all + of us that you should know the truth.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb ground his teeth in bitter jealousy. + </p> + <p> + “Then may death soon find him!” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It would not help you, Caleb. Oh! why cannot we be friends as we were in + the old times!” + </p> + <p> + “Because I seek more than friendship, and soon or late, in this way or in + that, I swear that I will have it.” + </p> + <p> + As the words left his lips footsteps were heard, and Benoni appeared. + </p> + <p> + “Friend Caleb,” he said, “we await you. Why, Miriam, what do you here? To + your chamber, girl. Affairs are afoot in which women should have no part.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet as I fear, grandfather, women will have to bear the burden,” answered + Miriam. Then, bowing to Caleb, she turned and left them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + WOE, WOE TO JERUSALEM + </h3> + <p> + Two more years went by, two dreadful, bloody years. In Jerusalem the + factions tore each other. In Galilee let the Jewish leader Josephus, under + whom Caleb was fighting, do what he would, Vespasian and his generals + stormed city after city, massacring their inhabitants by thousands and + tens of thousands. In the coast towns and elsewhere Syrians and Jews made + war. The Jews assaulted Gadara and Gaulonitis, Sebaste and Ascalon, + Anthedon and Gaza, putting many to the sword. Then came their own turn, + for the Syrians and Greeks rose upon them and slaughtered them without + mercy. As yet, however, there had been no blood shed in Tyre, though all + knew that it must come. The Essenes, who had been driven from their home + by the Dead Sea and taken refuge in Jerusalem, sent messengers to Miriam + warning her to flee from Tyre, where a massacre was being planned; warning + her also not to come to Jerusalem, which city they believed to be doomed, + but to escape, if possible over sea. Nor was this all, for her own people, + the Christians, besought her to fly for her life’s sake with them to the + city of Pella, where they were gathering from Jerusalem and all Judæa. To + both Miriam answered that what her grandsire did, that she must do. If he + fled, she would fly; if he stayed at Tyre, she would stay; if he went to + Jerusalem, she would go; for he had been good to her and she had sworn + that while he lived she would not desert him. So the Essene messengers + went back to Jerusalem, and the Christian elders prayed with her, and + having blessed her and consigned her to the care of the Most High and His + Son, their Lord, departed to Pella, where, as it was fated, through all + those dreadful times not a hair of their heads was touched. + </p> + <p> + When she had parted from them, Miriam sought out her grandfather, whom she + found pacing his chamber with a troubled air. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you look so sad, Miriam?” he asked. “Have some of your friends + warned you that new sorrows are afoot?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, grandfather,” and she told him all. + </p> + <p> + “I do not believe them,” he said passionately. “Say, do you? Where is + their authority? I tell you that we shall triumph. Vespasian is now + Emperor in Rome, and there will forget this little land; and the rest, + those enemies who are of our own house and those without it, we will + conquer and kill. The Messiah will come, the true Messiah. Many signs and + wonders declare that he is at hand. Ay! I myself have had a vision + concerning him. He will come, and he will conquer, and Jerusalem shall be + great and free and see her desire upon her enemies. I ask—where is + your authority for these croakings?” + </p> + <p> + Miriam drew a roll from her robe and read: “But when ye see Jerusalem + compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand. Then let + them which are in Judæa flee unto the mountains; and let them which are in + the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country + enter therein. For these are days of vengeance, that all things that are + written may be fulfilled. Woe to them that are with child and to them that + give suck in those days! for there shall be great distress upon the land + and wrath unto this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, + and shall be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem shall be + trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be + fulfilled.” + </p> + <p> + Benoni listened patiently until she had done. Then he answered with + contempt: + </p> + <p> + “So says the book of your Law, but mine tells me otherwise. Well, child, + if you believe it and are afraid, begone with your friends, the + Christians, and leave me to meet this storm alone.” + </p> + <p> + “I do believe it,” she answered quietly, “but I am not afraid.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange,” he said, “since you must then believe also that you + will come to a cruel death, which has terrors for the young and fair.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, grandfather, for this same writing promises that in these + troubles not one of us Christians shall perish. It is for you that I fear, + not for myself, who will go where you go, and bide where you bide. + Therefore, once more, and for the last time, I pray you to be wise and fly—who + otherwise must be slain”; and as Miriam said the words her blue eyes + filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + Benoni looked at her and for a moment his courage was shaken. + </p> + <p> + “Of your book I take no account,” he said, “but in the vision of your pure + spirit I am tempted to believe. Perhaps the things that you foresee will + happen, so, child, fly. You will not lack an escort and I can give you + treasure.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. “I have said that I will not go without you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I fear that you here must bide, for I will not leave my wealth and + home, even to save my life, and still less will I desert my people in + their holy war. Only, Miriam, if things fall out ill for us, remember that + I entreated you to depart, and do not reproach me.” + </p> + <p> + “That I shall never do,” she answered, smiling, and coming to the old man + kissed him tenderly. + </p> + <p> + So they abode on in Tyre, and a week later the storm burst. + </p> + <p> + For many days it had not been safe for Jews to show themselves in the + streets of the city, since several who crept out about their business, or + to fetch water or provisions, had been set upon and beaten to death by the + mob, stirred up to the work by Roman emissaries. This time Benoni had + employed in putting his house, which was part of an ancient fortress that + had stood many a siege, into a state of defence, and in supplying it with + an ample store of victuals. Also he sent messengers to Caleb, who was said + to be in command of the Jewish force at Joppa, telling him of their peril. + Because it was so strong many of the principal Jews in Tyre, to the number + of over a hundred indeed, had flocked into Benoni’s palace-fortress, + together with their wives and children, since there was no other place in + their power in the town which could be so easily defended. Lastly, in the + outer courts and galleries were stationed fifty or more faithful servants + and slaves who understood the use of arms. + </p> + <p> + Thus things remained, the Syrians threatening them through the gates or + from the windows of high houses, and no more, till one night Miriam was + awakened by a dreadful sound of screaming. She sprang from her bed and + instantly Nehushta was at her side. + </p> + <p> + “What happens?” she gasped as she dressed herself hastily. + </p> + <p> + “Those Syrian dogs attack the Jews,” answered Nehushta, “on the mainland + and in the lower city. Come to the roof, whence we can see what passes,” + and hand in hand they ran to the sea-portico and up its steep steps. + </p> + <p> + The dawn was just breaking, but looking from the walled roof they had no + need of its light, since everywhere in the dim city below and in Palætyrus + on the mainland, houses flared like gigantic torches. In their red glare + they could see the thousands of the attackers dragging out their inmates + to death, or thrusting them back into the flames, while the night was made + horrible with the shouts of the maddened mob, the cries of the victims and + the crackling roar of burning houses. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Christ have mercy on them,” sobbed Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Why should He?” asked Nehushta. “They slew Him and rejected Him; now they + pay the price He prophesied. May He have mercy on us, His servants.” + </p> + <p> + “He would not have spoken thus,” said Miriam indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but justice speaks. Those who take the sword shall perish by the + sword. Even so have these Jews done to the Greeks and Syrians in many of + the cities—they who are blind and mad. Now it is their hour, and + mayhap ours. Come, lady, these are no sights for you, though you might do + well to learn to bear them, since if you escape you may see many such. + Come, and if you wish we will pray for these Jews, especially for their + children, who are innocent, and for ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + That day at noon, most of the poorer and least protected Jews of the city + having been killed, the Syrians began their attack upon the fortified + palace of Benoni. Now it was that the defenders learned that they had to + deal with no mere rabble, but with savage hordes, many thousands strong, + directed by officers skilled in war. Indeed these men might be seen moving + among them, and from their armour and appearance it was easy to guess that + they were Romans. This, in fact, was the case, since Gessius Florus, the + wicked, and after him other officers, made it part of their policy to send + Romans to stir up the Syrians against the Jews and to assist them in their + slaughter. + </p> + <p> + First an attack was made upon the main gates, but when it was found that + these were too strong to be taken easily, the assailants retreated with a + loss of a score of men shot by the defenders from the wall. Then other + tactics were adopted, for the Syrians, possessing themselves of the + neighbouring houses, began to gall the garrison with arrows from the + windows. Thus they drove them under cover, but did little more, since the + palace was all of marble with cemented roofs, and could not be fired with + the burning shafts they sent down upon it. + </p> + <p> + So the first day passed, and during the night no attack was made upon + them. When dawn came they learned the reason, for there opposite to the + gates was reared a great battering-ram; moreover, out at sea a huge galley + was being rowed in as close to their walls as the depth of water would + allow, that from her decks the sailors might hurl stones and siege arrows + by means of catapults and thus break down their defences and destroy them. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that the real fight began. The Jews posted on the roof of the + house poured arrows on the men who strove to work the ram, and killed many + of them, till they were able to push the instrument so close that it could + no longer be commanded. Now it got to work and with three blows of the + great baulk of timber, of which the ram was fashioned, burst in the gates. + Thereon the defenders, headed by old Benoni himself, rushed out and put + those who served it to the sword; then before they could be overcome, + retreated across the ditch to the inner wall, breaking down the wooden + bridge behind them. Now, since the ram was of no further use, as it could + not be dragged through the ditch, the galley, that was anchored within a + hundred paces, began to hurl huge stones and arrows at them, knocking down + the walls and killing several, including two women and three children. + </p> + <p> + Thus matters went on till noon, the besiegers galling them with their + arrows from the land side and the galley battering them from the sea, + while they could do little or nothing in return, having no engines. Benoni + called a council and set out the case, which was desperate enough. It was + evident, he said, that they could not hold out another day, since at + nightfall the Syrians would cross the narrow protecting ditch and set up a + battering-ram against the inner wall. Therefore, they must do one of two + things—sally out and attempt to cut their way through and gain open + country, or fight on and at the last kill the women and children and rush + out, those that were left of them, to be hacked down by the besieging + thousands. As the first plan gave no hope, since, cumbered as they were + with helpless people, they could not expect to escape the city, in their + despair they decided on the second. All must die, therefore they would + perish by each other’s hands. When this decision was known, a wail went up + from the women and the children began to scream with fright, those of them + who were old enough to understand their doom. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta caught Miriam by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Come to the highest roof,” she said; “it is safe from the stones and + arrows, and thence, if need be, we can hurl ourselves into the water and + die an easy death.” + </p> + <p> + So they went and crouched there, praying, for their case was desperate. + Suddenly Nehushta touched Miriam and pointed to the sea. She looked and + saw another galley approaching fast as oars and sails could bring her. + </p> + <p> + “What of it?” she asked heavily. “It will but hasten the end.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” replied Nehushta, “this ship is Jewish; she does not fly the + Eagles, or a Phoenician banner. Behold! the Syrian vessel is getting up + her anchors and preparing for fight.” + </p> + <p> + It was true enough, for now the oars of the Syrian shot out and she forged + ahead towards the newcomer. But just then the current caught her, laying + her broadside on, whereon the Jewish ship, driven by the following wind, + shifted her helm and, amidst a mighty shouting from sea and shore, drove + down upon her, striking her amidships with its beak so that she heeled + over. Then there was more tumult, and Miriam closed her eyes to shut out + the horrid sight. + </p> + <p> + When she opened them again the Syrian galley had vanished, only the water + was spotted with black dots which were the heads of men. + </p> + <p> + “Gallantly done!” screamed Nehushta. “See, she anchors and puts out her + boats; they will save us yet. Down to the water-gate!” + </p> + <p> + On their way they met Benoni coming to seek them, and with him won the + steps which were already crowded with fugitives. The two boats of the + galley drew near and in the bow of the first of them stood a tall and + noble-looking figure. + </p> + <p> + “It is Caleb,” said Miriam, “Caleb who has come to save us.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb it was indeed. At a distance of ten paces from the steps he halted + his boat and called aloud: + </p> + <p> + “Benoni, Lady Miriam and Nehushta, if you still live, stand forward.” + </p> + <p> + They stood forward. + </p> + <p> + “Now wade into the sea,” he cried again, and they waded out until the + water reached their armpits, when they were seized one by one and dragged + into the boat. Many followed them and were also dragged in, until that + boat and the other were quite full, whereon they turned and were rowed to + the galley. Having embarked them, the two boats went back and again were + filled with fugitives, for the most part women and children. + </p> + <p> + Again they went, but as they laded for the third time, the ends of ladders + appeared above the encircling walls of the steps, and Syrians could be + seen rushing out upon the portico, whence they began to lower themselves + with ropes. The end of that scene was dreadful. The boats were full, till + the water indeed began to overflow their gunwales, but many still remained + upon the steps or rushed into the water, women screaming and holding their + children above their heads, and men thrusting them aside in the mad rush + for life. The boats rowed off, some who could swim following them. For the + rest, their end was the sword. In all, seventy souls were rescued. + </p> + <p> + Miriam flung herself downwards upon the deck of the galley and burst into + tears, crying out: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! save them! Can no one save them?” while Benoni seated at her side, + the water running from his blood-stained garment, moaned: + </p> + <p> + “My house sacked; my wealth taken; my people slain by the Gentiles!” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God Who has saved us,” broke in old Nehushta, “God and Caleb; and + as for you, master, blame yourself. Did not we Christians warn you of what + was to come? Well, as it has been in the beginning, so it shall be in the + end.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Caleb appeared before them, proud and flushed with triumph, as + he well might be who had done great things and saved Miriam from the + sword. Benoni rose and, casting his arms about his neck, embraced him. + </p> + <p> + “Behold your deliverer!” he said to Miriam, and stooping down, he drew her + to her feet. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Caleb. I can say no more,” she murmured; but in her heart + she knew that God had delivered her and that Caleb was but His instrument. + </p> + <p> + “I am well repaid,” answered Caleb gravely. “For me this has been a + fortunate day, who on it have sunk the great Syrian galley and rescued the + woman—whom I love.” + </p> + <p> + “Oath or no oath,” broke in Benoni, bethinking him of what he had promised + in the past, “the life you saved is yours, and if I have my way you shall + take her and such of her heritage as remains.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this a time to speak of such things?” said Miriam, looking up. “See + yonder,” and she pointed to the scene in progress on the seashore. “They + drive our friends and servants into the sea and drown them,” and once more + she began to weep. + </p> + <p> + Caleb sighed. “Cease from useless tears, Miriam. We have done our best and + it is the fortune of war. I dare not send out the boats again even if the + mariners would listen to my command. Nehushta, lead your lady to the cabin + and strip her of these wet garments lest she take cold in this bitter + wind. But first, Benoni, what is your mind?” + </p> + <p> + “To go to my cousin Mathias, the high priest at Jerusalem,” answered the + old man, “who has promised to give me shelter if in these days any can be + found.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” broke in Nehushta, “sail for Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “Where also they massacre the Jews by thousands till the streets of + Alexandria run with their blood,” replied Caleb with sarcasm; adding, + “Well, to Egypt I cannot take you who must bring this ship to those who + await her on this side of Joppa, whence I am summoned to Jerusalem.” + </p> + <p> + “Whither and nowhere else I will go,” said Benoni, “to share in my + nation’s death or triumph. If Miriam wills it, I have told her she can + leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “What I have said before I say again,” replied Miriam, “that I will never + do.” + </p> + <p> + Then Nehushta took her to the cabin, and presently the oars began to beat + and the great galley stood out of the harbour, till in the silence of the + sea the screams of the victims and the shouts of the victors died away, + and as night fell naught could be seen of Tyre but the flare from the + burning houses of the slaughtered Jews. + </p> + <p> + Save for the sobs and cries of the fugitives who had lost their friends + and goods the night passed in quiet, since, although it was winter, the + sea was calm and none pursued their ship. At daybreak she anchored, and + coming from the cabin with Nehushta, in the light of the rising sun Miriam + saw before her a ridge of rocks over which the water poured, and beyond it + a little bay backed by a desolate coast. Nehushta also saw and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “What is this place?” asked Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Lady, it is the spot where you were born. On yonder flat rock lay the + vessel, and there I burned her many years ago. See those blackened timbers + half buried in the sand upon the beach; doubtless they are her ribs.” + </p> + <p> + “It is strange that I should return hither, and thus, Nou,” said Miriam + sighing. + </p> + <p> + “Strange, indeed, but mayhap there is a meaning in it. Before you came in + storm to grow to womanhood in peace; now, perchance, you come on a + peaceful sea to pass through womanhood in storm.” + </p> + <p> + “Both journeys began with death, Nou.” + </p> + <p> + “As all journeys end. Blackness behind and blackness in front, and between + them a space of sunshine and shadow—that is the law. Yet have no + fear, for dead Anna, who had the gift of prophecy, foretold that you + should live out your life, though with me, whose days are almost done, it + may be otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam’s face grew troubled. + </p> + <p> + “I fear neither life nor death, Nou, who am willing to meet either as may + chance. But to part with you—ah! that thought makes me fear.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that it will not be yet awhile,” said Nehushta, “for although I + am old, I still have work to do before I lay me down and sleep. Come, + Caleb calls us. We are to disembark while the weather holds.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam entered the boat with her grandfather and others who had + escaped, for the faces of all of them were set towards Jerusalem, and was + rowed to the shore over that very rock where first she drew her breath. + Here they found Jews who had been watching for the coming of the galley. + These men gave them a kind reception, and, what they needed even more, + food, fire and some beasts of burden for their journey. + </p> + <p> + When all were gathered on the beach Caleb joined them, having handed over + the galley to another Jew, who was to depart in her with those that waited + on the shore, upon some secret mission of intercepting Roman corn-ships. + When these men heard what he had done at Tyre, at first they were inclined + to be angry, since they said that he had no authority to risk the vessel + thus, but afterwards, seeing that he had succeeded, and with no loss of + men, praised him and said that it was a very great deed. + </p> + <p> + So the galley put about and sailed away, and they, to the number of some + sixty souls, began their journey to Jerusalem. A little while later they + came to a village, the same where Nehushta had found the peasant and his + wife, whose inhabitants, at the sight of them, fled, thinking that they + were one of the companies of robbers that hunted the land in packs, like + wolves, plundering or murdering all they met. When they learnt the truth, + however, these people returned and heard their story in silence, for in + those days such tales were common enough. As it came to an end a withered, + sunburned woman advanced to Nehushta, and, laying one hand upon her arm, + pointed with the other at Miriam, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, friend, is that the babe I suckled?” + </p> + <p> + Then Nehushta, knowing her to be the nurse who had travelled with them to + the village of the Essenes, greeted her, and answered “Yea,” whereupon the + woman cast her arms about Miriam and embraced her. + </p> + <p> + “Day by day,” she said, “have I thought of you, little one, and now that + my eyes have seen you grown so sweet and fair, I care not—I whose + husband is dead and who have no children—how soon they close upon + the world.” Then she blessed her, and called upon her angel to protect her + yonder in Jerusalem, and found her food and an ass to ride; and so they + parted, to meet no more. + </p> + <p> + As it happened, they were fortunate upon that journey, since, with the + armed guard of twenty men who accompanied Caleb, they were too strong a + party to be attacked by the wandering bands of thieves, and, although it + was reported that Titus and his army had already reached Cæsarea from + Egypt, they met no Romans. Indeed, their only enemy was the cold, which + proved so bitter that when, on the second night, they camped upon the + heights over against Jerusalem, having no tents and fearing to light + fires, they were obliged to walk about till daylight to keep their blood + astir. Then it was that they saw strange and terrible things. + </p> + <p> + In the clear sky over Jerusalem blazed a great comet, in appearance like a + sword of fire. It was true that they had seen it before at Tyre, but never + before had it shown so bright. Moreover, there it had not the appearance + of a sword. This they thought to be an ill omen, all of them except + Benoni, who said that the point of the sword stretched out over Cæsarea, + presaging the destruction of the Romans by the hand of God. Towards dawn, + the pale, unnatural lustre of the comet faded, and the sky grew overcast + and stormy. At length the sun came up, when, to their marvelling eyes, the + fiery clouds took strange shapes. + </p> + <p> + “Look, look!” said Miriam, grasping her grandfather by the arm, “there are + armies in the heavens, and they fight together.” + </p> + <p> + They looked, and, sure enough, it seemed as though two great hosts were + there embattled. They could discern the legions, the wind-blown standards, + the charging chariots, and the squadrons of impetuous horse. The firmament + had become a battle-ground, and lo! it was red as with the blood of the + fallen, while the air was full of strange and dreadful sounds, bred, + perhaps, of wind and distant thunder, that came to them like the wail of + the vanquished and the dull roar of triumphant armies. So terrified were + they at the sight, that they crouched upon the ground and hid their faces + in their hands. Only old Benoni standing up, his white beard and robes + stained red by the ominous light, cried out that this celestial scene + foretold the destruction of the enemies of God. + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” said Nehushta, “but which enemies?” + </p> + <p> + The tall Caleb, marching on his round of the camp, echoed: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, which enemies?” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the light grew, all these fantastic shapes melted into a red + haze, which sank down till Jerusalem before them seemed as though she + floated in an ocean of blood and fire. Then a dark cloud came up and for a + while the holy Hill of Zion vanished utterly away. It passed, the blue sky + reappeared, and lo! the clear light streamed upon her marble palaces and + clustered houses, and was reflected from the golden roofs of the Temple. + So calm and peaceful did the glorious city look that none would have + deemed indeed that she was already nothing but a slaughter-house, where + factions fought furiously, and day by day hundreds of Jews perished + beneath the knives of their own brethren. + </p> + <p> + Caleb gave the word to break their camp, and with bodies shivering in the + cold and spirits terrified by fear, they marched across the rugged hills + towards the Joppa gate, noting as they passed into the valley that the + country had been desolated, for but little corn sprang in the fields, and + that was trodden down, while of flocks and herds they saw none. Reaching + the gate they found it shut, and there were challenged by soldiers, + wild-looking men with ferocious faces of the army of Simon of Gerasa that + held the Lower City. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you and what is your business?” these asked. + </p> + <p> + Caleb set out his rank and titles, and as these did not seem to satisfy + them Benoni explained that the rest of them were fugitives from Tyre, + where there had been a great slaughter of the Jews. + </p> + <p> + “Fugitives always have money; best kill them,” said the captain of the + gate. “Doubtless they are traitors and deserve to die.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb grew angry and commanded them to open, asking by what right they + dared to exclude him, a high officer who had done great service in the + wars. + </p> + <p> + “By the right of the strong,” they answered. “Those who let in Simon have + to deal with Simon. If you are of the party of John or of Eleazer go to + the Temple and knock upon its doors,” and they pointed mockingly to the + gleaming gates above. + </p> + <p> + “Has it come to this, then,” asked Benoni, “that Jew eats Jew in + Jerusalem, while the Roman wolves raven round the walls? Man, we are of no + party, although, as I think, my name is known and honoured by all parties—the + name of Benoni of Tyre. I demand to be led, not to Simon, or to John, or + to Eleazer, but to my cousin, Mathias, the high priest, who bids us here.” + </p> + <p> + “Mathias, the high priest,” said the captain; “that is another matter. + Well, this Mathias let us into the city, where we have found good + quarters, and good plunder; so as one turn deserves another, we may as + well let in his friends. Pass, cousin of Mathias the high priest, with all + your company,” and he opened the gate. + </p> + <p> + They entered and marched up the narrow streets towards the Temple. It was + the hour of the day when all men should be stirring and busy with their + work, but lo! the place was desolate—yes, although so crowded, it + still was desolate. On the pavement lay bodies of men and women slain in + some midnight outrage. From behind the lattices of the windows they caught + sight of the eyes of hundreds peeping at them, but none gave them a + good-morrow, or said one single word. The silence of death seemed to brood + upon the empty thoroughfares. Presently it was broken by a single wailing + voice that reached their ears from so far away that they could not catch + its meaning. Nearer and nearer it came, till at length in the dark and + narrow street they caught sight of a thin, white-bearded figure, naked to + the waist as though to show the hideous scars and rod-weals with which its + back and breast were scored, still festering, some of them. This was the + man who uttered the cries, and these were the words he spoke: + </p> + <p> + “A voice from the East! a voice from the West! a voice from the four + Winds! a voice against Jerusalem and against the Temple! a voice against + the bridegrooms and the brides! a voice against the whole people! Woe, woe + to Jerusalem!” + </p> + <p> + Now he was upon them, yes, and marching through them as though he saw them + not, although they shrank to one side and the other of the narrow street + to avoid the touch of this ominous, unclean creature who scarcely seemed + to be a man. + </p> + <p> + “Fellow, what do these words mean?” cried Benoni in angry fear. But, + taking no heed, his pale eyes fixed upon the heavens, the wanderer + answered only, “Woe, woe to Jerusalem! Woe to you who come up to + Jerusalem!” + </p> + <p> + So he passed on, still uttering those awful words, till at length they + lost sight of his naked form and the sound of his crying grew faint and + died away. + </p> + <p> + “What a fearful greeting is this!” said Miriam, wringing her hands. + </p> + <p> + “Ay!” answered Nehushta, “but the farewell will be worse. The place is + doomed and all in it.” + </p> + <p> + Only Caleb said, striving to look unconcerned: + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear, Miriam. I know the man. He is mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does wisdom end and madness begin?” asked Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + Then they went on towards the gates of the Temple, always through the same + blood-stained, empty streets. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <h3> + THE ESSENES FIND THEIR QUEEN AGAIN + </h3> + <p> + They went on towards the gates of the Temple, but many a long day was + destined to go by ere Miriam reached them. The entrance by which they were + told they must approach if they sought speech of the high priest, was one + of the two Huldah Gates on the south side of the Royal Cloister, and + thither they came across the valley of Tyropæon. As they drew near to them + of a sudden that gate which stood most to the east was flung wide, and out + of it issued a thousand or more of armed men, like ants from a broken + nest, who, shouting and waving swords, rushed towards their company. As it + chanced, at the moment they were in the centre of an open space that once + had been covered with houses but was now cumbered with hundreds of + blackened and tottering walls, for fire had devoured them. + </p> + <p> + “It is the men of John who attack us,” cried a voice, whereon, moved by a + common impulse, the little band turned and fled for shelter among the + ruined houses; yes, even Caleb and Benoni fled. + </p> + <p> + Before they reached them, lo! from these crumbling walls that they had + thought untenanted save by wandering dogs, out rushed another body of + savage warriors, the men of Simon who held the Lower City. + </p> + <p> + After this, Miriam knew little of what happened. Swords and spears flashed + round her, the factions fell upon each other, slaughtering each other. She + saw Caleb cut down one of the soldiers of John, to be instantly assaulted + in turn by a soldier of Simon, since all desired to kill, but none cared + whom they slew. She saw her grandfather rolling over and over on the + ground in the grip of a man who looked like a priest; she saw women and + children pierced with spears. Then Nehushta seized her by the hand, and + plunging a knife into the arm of a man who would have stayed them, dragged + her away. They fled, an arrow sang past her ear; something struck her on + the foot. Still they fled, whither she knew not, till at length the sound + of the tumult died away. But not yet would Nehushta stop, for she feared + that they might be followed. So on they went, and on, meeting few and + heeded by none, till at length Miriam sank to the ground, worn out with + fear and flight. + </p> + <p> + “Up,” said Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” she answered. “Something has hurt my foot. See, it bleeds!” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta looked about her, and saw that they were outside the second wall + in the new city of Bezetha, not far from the old Damascus Gate, for there, + to their right and a little behind them, rose the great tower of Antonia. + Beneath this wall were rubbish-heaps, foul-smelling and covered over with + rough grasses and some spring flowers, which grew upon the slopes of the + ancient fosse. Here seemed a place where they might lie hid awhile, since + there were no houses and it was unsavoury. She dragged Miriam to her feet, + and, notwithstanding her complaints and swollen ankle, forced her on, till + they came to a spot where, as it is to-day, the wall was built upon + foundations of living rock, roughly shaped, and lined with crevices + covered by tall weeds. To one of these crevices Nehushta brought Miriam, + and, seating her on a bed of grass, examined her foot, which seemed to + have been bruised by a stone from a sling. Having no water with which to + wash the bleeding hurt, she made a poultice of crushed herbs and tied it + about the ankle with a strip of linen. Even before she had finished her + task, so exhausted was Miriam that she fell fast asleep. Nehushta watched + her a while, wondering what they should do next, till, in that lonely + place bathed by the warm spring sun, she also began to doze. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly she awoke with a start, having dreamed that she saw a man with + white face and beard peering at them from behind a rough angle of rock. + She stared: there was the rock as she had dreamed of it, but no man. She + looked upward. Above them, piled block upon gigantic block, rose the wall, + towering and impregnable. Thither he could not have gone, since on it only + a lizard could find foothold. Nor was he anywhere else, for there was no + cover; so she decided that he must have been some searcher of the + rubbish-heap, who, seeing them hidden in the tall grasses, had fled away. + Miriam was still sound asleep, and in her weariness presently Nehushta + again began to doze, till at length—it may have been one hour later, + or two or three, she knew not—some sound disturbed her. Opening her + eyes, once more behind that ridge of rock she saw, not one white-bearded + face, but two, staring at her and Miriam. As she sat up they vanished. She + remained still, pretending to sleep, and again they appeared, scanning her + closely and whispering to each other in eager tones. Suddenly one of the + faces turned a little so that the light fell on it. Now Nehushta knew why + in her dream it had seemed familiar, and in her heart thanked God. + </p> + <p> + “Brother Ithiel,” she said in a quiet voice, “why do you hide like a coney + in these rocks?” + </p> + <p> + Both heads disappeared, but the sound of whispering continued. Then one of + them rose again among the green grasses as a man might rise out of water. + It was Ithiel’s. + </p> + <p> + “It is indeed you, Nehushta?” said his well-remembered voice. + </p> + <p> + “Who else?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “And that lady who sleeps at your side?” + </p> + <p> + “Once they called her Queen of the Essenes; now she is a hunted fugitive, + waiting to be massacred by Simon, or John, or Eleazer, or Zealots, or + Sicarii, or any other of the holy cut-throats who inhabit this Holy City,” + answered Nehushta bitterly. + </p> + <p> + Ithiel raised his hands as though in thankfulness, then said: + </p> + <p> + “Hush! hush! Here the very birds are spies. Brother, creep to that rock + and look if any men are moving.” + </p> + <p> + The Essene obeyed, and answered, “None; and they cannot see us from the + wall.” + </p> + <p> + Ithiel motioned to him to return. + </p> + <p> + “Does she sleep sound?” he asked of Nehushta, pointing to Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Like the dead.” + </p> + <p> + Then, after another whispered conference, the pair of them crept round the + angle of the rock. Bidding Nehushta follow them, they lifted the sleeping + Miriam, and carried her between them through a dense growth of shrubs to + another rock. Here they moved some grass and pushed aside a stone, + revealing a hole not much larger than a jackal would make. Into this the + brother entered, heels first. Then Nehushta, by his directions, taking the + feet of the senseless Miriam, with her help he bore her into the hole, + that opened presently into a wide passage. Last of all Ithiel, having + lifted the grasses which their feet had trodden, followed them, pulling + the stone back to its place, and cutting off the light. Once more they + were in darkness, but this did not seem to trouble the brethren, for again + lifting Miriam, they went forward a distance of thirty or forty paces, + Nehushta holding on to Ithiel’s robe. Now, at length, the cold air of this + cave, or perhaps its deep gloom and the motion, awoke Miriam from her + swoon-like sleep. She struggled in their hands, and would have cried out, + had not Nehushta bade her to be silent. + </p> + <p> + “Where am I?” she said. “Is this the hall of death?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, lady. Wait a while, all shall be explained.” + </p> + <p> + While she spoke and Miriam clung to her affrighted, Ithiel struck iron and + flint together. Catching the spark upon tinder he blew it to a flame and + lighted a taper which burnt up slowly, causing his white beard and face to + appear by degrees out of the darkness, like that of a ghost rising from + the tomb. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! surely I am dead,” said Miriam, “for before me stands the spirit of + my uncle Ithiel.” + </p> + <p> + “Not the spirit, Miriam, but the flesh,” answered the old man in a voice + that trembled with joy. Then, since he could restrain himself no longer, + he gave the taper to the brother, and, taking her in his arms, kissed her + again and again. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, most dear child,” he said; “yes, even to this darksome den, + welcome, thrice welcome, and blessed be the eternal God Who led our feet + forth to find you. Nay, do not stop to talk, we are still too near the + wall. Give me your hand and come.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam glanced up as she obeyed, and by the feeble light of the taper saw + a vast rocky roof arching above them. On either side of her also were + walls of rough-hewn rock down which dripped water, and piled upon the + floor or still hanging half-cut from the roof, boulders large enough to + fashion a temple column. + </p> + <p> + “What awful place is this, my uncle?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “The cavern whence Solomon, the great king, drew stone for the building of + the Temple. Look, here are his mason’s marks upon the wall. Here he + fashioned the blocks and thus it happened that no sound of saw or hammer + was heard within the building. Doubtless also other kings before and since + his day have used this quarry, as no man knows its age.” + </p> + <p> + While he spoke thus he was leading her onwards over the rough, stone-hewn + floor, where the damp gathered in little pools. Following the windings of + the cave they turned once, then again and yet again, so that soon Miriam + was utterly bewildered and could not have found her way back to the + entrance for her life’s sake. Moreover, the air had become so hot and + stifling that she could scarcely breathe. + </p> + <p> + “It will be better presently,” said Ithiel, noticing her distress, as he + drew her limping after him into what seemed to be a natural crevice of + rock hardly large enough to allow the passage of his body. Along this + crevice they scrambled for eight or ten paces, to find themselves suddenly + in a tunnel lined with masonry, and so large that they could stand + upright. + </p> + <p> + “Once it was a watercourse,” explained Ithiel, “that filled the great + tank, but now it has been dry for centuries.” + </p> + <p> + Down this darksome shaft hobbled Miriam, till presently it ended in a + wall, or what seemed to be a wall—for when Ithiel pressed upon a + stone it turned. Beyond it the tunnel continued for twenty or thirty + paces, leading them at length into a vast chamber with arched roof and + cemented sides and bottom, which in some bygone age had been a water-tank. + Here lights were burning, and even a charcoal fire, at which a brother was + engaged in cooking. Also the air was pure and sweet, doubtless because of + the winding water-channels that ran upwards. Nor did the place lack + inhabitants, for there, seated in groups round the tapers, or watching the + cooking over the charcoal fire, were forty or fifty men, still clad, for + the most part, in the robes of the Essenes. + </p> + <p> + “Brethren,” cried Ithiel, in answer to the challenge of one who was set to + watch the entry, “I bring back to you her whom we lost a while ago, the + lady Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + They heard, and seizing the tapers, ran forward. + </p> + <p> + “It is she!” they cried, “our queen and none other, and with her Nehushta + the Libyan! Welcome, welcome, a thousand times, dear lady!” + </p> + <p> + Miriam greeted them one and all, and before these greetings were finished + they brought her food to eat, rough but wholesome, also good wine and + sweet water. Then while she ate she heard all their story. It seemed that + more than a year ago the Romans, marching on Jericho, had fallen upon + their village and put a number of them to death, seizing others as slaves. + Thereon the remnant fled to Jerusalem, where many more perished, for, + being peaceable folk, all the factions robbed and slew them. Seeing, at + last, that to live at large in the city would be to doom themselves to + extinction, and yet not daring to leave it, they sought a refuge in this + underground place, of which, as it chanced, one of their brethren had the + secret. This he had inherited from his father, so that it was known to no + other living man. + </p> + <p> + Here by degrees they laid up a great store of provisions of all sorts, of + charcoal for burning, and other necessaries, carrying into the place also + clothes, bedding, cooking utensils and even some rough furniture. These + preparations being made, the fifty of them who remained removed themselves + to the vaults where now they had already dwelt three months, and here, so + far as was possible, continued to practise the rules of their order. + Miriam asked how they kept their health in this darkness, to which they + replied that sometimes they went out by that path which she had just + followed, and mingled with the people in the city, returning to their hole + at night. Ithiel and his companion were on such a journey when they found + her. Also they had another passage to the upper air which they would show + her later. + </p> + <p> + When Miriam had finished eating, dressed her hurt, and rested a while, + they took her to explore the wonders of the place. Beyond this great + cistern, that was their common room, lay more to the number of six or + seven, one of the smallest of which was given to Nehushta and herself to + dwell in. Others were filled with stores enough to last them all for + months. Last of all was a cave, not very large, but deep, which always + held sweet water. Doubtless there was a spring at the bottom of it, which, + when the other rain-fed tanks grew dry, still kept it supplied. From this + cistern that had been used for generations after the others were + abandoned, a little stair ran upwards, worn smooth by the feet of folk + long dead, who had come hither to draw water. + </p> + <p> + “Where does it lead?” asked Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “To the ruined tower above,” answered Ithiel. “Nay, another time I will + show you. Now your place is made ready for you, go, let Nehushta bathe + your foot, and sleep, for you must need it sorely.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam went and laid herself down to rest in the little cemented vault + which was to be her home for four long months; and being worn out, + notwithstanding the sufferings she had passed and her fears for her + grandfather, slept there as soundly as ever she had done in her wind-swept + chamber at the palace of Tyre, or in her house at the village of the + Essenes. + </p> + <p> + When she awoke and saw the darkness all about her, she thought that it + must be night; then remembering that in this place it was always night, + called to Nehushta, who uncovered the little lamp that burned in a corner + of the vault, and went out, to return presently with the news that + according to the Essenes, it was day. So she rose and put on her robes, + and they passed together into the great chamber. Here they found the + Essenes at prayer and making their reverences to the sun which they could + not see, after which they ate their morning meal. Now Miriam spoke to + Ithiel, telling him of her trouble about her grandfather, who, if he + himself still lived, would think that she was dead. + </p> + <p> + “One thing is certain,” replied her great-uncle: “that you shall not go + out to seek him, nor must you tell him of your hiding-place, since soon or + late this might mean that all of us would be destroyed, if only for the + sake of the food which we have hoarded.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam asked if she could not send a message. He answered: + </p> + <p> + “No, since none would dare to take it.” In the end, however, after she had + pleaded with him long and earnestly, it was agreed that she should write + the words, “I am safe and well, but in a place that I must not tell you + of,” and sign her name upon a piece of parchment. This letter Ithiel, who + purposed to creep out into the city that evening disguised as a beggar, to + seek for tidings, said he would take, and, if might be, bribe some soldier + to deliver it to Benoni at the house of the high priest, if he were there. + </p> + <p> + So Miriam wrote the letter, and at nightfall Ithiel and another brother + departed, taking it with them. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning they returned, safe, but with a dreadful tale of + the slaughters in the city and in the Temple courts, where the mad + factions still fought furiously. + </p> + <p> + “Your tidings, my uncle?” said Miriam, rising to meet him. “Does he still + live?” + </p> + <p> + “Be of good comfort,” he answered. “Benoni reached the house of Mathias in + safety, and Caleb also, and now they are sheltering within the Temple + walls. This much I had from one of the high priest’s guards, who, for the + price of a piece of gold I gave him, swore that he would deliver the + letter without fail. But, child, I will take no more, for that soldier + eyed me curiously and said it was scarcely safe for beggars to carry + gold.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam thanked him for his goodness and his news, saying that they lifted + a weight from her heart. + </p> + <p> + “I have other tidings that may perhaps make it lighter still,” went on the + old man, looking at her sideways. “Titus with a mighty host draws near to + Jerusalem from Cæsarea.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no joy in that tale,” replied Miriam, “for it means that the + Holy City will be besieged and taken.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but among that host is one who, if all the stories are true,” and + again he glanced at her face, “would rather take you than the city.” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” she said, pressing her hands against her heart and turning redder + than the lamplight. + </p> + <p> + “One of Titus’ prefects of horse, the noble Roman, Marcus, whom in byegone + days you knew by the banks of Jordan.” + </p> + <p> + Now the red blood fled back to Miriam’s heart, and she turned so faint + that had not the wall been near at hand she would have fallen. + </p> + <p> + “Marcus?” she said. “Well, he swore that he would come, yet it will bring + him little nearer me;” and she turned and sought her chamber. + </p> + <p> + So Marcus had come. Since he sent the letter and the ring that was upon + her hand, and the pearls which were about her throat, she had heard no + more of him. Twice she had written and forwarded the writings by the most + trusty messenger whom she could find, but whether they reached him she did + not know. For more than two years the silence between them had been that + of death, till, indeed, at times she thought that he must be dead. And now + he was come back, a commander in the army of Titus, who marched to punish + the rebellious Jews. Would she ever see him again? Miriam could not tell. + Yet she knelt and prayed from her pure heart that if it were once only, + she might speak with him face to face. Indeed, it was this hope of meeting + that, more than any other, supported her through all those dreadful days. + </p> + <p> + A week went by, and although the hurt to her foot had healed, like some + flower in the dark Miriam drooped and languished in those gloomy vaults. + Twice she prayed her uncle to be allowed to creep to the mouth of the hole + behind the ridge of rock, there to breathe the fresh air and see the + blessed sky. But this he would not suffer. The thing was too dangerous, he + said; for although none knew the secret of their hiding-place, already two + or three fugitives had found their way into the quarries by other + entrances, and these it was very difficult to pass unseen. + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” answered Miriam, and crept back to her cell. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta looked after her anxiously, then said: + </p> + <p> + “If she cannot have air I think that she will soon die. Is there no way?” + </p> + <p> + “One,” answered Ithiel, “but I fear to take it. The staircase from the + spring leads to an ancient tower that, I am told, once was a palace of the + kings, but now for these many years has been deserted, for its entrance is + bricked up lest thieves should make it their home. None can come into that + tower, nor is it used for purposes of war, not standing upon any wall, and + there she might sit at peace and see the sun; yet I fear to let her do + so.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be risked,” answered Nehushta. “Take me to visit this place.” + </p> + <p> + So Ithiel led her to the cistern, and from the cistern up a flight of + steps to a little vaulted chamber, into which they entered through a stone + trap-door, made of the same substance as the paving of the chamber, so + that, when it was closed, none would guess that there was a passage + beneath. From this old store-room, for such it doubtless was, ran more + steps, ending, to all appearance, in a blank wall. Coming to it, Ithiel + thrust a piece of flat iron, a foot or more in length, into a crack in + this wall, lifted some stone latch within, and pushed, whereon a block of + masonry of something more than the height and width of a man, and quite a + yard in thickness, swung outwards. Nehushta passed through the aperture, + followed by Ithiel. + </p> + <p> + “See,” he said, loosing his hold of the stone, which without noise + instantly closed, so that behind them there appeared to be nothing but a + wall, “it is well hung, is it not? and to come hither without this iron + would be dangerous. Here is the crack where it must be set to lift the + latch within.” + </p> + <p> + “Whoever lived here guarded their food and water well,” answered Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + Then Ithiel showed her the place. It was a massive tower of a square of + about forty feet, whereof the only doorway, as he told her, had been + bricked up many years before to keep the thieves and vagabonds from + sheltering there. In height it must have measured nearly a hundred feet, + and its roof had long ago rotted away. The staircase, which was of stone, + still remained, however, leading to four galleries, also of stone. Perhaps + once there were floors as well, but if so these had vanished, only the + stone galleries and their balustrades remaining. Ithiel led Nehushta up + the stair, which, though narrow, was safe and easy. Resting at each story, + at length they came to that gallery which projected from its sides within + ten feet of the top of the tower, and saw Jerusalem and the country round + spread like a map beneath. Then, as it was sunset, they returned. At the + foot of the stair Ithiel gave Nehushta the piece of iron and showed her + how to lift the secret latch and pull upon the block of hewn stone that + was a door, so that it opened to swing to again behind them. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, before it was dawn in the world above, Miriam aroused + Nehushta. She had been promised that this day she should be taken up the + Old Tower, and so great was her longing for the scent of the free air and + the sight of the blue sky that she had scarcely closed her eyes this + night. + </p> + <p> + “Have patience, lady,” said Nehushta, “have patience. We cannot start + until the Essenes have finished their prayers to the sun, which, down in + this black hole, they worship more earnestly than ever.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam waited, though she would eat nothing, till at length Ithiel came + and led them past the cistern up the stairs to the store or treasure + chamber, where the trap-door stood wide, since, except in case of some + danger, they had no need to shut it. Next, they reached the door of solid + stone which Ithiel showed her how to open, and entered the base of the + massive building. There, far above her, Miriam saw the sky again, red from + the lights of morning, and at the sight of it clapped her hands and called + aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Ithiel. “These walls are thick, yet it is not safe to raise a + voice of joy in Jerusalem, that home of a thousand miseries, lest, + perchance, some should hear it through a cleft in the masonry, and cause + search to be made for the singer. Now, if you will, follow me.” + </p> + <p> + So they went up and up, till at last they reached the topmost gallery, + where the wall was pierced with loopholes and overhanging platforms, + whence stones and other missiles could be hurled upon an attacking force. + Miriam looked out eagerly, walking round the gallery from aperture to + aperture. + </p> + <p> + To the south lay the marble courts and glittering buildings of the Temple, + whence, although men fought daily in them, the smoke of sacrifice still + curled up to heaven. Behind these were the Upper and the Lower City, + crowded with thousands of houses, packed, every one of them, with human + beings who had fled hither for refuge, or, notwithstanding the dangers of + the time, to celebrate the Passover. To the east was the rugged valley of + Jehoshaphat, and beyond it the Mount of Olives, green with trees soon to + be laid low by the Romans. To the north the new city of Bezetha, bordered + by the third wall and the rocky lands beyond. Not far away, also, but + somewhat in front of them and to the left, rose the mighty tower of + Antonia, now one of the strongholds of John of Gischala and the Zealots, + while also to the west, across the width of the city, were the towers of + Hippicus, Phasæl and Mariamne, backed by the splendid palace of Herod. + Besides these were walls, fortresses, gates and palaces without number, so + intricate and many that the eye could scarcely follow or count them, and, + between, the numberless narrow streets of Jerusalem. These and many other + things Ithiel pointed out to Miriam, who listened eagerly till he wearied + of the task. Then they looked downwards through the overhanging platforms + of stone to the large market-place beneath and to the front, and upon the + roofs of the houses, mostly of the humbler sort, that were built behind + almost up to the walls of the Old Tower, whereon many people were gathered + as though for safety, eating their morning meal, talking anxiously + together, and even praying. + </p> + <p> + Whilst they were thus engaged, Nehushta touched Miriam and pointed to the + road which ran from the Valley of Thorns on the northeast. She looked, and + saw a great cloud of dust that advanced swiftly, and presently, through + the dust, the sheen of spears and armour. + </p> + <p> + “The Romans!” said Nehushta quietly. + </p> + <p> + She was not the only one who had caught sight of them, for suddenly the + battlement of every wall and tower, the roof of every lofty house, the + upper courts of the Temple, and all high places became crowded with + thousands and tens of thousands of heads, each of them staring towards + that advancing dust. In silence they stared as though their multitudes + were stricken dumb, till presently, from far below out of the maze of + winding streets, floated the wail of a single voice. + </p> + <p> + “Woe, woe to Jerusalem!” said the voice. “Woe, woe to the City and the + Temple!” + </p> + <p> + They shuddered, and as it seemed to them, all the listening thousands + within reach of that mournful cry shuddered also. + </p> + <p> + “Aye!” repeated Ithiel, “woe to Jerusalem, for yonder comes her doom.” + </p> + <p> + Now on the more rocky ground the dust grew thinner, and through it they + could distinguish the divisions of the mighty army of destroyers. First + came thousands of Syrian allies and clouds of scouts and archers, who + searched the country far and wide. Next appeared the road-makers and the + camp-setters, the beasts of burden with the general’s baggage and its + great escort, followed by Titus himself, his bodyguard and officers, by + pikemen and by horsemen. Then were seen strange and terrible-looking + engines of war beyond count, and with them the tribunes, and the captains + of cohorts and their guards who preceded the engines, and that + “abomination of desolation,” the Roman Eagles, surrounded by bands of + trumpeters, who from time to time uttered their loud, defiant note. After + them marched the vast army in ranks six deep, divided into legions and + followed by their camp-bearers and squadrons of horse. Lastly were seen + the packs of baggage, and mercenaries by thousands and tens of thousands. + On the Hill of Saul the great host halted and began to encamp. An hour + later a band of horsemen five or six hundred strong emerged out of this + camp and marched along the straight road to Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + “It is Titus himself,” said Ithiel. “See, the Imperial Standard goes + before him.” + </p> + <p> + On they came till, from their lofty perch, Miriam, who was keen-sighted, + could see their separate armour and tell the colour of their horses. + Eagerly she searched them with her eyes, for well she guessed that Marcus + would be one of those who accompanied his general upon this service. That + plumed warrior might be he, or that with the purple cloak, or that who + galloped out from near by the Standard on an errand. He was there; she was + sure he was there, and yet they were as far apart as when the great sea + rolled between them. + </p> + <p> + Now, as they reconnoitred and were passing the Tower of Women, of a sudden + the gate opened, and from alleys and houses where they had lain in ambush + were poured out thousands of Jews. Right through the thin line of horsemen + they pierced, uttering savage cries, then doubled back upon the severed + ends. Many were cut down; Miriam could see them falling from their horses. + The Imperial Standard sank, then rose and sank again to rise once more. + Now dust hid the combat, and she thought that all the Romans must be + slain. But no, for presently they began to appear beyond the dust, riding + back by the way they had come, though fewer than they were. They had + charged through the multitude of Jews and escaped. But who had escaped and + who were left behind? Ah! that she could not tell; and it was with a sick + and anxious heart that Miriam descended the steps of the tower into the + darkness of the caves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <h3> + WHAT PASSED IN THE TOWER + </h3> + <p> + Nearly four months had gone by. Perhaps, during the whole history of the + world there never has been and never will be more cruel suffering than was + endured by the inhabitants of Jerusalem during that period, or rather by + the survivors of the nation of the Jews who were crowded together within + its walls. Forgetting their internecine quarrels in the face of + overwhelming danger, too late the factions united and fought against the + common foe with a ferocity that has been seldom equalled. They left + nothing undone which desperate men could do. Again and again they sallied + forth against the Romans, slaughtering thousands of them. They captured + their battering-rams and catapults. They undermined the great wooden + towers which Titus erected against their walls, and burnt them. With + varying success they made sally upon sally. Titus took the third wall and + the new city of Bezetha. He took the second wall and pulled it down. Then + he sent Josephus, the historian, to persuade the Jews to surrender, but + his countrymen cursed and stoned him, and the war went on. + </p> + <p> + At length, as it seemed to be impossible to carry the place by assault, + Titus adopted a surer and more terrible plan. Enclosing the first + unconquered wall, the Temple, and the fortress by another wall of his own + making, he sat down and waited for starvation to do its work. Then came + the famine. At the beginning, before the maddened, devil-inspired factions + began to destroy each other and to prey upon the peaceful people, + Jerusalem was amply provisioned. But each party squandered the stores that + were within its reach, and, whenever they could do so, burnt those of + their rivals, so that the food which might have supplied the whole city + for months, vanished quickly in orgies of wanton waste and destruction. + Now all, or almost all, was gone, and by tens and hundreds of thousands + the people starved. + </p> + <p> + Those who are curious about such matters, those who desire to know how + much human beings can endure, and of what savagery they can be capable + when hunger drives them, may find these details set out in the pages of + Josephus, the renegade Jewish historian. It serves no good purpose and + will not help our story to repeat them; indeed for the most part they are + too terrible to be repeated. History does not record, and the mind of man + cannot invent a cruelty which was not practised by the famished Jews upon + other Jews suspected of the crime of having hidden food to feed themselves + or their families. Now the fearful prophecy was fulfilled, and it came + about that mothers devoured their own infants, and children snatched the + last morsel of bread from the lips of their dying parents. If these things + were done between those who were of one blood, what dreadful torment was + there that was not practised by stranger upon stranger? The city went mad + beneath the weight of its abominable and obscene misery. Thousands + perished every day, and every night thousands more escaped, or attempted + to escape, to the Romans, who caught the poor wretches and crucified them + beneath the walls, till there was no more wood of which to make the + crosses, and no more ground whereon to stand them. + </p> + <p> + All these things and many others Miriam saw from her place of outlook in + the gallery of the deserted tower. She saw the people lying dead by + hundreds in the streets beneath. She saw the robbers hale them from their + houses and torture them to discover the hiding-place of the food which + they were supposed to have hidden, and when they failed, put them to the + sword. She saw the Valley of the Kidron and the lower slopes of the Mount + of Olives covered with captive Jews writhing on their crosses, there to + die as the Messiah whom they had rejected, died. She saw the furious + attacks, the yet more furious sallies and the dreadful daily slaughter, + till at length her heart grew so sick within her, that although she still + took refuge in the ruined tower to escape the gloom beneath, Miriam would + spend whole hours lying on her face, her fingers thrust into her ears, + that she might shut out the sights and sounds of this unutterable woe. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the Essenes, who still had stores of food, ventured forth but + rarely, lest the good condition of their bodies, although their faces were + white as death from dwelling in the darkness, should tempt the starving + hordes to seize and torture them in the hope of discovering the + hiding-places of their nutriment. Indeed, to several of the brethren this + happened; but in obedience to their oaths, as will be seen in the instance + of the past President Theophilus—who went out and was no more heard + of—they endured all and died without a murmur, having betrayed + nothing. Still, notwithstanding the danger, driven to it by utter + weariness of their confinement in the dark and by the desire of obtaining + news, from time to time one of them would creep forth at night to return + again before daybreak. From these men Miriam heard that after the murder + of the high priest Mathias and his sons, together with sixteen of the + Sanhedrim, on a charge of correspondence with the Romans, her grandfather, + Benoni, had been elected to that body, in which he exercised much + influence and caused many to be put to death who were accused of treason + or of favouring the Roman cause. Caleb also was in the Temple and foremost + in every fight. He was said to have sworn an oath that he would slay the + Prefect of Horse, Marcus, with whom he had an ancient quarrel, or be slain + himself. It was told, indeed, that they had met once already and struck + some blows at each other, before they were separated by an accident of + war. + </p> + <p> + The beginning of August came at length, and the wretched city, in addition + to its other miseries, panted in the heat of a scorching summer sun and + was poisoned by the stench from the dead bodies that filled the streets + and were hurled in thousands from the walls. Now the Romans had set up + their battering engines at the very gates of the Temple, and slowly but + surely were winning their way into its outer courts. + </p> + <p> + On a certain night, about an hour before the dawn, Miriam woke Nehushta, + telling her that she was stifling there in those vaults and must ascend + the tower. Nehushta said that it was folly, whereon Miriam answered that + she would go alone. This she would not suffer her to do, so together they + passed up the stairs according to custom, and, having gained the base of + the tower through the swinging door of stone, climbed the steps that ran + in the thickness of the wall till they reached the topmost gallery. Here + they sat, fanned by the faint night wind, and watched the fires of the + Romans stretched far and wide around the walls and even among the ruins of + the houses almost beneath them, since that part of the city was taken. + </p> + <p> + Presently the dawn broke, a splendid, fearful dawn. It was as though the + angel of the daybreak had dipped his wing into a sea of blood and dashed + it against the brow of Night, still crowned with her fading stars. Of a + sudden the heavens were filled with blots and threads of flaming colour + latticed against the pale background of the twilight sky. Miriam watched + it with a kind of rapture, letting its glory and its peace sink into her + troubled soul, while from below arose the sound of awakening camps making + ready for the daily battle. Soon a ray of burning light, cast like a spear + from the crest of the Mount of Olives across the Valley of Jehoshaphat, + struck full upon the gold-roofed Temple and its courts. At its coming, as + though at a signal, the northern gates were thrown wide, and through them + poured a flood of gaunt and savage warriors. They came on in thousands, + uttering fierce war-cries. Some pickets of Romans tried to stay their + rush; in a minute they were overcome and destroyed. Now they were surging + round the feet of a great wooden tower filled with archers. Here the fight + was desperate, for the soldiers of Titus rushed up by companies to defend + their engine. But they could not drive back that onset, and presently the + tower was on fire, and in a last mad effort to save their lives its + defenders were casting themselves headlong from the lofty platform. With + shouts of triumph the Jews rushed through the breaches in the second wall, + and leaving what remained of the castle of Antonia on the left, poured + down into the maze of streets and ruined houses that lay immediately + behind the Old Tower whence Miriam watched. + </p> + <p> + In front of this building, which the Romans had never attempted to enter, + since for military purposes it was useless to them, lay the open space, + once, no doubt, part of its garden, but of late years used as a cattle + market and a place where young men exercised themselves in arms. Bordering + the waste on its further side were strong fortifications, the camping + ground of the twelfth and fifteenth legions. Across this open space those + who remained of the Romans fled back towards their outer line, followed by + swarms of furious Jews. They gained them, such as were not overtaken, but + the Jews who pursued were met with so fierce a charge, delivered by the + fresh troops behind the defences, that they were in turn swept back and + took refuge among the ruined houses. Suddenly Miriam’s attention became + concentrated upon the mounted officer who led this charge, a + gallant-looking man clad in splendid armour, whose clear, ringing voice, + as he uttered the words of command, had caught her ear even through the + tumult and the shouting. The Roman onslaught having reached its limit, + began to fall back again like the water from an exhausted wave upon a + slope of sand. At the moment the Jews were in no condition to press the + enemy’s retreat, so that the mounted officer who withdrew last of all, had + time to turn his horse, and heedless of the arrows that sang about him, to + study the ground now strewn with the wounded and the dead. Presently he + looked up at the deserted tower as though wondering whether he could make + use of it, and Miriam saw his face. It was Marcus, grown older, more + thoughtful also, and altered somewhat by a short curling beard, but still + Marcus and no other. + </p> + <p> + “Look! look!” she said. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta nodded. “Yes, it is he; I thought so from the first. And now, + having seen him, lady, shall we be going?” + </p> + <p> + “Going?” said Miriam, “wherefore?” + </p> + <p> + “Because one army or the other may chance to think that this building + would be useful to them, and break open the walled-up door. Also they + might explore this staircase, and then——” + </p> + <p> + “And then,” answered Miriam quietly, “we should be taken. What of it? If + the Jews find us we are of their party; if the Romans—well, I do not + greatly fear the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean you do not fear one Roman. But who knows, but that he may + presently lie dead——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! say it not,” answered Miriam, pressing her hand upon her heart. “Nay, + safe or unsafe, I will see this fight out. Look, yonder is Caleb—yes, + Caleb himself, shouting to the Jews. How fierce is his face, like that of + a hyena in a snare. Nay, now I will not go—go you and leave me in + peace to watch the end.” + </p> + <p> + “Since you are too heavy and strong for my old arms to carry down those + steep steps, so be it,” answered Nehushta calmly. “After all, we have food + with us, and our angels can guard us as well on the top of a tower as in + those dirty cisterns. Also this fray is worth the watching.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, the Romans having re-formed, led by the Prefect Marcus and + other officers, advanced from their entrenchment, to be met half-way by + the Jews, now reinforced from the Temple, among whom was Caleb. There, in + the open space, they fought hand to hand, for neither force would yield an + inch. Miriam, watching through the stone bars from above, had eyes for + only two of all that multitude of men—Marcus, whom she loved, and + Caleb, whom she feared. Marcus was attacked by a Jew, who stabbed his + horse, to be instantly stabbed himself by a Roman who came to the rescue + of his commander. After this he fought on foot. Caleb killed first one + soldier than another. Watching him, Miriam grew aware that he was cutting + his way towards some point, and that the point was Marcus. This Marcus + seemed to know; at least, he also strove to cut his way towards Caleb. + Nearer and nearer they came, till at length they met and began to rain + blows upon each other; but not for long, for just then a charge of some + Roman horsemen separated them. After this both parties retired to their + lines, taking their wounded with them. + </p> + <p> + Thus, with pauses, sometimes of two or three hours, the fight went on from + morning to noon, and from noon to sunset. During the latter part of the + time the Romans made no more attacks, but were contented with defending + themselves while they awaited reinforcements from without the city, or + perhaps the results of some counter-attack in another part. + </p> + <p> + Thus the advantage rested, or seemed to rest, with the Jews, who held all + the ruined houses and swept the open space with their arrows. Now it was + that Nehushta’s fears were justified, for having a little leisure the Jews + took a beam of wood and battered in the walled-up doorway of the tower. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” said Nehushta, pointing down. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Nou!” Miriam answered, “I was wrong. I have run you into danger. But + indeed I could not go. What shall we do now?” + </p> + <p> + “Sit quiet until they come to take us,” said Nehushta grimly, “and then, + if they give us time, explain as best we may.” + </p> + <p> + As it chanced, however, the Jews did not come, since they feared that if + they mounted the stair some sudden rush of Romans might trap such of them + as were within before they had time to descend again. Only they made use + of the base of the tower to shelter those of their wounded whose hurts + were so desperate that they dared not move them. + </p> + <p> + Now the fighting having ceased for a while, the soldiers of both sides + amused themselves with shouting taunts and insults at each other, or + challenges to single combat. Presently Caleb stepped forward from the + shelter of a wall and called out that if the Prefect Marcus would meet him + alone in the open space he had something to say which he would be glad to + hear. Thereupon Marcus, stepping out from his defences, where several of + his officers seemed to be striving to detain him, answered: + </p> + <p> + “I will come,” and walked to the centre of the market, where he was met by + Caleb. + </p> + <p> + Here the two of them spoke together alone, but of what they said Miriam + and Nehushta, watching them from above, could catch no word. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! will they fight?” said Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “It seems likely, since each of them has sworn to slay the other,” + answered Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + While she spoke Marcus, shaking his head as though to decline some + proposal, and pointing to the men of his command, who stood up watching + him, turned to walk back to his own lines, followed by Caleb, who shouted + out that he was a coward and did not dare to stand alone before him. At + this insult Marcus winced, then went on again, doubtless because he + thought it his duty to rejoin his company, whereon Caleb, drawing his + sword, struck him with the flat of it across the back. Now the Jews + laughed, while the Romans uttered a shout of rage at the intolerable + affront offered to their commander. As for Marcus, he wheeled round, sword + in hand, and flew straight at Caleb’s throat. + </p> + <p> + But it was for this that the Jew had been waiting, since he knew that no + Roman, and least of all Marcus, would submit to the indignity of such a + blow. As his adversary came on, made almost blind with fury, he leapt to + one side lightly as a lion leaps, and with all the force of his long + sinewy arm brought down his heavy sword upon the head of Marcus. The helm + was good, or the skull beneath must have been split in two by that blow, + which, as it was, shore through it and bit deeply into the bone. Beneath + the shock Marcus staggered, threw his arms wide, and let fall his sword. + With a shout Caleb sprang at him to make an end of him, but before he + could strike the Roman seemed to recover himself, and, knowing that his + weapon was gone, did the only thing he could, rushed straight at his foe. + Caleb’s sword fell on his shoulder, but the tempered mail withstood it, + and next instant Marcus had gripped him in his arms. Down they came + together to the earth, rolling over each other, the Jew trying to stab the + Roman, the Roman to choke the Jew with his bare hand. Then from the Roman + lines rose a cry of “Rescue!” and from the Jews a cry of “Take him.” + </p> + <p> + Out poured the combatants from either side of the market-place by hundreds + and by thousands, and there in its centre, round the struggling forms of + Caleb and of Marcus, began the fiercest fight of all that day. Where men + stood, there they fell, for none would give back, since the Romans, + outnumbered though they were, preferred to die rather than leave a wounded + and beloved captain a prisoner in the hands of cruel enemies, while the + Jews knew too well the value of such a prize to let it escape them easily. + So great was the slaughter that presently Marcus and Caleb were hidden + beneath the bodies of the fallen. More and more Jews rushed into the fray, + but still the Romans pushed onwards with steady valour, fighting shoulder + to shoulder and shield to shield. + </p> + <p> + Then of a sudden, with a savage yell a fresh body of Jews, three or four + hundred strong, appeared at the west end of the market-place, and charged + upon the Romans, taking them in flank. The officer in command saw his + danger, and knowing that it was better that his captain should die than + that the whole company should be destroyed and the arms of Cæsar suffer a + grave defeat, gave orders for a retirement. Steadily, as though they were + on parade, and dragging with them those of their wounded comrades who + could not walk, the legionaries fell back, heedless of the storm of spears + and arrows, reaching their own lines before the outflanking body of Jews + could get among them. Then seeing that there was nothing more to be + gained, since to attempt to storm the Roman works was hopeless, the + victorious Jews also retreated, this time not to the houses behind the + tower, but only to the old market wall thirty or forty paces in front of + it, which they proceeded to hold and strengthen in the fading light. + Seeing that they were lost, such of the wounded Romans as remained upon + the field committed suicide, preferring to fall upon their own spears than + into the hands of the Jews to be tortured and crucified. Also for this + deed they had another reason, since it was the decree of Titus that any + soldier who was taken living should be publicly disgraced by name and + expelled from the ranks of the legion, and, if recaptured, in addition + suffer death or banishment. + </p> + <p> + Gladly would Marcus have followed their example and thereby—though + he knew it not—save himself much misery and shame in the future, but + he had neither time nor weapon; moreover, so weak was he with struggling + and the loss of blood, that even as he and Caleb were dragged by savage + hands from among the fallen, he fainted. At first they thought that he was + dead, but one of the Jews, who chanced to be a physician by trade, + declared that this was not so, and that if he were left quiet for a while, + he would come to himself again. Therefore, as they desired to preserve + this Prefect alive, either to be held as an hostage or to be executed in + sight of the army of Titus, they brought him into the Old Tower, clearing + it of their own wounded, except such of them as had already breathed their + last. Here they set a guard over him, though of this there seemed to be + little need, and went under the command of the victorious Caleb to assist + in strengthening the market-wall. + </p> + <p> + All of these things Miriam watched from above in such an agony of fear and + doubt, that at times she thought that she would die. She saw her lover and + Caleb fall locked in each other’s arms; she saw the hideous fray that + raged around them. She saw them dragged from the heap of slain, and at the + end of it all, by the last light of day, saw Marcus, living or dead, she + knew not which, borne into the tower, and there laid upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Take comfort,” whispered Nehushta, pitying her dreadful grief. “The lord + Marcus lives. If he were dead they would have stripped him and left his + body with the others. He lives, and they purpose to hold him captive, else + they would have suffered Caleb to put his sword through him, as you noted + he wished to do so soon as he found his feet.” + </p> + <p> + “Captive,” answered Miriam. “That means that he will be crucified like the + others whom we saw yesterday upon the Temple wall.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta shrugged her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “It may be so,” she said, “unless he finds means to destroy himself or—is + saved.” + </p> + <p> + “Saved! How can he be saved?” Then in her woe the poor girl fell upon her + knees clasping her hands and murmuring: “Oh! Jesus Christ whom I serve, + teach me how to save Marcus. Oh! Jesus, I love him, although he is not a + Christian; love him also because I love him, and teach me how to save him. + Or if one must die, take my life for his, oh! take my life for his.” + </p> + <p> + “Cease,” said Nehushta, “for I think I hear an answer to your prayer. Look + now, he is laid just where the stair starts and not six feet from the + stone door that leads down into the cistern. Except for some dead men the + tower is empty; also the two sentries stand outside the breach in the + brickwork with which it was walled up, because there they find more light, + and their prisoner is unarmed and helpless, and cannot attempt escape. + Now, if the Roman lives and can stand, why should we not open that door + and thrust him through it?” + </p> + <p> + “But the Jews might see us and discover the secret of the hiding-place of + the Essenes, whom they would kill because they have hidden food.” + </p> + <p> + “Once we were the other side of the door, they could never come at them, + even if they have time to try,” answered Nehushta. “Before ever they could + burst the door the stone trap beneath can be closed and the roof of the + stair that leads to it let down by knocking away the props and flooded in + such a fashion that a week of labour would not clear it out again. Oh! + have no fear, the Essenes know and have guarded against this danger.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam threw her arms about the neck of Nehushta and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + “We will try, Nou, we will try,” she whispered, “and if we fail, why then + we can die with him.” + </p> + <p> + “To you that prospect may be pleasing, but I have no desire to die with + the lord Marcus,” answered Nehushta drily. “Indeed, although I like him + well, were it not for your sake I should leave him to his chance. Nay, do + not answer or give way to too much hope. Remember, perhaps he is dead, as + he seems to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said Miriam wildly, “we must find out. Shall we go now?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, while there is still a little light, for these steps are breakneck + in the dark. No, do you follow me.” + </p> + <p> + So on they glided down the ancient, darksome stairway, where owls hooted + and bats flittered in their faces. Now they were at the last flight, which + descended to a little recess set at right angles to the steps and flush + with the floor of the basement, for once the door of the stairway had + opened here. Thus a person standing on the last stair could not be seen by + any in the tower. They reached the step and halted. Then very stealthily + Nehushta went on to her hands and knees and thrust her head forward so + that she could look into the base of the tower. It was dark as the grave, + only a faint gleam of starlight reflected from his armour showed where + Marcus lay, so close that she could touch him with her hand. Also almost + opposite to her the gloom was relieved by a patch of faint grey light. + Here it was that the wall had been broken in, for Nehushta could see the + shadows of the sentries crossing and recrossing before the ragged opening. + </p> + <p> + She leant yet lower towards Marcus and listened. He was not dead, for he + breathed. More, she heard him stir his hand and thought that she could see + it move upwards towards his wounded head. Then she drew back. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” she whispered, “he lives, and I think he is awake. Now you must do + the rest as your wit may teach you how, for if I speak to him he will be + frightened, but your voice he may remember if he has his senses.” + </p> + <p> + At these words all her doubts and fears seemed to vanish from Miriam’s + heart, her hand grew steady and her brain clear, for Nature told her that + if she wished to save her lover she would need both clear brain and steady + hand. The timid, love-racked girl was transformed into a woman of iron + will and purpose. In her turn she kneeled and crept a little forward from + the stair, so that her face hung over the face of Marcus. Then she spoke + in a soft whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Marcus, awake and listen, Marcus; but I pray of you do not stir or make a + noise. I am Miriam, whom once you knew.” + </p> + <p> + At this name the dim form beneath her seemed to quiver, and the lips + muttered, “Now I know that I am dead. Well, it is better than I hoped for. + Speak on, sweet shade of Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Marcus, you are not dead, you are only wounded and I am not a + spirit, I am a woman, that woman whom once you knew down by the banks of + Jordan. I have come to save you, I and Nehushta. If you will obey what I + tell you, and if you have the strength to stand, we can guide you into a + secret place where the Essenes are hidden, who for my sake will take care + of you until you are able to return to the Romans. If you do not escape I + fear that the Jews will crucify you.” + </p> + <p> + “By Bacchus, so do I,” said the whisper beneath, “and that will be worse + than being beaten by Caleb. But this is a dream, I know it is a dream. If + it were Miriam I should see her, or be able to touch her. It is but a + dream of Miriam. Let me dream on,” and he turned his head. + </p> + <p> + Miriam thought for a moment. Time was short and it was necessary to make + him understand. Well, it was not difficult. Slowly she bent a little lower + and pressed her lips upon his. + </p> + <p> + “Marcus,” she went on, “I kiss you now to show you that I am no dream and + how needful it is that you should be awakened. Had I light I could prove + to you that I am Miriam by your ring which is upon my fingers and your + pearls which are about my neck.” + </p> + <p> + “Cease,” he answered, “most beloved, I was weak and wandering, now I know + that this is not a dream, and I thank Caleb who has brought us together + again, against his wish, I think. Say, what must I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Can you stand?” asked Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps. I am not sure. I will try.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, wait. Nehushta, come hither; you are stronger than I. Now, while I + unlatch the secret door, do you lift him up. Be swift, I hear the guard + stirring without.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta glided forward and knelt by the wounded man, placing her arms + beneath him. + </p> + <p> + “Ready,” she said. “Here is the iron.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam took it, and stepping to the wall, felt with her fingers for the + crack, which in that darkness it took time to find. At length she had it, + and inserting the thin hooked iron, lifted the hidden latch and pulled. + The stone door was very heavy and she needed all her strength to move it. + At last it began to swing. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” she said to Nehushta, who straightened herself and dragged the + wounded Marcus to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Quick, quick!” said Miriam, “the guards enter.” + </p> + <p> + Supported by Nehushta, Marcus took three tottering steps and reached the + open door. Here, on its very threshold indeed, his strength failed him, + for he was wounded in the knee as well as in the head. Groaning, “I + cannot,” he fell to the ground, dragging the old Libyan with him, his + breastplate clattering loud against the stone threshold. The sentry + without heard the sound and called to a companion to give him the lantern. + In an instant Nehushta was up again, and seizing Marcus by his right arm, + began to drag him through the opening, while Miriam, setting her back + against the swinging stone to keep it from closing, pushed against his + feet. + </p> + <p> + The lantern appeared round the angle of the broken masonry. + </p> + <p> + “For your life’s sake!” said Miriam, and Nehushta dragged her hardest at + the heavy, helpless body of the fallen man. He moved slowly. It was too + late; if that light fell on him all was lost. In an instant Miriam took + her resolve. With an effort she swung the door wide, then as Nehushta + dragged again she sprang forward, keeping in the shadow of the wall. The + Jew who held the lantern, alarmed by the sounds within, entered hastily + and, catching his foot against the body of a dead man who lay there, + stumbled so that he fell upon his knee. In her hand Miriam held the key, + and as the guard regained his feet, but not before its light fell upon + her, she struck with it at the lamp, breaking and extinguishing it. + </p> + <p> + Then she turned to fly, for, as she knew well, the stone would now be + swinging on its pivot. + </p> + <p> + Alas! her chance had gone, for the man, stretching out his arm, caught her + about the middle and held her fast, shouting loudly for help. Miriam + struggled, she battered him with the iron and dragged at him with her left + hand, but in vain, for in that grip she was helpless as a child who fights + against its nurse. While she fought thus she heard the dull thud of the + closing stone, and even in her despair rejoiced, knowing that until Marcus + was beyond its threshold it could not be shut. Ceasing from her useless + struggle she gathered the forces of her mind. Marcus was safe; the door + was shut and could not be opened from the further side until another iron + was procured; the guard had seen nothing. But her escape was impossible. + Her part was played, only one thing remained for her to do—keep + silence and his secret. + </p> + <p> + Men bearing lights were rushing into the tower. Her right hand, which held + the iron, was free, and lest it should tell a tale she cast the instrument + from her towards that side of the deserted place which she knew was buried + deep in fallen stones, fragments of rotted timber and dirt from the nests + of birds. Then she stood still. Now they were upon her, Caleb at the head + of them. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “I know not,” answered the guard. “I heard a sound as of clanking armour + and ran in, when some one struck the lantern from my hand, a strong rascal + with whom I have struggled sorely, notwithstanding the blows that he + rained upon me with his sword. See, I hold him fast.” + </p> + <p> + They held up their lights and saw a beautiful, dishevelled maid, small and + frail of stature, whereon they laughed out loud. + </p> + <p> + “A strong thief, truly,” said one. “Why, it is a girl! Do you summon the + watch every time a girl catches hold of you?” + </p> + <p> + Before the words died upon the speaker’s lips, another man called out, + “The Roman! The Prefect has gone! Where is the prisoner?” and with a roar + of wrath they began to search the place, as a cat searches for the mouse + that escapes her. Only Caleb stood still and stared at the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam!” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Caleb,” she answered quietly. “This is a strange meeting, is it not? + Why do you break in thus upon my hiding-place?” + </p> + <p> + “Woman,” he shouted, mad with anger, “where have you hidden the Prefect + Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus?” she answered; “is he here? I did not know it. Well, I saw a man + run from the tower, perhaps that was he. Be swift and you may catch him.” + </p> + <p> + “No man left the tower,” answered the other sentry. “Seize that woman, she + has hidden the Roman in some secret place. Seize her and search.” + </p> + <p> + So they caught Miriam, bound her and began running round and round the + wall. “Here is a staircase,” called a man, “doubtless he has gone up it. + Come, friends.” + </p> + <p> + Then taking lights with them, they mounted the stairs to the very top, but + found no one. Even as they came down again a trumpet blew and from without + rose the sound of a mighty shouting. + </p> + <p> + “What happens now?” said one. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke an officer appeared in the opening of the tower. + </p> + <p> + “Begone,” he cried. “Back to the Temple, taking your prisoner with you. + Titus himself is upon us at the head of two fresh legions, mad at the loss + of his Prefect and so many of his soldiers. Why! where is the wounded + Roman, Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “He has vanished,” answered Caleb sullenly. “Vanished”—here he + glanced at Miriam with jealous and vindictive hate—“and in his place + has left to us this woman, the grand-daughter of Benoni, Miriam, who + strangely enough was once his love.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so?” said the officer. “Girl, tell us what you have done with the + Roman, or die. Come, we have no time to lose.” + </p> + <p> + “I have done nothing. I saw a man walk past the sentries, that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “She lies,” said the officer contemptuously. “Here, kill this traitress.” + </p> + <p> + A man advanced lifting his sword, and Miriam, thinking that all was over, + hid her eyes while she waited for the blow. Before it fell, however, Caleb + whispered something to the officer which caused him to change his mind. + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” he said. “Hold your hand and take this woman with you to the + Temple, there to be tried by her grandfather, Benoni, and the other judges + of the Sanhedrim. They have means to cause the most obstinate to speak, + whereas death seals the lips forever. Swift, now, swift, for already they + are fighting on the market-place.” + </p> + <p> + So they seized Miriam and dragged her away from the Old Tower, which an + hour later was taken possession of by the Romans, who destroyed it with + the other buildings. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <h3> + THE SANHEDRIM + </h3> + <p> + The Jewish soldiers haled Miriam roughly through dark and tortuous + streets, bordered by burnt-out houses, and up steep stone slopes deep with + the débris of the siege. Indeed, they had need to hasten, for, lit with + the lamp of flaming dwellings, behind them flowed the tide of war. The + Romans, driven back from this part of the city by that day’s furious + sally, under cover of the night were re-occupying in overwhelming strength + the ground that they had lost, forcing the Jews before them and striving + to cut them off from their stronghold in the Temple and that part of the + Upper City which they still held. + </p> + <p> + The party of Jews who had Miriam in their charge were returning to the + Temple enclosure, which they could not reach from the north or east + because the outer courts and cloisters of the Holy House were already in + possession of the Romans. So it happened that they were obliged to make + their way round by the Upper City, a long and tedious journey. Once during + that night they were driven to cover until a great company of Romans had + marched past. Caleb wished to attack them, but the other captains said + that they were too few and weary, so they lay hid for nearly three hours, + then went on again. After this there were other delays at gates still in + the hands of their own people, which one by one were unbolted to them. + Thus it was not far from daylight when at length they passed over a narrow + bridge that spanned some ravine and through massive doors into a vast dim + place which, as Miriam gathered from the talk of her captors, was the + inner enclosure of the Temple. Here, at the command of that captain who + had ordered her to be slain, she was thrust into a small cell in one of + the cloisters. Then the men in charge of her locked the door and went + away. + </p> + <p> + Sinking exhausted to the floor, Miriam tried to sleep, but could not, for + her brain seemed to be on fire. Whenever she shut her eyes there sprang up + before them visions of some dreadful scene which she had witnessed, while + in her ears echoed now the shouts of the victors, now the pitiful cry of + the dying, and now again the voice of the wounded Marcus calling her “Most + Beloved.” Was this indeed so, she wondered? Was it possible that he had + not forgotten her during those years of separation when there must have + been so many lovely ladies striving to win him, the rich, high-placed + Roman lord, to be their lover or their husband? She did not know, she + could not tell: perhaps, in such a plight, he would have called any woman + who came to save him his Most Beloved, yes, even old Nehushta, and even + then and there she smiled a little at the thought. Yet his voice rang + true, and he had sent her the ring, the pearls and the letter, that letter + which, although she knew every word of it, she still carried hidden in the + bosom of her robe. Oh! she believed that he did love her, and, believing, + rejoiced with all her heart that it had pleased God to allow her to save + his life, even at the cost of her own. She had forgotten. There was his + wound—he might die of it. Nay, surely he would not die. For her + sake, the Essenes who knew him would treat him well, and they were skilful + healers; also, what better nurse than Nehushta could be found? Ah! poor + Nou, how she would grieve over her. What sorrow must have taken hold of + her when she heard the rock door shut and found that her nursling was cut + off and captured by the Jews. + </p> + <p> + Happy, indeed, was it for Miriam that she could not witness what had + chanced at the further side of that block of stone; that she could not see + Nehushta beating at it with her hands and striving to thrust her thin + fingers to the latch which she had no instrument to lift, until the bones + were stripped of skin and flesh. That she could not hear Marcus, come to + himself again, but unable to rise from off his knees, cursing and raving + with agony at her loss, and because she, the tender lady whom he loved, + for his sake had fallen into the hands of the relentless Jews. Yes, that + she could not hear him cursing and raving in his utter helplessness, till + at length the brain gave in his shattered head, and he fell into a fevered + madness, that for many weeks was unpierced by any light of reason or of + memory. All this, at least, was spared to her. + </p> + <p> + Well, the deed was done and she must pay the price, for without a doubt + they would kill her, as they had a right to do, who had saved a Roman + general from their clutches. Or if they did not, Caleb would, Caleb whose + bitter jealousy, as her instinct told her, had turned his love to hate. + Never would he let her live to fall, perchance, as his share of the Temple + spoil, into the hands of the Roman rival who had escaped him. + </p> + <p> + It was not too great a price. Because of the birth doom laid upon her, + even if he sought it, and fortune brought them back together again, she + could never be a wife to Marcus. And for the rest she was weary, sick with + the sight and sound of slaughter and with the misery that in these latter + days, as her Lord had prophesied, was come upon the city that rejected him + and the people who had slain Him, their Messiah. Miriam wished to die, to + pass to that home of perfect and eternal peace in which she believed; + where, mayhap, it might be given to her in reward of her sufferings, to + watch from afar over the soul of Marcus, and to make ready an abode for it + to dwell in through all the ages of infinity. The thought pleased her, and + lifting his ring, she pressed it to her lips which that very night had + been pressed upon his lips, then drew it off and hid it in her hair. She + wished to keep that ring until the end, if so she might. As for the + pearls, she could not hide them, and though she loved them as his gift—well, + they must go to the hand of the spoiler, and to the necks of other women, + who would never know their tale. + </p> + <p> + This done Miriam rose to her knees and began to pray with the vivid, + simple faith that was given to the first children of the Church. She + prayed for Marcus, that he might recover and not forget her, and that the + light of truth might shine upon him; for Nehushta, that her sorrow might + be soothed; for herself, that her end might be merciful and her awakening + happy; for Caleb, that his heart might be turned; for the dead and dying, + that their sins might be forgiven; for the little children, that the Lord + of Pity would have pity on their sufferings; for the people of the Jews, + that He would lift the rod of His wrath from off them; yes, and even for + the Romans, though for these, poor maid, she knew not what petition to put + up. + </p> + <p> + Her prayer finished, once more Miriam strove to sleep and dozed a little, + to be aroused by a curious sound of feeble sighing, which seemed to come + from the further side of the cell. By now the dawn was streaming through + the stone lattice work above the doorway, and in its faint light Miriam + saw the outlines of a figure with snowy hair and beard, wrapped in a + filthy robe that had once been white. At first she thought that this + figure must be a corpse thrust here out of the way of the living, it was + so stirless. But corpses do not sigh as this man seemed to do. Who could + he be, she wondered? A prisoner like herself, left to die, as, perhaps, + she would be left to die? The light grew a little. Surely there was + something familiar about the shape of that white head. She crept nearer, + thinking that she might be able to help this old man who was so sick and + suffering. Now she could see his face and the hand that lay upon his + breast. They were those of a living skeleton, for the bones stood out, and + over them the yellow skin was drawn like shrivelled parchment; only the + deep sunk eyes still shone round and bright. Oh! she knew the face. It was + that of Theophilus the Essene, a past president of the order indeed, who + had been her friend from earliest childhood and the master who taught her + languages in those far-off happy years which she spent in the village by + the Dead Sea. This Theophilus she had found dwelling with the Essenes in + their cavern home, and none of them had welcomed her more warmly. Some ten + days ago, against the advice of Ithiel and others, he had insisted on + creeping out to take the air and gather news in the city. Then he was a + stout and hale old man, although pale-faced from dwelling in the darkness. + From that journey he had not returned. Some said that he had fled to the + country, others that he had gone over to the Romans, and yet others that + he had been slain by some of Simon’s men. Now she found him thus! + </p> + <p> + Miriam came and bent over him. + </p> + <p> + “Master,” she said, “what ails you? How came you here?” + </p> + <p> + He turned his hollow, vacant eyes upon her face. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it that speaks to me thus gently?” he asked in a feeble voice. + </p> + <p> + “I, your ward, Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam! Miriam! What does Miriam in this torture-den?” + </p> + <p> + “Master, I am a prisoner. But speak of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “There is little to say, Miriam. They caught me, those devils, and seeing + that I was still well-fed and strong, although sunk in years, demanded to + know whence I had my food in this city of starvation. To tell them would + have been to give up our secret and to bring doom upon the brethren, and + upon you, our guest and lady. I refused to answer, so, having tortured me + without avail, they cast me in here to starve, thinking that hunger would + make me speak. But I have not spoken. How could I, who have taken the oath + of the Essenes, and been their ruler? Now at length I die.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! say not so,” said Miriam, wringing her hands. + </p> + <p> + “I do say it and I am thankful. Have you any food?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a piece of dried meat and barley bread, which chanced to be in my + robe when I was captured. Take them and eat.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Miriam, that desire has gone from me, nor do I wish to live, whose + days are done. But save the food, for doubtless they will starve you also. + And, look, there is water in that jar, they gave it me to make me live the + longer. Drink, drink while you can, who to-morrow may be thirsty.” + </p> + <p> + For a time there was silence, while the tears that gathered in Miriam’s + eyes fell upon the old man’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Weep not for me,” he said presently, “who go to my rest. How came you + here?” + </p> + <p> + She told him as briefly as she might. + </p> + <p> + “You are a brave woman,” he said when she had finished, “and that Roman + owes you much. Now I, Theophilus, who am about to die, call down the + blessing of God upon you, and upon him also for your sake, for your sake. + The shield of God be over you in the slaughter and the sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Then he shut his eyes and either could not or would not speak again. + </p> + <p> + Miriam drank of the pitcher of water, for her thirst was great. Crouched + at the side of the old Essene, she watched him till at length the door + opened, and two gaunt, savage-looking men entered, who went to where + Theophilus lay and kicked him brutally. + </p> + <p> + “What would you now?” he said, opening his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Wake up, old man,” cried one of them. “See, here is flesh,” and he thrust + a lump of some filthy carrion to his lips. “Smell it, taste it,” he went + on, “ah! is it not good? Well, tell us where is that store of food which + made you so fat who now are so thin, and you shall have it all, yes, all, + all.” + </p> + <p> + Theophilus shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Bethink you,” cried the man, “if you do not eat, by sunrise to-morrow you + will be dead. Speak then and eat, obstinate dog, it is your last chance.” + </p> + <p> + “I eat not and I tell not,” answered the aged martyr in a voice like a + hollow groan. “By to-morrow’s sunrise I shall be dead, and soon you and + all this people will be dead, and God will have judged each of us + according to his works. Repent you, for the hour is at hand.” + </p> + <p> + Then they cursed him and smote him because of his words of ill-omen, and + so went away, taking no notice of Miriam in the corner. When they had gone + she came forward and looked. His jaw had fallen. Theophilus the Essene was + at peace. + </p> + <p> + Another hour went by. Once more the door was opened and there appeared + that captain who had ordered her to be killed. With him were two Jews. + </p> + <p> + “Come, woman,” he said, “to take your trial.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is to try me?” Miriam asked. + </p> + <p> + “The Sanhedrim, or as much as is left of it,” he answered. “Stir now, we + have no time for talking.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam rose and accompanied them across the corner of the vast court, + in the centre of which the Temple rose in all its glittering majesty. As + she walked she noticed that the pavement was dotted with corpses, and that + from the cloisters without went up flames and smoke. They seemed to be + fighting there, for the air was full of the sound of shouting, above which + echoed the dull, continuous thud of battering rams striking against the + massive walls. + </p> + <p> + They took her into a great chamber supported by pillars of white marble, + where many starving folk, some of them women who carried or led + hollow-cheeked children, sat silent on the floor, or wandered to and fro, + their eyes fixed upon the ground as though in aimless search for they knew + not what. On a daïs at the end of the chamber twelve or fourteen men sat + in carved chairs; other chairs stretched to the right and left of them, + but these were empty. The men were clad in magnificent robes, which seemed + to hang ill upon their gaunt forms, and, like those of the people in the + hall, their eyes looked scared and their faces were white and shrunken. + These were all who were left of the Sanhedrim of the Jews. + </p> + <p> + As Miriam entered one of their number was delivering judgment upon a + wretched starving man. Miriam looked at the judge. It was her grandfather, + Benoni, but oh! how changed. He who had been tall and upright was now + drawn almost double, his teeth showed yellow between his lips, his long + white beard was ragged and had come out in patches, his hand shook, his + gorgeous head-dress was awry. Nothing was the same about him except his + eyes, which still shone bright, but with a fiercer fire than of old. They + looked like the eyes of a famished wolf. + </p> + <p> + “Man, have you aught to say?” he was asking of the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Only this,” the prisoner answered. “I had hidden some food, my own food, + which I bought with all that remained of my fortune. Your hyæna-men caught + my wife, and tormented her until she showed it them. They fell upon it, + and, with their comrades, ate it nearly all. My wife died of starvation + and her wounds, my children died of starvation, all except one, a child of + six, whom I fed with what remained. Then she began to die also, and I + bargained with the Roman, giving him jewels and promising to show him the + weak place in the wall if he would convey the child to his camp and feed + her. I showed him the place, and he fed her in my presence, and took her + away, whither I know not. But, as you know, I was caught, and the wall was + built up, so that no harm came of my treason. I would do it again to save + the life of my child, twenty times over, if needful. You murdered my wife + and my other children; murder me also if you will. I care nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Wretch,” said Benoni, “what are your miserable wife and children compared + to the safety of this holy place, which we defend against the enemies of + Jehovah? Lead him away, and let him be slain upon the wall, in the sight + of his friends, the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “I go,” said the victim, rising and stretching out his hands to the + guards, “but may you also all be slain in the sight of the Romans, you mad + murderers, who, in your lust for power, have brought doom and agony upon + the people of the Jews.” + </p> + <p> + Then they dragged him out, and a voice called—“Bring in the next + traitor.” + </p> + <p> + Now Miriam was brought forward. Benoni looked up and knew her. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam?” he gasped, rising, to fall back again in his seat, “Miriam, you + here?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems so, grandfather,” she answered quietly. + </p> + <p> + “There is some mistake,” said Benoni. “This girl can have harmed none. Let + her be dismissed.” + </p> + <p> + The other judges looked up. + </p> + <p> + “Best hear the charge against her first?” said one suspiciously, while + another added, “Is not this the woman who dwelt with you at Tyre, and who + is said to be a Christian?” + </p> + <p> + “We do not sit to try questions of faith, at least not now,” answered + Benoni evasively. + </p> + <p> + “Woman, is it true that you are a Christian?” queried one of the judges. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I am,” replied Miriam, and at her words the faces of the Sanhedrim + grew hard as stones, while someone watching in the crowd hurled a fragment + of marble at her. + </p> + <p> + “Let it be for this time,” said the judge, “as the Rabbi Benoni says, we + are trying questions of treason, not of faith. Who accuses this woman, and + of what?” + </p> + <p> + A man stepped forward, that captain who had wished to put Miriam to death, + and she saw that behind him were Caleb, who looked ill at ease, and the + Jew who had guarded Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “I accuse her,” he said, “of having released the Roman Prefect, Marcus, + whom Caleb here wounded and took prisoner in the fighting yesterday, and + brought into the Old Tower, where he was laid till we knew whether he + would live or die.” + </p> + <p> + “The Roman Prefect, Marcus?” said one. “Why, he is the friend of Titus, + and would have been worth more to us than a hundred common men. Also, + throughout this war, none has done us greater mischief. Woman, if, indeed, + you let him go, no death can repay your wickedness. Did you let him go?” + </p> + <p> + “That is for you to discover,” answered Miriam, for now that Marcus was + safe she would tell no more lies. + </p> + <p> + “This renegade is insolent, like all her accursed sect,” said the judge, + spitting on the ground. “Captain, tell your story, and be brief.” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed. After him that soldier was examined from whose hand Miriam had + struck the lantern. Then Caleb was called and asked what he knew of the + matter. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” he answered, “except that I took the Roman and saw him laid in + the tower, for he was senseless. When I returned the Roman had gone, and + this lady Miriam was there, who said that he had escaped by the doorway. I + did not see them together, and know no more.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a lie,” said one of the judges roughly. “You told the captain + that Marcus had been her lover. Why did you say this?” + </p> + <p> + “Because years ago by Jordan she, who is a sculptor, graved a likeness of + him in stone,” answered Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “Are artists always the lovers of those whom they picture, Caleb?” asked + Benoni, speaking for the first time. + </p> + <p> + Caleb made no answer, but one of the Sanhedrim, a sharp-faced man, named + Simeon, the friend of Simon, the son of Gioras, the Zealot, who sat next + to him, cried, “Cease this foolishness; the daughter of Satan is + beautiful; doubtless Caleb desires her for himself; but what has that to + do with us?” though he added vindictively, “it should be remembered + against him that he is striving to hide the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no evidence against this woman, let her be set free,” exclaimed + Benoni. + </p> + <p> + “So we might expect her grandfather to think,” said Simeon, with sarcasm. + “Little wonder that we are smitten with the Sword of God when Rabbis + shelter Christians because they chance to be of their house, and when + warriors bear false witness concerning them because they chance to be + fair. For my part I say that she is guilty, and has hidden the man away in + some secret place. Otherwise why did she dash the light from the soldier’s + hand?” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap to hide herself lest she should be attacked,” answered another, + “though how she came in the tower, I cannot guess.” + </p> + <p> + “I lived there,” said Miriam. “It was bricked up until yesterday and safe + from robbers.” + </p> + <p> + “So!” commented that judge, “you lived alone in a deserted tower like a + bat or an owl, and without food or water. Then these must have been + brought to you from without the walls, perhaps by some secret passage that + was known to none, down which you loosed the Prefect, but had no time to + follow him. Woman, you are a Roman spy, as a Christian well might be. I + say that she is worthy of death.” + </p> + <p> + Then Benoni rose and rent his robes. + </p> + <p> + “Does not enough blood run through these holy courts?” he asked, “that you + must seek that of the innocent also? What is your oath? To do justice and + to convict only upon clear, unshaken testimony. Where is this testimony? + What is there to show that the girl Miriam had any dealings with this + Marcus, whom she had not seen for years? In the Holy Name I protest + against this iniquity.” + </p> + <p> + “It is natural that you should protest,” said one of his brethren. + </p> + <p> + Then they fell into discussion, for the question perplexed them sorely, + who, although they were savage, still wished to be honest. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Simeon looked up, for a thought struck him. + </p> + <p> + “Search her,” he said, “she is in good case, she may have food, or the + secret of food, about her, or,” he added—“other things.” + </p> + <p> + Now two hungry-looking officers of the court seized Miriam and rent her + robe open at the breast with their rough hands, since they would not be at + the pains of loosening it. + </p> + <p> + “See,” cried one of them, “here are pearls, fit wear for so fine a lady. + Shall we take them?” + </p> + <p> + “Fool, let the trinkets be,” answered Simeon angrily. “Are we common + thieves?” + </p> + <p> + “Here is something else,” said the officer, drawing the roll of Marcus’s + cherished letter from her breast. + </p> + <p> + “Not that, not that,” the poor girl gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Give it here,” said Simeon, stretching out his lean hand. + </p> + <p> + Then he undid the silk case and, opening the letter, read its first lines + aloud. “‘To the lady Miriam, from Marcus the Roman, by the hand of the + Captain Gallus.’ What do you say to that, Benoni and brethren? Why, there + are pages of it, but here is the end: ‘Farewell, your ever faithful friend + and lover, Marcus.’ So, let those read it who have the time; for my part I + am satisfied. This woman is a traitress; I give my vote for death.” + </p> + <p> + “It was written from Rome two years ago,” pleaded Miriam; but no one + seemed to heed her, for all were talking at once. + </p> + <p> + “I demand that the whole letter be read,” shouted Benoni. + </p> + <p> + “We have no time, we have no time,” answered Simeon. “Other prisoners + await their trial, the Romans are battering our gates. Can we waste more + precious minutes over this Nazarene spy? Away with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Away with her,” said Simon the son of Gioras, and the others nodded their + heads in assent. + </p> + <p> + Then they gathered together discussing the manner of her end, while Benoni + stormed at them in vain. Not quite in vain, however, for they yielded + something to his pleading. + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said their spokesman, Simon the Zealot. “This is our sentence + on the traitress—that she suffer the common fate of traitors and be + taken to the upper gate, called the Gate Nicanor, that divides the Court + of Israel from the Court of Women, and bound with the chain to the central + column that is over the gate, where she may be seen both of her friends + the Romans and of the people of Israel whom she has striven to betray, + there to perish of hunger and of thirst, or in such fashion as God may + appoint, for so shall we be clean of a woman’s blood. Yet, because of the + prayer of Benoni, our brother, of whose race she is, we decree that this + sentence shall not be carried out before the set of sun, and that if in + the meanwhile the traitress elects to give information that shall lead to + the recapture of the Roman prefect, Marcus, she shall be set at liberty + without the gates of the Temple. The case is finished. Guards, take her to + the prison whence she came.” + </p> + <p> + So they seized Miriam and led her thence through the crowd of onlookers, + who paused from their wanderings and weary searching of the ground to spit + at or curse her, and thrust her back into her cell and to the company of + the cold corpse of Theophilus the Essene. + </p> + <p> + Here Miriam sat down, and partly to pass the time, partly because she + needed it, ate the bread and dried flesh which she had left hidden in the + cell. After this sleep came to her, who was tired out and the worst being + at hand, had nothing more to fear. For four or five hours she rested + sweetly, dreaming that she was a child again, gathering flowers on the + banks of Jordan in the spring season, till, at length, a sound caused her + to awake. She looked up to see Benoni standing before her. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, grandfather?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my daughter,” groaned the wretched old man, “I am come here at some + risk, for because of you and for other reasons they suspect me, those + wolf-hearted men, to bid you farewell and to ask your pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you ask my pardon, grandfather? Seeing things as they see + them, the sentence is just enough. I am a Christian, and—if you + would know it—I did, as I hope, save the life of Marcus, for which + deed my own is forfeit.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “That, grandfather, I will not tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, and save yourself. There is little chance that they will take + him, since the Jews have been driven from the Old Tower.” + </p> + <p> + “The Jews might re-capture the tower, and I will not tell you. Also, the + lives of others are at stake, of my friends who have sheltered me, and + who, as I trust, will now shelter him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you must die, and by this death of shame, for I am powerless to save + you. Yes, you must die tied to a pinnacle of the gateway, a mockery to + friend and foe. Why, if it had not been that I still have some authority + among them, and that you are of my blood, girl though you be, they would + have crucified you upon the wall, serving you as the Romans serve our + people.” + </p> + <p> + “If it pleases God that I should die, I shall die. What is one life among + so many tens of thousands? Let us talk of other things while we have + time.” + </p> + <p> + “What is there to talk of, Miriam, save misery, misery, misery?” and again + he groaned. “You were right, and I have been wrong. That Messiah of yours + whom I rejected, yes, and still reject, had at least the gift of prophecy, + for the words that you read me yonder in Tyre will be fulfilled upon this + people and city, aye, to the last letter. The Romans hold even the outer + courts of the Temple; there is no food left. In the upper town the + inhabitants devour each other and die, and die till none can bury the + dead. In a day or two, or ten—what does it matter?—we who are + left must perish also by hunger and the sword. The nation of the Jews is + trodden out, the smoke of their sacrifices goes up no more, and the Holy + House that they have builded will be pulled stone from stone, or serve as + a temple for the worship of heathen gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Will Titus show no mercy? Can you not surrender?” asked Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Surrender? To be sold as slaves or dragged a spectacle at the wheels of + Cæsar’s triumphal car, through the shouting streets of Rome? No, girl, + best to fight it out. We will seek mercy of Jehovah and not of Titus. Oh! + I would that it were done with, for my heart is broken, and this judgment + is fallen on me—that I, who, of my own will, brought my daughter to + her death, must bring her daughter to death against my will. If I had + hearkened to you, you would have been in Pella, or in Egypt. I lost you, + and, thinking you dead, what I have suffered no man can know. Now I find + you, and because of the office that was thrust upon me, I, even I, from + whom your life has sprung, must bring you to your doom.” + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather,” Miriam broke in, wringing her hands, for the grief of this + old man was awful to witness, “cease, I beseech you, cease. Perhaps, after + all, I shall not die.” + </p> + <p> + He looked up eagerly. “Have you hope of escape?” he asked. “Perchance + Caleb——” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I know naught of Caleb, except that there is still good in his + heart, since at the last he tried to save me—for which I thank him. + Still, I had sooner perish here alone, who do not fear death in my spirit, + whatever my flesh may fear, than escape hence in his company.” + </p> + <p> + “What then, Miriam? Why should you think——?” and he paused. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think, I only trust in God and—hope. One of our faith, now + long departed, who foretold that I should be born, foretold also that I + should live out my life. It may be so—for that woman was holy, and a + prophetess.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke there came a rolling sound like that of distant thunder, and + a voice without called: + </p> + <p> + “Rabbi Benoni, the wall is down. Tarry not, Rabbi Benoni, for they seek + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I must begone,” he said, “for some new horror is fallen upon us, + and they summon me to the council. Farewell, most beloved Miriam, may my + God and your God protect you, for I cannot. Farewell, and if, by any + chance, you live, forgive me, and try to forget the evil that, in my + blindness and my pride, I have brought upon yours and you, but oh! most of + all upon myself.” + </p> + <p> + Then he embraced her passionately and was gone, leaving Miriam weeping. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <h3> + THE GATE OF NICANOR + </h3> + <p> + Another two hours went by, and the lengthening shadows cast through the + stonework of the lattice told Miriam that the day was drawing to its end. + Suddenly the bolts were shot and the door opened. + </p> + <p> + “The time is at hand,” she said to herself, and at the thought her heart + beat fast and her knees trembled, while a mist came before her eyes, so + that she could not see. When it passed she looked up, and there before + her, very handsome and stately, though worn with war and hunger, stood + Caleb, sword in hand and clad in a breast plate dinted with many blows. At + the sight, Miriam’s courage came back to her; at least before him she + would show no fear. + </p> + <p> + “Are you sent to carry out my sentence?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + He bowed his head. “Yes, a while hence, when the sun sinks,” he answered + bitterly. “That judge, Simeon, who ordered you to be searched, is a man + with a savage heart. He thought that I tried to save you from the wrath of + the Sanhedrim; he thought that I——” + </p> + <p> + “Let be what he thought,” interrupted Miriam, “and, friend Caleb, do your + office. When we were children together often you tied my hands and feet + with flowers, do you remember? Well, tie them now with cords, and make an + end.” + </p> + <p> + “You are cruel,” he said, wincing. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! some might have thought that you are cruel. If, for instance, + they had heard your words in that tower last night when you gave up my + name to the Jews and linked it with another’s.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Miriam,” he broke in in a pleading voice, “if I did this—and in + truth I scarcely know what I did—it was because love and jealousy + maddened me.” + </p> + <p> + “Love? The love of the lion for the lamb! Jealousy? Why were you jealous? + Because, having striven to murder Marcus—oh! I saw the fight and it + was little better, for you smote him unawares, being fully prepared when + he was not—you feared lest I might have saved him from your fangs. + Well, thanks be to God! I did save him, as I hope. And now, officer of the + most merciful and learned Sanhedrim, do your duty.” + </p> + <p> + “At least, Miriam,” Caleb went on, humbly, for her bitter words, unjust as + they were in part, seemed to crush him, “at least, I strove my best for + you to-day—after I found time to think.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she answered, “to think that other lions would get the lamb which + you chance to desire for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “More,” he continued, taking no note. “I have made a plan.” + </p> + <p> + “A plan to do what?” + </p> + <p> + “To escape. If I give the signal on your way to the gate where I must lead + you, you will be rescued by certain friends of mine who will hide you in a + place of safety, while I, the officer, shall seem to be cut down. + Afterwards I can join you and under cover of the night, by a way of which + I know, we will fly together.” + </p> + <p> + “Fly? Where to?” + </p> + <p> + “To the Romans, who will spare you because of what you did yesterday—and + me also.” + </p> + <p> + “Because of what <i>you</i> did yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “No—because you will say that I am your husband. It will not be + true, but what of that?” + </p> + <p> + “What of it, indeed?” asked Miriam, “since it can always become true. But + how is it that you, being one of the first of the Jewish warriors, are + prepared to fly and ask the mercy of your foes? Is it because——” + </p> + <p> + “Spare to insult me, Miriam. You know well why it is. You know well that I + am no traitor, and that I do not fly for fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she answered, in a changed tone, for his manly words touched her, + “I know that.” + </p> + <p> + “It is for you that I fly, for your sake I will eat this dirt and crown + myself with shame. I fly that for the second time I may save you.” + </p> + <p> + “And in return you demand—what?” + </p> + <p> + “Yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “That I will not give, Caleb. I reject your offer.” + </p> + <p> + “I feared it,” he answered huskily, “who am accustomed to such denials. + Then I demand this, for know that if once you pass your word I may trust + it: that you will not marry the Roman Marcus.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot marry the Roman Marcus any more than I can marry you, because + neither of you are Christians, and as you know well it is laid upon me as + a birth duty that I may take no man to husband who is not a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “For your sake, Miriam,” he answered slowly, “I am prepared to be baptised + into your faith. Let this show you how much I love you.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not show that you love the faith, Caleb, nor if you did love it + could I love you. Jew or Christian, I cannot be your wife.” + </p> + <p> + He turned his face to the wall and for a while was silent. Then he spoke + again. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, so be it. I will still save you. Go, and marry Marcus, if you + can, only, if I live, I will kill him if I can, but that you need scarcely + fear, for I do not think that I shall live.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. “I will not go, who am weary of flights and hidings. + Let God deal with me and Marcus and you as He pleases. Yet I thank you, + and am sorry for the unkind words I spoke. Oh! Caleb, cannot you put me + out of your mind? Are there not many fairer women who would be glad to + love you? Why do you waste your life upon me? Take your path and suffer me + to take mine. Yet all this talk is foolishness, for both are likely to be + short.” + </p> + <p> + “Yours, and that of Marcus the Roman, and my own are all one path, Miriam, + and I seek no other. As a lad, I swore that I would never take you, except + by your own wish, and to that oath I hold. Also, I swore that if I could I + would kill my rival, and to that oath I hold. If he kills me, you may wed + him. If I kill him, you need not wed me unless you so desire. But this + fight is to the death, yes, whether you live or die, it is still to the + death as between me and him. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Your words are very plain, Caleb, but this is a strange hour to choose to + speak them, seeing that, for aught I know, Marcus is already dead, and + that within some short time I shall be dead, and that death threatens you + and all within this Temple.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet we live, Miriam, and I believe that for none of the three of us is + the end at hand. Well, you will not fly, either with me or without me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I will not fly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the time is here, and, having no choice, I must do my duty, leaving + the rest to fate. If, perchance, I can rescue you afterwards, I will, but + do not hope for such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb, I neither hope nor fear. Henceforth I struggle no more. I am in + other hands than yours, or those of the Jews, and as They fashion the clay + so shall it be shaped. Now, will you bind me?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no such command. Come forth if it pleases you, the officers wait + without. Had you wished to be rescued, I should have taken the path on + which my friends await us. Now we must go another.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said Miriam, “but first give me that jar of water, for my + throat is parched.” + </p> + <p> + He lifted it to her lips and she drank deeply. Then they went. Outside the + cloister four men were waiting, two of them those doorkeepers who had + searched her in the morning, the others soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “You have been a long while with the pretty maid, master,” said one of + them to Caleb. “Have you been receiving confession of her sins?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been trying to receive confession of the hiding-place of the + Roman, but the witch is obstinate,” he answered, glaring angrily at + Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “She will soon change her tune on the gateway, master, where the nights + are cold and the day is hot for those who have neither cloaks for their + backs nor water for their stomachs. Come on, Blue Eyes, but first give me + that necklet of pearls, which may serve to buy a bit of bread or a drink + of wine,” and he thrust his filthy hand into her breast. + </p> + <p> + Next instant a sword flashed in the red light of the evening to fall full + on the ruffian’s skull, and down he went dead or dying. + </p> + <p> + “Brute,” said Caleb with an angry snarl, “go to seek bread and wine in + Gehenna. The maid is doomed to death, not to be plundered by such as you. + Come forward.” + </p> + <p> + The companions of the fallen man stared at him. Then one laughed, for + death was too common a sight to excite pity or surprise, and said: + </p> + <p> + “He was ever a greedy fellow. Let us hope that he has gone where there is + more to eat.” + </p> + <p> + Then, preceded by Caleb, they marched through the long cloisters, passed + an inner door, turned down more cloisters on the right, and, following the + base of the great wall, came to its beautiful centre gate, Nicanor, that + was adorned with gold and silver, and stood between the Court of Women and + the Court of Israel. Over this gateway was a square building, fifty feet + or more in height, containing store chambers and places where the priests + kept their instruments of music. On its roof, which was flat, were three + columns of marble, terminated by gilded spikes. By the gate one of the + Sanhedrim was waiting for them, that same relentless judge, Simeon, who + had ordered Miriam to be searched. + </p> + <p> + “Has the woman confessed where she hid the Roman?” he asked of Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he answered, “she says that she knows nothing of any Roman.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so, woman?” + </p> + <p> + “It is so, Rabbi.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring her up,” he went on sternly, and they passed through some stone + chambers to a place where there was a staircase with a door of cedar-wood. + The judge unlocked it, locking it again behind them, and they climbed the + stairs till they came to another little door of stone, which, being + opened, Miriam found herself on the roof of the gateway. They led her to + the centre pillar, to which was fastened an iron chain about ten feet in + length. Here Simeon commanded that her hands should be bound behind her, + which was done. Then he brought out of his robe a scroll written in large + letters, and tied it on to her breast. This was the writing on the scroll: + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, Nazarene and Traitress, is doomed here to die as God shall + appoint, before the face of her friends, the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + Then followed several signatures of members of the Sanhedrim, including + that of her grandfather, Benoni, who had thus been forced to show the + triumph of patriotism over kinship. + </p> + <p> + This done the end of the chain was made fast round her middle and riveted + with a hammer in such fashion that she could not possibly escape its grip. + Then all being finished the men prepared to leave. First, however, Simeon + addressed her: + </p> + <p> + “Stay here, accursed traitress, till your bones fall piecemeal from that + chain,” he said, “stay, through storm and shine, through light and + darkness, while Roman and Jew alike make merry of your sufferings, which, + if my voice had been listened to, would have been shorter, but more cruel. + Daughter of Satan, go back to Satan and let the Son of the carpenter save + you if he can.” + </p> + <p> + “Spare to revile the maid,” broke in Caleb furiously, “for curses are + spears that fall on the heads of those that throw them.” + </p> + <p> + “Had I my will,” answered the Rabbi, “a spear should fall upon your head, + insolent, who dare to rebuke your elders. Begone before me, and be sure of + this, that if you strive to return here it shall be for the last time. + More is known about you, Caleb, then you think, and perhaps you also would + make friends among the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb made no answer, for he knew the venom and power of this Zealot + Simeon, who was the chosen friend and instrument of the savage John of + Gischala. Only he looked at Miriam with sad eyes, and, muttering “You + would have it so, I can do no more. Farewell,” left her to her fate. + </p> + <p> + So there in the red light of the sunset, with her hands bound, a placard + setting out her shame upon her breast, and chained like a wild beast to + the column of marble, Miriam was left alone. Walking as near to the little + battlement as the length of her chain would allow, she looked down into + the Court of Israel, where many of the Zealots had gathered to catch sight + of her. So soon as they saw her they yelled and hooted and cast a shower + of stones, one of which struck her on the shoulder. With a little cry of + pain she ran back as far as she could reach on the further side of the + pillar. Hence she could see the great Court of Women, whence the Gate + Nicanor was approached by fifteen steps forming the half of a circle and + fashioned of white marble. This court now was nothing but a camp, for the + outer Court of the Gentiles having been taken by the Romans, their + battering rams were working at its walls. + </p> + <p> + Then the night fell, but brought no peace with it, for the rams smote + continually, and since they were not strong enough to break through the + huge stones of the mighty wall, the Romans renewed their attempt to take + them by storm in the hours of darkness. But, indeed, it was no darkness, + for the Jews lit fires upon the top of the wall, and by their light drove + off the attacking Romans. Again and again, from her lofty perch, Miriam + could see the scaling ladders appear above the crest of the wall. Then up + them would come long lines of men, each holding a shield above his head. + As the foremost of these scrambled on to the wall, the waiting Jews rushed + at them and cut them down with savage shouts, while other Jews seizing the + rungs of the ladder, thrust it from the coping to fall with its living + load back into the ditch beneath. Once there were great cries of joy, for + two standard-bearers had come up the ladders carrying their ensigns with + them. The men were overpowered and the ensigns captured to be waved + derisively at the Romans beneath, who answered the insult with sullen + roars of rage. + </p> + <p> + So things went on till at length the legionaries, wearing of this + desperate fighting, took another counsel. Hitherto Titus had desired to + preserve all the Temple, even to the outer courts and cloisters, but now + he commanded that the gates, built of great beams of cedar and overlaid + with silver plates, should be fired. Through a storm of spears and arrows + soldiers rushed up to them and thrust lighted brands into every joint and + hinge. They caught, and presently the silver plates ran down their blazing + surface in molten streams of metal. Nor was this all, for from the gates + the fire spread to the cloisters on either side, nor did the outworn Jews + attempt to stay its ravages. They drew back sullenly, and seated in groups + upon the paving of the Court of Women, watching the circle of devouring + flame creep slowly on. At length the sun rose. Now the Romans were + labouring to extinguish the fire at the gateway, and to make a road over + the ruins by which they might advance. When it was done at last, with + shouts of triumph the legionaries, commanded by Titus himself and + accompanied by a body of horsemen, advanced into the Court of Women. Back + before them fled the Jews, pouring up the steps of the Gate Nicanor, on + the roof of which Miriam was chained to her pinnacle. But of her they took + no note, none had time to think, or even to look at a single girl bound + there on high in punishment for some offence, of which the most of them + knew nothing. Only they manned the walls to right and left, and held the + gateway, but to the roof where Miriam was they did not climb, because its + parapet was too low to shelter them from the arrows of their assailants. + </p> + <p> + The Romans saw her, however, for she perceived that some of his officers + were pointing her out to a man on horseback, clad in splendid armour, over + which fell a purple cloak, whom she took to be Titus himself. Also one of + the soldiers shot an arrow at her which struck upon the spiked column + above her head and, rebounding, fell at her feet. Titus noted this, for + she saw the man brought before him, and by his gestures gathered that the + general was speaking to him angrily. After this no more arrows were shot + at her, and she understood that their curiosity being stirred by the sight + of a woman chained upon a gateway, they did not wish to do her mischief. + </p> + <p> + Now the August sun shone out from a cloudless sky till the hot air danced + above the roofs of the Temple and the pavings of the courts, and the + thousands shut within their walls were glad to crowd into the shadow to + shelter from its fiery beams. But Miriam could not escape them thus. In + the morning and again in the afternoon she was able indeed, by creeping + round it, to take refuge in the narrow line of shade thrown by the marble + column to which she was made fast. At mid-day, however, it flung no + shadow, so for all those dreadful hours she must pant in the burning heat + without a drop of water to allay her thirst. Still she bore it till at + length came evening and its cool. + </p> + <p> + That day the Romans made no attack, nor did the Jews attempt a sally. Only + some of the lighter of the engines were brought into the Court of Women, + whence they hurled their great stones and heavy darts into the Court of + Israel beyond. Miriam watched these missiles as they rushed by her, once + or twice so close that the wind they made stirred her hair. The sight + fascinated her and took her mind from her own sufferings. She could see + the soldiers working at the levers and pulleys till the strings of the + catapult or the boards of the balista were drawn to their places. Then the + darts or the stones were set in the groove prepared to receive it, a cord + was pulled and the missile sped upon its way, making an angry humming + noise as it clove the air. At first it looked small; then approaching it + grew large, to become small again to her following sight as its journey + was accomplished. Sometimes, the stones, which did more damage than the + darts, fell upon the paving and bounded along it, marking their course by + fragments of shattered marble and a cloud of dust. At others, directed by + an evil fate, they crashed into groups of Jews, destroying all they + touched. Wandering to and fro among these people was that crazed man + Jesus, the son of Annas, who had met them with his wild prophetic cry as + they entered into Jerusalem, and whose ill-omened voice Miriam had heard + again before Marcus was taken at the fight in the Old Tower. To and fro he + went, none hindering him, though many thrust their fingers in their ears + and looked aside as he passed, wailing forth: “Woe, woe to Jerusalem! Woe + to the city and the Temple!” Of a sudden, as Miriam watched, he was still + for a moment, then throwing up his arms, cried in a piercing voice, “Woe, + woe to myself!” Before the echo of his words had died against the Temple + walls, a great stone cast from the Court of Women rushed upon him through + the air and felled him to the earth. On it went with vast bounds, but + Jesus, the son of Annas, lay still. Now, in the hour of the accomplishment + of his prophecy, his pilgrimage was ended. + </p> + <p> + All the day the cloisters that surrounded the Court of Women burned + fiercely, but the Jews, whose heart was out of them, did not sally forth, + and the Romans made no attack upon the inner Court of Israel. At length + the last rays of the setting sun struck upon the slopes of the Mount of + Olives, the white tents of the Roman camps, and the hundreds of crosses, + each bearing its ghastly burden, that filled the Valley of Jehoshaphat and + climbed up the mountain sides wherever space could be found for them to + stand. Then over the tortured, famished city down fell the welcome night. + To none was it more welcome than to Miriam, for with it came a copious dew + which seemed to condense upon the gilded spike of her marble pillar, + whence it trickled so continually, that by licking a little channel in the + marble, she was enabled, before it ceased, to allay the worst pangs of her + thirst. This dew gathered upon her hair, bared neck and garments, so that + through them also she seemed to take in moisture and renew her life. After + this she slept a while, expecting always to be awakened by some fresh + conflict. But on that night none took place, the fight was for the morrow. + Meanwhile there was peace. + </p> + <p> + Miriam dreamed in her uneasy sleep, and in this dream many visions came to + her. She saw this sacred hill of Moriah, whereon the Temple stood, as it + had been in the beginning, a rugged spot clothed with ungrafted carob + trees and olives, and inhabited, not of men, but by wild boars and the + hyænas that preyed upon their young. Almost in its centre lay a huge black + stone. To this stone came a man clad in the garb of the Arabs of the + desert, and with him a little lad whom he bound upon the stone as though + to offer him in sacrifice. Then, as he was about to plunge a knife into + his heart, a glory shone round the place, and a voice cried to him to hold + his hand. That was a vision of the offering of Isaac. It passed, and there + came another vision. + </p> + <p> + Again she saw the sacred height of Moriah, and lo! a Temple stood upon it, + a splendid building, but not that which she knew, and in front of this + Temple the same black rock. On the rock, where once the lad had been + bound, was an altar, and before the altar a glorious man clad in priestly + robes, who offered sacrifice of lambs and oxen and in a sonorous voice + gave praise to Jehovah in the presence of a countless host of people. This + she knew was the vision of Solomon the King. + </p> + <p> + It passed, and lo! by this same black rock stood another man, pale and + eager-faced, with piercing eyes, who reproached the worshippers in the + Temple because of the wickedness of their hearts, and drove them from + before him with a scourge of cords. This she knew was a vision of Jesus, + the Son of Mary, that Messiah Whom she worshipped, for as He drove out the + people He prophesied the desolation that should fall upon them, and as + they fled they mocked Him. + </p> + <p> + The picture passed, and again she saw the black rock, but now it lay + beneath a gilded dome and light fell upon it through painted windows. + About it moved many priests whose worship was strange to her, and so they + seemed to move for ages. At length the doors of that dome were burst open, + and upon the priests rushed fair-faced, stately-looking men, clad in white + mail and bearing upon their shields and breastplates the symbol of the + Cross. They slaughtered the votaries of the strange worship, and once more + the rock was red with blood. Now they were gone in turn and other priests + moved beneath the dome, but the Cross had vanished thence, and its + pinnacles were crowned with crescents. + </p> + <p> + That vision passed, and there came another of dim, undistinguishable + hordes that tore down the crescents and slaughtered the ministers of the + strange faith, and gave the domed temple to the flames. + </p> + <p> + That vision passed, and once more the summit of Mount Moriah was as it had + been in the beginning: the wild olive and the wild fig flourished among + its desolate terraces, the wild boar roamed beneath their shade, and there + were none to hunt him. Only the sunlight and the moonlight still beat upon + the ancient Rock of Sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + That vision passed, and lo! around the rock, filling the Valley of + Jehoshaphat and the valleys beyond, and the Mount of Olives and the + mountains above, yes, and the empty air between earth and sky, further + than the eye could reach, stood, rank upon rank, all the countless million + millions of mankind, all the millions that had been and were yet to be, + gazing, every one of them, anxiously and in utter silence upon the scarred + and naked Rock of Sacrifice. Now upon the rock there grew a glory so + bright that at the sight of it all the million of millions abased their + eyes. And from the glory pealed forth a voice of a trumpet, that seemed to + say: + </p> + <p> + “This is the end and the beginning, all things are accomplished in their + order, now is the day of Decision.” + </p> + <p> + Then, in her dream, the sun turned red as blood and the stars seemed to + fall and winds shook the world, and darkness covered it, and in the winds + and the darkness were voices, and standing upon the rock, its arms + stretched east and west, a cross of fire, and filling the heavens above + the cross, company upon company of angels. This last vision of judgment + passed also and Miriam awoke again from her haunted, horror-begotten + sleep, to see the watch-fires of the Romans burning in the Court of Women + before her, and from the Court of Israel behind her, where they were + herded like cattle in the slaughterer’s yard, to hear the groans of the + starving Jews who to-morrow were destined to the sword. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE DEATH-STRUGGLE OF ISRAEL + </h3> + <p> + Now the light began to grow, but that morning no sun rose upon the sight + of the thousands who waited for its coming. The whole heaven was dark with + a gray mist that seemed to drift up in billows from the sea, bringing with + it a salt dampness. For this mist Miriam was thankful, since had the sun + shone hotly she knew not how she would have lived through another day. + Already she grew very weak, who had suffered so much and eaten so little, + and whose only drink had been the dew, but she felt that while the mist + hid the sun her life would bide with her. + </p> + <p> + To others also this mist was welcome. Under cover of it Caleb approached + the gateway, and although he could not ascend it, as the doors were locked + and guarded, he cast on to its roof so cleverly, that it fell almost at + Miriam’s feet, a linen bag in which was a leathern bottle containing wine + and water, and with it a mouldy crust of bread, doubtless all that he + could find, or buy, or steal. Kneeling down, Miriam loosed the string of + the bag with her teeth and devoured the crust of bread, again returning + thanks that Caleb had been moved to this thought. But from the bottle she + could not drink, for her hands being bound behind her, she was able + neither to lift it nor to untie the thong that made fast its neck. + Therefore, as, notwithstanding the dew which she had lapped, she needed + drink sorely and longed also for the use of her hands to protect herself + from the tormenting attacks of stinging gnats and carrion flies, she set + herself to try to free them. + </p> + <p> + Now the gilt spike that crowned her pillar was made fast with angle-irons + let into the marble and the edge of one of these irons projected somewhat + and was rough. Looking at it the thought came into Miriam’s mind that it + might serve to rub through the cord with which her hands were bound. So + standing with her back to the pillar she began her task, to find that it + must be done little by little, since the awkward movement wearied her, + moreover, her swollen arms chafing against the marble of the column became + intolerably sore. Yet, although the pain made her weep, from time to time + she persevered. But night fell before the frayed cord parted. + </p> + <p> + In the mist also the Romans came near to the gate, notwithstanding the + risk, for they were very curious about her, and called to her asking why + she was bound there. She replied in the Latin language, which was + understood by very few of the Jews, that it was because she had rescued a + Roman from death. Before they could speak again those who questioned her + were driven back by a shower of arrows discharged from the wall, but in + the distance she thought that she saw one of them make report to an + officer, who on receipt of it seemed to give some orders. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, also under cover of the mist, the Jews were preparing + themselves for battle. To the number of over four thousand men they + gathered silently in the Court of Israel. Then of a sudden the gates were + thrown open, and among them that of Nicanor. The trumpets blew a signal + and out they poured into the Court of Women, driving in the Roman guards + and outposts as sticks and straws are driven by a sudden flood. But the + legionaries beyond were warned, and locking their shields together stood + firm, so that the Jews fell back from their iron line as such a flood + falls from an opposing rock. Yet they would not retreat, but fought + furiously, killing many of the Romans, until at length Titus charged on + them at the head of a squadron of horse and drove them back headlong + through the gates. Then the Romans came on and put those whom they had + captured to the sword, but as yet they did not attempt the storming of the + gates. Only officers advanced as near to the wall as they dared and called + to the Jews to surrender, saying that Titus desired to preserve their + Temple and to spare their lives. But the Jews answered them with insults, + taunts, and mockery, and Miriam, listening, wondered what spirit had + entered into these people and made them mad, so that they chose death and + destruction rather than peace and mercy. Then she remembered her strange + visions of the night, and in them seemed to find an answer. + </p> + <p> + Having repulsed this desperate sally the Roman officers set thousands of + men to work to attempt to extinguish the flaming cloisters, since, + notwithstanding the answer of the Jews, Titus still desired to save the + Temple. As for its defenders, beyond guarding the walls of the Court of + Israel, they did no more. Gathering in such places as were most protected + from the darts and stones thrown by the engines, they crouched upon the + ground, some in sullen silence, some beating their breasts and rending + their robes, while the women and children wailed in their misery and + hunger, throwing dust upon their heads. The Gate of Nicanor, however, was + still held by a strong guard, who suffered none to approach it, nor did + any attempt to ascend to its roof. That Caleb still lived Miriam knew, for + she had seen him, covered with dust and blood, driven back by the charge + of Roman horse up the steps of the gateway. This, indeed, he was one of + the last to pass before it was closed and barred to keep out the pursuing + Romans. After that she saw no more of him for many a month. + </p> + <p> + So that day also, the last of the long siege, wore away. At nightfall the + thick mist cleared, and for the last time the rich rays of sunset shone + upon the gleaming roof and burning pinnacles of the Temple and were + reflected from the dazzling whiteness of its walls. Never had it looked + more beautiful than it did in that twilight as it towered, still perfect, + above the black ruins of the desolated city. The clamour and shouting had + died away, even the mourners had ceased their pitiful cries; except the + guards, the Romans had withdrawn and were eating their evening meal, while + those who worked the terrible engines ceased from their destroying toil. + Peace, an ominous peace, brooded on the place, and everywhere, save for + the flames that crackled among the cedar-wood beams in the roofs of the + cloisters, was deep silence, such as in tropic lands precedes the bursting + of a cyclone. To Miriam who watched, it seemed as though in the midst of + this unnatural quiet Jehovah was withdrawing Himself from the house where + His Spirit dwelt and from the people who worshipped Him with their lips, + but rejected Him in their hearts. Her tormented nerves shuddered with a + fear that was not of the body, as she stared upwards at the immense arch + of the azure evening sky, half expecting that her mortal eyes would catch + some vision of the departing wings of the Angel of the Lord. But there she + could see nothing except the shapes of hundreds of high-poised eagles. + “Where the carcase is there shall the eagles be gathered together,” she + muttered to herself, and remembering that these four birds were come to + feast upon the bones of the whole people of the Jews and upon her own, she + shut her eyes and groaned. + </p> + <p> + Then the light died on the Temple towers and faded from the pale slopes of + the mountains, and in place of the wheeling carrion birds bright stars + shone out one by one upon the black mantle of the night. + </p> + <p> + Once again, setting her teeth because of the agony that the touch of the + marble gave to her raw and swollen flesh, Miriam began to fret the cords + which bound her wrists against the rough edge of the angle-iron. She was + sure that it was nearly worn through, but oh! how could she endure the + agony until it parted? Still she did endure, for at her feet lay the + bottle, and burning thirst drove her to the deed. Suddenly her reward + came, and she felt that her arms were free; yes, numbed, swollen and + bleeding, they fell against her sides, wrenching the stiffened muscles of + her shoulders back to their place in such a fashion that she well-nigh + fainted with the pain. Still they were free, and presently she was able to + lift them, and with the help of her teeth to loose the ends of the cord, + so that the blood could run once more through her blackened wrists and + hands. Again she waited till some feeling had come back into her fingers, + which were numb and like to mortify. Then she knelt down, and drawing the + leather bottle to her, held it between her palms, while, with her teeth, + she undid its thong. The task was hard, for it was well tied, but at + length the knots gave, and Miriam drank. So fearful was her thirst that + she could have emptied the bottle at a draught, but this she, who had + lived in the desert, was too wise to do, for she knew that it might kill + her. Also when that was gone there was no more. So she drank half of it in + slow sips, then tied the string as well as she was able and set it down + again. + </p> + <p> + Now the wine, although it was mixed with water, took hold of her who for + so long had eaten nothing save a mouldy crust, so that strange sounds + drummed in her ears, and sinking down against the column she became + senseless for a while. She awoke again, feeling somewhat refreshed and, + though her head seemed as though it did not belong to her, well able to + think. Her arms also were better and her fingers had recovered their + feeling. If only she could loose that galling chain, she thought to + herself, she might escape, for now death, however strong her faith, was + very near and unlovely; also she suffered in many ways. To die and pass + quick to Heaven—that would be well, but to perish by inches of + starvation, heat, cold, and cramped limbs, with pains within and without + and a swimming sickness of the head, ah! it was hard to bear. She knew + that even were she free she could not hope to descend the gateway by its + staircase, since the doors were locked and barred, and if she passed them + it would be but to find herself among the Jews in the vaulted chambers + beneath. But, so she thought, perhaps she could drop from the roof, which + was not so very high, on to the paving in front of the first stair, and + then, if she was unhurt, run or crawl to the Romans, who might give her + shelter. + </p> + <p> + So Miriam tried to undo the chain, only to find that as well might she + hope to pull down the Gate Nicanor with her helpless hands. At this + discovery she wept, for now she grew weak. Well for Miriam was it that she + could not have her wish, for certainly had she attempted to drop down from + the gateway to the marble paving, or even on to the battlements of the + walls which ran up to it on either side, her bones would have been + shattered like the shell of an egg and she must have perished miserably. + </p> + <p> + While she grieved thus, Miriam heard a stir in the Court of Israel, and by + the dim starlight saw that men were gathering, to do what she knew not. + Presently, as she wondered, the great gates were opened very softly and + out poured the Jews upon their last sally. Miriam was witnessing the + death-struggle of the nation of Israel. At the foot of the marble steps + they divided, one-half of them rushing towards the cloister on the right, + and the other to that upon the left. Their object, as it seemed to her, + was to slay those Roman soldiers, who, by the command of Titus, were still + engaged in fighting the flames that devoured these beautiful buildings, + and then to surprise the camp beyond. The scheme was such as a madman + might have made, seeing that the Romans, warned by the sortie of the + morning, had thrown up a wall across the lower part of the Court of Women, + and beyond that were protected by every safeguard known to the science of + ancient war. Also the moment that the first Jew set his foot upon the + staircase, watching sentries cried out in warning and trumpets gave their + call to arms. + </p> + <p> + Still, they reached the cloisters and killed a few Romans who had not time + to get away. Following those who fled, they came to the wall and began to + try to force it, when suddenly on its crest and to the rear appeared + thousands of those men whom they had hoped to destroy, every one of them + wakeful, armed and marshalled. The Jews hesitated, and, like a living + stream of steel, the Roman ranks poured over the wall. Then, of a sudden, + terror seized those unhappy men, and, with a melancholy cry of utter + despair, they turned to flee back to the Court of Israel. But this time + the Romans were not content with driving them away, they came on with + them; some of them even reached the gate before them. Up the marble steps + poured friend and foe together; together they passed the open gate, in + their mad rush sweeping away those who had stayed to guard it, and burst + into the Court of Israel. Then leaving some to hold the gate and + reinforced continually by fresh companies from the camps within and + without the Temple courts, the Romans ran on towards the doors of the Holy + House, cutting down the fugitives as they went. Now none attempted to + stand; there was no fight made; even the bravest of the Jewish warriors, + feeling that their hour was come and that Jehovah had deserted His people, + flung down their weapons and fled, some to escape to the Upper City, more + to perish on the Roman spears. + </p> + <p> + A few attempted to take refuge in the Holy House itself, and after these + followed some Romans bearing torches in their hands. Miriam, watching + terrified from the roof of the Gate Nicanor, saw them go, the torches + floating on the dusky air like points of wind-tossed fire. Then suddenly + from a certain window on the north side of the Temple sprang out a flame + so bright that from where she stood upon the gate, Miriam could see every + detail of the golden tracery. A soldier mounted on the shoulders of + another and not knowing in his madness that he was a destroying angel, had + cast a torch into and fired the window. Up ran the bright, devouring flame + spreading outwards like a fan, so that within some few minutes all that + side of the Temple was but a roaring furnace. Meanwhile the Romans were + pressing through the Gate Nicanor in an unending stream, till presently + there was a cry of “Make way! Make way!” + </p> + <p> + Miriam looked down to see a man, bare-headed and with close-cropped hair, + white-robed also and unarmoured, as though he had risen from his couch, + riding on a great war-horse, an ivory wand in his hand and preceded by an + officer who bore the standard of the Roman Eagles. It was Titus itself, + who as he came shouted to the centurions to beat back the legionaries and + extinguish the fire. But who now could beat them back? As well might he + have attempted to restrain the hosts of Gehenna burst to the upper earth. + They were mad with the lust of blood and the lust of plunder, and even to + the voice of their dread lord they paid no heed. + </p> + <p> + New flames sprang up in other parts of the vast Temple. It was doomed. The + golden doors were burst open and, attended by his officers, Titus passed + through them to view for the first and last time the home of Jehovah, God + of the Jews. From chamber to chamber he passed, yes, even into the Holy of + Holies itself, whence by his command were brought out the golden + candlesticks and the golden table of shrewbread, nor, since God had + deserted His habitation, did any harm come to him for that deed. + </p> + <p> + Now the Temple which for one thousand one hundred and thirty years had + stood upon the sacred summit of Mount Moriah, went upwards in a sheet of + flame, itself the greatest of the sacrifices that had ever been offered + there; while soldiers stripped it of its gold and ornaments, tossing the + sacred vessels to each other and tearing down the silken curtains of the + shrine. Nor were victims lacking to that sacrifice, for in their blind + fury the Romans fell upon the people who were crowded in the Court of + Israel, and slew them to the number of more than ten thousand, warrior and + priest, citizen and woman and child together, till the court swarm with + blood and the Rock of Offering was black with the dead who had taken + refuge there. Yet these did not perish quite unavenged, for many of the + Romans, their arms filled with priceless spoils of gold and silver, the + treasures of immemorial time, sank down overcome by the heat, and where + they fell they died. + </p> + <p> + From the Court of Israel went up one mighty wail of those who sank beneath + the sword. From the thousands of the Romans went up a savage shout of + triumph, the shout of those who put them to the sword. From the multitude + of the Jews who watched this ruin from the Upper City went up a ceaseless + scream of utter agony, and dominating all, like the accompaniment of some + fearful music, rose the fierce, triumphant roar of fire. In straight lines + and jagged pinnacles the flames soared hundreds of feet into the still + air, leaping higher and ever higher as the white walls and gilded roofs + fell in, till all the Temple was but one gigantic furnace, near which none + could bide save the dead, whose very garments took fire as they lay upon + the ground. Never, was such a sight seen before; never, perhaps, will such + a sight be seen again—one so awesome, yet so majestic. + </p> + <p> + Now every living being whom they could find was slain, and the Romans drew + back, bearing their spoil with them. But the remainder of the Jews, to the + number of some thousands, escaped by the bridges, which they broke down + behind them, across the valley into the Upper City, whence that piercing, + sobbing wail echoed without cease. Miriam watched till she could bear the + sight no longer. The glare blinded her, the heat of the incandescent + furnace shrivelled her up, her white dress scorched and turned brown. She + crouched behind the shelter of her pinnacle gasping for breath. She prayed + that she might die, and could not. Now she remembered the drink that + remained in the leathern bottle, and swallowed it to the last drop. Then + she crouched down again against the pillar, and lying thus her senses left + her. + </p> + <p> + When they came back it was daylight, and from the heap of ashes that had + been the Temple of Herod and the most glorious building in the whole + world, rose a thick cloud of black smoke, pierced here and there by little + angry tongues of fire. The Court of Israel was strewn so thick with dead + that in places the soldiers walked on them as on a carpet, or to be rid of + them, hurled them into the smouldering ruins. Upon the altar that stood on + the Rock of Sacrifice a strange sight was to be seen, for set up there was + an object like the shaft of a lance wreathed with what seemed to be + twining snakes and surmounted by a globe on which she stood a golden eagle + with outspread wings. Gathered in front of it were a vast number of + legionaries who did obeisance to this object. They were offering worship + to the Roman standards upon the ancient altar of the God of Israel! + Presently a figure rode before them attended by a glittering staff of + officers, to be greeted with a mighty shout of “Titus <i>Imperator</i>! + Titus <i>Imperator</i>!” Here on the sense of his triumph his victorious + legions named their general Cæsar. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the fighting altogether ended, for on the roofs of some of the + burning cloisters were gathered a few of the most desperate of the + survivors of the Jews, who, as the cloisters crumbled beneath them, + retreated slowly towards the Gate Nicanor, which still stood unharmed. The + Romans, weary with slaughter, called to them to come down and surrender, + but they would not, and Miriam watching them, to her horror saw that one + of these men was none other than her grandfather, Benoni. As they would + not yield, the Romans shot at them with arrows, so that presently every + one of them was down except Benoni, whom no dart seemed to touch. + </p> + <p> + “Cease shooting,” cried a voice, “and bring a ladder. That man is brave + and one of the Sanhedrim. Let him be taken alive.” + </p> + <p> + A ladder was brought and reared against the wall near the Gate Nicanor and + up it came Romans. Benoni retreated before them till he stood upon the + edge of the gulf of advancing fire. Then he turned round and faced them. + As he turned he caught sight of Miriam huddled at the base of her column + upon the roof of the gate, and thinking that she was dead, wrung his hands + and tore his beard. She guessed his grief, but so weak and parched was + she, that she could call no word of comfort to him, or do more than watch + the end with fascinated eyes. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers came on along the top of the wall till they feared to + approach nearer to the fire, lest they should fall through the burning + rafters. + </p> + <p> + “Yield!” they cried. “Yield, fool, before you perish! Titus gives you your + life.” + </p> + <p> + “That he may drag me, an elder of Israel, in chains through the streets of + Rome,” answered the old Jew scornfully. “Nay, I will not yield, and I pray + God that the same end which you have brought upon this city and its + children, may fall upon your city and its children at the hands of men + even more cruel than yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Then stooping down he lifted a spear which lay upon the wall and hurled it + at them so fiercely, that it transfixed the buckler of one of the soldiers + and the arm behind the buckler. + </p> + <p> + “Would that it had been your heart, heathen, and the heart of all your + race!” he screamed, and lifting his hands as though in invocation, + suddenly plunged headlong into the flames beneath. + </p> + <p> + Thus, fierce and brave to the last, died Benoni the Jew. + </p> + <p> + Again Miriam fainted, again to be awakened. The door that led from the + gate chambers to its roof burst open and through it sped a figure + bare-headed and dishevelled, his torn raiment black with blood and smoke. + Staring at him, Miriam knew the man who Simeon—yes, Simeon, her + cruel judge, who had doomed her to this dreadful end. After him, gripping + his robe indeed, came a Roman officer, a stout man of middle age, with a + weather-beaten kindly face, which in some dim way seemed to be familiar to + her, and after him again, six soldiers. + </p> + <p> + “Hold him!” he panted. “We must have one of them to show if only that the + people may know what a live Jew is like,” and the officer tugged so + fiercely at the robe that in his struggles to be free, for he also hoped + to die by casting himself from the gateway tower, Simeon fell down. + </p> + <p> + Next instant the soldiers were on him and held him fast. Then it was for + the first time that the captain caught sight of Miriam crouched at the + foot of her pillar. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” he said, “I had forgotten. That is the girl whom we saw yesterday + from the Court of Women and whom we have orders to save. Is the poor thing + dead?” + </p> + <p> + Miriam lifted her wan face and looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “By Bacchus!” he said, “I have seen that face before; it is not one that a + man would forget. Ah! I have it now.” Then he stooped and eagerly read the + writing that was tied upon her breast: + </p> + <p> + “Miriam, Nazarene and traitress, is doomed here to die as God shall + appoint before the face of her friends, the Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam,” he said, then started and checked himself. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” cried one of the soldiers, “the girl wears pearls, and good ones. + Is it your pleasure that I should cut them off?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, let them be,” he answered. “Neither she nor her pearls are for any + of us. Loosen her chain, not her necklet.” + </p> + <p> + So with much trouble they broke the rivets of the chain. + </p> + <p> + “Can you stand, lady?” said the captain to Miriam. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “Then I needs must carry you,” and stooping down he lifted her in his + strong arms as though she had been but a child, and, bidding the soldiers + bring the Jew Simeon with them, slowly and with great care descended the + staircase up which Miriam had been taken more than sixty hours before. + </p> + <p> + Passing through the outer doors into the archway where the great gate by + which the Romans had gained access to the Temple stood wide, the captain + turned into the Court of Israel, where some soldiers who were engaged in + dividing spoil looked up laughing and asked him whose baby he had + captured. Paying no heed to them he walked across the court, picking his + way through the heaps of dead to a range of the southern cloisters which + were still standing, where officers might be seen coming and going. Under + one of these cloisters, seated on a stool and employed in examining the + vessels and other treasures of the Temple, which were brought before him + one by one, was Titus. Looking up he saw this strange procession and + commanded that they should be brought before him. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it that you carry in your arms, captain?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “That girl, Cæsar,” he answered, “who was bound upon the gateway and whom + you have orders should not be shot at.” + </p> + <p> + “Does she still live?” + </p> + <p> + “She lives—no more. Thirst and heat have withered her.” + </p> + <p> + “How came she there?” + </p> + <p> + “This writing tells you, Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + Titus read. “Ah!” he said, “Nazarene. An evil sect, worse even than these + Jews, or so thought the late divine Nero. Traitress also. Why, the girl + must have deserved her fate. But what is this? ‘Is doomed to die as God + shall appoint before the face of her friends, the Romans.’ How are the + Romans her friends, I wonder? Girl, if you can speak, tell me who + condemned you.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam lifted her dark head from the shoulder of the captain on which it + lay and pointed with her finger at the Jew, Simeon. + </p> + <p> + “Is that so, man?” asked Cæsar. “Now tell the truth, for I shall learn it, + and if you lie you die.” + </p> + <p> + “She was condemned by the Sanhedrim, among whom was her own grandfather, + Benoni; there is his signature with the rest upon the scroll,” Simeon + answered sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “For what crime?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she suffered a Roman prisoner to escape, for which deed,” he + added furiously, “may her soul burn in Gehenna for ever and aye!” + </p> + <p> + “What was the name of the prisoner?” asked Titus. + </p> + <p> + “I do not remember,” answered Simeon. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Cæsar, “it does not greatly matter, for either he is safe or + he is dead. Your robes, what are left of them, show that you also are one + of the Sanhedrim. Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I am Simeon, a name that you have heard.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Simeon, here it is, written on this scroll first of all. Well, + Simeon, you doomed a high-born lady to a cruel death because she saved, or + tried to save, a Roman soldier, and it is but just that you should drink + of your own wine. Take him and fasten him to the column on the gateway and + leave him there to perish. Your Holy House is destroyed, Simeon, and being + a faithful priest, you would not wish to survive your worship.” + </p> + <p> + “There you are right, Roman,” he answered, “though I should have been + better pleased with a quicker end, such as I trust may overtake you.” + </p> + <p> + Then they led him off, and presently Simeon appeared upon the gateway with + Miriam’s chain about his middle and Miriam’s rope knotted afresh about his + wrists. + </p> + <p> + “Now for this poor girl,” went on Titus Cæsar. “It seems that she is a + Nazarene, a sect of which all men speak ill, for they try to subvert + authority and preach doctrines that would bring the world to ruin. Also + she was false to her own people, which is a crime, though one in this + instance whereof we Romans cannot complain. Therefore, if only for the + sake of example it would be wrong to set her free; indeed, to do so, would + be to give her to death. My command is, then, that she shall be taken good + care of, and if she recovers, be sent to Rome to adorn my Triumph, should + the gods grant me such a thing, and afterwards be sold as a slave for the + benefit of the wounded soldiers and the poor. Meanwhile, who will take + charge of her?” + </p> + <p> + “I,” said that officer who had freed Miriam. “There is an old woman who + tends my tent, who can nurse her in her sickness.” + </p> + <p> + “Understand, friend,” answered Titus, “that no harm is to be done to this + girl, who is my property.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand, O Cæsar,” said the officer. “She shall be treated as though + she were my daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. You who are present, remember his words and my decree. In Rome, if + we live to reach it, you shall give account to me of the captive lady, + Miriam. Now take her away, for there are greater matters to be dealt with + than the fortunes of this girl.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX + </h2> + <h3> + PEARL-MAIDEN + </h3> + <p> + Many days had gone by, but still the fighting was not ended, for the Jews + continued to hold the Upper City. As it chanced, however, in one of the + assaults upon it that officer who had rescued Miriam was badly hurt by a + spear-thrust in the leg, so that he could be of no more service in this + war. Therefore, because he was a man whom Titus trusted, he was ordered to + sail with others of the sick for Rome, taking in his charge much of the + treasure that had been captured, and for this purpose travelled down to + Tyre, whence his vessel was to put to sea. In obedience to the command of + Cæsar he had carried the captive Miriam to the camp of his legion upon the + Mount of Olives, and there placed her in a tent, where an old slave-woman + tended her. For a while it was not certain whether she should live or die, + for her sufferings and all that she had seen brought her so near to death + that it was hard to keep her from passing its half-opened gates. Still, + with good food and care, the strength came back to her body. But in mind + Miriam remained sick, since during all these weeks she wandered in her + talk, so that no word of reason passed her lips. + </p> + <p> + Now, many would have wearied of her and thrust her out to take her chance + with hundreds of other poor creatures who roamed about the land until they + perished or were enslaved of Arabs. But this Roman did not act thus; in + truth, as he had promised it should be, had she been his daughter, Miriam + would not have been better tended. Whenever his duties gave him time he + would sit with her, trying to beguile her madness, and after he himself + was wounded, from morning to night they were together, till at length the + poor girl grew to love him in a crazy fashion, and would throw her arms + about his neck and call him “uncle,” as in the old days she had named the + Essenes. Moreover, she learned to know the soldiers of that legion, who + became fond of her and would bring her offerings of fruit and winter + flowers, or of aught else that they thought would please her. So when the + captain received his orders to proceed to Tyre with the treasure and take + ship there, he and his guard took Miriam with them, and journeying easily, + reached the city on the eighth day. + </p> + <p> + As it chanced their ship was not ready, so they camped on the outskirts of + Paleotyrus, and by a strange accident in that very garden which had been + the property of Benoni. This place they reached after sunset one evening + and set up their tents, that of Miriam and the old slave-woman being + placed on the seashore next to the tent of her protector. This night she + slept well, and being awakened at the dawn by the murmur of the sea among + the rocks, went to the door of the tent and looked out. All the camp was + sleeping, for here they had no enemy to fear, and a great calm lay upon + the sea and land. Presently the mist lifted and the rays of the rising sun + poured across the blue ocean and its gray, bordering coast. + </p> + <p> + With that returning light, as it happened, the light returned also into + Miriam’s darkened mind. She became aware that this scene was familiar; she + recognised the outlines of the proud and ancient island town. More, she + remembered that garden; yes, there assuredly was the palm-tree beneath + which she had often sat, and there the rock, under whose shadow grew white + lilies, where she had rested with Nehushta when the Roman captain brought + her the letter and the gifts from Marcus. Instinctively Miriam put her + hand to her neck. About it still hung the collar of pearls, and on the + pearls the ring which the slave-woman had found in her hair and tied there + for safety. She took off the ring and placed it back upon her finger. Then + she walked to the rock, sat down and tried to think. But for this, as yet + her mind was not strong enough, for there rose up in it vision after + vision of blood and fire, which crushed and overwhelmed her. All that went + before the siege was clear, the rest one red confusion. + </p> + <p> + While she sat thus the Roman captain hobbled from his pavilion, resting on + a crutch, for his leg was still lame and shrivelled. First he went to + Miriam’s tent to inquire after her of the old woman, as was his custom at + the daybreak, then, learning that she had gone out of it, looked round for + her. Presently he perceived her sitting in the shade of the rock gazing at + the sea, and followed to join her. + </p> + <p> + “Good morning to you, daughter,” he said. “How have you slept after your + long journey?” and paused, expecting to be answered with some babbling, + gentle nonsense such as flowed from Miriam’s lips in her illness. But + instead of this she rose and stood before him looking confused. Then she + replied: + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I thank you, I have slept well; but tell me, is not yonder town + Tyre, and is not this the garden of my grandfather, Benoni, where I used + to wander? Nay, how can it be? So long has passed since I walked in this + garden, and so many things have happened—terrible, terrible things + which I cannot remember,” and she hid her eyes in her hand and moaned. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t try to remember them,” he said cheerfully. “There is so much in + life that it is better to forget. Yes, this is Tyre, sure enough. You + could not recognise it last night because it was too dark, and this + garden, I am told, did belong to Benoni. Who it belongs to now I do not + know. To you, I suppose, and through you to Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + Now while he spoke thus somewhat at random, for he was watching her all + the while, Miriam kept her eyes fixed upon his face, as though she + searched there for something which she could but half recall. Suddenly an + inspiration entered into them and she said: + </p> + <p> + “Now I have it! You are the Roman captain, Gallus, who brought me the + letter from——” and she paused, thrusting her hand into the + bosom of her robe, then went on with something like a sob: “Oh! it is + gone. How did it go? Let me think.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t think,” said Gallus; “there are so many things in the world which + it is better not to think about. Yes, as it happens, I am that man, and + some years ago I did bring you the letter from Marcus, called The + Fortunate. Also, as it chanced, I never forgot your sweet face and knew it + again at a time when it was well that you should find a friend. No, we + won’t talk about it now. Look, the old slave calls you. It is time that + you should break your fast, and I also must eat and have my wound dressed. + Afterwards we will talk.” + </p> + <p> + All that morning Miriam saw nothing more of Gallus. Indeed, he did not + mean that she should, since he was sure that her new-found sense ought not + to be overstrained at first, lest it should break down again, never to + recover. So she went out and sat alone by the garden beach, for the + soldiers had orders to respect her privacy, and gazed at the sea. + </p> + <p> + As she sat thus in quiet, event by event the terrible past came back to + her. She remembered it all now—their flight from Tyre; the march + into Jerusalem; the sojourn in the dark with the Essenes; the Old Tower + and what befell there; the escape of Marcus; her trial before the + Sanhedrim; the execution of her sentence upon the gateway; and then that + fearful night when the flames of the burning Temple scorched to her very + brain, and the sights and sounds of slaughter withered her heart. After + this she could recall but one more thing—the vision of the majestic + figure of Benoni standing against a background of black smoke upon the + lofty cloister-roof and defying the Romans before he plunged headlong in + the flames beneath. Of her rescue on the roof of the Gate Nicanor, of her + being carried before Titus Cæsar in the arms of Gallus, and of his + judgment concerning her she recollected nothing. Nor, indeed, did she ever + attain to a clear memory of those events, while the time between them and + the recovery of her reason by the seashore in the garden at Tyre always + remained a blank. That troubled fragment of her life was sunk in a black + sea of oblivion. + </p> + <p> + At length the old woman came to summon Miriam to her midday meal, and led + her, not to her own tent, but to that which was pitched to serve as an + eating-place for the captain, Gallus. As she went she saw knots of + soldiers gathered across her path as though to intercept her, and turned + to fly, for the sight of them brought back the terrors of the siege. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear of them,” said the old woman, smiling. “Ill would it go here + with him who dared to lift a finger against their Pearl-Maiden.” + </p> + <p> + “Pearl-Maiden! Why?” asked Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “That is what they call you, because of the necklace that was upon your + breast when you were captured, which you wear still. As for why—well, + I suppose because they love you, the poor sick thing they nursed. They + have heard that you are better and gather to give you joy of it; that is + all.” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, the words were true, for, as Miriam approached, these rough + legionaries cheered and clapped their hands, while one of them an + evil-looking fellow with a broken nose, who was said to have committed + great cruelties during the siege, came forward bowing and presented her + with a handful of wild-flowers, which he must have collected with some + trouble, since, at this season of the year they were not common. She took + them, and being still weak, burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you treat me thus,” she asked, “who am, as I understand, but a + poor captive?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” answered a sergeant, with an uncouth oath. “It is we who are + your captives, Pearl-Maiden, and we are glad, because your mind has come + to you, though, seeing how sweet you were without it, we do not know that + it can better you very much.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! friends, friends,” began Miriam, then once more broke down. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, hearing the disturbance Gallus had come from his tent and was + hobbling towards them, when suddenly he caught sight of the tears upon + Miriam’s face and broke out into such language as could only be used by a + Roman officer of experience. + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing to her, you cowardly hounds?” he shouted. “By + Cæsar and the Standards, if one of you has even said a word that she + should not hear, he shall be flogged until the bones break through his + skin,” and his very beard bristling with wrath, Gallus uttered a series of + the most fearful maledictions upon the head of that supposed offender, his + female ancestry, and his descendants. + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon, captain,” said the sergeant, “but <i>you</i> are uttering + many words that no maiden should hear.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you dare to argue with me, you foul-tongued camp scavenger?” shouted + Gallus. “Here, guard, lash him to that tree! Fear not, daughter; the + insult shall be avenged; we shall teach his dirty tongue to sing another + tune,” and again he cursed him, naming him by new names. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! sir, sir,” broke in Miriam, “what are you about to do? This man + offered me no insult, none of them offered me anything except kind words + and flowers.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how is it that you weep?” asked Gallus suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “I wept, being still weak, because they who are conquerors were so kind to + one who is a slave and an outcast.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Gallus. “Well, guard, you need not tie him up this time, but + after all I take back nothing that I have said, seeing that in this way or + in that they did make you weep. What business had they to insult you with + their kindness? Men, henceforth you will be so good as to remember that + this maiden is the property of Titus Cæsar, and after Cæsar, of myself, in + whose charge he placed her. If you have any offerings to make to her, and + I do not dissuade you from that practice, they must be made through me. + Meanwhile, there is a cask of wine, that good old stuff from the Lebanon + which I had bought for the voyage. If you should wish to drink the health + of our—our captive, it is at your service.” + </p> + <p> + Then taking Miriam by the hand he led her into the eating-tent, still + grumbling at the soldiers, who for their part laughed and sent for the + wine. They knew their captain’s temper, who had served with them through + many a fight, and knew also that this crazed Pearl-Maiden whom he saved + had twined herself into his heart, as was her fortune with most men of + those among whom from time to time fate drove her to seek shelter. + </p> + <p> + In the tent Miriam found two places set, one for herself and one for the + captain Gallus. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk to me,” he said, “but sit down and eat, for little enough you + have swallowed all the time you were sick, and we sail to-morrow evening + at the latest, after which, unless you differ from most women, little + enough will you swallow on these winter seas until it pleases whatever god + we worship to bring us to the coasts of Italy. Now here are oysters + brought by runner from Sidon, and I command that you eat six of them + before you say a word.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam ate the oysters obediently, and after the oysters, fish, and + after the fish the breast of a woodcock. But from the autumn lamb, roasted + whole, which followed, she was forced to turn. + </p> + <p> + “Send it out to the soldiers,” she suggested, and it was sent as her gift. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my captive,” said Gallus, drawing his stool near to her, “I want you + to tell me what you can remember of your story. Ah! you don’t know that + for many days past we have dined together and that it had been your + fashion to sit with your arm round my old neck and call me your uncle. + Nay, child, you need not blush, for I am more than old enough to be your + father, let alone your uncle, and nothing but a father shall I ever be to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why are you so good to me?” asked Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Why? Oh! for several reasons. First, you were the friend of a comrade of + mine who often talked of you, but who now is dead. Secondly, you were a + sick and helpless thing whom I chanced to rescue in the great slaughter, + and who ever since has been my companion; and thirdly—yes, I will + say it, though I do not love to talk of that matter, I had a daughter, who + died, and who, had she lived, would have been of about your age. Your eyes + remind me of hers—there, is that not enough? + </p> + <p> + “But now for the story. Stay. I will tell you what I know of it. Marcus, + he whom they called The Fortunate, but whose fortune has deserted him, was + in love with you—like the rest of us. Often he talked to me of you + in Rome, where we were friends after a fashion, though he was set far + above me, and by me sent to you that letter which I delivered here in this + garden, and the trinket that you wear about your neck, and if I remember + right, with it a ring—yes, it is upon your finger. Well, I took note + of you at the time and went my way to the war, and when I chanced to find + you lately upon the top of the Gate Nicanor, although you were more like a + half-burnt cinder than a fair maiden, I knew you again and carried you off + to Cæsar, who named you his slave and bade me take charge of you and + deliver you to him in Rome. Now I want to know how you came to be upon + that gateway.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam began and told him all her tale, while he listened patiently. + When she had done he rose and, limping round the little table, bent over + and kissed her solemnly upon the brow. + </p> + <p> + “By all the gods of the Romans, Greeks, Christians, Jews, and barbarian + nations, you are a noble-hearted woman,” he said, “and that kiss is my + tribute to you. Little wonder that puppy, Marcus, is called The Fortunate, + since, even when he deserved to die who suffered himself to be taken + alive, you appeared to save him—to save him, by Venus, at the cost + of your own sweet self. Well, most noble traitress, what now?” + </p> + <p> + “I ask that question of you, Gallus. What now? Marcus, whom you should + call no ill name, and who was overwhelmed through no fault of his own, + fighting like a hero, has vanished——” + </p> + <p> + “Across the Styx, I fear me. Indeed that would be best for him, since no + Roman must be taken prisoner and live.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I think not, or at the least I hope he lives. My servant, Nehushta, + would nurse him for my sake, and for my sake the Essenes, among whom I + dwelt, would guard him, even to the loss of their own lives. Unless his + wound killed him I believe that Marcus is alive to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “And if that is so you wish to communicate with him?” + </p> + <p> + “What else, Gallus? Say, what fate will befall me when I reach Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “You will be kept safe till Titus comes. Then, according to his command, + you must walk in his Triumph, and after that, unless he changes his mind, + which is not likely, since he prides himself upon never having reversed a + decree, however hastily it was made, or even added to or taken from a + judgment, you must, alas! be set up in the Forum and sold as a slave to + the highest bidder.” + </p> + <p> + “Sold as a slave to the highest bidder!” repeated Miriam faintly. “That is + a poor fate for a woman, is it not? Had it been that daughter of yours who + died, for instance, you would have thought it a poor fate for her, would + you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not speak of it, do not speak of it,” muttered Gallus into his beard. + “Well, in this, as in other things, let us hope that fortune will favour + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like Marcus to learn that I am to march in the Triumph, and + afterwards to be set up in the Forum and sold as a slave to the highest + bidder,” said Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “I should like Marcus to learn—but, in the name of the gods—how + is he to learn, if he still lives? Look you, we sail to-morrow night. What + do you wish me to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you to send a messenger to Marcus bearing a token from me to him.” + </p> + <p> + “A messenger! What messenger? Who can find him? I can despatch a soldier, + but your Marcus is with the Essenes, who for their own sakes will keep him + fast enough as a hostage, if they have cured him. Also the Essenes live, + according to your story, in some hyæna-burrow, opening out of an + underground quarry in Jerusalem, that is, if they have not been discovered + and killed long ago. How, then, will any soldier find their hiding-place?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not think that such a man would find it,” answered Miriam, “but I + have friends in this city, and if I could come at them I might discover + one who would meet with better fortune. You know that I am a Christian who + was brought up among the Essenes, both of them persecuted people that have + their secrets. If I find a Christian or an Essene he would take my message + and—unless he was killed—deliver it.” + </p> + <p> + Now Gallus thought for a while, then he said, “If I were to go out in Tyre + asking for Christians or Essenes, none would appear. As well might a stork + go out and call upon a frog. But that old slave-woman, who has tended on + me and you, she is cunning in her way, and if I promised to set her at + liberty should she succeed, well, perhaps she might succeed. Stay, I will + summon her,” and he left the tent. + </p> + <p> + Some minutes later he returned, bringing the slave with him. + </p> + <p> + “I have explained the matter to this woman, Miriam,” he said, “and I think + that she understands, and can prove to any who are willing to visit you, + that they will have a free pass in to and out of the camp, and need fear + no harm. Tell her, then, where she is to go and whom she must seek.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam told the woman, saying, “Tell any Essene whom you can find that + she who is called their Queen, bids his presence, and if he asks more, + give him this word—‘The sun rises.’ Tell any Christian whom you can + find that Miriam, their sister, seeks his aid, and if he asks more, give + him this word—‘The dawn comes.’ Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” answered the woman. + </p> + <p> + “Then go,” said Gallus, “and be back by nightfall, remembering that if you + fail, in place of liberty you travel to Rome, whence you will return no + more.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, I go,” answered the woman, beating her forehead with her hand + and bowing herself from their presence. + </p> + <p> + By nightfall she was back again with the tidings that no Christians seemed + to be left in Tyre; all had fled to Pella, or elsewhere. Of the Essenes, + however, she had found one, a minor brother of the name of Samuel, who, on + hearing that Miriam was the captive, and receiving the watchword, said + that he would visit the camp after dark, although he greatly feared that + this might be some snare set to catch him. + </p> + <p> + After dark he came accordingly, and was led by the old woman, who waited + outside to meet him, to the tent where Miriam sat with Gallus. This Samuel + proved to be a brother of the lowest order of the Essenes, whom, although + he knew of her, Miriam had never seen. He had been absent from the village + by the Jordan at the time of the flight of the sect, having come to Tyre + by leave of the Court to bid farewell to his mother, who was on her + deathbed. Hearing that the brethren had fled, and his mother being still + alive, he had remained in Tyre instead of seeking to rejoin them at + Jerusalem, thus escaping the terrors of the siege. That was all his story. + Now, having buried his mother, he desired to rejoin the brotherhood, if + any of them were left alive. + </p> + <p> + After Gallus had left the tent, since it was not lawful that she should + speak of their secrets in the presence of any man who was not of the + order, Miriam, having first satisfied herself that he was in truth a + brother, told this Samuel all she knew of the hiding-place of the Essenes + beyond the ancient quarry, and asked him if he was willing to try to seek + it out. He said yes, for he desired to find them; also he was bound to + give her what help he could, since should the brethren discover that he + had refused it, he would be expelled from their order. Then, having + pledged him to be faithful to her trust, not by oath, which the Essenes + held unlawful, but in accordance with their secret custom which was known + to her, she took from her hand the ring that Marcus had sent her, bidding + him find out the Essenes, and, if their Roman prisoner was yet alive, and + among them, to deliver it to him with a message telling him of her fate + and whither she had gone. If he was dead, or not to be found anywhere, + then he was to deliver the ring to the Libyan woman named Nehushta, with + the same message. If he could not find her either, then to her uncle + Ithiel, or, failing him, to whoever was president of the Essenes, with the + same message, praying any or all of them to succour her in her troubles, + should that be possible. At the least they were to let her have tidings at + the house of Gallus, the captain, in Rome, where he proposed to place her + in charge of his wife until the time came for her to be handed over to + Titus and to walk in the Triumph. Moreover, in case the brother should + forget, she wrote a letter that he might deliver to any of those for whom + she gave the message. In this letter Miriam set out briefly all that had + befallen her since that night of parting in the Old Tower, and by the help + of Gallus, whom she now recalled to the tent, the particulars of her + rescue and of the judgment of Cæsar upon her person, ending it with these + words: + </p> + <p> + “If it be the will of God and your will, O you who may read this letter, + haste, haste to help me, that I may escape the shame more sore than death + which awaits me yonder in Rome.” + </p> + <p> + This letter she signed, “Miriam, of the house of Benoni,” but she did not + write upon it the names of those to whom it was addressed, fearing lest it + should fall into other hands and bring trouble upon them. + </p> + <p> + Then Gallus asked the man Samuel what money he needed for his journey and + as a reward for his service. He answered that it was against his rule to + take any money, who was bound to help those under the protection of the + order without reward or fee, whereat Gallus stared and said that there + were stranger folk in this land than in any others that he knew, and they + were many. + </p> + <p> + So Samuel, having bowed before Miriam and pressed her hand in a certain + fashion in token of brotherhood and fidelity, was led out of the camp + again, nor did she ever see him more. Yet, as it proved, he was a faithful + messenger, and she did well to trust him. + </p> + <p> + Next day, at the prayer of Miriam, Gallus also wrote a letter, which gave + him much trouble, to a friend of his, who was a brother officer with the + army at Jerusalem, enclosing one to be handed to Marcus if, perchance, he + should have rejoined the Standards. + </p> + <p> + “Now daughter,” he said, “we have done all that can be done, and must + leave the rest to fate.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she answered with a sigh, “we must leave the rest to fate, as you + Romans call God.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening they set sail for Italy, and with them much of the captured + treasure, many sick and wounded men and a guard of soldiers. As it + chanced, having taken the sea after the autumn gales and before those of + mid-winter began, they had a swift and prosperous voyage, enduring no + hardships save once from want of water. Within thirty days they came to + Rhegium, whence they marched overland to Rome, being received everywhere + very gladly by people who were eager for tidings of the war. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX + </h2> + <h3> + THE MERCHANT DEMETRIUS + </h3> + <p> + When on that fateful night in the Old Tower Miriam sprang forward to + strike the lantern from the hand of the Jew, Nehushta, who was bending + over the fallen Marcus and dragging at his body, did not even see that she + had left the door. + </p> + <p> + With an effort, the slope of the rocky passage beyond favouring her, she + half-drew, half-lifted the Roman through the entrance. Then it was, as she + straightened herself a little to take breath, that she heard the thud of + the rock door closing behind her. Still, as it was dark, she did not guess + that Miriam was parted from them, for she said: + </p> + <p> + “Ah! into what troubles do not these men lead us poor women. Well, just in + time, and I think that none of them saw us.” + </p> + <p> + There was no answer. Sound could not pierce that wall and the place was + silent as a tomb. + </p> + <p> + “Lady! In the Name of Christ, where are you, lady?” asked Nehushta in a + piercing whisper, and the echoes of the gallery answered—“Where are + you, lady?” + </p> + <p> + Just then Marcus awoke. + </p> + <p> + “What has chanced? What place is this, Miriam?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “This has chanced,” answered Nehushta in the same awful voice. “We are in + the passage leading to the vaults; Miriam is in the hands of the Jews in + the Old Tower, and the door is shut between us. Accursed Roman! to save + your life she has sacrificed herself. Without doubt she sprang from the + door to dash the lantern from the hand of the Jew, and before she could + return again it had swung home. Now they will crucify her because she + rescued you—a Roman.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk, woman,” broke in Marcus savagely, “open the door. I am still + a man, I can still fight, or,” he added with a groan, remembering that he + had no sword, “at the least I can die for her.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot,” gasped Nehushta. “She had the iron that lifts the secret + latch. If you had kept your sword, Roman, it might perhaps have served, + but that has gone also.” + </p> + <p> + “Break it down,” said Marcus. “Come, I will help.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, Roman, you will help to break down three feet of solid stone.” + </p> + <p> + Then began that hideous scene whereof something has been said. Nehushta + strove to reach the latch with her fingers. Marcus, standing upon one + foot, strove to shake the stone with his shoulder, the black, silent stone + that never so much as stirred. Yet they worked madly, their breath coming + in great gasps, knowing that the work was in vain, and that even if they + could open the door, by now it would be to find Miriam gone, or at the + best to be taken themselves. Suddenly Marcus ceased from his labour. + </p> + <p> + “Lost!” he moaned, “and for my sake. O ye gods! for my sake.” Then down he + fell, his harness clattering on the rocky step, and lay there, muttering + and laughing foolishly. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta ceased also, gasping: “The Lord help you, Miriam, for I cannot. + Oh! after all these years to lose you thus, and because of that man!” and + she glared through the darkness towards the fallen Marcus, thinking in her + heart that she would kill him. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she said to herself, “she loved him, and did she know it might pain + her. Better kill myself; yes, and if I were sure that she is dead this, + sin or no sin, I would do.” + </p> + <p> + As she sat thus, helpless, hopeless, she saw a light coming up the stair + towards them. It was borne by Ithiel. Nehushta rose and faced him. + </p> + <p> + “Praise be to God! there you are at length,” he said. “Thrice have I been + up this stair wondering why Miriam did not come.” + </p> + <p> + “Brother Ithiel,” answered Nehushta, “Miriam will come no more; she is + gone, leaving us in exchange this man Marcus, the Roman prefect of Horse.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? What do you mean?” he gasped. “Where is Miriam?” + </p> + <p> + “In the hands of the Jews,” she answered. Then she told him all that + story. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing to be done,” he moaned when she had finished. “To open + the door now would be but to reveal the secret of our hiding-place to the + Jews or to the Romans, either of whom would put us to the sword, the Jews + for food, the Romans because we are Jews. We can only leave her to God and + protect ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Had I my will,” answered Nehushta, “I would leave myself to God and still + strive to protect her. Yet you are right, seeing that many lives cannot be + risked for the sake of one girl. But what of this man?” + </p> + <p> + “We will do our best for him,” answered Ithiel, “for so she who sacrificed + herself for his sake would have wished. Also years ago he was our guest + and befriended us. Stay here a while and I will bring men to carry him to + the vault.” + </p> + <p> + So Ithiel went away to return with sundry of the brethren, who lifted + Marcus and bore him down the stairs and passages to that darksome chamber + where Miriam had slept, while other brethren shut the trap-door, and + loosened the roof of the passage, blocking it with stone so that without + great labour none could pass that path for ever. + </p> + <p> + Here in this silent, sunless vault for many, many days Marcus lay sick + with a brain fever, of which, had it not been for the skilful nursing of + Nehushta and of the leeches among the Essenes, he must certainly have + died. But these leeches, who were very clever, doctored the deep sword-cut + in his head, removing with little iron hooks the fragments of bone which + pressed upon his brain, and dressing that wound and another in his knee + with salves. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, they learned by their spies that both the Temple and Mount Sion + had fallen. Also they heard of the trial of Miriam and of her exposure on + the Gate Nicanor, but of what happened to her afterwards they could gather + nothing. So they mourned her as dead. + </p> + <p> + Now, their food being at length exhausted and the watch of the Romans + having relaxed, they determined, those who were left of them, for some had + died and Ithiel himself was very ill, to attempt to escape from the + hateful vaults that had sheltered them for all these months. A question + arose as to what was to be done with Marcus, now but a shadow of a man, + who still wandered somewhat in his mind, but who had passed the worst of + his sickness and seemed like to live. Some were for abandoning him; some + for sending him back to the Romans; but Nehushta showed that it would be + wise to keep him as a hostage, so that if they were attacked they might + produce him and in return for their care, perhaps buy their lives. In the + end they agreed upon this course, not so much for what they might gain by + it, but because they knew that it would have pleased the lost maid whom + they called their Queen, who had perished to save this man. + </p> + <p> + So it came about that upon a certain night of rain and storm, when none + were stirring, a number of men with faces white as lepers, of the hue, + indeed, of roots that have pushed in the dark, might have been seen + travelling down the cavern quarries, now tenanted only by the corpses of + those who had perished there from starvation, and so through the hole + beneath the wall into the free air. With them went litters bearing their + sick, and among the sick, Ithiel and Marcus. None hindered their flight, + for the Romans had deserted this part of the ruined city and were encamped + around the towers in the neighbourhood of Mount Sion, where some few Jews + still held out. + </p> + <p> + Thus it happened that by morning they were well on the road to Jericho, + which, always a desert country, was now quite devoid of life. On they + went, living on roots and such little food as still remained to them, to + Jericho itself, where they found nothing but a ruin haunted by a few + starving wretches. Thence they travelled to their own village, to discover + that, for the most part, this also had been burnt. But certain caverns in + the hillside behind, which they used as store-houses, remained, and + undiscovered in them a secret stock of corn and wine that gave them food. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, they camped and set to work to sow the fields which no Romans + or robbers had been able to destroy, and so lived hardly, but unmolested, + till at length the first harvest came and with it plenty. + </p> + <p> + In this dry and wholesome air Marcus recovered rapidly, who by nature was + very strong. When first his wits returned to him he recognised Nehushta, + and asked her what had chanced. She told him all she knew, and that she + believed Miriam to be dead, tidings which caused him to fall into a deep + melancholy. Meanwhile, the Essenes treated him with kindness, but let him + understand that he was their prisoner. Nor if he had wished it, and they + had given him leave to go, could he have left them at that time, seeing + that the slightest of his hurts proved to be the worst, since the spear or + sword-cut having penetrated to the joint and let out the oil, the wound in + his knee would heal only by very slow degrees, and for many weeks left him + so lame that he could not walk without a crutch. So here he sat by the + banks of the Jordan, mourning the past and well-nigh hopeless for the + future. + </p> + <p> + Thus in solitude, tended by Nehushta, who now had grown very grim and old, + and by the poor remnant of the Essenes, Marcus passed four or five + miserable months. As he grew stronger he would limp down to the village + where his hosts were engaged in rebuilding some of their dwellings, and + sit in the garden of the house that was once occupied by Miriam. Now it + was but an overgrown place, yet among the pomegranate bushes still stood + that shed which she had used as a workshop, and in it, lying here and + there as they had fallen, some of her unfinished marbles, among them one + of himself which she began and cast aside before she executed that bust + which Nero had named divine and set him to guard in the Temple at Rome. To + Marcus it was a sad place, haunted by a thousand memories, yet he loved it + because those memories were all of Miriam. + </p> + <p> + Titus, said rumour, having accomplished the utter destruction of + Jerusalem, had moved his army to Cæsarea or Berytus, where he passed the + winter season in celebrating games in the amphitheatres. These he made + splendid by the slaughter of vast numbers of Jewish prisoners, who were + forced to fight against each other, or, after the cruel Roman fashion, + exposed to the attacks of ravenous wild beasts. But although he thought of + doing so, Marcus had no means of communicating with Titus, and was still + too lame to attempt escape. Could he have found any, indeed, to make use + of them might have brought destruction upon the Essenes, who had treated + him kindly and saved his life. Also among the Romans it was a disgrace for + a soldier, and especially for an officer of high rank, to be made + prisoner, and he was loth to expose his own shame. As Gallus had told + Miriam, no Roman should be taken alive. So Marcus attempted to do nothing, + but waited, sick at heart, for whatever fate fortune might send him. + Indeed, had he been quite sure that Miriam was dead, he, who was disgraced + and a captive, would have slain himself and followed her. But although + none doubted her death—except Nehushta—his spirit did not tell + him that this was so. Thus it came about that Marcus lived on among the + Essenes till his health and strength came back to him, as it was appointed + that he should do until the time came for him to act. At length that time + came. + </p> + <p> + When Samuel, the Essene, left Tyre, bearing the letter and the ring of + Miriam, he journeyed to Jerusalem to find the Holy City but a heap of + ruins, haunted by hyænas and birds of prey that feasted on the innumerable + dead. Still, faithful to his trust, he strove to discover that entrance to + the caverns of which Miriam had told him, and to this end hovered day by + day upon the north side of the city near to the old Damascus Gate. The + hole he could not find, for there were thousands of stones behind which + jackals had burrowed, and how was he to know which of these openings led + to caverns, nor were there any left to direct him. Still, Samuel searched + and waited in the hope that one day an Essene might appear who would guide + him to the hiding-place of the brethren. But no Essene appeared, for the + good reason that they had fled already. In the end he was seized by a + patrol of Roman soldiers who had observed him hovering about the place and + questioned him very strictly as to his business. He replied that it was to + gather herbs for food, whereon their officer said that they would find him + food and with it some useful work. So they took him and pressed him into a + gang of captives who were engaged in pulling down the walls, that + Jerusalem might nevermore become a fortified city. In this gang he was + forced to labour for over four months, receiving only his daily bread in + payment, and with it many blows and hard words, until at last he found an + opportunity to make his escape. + </p> + <p> + Now among his fellow-slaves was a man whose brother belonged to the Order + of the Essenes, and from him he learned that they had gone back to Jordan. + So thither Samuel started, having Miriam’s ring still hidden safely about + his person. Reaching the place without further accident he declared + himself to the Essenes, who received him with joy, which was not to be + wondered at, since he was able to tell them that Miriam, whom they named + their Queen and believed to be dead, was still alive. He asked them if + they had a Roman prisoner called Marcus hidden away among them, and when + they answered that this was so, said that he had a message from Miriam + which he was charged to deliver to him. Then they led him to the garden + where her workshop had been, telling him that there he would find the + Roman. + </p> + <p> + Marcus was seated in the garden, basking in the sunshine, and with him + Nehushta. They were talking of Miriam—indeed, they spoke of little + else. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! although I seem to know her yet alive, I fear that she must be + dead,” Marcus was saying. “It is not possible that she could have lived + through that night of the burning of the Temple.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not seem possible,” answered Nehushta, “yet I believe that she + did live—as in your heart you believe also. I do not think it was + fated that any Christian should perish in that war, since it has been + prophesied otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “Prove it to me, woman, and I should be inclined to become a Christian, + but of prophecies and such vague talk I am weary.” + </p> + <p> + “You will become a Christian when your heart is touched and not before,” + answered Nehushta sharply. “That light is from within.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke the bushes parted and they saw the Essene, Samuel, standing + in front of them. + </p> + <p> + “Whom do you seek, man?” asked Nehushta, who did not know him. + </p> + <p> + “I seek the noble Roman, Marcus,” he answered, “for whom I have a message. + Is that he?” + </p> + <p> + “I am he,” said Marcus, “and now, who sent you and what is your message?” + </p> + <p> + “The Queen of the Essenes, whose name is Miriam, sent me,” replied the + man. + </p> + <p> + Now both of them sprang to their feet. + </p> + <p> + “What token do you bear?” asked Marcus in a slow, restrained voice, “for + know, we thought that lady dead.” + </p> + <p> + “This,” he answered, and drawing the ring from his robe he handed it to + him, adding, “Do you acknowledge the token?” + </p> + <p> + “I acknowledge it. There is no such other ring. Have you aught else?” + </p> + <p> + “I had a letter, but it is lost. The Roman soldiers robbed me of my robe + in which it was sewn, and I never saw it more. But the ring I saved by + hiding it in my mouth while they searched me.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus groaned, but Nehushta said quickly: + </p> + <p> + “Did she give you no message? Tell us your story and be swift.” + </p> + <p> + So he told them all. + </p> + <p> + “How long was this ago?” asked Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + “Nearly five months. For a hundred and twenty days I was kept as a slave + at Jerusalem, labouring at the levelling of the walls.” + </p> + <p> + “Five months,” said Marcus. “Tell me, do you know whether Titus has + sailed?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard that he had departed from Alexandria on his road to Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam will walk in his Triumph, and afterwards be sold as a slave! + Woman, there is no time to lose,” said Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “None,” answered Nehushta; “still, there is time to thank this faithful + messenger.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Marcus. “Man, what reward do you seek? Whatever it be it shall + be paid to you who have endured so much. Yes, it shall be paid, though + here and now I have no money.” + </p> + <p> + “I seek no reward,” replied the Essene, “who have but fulfilled my promise + and done my duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet Heaven shall reward you,” said Nehushta. “And now let us hence to + Ithiel.” + </p> + <p> + Back they went swiftly to the caves that were occupied by the Essenes + during the rebuilding of their houses. In a little cabin that was open to + the air lay Ithiel. The old man was on his death-bed, for age, hardship, + and anxiety had done their work with him, so that now he was unable to + stand, but reclined upon a pallet awaiting his release. To him they told + their story. + </p> + <p> + “God is merciful,” he said, when he had heard it. “I feared that she might + be dead, for in the presence of so much desolation, my faith grows weak.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so,” answered Marcus, “but your merciful God will allow this + maiden to be set up in the Forum at Rome and sold to the highest bidder. + It would have been better that she perished on the gate Nicanor.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps this same God,” answered Ithiel with a faint smile, “will deliver + her from that fate, as He has delivered her from many others. Now what do + you seek, my lord Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “I seek liberty, which hitherto you have refused to me, Ithiel. I must + travel to Rome as fast as ships and horses can carry me. I desire to be + present at that auction of the captives. At least, I am rich and can + purchase Miriam—unless I am too late.” + </p> + <p> + “Purchase her to be your slave?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, to be my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “She will not marry you; you are not a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, if she asks it, to set her free. Man, would it not be better that + she should fall into my hands than into those of the first passer-by who + chances to take a fancy to her face?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think it is better,” answered Ithiel, “though who am I that I + should judge? Let the Court be summoned and at once. This matter must be + laid before them. If you should purchase her and she desires it, do you + promise that you will set her free?” + </p> + <p> + “I promise it.” + </p> + <p> + Ithiel looked at him strangely and said: “Good, but in the hour of + temptation, if it should come, see that you do not forget your word.” + </p> + <p> + So the Court was called together, not the full hundred that used to sit in + the great hall, but a bare score of the survivors of the Essenes, and to + them the brother, Samuel, repeated his tale. To them also Marcus made his + petition for freedom, that he might journey to Rome with Nehushta, and if + it were possible, deliver Miriam from her bonds. Now, some of the more + timid of the Essenes spoke against the release of so valuable a hostage + upon the chance of his being able to aid Miriam, but Ithiel cried from his + litter: + </p> + <p> + “What! Would you allow our own advantage to prevail against the hope that + this maiden, who is loved by everyone of us, may be saved? Shame upon the + thought. Let the Roman go upon his errand, since we cannot.” + </p> + <p> + So in the end they agreed to let him go, and, as he had none, even + provided money for his faring out of their scanty, secret store, trusting + that he might find opportunity to repay it in time to come. + </p> + <p> + That night Marcus and Nehushta bade farewell to Ithiel. + </p> + <p> + “I am dying,” said the old Essene. “Before ever you can set foot in Rome + the breath will be out of my body, and beneath the desert sand I shall lie + at peace—who desire peace. Yet, say to Miriam, my niece, that my + spirit will watch over her spirit, awaiting its coming in a land where + there are no more wars and tribulations, and that, meanwhile, I who love + her bid her to be of good cheer and to fear nothing.” + </p> + <p> + So they parted from Ithiel and travelled upon horses to Joppa, Marcus + disguising his name and rank lest some officer among the Romans should + detain him. Here by good fortune they found a ship sailing for Alexandria, + and in the port of Alexandria a merchant vessel bound for Rhegium, in + which they took passage, none asking them who they might be. + </p> + <p> + Upon the night of the burning of the Temple, Caleb, escaping the + slaughter, was driven with Simon the Zealot across the bridge into the + Upper City, which bridge they broke down behind them. Once he tried to + return, in the mad hope that during the confusion he might reach the gate + Nicanor and, if she still lived, rescue Miriam. But already the Romans + held the head of the bridge, and already the Jews were hacking at its + timbers, so in that endeavour he failed and in his heart made sure that + Miriam had perished. So bitterly did Caleb mourn, who, fierce and wayward + as he was by nature, still loved her more than all the world besides, that + for six days or more he sought death in every desperate adventure which + came to his hand, and they were many. But death fled him, and on the + seventh day he had tidings. + </p> + <p> + A man who was hidden among the ruins of the cloisters managed to escape to + the Upper City. From him Caleb learned that the woman, who was said to + have been found upon the roof of the gate Nicanor, had been brought before + Titus, who gave her over to the charge of a Roman captain, by whom she had + been taken without the walls. He knew no more. The story was slight + enough, yet it sufficed for Caleb, who was certain that this woman must be + Miriam. From that moment he determined to abandon the cause of the Jews, + which, indeed, was now hopeless, and to seek out Miriam, wherever she + might be. Yet, search as he would, another fifteen days went by before he + could find his opportunity. + </p> + <p> + At length Caleb was placed in charge of a watch upon the wall, and, the + other members of his company falling asleep from faintness and fatigue, + contrived in the dark to let himself down by a rope which he had secreted, + dropping from the end of it into the ditch. In this ditch he found many + dead bodies, and from one of them, that of a peasant who had died but + recently, took the clothes and a long winter cloak of sheepskins, which he + exchanged for his own garments. Then, keeping only his sword, which he hid + beneath the cloak, he passed the Roman pickets in the gloom and fled into + the country. When daylight came Caleb cut off his beard and trimmed his + long hair short. After this, meeting a countryman with a load of + vegetables which he had licence to sell in the Roman camp Caleb bought his + store from him for a piece of gold, for he was well furnished with money, + promising the simple man that if he said a word of it he would find him + out and kill him. Then counterfeiting the speech and actions of a peasant, + which he, who had been brought up among them down by the banks of Jordan, + well could do, Caleb marched boldly to the nearest Roman camp and offered + his wares for sale. + </p> + <p> + Now this camp was situated outside the gate of Gennat, not far from the + tower Hippicus. Therefore, it is not strange that although in the course + of his bargaining he made diligent inquiry as to the fate of the girl who + had been taken to the gate Nicanor, Caleb could hear nothing of her, + seeing that she was in a camp situated on the Mount of Olives, upon the + other side of Jerusalem. Baffled for that day, Caleb continued his + inquiries on the next, taking a fresh supply of vegetables, which he + purchased from the same peasant, to another body of soldiers camping in + the Valley of Himnon. So he went on from day to day searching the troops + which surrounded the city, and working from the Valley of Himnon + northwards along the Valley of the Kedron, till on the tenth day he came + to a little hospital camp pitched on the slope of the hill opposite to the + ruin which once had been the Golden Gate. Here, while proffering his + vegetables, he fell into talk with the cook who was sent to chaffer with + him. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said the cook handling the basket with satisfaction, “it is a pity, + friend, that you did not bring this stuff here a while ago when we wanted + it sorely and found it hard to come by in this barren, sword-wasted land.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked Caleb carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! because of a prisoner we had here, a girl whose sufferings had made + her sick in mind and body, and whose appetite I never knew how to tempt, + for she turned from meat, and ever asked for fish, of which, of course, we + had none, or failing that, for green food and fruits.” + </p> + <p> + “What were her name and story?” asked Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “As for her name I know it not. We called her Pearl-Maiden because of a + collar of pearls she wore and because also she was white and beautiful as + a pearl. Oh! beautiful indeed, and so gentle and sweet, even in her + sickness, that the roughest brute of a legionary with a broken head could + not choose but to love her. Much more then, that old bear, Gallus, who + watched her as though she were his own cub.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed? And where is this beautiful lady now? I should like to sell her + something.” + </p> + <p> + “Gone, gone, and left us all mourning.” + </p> + <p> + “Not dead?” said Caleb in a new voice of eager dismay, “Oh! not dead?” + </p> + <p> + The fat cook looked at him calmly. + </p> + <p> + “You take a strange interest in our Pearl-Maiden, Cabbage-seller,” he + said. “And, now that I come to think of it, you are a strange-looking man + for a peasant.” + </p> + <p> + With an effort Caleb recovered his self-command. + </p> + <p> + “Once I was better off than I am now, friend,” he answered. “As you know, + in this country the wheel of fortune has turned rather quick of late.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, and left many crushed flat behind it.” + </p> + <p> + “The reason why I am interested,” went on Caleb, taking no heed, “is that + I may have lost a fine market for my goods.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and so you have, friend. Some days ago the Pearl-Maiden departed to + Tyre in charge of the captain, Gallus, on her way to Rome. Perhaps you + would wish to follow and sell her your onions there.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I should,” answered Caleb. “When you Romans have gone this seems + likely to become a bad country for gardeners, since owls and jackals do + not buy fruit, and you will leave no other living thing behind you.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” answered the cook. “Cæsar knows how to handle a broom and he has + made a very clean sweep,” and he pointed complacently to the heaped-up + ruins of the Temple before them. “But how much for the whole basket full?” + </p> + <p> + “Take them, friend,” said Caleb, “and sell them to your mess for the best + price that you can get. You need not mention that you paid nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, I won’t mention it. Good morning, Mr. Cabbage-grower, good + morning.” + </p> + <p> + Then he stood still watching as Caleb vanished quickly among the great + boles of the olive trees. “What can stir a Jew so much,” he reflected to + himself, “as to make him give something for nothing, and especially to a + Roman? Perhaps he is Pearl-Maiden’s brother. No, that can’t be from his + eyes—her lover more likely. Well, it is no affair of mine, and + although he never grew them, the vegetables are good and fresh.” + </p> + <p> + That evening when Caleb, still disguised as a peasant, was travelling + through the growing twilight across the hills that bordered the road to + Tyre, he heard a mighty wailing rise from Jerusalem and knew that it was + the death-cry of his people. Now, everywhere above such portions of the + beleaguered city as remained standing, shot up tall spires and wreaths of + flame. Titus had forced the walls, and thousands upon thousands of Jews + were perishing beneath the swords of his soldiers, or in the fires of + their burning homes. Still, some ninety thousand were left alive, to be + driven like cattle into the Court of Women. Here more than ten thousand + died of starvation, while some were set aside to grace the Triumph, some + to be slaughtered in the amphitheatres at Cæsarea and Berytus, but the + most were transported to Egypt, there, until they died, to labour in the + desert mines. Thus was the last desolation accomplished and the prophecy + fulfilled: “And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships . . + . and there ye shall sell yourselves unto your enemies for bondmen and for + bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.” Thus did “Ephraim return to Egypt,” + whence he came forth to sojourn in the Promised Land until the cup of his + sin was full. Now once more that land was a desert without inhabitants; + all its pleasant places were waste; all its fenced cities destroyed, and + over their ruins and the bones of their children flew Cæsar’s eagles. The + war was ended, there was peace in Judæa. <i>Solitudinem faciunt pacem + appellant!</i> + </p> + <p> + When Caleb reached Tyre, by the last light of the setting sun he saw a + white-sailed galley beating her way out to sea. Entering the city, he + inquired who went in the galley and was told Gallus, a Roman captain, in + charge of a number of sick and wounded men, many of the treasures of the + Temple, and a beautiful girl, who was said to be the grand-daughter of + Benoni of that town. + </p> + <p> + Then knowing that he was too late, Caleb groaned in bitterness of spirit. + Presently, however, he took thought. Now, Caleb was wise in his + generation, for at the beginning of this long war he had sold all his land + and houses for gold and jewels, which, to a very great value, he had left + hidden in Tyre in the house of a man he trusted, an old servant of his + father’s. To this store he had added from time to time out of the proceeds + of plunder, of trading, and of the ransom of a rich Roman knight who was + his captive, so that now his wealth was great. Going to the man’s house, + Caleb claimed and packed this treasure in bales of Syrian carpets to + resemble merchandise. + </p> + <p> + Then the peasant who had travelled into Tyre upon business about a mule, + was seen no more, but in place of him appeared Demetrius, the Egyptian + merchant, who bought largely, though always at night, of the merchandise + of Tyre, and sailed with it by the first ship to Alexandria. Here this + merchant bought much more goods, such as would find a ready sale in the + Roman market, enough to fill the half of a galley, indeed, which lay in + the harbour near the Pharos lading for Syracuse and Rhegium. + </p> + <p> + At length the galley sailed, meaning to make Crete, but was caught by a + winter storm and driven to Paphos in Cyprus, where, being afraid to + attempt the seas again, let the merchant, Demetrius, do what he would to + urge them forward, the captain and crew of the galley determined to + winter. So they beached her in the harbour and went up to the great + temple, rejoicing to pay their vows and offer gifts to Venus, who had + delivered them from the fury of the seas, that they might swell the number + of her votaries. + </p> + <p> + But although he accompanied them, since otherwise they might have + suspected that he was a Jew, Demetrius, who sought another goddess, cursed + Venus in his heart, knowing that had it not been for her delights the + sailors would have risked the weather. Still, there was no help for it and + no other ship by which he could sail, so here he abode for more than three + months, spending his time in Curium, Amathos and Salamis, trading among + the rich natives of Cyprus, out of whom he made a large profit, and adding + wine, and copper from Tamasus to his other merchandise, as much as there + was room for on the ship. + </p> + <p> + In the end after the great spring festival, for the captain said that it + would not be fortunate to leave until this had been celebrated, they set + sail and came by way of Rhodes to the Island of Crete, and thence touching + at Cythera to Syracuse in Sicily, and so at last to Rhegium. Here the + merchant, Demetrius, transhipped his goods into a vessel that was sailing + to the port of Centum Cellæ, and having reached that place hired transport + to convey them to Rome, nearly forty miles away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> + <h3> + THE CÆSARS AND PRINCE DOMITIAN + </h3> + <p> + When the captain Gallus reached the outskirts of Rome he halted, for he + did not desire that Miriam should be led through the streets in the + daytime, and thus cause questions to be asked concerning her. Also he sent + on a messenger bidding the man find out his wife, Julia, if she were still + alive, since of this Gallus, who had not seen her for several years, could + tell nothing, and inform her that he would be with her shortly, bringing + with him a maiden who had been placed in his charge by Titus. Before + nightfall, the messenger returned, and with him Julia herself, a woman + past middle-age, but, although grey-haired, still handsome and stately. + </p> + <p> + Miriam saw their meeting, which was a touching sight, since this childless + couple who had been married for almost thirty years, had now been + separated for a long time. Moreover, a rumour had reached Julia that her + husband was not only wounded, but dead, wherefore her joy and thankfulness + at his coming were even greater than they would otherwise have been. One + thing, however, Miriam noted, that whereas her friend and benefactor, + Gallus, held up his hands and thanked the gods that he found his wife + living and well, Julia on her part said: + </p> + <p> + “Aye, I thank God,” touching her breast with her fingers as she spoke the + words. + </p> + <p> + Presently the matron seemed to notice her, and, looking at her with a + doubtful eye, asked: + </p> + <p> + “How comes it, husband, that you are in charge of this captive Jewess, if + Jewess she be who is so fair?” + </p> + <p> + “By the orders of Titus Cæsar, wife,” he answered, “to whom she must be + delivered on his arrival. She was condemned to perish on the gate Nicanor + as a traitress to the Jews and a Nazarene.” + </p> + <p> + Julia started and looked at the girl over her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Are you of that faith, daughter?” she asked in a changed voice, crossing + her hands upon her breast as though by chance. + </p> + <p> + “I am, mother,” answered Miriam, repeating the sign. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, husband,” said Julia, “the maid’s tale can wait. Whether she + was a traitress to the Jews, or a follower of Christus, is not our affair. + At least she is in your charge, and therefore welcome to me,” and stepping + to where Miriam stood with bowed head she kissed her on the forehead, + saying aloud: + </p> + <p> + “I greet you, daughter, who are so sweet to see and in misfortune,” adding + beneath her breath, “in the Name you know.” + </p> + <p> + Then Miriam was sure that she had fallen into the hands of a woman who was + a Christian, and was thankful in her heart, for while the Cæsars sat upon + the Roman throne the Christians of every clime, rank and race were one + great family. + </p> + <p> + That evening, so soon as the darkness fell, they entered Rome by the + Appian Gate. Here they separated, Gallus leading his soldiers to convoy + the treasure to the safe keeping of that officer who was appointed to + receive it, and afterwards to the camp prepared for them, while Julia, + with Miriam and an escort of two men only, departed to her own home, a + small dwelling in a clean but narrow and crowded street that overhung the + Tiber between the Pons Ælius and the Porta Flamina. At the door of the + house Julia dismissed the soldiers, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Go without fear, and take witness that I am bond for the safety of this + captive.” + </p> + <p> + So the men went gladly enough, for they desired to rest after the toils of + their long journey, and the door of the house having been opened by a + servant and locked again behind them, Julia led Miriam across a little + court to the sitting-room that lay beyond. Hanging lamps of bronze burned + in the room, and by their light Miriam saw that it was very clean and + well, though not richly, furnished. + </p> + <p> + “This is my own house, daughter,” she explained, “which my father left me, + where I have dwelt during all these weary years that my husband has been + absent in the wars of the East. It is a humble place, but you will find + peace and safety in it, and, I trust, comfort. Poor child,” she added in a + gentle voice, “I who am also a Christian, though as yet of this my husband + knows nothing, welcome you in the Name of the Lord.” + </p> + <p> + “In the Name of our Lord, I thank you,” answered Miriam, “who am but a + friendless slave.” + </p> + <p> + “Such find friends,” said Julia, “and if you will suffer it I think that I + shall be one of them.” Then at a sign from the elder woman they knelt + down, and in silence each of them put up her prayer of thanksgiving, the + wife because her husband had come back to her safe, the maiden because she + had been led to a house ruled by a woman of her own faith. + </p> + <p> + After this they ate, a plain meal but well cooked and served. When it was + done Julia conducted Miriam to the little whitewashed chamber which had + been prepared for her. It was lighted from the court by a lattice set high + in the wall, and, like all the house, very clean and sweet, with a floor + of white marble. + </p> + <p> + “Once another maid slept here,” said Julia with a sigh, glancing at the + white bed in the corner. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Miriam, “she was named Flavia, was she not, your only child? + Nay, do not be astonished. I have heard so much of her that I seem to have + known her well, who can be known no more—here.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Gallus tell you?” asked Julia. “He used rarely to speak of her.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam nodded. “Gallus told me. You see he was very good to me and we + became friends. For all that he has done, may Heaven bless him, who, + although he seems rough, has so kind a heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, may Heaven bless all of us, living and dead,” answered Julia. Then + she kissed Miriam and left her to her rest. + </p> + <p> + When Miriam came out of her bedchamber on the following morning, she found + Gallus clad in his body armour, now new cleaned, though dinted with many a + blow, standing in the court and watching the water which squirted from a + leaden pipe to fall into a little basin. + </p> + <p> + “Greeting, daughter,” he said, looking up. “I trust that you have rested + well beneath my roof who have sojourned so long in tents.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” she answered, adding, “If I might ask it, why do you wear + your mail here in peaceful Rome?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I am summoned to have an audience of Cæsar, now within an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Titus come, then?” she asked hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, not Titus Cæsar, but Vespasian Cæsar, his father, to whom I + must make report of all that was passing in Judæa when we left, of the + treasure that I brought with me and—of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Gallus,” said Miriam, “will he take me away from your charge?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not. I hope not. But who can say? It is as his fancy may move him. + But if he listens to me I swear that you shall stay here for ever; be sure + of that.” + </p> + <p> + Then he went, leaning on a spear shaft, for the wound in his leg had + caused it to shrink so much that he could never hope to be sound again. + </p> + <p> + Three hours later he returned to find the two women waiting for him + anxiously enough. Julia glanced at his face as he came through the door of + the street wall into the vestibulum or courtyard where they were waiting. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear,” she said. “When Gallus looks so solemn he brings good + tidings, for if they are bad he smiles and makes light of them,” and + advancing she took him by the hand and led him past the porter’s room into + the atrium. + </p> + <p> + “What news, husband?” she asked when the door was shut behind them so that + none might overhear their talk. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he answered, “first, my fighting days are over, since I am + discharged the army, the physicians declaring that my leg will never be + well again. Wife, why do you not weep?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I rejoice,” answered Julia calmly. “Thirty years of war and + bloodshed are enough for any man. You have done your work. It is time that + you should rest who have been spared so long, and at least I have saved + while you were away, and there will be food to fill our mouths.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, wife, and as it happens, more than you think, since Vespasian, + being gracious and pleased with my report, has granted me half-pay for all + my life, to say nothing of a gratuity and a share of the spoil, whatever + that may bring. Still I grieve, who can never hope to lift spear more.” + </p> + <p> + “Grieve not, for thus I would have had it, Gallus. But what of this maid?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I made my report about her, as I was bound to do, and at first + Domitian, Cæsar’s son, being curious to see her, prompted Vespasian to + order that she should be brought to the palace. Almost Cæsar spoke the + word, then a thought seemed to strike him and he was silent, whereon I + said that she had been very sick and still needed care and nursing, and + that if it was his will, my wife could tend her until such time as Titus + Cæsar, whose spoil she was, might arrive. Again Domitian interrupted, but + Vespasian answered, ‘The Jewish maid is not your slave, Domitian, or my + slave. She is the slave of your brother, Titus. Let her bide with this + worthy officer until Titus comes, he being answerable in his person and + his goods that she shall then be produced before him, she or proof of her + death.’ Then, waving his hand to show that the matter was done with, he + went on to speak of other things, demanding details of the capture of the + Temple and comparing my list of the vessels and other gear with that which + was furnished by the treasurer, into whose charge I handed them + yesternight. So, Maid Miriam, till Titus comes you are safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Miriam with a sigh, “till Titus comes. But after that—what?” + </p> + <p> + “The gods alone know,” he said impatiently. “Meanwhile, since my head is + on it, I must ask your word of you that you will attempt no flight.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it, Gallus,” she answered smiling, “who would die rather than + bring evil on you or yours. Also, whither should I fly?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not. But you Christians find many friends: the rats themselves + have fewer hiding-places. Still, I trust you, and henceforth you are free, + till Titus comes.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” repeated Miriam, “—till Titus comes.” + </p> + <p> + So for hard upon six months, till midsummer, indeed, Miriam dwelt in the + house of Gallus and his wife, Julia. She was not happy, although to them + she became as a daughter. Who could be happy even in the sunshine of a + peaceful present, that walked her world between two such banks of shadow? + Behind was the shadow of the terrible past; in front, black and + forbidding, rose the shadow of the future, which might be yet more + terrible, the future when she would be the slave of some man unknown. + Sometimes walking with Julia, humbly dressed and mingling with the crowd, + her head-dress arranged to hide her face as much as might be, she saw the + rich lords of Rome go by in chariots, on horseback, in litters, all sorts + and conditions of them, fat, proud men with bold eyes; hard-faced + statesmen or lawyers; war-worn, cruel-looking captains; dissolute youths + with foppish dress and perfumed hair, and shuddering, wondered whether she + was appointed to any one of these. Or was it, perhaps, to that rich and + greasy tradesman, or to yon low-born freedman with a cunning leer? She + knew not, God alone knew, and in Him must be her trust. + </p> + <p> + Once as Miriam was walking thus, gorgeously clad slaves armed with rods of + office appeared, bursting a way through the crowded streets to an + accompaniment of oaths and blows. After these came lictors bearing the + fasces on their shoulders; then a splendid chariot drawn by white horses, + and driven by a curled and scented charioteer. In it, that he might be the + better seen, stood a young man, tall, ruddy-faced, and clad in royal + attire, who looked downward as though from bashfulness, but all the while + scanned the crowd out of the corners of his dim blue eyes shaded by lids + devoid of lashes. For a moment Miriam felt those eyes rest upon her, and + knew that she was the subject of some jest which their owner addressed to + the exquisite charioteer, causing him to laugh. Then a horror of that man + took hold of her, and when he had gone by, bowing in answer to the shouts + of the people, who, as it seemed to her, cheered from fear and not with + joy, she asked Julia who he might be. + </p> + <p> + “Who but Domitian,” she answered, “the son of one Cæsar and the brother of + another, who hates both and would like to wear their crown. He is an evil + man, and if he should chance to cross your path, beware of him, Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam shuddered and said: + </p> + <p> + “As well, mother, might you bid the mouse that is caught abroad to beware + of the cat it meets at night.” + </p> + <p> + “Some mice find holes that cats cannot pass,” answered Julia with meaning + as they turned their faces homeward. + </p> + <p> + During all this time, although Gallus made diligent inquiry among the + soldiers who arrived from Judæa, Miriam could hear nothing of Marcus, so + that at last she came to believe that he must be dead, and with him the + beloved and faithful Nehushta, and to hope that if this were so she also + might be taken. Still amongst all this trouble she had one great comfort. + Under the mild rule of Vespasian, although their meeting-places were + known, the Christians had peace for a while. Therefore, in company with + Julia and many others of the brotherhood, she was able to visit the + catacombs on the Appian Way by night, and there in those dismal, endless + tombs to offer prayer and receive the ministrations of the Church. The + great Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, had suffered martyrdom, indeed, + but they had left many teachers behind them, and the chief of these soon + grew to know and love the poor Jewish captive who was doomed to slavery. + Therefore here also she found friends and consolation of spirit. + </p> + <p> + In time Gallus came to learn that his wife was also of the Faith, and for + a while this knowledge seemed to cast him down. In the end, however, he + shrugged his shoulders and said that she was certainly of an age to judge + for herself and that he trusted no harm might come of it. Indeed, when the + principles of the Christian hope were explained to him, he listened to + them eagerly enough, who had lost his only child, and until now had never + heard this strange story of resurrection and eternal life. Still, although + he listened, and even from time to time was present when the brethren + prayed, he would not be baptised, who said that he was too sunk in years + to throw incense on a new altar. + </p> + <p> + At length Titus came, the Senate, which long before his arrival had + decreed him a Triumph, meeting him outside the walls, and there, after + some ancient formalities communicating to him their decision. Moreover, it + was arranged that Vespasian, his father, should share in this Triumph, + because of the great deeds which he had done in Egypt, so that it was said + everywhere that this would be the most splendid ceremony which Rome had + ever seen. After this Titus passed to his palace and there lived privately + for several weeks, resting while the preparations for the great event went + forward. + </p> + <p> + One morning early Gallus was summoned to the palace, whence he returned + rubbing his hands and trying to look pleased, with him, as Julia had said, + a sure sign of evil tidings. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, husband?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! nothing, nothing,” he answered, “except that our Pearl-Maiden here + must accompany me after the mid-day meal into the august presences of + Vespasian and Titus. The Cæsars wish to see her, that they may decide + where she is to walk in the procession. If she is held to be beautiful + enough, they will grant to her a place of honour, by herself. Do you hear + that, wife—by herself, not far in front of the very chariot of + Titus? As for the dress that she will wear,” he went on nervously, since + neither of his auditors seemed delighted with this news, “it is to be + splendid, quite splendid, all of the purest white silk with little discs + of silver sewn about it, and a representation of the Gate Nicanor worked + in gold thread upon the breast of the robe.” + </p> + <p> + At this tidings Miriam broke down and began to weep. + </p> + <p> + “Dry your tears, girl,” he said roughly, although the thickness of his + voice suggested that water and his own eyes were not far apart. “What must + be, must be, and now is the time for that God you worship to show you some + mark of favour. Surely, He should do so, seeing how long and how often you + pray to Him in burrows that a jackal would turn from.” + </p> + <p> + “I think He will,” answered Miriam, ceasing her sobs with a bold + up-lifting of her soul towards the light of perfect faith. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure He will,” added Julia, gently stroking Miriam’s dark and + curling hair. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” broke in Gallus, driving the point to its logical conclusion, + “what have you to fear? A long, hot walk through the shouting populace, + who will do no harm to one so lovely, and after that, whatever good fate + your God may choose for you. Come, let us eat, that you may look your best + when you appear before the Cæsars.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather look my worst,” said Miriam, bethinking her of Domitian + and his bleared eyes. Still, to please Gallus, she tried to eat, and + afterwards, accompanied by him and by Julia, was carried in a closed + litter to the palace. + </p> + <p> + Too soon she was there, arriving a little before them, and was helped from + the litter by slaves wearing the Imperial livery. Now she found herself + alone in a great marble court filled with officers and nobles awaiting + audience. + </p> + <p> + “That is the Pearl-Maiden,” said one of them, whereon they all crowded + around her, criticising her aloud in their idle curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Too short,” said one. “Too thin,” said another. “Too small in the foot + for her ankle,” said a third. “Fools,” broke in a fourth, a young man with + a fine figure and dark rings round his eyes, “what is the use of trying to + cheapen this piece of goods thus in the eyes of the experienced? I say + that this Pearl-Maiden is as perfect as those pearls about her own neck; + on a small scale, perhaps, but quite perfect, and you will admit that I + ought to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucius says that she is perfect,” remarked one of them in a tone of + acquiescence, as though that verdict settled the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” went on the critical Lucius, “now, to take one thing only, a point + so often overlooked. Observe how fresh and firm her flesh is. When I press + it thus,” and he suited the action to the word, “as I thought, my finger + leaves scarcely any mark.” + </p> + <p> + “But my arm does,” said a gruff voice beside him, and next moment this + scented judge of human beings received the point of the elbow of Gallus + between the eyes just where the nose is set into the forehead. With such + force and skill was the blow directed that next instant the critic was + sprawling on his back upon the pavement, the blood gushing from his + nostrils. Now most of them laughed, but some murmured, while Gallus said: + </p> + <p> + “Way there, friends, way there! I am charged to deliver this lady to the + Cæsars and to certify that while she was in my care no man has so much as + laid a finger on her. Way there, I pray you! And as for that whimpering + puppy on his back, if he wishes it, he knows where to find Gallus. My + sword will mark him worse than my elbow, if he wants blood-letting, that I + swear.” + </p> + <p> + Now with jests and excuses they fell back one and all. There were few of + them who did not know that, lame as he might be now, old Gallus was still + the fiercest and most dreaded swordsman of his legion. Indeed he was + commonly reported to have slain eighteen men in single combat, and when + young even to have faced the most celebrated gladiator of the day for + sport, or to win a private bet, and given him life as he lay at his mercy. + </p> + <p> + So they passed on through long halls guarded by soldiers, till at length + they came to a wide passage closed with splendid curtains, where the + officer on duty asked them their business. Gallus told him and he vanished + through the curtains, whence he returned presently, beckoning them to + advance. They followed him down a corridor set with busts of departed + emperors and empresses, to find themselves in a round marble chamber, very + cool and lighted from above. In this chamber sat and stood three men: + Vespasian, whom they knew by his strong, quiet face and grizzled hair; + Titus, his son, “the darling of mankind,” thin, active, and + æsthetic-looking, with eyes that were not unkindly, a sarcastic smile + playing about the corners of his mouth; and Domitian, his brother, who has + already been described, a man taller than either of them by half a head, + and more gorgeously attired. In front of the august three was a master of + ceremonies clad in a dark-coloured robe, who was showing them drawings of + various sections of the triumphal procession, and taking their orders as + to such alterations as they wished. + </p> + <p> + Also there were present, a treasurer, some officers and two or three of + the intimate friends of Titus. + </p> + <p> + Vespasian looked up. + </p> + <p> + “Greeting, worthy Gallus,” he said in the friendly, open voice of one who + has spent his life in camps, “and to your wife, Julia, greeting also. So + that is the Pearl-Maiden of whom we have heard so much talk. Well, I do + not pretend to be a judge of beauty, still I say that this Jewish captive + does not belie her name. Titus, do you recognise her?” + </p> + <p> + “In truth, no, father. When last I saw her she was a sooty, withered + little thing whom Gallus yonder carried in his great arms, as a child + might carry a large doll that he had rescued from the fire. Yes, I agree + that she is beautiful and worthy of a very good place in the procession. + Also she should fetch a large price afterwards, for that necklace of + pearls goes with her—make a note of this, Scribe—and the + reversion to considerable property in Tyre and elsewhere. This, by special + favour, she will be allowed to inherit from her grandfather, the old + rabbi, Benoni, one of the Sanhedrim, who perished in the burning of the + Temple.” + </p> + <p> + “How can a slave inherit property, son?” asked Vespasian, raising his + eyebrows. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” answered Titus with a laugh. “Perhaps Domitian can tell + you. He says that he has studied law. But so I have decreed.” + </p> + <p> + “A slave,” interrupted Domitian wisely, “has no rights and can hold no + property, but the Cæsar of the East”—here he sneered—“can + declare that certain lands and goods will pass to the highest bidder with + the person of the slave, and this, Vespasian Cæsar, my father, is what I + understand Titus Cæsar, my brother, has thought it good to do in the + present instance.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Titus in a quiet voice, though his face flushed, “that, + Domitian, is what I have thought it good to do. In such a matter is not my + will enough?” + </p> + <p> + “Conqueror of the East,” replied Domitian, “Thrower-down of the mountain + stronghold called Jerusalem, to which the topless towers of Ilium were as + nothing, and Exterminator of a large number of misguided fanatics, in what + matter is not your will enough? Yet a boon, O Cæsar. As you are great, be + generous,” and with a mocking gesture he bowed the knee to Titus. + </p> + <p> + “What boon do you seek of me, brother, who know that all I have is, or,” + he added slowly, “will be—yours?” + </p> + <p> + “One that is already granted by your precious words, Titus. Of all you + have, which is much, I seek only this Pearl-Maiden, who has taken my + fancy. The girl only, not her property in Tyre, wherever that may be, + which you can keep for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Vespasian looked up, but before he could speak, Titus answered quickly: + </p> + <p> + “I said, Domitian, ‘all I have.’ This maid I have not, therefore the words + do not apply. I have decreed that the proceeds of the sale of these + captives is to be divided equally between the wounded soldiers and the + poor of Rome. Therefore she is their property, not mine. I will not rob + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Virtuous man! No wonder that the legions love him who cannot withdraw one + lot from a sale of thousands, even to please an only brother,” + soliloquised Domitian. + </p> + <p> + “If you wish for the maid,” went on Titus, taking no heed of the insult, + “the markets are open—buy her. It is my last word.” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Domitian grew angry, the false modesty left his face, his tall + form straightened itself, and he stared round with his blear, evil-looking + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I appeal,” he shouted, “I appeal from Cæsar the Small to Cæsar the Great, + from the murderer of a brave barbarian tribe to the conqueror of the + world. O Cæsar, Titus here declared that all he has is mine. Yet when I + ask him for the gift of one captive girl he refuses me. Command, I pray + you, that he should keep his word.” + </p> + <p> + Now the officers and the secretaries looked up, for of a sudden this small + matter had become very important. For long the quarrel between Titus and + his jealous brother had smouldered, now over the petty question of a + captive it had broken into flame. + </p> + <p> + The face of Titus grew hard and stern as that of some statue of the + offended Jove. + </p> + <p> + “Command, I pray you, father,” he said, “that my brother should cease to + offer insult to me. Command also that he should cease to question my will + and my authority in matters great or small that are within my rule. Since + you are appealed to as Cæsar, as Cæsar judge, not of this thing only but + of all, for there is much between him and me that needs to be made plain.” + </p> + <p> + Vespasian looked round him uneasily, but seeing no escape and that beneath + the quarrel lay issues which were deep and wide, he spoke out in his + brave, simple-minded fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Sons,” he said, “seeing that there are but two of you who together, or + one after the other, must inherit the world, it is an evil-omened thing + that you should quarrel thus, since on the chances of your enmity may hang + your own fates and the fates of peoples. Be reconciled, I pray you. Is + there not enough for both? As for the matter in hand—this is my + judgment. With all the spoils of Judæa, this fair maid is the property of + Titus. Titus, whose boast it is that he does not go back upon his word, + has decreed that she shall be sold and her price divided between the sick + soldiers and the poor. Therefore she is no longer his to give away, even + to his brother. With Titus I say—if you desire the girl, Domitian, + bid your agent buy her in the market.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, I will buy her,” snarled Domitian, “but this I swear, that soon or + late Titus shall pay the price and one that he will be loth to give.” Then + followed by his secretary and an officer, he turned and left the audience + hall. + </p> + <p> + “What does he mean?” asked Vespasian, looking after him with anxious eyes. + </p> + <p> + “He means that——” and Titus checked himself. “Well, time and + my destiny will show the world what he means. So be it. As for you, + Pearl-Maiden, who, though you know it not, have cost Cæsar so dear, well, + you are fairer than I thought, and shall have the best of places in the + pageant. Yet, for your sake, I pray that one may be found who, when you + come to the market-place, may outbid Domitian,” and he waved his hand to + show that the audience was at an end. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII + </h2> + <h3> + THE TRIUMPH + </h3> + <p> + Another week went by and the eve of the Triumph was at hand. On the + afternoon before the great day sewing-women had come to the house of + Gallus, bringing with them the robe that Miriam must wear. As had been + promised, it was splendid, of white silk covered with silver discs and + having the picture of the gate Nicanor fashioned on the breast, but cut so + low that it shamed Miriam to put it on. + </p> + <p> + “It is naught, it is naught,” said Julia. “The designer has made it thus + that the multitude may see those pearls from which you take your name.” + But to herself she thought: “Oh! monstrous age, and monstrous men, whose + eyes can delight in the disgrace of a poor unfriended maiden. Surely the + cup of iniquity of my people is full, and they shall drink it to the + dregs!” + </p> + <p> + That same afternoon also came an assistant of the officer, who was called + the Marshal, with orders to Gallus as to when and where he was to deliver + over his charge upon the morrow. With him he brought a packet, which, when + opened, proved to contain a splendid golden girdle, fashioned to the + likeness of a fetter. The clasp was an amethyst, and round it were cut + these words: “The gift of Domitian to her who to-morrow shall be his.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam threw the thing from her as though it were a snake. + </p> + <p> + “I will not wear it,” she said. “I say that I will not wear it; at least + to-day I am my own,” while Julia groaned and Gallus cursed beneath his + breath. + </p> + <p> + Knowing her sore plight, that evening there came to visit her one of the + elders of the Christian Church in Rome, a bishop named Cyril, who had been + the friend and disciple of the Apostle Peter. To him the poor girl poured + out all the agony of her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my father, my father in Christ,” she said, “I swear to you that were + I not of our holy faith, rather than endure this shame I would slay myself + to-night! Other dangers have I passed, but they have been of the body + alone, whereas this——. Pity me and tell me, you in whose ear + God speaks, tell me, what must I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Daughter,” answered the grave and gentle man, “you must trust in God. Did + He not save you in the house at Tyre? Did He not save you in the streets + of Jerusalem? Did He not save you on the gate Nicanor?” + </p> + <p> + “He did,” answered Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, daughter, and so shall He save you in the slave-market of Rome. I + have a message for your ear, and it is that no shame shall come near to + you. Tread your path, drink your cup, and fear nothing, for the Lord shall + send His angel to protect you until such time as it pleases Him to take + you to Himself.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam looked at him, and as she looked peace fell upon her soul and shone + in her soft eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I hear the word of the Lord spoken through the mouth of His messenger,” + she said, “and henceforth I will strive to fear nothing, no, not even + Domitian.” + </p> + <p> + “Least of all Domitian, daughter, that son of Satan, whom Satan shall pay + in his own coin.” + </p> + <p> + Then going to the door he summoned Julia, and while Gallus watched + without, the two of them prayed long and earnestly with Miriam. When their + prayer was finished the bishop rose, blessed her, and bade her farewell. + </p> + <p> + “I leave you, daughter,” he said, “but though you see him not, another + takes my place. Do you believe?” + </p> + <p> + “I have said that I believe,” murmured Miriam. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, in those days when men still lived who had seen the Christ and His + voice still echoed through the world, to the strong faith of His + followers, it was not hard to credit that His angel did descend to earth + to protect and save at their Master’s bidding. + </p> + <p> + So Cyril, the bishop, went, and that night from many a catacomb prayers + rose up to Heaven for Miriam in her peril. That night also she slept + peacefully. + </p> + <p> + Two hours before the dawn, Julia awoke her and arrayed her in the + glittering, hateful garments. When all was ready, with tears she bade her + farewell. + </p> + <p> + “Child, child,” she said, “you have become to me as my own daughter was, + and now I know not how and when we shall meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps sooner than you think,” Miriam answered. “But if not, if, indeed, + I speak to you for the last time, why, then, my blessings on you who have + played a mother’s part to a helpless maid that was no kin of yours. Yes, + and on you Gallus also, who have kept me safe through so many dangers.” + </p> + <p> + “And who hopes, dear one, to keep you safe through many more. Since I may + not swear by the gods before you, I swear it by the Eagles that Domitian + will do well to have a care how he deals by you. To him I owe no fealty + and, as has been proved before to-day, the sword of vengeance can reach + the heart of princes.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Gallus,” said Miriam gently, “but let it not be your sword, nor, I + trust, shall you need to think of vengeance.” + </p> + <p> + Then the litter was brought into the courtyard, with the guards that were + sent to accompany it, and they started for the gathering-place beyond the + Triumphal Way. Dark though it still was, all Rome was astir. On every side + shone torches, from every house and street rose the murmur of voices, for + the mighty city made herself ready to celebrate the greatest festival + which her inhabitants had seen. Even now at times the press was so dense + that the soldiers were obliged to force a way through the crowd, which + poured outwards to find good places along the line of the Triumph, or to + take up their station on stands of timber, and in houses they had hired, + whose roofs, balconies and windows commanded the path of the pageant. + </p> + <p> + They crossed the Tiber. This Miriam knew by the roar of the water beneath, + and because the crush upon the narrow bridge was so great. Thence she was + borne along through country comparatively open, to the gateways of some + large building, where she was ordered to dismount from the litter. Here + officers were waiting who took charge of her, giving to Gallus a written + receipt for her person. Then, either because he would not trust himself to + bid her farewell, or because he did not think it wise to do so in the + presence of the officers, Gallus turned and left her without a word. + </p> + <p> + “Come on, girl,” said a man, but a secretary, looking up from his tablets, + called to him: + </p> + <p> + “Gently there with that lot, or you will hear about it. She is + Pearl-Maiden, the captive who made the quarrel between the Cæsars and + Domitian, of which all Rome is talking. Gently, I tell you, gently, for + many free princesses are worth less to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Hearing this, the man bowed to Miriam, almost with reverence, and begged + her to follow him to a place that had been set apart for her. She obeyed, + passing through a great number of people, of whom all she could see in the + gloom of the breaking dawn was that, like herself, they were captives, to + a little chamber where she was left alone watching the light grow through + the lattice, and listening to the hum of voices that rose without, mingled + now and again with sobs and wails of grief. Presently the door opened and + a servant entered with bread on a platter and milk in an earthenware + vessel. These she took thankfully, knowing that she would need food to + support her during the long day, but scarcely had she begun to eat when a + slave appeared clad in the imperial livery, and bearing a tray of + luxurious meats served in silver vessels. + </p> + <p> + “Pearl-Maiden,” he said, “my master, Domitian, sends you greeting and this + present. The vessels are your own, and will be kept for you, but he bids + me add, that to-night you shall sup off dishes of gold.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam made no answer, though one rose to her lips; but after the man had + departed, with her foot she overset the tray so that the silver vases fell + clattering to the floor, where the savory meats were spilled. Then she + went on eating the bread and milk till her hunger was satisfied. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had she finished her meal, when an officer entered the cell and + led her out into a great square, where she was marshalled amongst many + other prisoners. By now the sun was up and she saw before her a splendid + building, and gathered below the building all the Senate of Rome in their + robes, and many knights on horses, and nobles, and princes from every + country with their retinues—a very wonderful and gallant sight. In + front of the building were cloisters, before which were set two ivory + chairs, while to right and left of these chairs, as far as the eye could + reach, were drawn up thousand upon thousands of soldiers; the Senate, the + Knights and the Princes, as she could see from the rising ground whereon + she stood, being in front of them and of the chairs. Presently from the + cloisters, clad in garments of silk and wearing crowns of laurel, appeared + the Cæsars, Vespasian and Titus, attended by Domitian and their staffs. As + they came the soldiers saw them and set up a mighty triumphant shout which + sounded like the roar of the sea, that endured while the Cæsars sat + themselves upon their thrones. Up and up went the sound of the continual + shouting, till at length Vespasian rose and lifted his hand. + </p> + <p> + Then silence fell and, covering his head with his cloak, he seemed to make + some prayer, after which Titus also covered his head with his cloak and + offered a prayer. This done, Vespasian addressed the soldiers, thanking + them for their bravery and promising them rewards, whereon they shouted + again until they were marched off to the feast that had been made ready. + Now the Cæsars vanished and the officers began to order the great + procession, of which Miriam could see neither the beginning nor the end. + All she knew was that before her in lines eight wide were marshalled two + thousand or more Jewish prisoners bound together with ropes, among whom, + immediately in front of her, were a few women. Next she came, walking by + herself, and behind her, also walking by himself, a dark, sullen-looking + man, clad in a white robe and a purple cloak, with a gilded chain about + his neck. + </p> + <p> + Looking at him she wondered where she had seen his face, which seemed + familiar to her. Then there rose before her mind a vision of the Court of + the Sanhedrim sitting in the cloisters of the Temple, and of herself + standing there before them. She remembered that this man was seated next + to that Simeon who had been so bitter against her and pronounced upon her + the cruel sentence of death, also that some one in the crowd had addressed + him as Simon, the son of Gioras, none other than the savage general whom + the Jews had admitted into the city to make way upon the Zealot, John of + Gischala. From that day to this she had heard nothing of him till now they + met again, the judge and the victim, caught in a common net. Presently, in + the confusion they were brought together and he knew her. + </p> + <p> + “Are you Miriam, the grand-daughter of Benoni?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I am Miriam,” she answered, “whom you, Simon, and your fellows doomed to + a cruel death, but who have been preserved——” + </p> + <p> + “——To walk in a Roman Triumph. Better that you had died, + maiden, at the hands of your own people.” + </p> + <p> + “Better that you had died, Simon, at your own hands, or at those of the + Romans.” + </p> + <p> + “That I am about to do,” he replied bitterly. “Fear not, woman, you will + be avenged.” + </p> + <p> + “I ask no vengeance,” she answered. “Nay, cruel as you are I grieve that + you, a great captain, should have come to this.” + </p> + <p> + “I grieve also, maiden. Your grandsire, old Benoni, chose the better + part.” + </p> + <p> + Then the soldiers separated them and they spoke no more. + </p> + <p> + An hour passed and the procession began its march along the Triumphal Way. + Of it Miriam could see little. All she knew was that in front there were + ranks of fettered prisoners, while behind men carried upon trays and + tables the golden vessels of the Temple, the seven-branched candlestick + and the ancient sacred book of the Jewish law. They were followed by other + men, who bore aloft images of victory in ivory and gold. Then, although + these did not join them till they reached the Porta Triumphalis, or the + Gate of Pomp, attended, each of them, by lictors having their fasces + wreathed with laurel, came the Cæsars. First went Vespasian Cæsar, the + father. He rode in a splendid golden chariot, to which were harnessed four + white horses led by Libyan soldiers. Behind him stood a slave clad in a + dull robe, set there to avert the influence of the evil eye and of the + envious gods, who held a crown above the head of the Imperator, and now + and again whispered in his ear the ominous words, <i>Respice post te, + hominem memento te</i> (“Look back at me and remember thy mortality.”) + </p> + <p> + After Vespasian Cæsar, the father, came Titus Cæsar, the son, but his + chariot was of silver, and graved upon its front was a picture of the Holy + House of the Jews melting in the flames. Like his father he was attired in + the <i>toga picta</i> and <i>tunica palmata</i>, the gold-embroidered + over-robe and the tunic laced with silver leaves, while in his right hand + he held a laurel bough, and in his left a sceptre. He also was attended by + a slave who whispered in his ear the message of mortality. + </p> + <p> + Next to the chariot of Titus, alongside of it indeed, and as little behind + as custom would allow, rode Domitian, gloriously arrayed and mounted on a + splendid steed. Then came the tribunes and the knights on horseback, and + after them the legionaries to the number of five thousand, every man of + them having his spear wreathed in laurel. + </p> + <p> + Now the great procession was across the Tiber, and, following its + appointed path down broad streets and past palaces and temples, drew + slowly towards its object, the shrine of Jupiter Capitolinus, that stood + at the head of the Sacred Way beyond the Forum. Everywhere the side paths, + the windows of houses, the great scaffoldings of timber, and the steps of + temples were crowded with spectators. Never before did Miriam understand + how many people could inhabit a single city. They passed them by thousands + and by tens of thousands, and still, far as the eye could reach, stretched + the white sea of faces. Ahead that sea would be quiet, then, as the + procession pierced it, it began to murmur. Presently the murmur grew to a + shout, the shout to a roar, and when the Cæsars appeared in their + glittering chariots, the roar to a triumphant peal which shook the street + like thunder. And so on for miles and miles, till Miriam’s eyes were dim + with the glare and glitter, and her head swam at the ceaseless sound of + shouting. + </p> + <p> + Often the procession would halt for a while, either because of a check to + one of the pageants in front, or in order that some of its members might + refresh themselves with drink which was brought to them. Then the crowd, + ceasing from its cheers, would make jokes, and criticise whatever person + or thing they chanced to be near. Greatly did they criticise Miriam in + this fashion, or at the least she thought so, who must listen to it all. + Most of them, she found, knew her by her name of Pearl-Maiden, and pointed + out to each other the necklace about her throat. Many, too, had heard + something of her story, and looked eagerly at the picture of the gate + Nicanor blazoned upon her breast. But the greater part concerned + themselves only with her delicate beauty, passing from mouth to mouth the + gossip concerning Domitian, his quarrel with the Cæsars, and the intention + which he had announced of buying this captive at the public sale. Always + it was the same talk; sometimes more brutal and open than others—that + was the only difference. + </p> + <p> + Once they halted thus in the street of palaces through which they passed + near to the Baths of Agrippa. Here the endless comments began again, but + Miriam tried to shut her ears to it and looked about her. To her left was + a noble-looking house built of white marble, but she noticed that its + shutters were closed, also that it was undecorated with garlands, and idly + wondered why. Others wondered too, for when they had wearied of discussing + her points, she heard one plebeian ask another whose house that was and + why it had been shut up upon this festal day. His fellow answered that he + could not remember the owner’s name, but he was a rich noble who had + fallen in the Jewish wars, and that the palace was closed because it was + not yet certain who was his heir. + </p> + <p> + At that moment her attention was distracted by a sound of groans and + laughter coming from behind. She looked round to see that the wretched + Jewish general, Simon, had sunk fainting to the ground, overcome by the + heat, or the terrors of his mind, or by the sufferings which he was forced + to endure at the hands of his cruel guards, who flogged him as he walked, + for the pleasure of the people. Now they were beating him to life again + with their rods; hence the laughter of the audience and the groans of the + victim. Sick at heart, Miriam turned away from this horrid sight, to hear + a tall man, whose back was towards her, but who was clad in the rich robes + of an Eastern merchant, asking one of the marshals of the Triumph, in a + foreign accent, whether it was true that the captive Pearl-Maiden was to + be sold that evening in the auction-mart of the Forum. The marshal + answered yes, such were the orders as regarded her and the other women, + since there was no convenient place to house them, and it was thought best + to be rid of them and let their masters take them home at once. + </p> + <p> + “Does she please you, sir? Are you going to bid?” he added. “If so, you + will find yourself in high company.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, perhaps,” answered the man with a shrug of his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Then he vanished into the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Now, for the first time that day, Miriam’s spirit seemed to fail her. The + weariness of her body, the foul talk, the fouler cruelty, the cold + discussion of the sale of human beings to the first-comer as though they + were sheep or swine, the fear of her fate that night, pressed upon and + overcame her mind, so that she felt inclined, like Simon, the son of + Gioras, to sink fainting to the pavement and lie there till the cruel rods + beat her to her feet again. Hope sank low and faith grew dim, while in her + heart she wondered vaguely what was the meaning of it all, and why poor + men and women were made to suffer thus for the pleasure of other men and + women; wondered also what escape there could be for her. + </p> + <p> + While she mused thus, like a ray of light through the clouds, a sense of + consolation, sweet as it was sudden, seemed to pierce the darkness of her + bitter thoughts. She knew not whence it came, nor what it might portend, + yet it existed, and the source of it seemed near to her. She scanned the + faces of the crowd, finding pity in a few, curiosity in more, but in most + gross admiration if they were men, or scorn of her misfortune and jealousy + of her loveliness if they were women. Not from among these did that + consolation flow. She looked up to the sky, half expecting to see there + that angel of the Lord into whose keeping the bishop, Cyril, had delivered + her. But the skies were empty and brazen as the faces of the Roman crowd; + not a cloud could be seen in them, much less an angel. + </p> + <p> + As her eyes sank earthwards their glance fell upon one of the windows of + the marble house to her left. If she remembered right some few minutes + before the shutters of that window had been closed, now they were open, + revealing two heavy curtains of blue embroidered silk. Miriam thought this + strange, and, without seeming to do so, kept her eyes fixed upon the + curtains. Presently, for her sight was good, she saw fingers between them—long, + dark-coloured fingers. Then very slowly the curtains were parted, and in + the opening thus made appeared a face, the face of an old woman, dark and + noble looking and crowned with snow-white hair. Even at that distance + Miriam knew it in an instant. + </p> + <p> + Oh, Heaven! it was the face of Nehushta, Nehushta whom she thought dead, + or at least for ever lost. For a moment Miriam was paralysed, wondering + whether this was not some vision born of the turmoil and excitement of + that dreadful day. Nay, surely it was no vision, surely it was Nehushta + herself who looked at her with loving eyes, for see! she made the sign of + the cross in the air before her, the symbol of Christian hope and + greeting, then laid her finger upon her lips in token of secrecy and + silence. The curtain closed and she was gone, who not five seconds before + had so mysteriously appeared. + </p> + <p> + Miriam’s knees gave way beneath her, and while the marshals shouted to the + procession to set forward, she felt that she must sink to the ground. + Indeed, she would have fallen had not some woman in the crowd stepped + forward and thrust a goblet of wine into her hands, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Drink that, Pearl-Maiden, it will make your pale cheeks even prettier + than they are.” + </p> + <p> + The words were coarse, but Miriam, looking at the woman, knew her for one + of the Christian community with whom she had worshipped in the catacombs. + So she took the cup, fearing nothing, and drank it off. Then new strength + came to her, and she went forward with the others on that toilsome, + endless march. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, it did end, an hour or so before sunset. They had + passed miles of streets; they had trodden the Sacred Way bordered by fanes + innumerable and adorned with statues set on columns; and now marched up + the steep slope that was crowned by the glorious temple of Jupiter + Capitolinus. As they began to climb it guards broke into their lines, and + seizing the chain that hung about the neck of Simon, dragged him away. + </p> + <p> + “Whither do they take you?” asked Miriam as he passed her. + </p> + <p> + “To what I desire—death,” he answered, and was gone. + </p> + <p> + Now the Cæsars, dismounting from their chariots, took up their stations by + altars at the head of the steps, while beneath them, rank upon rank, + gathered all those who had shared their Triumph, each company in its + allotted place. Then followed a long pause, the multitude waiting for + Miriam knew not what. Presently men were seen running from the Forum up a + path that had been left open, one of them carrying in his hand some object + wrapped in a napkin. Arriving in face of the Cæsars he threw aside the + cloth and held up before them and in sight of all the people the grizzly + head of Simon, the son of Gioras. By this public murder of a brave captain + of their foes was consummated the Triumph of the Romans, and at the sight + of its red proof trumpets blew, banners waved, and from half a million + throats went up a shout of victory that seemed to rend the very skies, for + the multitude was drunk with the glory of its brutal vengeance. + </p> + <p> + Then silence was called, and there before the Temple of Jove the beasts + were slain, and the Cæsars offered sacrifice to the gods that had given + them victory. + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the Triumph of Vespasian and Titus, and with it the record of + the struggle of the Jews against the iron beak and claws of the Roman + Eagle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE SLAVE-RING + </h3> + <p> + Had Miriam chanced to look out of her litter as she passed the Temple of + Isis, escorted by Gallus and the guards before dawn broke upon that great + day of the Triumph, and had there been light to enable her to see, she + might have beheld two figures galloping into Rome as fast as their weary + horses would carry them. Both rode after the fashion of men, but one of + them, wrapped in an Eastern garment that hid the face, was in fact a + woman. + </p> + <p> + “Fortune favours us, Nehushta,” said the man in a strained voice. “At + least, we are in time for the Triumph, who might so easily have been too + late. Look, yonder they gather already by Octavian’s Walks,” and he + pointed to the companies of soldiers who hurried past them to the + meeting-place. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, my lord Marcus, we are in time. There go the eagles and here + comes their prey,” and in her turn Nehushta pointed to a guarded litter—had + they but known it, the very one that carried the beloved woman whom they + sought. “But whither now? Would you also march in the train of Titus?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, woman, it is too late. Also I know not what would be my welcome.” + </p> + <p> + “Your welcome? Why, you were his friend, and Titus is faithful to his + friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, but perhaps not to those who have been taken prisoner by the enemy. + Towards the commencement of the siege that happened to a man I knew. He + was captured with a companion. The companion the Jews slew, but as he was + about to be beheaded upon the wall, this man slipped from the hands of the + executioner, and leaping from it escaped with little hurt. Titus gave him + his life, but dismissed him from his legion. Why should I fare better?” + </p> + <p> + “That you were taken was no fault of yours, who were struck senseless and + overwhelmed.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe, but would that avail me? The rule, a good rule, is that no Roman + soldier should yield to an enemy. If he is captured while insensible, then + on finding his wits he must slay himself, as I should have striven to do, + had I awakened to find myself in the hands of the Jews. But things fell + out otherwise. Still, I tell you, Nehushta, that had it not been for + Miriam, I should not have turned my face to Rome, at any rate until I had + received pardon and permission from Titus.” + </p> + <p> + “What then are your plans, lord Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “To go to my own house near the Baths of Agrippa. The Triumph must pass + there, and if Miriam is among the captives we shall see her. If not, then + either she is dead or already sold, or perchance given as a present to + some friend of Cæsar’s.” + </p> + <p> + Now they ceased talking, for the people were so many that they could only + force their way through the press riding one after the other. Thus, + Nehushta following Marcus, they crossed the Tiber and passed through many + streets, decorated, most of them, for the coming pageant, till at length + Marcus drew rein in front of a marble mansion in the Via Agrippa. + </p> + <p> + “A strange home-coming,” he muttered. “Follow me,” and he rode round the + house to a side-entrance. + </p> + <p> + Here he dismounted and knocked at the small door for some time without + avail. At length it was opened a little way, and a thin, querulous voice, + speaking through the crack, said: + </p> + <p> + “Begone, whoever you are. No one lives here. This is the house of Marcus, + who is dead in the Jewish war. Who are you that disturb me?” + </p> + <p> + “The heir of Marcus.” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus has no heir, unless it be Cæsar, who doubtless will take his + property.” + </p> + <p> + “Open, Stephanus,” said Marcus, in a tone of command, at the same time + pushing the door wide and entering. “Fool,” he added, “what kind of a + steward are you that you do not know your master’s voice?” + </p> + <p> + Now he who had kept the door, a withered little man in a scribe’s brown + robe, peered at this visitor with his sharp eyes, then threw up his hands + and staggered back, saying: + </p> + <p> + “By the spear of Mars! it is Marcus himself, Marcus returned from the + dead! Welcome, my lord, welcome.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus led his horse through the deep archway, and when Nehushta had + followed him into the courtyard beyond, returned, closed and locked the + door. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you think me dead, friend?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord,” answered the steward, “because all who have come home from + the war declared that you had vanished away during the siege of the city + of the Jews, and that you must either be dead or taken prisoner. Now I + knew well that you would never disgrace your ancient house, or your own + noble name, or the Eagles which you serve, by falling alive into the hands + of the enemy. Therefore, I was sure that you were dead.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus laughed bitterly, then turning to Nehushta, said: + </p> + <p> + “You hear, woman, you hear. If such is the judgment of my steward and + freedman, what will be that of Cæsar and my peers?” Then he added, “Now, + Stephanus, that what you thought impossible—what I myself should + have thought impossible—has happened. I was taken prisoner by the + Jews, though through no fault of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if so,” said the old steward, “hide it, my lord, hide it. Why, two + such unhappy men who had surrendered to save their lives and were found in + some Jewish dungeon, have been condemned to walk in the Triumph this day. + Their hands are to be tied behind them; in place of their swords they must + wear a distaff, and on their breasts a placard with the words written: ‘I + am a Roman who preferred dishonour to death.’ You would not wish their + company, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + The face of Marcus went first red, then white. + </p> + <p> + “Man,” he said, “cease your ill-omened talk, lest I should fall upon my + sword here before your eyes. Bid the slaves make ready the bath and food, + for we need both.” + </p> + <p> + “Slaves, my lord? There are none here, save one old woman, who attends to + me and the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are they then?” asked Marcus angrily. + </p> + <p> + “The most part of them I have sent into the country, thinking it better + that they should work upon your estates rather than live here idle, and + others who were not needed I have sold.” + </p> + <p> + “You were ever careful, Stephanus.” Then he added by an afterthought, + “Have you any money in the house?” + </p> + <p> + The old steward looked towards Nehushta suspiciously and seeing that she + was engaged with the horses out of earshot, answered in a whisper: “Money? + I have so much of it that I know not what to do. The strong place you know + if is almost full of gold and still it comes. There are the rents and + profits of your great estates for three years; the proceeds of the sale of + slaves and certain properties, together with the large outstanding amount + that was due to my late master, the Lord Caius, which I have at length + collected. Oh! at least you will not lack for money.” + </p> + <p> + “There are other things that I could spare less readily,” said Marcus, + with a sigh; “still, it may be needed. Now tie up those horses by the + fountain, and give us food, what you have, for we have ridden these thirty + hours without rest. Afterwards you can talk.” + </p> + <p> + It was mid-day. Marcus, bathed, anointed, and clad in the robes of his + order, was standing in one of the splendid apartments of his marble house, + looking through an opening in the shutters at the passing of the Triumph. + Presently old Nehushta joined him. She also was clad in clean, white robes + which the slave woman had found for her. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any news?” asked Marcus impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Some, lord, which I have pieced together from what is known by the + slave-woman, and by your steward, Stephanus. A beautiful Jewish captive is + to walk in the Triumph and afterwards to be sold with other captives in + the Forum. They heard of her because it is said that there has been a + quarrel between Titus and his brother Domitian, and Vespasian also, on + account of this woman.” + </p> + <p> + “A quarrel? What quarrel?” + </p> + <p> + “I, or rather your servants, know little of it, but they have heard that + Domitian demanded the girl as a gift, whereon Titus told him that if he + wished for her, he might buy her. Then the matter was referred to + Vespasian Cæsar, who upheld the decree of Titus. As for Domitian, he went + away in a rage, declaring that he would purchase the girl and remember the + affront which had been put upon him.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely the gods are against me,” said Marcus, “if they have given me + Domitian for a rival.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, lord? Your money is as good as his, and perhaps you will pay + more.” + </p> + <p> + “I will pay to my last piece, but will that free me from the rage and hate + of Domitian?” + </p> + <p> + “Why need he knew that you were the rival bidder?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Oh! in Rome everything is known—even the truth sometimes.” + </p> + <p> + “Time enough to trouble when trouble comes. First let us wait and see + whether this maid be Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” he answered, “let us wait—since we must.” + </p> + <p> + So they waited and with anxious eyes watched the great show roll by them. + They saw the cars painted with scenes of the taking of Jerusalem and the + statues of the gods fashioned in ivory and gold. They saw the purple + hangings of the Babylonian broidered pictures, the wild beasts, and the + ships mounted upon wheels. They saw the treasures of the temple and the + images of victory, and many other things, for that pageant seemed to be + endless, and still the captives and the Emperors did not come. + </p> + <p> + One sight there was also that caused Marcus to shrink as though fire had + burned him, for yonder, set in the midst of a company of jugglers and + buffoons that gibed and mocked at them, were the two unhappy men who had + been taken prisoners by the Jews. On they tramped, their hands bound + behind them, clad in full armour, but wearing a woman’s distaff where the + sword should have been, and round their necks the placards which + proclaimed their shame. The brutal Roman mob hooted them also, that mob + which ever loved spectacles of cruelty and degradation, calling them + cowards. One of the men, a bull-necked, black-haired fellow, suffered it + patiently, remembering that at even he must be set free to vanish where he + would. The other, who was blue-eyed and finer-featured, having gentle + blood in his veins, seemed to be maddened by their talk, for he glared + about him, gnashing his teeth like a wild beast in a cage. Opposite to the + house of Marcus came the climax. + </p> + <p> + “Cur,” yelled a woman in the mob, casting a pebble that struck him on the + cheek. “Cur! Coward!” + </p> + <p> + The blue-eyed man stopped, and, wheeling round, shouted in answer: + </p> + <p> + “I am no coward, I who have slain ten men with my own hand, five of them + in single combat. You are the cowards who taunt me. I was overwhelmed, + that is all, and afterwards in the prison I thought of my wife and + children and lived on. Now I die and my blood be on you.” + </p> + <p> + Behind him, drawn by eight white oxen, was the model of a ship with the + crew standing on its deck. Avoiding his guard, the man ran down the line + of oxen and suddenly cast himself upon the ground before the + wooden-wheeled car, which passed over his neck, crushing the life out of + him. + </p> + <p> + “Well done! Well done!” shouted the crowd, rejoicing at this unexpected + sight. “Well done! He was brave after all.” + </p> + <p> + Then the body was carried away and the procession moved forward. But + Marcus, who watched, hid his face in his hands, and Nehushta, lifting + hers, uttered a prayer for the passing soul of the victim. + </p> + <p> + Now the prisoners began to go past, marching eight by eight, hundreds upon + hundreds of them, and once more the mob shouted and rejoiced over these + unfortunates, whose crime was that they had fought for their country to + the end. The last files passed, then at a little distance from them, + tramping forward wearily, appeared the slight figure of a girl dressed in + a robe of white silk blazoned at its breast with gold. Her bowed head, + from which the curling tresses fell almost to her waist, was bared to the + fierce rays of the sun, and on her naked bosom lay a necklace of great + pearls. + </p> + <p> + “Pearl-Maiden, Pearl-Maiden!” shouted the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” said Nehushta, gripping the shoulder of Marcus with her hand. + </p> + <p> + He looked, and after long years once more beheld Miriam, for though he had + heard her voice in the Old Tower at Jerusalem, then her face was hidden + from him by the darkness. There was the maid from whom he had parted in + the desert village by Jordan, the same, and yet changed. Then she had been + a lovely girl, now she was a woman on whom sorrow and suffering had left + their stamp. The features were finer, the deep, patient eyes were + frightened and reproachful; her beauty was such as we see in dreams, not + altogether that of earth. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my darling, my darling,” murmured Nehushta, stretching out her arms + towards her. “Christ be thanked, that I have found you, my darling.” Then + she turned to Marcus, who was devouring Miriam with his eyes, and said in + a fierce voice: + </p> + <p> + “Roman, now that you see her again, do you still love her as much as of + old time?” + </p> + <p> + He took no note and she repeated the question. Then he answered: + </p> + <p> + “Why do you trouble me with such idle words. Once she was a woman to be + won, now she is a spirit to be worshipped.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman or spirit, or woman and spirit, beware how you deal with her, + Roman,” snarled Nehushta still more fiercely, “or——” and she + left her hand fall upon the knife that was hidden in her robe. + </p> + <p> + “Peace, peace!” said Marcus, and as he spoke the procession came to a halt + before his windows. “How weary she is, and sad,” he went on speaking to + himself. “Her heart seems crushed. Oh! that I must stay here and see her + thus, who dare not show myself! If she could but know! If she could but + know!” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta thrust him aside and took his place. Fixing her eyes upon Miriam + she made some effort of the will, so fierce and concentrated that beneath + the strain her body shook and quivered. See! Her thought reached the + captive, for she looked up. + </p> + <p> + “Stand to one side,” she whispered to Marcus, then unlatched the shutters + and slowly pushed them open. Now between her and the air was nothing but + the silken curtains. Very gently she parted these with her hands, for some + few seconds suffering her face to be seen between them. Then laying her + fingers on her lips she drew back and they closed again. + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” she said, “she knows.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her see me also,” said Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, she can bear no more. Look, look, she faints.” + </p> + <p> + Groaning in bitterness of spirit they watched Miriam, who seemed about to + fall. Now a woman gave her the cup of wine, and drinking she recovered + herself. + </p> + <p> + “Note that woman,” muttered Marcus, “that I may reward her.” + </p> + <p> + “It is needless,” answered Nehushta, “she seeks no reward.” + </p> + <p> + “She is more than a Roman, she is a Christian. As she passed it she made a + sign of the cross with the cup.” + </p> + <p> + The waggons creaked; the officers shouted; the procession moved forward. + From behind the curtain the pair kept their eyes fixed upon Miriam until + she vanished in the dust and crowd. When she had gone they seemed to see + little else; even the sight of the glorious Cæsars could not hold their + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Marcus summoned the steward, Stephanus. + </p> + <p> + “Go forth,” he said, “and discover when and where the captive Pearl-Maiden + is to be sold. Then return to me swiftly. Be secret and silent, and let + none suspect whence you come or what you seek. Your life hangs upon it. + Go.” + </p> + <p> + The sun was sinking fast, staining the marble temples and colonnades of + the Forum blood-red with its level beams. For the most part the glorious + place was deserted now, since, the Triumph over at length, the hundreds of + thousands of the Roman populace, wearied out with pleasure and excitement, + had gone home to spend the night in feasting. About one of the public + slave-markets, however, a round of marble enclosed with a rope and set in + front of a small building, where the slaves were sheltered until the + moment of their sale, a mixed crowd was gathered, some of them bidders, + some idlers drawn thither by curiosity. Others were in the house behind + examining the wares before they came to the hammer. Presently an old + woman, meanly clad with her face veiled to the eyes, and bearing on her + back a heavy basket such as was used to carry fruit to market, presented + herself at the door of the house. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” asked the gatekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “To inspect the slaves,” she answered in Greek. + </p> + <p> + “Go away,” he said roughly, “you are not a buyer.” + </p> + <p> + “I may be if the stuff is good enough,” she replied, slipping a gold coin + into his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Pass in, old lady, pass in,” and in another second the door had closed + behind her, and Nehushta found herself among the slaves. + </p> + <p> + In this building the light was already so low that torches were burning + for the convenience of visitors. By the flare of them Nehushta saw the + unfortunate captives—there were but fifteen—seated upon marble + benches, while slave women moved from the one to the other, washing their + hands and feet and faces in scented water, brushing and tying their hair + and removing the dust of the procession from their robes, so that they + might look more comely to the eyes of the purchasers. Also there were + present a fair number of bidders, twenty or thirty of them, who strolled + from girl to girl discussing the points of each and at times asking them + to stand up, or turn round, or show their arms and ankles, that they might + judge of them better. At the moment when Nehushta entered one of these, a + fat man with greasy curls who looked like an Eastern, was endeavouring to + persuade a dark and splendid Jewess to let him see her foot. Pretending + not to understand she sat still and sullen, till at length he stooped down + and lifted her robe. Then in an instant the girl dealt him such a kick in + the face that amidst the laughter of the spectators he rolled backwards on + the floor, whence he rose with a cut and bloody forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Very good, my beauty, very good,” he muttered in a savage voice, “before + twelve hours are over you shall pay for that.” + </p> + <p> + But again the girl sat sullen and motionless, pretending not to + understand. + </p> + <p> + Most of the public, however, were gathered about Miriam, who sat upon a + chair by herself, her hands folded, her head bent down, a very picture of + pitiful, outraged modesty. One by one as their turns came and the + attendant suffered them to approach, the men advanced and examined her + closely, though Nehushta noted that none of them were allowed to touch her + with their hands. Placing herself at the end of the line she watched with + all her eyes and listened with all her ears. Soon she had her reward. A + tall man, dressed like a merchant of Egypt, went up to Miriam and bent + over her. + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” said the attendant. “I am ordered to suffer none to speak to + the slave who is called Pearl-Maiden. Move on, sir, move on.” + </p> + <p> + The man lifted his head, and although in that gloom she could not see his + face, Nehushta knew its shape. Still she was not sure, till presently he + moved his right hand so that it came between her and the flame of one of + the torches, and she perceived that the top joint of the first finger was + missing. + </p> + <p> + “Caleb,” she thought to herself, “Caleb, escaped and in Rome! So Domitian + has another rival.” Then she went back to the door-keeper and asked him + the name of the man. + </p> + <p> + “A merchant of Alexandria named Demetrius,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta returned to her place. In front of her two men, agents who bought + slaves and other things for wealthy clients, were talking. + </p> + <p> + “More fit for a sale of dogs,” said one, “after sunset when everybody is + tired out, than for that of one of the fairest women who ever stood upon + the block.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw,” answered the other, “the whole thing is a farce. Domitian is in a + hurry, that’s all, so the auction must be held to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “He means to buy her?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. I am told that his factor, Saturius, has orders to go up to a + thousand sestertia if need be,” and he nodded towards a quiet man dressed + in a robe of some rich, dark stuff, who stood in a corner of the place + watching the company. + </p> + <p> + “A thousand sestertia! For one slave girl! Ye gods! a thousand sestertia!” + </p> + <p> + “The necklace goes with her, that is worth something, and there is + property at Tyre.” + </p> + <p> + “Property in Tyre,” said the other, “property in the moon. Come on, let us + look at something a little less expensive. As I wish to keep my head on my + shoulders, I am not going to bid against the prince in any case.” + </p> + <p> + “No, nor anyone else either. I expect he will get his fancy pretty cheap + after all.” + </p> + <p> + Then the two men moved away, and a minute afterwards Nehushta found that + it was her turn to approach Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “Here comes a curious sort of buyer,” said one of the attendants. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t judge the taste of the fruit by the look of the rind, young man,” + answered Nehushta, and at the sound of that voice for the first time + Pearl-Maiden lifted her head, then dropped it quickly. + </p> + <p> + “She is well enough,” Nehushta said aloud, “but there used to be prettier + women when I was young; in fact, though dark, I was myself,” a statement + at which those within hearing, noting her gaunt and aged form bent beneath + the heavy basket, tittered aloud. “Come, lift up your head, my dear,” she + went on, trying to entice the captive to consent by encouraging waves of + her hand. + </p> + <p> + They were fruitless; still, had any thought of it there was meaning in + them. On Nehushta’s finger, as it chanced, shone a ring which Miriam ought + to know, seeing that for some years she had worn it on her own. + </p> + <p> + It would seem that she did know it, at any rate her bosom and neck grew + red and a spasm passed across her face which even the falling hair did not + suffice to hide. + </p> + <p> + The ring told Miriam that Marcus lived and that Nehushta was his + messenger. This suspense at least was ended. + </p> + <p> + Now the door-keeper called a warning and the buyers flocked from the + building. Outside, the auctioneer, a smooth-faced, glib-tongued man, was + already mounting the rostrum. Calling for silence he began his speech. On + this evening of festival, he said, he would be brief. The lots he had to + offer to the select body of connoisseurs he saw before him, were the + property of the Imperator Titus, and the proceeds of the sale, it was his + duty to tell them, would not go into Cæsar’s pocket, but were to be + equally divided between the poor of Rome and deserving soldiers who had + been wounded or had lost their health in the war, a fact which must cause + every patriotic citizen to bid more briskly. These lots, he might say, + were unique, being nothing else than the fifteen most beautiful girls, + believed all of them to be of noble blood, among the many thousands who + had been captured at the sack of Jerusalem, the city of the Jews, + especially selected to adorn the great conqueror’s Triumph. No true judge, + who desired a charming memento of the victory of his country’s arms, would + wish to neglect such an opportunity, especially as he was informed that + the Jewish women were affectionate, docile, well instructed in many arts, + and very hard-working. He had only one more thing to say, or rather two + things. He regretted that this important sale should be held at so unusual + an hour. The reason was that there was really no place where these slaves + could be comfortably kept without risk of their maltreatment or escape, so + it was held to be best that they should be removed at once to the + seclusion of their new homes, a decision, he was sure, that would meet the + wishes of buyers. The second point was that among them was one lot of + surpassing interest; namely, the girl who had come to be generally spoken + of as Pearl-Maiden. + </p> + <p> + This young woman, who could not be more than three or four-and-twenty + years of age, was the last representative of a princely family of the + Jews. She had been found exposed upon one of the gates of the holy house + of that people, where it would seem she was sentenced to perish for some + offence against their barbarous laws. As the clamours of the populace that + day had testified, she was of the most delicate and distinguished beauty, + and the collar of great pearls which she wore about her neck gave evidence + of her rank. If he knew anything of the tastes of his countrymen the price + which would be paid for her must prove a record even in that ring. He was + aware that among the vulgar a great, almost a divine name had been coupled + with that of this captive. Well, he knew nothing, except this, that he was + certain that if there was any truth in the matter the owner of the name, + as became a noble and a generous nature, would wish to obtain his prize + fairly and openly. The bidding was as free to the humblest there—provided, + of course, that he could pay, and he might remark that not an hour’s + credit would be given except to those who were known to him—as to + Cæsar himself. Now, as the light was failing, he would order the torches + to be lit and commence the sale. The beauteous Pearl-Maiden, he might add, + was Lot No. 7. + </p> + <p> + So the torches were lit, and presently the first victim was led out and + placed upon a stand of marble in the centre of the flaring ring. She was a + dark-haired child of about sixteen years of age, who stared round her with + a frightened gaze. + </p> + <p> + The bidding began at five sestertia and ran up to fifteen, or about £120 + of our money, at which price she was knocked down to a Greek, who led her + back into the receiving house, paid the gold to a clerk who was in + attendance, and took her away, sobbing as she went. Then followed four + others, who were sold at somewhat better prices. No. 6 was the dark and + splendid Jewess who had kicked the greasy-curled Eastern in the face. As + soon as she appeared upon the block, this brute stepped forward and bid + twenty sestertia for her. An old grey-bearded fellow answered with a bid + of twenty-five. Then some one bid thirty, which the Eastern capped with a + bid of forty. So it went on till the large total of sixty sestertia was + offered, whereon the Eastern advanced two more, at which price, amidst the + laughter of the audience, she was knocked down to him. + </p> + <p> + “You know me and that the money is safe,” he said to the auctioneer. “It + shall be paid to you to-morrow; I have enough to carry without lading + myself up with so much gold. Come on, girl, to your new home, where I have + a little score to settle with you,” and grasping her by the left wrist he + pulled her from the block and led her unresisting through the crowd and to + the shadows beyond. + </p> + <p> + Already No. 7 had been summoned to the block and the auctioneer was taking + up his tale, when from out of these shadows rose the sound of a dreadful + yell. Some of the audience snatched torches from their stands and ran to + the spot whence it came. There, on the marble pavement lay the Eastern + dead or dying, while over him stood the Jewess, a red dagger, his own, + which she had snatched from its scabbard, in her hand, and on her stately + face a look of vengeful triumph. + </p> + <p> + “Seize her! Seize the murdering witch! Beat her to death with rods,” they + cried, and at the command of the auctioneer slaves ran up to take her. + </p> + <p> + She waited till they were near, then, without a word or a sound, lifted + her strong, white arm and drove the knife deep into her own heart. For a + moment she stood still, till suddenly she stretched her hands wide and + fell face downwards dead upon the body of the brute who had bought her. + </p> + <p> + The crowd gasped and was silent. Then one of them, a sickly looking + patrician, called out: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I did well to come. What a sight! What a sight! Blessings on you, + brave girl, you have given Julius a new pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + After this there was tumult and confusion while the attendants carried + away the bodies. A few minutes later the auctioneer climbed back into his + rostrum and alluded in moving terms to the “unfortunate accident” which + had just happened. + </p> + <p> + “Who would think,” he said, “that one so beautiful could also be so + violent? I weep when I consider that this noble purchaser, whose name I + forget at the moment, but whose estate, by the way, is liable for the + money, should have thus suddenly been transferred from the arms of Venus + to that of Pluto, although it must be admitted that he gave the woman some + provocation. Well, gentlemen, grief will not bring him to life again, and + we who still stand beneath the stars have business to attend. Bear me + witness, all of you, that I am blameless in this affair, and, slaves, + bring out that priceless gem, the Pearl-Maiden.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> + <h3> + MASTER AND SLAVE + </h3> + <p> + Now a hush of expectancy fell upon the crowd, till presently two + attendants appeared, each of them holding in his hand a flaming torch, and + between them the captive Pearl-Maiden. So beautiful did she look as she + advanced thus with bowed head, the red light of the torches falling upon + her white robe and breast and reflected in a faint, shimmering line from + the collar of pearls about her neck, that even that jaded company clapped + as she came. In another moment she had mounted the two steps and was + standing on the block of marble. The crowd pressed closer, among them the + merchant of Egypt, Demetrius, and the veiled woman with the basket, who + was now attended by a little man dressed as a slave and bearing on his + back another basket, the weight of which he seemed to find irksome, since + from time to time he groaned and twisted his shoulders. Also the + chamberlain, Saturius, secure in the authority of his master, stepped over + the rope and against the rule began to walk round and round the captive, + examining her critically. + </p> + <p> + “Look at her!” said the auctioneer. “Look for yourselves. I have nothing + to say, words fail me—unless it is this. For more than twenty years + I have stood in this rostrum, and during that time I suppose that fifteen + or sixteen thousand young women have been knocked down to my hammer. They + have come out of every part of the world; from the farthest East, from the + Grecian mountains, from Egypt and Cyprus, from the Spanish plains, from + Gaul, from the people of the Teutons, from the island of the Britons, and + other barbarous places that lie still further north. Among them were many + beautiful women, of every style and variety of loveliness, yet I tell you + honestly, my patrons, I do not remember one who came so near perfection as + this maiden whom I have the honour to sell to-night. I say again—look + at her, look at her, and tell me with what you can find fault. + </p> + <p> + “What do you say? Oh! yes, I am informed that her teeth are quite sound, + there is no blemish to conceal, none at all, and the hair is all her own. + That gentleman says that she is rather small. Well, she is not built upon + a large scale, and to my mind that is one of her attractions. Little and + good, you know, little and good. Only consider the proportions. Why, the + greatest sculptors, ancient or modern, would rejoice to have her as model, + and I hope that in the interests of the art-loving public”—here he + glanced at the Chamberlain, Saturius—“that the fortunate person into + whose hands she passes will not be so selfish as to deny them this + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Now I have said enough and must but add this, that by the special decree + of her captor, the Imperator Titus, the beautiful necklace of pearls worn + by the maiden goes with her. I asked a jeweller friend of mine to look at + it just now, and judging as well as he could without removing it from her + neck, which was not allowed, he values it at least at a hundred sestertia. + Also, there goes with this lot considerable property, situated in Tyre and + neighbouring places, to which, had she been a free woman, she would have + succeeded by inheritance. You may think that Tyre is a long way off and + that it will be difficult to take possession of this estate, and, of + course, there is something in the objection. Still, the title to it is + secure enough, for here I have a deed signed by Titus Cæsar himself, + commanding all officials, officers and others concerned, to hand over + without waste or deduction all property, real or personal, belonging to + the estate of the late Benoni, the Jewish merchant of Tyre, and a member + of the Sanhedrim—the lot’s grandfather, I am informed, gentleman—to + her purchaser, who has only to fill in his own name in the blank space, or + any representatives whom he may appoint, which deed is especially declared + to be indefeasible. Any one wish to see it? No? Then we will take it as + read. I know that in such a matter, my patrons, my word is enough for you. + </p> + <p> + “Now I am about to come to business, with the remark that the more liberal + your bidding the better will our glorious general, Titus Cæsar, be + pleased; the better will the poor and the invalided soldiers, who deserve + so well at your hands, be pleased; the better will the girl herself be + pleased, who I am sure will know how to reward a generous appreciation of + her worth; and the better shall I, your humble friend and servant, be + pleased, because, as I may inform you in strict secrecy, I am paid, not by + a fixed salary, but by commission. + </p> + <p> + “Now, gentlemen, what may I say? A thousand sestertia to begin with? Oh! + don’t laugh, I expect more than that. What! Fifty? You are joking, my + friend. However, the acorn grows into the oak, doesn’t it? and I am told + that you can stop the sources of the Tiber with your hat; so I’ll start + with fifty. Fifty—a hundred. Come, bid up, gentlemen, or we shall + never get home to supper. Two hundred—three, four, five, six, seven, + eight—ah! that’s better. What are you stopping for?” and he + addressed a hatchet-faced man who had thrust himself forward over the rope + of the ring. + </p> + <p> + The man shook his head with a sigh. “I’m done,” he said. “Such goods are + for my betters,” a sentiment that seemed to be shared by his rivals, since + they also stopped bidding. + </p> + <p> + “Well, friend Saturius,” said the auctioneer, “have you gone to sleep, or + have you anything to say? Only in hundreds, now, gentlemen, mind, only in + hundreds, unless I give the word. Thank you, I have nine hundred,” and he + looked round rather carelessly, expecting at heart that this bid would be + the last. + </p> + <p> + Then the merchant from Alexandria stepped forward and held up his finger. + </p> + <p> + “A thousand, by the Gods!” + </p> + <p> + Saturius looked at the man indignantly. Who was this that dared to bid + against Domitian, the third dignitary in all the Roman empire, Cæsar’s + son, Cæsar’s brother, who might himself be Cæsar? Still he answered with + another bid of eleven hundred. + </p> + <p> + Once more the finger of Domitian went up. + </p> + <p> + “Twelve. Twelve hundred!” said the auctioneer, in a voice of suppressed + excitement, while the audience gasped, for such prices had not been heard + of. + </p> + <p> + “Thirteen,” said the Chamberlain. + </p> + <p> + Again the finger went up. + </p> + <p> + “Fourteen hundred. I have fourteen hundred. Against you, worthy Saturius. + Come, come, I must knock the lot down, which perhaps would not please some + whom I could mention. Don’t be stingy, friend, you have a large purse to + draw on, and it is called the Roman Empire. Now. Thank you, I have fifteen + hundred. Well, my friend yonder. What! Have you had enough?” and he + pointed to the Alexandrian merchant, who, with a groan, had turned aside + and hidden his face in his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Knocked out, knocked out, it seems,” said the auctioneer, “and though it + is little enough under all the circumstances for this lot, who is as + lovely as she is historical, I suppose that I can scarcely expect——” + and he looked around despondently. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the old woman with the basket glanced up and, speaking in a quiet + matter-of-fact voice but with a foreign accent, said: + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand.” + </p> + <p> + A titter of laughter went around the room. + </p> + <p> + “My dear madam?” queried the auctioneer, looking at her dubiously, “might + I ask if you mean sester<i>tii</i> or sester<i>tia</i>?[*] Your pardon, + but it has occurred to me that you might be confounding the two sums.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [*] A <i>sestertius</i> was worth less than 2d., a <i>sestertium</i> + was a sum of money of the value of about £8. +</pre> + <p> + “Two thousand sester<i>tia</i>,” repeated the matter-of-fact voice with + the foreign accent. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” said the auctioneer, “I suppose that I must accept the bid. + Friend Saturius, I have two thousand sestertia, and it is against you.” + </p> + <p> + “Against me it must remain, then,” replied the little man in a fury. “Do + all the kings in the world want this girl? Already I have exceeded my + limit by five hundred sestertia. I dare do no more. Let her go.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t vex yourself, Saturius,” said the auctioneer, “bidding is one + thing, paying another. At present I have a bona-fide bid of fifteen + hundred from you. Unless this liberal but unknown lady is prepared with + the cash I shall close on that. Do you understand, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly,” answered the veiled old woman. “Being a stranger to Rome I + thought it well to bring the gold with me, since strangers cannot expect + credit.” + </p> + <p> + “To bring the gold with you!” gasped the auctioneer. “To bring two + thousand sestertia with you! Where is it then?” + </p> + <p> + “Where? Oh! in my servant’s and my own baskets, and something more as + well. Come, good sir, I have made my bid. Does the worthy gentleman + advance?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” shouted Saturius. “You are being fooled, she has not got the money.” + </p> + <p> + “If he does not advance and no other worthy gentleman wishes to bid, then + will you knock the lot down?” said the old woman. “Pardon me if I press + you, noble seller of slaves, but I must ride far from Rome to-night, to + Centum Cellæ, indeed, where my ship waits; therefore, I have no time to + lose.” + </p> + <p> + Now the auctioneer saw that there was no choice, since under the rules of + the public mart he must accept the offer of the highest bidder. + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand sestertia are bid for this lot No. 7, the Jewish captive + known as Pearl-Maiden, sold by order of Titus Imperator, together with her + collar of pearls and the property to which, as a free woman, she would + have been entitled. Any advance on two thousand sestertia?” and he looked + at Saturius, who shook his head. “No? Then—going—going—gone! + I declare the lot sold, to be delivered on payment of the cash to the + person named—by the way, madam, what is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Mulier.” + </p> + <p> + At this the company burst into a loud laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Mulier?” repeated the auctioneer, “M u l i e r—Woman?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, am I not a woman, and what better name can I have than is given to + all my sex?” + </p> + <p> + “In truth, you are so wrapped up that I must take your word for it,” + replied the auctioneer. “But come, let us put an end to this farce. If you + have the money, follow me into the receiving house—for I must see to + the matter myself—and pay it down.” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure, sir, but be so good as to bring my property with you. She + is too valuable to be left here unprotected amongst these distinguished + but disappointed gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Miriam was led from the marble stand into an office annexed to + the receiving-house, whither she was followed by the auctioneer and by + Nehushta and her servant, whose backs, it was now observed, bent beneath + the weight of the baskets that were strapped upon them. Here the door was + locked, and with the help of her attendant Nehushta loosened her basket, + letting it fall upon the table with a sigh of relief. + </p> + <p> + “Take it and count,” he said to the auctioneer, untying the lid. + </p> + <p> + He lifted it and there met his eye a layer of lettuces neatly packed. + </p> + <p> + “By Venus!” he began in a fury. + </p> + <p> + “Softly, friend, softly,” said Nehushta, “these lettuces are of a kind + which only grow in yellow soil. Look,” and lifting the vegetables she + revealed beneath row upon row of gold coin. “Examine it before you count,” + she said. + </p> + <p> + He did so by biting pieces at hazard with his teeth and causing them to + ring upon the marble table. + </p> + <p> + “It is good,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Quite so. Then count.” + </p> + <p> + So he and the clerk counted, even to the bottom of the basket, which was + found to contain gold to the value of over eleven hundred sestertia. + </p> + <p> + “So far well,” he said, “but that is not enough.” + </p> + <p> + The buyer beckoned to the man with her who stood in the corner, his face + hidden by the shadow, and he dragged forward the second basket, which he + had already unstrapped from his shoulders. Here also were lettuces, and + beneath the lettuces gold. When the full two thousand sestertia were + counted, that is, over fifteen thousand pounds of our money, this second + basket still remained more than a third full. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to have run you up, madam,” said the auctioneer, surveying the + shining gold with greedy eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she replied calmly, “if you had guessed the truth you might have + done so. But who knows the truth, except myself?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you a sorceress?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps. What does it matter? At least, the gold will not melt. And, by + the way, it is troublesome carrying so much of the stuff back again. Would + you like a couple of handfuls for yourself, and say ten pieces for your + clerk? Yes? Well, please first fill in that deed with the name that I + shall give you and with your own as witness? Here it is—‘Miriam, + daughter of Demas and Rachel, born in the year of the death of Herod + Agrippa.’ Thank you. You have signed, and the clerk also, I think. Now I + will take that roll. + </p> + <p> + “One thing more, there is another door to this Receiving-house? With your + leave I should prefer to go out that way, as my newly acquired property + seems tired, and for one day has had enough of public notice. You will, I + understand, give us a few minutes to depart before you return to the + rostrum, and your clerk will be so courteous as to escort us out of the + Forum. Now help yourself. Man, can’t you make your hand larger than that? + Well, it will suffice to pay for a summer holiday. I see a cloak there + which may serve to protect this slave from the chill air of the night. In + case it should be claimed, perhaps these five pieces will pay for it. Most + noble and courteous sir, again I thank you. Young woman, throw this over + your bare shoulders and your head; that necklace might tempt the + dishonest. + </p> + <p> + “Now, if our guide is ready we will be going. Slave, bring the basket, at + the weight of which you need no longer groan, and you, young woman, strap + on this other basket; it is as well that you should begin to be instructed + in your domestic duties, for I tell you at once that having heard much of + the skill of the Jews in those matters, I have bought you to be my cook + and to attend to the dressing of my hair. Farewell, sir, farewell; may we + never meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell,” replied the astonished auctioneer, “farewell, my lady Mulier, + who can afford to give two thousand sestertia for a cook! Good luck to + you, and if you are always as liberal as this, may we meet once a month, + say I. Yet have no fear,” he added meaningly, “I know when I have been + well treated and shall not seek you out—even to please Cæsar + himself.” + </p> + <p> + Three minutes later, under the guidance of the clerk, who was as discreet + as his master, they had passed, quite undisturbed, through various dark + colonnades and up a flight of marble stairs. + </p> + <p> + “Now you are out of the Forum, so go your ways,” he said. + </p> + <p> + They went, and the clerk stood watching them until they were round a + corner, for he was young and curious, and to him this seemed the strangest + comedy of the slave-market of which he had ever even heard. + </p> + <p> + As he turned to go he found himself face to face with a tall man, in whom + he recognized that merchant of Egypt who had bid for Pearl-Maiden up to + the enormous total of fourteen hundred sestertia. + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” said Demetrius, “which way did your companions go?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” answered the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Come, try to remember. Did they walk straight on, or turn to the left, or + turn to the right? Fix your attention on these, it may help you,” and once + more that fortunate clerk found five gold pieces thrust into his hand. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know that they help me,” he said, for he wished to be faithful to + his hire. + </p> + <p> + “Fool,” said Demetrius in a changed voice, “remember quickly, or here is + something that will——” and he showed him a dagger glinting in + his hand. “Now then, do you wish to go the same road as they carried the + Jewish girl and the Eastern?” + </p> + <p> + “They turned to the right,” said the clerk sulkily. “It is the truth, but + may that road you speak of be yours who draw knives on honest folk.” + </p> + <p> + With a bound Demetrius left his side, and for the second time the clerk + stood still, watching him go. + </p> + <p> + “A strange business,” he said to himself, “but, perhaps my master was + right and that old woman is a sorceress, or, perhaps, the young one is the + sorceress, since all men seem ready to pay a tribe’s tribute to get hold + of her; or, perhaps, they are both sorceresses. A strange story, of which + I should like to know the meaning, and so, I fancy, would the Prince + Domitian when he comes to hear of it. Saturius, the chamberlain, has a fat + place, but I would not take it to-night, no, not if it were given to me.” + </p> + <p> + Then that young man returned to the mart in time to hear his master knock + down Lot thirteen, a very sweet-looking girl, to Saturius himself, who + proposed, though with a doubtful heart, to take her to Domitian as a + substitute. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Nehushta, Miriam and the steward Stephanus, disguised as a + slave, went on as swiftly as they dared towards the palace of Marcus in + the Via Agrippa. The two women held each other by the hand but said + nothing; their hearts seemed too full for speech. Only the old steward + kept muttering—“Two thousand sestertia! The savings of years! Two + thousand sestertia for that bit of a girl! Surely the gods have smitten + him mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your peace, fool,” said Nehushta at length. “At least, I am not mad; + the property that went with her is worth more than the money.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” replied the aggrieved Stephanus, “but how will that benefit my + master? You put it in her name. Well, it is no affair of mine, and at + least this accursed basket is much lighter.” + </p> + <p> + Now they were at the side door of the house, which Stephanus was unlocking + with his key. + </p> + <p> + “Quick,” said Nehushta, “I hear footsteps.” + </p> + <p> + The door opened and they passed in, but at that moment one went by them, + pausing to look until the door closed again. + </p> + <p> + “Who was that?” asked Stephanus nervously. + </p> + <p> + “He whom they called Demetrius, the merchant of Alexandria, but whom once + I knew by another name,” answered Nehushta in a slow voice while Stephanus + barred the door. + </p> + <p> + They walked through the archway into an antechamber lit by a single lamp, + leaving Stephanus still occupied with his bolts and chains. Here with a + sudden motion Nehushta threw off her cloak and tore the veil from her + brow. In another instant, uttering a low, crooning cry, she flung her long + arms about Miriam and began to kiss her again and again on the face. + </p> + <p> + “My darling,” she moaned, “my darling.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what it all means, Nou,” said the poor girl faintly. + </p> + <p> + “It means that God has heard my prayers and suffered my old feet to + overtake you in time, and provided the wealth to preserve you from a + dreadful fate.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose wealth? Where am I?” asked Miriam. + </p> + <p> + Nehushta made no answer, only she unstrapped the basket from Miriam’s back + and unclasped the cloak from about her shoulders. Then, taking her by the + hand, she led her into a lighted passage and thence through a door into a + great and splendid room spread with rich carpets and adorned with costly + furniture and marble images. At the end of this room was a table lighted + by two lamps, and on the further side of this table sat a man as though he + were asleep, for his face was hidden upon his arms. Miriam saw him and + clung to Nehushta trembling. + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” whispered her guide, and they stood still in the shadow. + </p> + <p> + The man lifted his head so that the light fell full upon it, and Miriam + saw that it was Marcus. Marcus grown older and with a patch of grey hair + upon his temple where the sword of Caleb had struck him, very worn and + tired-looking also, but still Marcus and no other. He was speaking to + himself. + </p> + <p> + “I can bear it no longer,” he said. “Thrice have I been to the gate and + still no sign. Doubtless the plan has miscarried and by now she is in the + palace of Domitian. I will go forth and learn the worst,” and he rose from + the table. + </p> + <p> + “Speak to him,” whispered Nehushta, pushing Miriam forward. + </p> + <p> + She advanced into the circle of the lamplight, but as yet Marcus did not + see her, for he had gone to the window-place to find a cloak that lay + there. Then he turned and saw her. Before him in her robe of white, the + soft light shining on her gentle loveliness, stood Miriam. He stared at + her bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “Do I dream?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Marcus,” she answered in her sweet voice, “you do not dream. I am + Miriam.” + </p> + <p> + In an instant he was at her side and held her in his arms, nor did she + resist him, for after so many fears and sufferings they seemed to her a + home. + </p> + <p> + “Loose me, I pray you,” she said at length, “I am faint, I can bear no + more.” + </p> + <p> + At her entreaty he suffered her to sink upon the cushions of a couch that + was at hand. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, tell me everything,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Ask it of Nehushta,” she answered, leaning back. “I am spent.” + </p> + <p> + Nehushta ran to her side and began to chafe her hands. “Let be with your + questions,” she said. “I bought her, that’s enough. Ask that old huckster, + Stephanus, the price. But first in the name of charity give her food. + Those who have walked through a Triumph to end the day on the slave block + need victuals.” + </p> + <p> + “It is here, it is here,” Marcus said confusedly, “such as there is.” + Taking a lamp he led the way to a table that was placed in the shadow, + where stood some meat and fruit with flagons of rich coloured wine and + pure water and shallow silver cups to drink from. + </p> + <p> + Putting her arm about Miriam’s waist, Nehushta supported her to the table + and sat her down upon one of the couches. Then she poured out wine and put + it to her lips, and cut meat and made her swallow it till Miriam would + touch no more. Now the colour came back to her face, and her eyes grew + bright again, and resting there upon the couch, she listened while + Nehushta told Marcus all the story of the slave sale. + </p> + <p> + “Well done,” he said, laughing in his old merry fashion, “well done, + indeed! Oh! what favouring god put it into the head of that honest old + miser, Stephanus, from year to year to hoard up all that sum of gold + against an hour of sudden need which none could foresee!” + </p> + <p> + “My God and hers,” answered Nehushta solemnly, “to Whom if He give you + space, you should be thankful, which, by the way, is more than Stephanus + is, who has seen so much of your savings squandered in an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Your savings?” said Miriam, looking up. “Did you buy me, Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so, beloved,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Then, then, I am your slave?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Miriam,” he replied nervously. “As you know well, it is I who am + yours. All I ask of you is that you should become my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “That cannot be, Marcus,” she answered in a kind of cry. “You know that it + cannot be.” + </p> + <p> + His face turned pale. + </p> + <p> + “After all that has come and gone between us, Miriam, do you still say + so?” + </p> + <p> + “I still say so.” + </p> + <p> + “You could give your life for me, and yet you will not give your life to + me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Marcus.” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Why?” + </p> + <p> + “For the reasons that I gave you yonder by the banks of Jordan; because + those who begat me laid on me the charge that I should marry none who is + not a Christian. How then can I marry you?” + </p> + <p> + Marcus thought a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Does the book of your law forbid it?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. “No, but the dead forbid it, and rather will I join + them than break their command.” + </p> + <p> + Again Marcus thought and spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, since I must, I will become a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him sadly and answered: + </p> + <p> + “It is not enough. Do you remember what I told you far away in the village + of the Essenes, that this is no matter of casting incense on an altar, but + rather one of a changed spirit. When you can say those words from your + heart as well as with your lips, then, Marcus, I will listen to you, but + unless God calls you this you can never do.” + </p> + <p> + “What then do you propose?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I? I have not had time to think. To go away, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “To Domitian?” he queried. “Nay, forgive me, but a sore heart makes bitter + lips.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you asked forgiveness for those words, Marcus,” she said + quivering. “What need is there to insult a slave?” + </p> + <p> + The word seemed to suggest a new train of thought to Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said, “a slave—my slave whom I have bought at a great + price. Well, why should I let you go? I am minded to keep you.” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus, you can keep me if you will, but then your sin against your own + honour will be greater even than your sin against me.” + </p> + <p> + “Sin!” he said, passionately. “What sin? You say you cannot marry me, not + because you do not wish it, if I understand you right, but for other + reasons which have weight, at any rate with you. But the dead give no + command as to whom you should love.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my love is my own, but if it is not lawful it can be denied.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should it be denied?” he asked softly and coming towards her. “Is + there not much between you and me? Did not you, brave and blessed woman + that you are, risk your life for my sake in the Old Tower at Jerusalem? + Did you not for my sake stand there upon the gate Nicanor to perish + miserably? And I, though it be little, have I not done something for you? + Have I not so soon as your message reached me, journeyed here to Rome, at + the cost, perhaps, of what I value more than life—my honour?” + </p> + <p> + “Your honour?” she asked. “Why your honour?” + </p> + <p> + “Because those who have been taken prisoner by the enemy and escaped are + held to be cowards among the Romans,” he answered bitterly, “and it may be + that such a lot awaits me.” + </p> + <p> + “Coward! You a coward, Marcus?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye. When it is known that I live, that is what my enemies will call me + who lived on for your sake, Miriam—for the sake of a woman who + denies me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” she said, “this is bitter. Now I remember and understand what Gallus + meant.” + </p> + <p> + “Then will you still deny me? Must I suffer thus in vain? Think, had it + not been for you I could have stayed afar until the thing was forgotten, + that is, if I still chose to live; but now, because of you, things are + thus, and yet, Miriam—you deny me,” and he put his arms about her + and drew her to his breast. + </p> + <p> + She did not struggle, she had no strength, only she wrung her hands and + sobbed, saying: + </p> + <p> + “What shall I do? Woe is me, what shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Do?” said the voice of Nehushta, speaking clear as a clarion from the + shadows. “Do your duty, girl, and leave the rest to Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence, accursed woman!” gasped Marcus, turning pale with anger. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she answered, “I will not be silent. Listen, Roman; I like you + well, as you have reason to know, seeing that it was I who nursed you back + to life, when for one hour’s want of care you must have died. I like you + well, and above everything on earth I wish that ere my eyes shut for the + last time they may see your hand in her hand, and her hand in your hand, + man and wife before the face of all men. Yet I tell you that now indeed + you are a coward in a deeper fashion than that the Romans dream of; you + are a coward who try to work upon the weakness of this poor girl’s loving + heart, who try in the hour of her sore distress to draw her from the + spirit, if not from the letter, of her duty. So great a coward are you + that you remind her even that she is your slave and threaten to deal with + her as you heathen deal with slaves. You put a gloss upon the truth; you + try to filch the fruit you may not pluck; you say ‘you may not marry me, + but you are my property, and therefore if you give way to your master it + is no sin.’ I tell you it is a sin, doubly a sin, since you would bind the + weight of it on her back as well as on your own, and a sin that in this + way or in that would bring its reward to both of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you finished?” asked Marcus coldly, but suffering Miriam to slip + from his arms back upon the couch. + </p> + <p> + “No, I have not finished; I spoke of the fruits of evil; now as my heart + prompts me I speak of the promise of good. Let this woman go free as you + have the power to do; strike the chains off her neck and take back the + price that you have paid for her, since she has property which will + discharge it to the last farthing, which property to-day stands in her + name and can be conveyed to you. Then, go search the Scriptures and see if + you can find no message in them. If you find it, well and good, then take + her with a clean heart and be happy. If you find it not, well and good, + then leave her with a clean heart and be sorrowful, for so it is decreed. + Only in this matter do not dare to be double-minded, lest the last evil + overtake you and her, and your children and hers. Now I have done, and, my + lord Marcus, be so good as to signify your pleasure to your slave, + Pearl-Maiden, and your servant, Nehushta the Libyan.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus began to walk up and down the room, out of the light into the + shadow, out of the shadow into the light. Presently he halted, and the two + women watching saw that his face was drawn and ashen, like the face of an + old man. + </p> + <p> + “My pleasure,” he said vacantly, “—that is a strange word on my lips + to-night, is it not? Well, Nehushta, you have the best of the argument. + All you say is quite true, if a little over-coloured. Of course, Miriam is + quite right not to marry me if she has scruples, and, of course, I should + be quite wrong to take advantage of the accident of my being able to + purchase her in the slave-ring. I think that is all I have to say. Miriam, + I free you, as indeed I remember I promised the Essenes that I would do. + Since no one knows you belong to me, I suppose that no formal ceremony + will be necessary. It is a manumission ‘inter amicos,’ as the lawyers say, + but quite valid. As to the title to the Tyre property, I accept it in + payment of the debt, but I beg that you will keep it a while on my behalf, + for, at present, there might be trouble about transferring it into my + name. Now, good-night. Nehushta will take you to her room, Miriam, and + to-morrow you can depart whither you will. I wish you all fortune, and—why + do you not thank me? Under the circumstances, it would be kind.” + </p> + <p> + But Miriam only burst into a flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + “What will you do, Marcus? Oh! what will you do?” she sobbed. + </p> + <p> + “In all probability, things which I would rather you did not know of,” he + answered bitterly, “or I may take it into my head to accept the suggestion + of our friend, Nehushta, and begin to search those Scriptures of which I + have heard so much; that seem, by the way, specially designed to prevent + the happiness of men and women.” Then he added fiercely, “Go, girl, go at + once, for if you stand there weeping before me any longer, I tell you that + I shall change my mind, and as Nehushta says, imperil the safety of your + soul, and of my own—which does not matter.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam stumbled from the room and through the curtained doorway. As + Nehushta followed her Marcus caught her by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “I have half a mind to murder you,” he said, quietly. + </p> + <p> + The old Libyan only laughed. + </p> + <p> + “All I have said is true and for your own good, Marcus,” she answered, + “and you will live to know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Where will you take her?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know yet, but Christians always have friends.” + </p> + <p> + “You will let me hear of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, if it is safe.” + </p> + <p> + “And if she needs help you will tell me?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, and if you need her help, and it can be done, I will bring her to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then may I need help soon,” he said. “Begone.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV + </h2> + <h3> + THE REWARD OF SATURIUS + </h3> + <p> + Meanwhile, in one of the palaces of the Cæsars not far from the Capitol, + was being enacted another and more stormy scene. It was the palace of + Domitian, whither, the bewildering pomp of the Triumph finished at last, + the prince had withdrawn himself in no happy mood. That day many things + had happened to vex him. First and foremost, as had been brought home to + his mind from minute to minute throughout the long hours, its glory + belonged not to himself, not even to his father, Vespasian, but to his + brother, the conqueror of the Jews. Titus he had always hated, Titus, who + was as beloved of mankind for his virtues, such as virtues were in that + age, as he, Domitian, was execrated for his vices. Now Titus had returned + after a brilliant and successful campaign to be crowned as Cæsar, to be + accepted as the sharer of his father’s government, and to receive the + ovations of the populace, while his brother Domitian must ride almost + unnoted behind his chariot. The plaudits of the roaring mob, the + congratulations of the Senate, the homage of the knights and subject + princes, the offerings of foreign kings, all laid at the feet of Titus, + filled him with a jealousy that went nigh to madness. Soothsayers had told + him, it was true, that his hour would come, that he would live and reign + after Vespasian and Titus had gone down, both of them, to Hades. But even + if they spoke the truth this hour seemed a long way off. + </p> + <p> + Also there were other things. At the great sacrifice before the temple of + Jupiter, his place had been set too far back where the people could not + see him; at the feast which followed the master of the ceremonies had + neglected, or had forgotten, to pour a libation in his honour. + </p> + <p> + Further, the beautiful captive, Pearl-Maiden, had appeared in the + procession unadorned by the costly girdle which he had sent her; while, + last of all, the different wines that he had drunk had disagreed with him, + so that because of them, or of the heat of the sun, he suffered from the + headache and sickness to which he was liable. Pleading this indisposition + as an excuse, Domitian left the banquet very early, and attended by his + slaves and musicians retired to his own palace. + </p> + <p> + Here his spirits revived somewhat, since he knew that before long his + chamberlain, Saturius, would appear with the lovely Jewish maiden upon + whom he had set his fancy. This at least was certain, for he had arranged + that the auction should be held that evening and instructed him to buy her + at all costs, even for a thousand sestertia. Indeed, who would dare to bid + for a slave that the Prince Domitian desired? + </p> + <p> + Learning that Saturius had not yet arrived, he went to his private + chambers, and to pass away the time commanded his most beautiful slaves to + dance before him, where he inflamed himself by drinking more wine of a + vintage that he loved. As the fumes of the strong liquor mounted to his + brain the pains in his head ceased, at any rate for a while. Very soon he + became half-drunk, and as was his nature when in drink, savage. One of the + dancing slaves stumbled and growing nervous stepped out of time, whereon + he ordered the poor half-naked girl to be scourged before him by the hands + of her own companions. Happily for her, however, before the punishment + began a slave arrived with the intelligence that Saturius waited without. + </p> + <p> + “What, alone?” said the prince, springing to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, lord,” said the slave, “there is a woman with him.” + </p> + <p> + At this news instantly his ill-temper was forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “Let that girl go,” he said, “and bid her be more careful another time. + Away, all the lot of you, I wish to be private. Now, slave, bid the worthy + Saturius enter with his charge.” + </p> + <p> + Presently the curtains were drawn apart and through them came Saturius + rubbing his hands and smiling somewhat nervously, followed by a woman + wrapped in a long cloak and veiled. He began to offer the customary + salutations, but Domitian cut him short. + </p> + <p> + “Rise, man,” he said. “That sort of thing is very well in public, but I + don’t want it here. So you have got her,” he added, eyeing the draped form + in the background. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Saturius doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Good, your services shall be remembered. You were ever a discreet and + faithful agent. Did the bidding run high?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord, enormous, ee—normous. I never heard such bidding,” and + he stretched out his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Impertinence! Who dared to compete with me?” remarked Domitian. “Well, + what did you have to give?” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty sestertia, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty sestertia?” answered Domitian with an air of relief. “Well, of + course it is enough, but I have known beautiful maidens fetch more. By the + way, dear one,” he went on, addressing the veiled woman, “you must, I + fear, be tired after all that weary, foolish show.” + </p> + <p> + The “dear one” making no audible reply, Domitian went on: + </p> + <p> + “Modesty is pleasing in a maid, but now I pray you, forget it for awhile. + Unveil yourself, most beautiful, that I may behold that loveliness for + which my heart has ached these many days. Nay, that task shall be my own,” + and he advanced somewhat unsteadily towards his prize. + </p> + <p> + Saturius thought that he saw his chance. Domitian was so intoxicated that + it would be useless to attempt to explain matters that night. Clearly he + should retire as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + “Most noble prince and patron,” he began, “my duty is done, with your + leave I will withdraw.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means, by no means,” hiccupped Domitian, “I know that you are an + excellent judge of beauty, most discriminating Saturius, and I should like + to talk over the points of this lady with you. You know, dear Saturius, + that I am not selfish, and to tell the truth, which you won’t mind between + friends—who could be jealous of a wizened, last year’s walnut of a + man like you? Not I, Saturius, not I, whom everybody acknowledges to be + the most beautiful person in Rome, much better looking than Titus is, + although he does call himself Cæsar. Now for it. Where’s the fastening? + Saturius, find the fastening. Why do you tie up the poor girl like an + Egyptian corpse and prevent her lord and master from looking at her?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the slave did something to the back of her head and the veil + fell to the ground, revealing a girl of very pleasing shape and + countenance, but who, as might be expected, looked most weary and + frightened. Domitian stared at her with his bleared and wicked eyes, while + a puzzled expression grew upon his face. + </p> + <p> + “Very odd!” he said, “but she seems to have changed! I thought her eyes + were blue, and that she had curling black hair. Now they are dark and she + has straight hair. Where’s the necklace, too? Where’s the necklace? + Pearl-Maiden, what have you done with your necklace? Yes, and why didn’t + you wear the girdle I sent you to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” answered the Jewess, “I never had a necklace——” + </p> + <p> + “My lord Domitian,” began Saturius with a nervous laugh, “there is a + mistake—I must explain. This girl is not Pearl-Maiden. Pearl-Maiden + fetched so great a price that it was impossible that I should buy her, + even for you——” + </p> + <p> + He stopped, for suddenly Domitian’s face had become terrible. All the + drunkenness had left it, to be replaced by a mask of savage cruelty + through which glared the pale and glittering eyes. The man appeared as he + was, half satyr and half fiend. + </p> + <p> + “A mistake——” he said. “Oh! a mistake? And I have been + counting on her all these weeks, and now some other man has taken her from + me—the prince Domitian. And you—you dare to come to me with + this tale, and to bring this slut with you instead of my Pearl-Maiden——” + and at the thought he fairly sobbed in his drunken, disappointed rage. + Then he stepped back and began to clap his hands and call aloud. + </p> + <p> + Instantly slaves and guards rushed into the chamber, thinking that their + lord was threatened with some evil. + </p> + <p> + “Men,” he said, “take that woman and kill her. No, it might make a stir, + as she was one of Titus’s captives. Don’t kill her, thrust her into the + street.” + </p> + <p> + The girl was seized by the arms and dragged away. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord,” began Saturius. + </p> + <p> + “Silence, man, I am coming to you. Seize him, and strip him. Oh! I know + you are a freedman and a citizen of Rome. Well, soon you shall be a + citizen of Hades, I promise you. Now, bring the heavy rods and beat him + till he dies.” + </p> + <p> + The dreadful order was obeyed, and for a while nothing was heard save the + sound of heavy blows and the smothered moans of the miserable Saturius. + </p> + <p> + “Wretches,” yelled the Imperial brute, “you are playing, you do not hit + hard enough. I will teach you how to hit,” and snatching a rod from one of + the slaves he rushed at his prostrate chamberlain, the others drawing back + to allow their master to show his skill in flogging. + </p> + <p> + Saturius saw Domitian come, and knew that unless he could change his + purpose in another minute the life would be battered out of him. He + struggled to his knees. + </p> + <p> + “Prince,” he cried, “hearken ere you strike. You can kill me if you will + who are justly angered, and to die at your hands is an honour that I do + not merit. Yet, dread lord, remember that if you slay me then you will + never find that Pearl-Maiden whom you desire.” + </p> + <p> + Domitian paused, for even in his fury he was cunning. “Doubtless,” he + thought, “the knave knows where the girl is. Perhaps even he has hidden + her away for himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said aloud, quoting the vulgar proverb, “‘the rod is the mother + of reason.’ Well, can you find her?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, if I have time. The man who can afford to pay two thousand + sestertia for a single slave cannot easily be hidden.” + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand sestertia!” exclaimed Domitian astonished. “Tell me that + story. Slaves, give Saturius his robe and fall back—no, not too far, + he may be treacherous.” + </p> + <p> + The chamberlain threw the garment over his bleeding shoulders and fastened + it with a trembling hand. Then he told his tale, adding: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord, what could I do? You have not enough money at hand to pay so + huge a sum.” + </p> + <p> + “Do, fool? Why you should have bought her on credit and left me to settle + the price afterwards. Oh! never mind Titus, I could have outwitted him. + But the mischief is done; now for the remedy, so far as it can be + remedied,” he added, grinding his teeth. + </p> + <p> + “That I must seek to-morrow, lord.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow? And what will you do to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow I will find where the girl’s gone, or try to, and then—why + he who has bought her might die and—the rest will be easy.” + </p> + <p> + “Die he surely shall be who has dared to rob Domitian of his darling,” + answered the prince with an oath. “Well, hearken, Saturius, for this night + you are spared, but be sure that if you fail for the second time you also + shall die, and after a worse fashion than I promised you. Now go, and + to-morrow we will take counsel. Oh! ye gods, why do you deal so hardly + with Domitian? My soul is bruised and must be comforted with poesy. Rouse + that Greek from his bed and send him to me. He shall read to me of the + wrath of Achilles when they robbed him of his Briseis, for the hero’s lot + is mine.” + </p> + <p> + So this new Achilles departed, now that his rage had left him, weeping + maudlin tears of disappointed passion, to comfort his “bruised soul” with + the immortal lines of Homer, for when he was not merely a brute Domitian + fancied himself a poet. It was perhaps as well for his peace of mind that + he could not see the face of Saturius, as the chamberlain comforted his + bruised shoulders with some serviceable ointment, or hear the oath which + that useful and industrious officer uttered as he sought his rest, face + downwards, since for many days thereafter he was unable to lie upon his + back. It was a very ugly oath, sworn by every god who had an altar in + Rome, with the divinities of the Jews and the Christians thrown in, that + in a day to come he would avenge Domitian’s rods with daggers. Had the + prince been able to do so, there might have risen in his mind some + prescience of a certain scene, in which he must play a part on a far-off + but destined night. He might have beheld a vision of himself, bald, + corpulent and thin-legged, but wearing the imperial robes of Cæsar, + rolling in a frantic struggle for life upon the floor of his bed-chamber, + at death grips with one Stephanus, while an old chamberlain named Saturius + drove a dagger again and again into his back, crying at each stroke: + </p> + <p> + “Oho! That for thy rods, Cæsar! Oho! Dost remember the Pearl-Maiden? That + for thy rods, Cæsar, and that—and that—and <i>that</i>——!” + </p> + <p> + But Domitian, weeping himself to sleep over the tale of the wrongs of the + god-like Achilles, which did but foreshadow those of his divine self, as + yet thought nothing of the rich reward that time should bring him. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow of the great day of the Triumph the merchant Demetrius of + Alexandria, whom for many years we have known as Caleb, sat in the office + of the store-house which he had hired for the bestowal of his goods in one + of the busiest thoroughfares of Rome. Handsome, indeed, noble-looking as + he was, and must always be, his countenance presented a sorry sight. From + hour to hour during the previous day he had fought a path through the + dense crowds that lined the streets of Rome, to keep as near as might be + to Miriam while she trudged her long route of splendid shame. + </p> + <p> + Then came the evening, when, with the other women slaves, she was put up + to auction in the Forum. To prepare for this sale Caleb had turned almost + all his merchandise into money, for he knew that Domitian was a purchaser, + and guessed that the price of the beautiful Pearl-Maiden, of whom all the + city was talking, would rule high. The climax we know. He bid to the last + coin that he possessed or could raise, only to find that others with still + greater resources were in the market. Even the agent of the prince had + been left behind, and Miriam was at last knocked down to some mysterious + stranger woman dressed like a peasant. The woman was veiled and disguised; + she spoke with a feigned voice and in a strange tongue, but from the + beginning Caleb knew her. Incredible as it might seem, that she should be + here in Rome, he was certain that she was Nehushta, and no other. + </p> + <p> + That Nehushta should buy Miriam was well, but how came she by so vast a + sum of money, here in a far-off land? In short, for whom was she buying? + Indeed, for whom would she buy? He could think of one only—Marcus. + But he had made inquiries and Marcus was not in Rome. Indeed he had every + reason to believe that his rival was long dead, that his bones were + scattered among the tens of thousands which whitened the tumbled ruins of + the Holy City in Judæa. How could it be otherwise? He had last seen him + wounded, as he thought to death—and he should know, for the stroke + fell from his own hand—lying senseless in the Old Tower in + Jerusalem. Then he vanished away, and where Marcus had been Miriam was + found. Whither did he vanish, and if it was true that she succeeded in + hiding him in some secret hole, what chance was there that he could have + lived on without food and unsuccoured? Also if he lived, why had he not + appeared long before? Why was not so wealthy a Patrician and distinguished + a soldier riding in the triumphant train of Titus? + </p> + <p> + With black despair raging in his breast, he, Caleb, had seen Miriam + knocked down to the mysterious basket-laden stranger whom none could + recognise. He had seen her depart together with the auctioneer and a + servant, also basket-laden, to the office of the receiving house, whither + he had attempted to follow upon some pretext, only to be stopped by the + watchman. After this he hung about the door until he saw the auctioneer + appear alone, when it occurred to him that the purchaser and the purchased + must have departed by some other exit, perhaps in order to avoid further + observation. He ran round the building to find himself confronted only by + the empty, star-lit spaces of the Forum. Searching them with his eyes, for + one instant it seemed to him that far away he caught sight of a little + knot of figures climbing a black marble stair in the dark shadow of some + temple. He sped across the open space, he ran up the great stair, to find + at the head of it a young man in whom he recognised the auctioneer’s + clerk, gazing along a wide street as empty as was the stair. + </p> + <p> + The rest is known to us. He followed, and twice perceived the little group + of dark-robed figures hurrying round distant corners. Once he lost them + altogether, but a passer-by on his road to some feast told him courteously + enough which way they had gone. On he ran almost at hazard, to be rewarded + in the end by the sight of them vanishing through a narrow doorway in the + wall. He came to the door and saw that it was very massive. He tried it + even, it was locked. Then he thought of knocking, only to remember that to + state his business would probably be to meet his death. At such a place + and hour those who purchased beautiful slaves might have a sword waiting + for the heart of an unsuccessful rival who dared to follow them to their + haunts. + </p> + <p> + Caleb walked round the house, to find that it was a palace which seemed to + be deserted, although he thought that he saw light shining through one of + the shuttered windows. Now he knew the place again. It was here that the + procession had halted and one of the Roman soldiers who had committed the + crime of being taken captive escaped the taunts of the crowd by hurling + himself beneath the wheel of a great pageant car. Yes, there was no doubt + of it, for his blood still stained the dusty stones and by it lay a piece + of the broken distaff with which, in their mockery, they had girded the + poor man. They were gentle folk, these Romans! Why, measured by this + standard, some such doom would have fallen upon his rival, Marcus, for + Marcus also was taken prisoner—by himself. The thought made Caleb + smile, since well he knew that no braver soldier lived. Then came other + thoughts that pressed him closer. Somewhere in that great dead-looking + house was Miriam, as far off from him as though she were still in Judæa. + There was Miriam—and who was with her? The new-found lord who had + spent two thousand sestertia on her purchase? The thought of it almost + turned his brain. + </p> + <p> + Heretofore, the life of Caleb had been ruled by two passions—ambition + and the love of Miriam. He had aspired to be ruler of the Jews, perhaps + their king, and to this end had plotted and fought for the expulsion of + the Romans from Judæa. He had taken part in a hundred desperate battles. + Again and again he had risked his life; again and again he had escaped. + For one so young he had reached high rank, till he was numbered among the + first of their captains. + </p> + <p> + Then came the end, the last hideous struggle and the downfall. Once more + his life was left in him. Where men perished by the hundred thousand he + escaped, winning safety, not through the desire of it, but because of the + love of Miriam which drove him on to follow her. Happily for himself he + had hidden money, which, after the gift of his race, he was able to turn + to good account, so that now he, who had been a leader in war and council, + walked the world as a merchant in Eastern goods. All that glittering past + had gone from him; he might become wealthy, but, Jew as he was, he could + never be great nor fill his soul with the glory that it craved. There + remained to him, then, nothing but this passion for one woman among the + millions who dwelt beneath the sun, the girl who had been his playmate, + whom he loved from the beginning, although she had never loved him, and + whom he would love until the end. + </p> + <p> + Why had she not loved him? Because of his rival, that accursed Roman, + Marcus, the man whom time upon time he had tried to kill, but who had + always slipped like water from his hands. Well, if she was lost to him she + was lost to Marcus also, and from that thought he would take such comfort + as he might. Indeed he had no other, for during those dreadful hours the + fires of all Gehenna raged in his soul. He had lost—but who had + found her? + </p> + <p> + Throughout the long night Caleb tramped round the cold, empty-looking + palace, suffering perhaps as he had never suffered before, a thing to be + pitied of gods and men. At length the dawn broke and the light crept down + the splendid street, showing here and there groups of weary and + half-drunken revellers staggering homewards from the feast, flushed men + and dishevelled women. Others appeared also, humble and industrious + citizens going to their daily toil. Among them were people whose business + it was to clean the roads, abroad early this morning, for after the great + procession they thought that they might find articles of value let fall by + those who walked in it, or by the spectators. Two of these scavengers + began sweeping near the place where Caleb stood, and lightened their toil + by laughing at him, asking him if he had spent his night in the gutter and + whether he knew his way home. He replied that he waited for the doors of + the house to be opened. + </p> + <p> + “Which house?” they asked. “The ‘Fortunate House?’” and they pointed to + the marble palace of Marcus, which, as Caleb now saw for the first time, + had these words blazoned in gold letters on its portico. + </p> + <p> + He nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said one of them, “you will wait for some time, for that house is + no longer fortunate. Its owner is dead, killed in the wars, and no one + knows who his heir may be.” + </p> + <p> + “What was his name?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Marcus, the favourite of Nero, also called the Fortunate.” + </p> + <p> + Then, with a bitter curse upon his lips Caleb turned and walked away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI + </h2> + <h3> + THE JUDGMENT OF DOMITIAN + </h3> + <p> + Two hours had gone by and Caleb, with fury in his heart, sat brooding in + the office attached to the warehouse that he had hired. At that moment he + had but one desire—to kill his successful rival, Marcus. Marcus had + escaped and returned to Rome; of that there could be no doubt. He, one of + the wealthiest of its patricians, had furnished the vast sum which enabled + old Nehushta to buy the coveted Pearl-Maiden in the slave-ring. Then his + newly acquired property had been taken to this house, where he awaited + her. This then was the end of their long rivalry; for this he, Caleb, had + fought, toiled, schemed and suffered. Oh! rather than such a thing should + be, in that dark hour of his soul, he would have seen her cast to the foul + Domitian, for Domitian, at least, she would have hated, whereas Marcus, he + knew, she loved. + </p> + <p> + Now there remained nothing but revenge. Revenged he must be, but how? He + might dog Marcus and murder him, only then his own life would be hazarded, + since he knew well the fate that awaited the foreigner, and most of all + the Jew, who dared to lift his hand against a Roman noble, and if he hired + others to do the work they might bear evidence against him. Now Caleb did + not wish to die; life seemed the only good that he had left. Also, while + he lived he might still win Miriam—after his rival had ceased to + live. Doubtless, then she would be sold with his other slaves, and he + could buy her at the rate such tarnished goods command. No, he would do + nothing to run himself into danger. He would wait, wait and watch his + opportunity. + </p> + <p> + It was near at hand, for of old as to-day the king of evil was ever ready + to aid those who called upon him with sufficient earnestness. Indeed, even + as Caleb sat there in his office, there came a knock upon the door. + </p> + <p> + “Open!” he cried savagely, and through it entered a small man with + close-cropped hair and a keen, hard face which seemed familiar to him. + Just now, however, that face was somewhat damaged, for one of the eyes had + been blackened and a wound upon the temple was strapped with plaster. Also + its owner walked lame and continually twitched his shoulders as though + they gave him uneasiness. The stranger opened his lips to speak, and Caleb + knew him at once. He was the chamberlain of Domitian who had been outbid + by Nehushta in the slave ring. + </p> + <p> + “Greeting, noble Saturius,” he said. “Be seated, I pray, for it seems to + pain you to stand.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” answered the chamberlain, “still I had rather stand. I met + with an accident last night, a most unpleasant accident,” and he coughed + as though to cover up some word that leapt to his lips. “You also, worthy + Demetrius—that is your name, is it not?” he added, eyeing him keenly—“look + as though you had not slept well.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Caleb, “I also met with an accident—oh! nothing that + you can see—a slight internal injury which is, I fear, likely to + prove troublesome. Well, noble Saturius, how can I—serve you? + Anything in the way of Eastern shawls, for instance?” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, friend, no. I come to speak of shoulders, not shawls,” and + he twitched his own—“women’s shoulders, I mean. A remarkably fine + pair for their size had that Jewish captive, by the way, in whom you + seemed to take an interest last night—to the considerable extent + indeed of fourteen hundred sestertia.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Caleb, “they were well shaped.” + </p> + <p> + Then followed a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps as I am a busy man,” suggested Caleb presently, “you would not + mind coming to the point.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, I was but waiting for your leave. As you may have heard, I + represent a very noble person——” + </p> + <p> + “Who, I think, took an interest in the captive to the extent of fifteen + hundred sestertia,” suggested Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “Quite so—and whose interest unfortunately remains unabated, or + rather, I should say, that it is transferred.” + </p> + <p> + “To the gentleman whose deep feeling induced him to provide five hundred + more?” queried Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “Precisely. What intuition you have! It is a gift with which the East + endows her sons.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose you put the matter plainly, worthy Saturius.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, excellent Demetrius. The great person to whom I have alluded was + so moved when he heard of his loss that he actually burst into tears, and + even reproached me, whom he loves more dearly than his brother——” + </p> + <p> + “He might easily do that, if all reports are true,” said Caleb, drily, + adding, “Was it then that you met with your accident?” + </p> + <p> + “It was. Overcome at the sight of my royal master’s grief, I fell down.” + </p> + <p> + “Into a well, I suppose, since you managed to injure your eye, your back, + and your leg all at once. There—I understand—these things will + happen—in the households of the Great where the floors are so + slippery that the most wary feet may slide. But that does not console the + sufferer whose hurt remains, does it?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Saturius with a snarl, “but until he is in a position to + relay the floors, he must find chalk for his sandals and ointment for his + back. I want the purchaser’s name, and thought perhaps that you might have + it, for the old woman has vanished, and that fool of an auctioneer knows + absolutely nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you want his name?” + </p> + <p> + “Because Domitian wants his head. An unnatural desire indeed that devours + him; still one which, to be frank, I find it important to satisfy.” + </p> + <p> + Of a sudden a great light seemed to shine in Caleb’s mind, it was as + though a candle had been lit in a dark room. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said. “And supposing I can show him how to get this head, even + how to get it without any scandal, do you think that in return he would + leave me the lady’s hand? You see I knew her in her youth and take a + brotherly interest in her.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so, just like Domitian and the two thousand sestertia man and, + indeed, half the male population of Rome, who, when they saw her yesterday + were moved by the same family feeling. Well, I don’t see why he shouldn’t. + You see my master never cared for pearls that were not perfectly white, or + admired ladies upon whom report cast the slightest breath of scandal. But + he is of a curiously jealous disposition, and it is, I think, the head + that he requires, not the hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Had you not better make yourself clear upon the point before we go any + further?” asked Caleb. “Otherwise I do not feel inclined to undertake a + very difficult and dangerous business.” + </p> + <p> + “With pleasure. Now would you let me have your demands, in writing, + perhaps. Oh! of course, I understand—to be answered in writing.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb took parchment and pen and wrote: + </p> + <p> + “A free pardon, with full liberty to travel, live and trade throughout the + Roman empire, signed by the proper authorities, to be granted to one + Caleb, the son of Hilliel, for the part he took in the Jewish war. + </p> + <p> + “A written promise, signed by the person concerned, that if the head he + desires is put within his reach the Jewish slave named Pearl-Maiden shall + be handed over at once to Demetrius, the merchant of Alexandria, whose + property she shall become absolutely and without question.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all,” he said, giving the paper to Saturius. “The Caleb spoken of + is a Jewish friend of mine to whom I am anxious to do a good turn, without + whose help and evidence I should be quite unable to perform my share of + the bargain. Being very shy and timid—his nerves were much shattered + during the siege of Jerusalem—he will not stir without this + authority, which, by the way, will require the signature of Titus Cæsar, + duly witnessed. Well, that is merely an offering to friendship; of course + <i>my</i> fee is the reversion to the lady, whom I desire to restore to + her relations, who mourn her loss in Judæa.” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely—quite so,” replied Saturius. “Pray do not trouble to + explain further. I have always found those of Alexandria most excellent + merchants. Well, I hope to be back within two hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Mind you come alone. As I have told you, everything depends upon this + Caleb, and if he is in any way alarmed there is an end of the affair. He + only has a possible key to the mystery. Should it be lost your patron will + never get his head, and I shall never get my hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! bid the timid Caleb have no fear. Who would wish to harm a dirty + Jewish deserter from his cause and people? Let him come out of his sewer + and look upon the sun. The Cæsars do not war with carrion rats. Most + worthy Demetrius, I go swiftly, as I hope to return again with all you + need.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, most noble Saturius, and for both our sakes—remember that the + palace floor is slippery, and do not get another fall, for it might finish + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I am in deep waters, but I think that I can swim well,” reflected Caleb + as the door closed behind his visitor. “At any rate it gives me a chance + who have no other, and that prince is playing for revenge, not love. What + can Miriam be to him beyond the fancy of an hour, of which a thief has + robbed him? Doubtless he wishes to kill the thief, but kings do not care + for faded roses, which are only good enough to weave the chaplet of a + merchant of Alexandria. So I cast for the last time, let the dice fall as + it is fated.” + </p> + <p> + Very shortly afterwards in the palace of Domitian the dice began to fall. + Humbly, most humbly, did that faithful chamberlain, Saturius, lay the + results of his mission before his august master, Domitian, who suffering + from a severe bilious attack that had turned his ruddy complexion to a + dingy yellow, and made the aspect of his pale eyes more unpleasant than + usual, was propped up among cushions, sniffing attar of roses and dabbing + vinegar water upon his forehead. + </p> + <p> + He listened indifferently to the tale of his jackal, until the full + meaning of the terms asked by the mysterious Eastern merchant penetrated + his sodden brain. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” he said, “the man wants Pearl-Maiden; that’s his share, while mine + is the life of the fellow who bought her, whoever he may be. Are you still + mad, man, that you should dare to lay such a proposal before me? Don’t you + understand that I need both the woman and the blood of him who dared to + cheat me out of her?” + </p> + <p> + “Most divine prince, I understand perfectly, but this fish is only biting; + he must be tempted or he will tell nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not bring him here and torture him?” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of that, but those Jews are so obstinate. While you were + twisting the truth out of him the other man would escape with the girl. + Much better promise everything he asks and then——” + </p> + <p> + “And then—what?” + </p> + <p> + “And then forget your promises. What can be simpler?” + </p> + <p> + “But he needs them in writing.” + </p> + <p> + “Let him have them in writing, my writing, which your divine self can + repudiate. Only the pardon to Caleb, who I suppose is this Demetrius + himself, can be signed by Titus. It will not affect you whether a Jew more + or less has the right to trade in the Empire, if thereby you can win his + services in an important matter. Then, when the time comes, you can net + both your unknown rival and the lady, leaving our friend Demetrius to + report the facts to her relatives in Judæa, for whom, as he states, he is + alone concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “Saturius,” said Domitian, growing interested, “you are not so foolish as + I thought you were. Decidedly that trouble last night has quickened your + wits. Be so good as to stop wriggling your shoulders, will you, it makes + me nervous, and I wish that you would have that eye of yours painted. You + know that I cannot bear the sight of black; it reminds me, who am by + nature joyous and light-hearted as a child, of melancholy things. Now + forge a letter for my, or rather for your signature, promising the + reversion of Pearl-Maiden to this Demetrius. Then bear my greetings to + Titus, begging his signature to an order granting the desired privileges + to one Caleb, a Jew who fought against him at Jerusalem—with less + success than I could have wished—whom I desire to favour.” + </p> + <p> + Three hours later Saturius presented himself for the second time in the + office of the Alexandrian merchant. + </p> + <p> + “Most worthy Demetrius,” he said, “I congratulate you. Everything has been + arranged as you wish. Here is the order, signed by Titus and duly + witnessed, granting to you—I mean to your friend, Caleb—pardon + for whatever he may have done in Judæa, and permission to live and trade + anywhere that he may wish within the bounds of the Empire. I may tell you + that it was obtained with great difficulty, since Titus, worn out with + toil and glory, leaves this very day for his villa by the sea, where he is + ordered by his physicians to rest three months, taking no part whatever in + affairs. Does the document satisfy you?” + </p> + <p> + Caleb examined the signatures and seals. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be in order,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It is in order, excellent Demetrius. Caleb can now appear in the Forum, + if it pleases him, and lecture upon the fall of Jerusalem for the benefit + of the vulgar. Well, here also is a letter from the divine—or rather + the half divine—Domitian to yourself, Demetrius of Alexandria, also + witnessed by myself and sealed. It promises to you that if you give + evidence enabling him to arrest that miscreant who dared to bid against + him—no, do not be alarmed, the lady was not knocked down to you—you + shall be allowed to take possession of her or to buy her at a reasonable + valuation, not to exceed fifteen sestertia. That is as much as she will + fetch now in the open market. Are you satisfied with this document?” + </p> + <p> + Caleb read and scrutinised the letter. + </p> + <p> + “The signatures of Domitian and of yourself as witness seem much alike,” + he remarked suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “Somewhat,” replied Saturius, with an airy gesture. “In royal houses it is + customary for chamberlains to imitate the handwriting of their imperial + masters.” + </p> + <p> + “And their morals—no, they have none—their manners also,” + commented Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “At the least,” went on Saturius, “you will acknowledge the seals——” + </p> + <p> + “Which might be borrowed. Well, I will take the risk, for if there is + anything wrong about these papers I am sure that the prince Domitian would + not like to see them exhibited in a court of law.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” answered Saturius, with a relief which he could not altogether + conceal. “And now for the culprit’s name.” + </p> + <p> + “The culprit’s name,” said Caleb, leaning forward and speaking slowly, “is + Marcus, who served as one of Titus Cæsar’s prefects of horse in the + campaign of Judæa. He bought the lady Miriam, commonly known as + Pearl-Maiden, by the agency of Nehushta, an old Libyan woman, who conveyed + her to his house in the Via Agrippa, which is known as the ‘Fortunate + House,’ where doubtless, she now is.” + </p> + <p> + “Marcus,” said Saturius. “Why, he was reported dead, and the matter of the + succession to his great estates is now being debated, for he was the heir + of his uncle, Caius, the pro-consul, who amassed a vast fortune in Spain. + Also after the death of the said Caius, this Marcus was a favourite of the + late divine Nero, who constituted him guardian of some bust of which he + was enamoured. In short, he is a great man, if, as you say, he still + lives, whom even Domitian will find it hard to meddle with. But how do you + know all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Through my friend Caleb. Caleb followed the black hag, Nehushta, and the + beautiful Pearl-Maiden to the very house of Marcus, which he saw them + enter. Marcus who was her lover, yonder in Judæa——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! never mind the rest of the story, I understand it all. But you have + not yet shown that Marcus was in the house, and if he was, bad taste as it + may have been to bid against the prince Domitian, well, at a public + auction it is lawful.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye—es, but if Marcus has committed a crime, could he not be + punished for that crime?” + </p> + <p> + “Without doubt. But what crime has Marcus committed?” + </p> + <p> + “The crime of being taken prisoner by the Jews and escaping from them with + his life, for which, by an edict of Titus, whose laws are those of the + Medes and Persians, the punishment is death, or at the least, banishment + and degradation.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and who can prove all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb can, because he took him prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “And where,” asked Saturius in exasperation, “where is this thrice + accursed cur, Caleb?” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” answered Demetrius. “I am Caleb, O thrice blessed chamberlain, + Saturius.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said Saturius. “Well, that makes things more simple. And now, + friend Demetrius—you prefer that name, do you not—what do you + propose?” + </p> + <p> + “I propose that the necessary documents should be procured, which, to your + master, will not be difficult; that Marcus should be arrested in his + house, put upon his trial and condemned under the edict of Titus, and that + the girl, Pearl-Maiden, should be handed over to me, who will at once + remove her from Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said Saturius. “Titus having gone, leaving Domitian in charge of + military affairs, the thing, as it chances, is easy, though any sentence + that may be passed must be confirmed by Cæsar himself. And now, again + farewell. If our man is in Rome, he shall be taken to-night, and to-morrow + your evidence may be wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “Will the girl be handed over to me then?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” replied Saturius, “but of course I cannot say for certain, + as there may be legal difficulties in the way which would hinder her + immediate re-sale. However, you may rely upon me to do the best I can for + you.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be to your advantage,” answered Caleb significantly. “Shall we + say—fifty sestertia on receipt of the slave?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if you wish it, if you wish it, for gifts cement the hearts of + friends. On account? Well, to a man with many expenses, five sestertia + always come in useful. You know what it is in these palaces, so little pay + and so much to keep up. Thank you, dear Demetrius, I will give you and the + lady a supper out of the money—when you get her,” he added to + himself as he left the office. + </p> + <p> + When early on the following morning Caleb came to his warehouse from the + dwelling where he slept, he found waiting for him two men dressed in the + livery of Domitian, who demanded that he would accompany them to the + palace of the prince. + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “To give evidence in a trial,” they said. + </p> + <p> + Then he knew that he had made no mistake, that his rival was caught, and + in the rage of his burning jealousy, such jealousy as only an Eastern can + feel, his heart bounded with joy. Still, as he trudged onward through + streets glittering in the morning sunlight, Caleb’s conscience told him + that not thus should this rival be overcome, that he who went to accuse + the brave Marcus of cowardice was himself a coward, and that from the lie + which he was about to act if not to speak, could spring no fruit of peace + or happiness. But he was mad and blind. He could think only of Miriam—the + woman whom he loved with all his passionate nature and whose life he had + preserved at the risk of his own—fallen at last into the arms of his + rival. He would wrench her thence, yes, even at the price of his own + honour and of her life-long agony, and, if it might be, leave those arms + cold in death, as often already he had striven to do. When Marcus was dead + perhaps she would forgive him. At the least he would occupy his place. She + would be his slave, to whom, notwithstanding all that had been, he would + give the place of wife. Then, after a little while, seeing how good and + tender he was to her, surely she must forget this Roman who had taken her + girlish fancy and learn to love him. + </p> + <p> + Now they were passing the door of the palace. In the outer hall Saturius + met them and motioned to the slaves to stand back. + </p> + <p> + “So you have them,” said Caleb, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, or to be exact, one of them. The lady has vanished.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb staggered back a pace. + </p> + <p> + “Vanished! Where?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish that I could tell you. I thought that perhaps you knew. At least + we found Marcus alone in his house, which he was about to leave, + apparently to follow Titus. But come, the court awaits you.” + </p> + <p> + “If she has gone, why should I come?” said Caleb, hanging back. + </p> + <p> + “I really don’t know, but you must. Here, slaves, escort this witness.” + </p> + <p> + Then seeing that it was too late to change his mind, Caleb waved them back + and followed Saturius. Presently they entered an inner hall, lofty, but + not large. At the head of it, clad in the purple robes of his royal house, + sat Domitian in a chair, while to his right and left were narrow tables, + at which were gathered five or six Roman officers, those of Domitian’s own + bodyguard, bare-headed, but arrayed in their mail. Also there were two + scribes with their tablets, a man dressed in a lawyer’s robe, who seemed + to fill the office of prosecutor, and some soldiers on guard. + </p> + <p> + When Caleb entered, Domitian, who, notwithstanding his youthful, ruddy + countenance, looked in a very evil mood, was engaged in talking earnestly + to the lawyer. Glancing up, he saw him and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Is that the Jew who gives evidence, Saturius?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, it is the man,” answered the chamberlain; “also the other + witness waits without.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. Then bring in the accused.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, till presently Caleb heard footsteps behind him and + looked round to see Marcus advancing up the hall with a proud and martial + air. Their eyes met, and for an instant Marcus stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” he said aloud, “the Jew Caleb. Now I understand.” Then he marched + forward and gave the military salute to the prince. + </p> + <p> + Domitian stared at him with hate in his pale eyes, and said carelessly: + </p> + <p> + “Is this the accused? What is the charge?” + </p> + <p> + “The charge is,” said the lawyer, “that the accused Marcus, a prefect of + horse serving with Titus Cæsar in Judæa, suffered himself to be taken + prisoner by the Jews when in command of a large body of Roman troops, + contrary to the custom of the army and to the edict issued by Titus Cæsar + at the commencement of the siege of Jerusalem. This edict commanded that + no soldier should be taken alive, and that any soldier who was taken alive + and subsequently rescued, or who made good his escape, should be deemed + worthy of death, or at the least of degradation from his rank and + banishment. My lord Marcus, do you plead guilty to the charge?” + </p> + <p> + “First, I ask,” said Marcus, “what court is this before which I am put + upon my trial? If I am to be tried I demand that it shall be by my + general, Titus.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said the prosecutor, “you should have reported yourself to Titus + upon your arrival in Rome. Now he has gone to where he may not be + troubled, leaving the charge of military matters in the hands of his + Imperial brother, the Prince Domitian, who, with these officers, is + therefore your lawful judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” broke in Domitian with bitter malice, “the lord Marcus was too + much occupied with other pursuits on his arrival in Rome to find time to + explain his conduct to the Cæsar Titus.” + </p> + <p> + “I was about to follow him to do so when I was seized,” said Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “Then you put the matter off a little too long. Now you can explain it + here,” answered Domitian. + </p> + <p> + Then the prosecutor took up the tale, saying that it had been ascertained + on inquiry that the accused, accompanied by an old woman, arrived in Rome + upon horseback early on the morning of the Triumph; that he went straight + to his house, which was called “The House Fortunate,” where he lay hid all + day; that in the evening he sent out the old woman and a slave carrying on + their backs a great sum of gold in baskets, with which gold he purchased a + certain fair Jewish captive, known as Pearl-Maiden, at a public auction in + the Forum. This Pearl-Maiden, it would seem, was taken to his house, but + when he was arrested on the morrow neither she nor the old woman were + found there. The accused, he might add, was arrested just as he was about + to leave the house, as he stated, in order to report himself to Titus + Cæsar, who had already departed from Rome. This was the case in brief, and + to prove it he called a certain Jew named Caleb, who was now living in + Rome, having received an amnesty given by the hand of Titus. This Jew was + now a merchant who traded under the name of Demetrius. + </p> + <p> + Then Caleb stood forward and told his tale. In answer to questions that + were put to him, he related how he was in command of a body of the Jews + which fought an action with the Roman troops at a place called the Old + Tower, a few days before the capture of the Temple. In the course of this + action he parleyed with a captain of the Romans, the Prefect Marcus, who + now stood before him, and at the end of the parley challenged him to + single combat. As Marcus refused the encounter and tried to run away, he + struck him on the back with the back of his sword. Thereon a fight ensued + in which he, the witness, had the advantage. Being wounded, the accused + let fall his sword, sank to his knees and asked for mercy. The fray having + now become general he, Caleb, dragged his prisoner into the Old Tower and + returned to the battle. + </p> + <p> + When he went back to the Tower it was to find that the captive had + vanished, leaving in his place a lady who was known to the Romans as + Pearl-Maiden, and who was afterwards taken by them and exposed for sale in + the Forum, where she was purchased by an old woman whom he recognised as + her nurse. He followed the maiden, having bid for her and being curious as + to her destination, to a house in the Via Agrippa, which he afterwards + learned was the palace of the accused Marcus. That was all he knew of the + matter. + </p> + <p> + Then the prosecutor called a soldier, who stated that he had been under + the command of Marcus on the day in question. There he saw the Jew leader, + whom he identified with Caleb, at the conclusion of a parley strike the + accused, Marcus, on the back with the flat of his sword. After this ensued + a fight, in which the Romans were repulsed. At the end of it, he saw their + captain, Marcus, being led away prisoner. His sword had gone and blood was + running from the side of his head. + </p> + <p> + The evidence being concluded, Marcus was asked if he had anything to say + in defence. + </p> + <p> + “Much,” he answered proudly, “when I am given a fair trial. I desire to + call the men of my legion who were with me, none of whom I see here to-day + except that man who has given evidence against me, a rogue whom, I + remember, I caused to be scourged for theft, and dismissed his company. + But they are in Egypt, so how can I summon them? As for the Jew, he is an + old enemy of mine, who was guilty of murder in his youth, and whom once I + overcame in a duel in Judæa, sparing his life. It is true that when my + back was turned he struck me with his sword, and as I flew at him smote me + a blow upon the head, from the effects of which I became senseless. In + this state I was taken prisoner and lay for weeks sick in a vault, in the + care of some people of the Jews, who nursed me. From them I escaped to + Rome, desiring to report myself to Titus Cæsar, my master. I appeal to + Titus Cæsar.” + </p> + <p> + “He is absent and I represent him,” said Domitian. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” answered Marcus, “I appeal to Vespasian Cæsar, to whom I will tell + all. I am a Roman noble of no mean rank, and I have a right to be tried by + Cæsar, not by a packed court, whose president has a grudge against me for + private matters.” + </p> + <p> + “Insolent!” shouted Domitian. “Your appeal shall be laid before Cæsar, as + it must—that is, if he will hear it. Tell us now, where is that + woman whom you bought in the Forum, for we desire her testimony?” + </p> + <p> + “Prince, I do not know,” answered Marcus. “It is true that she came to my + house, but then and there I gave her freedom and she departed from it with + her nurse, nor can I tell whither she went.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that you were only a coward, but it seems that you are a liar + as well,” sneered Domitian. Then he consulted with the officers and added, + “We judge the case to be proved against you, and for having disgraced the + Roman arms, when, rather than be taken prisoner, many a meaner man died by + his own hand, you are worthy of whatever punishment it pleases Cæsar to + inflict. Meanwhile, till his pleasure is known, I command that you shall + be confined in the private rooms of the military prison near the Temple of + Mars, and that if you attempt to escape thence you shall be put to death. + You have liberty to draw up your case in writing, that it may be + transmitted to Cæsar, my father, together with a transcript of the + evidence against you.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” replied Marcus bitterly, “I am tempted to do what you say I should + have done before, die by my own hand, rather than endure such shameful + words and this indignity. But that my honour will not suffer. When Cæsar + has heard my case and when Titus, my general, also gives his verdict + against me, I will die, but not before. You, Prince, and you, Captains, + who have never drawn sword outside the streets of Rome, you call me + coward, me, who have served with honour through five campaigns, who, from + my youth till now have been in arms, and this upon the evidence of a + renegade Jew who, for years, has been my private enemy, and of a soldier + whom I scourged as a thief. Look now upon this breast and say if it is + that of a coward!” and rending his robes asunder, Marcus exposed his + bosom, scarred with four white wounds. “Call my comrades, those with whom + I have fought in Gaul, in Sicily, in Egypt and in Judæa, and ask them if + Marcus is a coward? Ask that Jew even, to whom I gave his life, whether + Marcus is a coward?” + </p> + <p> + “Have done with your boasting,” said Domitian, “and hide those scratches. + You were taken prisoner by the Jews—it is enough. You have your + prayer, your case shall go to Cæsar. If the tale you tell is true you + would produce that woman who is said to have rescued you from the Jews and + whom you purchased as a slave. When you do this we will take her evidence. + Till then to your prison with you. Guards, remove the man Marcus, called + the Fortunate, once a Prefect of Horse in the army of Judæa.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII + </h2> + <h3> + THE BISHOP CYRIL + </h3> + <p> + On the morning following the day of the Triumph Julia, the wife of Gallus, + was seated in her bed-chamber looking out at the yellow waters of the + Tiber that ran almost beneath its window. She had risen at dawn and + attended to the affairs of her household, and now retired to rest and + pray. Mingled with the Roman crowd on the yesterday she had seen Miriam, + whom she loved, marching wearily through the streets of Rome. Then, able + to bear no more, she went home, leaving Gallus to follow the last acts of + the drama. About nine o’clock that night he joined her and told her the + story of the sale of Miriam for a vast sum of money, since, standing in + the shadow beyond the light of the torches, he had been a witness of the + scene at the slave-market. Domitian had been outbid, and their + Pearl-Maiden was knocked down to an old woman with a basket on her back + who looked like a witch, after which she vanished with her purchaser. That + was all he knew for certain. Julia thought it little enough, and + reproached her husband for his stupidity in not learning more. Still, + although she seemed to be vexed, at heart she rejoiced. Into whoever’s + hand the maid had fallen, for a while at least she had escaped the vile + Domitian. + </p> + <p> + Now, as she sat and prayed, Gallus being abroad to gather more tidings if + he could, she heard the courtyard door open, but took no notice of it, + thinking that it was but the servant who returned from market. Presently, + however, as she knelt, a shadow fell upon her and Julia looked up to see + Miriam, none other than Miriam, and with her a dark-skinned, aged woman, + whom she did not know. + </p> + <p> + “How come you here?” she gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! mother,” answered the girl in a low and thrilling voice, “mother, by + the mercy of God and by the help of this Nehushta, of whom I have often + told you, and—of another, I am escaped from Domitian, and return to + you free and unharmed.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me that story,” said Julia, “for I do not understand. The thing + sounds incredible.” + </p> + <p> + So Miriam told her tale. When it was done, Julia said: + </p> + <p> + “Heathen though he is, this Marcus must be a noble-hearted man, whom may + Heaven reward.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Miriam with a sigh, “may Heaven reward him, as I wish I + might.” + </p> + <p> + “As you would have done had I not stayed you,” put in Nehushta. Her voice + was severe, but as she spoke something that Julia took to be a smile was + seen for an instant on her grim features. + </p> + <p> + “Well, friend, well,” said Julia, “we have all of us fallen into + temptation from time to time.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, lady,” answered Nehushta, “but speak for yourself. I never + fell into any temptation—from a man. I know too much of men.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, friend,” replied Julia, “return thanks for the good armour of your + wisdom. For my part, I say that, like the lord Marcus, this maid has acted + well, and my prayer is that she also may not lose her reward.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine is,” commented Nehushta, “that Marcus may escape the payment which + he will doubtless receive from the hand of Domitian if he can hunt him + out,” a remark at which the face of Miriam grew very troubled. + </p> + <p> + Just then Gallus returned, and to him the whole history had to be told + anew. + </p> + <p> + “It is wonderful,” he said, “wonderful! I never heard the like of it. Two + people who love each other and who, when their hour comes, separate over + some question of faith, or rather in obedience to a command laid upon one + of them by a lady who died years and years ago. Wonderful—and I hope + wise, though had I been the man concerned I should have taken another + counsel.” + </p> + <p> + “What counsel, husband?” asked Julia. + </p> + <p> + “Well—to get away from Rome with the lady as far as possible, and + without more delay than was necessary. It seems to me that under the + circumstances it would have been best for her to consider her scruples in + another land. You see Domitian is not a Christian any more than Marcus is, + and our maid here does not like Domitian and does like Marcus. No, it is + no good arguing the thing is done, but I think that you Christians might + very well add two new saints to your calendar. And now to breakfast, which + we all need after so much night duty.” + </p> + <p> + So they went and ate, but during that meal Gallus was very silent, as was + his custom when he set his brain to work. Presently he asked: + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, Miriam, did any see you or your companion enter here?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I think not,” she answered, “for as it chanced the door of the + courtyard was ajar and the servant has not yet returned.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” he said. “When she does return I will meet her and send her out on + a long errand.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Because it is as well that none should know what guests we have till they + are gone again.” + </p> + <p> + “Until they are gone again!” repeated Julia, astonished. “Surely you would + not drive this maid, who has become to us as our daughter, from your + door?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I would, wife, for that dear maid’s sake,” and he took Miriam’s + little hand in his great palm and pressed it. “Listen now,” he went on, + “Miriam, the Jewish captive, has dwelt in our care these many months, has + she not, as is known to all, is it not? Well, if any one wants to find + her, where will they begin by looking?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye! where?” echoed Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + “Why should any one wish to find her?” asked Julia. “She was bought in the + slave-market for a great price by the lord Marcus, who, of his own will, + has set her at liberty. Now, therefore, she is a free woman whom none can + touch.” + </p> + <p> + “A free woman!” answered Gallus with scorn. “Is any woman free in Rome + upon whom Domitian has set his mind? Surely, you Christians are too + innocent for this world. Peace now, for there is no time to lose. Julia, + do you cloak yourself and go seek that high-priest of yours, Cyril, who + also loves this maid. Tell the tale to him, and say that if he would save + her from great dangers he had best find some secret hiding-place among the + Christians, for her and her companion, until means can be found to ship + them far from Rome. What think you of that plan, my Libyan friend?” + </p> + <p> + “I think that it is good, but not good enough,” answered Nehushta. “I + think that we had best depart with the lady, your wife, this very hour, + for who can tell how soon the dogs will be laid upon our slot?” + </p> + <p> + “And what say you, maid Miriam?” asked Gallus. + </p> + <p> + “I? Oh! I thank you for your thought, and I say—let us hide in any + place you will, even a drain or a stable, if it will save me from + Domitian.” + </p> + <p> + Two hours later, in a humble and densely peopled quarter of the city, such + as in our own day we should call a slum, where folk were employed making + those articles which ministered to the comfort or the luxury of the more + fortunate, a certain master-carpenter known as Septimus was seated at his + mid-day meal in a little chamber above his workshop. His hands were rough + with toil, and the dust of his trade was upon his garments and even + powdered over his long gray beard, so that at first sight it would not + have been easy to recognise in him that Cyril who was a bishop among the + Christians. Yet it was he, one of the foremost of the Faith in Rome. + </p> + <p> + A woman entered the room and spoke with him in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “The dame Julia, the wife of Gallus, and two others with her?” he said. + “Well, we need fear none whom she brings; lead them hither.” + </p> + <p> + Presently the door opened and Julia appeared, followed by two veiled + figures. He raised his hands to bless her, then checked himself. + </p> + <p> + “Daughter, who are these?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Declare yourselves,” said Julia, and at her bidding Miriam and Nehushta + unveiled. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of Miriam’s face the bishop started, then turned to study + that of her companion. + </p> + <p> + “Who vouches for this woman?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I vouch for myself,” answered Nehushta, “seeing that I am a Christian who + received baptism a generation since at the hands of the holy John, and who + stood to pay the price of faith in the arena at Cæsarea.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this so?” asked the bishop of Miriam. + </p> + <p> + “It is so,” she answered. “This Libyan was the servant of my grandmother. + She nursed both my mother and myself, and many a time has saved my life. + Have no fear, she is faithful.” + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon,” said the bishop with a grave smile and addressing Nehushta, + “but you who are old will know that the Christian who entertains strangers + sometimes entertains a devil.” Then he lifted up his hands and blessed + them, greeting them in the name of their Master. + </p> + <p> + “So, maid Miriam,” he said, still smiling, “it would seem that I was no + false prophet, and though you walked in the Triumph and were sold in the + slave-ring—for this much I have heard—still the Angel of the + Lord went with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Father, he went with me,” she answered, “and he leads me here.” + </p> + <p> + Then they told him all the tale, and how Miriam sought a refuge from + Domitian. He looked at her, stroking his long beard. + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything you can do?” he asked. “Anything useful, I mean? But + perhaps that is a foolish question, seeing that women—especially + those who are well-favoured—do not learn a trade.” + </p> + <p> + “I have learnt a trade,” answered Miriam, flushing a little. “Once I was + held of some account as a sculptor; indeed I have heard that your Emperor + Nero decreed divine honours to a bust from my hand.” + </p> + <p> + The bishop laughed outright. “The Emperor Nero! Well, the poor madman has + gone to his own place, so let us say no more of him. But I heard of that + bust; indeed I saw it; it was a likeness of Marcus Fortunatus, was it not, + and in its fashion a great work? But our people do not make such things; + we are artisans, not artists.” + </p> + <p> + “The artisan should be an artist,” said Miriam, setting her mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, but as a rule he isn’t. Do you think that you could mould + lamps?” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing I should like better, that is if I am not forced to copy + one pattern,” she added as an afterthought. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said the bishop, “I think, daughter, that I can show you how to + earn a living, where none are likely to seek for you.” + </p> + <p> + Not a hundred paces away from the carpenter’s shop where the master + craftsman, Septimus, worked, was another manufactory, in which vases, + basins, lamps, and all such articles were designed, moulded and baked. The + customers who frequented the place, wholesale merchants for the most part, + noted from and after the day of this interview a new workwoman, who, so + far as her rough blouse permitted them to judge, seemed to be young and + pretty, seated in a corner apart, beneath a window by the light of which + she laboured. Later on they observed also, those of them who had any + taste, that among the lamps produced by the factory appeared some of + singular and charming design, so good, indeed, that although the makers + reaped little extra benefit, the middlemen found no difficulty in + disposing of these pieces at a high price. All day long Miriam sat + fashioning them, while old Nehushta, who had learnt something of the task + years ago by Jordan, prepared and tempered the clay and carried the + finished work to the furnace. + </p> + <p> + Now, though none would have guessed it, in this workshop all the labourers + were Christians, and the product of their toil was cast into a common + treasury on the proceeds of which they lived, taking, each of them, such + share as their elders might decree, and giving the surplus to brethren who + had need, or to the sick. Connected with these shops were lodging houses, + mean enough to look at, but clean within. At the top of one of them, up + three flights of narrow stairs, Miriam and Nehushta dwelt in a large attic + that was very hot when the sun shone on the roof, and very cold in the + bitter winds and rains of winter. In other respects, however, the room was + not unpleasant, since being so high there were few smells and little + noise; also the air that blew in at the windows was fresh and odorous of + the open lands beyond the city. + </p> + <p> + So there they dwelt in peace, for none came to search for the costly and + beautiful Pearl-Maiden in those squalid courts, occupied by working folk + of the meaner sort. By day they laboured, and at night they rested, + ministering and ministered to in the community of Christian brotherhood, + and, notwithstanding their fears and anxieties for themselves and another, + were happier than they had been for years. So the weeks went by. + </p> + <p> + Very soon tidings came to them, for these Christians knew of all that + passed in the great city; also, when they met in the catacombs at night, + as was their custom, especially upon the Lord’s Day, Julia gave them news. + From her they learned that they had done wisely to flee her house. Within + three hours of their departure, indeed before Julia had returned there, + officers arrived to inquire whether they had seen anything of the Jewish + captive named Pearl-Maiden, who had been sold in the Forum on the previous + night, and, as they said, escaped from her purchaser, on whose behalf they + searched. Gallus received them, and, not being a Christian, lied boldly, + vowing that he had seen nothing of the girl since he gave her over into + the charge of the servants of Cæsar upon the morning of the Triumph. So + suspecting no guile they departed and troubled his household no more. + </p> + <p> + From the palace of Domitian Marcus was taken to his prison near the Temple + of Mars. Here, because of his wealth and rank, because also he made appeal + to Cæsar and was therefore as yet uncondemned of any crime, he found + himself well treated. Two good rooms were given him to live in, and his + own steward, Stephanus, was allowed to attend him and provide him with + food and all he needed. Also upon giving his word that he would attempt no + escape, he was allowed to walk in the gardens between the prison and the + Temple, and to receive his friends at any hour of the day. His first + visitor was the chamberlain, Saturius, who began by condoling with him + over his misfortune and most undeserved position. Marcus cut him short. + </p> + <p> + “Why am I here?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Because, most noble Marcus, you have been so unlucky as to incur the + displeasure of a very powerful man.” + </p> + <p> + “Why does Domitian persecute me?” he asked again. + </p> + <p> + “How innocent are you soldiers!” said the chamberlain. “I will answer your + question by another. Why do you buy beautiful captives upon whom royalty + chances to have set its heart?” + </p> + <p> + Marcus thought a moment, then said, “Is there any way out of this + trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord Marcus, I came to show you one. Nobody really believes that you + of all men failed in your duty out there in Jerusalem. Why, the thing is + absurd, as even those carpet-captains before whom you were tried knew + well. Still, your position is most awkward. There is evidence against you—of + a sort. Vespasian will not interfere, for he is aware that this is some + private matter of Domitian’s, and having had one quarrel with his son over + the captive, Pearl-Maiden, he does not wish for another over the man who + bought her. No, he will say—this prefect was one of the friends and + officers of Titus, let Titus settle the affair as it may please him when + he returns.” + </p> + <p> + “At least Titus will do me justice,” said Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, without doubt, but what will that justice be? Titus issued an edict. + Have you ever known him to go back upon his edicts, even to save a friend? + Titus declared throughout his own camps those Romans who were taken + prisoner by the Jews to be worthy of death or disgrace, and two of them, + common men and cowards, have been publicly disgraced in the eyes of Rome. + You were taken prisoner by the Jews and have returned alive, unfortunately + for yourself, to incur the dislike of Domitian, who has raked up a matter + that otherwise never would have been mooted.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he says to Titus—“Show justice and no favour, as you showed + in the case of the captive Pearl-Maiden, whom you refused to the prayer of + your only brother, saying that she must be sold according to your decree. + Even if he loves you dearly, as I believe he does, what, my lord Marcus, + can Titus answer to that argument, especially as he also seeks no further + quarrel with Domitian?” + </p> + <p> + “You said you came to show me a way to safety—yet you tell me that + my feet are set in the path of disgrace and death. Must this way of yours, + then, be paved with gold?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Saturius drily, “with pearls. Oh! I will be plain. Give up + that necklace—and its wearer. What do you answer?” + </p> + <p> + Now Marcus understood, and a saying that he heard on the lips of Miriam + arose in his mind, though he knew not whence it came. + </p> + <p> + “I answer,” he said with set face and flashing eyes, “that I will not cast + pearls before swine.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty message from a prisoner to his judge,” replied the chamberlain + with a curious smile. “But have no fear, noble Marcus, it shall not be + delivered. I am not paid to tell my royal master the truth. Think again.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought,” answered Marcus. “I do not know where the maiden is and + therefore cannot deliver her to Domitian, nor would I if I could. Rather + will I be disgraced and perish.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose,” mused Saturius, “that this is what they call true love, and + to speak plainly,” he added with a burst of candour, “I find it admirable + and worthy of a noble Roman. My lord Marcus, my mission has failed, yet I + pray that the Fates may order your deliverance from your enemies, and, in + reward for these persecutions, bring back to you unharmed that maiden whom + you desire, but whom I go to seek. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Two days later Stephanus, the steward of Marcus who waited upon him in his + prison, announced that a man who said his name was Septimus wished speech + with him, but would say nothing of his business. + </p> + <p> + “Admit him,” said Marcus, “for I grow weary of my own company,” and + letting his head fall upon his hand he stared through the bars of his + prison window. + </p> + <p> + Presently he heard a sound behind him, and looked round to see an old man + clad in the robe of a master-workman, whose pure and noble face seemed in + a strange contrast to his rough garments and toil-scarred hands. + </p> + <p> + “Be seated and tell me your business,” said Marcus courteously, and with a + bow his visitor obeyed. + </p> + <p> + “My business, my lord Marcus,” he said in an educated and refined voice, + “is to minister to those who are in trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, sir, your feet have led you aright,” answered Marcus with a sad + laugh, “for this is the house of trouble and you see I am its inhabitant.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, and I know the cause.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus looked at him curiously. “Are you a Christian, sir?” he asked. + “Nay, do not fear to answer; I have friends who are Christians,” and he + sighed, “nor could I harm you if I would, who wish to harm none, least of + all a Christian.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord Marcus, I fear hurt at no man’s hand; also the days of Nero have + gone by and Vespasian reigns, who molests us not. I am Cyril, a bishop of + the Christians in Rome, and if you will hear me I am come to preach to you + my faith, which, I trust, may yet be yours.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus stared at the man; it was to him a matter of amazement that this + priest should take so much trouble for a stranger. Then a thought struck + him and he asked: + </p> + <p> + “What fee do you charge for these lessons in a new religion?” + </p> + <p> + The bishop’s pale face flushed. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he answered, “if you wish to reject my message, do it without + insult. I do not sell the grace of God for lucre.” + </p> + <p> + Again Marcus was impressed. + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon,” he said, “yet I have known priests take money, though it is + true they were never of your faith. Who told you about me?” + </p> + <p> + “One, my lord Marcus, to whom you have behaved well,” answered Cyril + gravely. + </p> + <p> + Marcus sprang from his seat. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean—do you mean—?” he began and paused, looking round + him fearfully. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the bishop in a whisper, “I mean Miriam. Fear not, she and + her companions are in my charge, and for the present, safe. Seek to know + no more, lest perchance their secret should be wrung from you. I and her + brethren in the Lord will protect her to the last.” + </p> + <p> + Marcus began to pour out his thanks. + </p> + <p> + “Thank me not,” interrupted Cyril, “for what is at once my duty and my + joy.” + </p> + <p> + “Friend Cyril,” said Marcus, “the maid is in great danger. I have just + learned that Domitian’s spies hunt through Rome to find her, who, when she + is found, will be spirited to his palace and a fate that you can guess. + She must escape from Rome. Let her fly to Tyre, where she has friends and + property. There, if she lies hid a while, she will be molested by none.” + </p> + <p> + The bishop shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of it,” he said, “but it is scarcely possible. The + officers at every port have orders to search all ships that sail with + passengers, and detain any woman on them who answers to the description of + her who was called Pearl-Maiden. This I know for certain, for I also have + my officers, more faithful perhaps than those of Cæsar,” and he smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Is there then no means to get her out of Rome and across the sea?” + </p> + <p> + “I can think of only one, which would cost more money than we poor + Christians can command. It is that a ship be bought in the name of some + merchant and manned with sailors who can be trusted, such as I know how to + find. Then she could be taken aboard at night, for on such a vessel there + would be no right of search nor any to betray.” + </p> + <p> + “Find the ship and trusty men and I will find the money,” said Marcus, + “for I still have gold at hand and the means of raising more.” + </p> + <p> + “I will make inquiries,” answered Cyril, “and speak with you further on + the matter. Indeed it is not necessary that you should give this money, + since such a ship and her cargo, if she comes there safely, should sell at + a great profit in the Eastern ports. Meanwhile have no fear; in the + protection of God and her brethren the maid is safe.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” said Marcus devoutly. “Now, if you have the time to spare, + tell me of this God of whom you Christians speak so much but who seems so + far away from man.” + </p> + <p> + “But who, in the words of the great apostle, my master, in truth is not + far from any one of us,” answered Cyril. “Now hearken, and may your heart + be opened.” + </p> + <p> + Then he began his labour of conversion, reasoning till the sun sank and it + was time for the prison gates to close. + </p> + <p> + “Come to me again,” said Marcus as they parted, “I would hear more.” + </p> + <p> + “Of Miriam or of my message?” asked Cyril with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Of both,” answered Marcus. + </p> + <p> + Four days went by before Cyril returned. They were heavy days for Marcus, + since on the morrow of the bishop’s visit he had learned that as Saturius + had foretold, Vespasian refused to consider his case, saying that it must + abide the decision of Titus when he came back to Rome. Meanwhile, he + commanded that the accused officer should remain in prison, but that no + judgment should issue against him. Here, then, Marcus was doomed to lie, + fretting out his heart like a lion in a cage. + </p> + <p> + From Cyril Marcus learned that Miriam was well and sent him her greetings, + since she dared neither visit him nor write. The bishop told him also that + he had found a certain Grecian mariner, Hector by name, a Roman citizen, + who was a Christian and faithful. This man desired to sail for the coasts + of Syria and was competent to steer a vessel thither. Also he thought that + he could collect a crew of Christians and Jews who might be trusted. + Lastly, he knew of several small galleys that were for sale, one of which, + named the <i>Luna</i>, was a very good ship and almost new. Cyril told + him, moreover, that he had seen Gallus and his wife Julia, and that these + good people, having no more ties in Rome, partly because they desired to + leave the city, and partly for love of Miriam, though more the second + reason than the first, were willing to sell their house and goods and to + sail with her to Syria. + </p> + <p> + Marcus asked how much money would be needed, and when Cyril named the sum, + sent for Stephanus and commanded him to raise it and to pay it over to the + craftsman Septimus, taking his receipt in discharge. This Septimus + promised to do readily enough by a certain day, believing that the gold + was needed for his master’s ransom. Then having settled all as well as + might be, Cyril took up his tale and preached to Marcus of the Saviour of + the world with great earnestness and power. + </p> + <p> + Thus the days went on, and twice or thrice in every week Cyril visited + Marcus, giving him tidings and instructing him in the Faith. Now the ship + <i>Luna</i> was bought and the most of her crew hired; also a cargo of + such goods as would be salable in Syria was being laid into her hold at + Ostia, the Greek, Hector, giving it out that this was a private venture of + his own and some other merchants. As the man was well known for a bold + trader who had bought and sold in many lands his tale caused neither + wonder nor suspicion, none knowing that the capital was furnished by the + steward of the prisoner Marcus through him who passed as the master + craftsman and contractor Septimus. Indeed, until the after days Miriam did + not know this herself, for it was kept from her by the special command of + Marcus, and if Nehushta guessed the truth she held her tongue. + </p> + <p> + Two full months had gone by. Marcus still languished in prison, for Titus + had not yet returned to Rome, but as he learned from Cyril, Domitian + wearied somewhat of his fruitless search for Miriam, although he still + vowed vengeance against the rival who had robbed him. The ship <i>Luna</i> + was laden and ready for sea; indeed, if the wind and weather were + favourable, she was to sail within a week. Gallus and Julia, having wound + up their affairs, had removed to Ostia, whither Miriam was to be brought + secretly on the night of the sailing of the <i>Luna</i>. Marcus was now at + heart a Christian, but as yet had refused to accept baptism. Thus matters + stood when Cyril visited the prison bringing with him Miriam’s farewell + message to her lover. It was very short. + </p> + <p> + “Tell Marcus,” she said, “that I go because he bids me, and that I know + not whether we shall meet again. Say that perhaps it is best that we + should not meet, since for reasons which he knows, even if he should still + wish it, we may not marry. Say that in life or death I am his, and his + only, and that until my last hour my thought and prayer will be for him. + May he be delivered from all those troubles which, as I fear, I have + brought upon him, through no will of mine. May he forgive me for them and + let my love and gratitude make some amends for all that I have done + amiss.” + </p> + <p> + To this Marcus answered: “Tell Miriam that from my heart I thank her for + her message, and that my desire is that she should be gone from Rome so + soon as may be, since here danger dogs her steps. Tell her that although + it is true that mine has brought me shame and sorrow, still I give her + love for love, and that if I come living from my prison I will follow her + to Tyre and speak further of these matters. If I die, I pray that good + fortune may attend her and that from time to time she will make the + offering of an hour’s thought to the spirit which once was Marcus.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE LAMP + </h3> + <p> + If Domitian at length slackened in his fruitless search for Miriam, Caleb, + whose whole heart was in the hunt, proved more diligent. Still, he could + find no trace of her. At first he made sure that if she was in Rome she + would return to visit her friends and protectors, Gallus and his wife, and + in the hope of thus discovering her, Caleb caused a constant watch to be + kept on their abode. But Miriam never came there, nor, although their + footsteps were dogged from day to day, did they lead him to her, since in + truth Julia and Miriam met only in the catacombs, where he and his spies + dared not venture. Soon, however, Gallus discovered that his home was kept + under observation and its inmates tracked from place to place. It was this + knowledge indeed which, more than any other circumstance, brought him to + make up his mind to depart from Rome and dwell in Syria, since he said + that he would no longer live in a city where night by night he and his + were hunted like jackals. But when he left for Ostia, to wait there till + the ship <i>Luna</i> was ready, Caleb followed him, and in that small town + soon found out all his plans, learning that he meant to sail with his wife + in the vessel. Then, as he could hear nothing of Miriam, he returned to + Rome. + </p> + <p> + After all it was by chance that he discovered her and not through his own + cleverness. Needing a lamp for his chamber he entered a shop where such + things were sold, and examined those that the merchant offered to him. + Presently he perceived one of the strange design of two palms with + intertwining trunks and feathery heads nodding apart, having a lamp + hanging by a little chain from the topmost frond of each of them. The + shape of the trees struck him as familiar, and he let his eye run down + their stems until it reached the base, which, to support so tall a piece, + was large. Yes, the palms grew upon a little bank, and there beneath the + water rippled, while between bank and water was a long, smooth stone, + pointed at one end. Then in a flash Caleb recognised the place, as well he + might, seeing that on many and many an evening had he and Miriam sat side + by side upon that stone, angling for fish in the muddy stream of Jordan. + There was no doubt about it, and, look! half hidden in the shadow of the + stone lay a great fish, the biggest that ever he had caught—he could + swear to it, for its back fin was split. + </p> + <p> + A mist came before Caleb’s eyes and in it across the years he saw himself + a boy again. There he stood, his rod of reed bent double and the thin line + strained almost to breaking, while on the waters of Jordan a great fish + splashed and rolled. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot pull him in,” he cried. “The line will never bear it and the + bank is steep. Oh! Miriam, we shall lose him!” + </p> + <p> + Then there was a splash, and, behold! the girl at his side had sprung into + the swiftly running river. Though its waters, reaching to her neck, washed + her down the stream, she hugged to her young breast that great, slippery + fish, yes, and gripped its back fin between her teeth, till with the aid + of his reed rod he drew them both to land. + </p> + <p> + “I will buy that lamp,” said Caleb presently. “The design pleases me. What + artist made it?” + </p> + <p> + The merchant shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, I do not know,” he answered. “These goods are supplied to us with + many others, such as joinery and carving, by one Septimus, who is a + contractor and, they say, a head priest among the Christians, employing + many hands at his shops in the poor streets yonder. One or more of them + must be designers of taste, since of late we have received from him some + lamps of great beauty.” + </p> + <p> + Then the man was called away to attend to another customer and Caleb paid + for his lamp. + </p> + <p> + That evening at dusk Caleb, bearing the lamp in his hand, found his way to + the workshop of Septimus, only to discover that the part of the factory + where lamps were moulded was already closed. A girl who had just shut the + door, seeing him stand perplexed before it, asked civilly if she could + help him. + </p> + <p> + “Maiden,” he answered, “I am in trouble who wish to find her who moulded + this lamp, so that I may order others, but am told that she has left her + work for the day.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the maiden, looking at the lamp, which evidently she + recognised. “It is pretty, is it not? Well, cannot you return to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! no, I expect to be leaving Rome for a while, so I fear that I must + go elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + The girl reflected to herself that it would be a pity if the order were + lost, and with it the commission which she might divide with the maker of + the lamp. “It is against the rules, but I will show you where she lives,” + she said, “and if she is there, which is probable, for I have never seen + her or her companion go out at night, you can tell her your wishes.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb thanked the girl and followed her through sundry tortuous lanes to a + court surrounded by old houses. + </p> + <p> + “If you go in there,” she said, pointing to a certain doorway, “and climb + to the top of the stairs, I forget whether there are three or four + flights, you will find the makers of the lamp in the roof-rooms—oh! + sir, I thank you, but I expected nothing. Good-night.” + </p> + <p> + At length Caleb stood at the head of the stairs, which were both steep, + narrow, and in the dark hard to climb. Before him, at the end of a rickety + landing, a small ill-fitting door stood ajar. There was light within the + room beyond, and from it came a sound of voices. Caleb crept up to the + door and listened, for as the floor below was untenanted he knew that none + could see him. Bending down he looked through the space between the door + and its framework and his heart stood still. There, standing full in the + lamplight, clothed in a pure white robe, for her rough working dress lay + upon a stool beside her, was Miriam herself, her elbow leaning on the + curtained window-place. She was talking to Nehushta, who, her back bent + almost double over a little charcoal fire, was engaged in cooking their + supper. + </p> + <p> + “Think,” she was saying, “only think, Nou, our last night in this hateful + city, and then, instead of that stifling workshop and the terror of + Domitian, the open sea and the fresh salt wind and nobody to fear but God. + <i>Luna!</i> Is it not a beautiful name for a ship? I can see her, all + silver——” + </p> + <p> + “Peace,” said Nehushta. “Are you mad, girl, to talk so loud? I though I + heard a sound upon the stairs just now.” + </p> + <p> + “It is only the rats,” answered Miriam cheerfully, “no one ever comes up + here. I tell you that were it not for Marcus I could weep with joy.” + </p> + <p> + Caleb crept back to the head of the stairs and down several steps, which + he began to re-ascend noisily, grumbling at their gloom and steepness. + Then, before the women even had time to shut the door, he thrust it wide + and walked straight into the room. + </p> + <p> + “Your pardon,” he began, then added quietly, “Why, Miriam, when we parted + on the gate Nicanor, who could have foretold that we should live to meet + again here in a Roman attic? And you, Nehushta. Why, we were separated in + the fray outside the Temple walls, though, indeed, I think that I saw you + in a strange place some months ago, namely, the slave-ring on the Forum.” + </p> + <p> + “Caleb,” asked Miriam in a hollow voice, “what is your business here?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Miriam, it began with a desire for a replica of this lamp, which + reminds me of a spot familiar to my childhood. Do you remember it? Now + that I have found who is the lamp’s maker——” + </p> + <p> + “Cease fooling,” broke in Nehushta. “Bird of ill-omen, you have come to + drag your prey back to the shame and ruin which she has escaped.” + </p> + <p> + “I was not always called thus,” answered Caleb, flushing, “when I rescued + you from the house at Tyre for instance, or when I risked my life, Miriam, + to throw you food upon the gate Nicanor. Nay, I come to save you from + Domitian——” + </p> + <p> + “And to take her for yourself,” answered Nehushta. “Oh! we Christians also + have eyes to see and ears to hear, and, black-hearted traitor that you + are, we know all your shame. We know of your bargain with the chamberlain + of Domitian, by which the body of the slave was to be the price of the + life of her buyer. We know how you swore away the honour of your rival, + Marcus, with false testimony, and how from week to week you have quartered + Rome as a vulture quarters the sky till at length you have smelt out the + quarry. Well, she is helpless, but One is strong, and may His vengeance + fall upon your life and soul.” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Nehushta’s voice, that had risen to a scream, died away, and she + stood before him threatening him with her bony fists, and searching his + face with her burning eyes, a vengeance incarnate. + </p> + <p> + “Peace, woman, peace,” said Caleb, shrinking back before her. “Spare your + reproaches; if I have sinned much it is because I have loved more——” + </p> + <p> + “And hate most of all,” added Nehushta. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Caleb,” broke in Miriam, “if as you say you love me, why should you + deal thus with me? You know well that I do not love you after this sort, + no, and never can, and even if you keep me from Domitian, who does but + make a tool of you, what would it advantage you to take a woman who leaves + her heart elsewhere? Also I may never marry you for that same reason that + I may not marry Marcus, because my faith is and must remain apart from + yours. Would you make a base slave of your old playmate, Caleb? Would you + bring her to the level of a dancing-girl? Oh! let me go in peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon the ship <i>Luna</i>,” said Caleb sullenly. + </p> + <p> + Miriam gasped! So he knew their plans. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she replied desperately, “upon the ship <i>Luna</i>, to find such a + fate as Heaven may give me; at least to be at peace and free. For your + soul’s sake, Caleb, let me go. Once years ago you swore that you would not + force yourself upon me against my will. Will you break that oath to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “I swore also, Miriam, that it should go ill with any man who came between + you and me. Shall I break that oath to-day? Give yourself to me of your + own will and save Marcus. Refuse and I will bring him to his death. Choose + now between me and your lover’s life.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you a coward that you should lay such a choice upon me, Caleb?” + </p> + <p> + “Call me what you will. Choose.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam clasped her hands and for a moment stood looking upwards. Then a + light of purpose grew upon her face and she answered: + </p> + <p> + “Caleb, I have chosen. Do your worst. The fate of Marcus is not in my + hands, or your hands, but in the hands of God; nor, unless He wills it, + can one hair of his head be harmed by you or by Domitian. For is it not + written in the book of your own Law that ‘the King’s heart is in the hand + of the Lord, he turneth it whithersoever he will.’ But my honour is my + own, and to stain it would be a sin for which I alone must answer to + Heaven and to Marcus, dead or living—Marcus, who would curse and + spit upon me did I attempt to buy his safety at such a price.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your last word, Miriam?” + </p> + <p> + “It is. If it pleases you by false witness and by murder to destroy the + man who once spared you, then if such a thing be suffered, have your will + and reap its fruits. I make no bargain with you, for myself or for him—do + your worst to both of us.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said Caleb with a bitter laugh, “but I think that the ship <i>Luna</i> + will lack her fairest passenger.” + </p> + <p> + Miriam sank down upon a seat and covered her face with her hands, a + piteous sight in her misery and the terror which, notwithstanding her bold + words, she could not conceal. Caleb walked to the door and paused there, + while the white-haired Nehushta stood by the brazier of charcoal and + watched them both with her fierce eyes. Presently Caleb glanced round at + Miriam crouched by the window and a strange new look came into his face. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot do it,” he said slowly, each word falling heavily from his lips + like single rain-drops from a cloud, or the slow blood from a mortal + wound. + </p> + <p> + Miriam let her hands slip from her face and stared at him. + </p> + <p> + “Miriam,” he said, “you are right; I have sinned against you and this man + Marcus. Now I will expiate my sin. Your secret is safe with me, and since + you hate me I will never see you more. Miriam, we look upon each other for + the last time. Further, if I can, I will work for the deliverance of + Marcus and help him to join you in Tyre, whither the <i>Luna</i> is bound—is + she not? Farewell?” + </p> + <p> + Once again he turned to go, but it would seem that his eyes were blinded, + or his brain was dulled by the agony that worked within. At least Caleb + caught his foot in the ancient uneven boards, stumbled, and fell heavily + upon his face. Instantly, with a low hiss of hate and a spring like that + of a cat, Nehushta was upon him. Thrusting her knees upon his back she + seized the nape of his neck with her left hand and with her right drew a + dagger from her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “Forbear!” said Miriam. “Touch him with that knife and we part forever. + Nay, I mean it. I myself will hand you to the officer, even if he hales me + to Domitian.” + </p> + <p> + Then Nehushta rose to her feet. + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” she said, “fool, to trust to that man of double moods, whose mercy + to-night will be vengeance to-morrow. Oh! you are undone! Alas! you are + undone!” + </p> + <p> + Regaining his feet Caleb looked at her contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Had you stabbed she might have been undone indeed,” he said. “Now, as of + old, there is little wisdom in that gray head of yours, Nehushta; nor can + your hate suffer you to understand the intermingled good and evil of my + heart.” Then he advanced to Miriam, lifted her hand and kissed it. With a + sudden movement she proffered him her brow. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” he said, “tempt me not, it is not for me. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Another instant and he was gone. + </p> + <p> + It would seem that Caleb kept his word, for three days later the vessel <i>Luna</i> + sailed unmolested from the port of Ostia in the charge of the Greek + captain Hector, having on board Miriam, Nehushta, Julia, and Gallus. + </p> + <p> + Within a week of this sailing Titus at length returned to Rome. Here in + due course the case of Marcus was brought before him by the prisoner’s + friends, together with a demand that he should be granted a new and open + trial for the clearing of his honour. Titus, who for his own reasons + refused to see Marcus, listened patiently, then gave his decision. + </p> + <p> + He rejoiced, he said, to learn that his close friend and trusted officer + was still alive, since he had long mourned him as dead. He grieved that in + his absence he should have been put upon his trial on the charge of having + been taken captive, living, by the Jews, which, if Marcus upon his arrival + in Rome had at once reported himself to him, would not have happened. He + dismissed all accusations against his military honour and courage as mere + idle talk, since he had a hundred times proved him to be the bravest of + men, and knew, moreover, something of the circumstances under which he was + captured. But, however willing he might be to do so, he was unable for + public reasons to disregard the fact that he had been duly convicted by a + court-martial, under the Prince Domitian, of having broken the command of + his general and suffered himself to be taken prisoner alive. To do so + would be to proclaim himself, Titus, unjust, who had caused others to + suffer for this same offence, and to offer insult to the prince, his + brother, who in the exercise of his discretion as commander in his + absence, had thought fit to order the trial. Still, his punishment should + be of the lightest possible. He commanded that on leaving his prison + Marcus should go straight to his own house by night, so that there might + be no public talk or demonstration among his friends, and there make such + arrangement of his affairs as seemed good to him. Further, he commanded + that within ten days he should leave Italy, to dwell or travel abroad for + a period of three years, unless the time should be shortened by some + special decree. After the lapse of these three years he would be free to + return to Rome. This was his judgment and it could not be altered. + </p> + <p> + As it chanced, it was the chamberlain Saturius who first communicated the + Imperial decree to Marcus. Hurrying straight from the palace to the prison + he was admitted into the prisoner’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Marcus, looking up, “what evil tidings have you now?” + </p> + <p> + “None, none,” answered Saturius. “I have very good tidings, and that is + why I run so fast. You are only banished for three years, thanks to my + secret efforts,” and he smiled craftily. “Even your property is left to + you, a fact which will, I trust, enable you to reward your friends for + their labours on your behalf.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all,” and the rogue obeyed, while Marcus listened with a face of + stone. + </p> + <p> + “Why did Titus decide thus?” he asked when it was finished. “Speak + frankly, man, if you wish for a reward.” + </p> + <p> + “Because, noble Marcus, Domitian had been with him beforehand and told him + that if he reversed his public judgment it would be a cause of open + quarrel between them. This, Cæsar, who fears his brother, does not seek. + That is why he would not see you, lest his love for his friend should + overcome his reason.” + </p> + <p> + “So the prince is still my enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and more bitter than before, since he cannot find the Pearl-Maiden, + and is sure that you have spirited her away. Be advised by me and leave + Rome quickly, lest worse things befall you.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Marcus, “I will leave Rome quickly, for how shall I abide here + who have lost my honour. Yet first it may please your master to know that + by now the lady whom he seeks is far across the sea. Now get you gone, you + fox, for I desire to be alone.” + </p> + <p> + The face of Saturius became evil. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all you have to say?” he asked. “Am I to win no reward?” + </p> + <p> + “If you stay longer,” said Marcus, “you will win one which you do not + desire.” + </p> + <p> + Then Saturius went, but without the door he turned and shook his fist + towards the chamber he had left. + </p> + <p> + “Fox,” he muttered. “He called me fox and gave me nothing. Well, foxes may + find some pickings on his bones.” + </p> + <p> + The chamberlain’s road to the palace ran past the place of business of the + merchant Demetrius. He stopped and looked at it. “Perhaps this one will be + more liberal,” he said to himself, and entered. + </p> + <p> + In his private office he found Caleb alone, his face buried in his hands. + Seating himself he plunged into his tale, ending it with an apology to + Caleb for the lightness of the sentence inflicted upon Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “Titus would do no more,” he said; “indeed, were it not for the fear of + Domitian, he could have not have been brought to do so much, for he loves + the man, who has been a prefect of his bodyguard, and was deeply grieved + that he must disgrace him. Still, disgraced he is, aye, and he feels it; + therefore I trust that you, most generous Demetrius, who hate him, will + remember the service of your servant in this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Caleb quietly, “fear not, you shall be well paid, for you have + done your best.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, friend,” answered Saturius, rubbing his hands, “and, after + all, things may be better than they seem. That insolent fool let out just + now that the girl about whom there is all this bother has been smuggled + away somewhere across the seas. When Domitian learns that he will be so + mad with anger that he may be worked up to take a little vengeance of his + own upon the person of the noble Marcus, who has thus contrived to trick + him. Also Marcus shall not get the Pearl-Maiden, for the prince will cause + her to be followed and brought back—to you, worthy Demetrius.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” answered Caleb, slowly, “he must seek for her, not across the sea, + but in its depths.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that I have tidings that Pearl-Maiden escaped in the ship <i>Luna</i> + hard upon a month ago. This morning the captain and some mariners of the + galley <i>Imperatrix</i> arrived in Rome. They report that they met a + great gale off Rhegium, and towards the end of it saw a vessel sink. + Afterwards they picked up a sailor clinging to a piece of wood, who told + them that the ship’s name was <i>Luna</i> and that she foundered with all + hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen this sailor?” + </p> + <p> + “No; he died of exhaustion soon after he was rescued; but I have seen the + men of the galley, who brought me note of certain goods consigned to me in + her hold. They repeated this story to me with their own lips.” + </p> + <p> + “So, after all, she whom so many sought was destined to the arms of + Neptune, as became a pearl,” reflected Saturius. “Well, well, as Domitian + cannot be revenged upon Neptune he will be the more wroth with the man who + sent her to that god. Now I go to tell him all these tidings and learn his + mind.” + </p> + <p> + “You will return and acquaint me with it, will you not?” asked Caleb, + looking up. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, and at once. Our account is not yet balanced, most generous + Demetrius.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Caleb, “our accounts are not yet balanced.” + </p> + <p> + Two hours later the chamberlain reappeared in the office. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Caleb, “how does it go?” + </p> + <p> + “Ill, very ill for Marcus, and well, very well for those who hate him, as + you and I do, friend. Oh! never have I seen my Imperial master so enraged. + Indeed, when he learned that Pearl-Maiden had escaped and was drowned, so + that he could have no hope of her this side the Styx, it was almost + dangerous to be near to him. He cursed Titus for the lightness of his + sentence; he cursed you; he cursed <i>me</i>. But I turned his wrath into + the right channel. I showed him that for all these ills Marcus, and Marcus + alone, is to blame, Marcus who is to pay the price of them with a three + years’ pleasant banishment from Rome, which doubtless, will be remitted + presently. I tell you that Domitian wept and gnashed his teeth at the + thought of it, until I showed him a better plan—knowing that it + would please you, friend Demetrius.” + </p> + <p> + “What plan?” + </p> + <p> + Saturius rose, and having looked round to see that the door was fastened, + came and whispered into Caleb’s ear. + </p> + <p> + “Look you, after sunset to-night, that is within two hours, Marcus is to + be put out of his prison and conducted to the side door of his own house, + that beneath the archway, where he is ordered to remain until he leaves + Rome. In this house is no one except an old man, the steward Stephanus, + and a slave woman. Well, before he gets there, certain trusty fellows, + such as Domitian knows how to lay his hands upon, will have entered the + house, and having secured the steward and the woman, will await the coming + of Marcus beneath the archway. You can guess the rest. Is it not well + conceived?” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” answered Caleb. “But may there not be suspicion?” + </p> + <p> + “None, none. Who would dare to suspect Domitian? A private crime, + doubtless! The rich have so many enemies.” + </p> + <p> + What Saturius did not add was that nobody would suspect Domitian because + the masked bravoes were instructed to inform the steward and the slave + when they had bound and gagged them, that they were hired to do the deed + of blood by a certain merchant named Demetrius, otherwise Caleb the Jew, + who had an ancient quarrel against Marcus, which, already, he had tried to + satisfy by giving false evidence before the court-martial. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” went on Saturius, “I must be going, for there are one or two little + things which need attention, and time presses. Shall we balance that + account, friend Demetrius?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Caleb, and taking a roll of gold from a drawer he pushed + it across the table. + </p> + <p> + Saturius shook his head sadly. “I laid it at twice as much,” he said. + “Think how you hate him and how richly your hate will be fed. First + disgraced unjustly, he, one of the best soldiers and bravest captains in + the army, and then hacked to death by cutthroats in the doorway of his own + house. What more could you want?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” answered Caleb. “Only the man isn’t dead yet. Sometimes the + Fates have strange surprises for us mortals, friend Saturius.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead? He will be dead soon enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. You shall have the rest of the money when I have seen his body. No, + I don’t want any bungling and that’s the best way to make certain.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder,” thought Saturius, as he departed out of the office and this + history, “I wonder how I shall manage to get the balance of my fee before + they have my Jewish friend by the heels. But it can be arranged—doubtless + it can be arranged.” + </p> + <p> + When he had gone, Caleb, who, it would seem, also had things which needed + attention and felt that time pressed, took pen and wrote a short letter. + Next he summoned a clerk and gave orders that it was to be delivered two + hours after sunset—not before. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, he enclosed it in an outer wrapping so that the address was not + seen. This done, he sat still for a time, his lips moving, almost as + though he were engaged in prayer. Then, seeing that it was the hour of + sunset, he rose, wrapped himself in a long dark cloak, such as was worn by + Roman officers, and went out. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX + </h2> + <h3> + HOW MARCUS CHANGED HIS FAITH + </h3> + <p> + Caleb was not the only one who heard the evil tidings of the ship <i>Luna</i>; + it came to the ears of the bishop Cyril also, since little of any moment + passed within the city of Rome which the Christians did not know. + </p> + <p> + Like Caleb, he satisfied himself of the truth of the matter by an + interview with the captain of the <i>Imperatrix</i>. Then with a sorrowful + heart he departed to the prison near the Temple of Mars. Here the warden + told him that Marcus wished to see no one, but answering “Friend, my + business will not wait,” he pushed past the man and entered the room + beyond. Marcus was standing up in the centre of it, in his hand a drawn + sword of the short Roman pattern, which, on catching sight of his visitor, + he cast upon the table with an exclamation of impatience. It fell beside a + letter addressed to “The Lady Miriam in Tyre. To be given into her own + hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace be with you,” said the bishop, searching his face with his quiet + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, friend,” answered Marcus, smiling strangely, “I need peace, + and—seek it.” + </p> + <p> + “Son,” asked the bishop, “what were you about to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” answered Marcus, “If you desire to know, I was about to fall + upon my sword. One more minute and I should have been dead. They brought + it me with the cloak and other things. It was thoughtful of them, and I + guessed their meaning.” + </p> + <p> + Cyril lifted the sword from the table and cast it into a corner of the + room. + </p> + <p> + “God be thanked,” he said, “Who led my feet here in time to save you from + this sin. Why, because it has pleased Him to take her life, should you + seek to take your own?” + </p> + <p> + “Her life?” said Marcus. “What dreadful words are these. Her life! Whose + life?” + </p> + <p> + “The life of Miriam. I came to tell you. She is drowned upon the seas with + all her company.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Marcus stood swaying to and fro like a drunken man. Then he + said: + </p> + <p> + “Is it so indeed? Well, the more reason that I should make haste to follow + her. Begone and leave me to do the deed alone,” and he stepped towards the + sword. + </p> + <p> + Cyril set his foot upon the shining blade. + </p> + <p> + “What is this madness?” he asked. “If you did not know of Miriam’s death, + why do you desire to kill yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have lost more than Miriam. Man, they have robbed me of my + honour. By the decree of Titus, I, Marcus, am branded as a coward. Yes, + Titus, at whose side I have fought a score of battles—Titus, from + whom I have warded many a blow—has banished me from Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me of this thing,” said Cyril. + </p> + <p> + So Marcus told him all. Cyril listened in silence, then said sternly: + </p> + <p> + “Is it for this that you would kill yourself? Is your honour lessened by a + decree based upon false evidence, and given for reasons of policy? Do you + cease to be honourable because others are dishonourable, and would you—a + soldier—fly from the battle? Now, indeed, Marcus, you show yourself + a coward.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I live on who am so shamed?” he asked passionately. “My friends + knew that I could not live, and that is why they wrapped a sword in yonder + cloak and sent it me. Also Miriam, you say, is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Satan sent it to you, Marcus, desiring to fashion of your foolish pride a + ladder down which you might climb to hell. Cast aside this base temptation + which wears the mask of false honour; face your trouble like a man, and + conquer it by innocence—and faith.” + </p> + <p> + “Miriam! What of Miriam?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, what of Miriam? How would she welcome you yonder, who come to greet + her with your blood upon your hands? Oh! son, do you not understand that + this is the trial laid upon you? You have been brought low that you might + rise high. Once the world gave you all it had to give. You were rich, you + were a captain among captains; you were high-born; men called you ‘The + Fortunate.’ Then Christ appealed to you in vain, you put Him by. What had + you to do with the crucified carpenter of Galilee? Now by the plotting of + your foes you have fallen. No longer do you rank high in your trade of + blood. You are dismissed its service and an exile. The lesson of life has + come home to you, therefore you seek to escape from life rather than bide + in it to do your duty through good and ill, heedless of what men may say, + and finding peace in the verdict of your own conscience. Let Him Whom you + put by in your hours of pomp come to you now. Carry your cross with your + shame as He carried His in His shame. In His light find light, in His + peace find peace, and at the end her who has been taken from you awhile. + Has my spirit spoken in vain with your spirit during all these many weeks, + son Marcus? Already you have told me that you believe, and now at the + first breath of trouble will you go back upon that which you know to be + the Truth? Oh! once more listen to me, that your eyes may be opened before + it is too late.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on, I hear you,” said Marcus with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + So Cyril pleaded with him in the passion of one inspired, and as Marcus + hearkened his heart was softened and his purpose turned. + </p> + <p> + “I knew it all before, I believed it all before,” he said at length, “but + I would not accept your baptism and become a member of your Church.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, son?” + </p> + <p> + “Because had I done so she would have thought and you might have thought, + and perhaps I myself should have thought that I did it, as once I offered + to do, to win her whom I desired above all things on earth. Now she is + dead and it is otherwise. Shrive me, father, and do your office.” + </p> + <p> + So there in the prison cell the bishop Cyril took water and baptised the + Roman Marcus into the body of the Christian Church. + </p> + <p> + “What shall I do now?” Marcus asked as he rose from his knees. “Once Cæsar + was my master, now you speak with the voice of Cæsar. Command me.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not speak, Christ speaks. Listen. I am called by the Church to go to + Alexandria in Egypt, whither I sail within three days. Will you who are + exiled from Rome come with me? There I can find you work to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I have said that you are Cæsar,” answered Marcus. “Now it is sunset and I + am free; accompany me to my house, I pray you, for there much business + waits me in which I need counsel, who am overborne.” + </p> + <p> + So presently the gates were opened as Titus had commanded, and they went + forth, attended only by a guard of two men, walking unnoted through the + streets to the palace in the Via Agrippa. + </p> + <p> + “There is the door,” said the sergeant of the guard, pointing to the side + entrance of the house. “Enter with your friend and, noble Marcus, fare you + well.” + </p> + <p> + So they went to the archway, and finding the door ajar, passed through and + shut it behind them. + </p> + <p> + “For a house where there is much to steal this is ill guarded, son. In + Rome an open gate ought to have a watchman,” said Cyril as he groped his + way through the darkness of the arch. + </p> + <p> + “My steward Stephanus should be at hand, for the jailer advised him of my + coming—who never thought to come,” began Marcus, then of a sudden + stumbled heavily and was silent. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Cyril. + </p> + <p> + “By the feel one who is drunken—or dead. Some beggar, perhaps, who + sleeps off his liquor here.” + </p> + <p> + By now Cyril was through the archway and in the little courtyard beyond. + </p> + <p> + “A light burns in that window,” he said. “Come, you know the path, guide + me to it. We can return to this sleeper.” + </p> + <p> + “Who seems hard to wake,” added Marcus, as he led the way across the + courtyard to the door of the offices. This also proved to be open and by + it they entered the room where the steward kept his books and slept. Upon + the table a lamp was burning, that which they had seen through the + casement. Its light showed them a strange sight. An iron-bound box that + was chained to the wall had been broken open and its contents rifled, for + papers were strewn here and there, and on them lay an empty leathern + money-bag. The furniture also was overturned as though in some struggle, + while among it, one in the corner of the room and one beneath the marble + table, which was too heavy to be moved, lay two figures, those of a man + and a woman. + </p> + <p> + “Murderers have been here,” said Cyril with a groan. + </p> + <p> + Marcus snatched the lamp from the table and held it to the face of the man + in the corner. + </p> + <p> + “It is Stephanus,” he said, “Stephanus bound and gagged, but living, and + the other is the slave woman. Hold the lamp while I loose them,” and + drawing his short sword, he cut away the bonds, first of the one and then + of the other. “Speak, man, speak!” he said, as Stephanus struggled to his + feet. “What has chanced here?” + </p> + <p> + For some moments the old steward stared at him with round, frightened + eyes. Then he gasped: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord, I thought you dead. They said that they had come to kill you + by command of the Jew Caleb, he who gave the evidence.” + </p> + <p> + “They! Who?” asked Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “I know not, four men whose faces were masked. They said also that though + you must die, they were commanded to do me and this woman no harm, only to + bind and silence us. This they did, then, having taken what money they + could find, went out to waylay you. Afterwards I heard a scuffle in the + arch and well-nigh died of sorrow, for I who could neither warn nor help + you, was sure that you were perishing beneath their knives.” + </p> + <p> + “For this deliverance, thank God,” said Cyril, lifting up his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Presently, presently,” answered Marcus. “First follow me,” and taking the + lamp in his hand, he ran back to the archway. + </p> + <p> + Beneath it a man lay upon his face—he across whom Marcus had + stumbled, and about him blood flowed from many wounds. In silence they + turned him over so that the light fell upon his features. Then Marcus + staggered back amazed, for, behold! they were Caleb’s, notwithstanding the + blood and wounds that marred them, still dark and handsome in his death + sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” he said to Stephanus, “this is that very man whose bloody work, as + they told us, the murderers came to do. It would seem that he has fallen + into his own snare.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you certain, son?” asked Cyril. “Does not this gashed and gory cheek + deceive you?” + </p> + <p> + “Draw that hand of his from beneath the cloak,” answered Marcus. “If I am + right the first finger will lack a joint.” + </p> + <p> + Cyril obeyed and held up the stiffening hand. It was as Marcus had said. + </p> + <p> + “Caught in his own snare!” repeated Marcus. “Well, though I knew he hated + me, and more than once we have striven to slay each other in battle and + private fight, never would I have believed that Caleb the Jew would sink + to murder. He is well repaid, the treacherous dog!” + </p> + <p> + “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” answered Cyril. “What do you know of + how or why this man came by his death? He may have been hurrying here to + warn you.” + </p> + <p> + “Against his own paid assassins! No, father, I know Caleb better, only he + was viler than I thought.” + </p> + <p> + Then they carried the body into the house and took counsel what they + should do. While they reasoned together, for every path seemed full of + danger, there came a knock upon the archway door. They hesitated, not + knowing whether it would be safe to open, till the knock was repeated more + loudly. + </p> + <p> + “I will go, lord,” said Stephanus, “for why need I fear, who am of no + account to any one?” + </p> + <p> + So he went, presently to return. + </p> + <p> + “What was it?” asked Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “Only a young man, who said that he had been strictly charged by his + master, Demetrius the Alexandrian merchant, to deliver a letter at this + hour. Here is the letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Demetrius, the Alexandrian merchant,” said Marcus as he took it. “Why, + under that name Caleb who lies there dead passed in Rome.” + </p> + <p> + “Read the letter,” said Cyril. + </p> + <p> + So Marcus cut the silk, broke the seal, and read: + </p> + <p> + “To the noble Marcus, + </p> + <p> + “In the past I have worked you evil and often striven to take your life. + Now it has come to my ears that Domitian, who hates you even worse than I + do, if for less reason, has laid a plot to murder you on the threshold of + your own house. Therefore, by way of amends for that evidence which I gave + against you that stained the truth, since no braver man ever breathed than + you are, Marcus, it has come into my mind to visit the Palace Fortunate + wrapped in such a cloak as you Roman captains wear. There, before you read + this letter, perhaps we shall meet again. Still, mourn me not, Marcus, nor + speak of me as generous, or noble, since Miriam is dead, and I who have + followed her through life desire to follow her through death, hoping that + there I may find a kinder fortune at her hands, or if not, forgetfulness. + You who will live long, must drink deep of memory—a bitterer cup. + Marcus, farewell. Since die I must, I would that it had been in open fight + beneath your sword, but Fate, who has given me fortune, but no true + favour, appoints me to the daggers of assassins that seek another heart. + So be it. You tarry here, but I travel to Miriam. Why should I grumble at + the road? + </p> + <p> + “Caleb. + </p> + <p> + “Written at Rome upon the night of my death.” + </p> + <p> + “A brave man and a bitter,” said Marcus when he had finished reading. + “Know, my father, that I am more jealous of him now than ever I was in his + life’s days. Had it not been for you and your preaching,” he added + angrily, “when he came to seek Miriam, he would have found me at her side. + But now, how can I tell?” + </p> + <p> + “Peace to your heathen talk!” answered the bishop. “Is the land of spirits + then such as your poets picture, and do the dead turn to each other with + eyes of earthly passion? Yet,” he added more gently, “I should not blame + you who, like this poor Jew, from childhood have been steeped in + superstitions. Have no fear of his rivalry in the heavenly fields, friend + Marcus, where neither do they marry or are given in marriage, nor think + that self-murder can help a man. What the end of all this tale may be does + not yet appear; still I am certain that yonder Caleb will take no gain in + hurrying down to death, unless indeed he did it from a nobler motive than + he says, as I for one believe.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust that it may be so,” answered Marcus, “although in truth that + another man should die for me gives me no comfort. Rather would I that he + had left me to my doom.” + </p> + <p> + “As God has willed so it has befallen, for ‘man’s goings are of the Lord; + how then can a man understand his own way?’” replied Cyril with a sigh. + “Now let us to other matters, for time is short and it comes upon me that + you will do well to be clear of Rome before Domitian finds that Caleb fell + in place of Marcus.” + </p> + <p> + Nearly three more months had gone when, at length, one night as the sun + vanished, a galley crept wearily into the harbour of Alexandria and cast + anchor just as the light of Pharos began to shine across the sea. Her + passage through the winter gales had been hard, and for weeks at a time + she had been obliged to shelter in harbours by the way. Now, short of food + and water, she had come safely to her haven, for which mercy the bishop + Cyril with the Roman Marcus and such other Christians as were aboard of + her gave thanks to Heaven upon their knees in their little cabin near the + forecastle, for it was too late to attempt to land that night. Then they + went on deck and, as all their food was gone and they had no drink except + some stinking water, leaned upon the bulwarks and looked hungrily towards + the shore, where gleamed the thousand lights of the mighty city. Near to + them, not a bowshot away indeed, lay another ship. Presently, as they + stared at her black outline, the sound of singing floated from her decks + across the still, starlit waters of the harbour. They listened to it idly + enough at first, till at length some words of that song reached their + ears, causing them to look at each other. + </p> + <p> + “That is no sailor’s ditty,” said Marcus. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Cyril, “it is a Christian hymn, and one that I know well. + Listen. Each verse ends, ‘Peace, be still!’” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Marcus, “yonder must be a Christian ship, else they would not + dare to sing that hymn. The night is calm, let us beg the boat and visit + it. I am thirsty, and those good folk may have fresh water.” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish,” answered Cyril. “There too we may get tidings as well as + water.” + </p> + <p> + A while later the little boat rowed to the side of the strange ship and + asked leave to board of the watchman. + </p> + <p> + “What sign do you give?” asked the officer. + </p> + <p> + “The sign of the Cross,” answered Cyril. “We have heard your hymn who are + of the brotherhood of Rome.” + </p> + <p> + Then a rope ladder was thrown down to them and the officer bade them make + fast and be welcome. + </p> + <p> + They climbed upon the deck and went to seek the captain, who was in the + afterpart of the ship, where an awning was stretched. In the space + enclosed by this awning, which was lit with lanterns, stood a woman in a + white robe, who sang the refrain of the hymn in a very sweet voice, others + of the company, from time to time, joining in its choruses. + </p> + <p> + “From the dead am I arisen” sang the voice, and there was something in the + thrilling notes that went straight to the heart of Marcus, some tone and + quality which were familiar. + </p> + <p> + Side by side with Cyril he climbed onwards across the rowing benches, and + the noise of their stumbling footsteps reaching the singer’s ears, caused + her to pause in her song. Then stepping forward a little, as though to + look, she came under the lantern so that its light fell full upon her + face, and, seeing nothing, once more took up her chant: + </p> + <p> + “Oh ye faithless, from the dead am I arisen.” + </p> + <p> + “Look, look!” gasped Marcus, clutching Cyril by the arm. “Look! It is + Miriam, or her spirit.” + </p> + <p> + Another instant and he, too, had come into the circle of the lamplight, so + that his eyes met the eyes of the singer. Now she saw him and, with a + little cry, sank senseless to the deck. + </p> + <p> + So the long story ended. Afterwards they learned that the tale which had + been brought to Rome of the loss of the ship <i>Luna</i> was false. She + had met the great gale, indeed, but had sheltered from it in a harbour, + where the skill of her captain, Hector, brought her safely. Then she made + her way to Sicily, where she refitted, and so on to one of the Grecian + ports, in which she lay for eight weeks waiting for better weather, till a + favouring wind brought her somewhat slowly to Alexandria, a port she won + only two days before the galley of Marcus. It would seem, therefore, that + the vessel that had foundered in sight of the <i>Imperatrix</i> was either + another ship also called the <i>Luna</i>, no uncommon name, or that the + mariners of the <i>Imperatrix</i> had not heard her title rightly. It may + have been even that the dying sailor who told it to them wandered in his + mind, and forgetting how his last ship was called, gave her some name with + which he was familiar. At the least, through the good workings of + Providence, that <i>Luna</i> which bore Miriam and her company escaped the + perils of the deep and in due time reached the haven of Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + Before they parted that happy night all their tale was told. Miriam + learned how Caleb had kept the promise that he made to her, although when + he thought her dead his fierce and jealous heart would suffer him to tell + nothing of it to Marcus. She learned also how it came about that Marcus + had been saved from death at his own hand by Cyril and entered the company + of the Christian brotherhood. Very glad were both of them to think in the + after years that he had done this believing her to be lost to him in + death. Now none could say that he had changed his faith to win a woman, + nor could their own consciences whisper to them that this was possible, + though even at the time he knew it not. + </p> + <p> + So they understood how through their many trials, dangers, and temptations + all things had worked together for good to them. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, there in the ship <i>Luna</i>, Marcus and Miriam, whom the + Romans called Pearl-Maiden, were wedded by the bishop Cyril, the Captain + Gallus giving the bride in marriage, while the white-haired, fierce-eyed + Nehushta stood at their side and blessed them in the name of that dead + mother whose command had not been broken. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Pearl-Maiden, by H. 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