Jews, on the other hand, are base enough through subserviency to the Roman power to defend him, and throw blame upon the churlishness as they term it, of the zealous, who will listen to no propositions of surrender. Zeno, who, with his troublesome partiality for my conversation, was not long in perceiving in what part of the Theatre I had placed myself, soon joined me, 66 that he might enliven," as he was pleased to say, "by his presence and discourse, the solitude in which I seemed to be pining." I asked him, how in his judgment stood the affair of the Jews; for however this man may render himself both tedious and absurd, by the perseverance of his friendship, and the manner of his talk, it still is universally admitted in Cæsarea, that no other individual is during any one day in so many different places, sees so many persons, hears so much news, and heaps together so many facts; so that to no other source of information could I apply with so great a certainty of obtaining the knowledge for which I sought. He was very positive in his belief, in reply to my inquiries, that Pilate held to his original purpose, and that nothing now could turn him from it; that the second hearing of the Jews had done them more harm than good; that Philip had enraged him, and that he would now in spite of appearances soon take his revenge. I told him that I thought Lycias had said more to offend than Philip. This he admitted; but replied that it was for Pilate's interest, nay it was necessary for him to overlook that; and besides he attributed the whole disturbance, into which Cæsarea had been thrown, to what he calls the superstitious obstinacy of the Jews. "To-morrow is your Sab

F

bath, and to-morrow will the measure be carried into effect," said Zeno; "I doubt this no more than that Pilate sits there before us toying with Procla's bracelets, and now turns his dark brows to watch the last agonies of that dying gladiator. He reckons much upon the Herodians-which, some say, but for mysterious reasons which I do not understand, is a false reliance—and the divisions among you; and is persuaded that there will now be but faint opposition, and that on the part only of a few madmen like Philip."

Philip throughout this day has been engaged in secret movements with his party. It is their purpose to post themselves in the immediate neighborhood of the Synagogue, concealed in the dwellings of the Jews which are nearest. Many of these are inhabited by Roman Jews, who would not admit Philip, nor any of his adherents. But an equal or a greater number are in the possession of those who are united with him. These buildings are separated from the walls of the Synagogue by very broad streets, and almost surround it, and afford a ready and secure place of concealment, while awaiting the decision of Pilate, and of retreat, if either their own desperate zeal, or the Roman sword should spare them for such an act. There can be little question but that tomorrow will behold the destruction of the Synagogue. Although no public order has been given, and the people will be tempted to the Theatre by unusual spectacles; yet those who know the manner in which Pilate conducts such affairs are well persuaded of it. Lest, my mother, the events of another day should not allow me to end and seal this letter, and commit it to the vessel

which to-morrow sails for the Tiber, I will close it now, commending myself to you with all love, and offering the salutations of the widow and her daughter.

When the morrow is over, I will write of its events.

IV.

THAT morrow is past. Its sun has gone down in darkness. I keep my promise, my mother, and at once tell you of its scenes and events.

66

It was, as I have said, the Sabbath. In the household of Sameas the observances were as with those of the stricter sort in Rome, except that Philip was early abroad attending to the affairs committed to him. Anna and her mother repaired to the Synagogue. As they were departing, Anna turned to me, and said, Will you not, Julian, go with us?" I said that I could not; my anxieties were too many to allow me to worship, and I did not choose to be present with my body alone. She said that my answer had rebuked her, for she was sure she should think only of Philip. "If," said her mother, "you will not only think of Philip, but lift up your prayers for him, how, my child, could you be more devoutly employed?" "That is true," replied the daughter, "let us go, and pray for Philip and for Judea. Farewell, Julian, go not to the games." And with these words, the last which I heard. from her, she turned away and moved in the direction of the Synagogue.

Not long after their departure, I too sought the streets, uncertain whether to bend my way toward the Amphitheatre, or toward the Synagogue, which, wheth

er I should enter it or not as a worshipper, certainly had all my thoughts. I was determined, as men ever are, by the multitude; and them I found all hurrying toward the Circus. The city seemed emptying in that direction, so great were the numbers of persons on foot and in chariots, on camels and on horses, many being from the country round about, who were thus hastening in the pursuit of pleasure. I, without will or purpose of my own, was borne along with the current. The expectations, as I conversed first with one and then with another of those who were going the same way, were great as to the entertainment to be afforded.

"It was to be the great day of the games. It was announced," said they, "as I might see for myself on the corners of all the streets, that an hundred Lions were to contend with one another, with other beasts, or with men. That was but a part of the show. There were other things greater yet. Pilate had never before, on his part, made so great provision for the amusement of the people. Old men said it brought to mind the days of Herod."

But long before I reached the plain on the outskirts of the city, where stands the Circus, I turned round, and moved in another direction, giving myself up to my meditations, thinking now of you, my mother, then of my journey to Beth-Harem, and most of all, of Philip and his sister. So I kept on my way, I know not how long, till suddenly the sounds of our Sabbath music struck my ear. The streets were now still, and I paused and listened. The chant rose and fell with the gentle breeze that was stirring, and by its uncommon sweetness drew me on in the direction of the sound. I

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