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diff --git a/1291-h/1291-h.htm b/1291-h/1291-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9b48182 --- /dev/null +++ b/1291-h/1291-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1931 @@ +<?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> + Herodias, by Gustave Flaubert + </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> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1291 ***</div> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + HERODIAS + </h1> + <h2> + <br /> By Gustave Flaubert + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <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> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + In the eastern side of the Dead Sea rose the citadel of Machaerus. It was + built upon a conical peak of basalt, and was surrounded by four deep + valleys, one on each side, another in front, and the fourth in the rear. + At the base of the citadel, crowding against one another, a group of + houses stood within the circle of a wall, whose outlines undulated with + the unevenness of the soil. A zigzag road, cutting through the rocks, + joined the city to the fortress, the walls of which were about one hundred + and twenty cubits high, having numerous angles and ornamental towers that + stood out like jewels in this crown of stone overhanging an abyss. + </p> + <p> + Within the high walls stood a palace, adorned with many richly carved + arches, and surrounded by a terrace that on one side of the building + spread out below a wide balcony made of sycamore wood, upon which tall + poles had been erected to support an awning. + </p> + <p> + One morning, just before sunrise, the tetrarch, Herod-Antipas, came out + alone upon the balcony. He leaned against one of the columns and looked + about him. + </p> + <p> + The crests of the hill-tops in the valley below the palace were just + discernible in the light of the false dawn, although their bases, + extending to the abyss, were still plunged in darkness. A light mist + floated in the air; presently it lifted, and the shores of the Dead Sea + became visible. The sun, rising behind Machaerus, spread a rosy flush over + the sky, lighting up the stony shores, the hills, and the desert, and + illuming the distant mountains of Judea, rugged and grey in the early + dawn. En-gedi, the central point of the group, threw a deep black shadow; + Hebron, in the background, was round-topped like a dome; Eschol had her + pomegranates, Sorek her vineyards, Carmel her fields of sesame; and the + tower of Antonia, with its enormous cube, dominated Jerusalem. The + tetrarch turned his gaze from it to contemplate the palms of Jericho on + his right; and his thoughts dwelt upon other cities of his beloved + Galilee,—Capernaum, Endor, Nazareth, Tiberias—whither it might + be he would never return. + </p> + <p> + The Jordan wound its way through the arid plains that met his gaze; white + and glittering under the clear sky, it dazzled the eye like snow in the + rays of the sun. + </p> + <p> + The Dead Sea now looked like a sheet of lapis-lazuli; and at its southern + extremity, on the coast of Yemen, Antipas recognised clearly what at first + he had been able only dimly to perceive. Several tents could now be + plainly seen; men carrying spears were moving about among a group of + horses; and dying camp-fires shone faintly in the beams of the rising sun. + </p> + <p> + This was a troop belonging to the sheikh of the Arabs, the daughter of + whom the tetrarch had repudiated in order to wed Herodias, already married + to one of his brothers, who lived in Italy but who had no pretensions to + power. + </p> + <p> + Antipas was waiting for assistance and reinforcements from the Romans, but + as Vitellius, the Governor of Syria, had not yet arrived, he was consumed + with impatience and anxiety. Perhaps Agrippa had ruined his cause with the + Emperor, he thought. Philip, his third brother, sovereign of Batania, was + arming himself clandestinely. The Jews were becoming intolerant of the + tetrarch’s idolatries; he knew that many were weary of his rule; and he + hesitated now between adopting one of two projects: to conciliate the + Arabs and win back their allegiance, or to conclude an alliance with the + Parthians. Under the pretext of celebrating his birthday, he had planned + to bring together, at a grand banquet, the chiefs of his troops, the + stewards of his domains, and the most important men from the region about + Galilee. + </p> + <p> + Antipas threw a keen glance along all the roads leading to Machaerus. They + were deserted. Eagles were sweeping through the air high above his head; + the soldiers of the guard, placed at intervals along the ramparts, slept + or dozed, leaning against the walls; all was silent within the castle. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he heard the sound of a distant voice, seeming to come from the + very depths of the earth. His cheek paled. After an instant’s hesitation, + he leaned far over the balcony railing, listening intently, but the voice + had died away. Presently it rose again upon the quiet air; Antipas clapped + his hands together loudly, crying: “Mannaeus! Mannaeus!” + </p> + <p> + Instantly a man appeared, naked to the waist, after the fashion of a + masseur at the bath. Although emaciated, and somewhat advanced in years, + he was a giant in stature, and on his hip he wore a cutlass in a bronze + scabbard. His bushy hair, gathered up and held in place by a kind of comb, + exaggerated the apparent size of his massive head. His eyes were heavy + with sleep, but his white teeth shone, his step was light on the + flagstones, and his body had the suppleness of an ape, although his + countenance was as impassive as that of a mummy. + </p> + <p> + “Where is he?” demanded the tetrarch of this strange being. + </p> + <p> + Mannaeus made a movement over his shoulder with his thumb, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Over there—still there!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought I heard him cry out.” + </p> + <p> + And Antipas, after drawing a deep breath, asked for news of Iaokanann, + afterwards known as St. John the Baptist. Had he been allowed to see the + two men who had asked permission to visit his dungeon a few days before, + and since that time, had any one discovered for what purpose the men + desired to see him? + </p> + <p> + “They exchanged some strange words with him,” Mannaeus replied, “with the + mysterious air of robbers conspiring at the cross-roads. Then they + departed towards Upper Galilee, saying that they were the bearers of great + tidings.” + </p> + <p> + Antipas bent his head for a moment; then raising it quickly, said in a + tone full of alarm: + </p> + <p> + “Guard him! watch him well! Do not allow any one else to see him. Keep the + gates shut and the entrance to the dungeon closed fast. It must not even + be suspected that he still lives!” + </p> + <p> + Mannaeus had already attended to all these details, because Iaokanann was + a Jew, and, like all the Samaritans, Mannaeus hated the Jews. + </p> + <p> + Their temple on the Mount of Gerizim, which Moses had designed to be the + centre of Israel, had been destroyed since the reign of King Hyrcanus; and + the temple at Jerusalem made the Samaritans furious; they regarded its + presence as an outrage against themselves, and a permanent injustice. + Mannaeus, indeed, had forcibly entered it, for the purpose of defiling its + altar with the bones of corpses. Several of his companions, less agile + than he, had been caught and beheaded. + </p> + <p> + From the tetrarch’s balcony, the temple was visible through an opening + between two hills. The sun, now fully risen, shed a dazzling splendour on + its walls of snowy marble and the plates of purest gold that formed its + roof. The structure shone like a luminous mountain, and its radiant purity + indicated something almost superhuman, eclipsing even its suggestion of + opulence and pride. + </p> + <p> + Mannaeus stretched out his powerful arm towards Zion, and, with clenched + fist and his great body drawn to its full height, he launched a bitter + anathema at the city, with perfect faith that eventually his curse must be + effective. + </p> + <p> + Antipas listened, without appearing to be shocked at the strength of the + invectives. + </p> + <p> + When the Samaritan had become somewhat calmer, he returned to the subject + of the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes he grows excited,” said he, “then he longs to escape or talks + about a speedy deliverance. At other times he is as quiet as a sick + animal, although I often find him pacing to and fro in his gloomy dungeon, + murmuring, ‘In order that His glory may increase, mine must diminish.’” + </p> + <p> + Antipas and Mannaeus looked at each other a moment in silence. But the + tetrarch was weary of pondering on this troublesome matter. + </p> + <p> + The mountain peaks surrounding the palace, looking like great petrified + waves, the black depths among the cliffs, the immensity of the blue sky, + the rising sun, and the gloomy valley of the abyss, filled the soul of + Antipas with a vague unrest; he felt an overwhelming sense of oppression + at the sight of the desert, whose uneven piles of sand suggested crumbling + amphitheaters or ruined palaces. The hot wind brought an odour of sulphur, + as if it had rolled up from cities accursed and buried deeper than the + river-bed of the slow-running Jordan. + </p> + <p> + These aspects of nature, which seemed to his troubled fancy signs of the + wrath of the gods, terrified him, and he leaned heavily against the + balcony railing, his eyes fixed, his head resting upon his hands. + </p> + <p> + Presently he felt a light touch upon his shoulder. He turned, and saw + Herodias standing beside him. A purple robe enveloped her, falling to her + sandaled feet. Having left her chamber hurriedly, she wore no jewels nor + other ornaments. A thick tress of rippling black hair hung over her + shoulder and hid itself in her bosom; her nostrils, a little too large for + beauty, quivered with triumph, and her face was alight with joy. She + gently shook the tetrarch’s shoulder, and exclaimed exultantly: + </p> + <p> + “Caesar is our friend! Agrippa has been imprisoned!” + </p> + <p> + “Who told thee that?” + </p> + <p> + “I know it!” she replied, adding: “It was because he coveted the crown of + Caligula.” + </p> + <p> + While living upon the charity of Antipas and Herodias, Agrippa had + intrigued to become king, a title for which the tetrarch was as eager as + he. But if this news were true, no more was to be feared from Agrippa’s + scheming. + </p> + <p> + “The dungeons of Tiberias are hard to open, and sometimes life itself is + uncertain within their depths,” said Herodias, with grim significance. + </p> + <p> + Antipas understood her; and, although she was Agrippa’s sister, her + atrocious insinuation seemed entirely justifiable to the tetrarch. Murder + and outrage were to be expected in the management of political intrigues; + they were a part of the fatal inheritance of royal houses; and in the + family of Herodias nothing was more common. + </p> + <p> + Then she rapidly unfolded to the tetrarch the secrets of her recent + undertakings, telling him how many men had been bribed, what letters had + been intercepted, and the number of spies stationed at the city gates. She + did not hesitate even to tell him of her success in an attempt to befool + and seduce Eutyches the denunciator. + </p> + <p> + “And why should I not?” she said; “it cost me nothing. For thee, my lord, + have I not done more than that? Did I not even abandon my child?” + </p> + <p> + After her divorce from Philip, she had indeed left her daughter in Rome, + hoping that, as the wife of the tetrarch, she might bear other children. + Until that moment she had never spoken to Antipas of her daughter. He + asked himself the reason for this sudden display of tenderness. + </p> + <p> + During their brief conversation several attendants had come out upon the + balcony; one slave brought a quantity of large, soft cushions, and + arranged them in a kind of temporary couch upon the floor behind his + mistress. Herodias sank upon them, and turning her face away from Antipas, + seemed to be weeping silently. After a few moments she dried her eyes, + declared that she would dream no more, and that she was, in reality, + perfectly happy. She reminded Antipas of their former long delightful + interviews in the atrium; their meetings at the baths; their walks along + the Sacred Way, and the sweet evening rendezvous at the villa, among the + flowery groves, listening to the murmur of splashing fountains, within + sight of the Roman Campagna. Her glances were as tender as in former days; + she drew near to him, leaned against his breast and caressed him fondly. + </p> + <p> + But he repelled her soft advances. The love she sought to rekindle had + died long ago. He thought instead of all his misfortunes, and of the + twelve long years during which the war had continued. Protracted anxiety + had visibly aged the tetrarch. His shoulders were bent beneath his + violet-bordered toga; his whitening locks were long and mingled with his + beard, and the sunlight revealed many lines upon his brow, as well as upon + that of Herodias. After the tetrarch’s repulse of his wife’s tender + overtures, the pair gazed morosely at each other. + </p> + <p> + The mountain paths began to show signs of life. Shepherds were driving + their flocks to pasture; children urged heavy-laden donkeys along the + roads; while grooms belonging to the palace led the horses to the river to + drink. The wayfarers descending from the heights on the farther side of + Machaerus disappeared behind the castle; others ascended from the valleys, + and after arriving at the palace deposited their burdens in the courtyard. + Many of these were purveyors to the tetrarch; others were the servants of + his expected guests, arriving in advance of their masters. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, at the foot of the terrace on the left, an Essene appeared; he + wore a white robe, his feet were bare, and his demeanour indicated that he + was a follower of the Stoics. Mannaeus instantly rushed towards the + stranger, drawing the cutlass that he wore upon his hip. + </p> + <p> + “Kill him!” cried Herodias. + </p> + <p> + “Do not touch him!” the tetrarch commanded. + </p> + <p> + The two men stood motionless for an instant, then they descended the + terrace, both taking a different direction, although they kept their eyes + fixed upon each other. + </p> + <p> + “I know that man,” said Herodias, after they had disappeared. “His name is + Phanuel, and he will try to seek out Iaokanann, since thou wert so foolish + as to allow him to live.” + </p> + <p> + Antipas said that the man might some day be useful to them. His attacks + upon Jerusalem would gain them the allegiance of the rest of the Jews. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Herodias, “the Jews will accept any master, and are incapable + of feeling any true patriotism.” She added that, as for the man who was + trying to influence the people with hopes cherished since the days of + Nehemiah, the best policy was to suppress him. + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch replied that there was no haste about the matter, and + expressed his doubt that any real danger was to be feared from Iaokanann + even affecting to laugh at the idea. + </p> + <p> + “Do not deceive thyself!” exclaimed Herodias. And she retold the story of + her humiliation one day when she was travelling towards Gilead, in order + to purchase some of the balm for which that region was famous. + </p> + <p> + “A multitude was standing on the banks of the stream, my lord; many of the + people were putting on their raiment. Standing on a hillock, a strange man + was speaking to the gathering. A camel’s-skin was wrapped about his loins, + and his head was like that of a lion. As soon as he saw me, he launched in + my direction all the maledictions of the prophets. His eyes flamed, his + voice shook, he raised his arms as if he would draw down lightning upon my + head. I could not fly from him; the wheels of my chariot sank in the sand + up to the middle; and I could only crawl along, hiding my head with my + mantle, and frozen with terror at the curses that poured upon me like a + storm from heaven!” + </p> + <p> + Continuing her harangue, she declared that the knowledge that this man + still existed poisoned her very life. When he had been seized and bound + with cords, the soldiers were prepared to stab him if he resisted, but he + had been quite gentle and obedient. After he had been thrown into prison + some one had put venomous serpents into his dungeon, but strange to say, + after a time they had died, leaving him uninjured. The inanity of such + tricks exasperated Herodias. Besides, she inquired, why did this man make + war upon her? What interest moved him to such actions? His injurious words + to her, uttered before a throng of listeners, had been repeated and widely + circulated; she heard them whispered everywhere. Against a legion of + soldiers she would have been brave; but this mysterious influence, more + pernicious and powerful than the sword, but impossible to grasp, was + maddening! Herodias strode to and fro upon the terrace, white with rage, + unable to find words to express the emotions that choked her. + </p> + <p> + She had a haunting fear that the tetrarch might listen to public opinion + after a time, and persuade himself it was his duty to repudiate her. Then, + indeed, all would be lost! Since early youth she had cherished a dream + that some day she would rule over a great empire. As an important step + towards attaining this ambition, she had deserted Philip, her first + husband, and married the tetrarch, who now she thought had duped her. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I found a powerful support, indeed, when I entered thy family!” she + sneered. + </p> + <p> + “It is at least the equal of thine,” Antipas replied. + </p> + <p> + Herodias felt the blood of the kings and priests, her ancestors, boiling + in her veins. + </p> + <p> + “Thy grandfather was a servile attendant upon the temple of Ascalon!” she + went on, with fury. “Thy other ancestors were shepherds, bandits, + conductors of caravans, a horde of slaves offered as tribute to King + David! My forefathers were the conquerors of thine! The first of the + Maccabees drove thy people out of Hebron; Hyrcanus forced them to be + circumcised!” Then, with all the contempt of the patrician for the + plebeian, the hatred of Jacob for Esau, she reproached him for his + indifference towards palpable outrages to his dignity, his weakness + regarding the Phoenicians, who had been false to him, and his cowardly + attitude towards the people who detested and insulted herself. + </p> + <p> + “But thou art like them!” she cried; “Dost regret the loss of the Arab + girl who danced upon these very pavements? Take her back! Go and live with + her—in her tent! Eat her bread, baked in the ashes! Drink curdled + sheep’s-milk! Kiss her dark cheeks—and forget me!” + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch had already forgotten her presence, it appeared. He paid no + further heed to her anger, but looked intently at a young girl who had + just stepped out upon the balcony of a house not far away. At her side + stood an elderly female slave, who held over the girl’s head a kind of + parasol with a handle made of long, slender reeds. In the middle of the + rug spread upon the floor of the balcony stood a large open + travelling-hamper or basket, and girdles, veils, head-dresses, and gold + and silver ornaments were scattered about in confusion. At intervals the + young girl took one object or another in her hands, and held it up + admiringly. She was dressed in the costume of the Roman ladies, with a + flowing tunic and a peplum ornamented with tassels of emeralds; and blue + silken bands confined her hair, which seemed almost too luxuriant, since + from time to time she raised a small hand to push back the heavy masses. + The parasol half hid the maiden from the gaze of Antipas, but now and then + he caught a glimpse of her delicate neck, her large eyes, or a fleeting + smile upon her small mouth. He noted that her figure swayed about with a + singularly elastic grace and elegance. He leaned forward, his eyes + kindled, his breath quickened. All this was not lost upon Herodias, who + watched him narrowly. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that maiden?” the tetrarch asked at last. + </p> + <p> + Herodias replied that she did not know, and her fierce demeanour suddenly + changed to one of gentleness and amiability. + </p> + <p> + At the entrance to the castle the tetrarch was awaited by several + Galileans, the master of the scribes, the chief of the land stewards, the + manager of the salt mines, and a Jew from Babylon, commanding his troops + of horse. As the tetrarch approached the group, he was greeted with + respectful enthusiasm. Acknowledging the acclamations with a grave salute, + he entered the castle. + </p> + <p> + As he proceeded along one of the corridors, Phanuel suddenly sprang from a + corner and intercepted him. + </p> + <p> + “What! Art thou still here?” said the tetrarch in displeasure. “Thou + seekest Iaokanann, no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “And thyself, my lord. I have something of great importance to tell thee.” + </p> + <p> + At a sign from Antipas, the Essene followed him into a somewhat dark and + gloomy room. + </p> + <p> + The daylight came faintly through a grated window. The walls were of a + deep shade of crimson, so dark as to look almost black. At one end of the + room stood an ebony bed, ornamented with bands of leather. A shield of + gold, hanging at the head of the bed, shone like a sun in the obscurity of + the apartment. Antipas crossed over to the couch and threw himself upon it + in a half-reclining attitude, while Phanuel remained standing before him. + Suddenly he raised one hand, and striking a commanding attitude said: + </p> + <p> + “At times, my lord, the Most High sends a message to the people through + one of His sons. Iaokanann is one of these. If thou oppress him, thou + shalt be punished!” + </p> + <p> + “But it is he that persecutes me!” exclaimed Antipas. “He asked me to do a + thing that was impossible. Since then he has done nothing but revile me. + And I was not severe with him when he began his abuse of me. But he had + the hardihood to send various men from Machaerus to spread dissension and + discontent throughout my domain. A curse upon him! Since he attacks me, I + shall defend myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Without doubt, he has expressed his anger with too much violence,” + Phanuel replied calmly. “But do not heed that further. He must be set + free.” + </p> + <p> + “One does not let loose a furious animal,” said the tetrarch. + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear of him now,” was the quick reply. “He will go straight to + the Arabs, the Gauls, and the Scythians. His work must be extended to the + uttermost ends of the earth.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Antipas appeared lost in thought, as one who sees a vision. + Then he said: + </p> + <p> + “His power over men is indeed great. In spite of myself, I admire him!” + </p> + <p> + “Then set him free!” + </p> + <p> + But the tetrarch shook his head. He feared Herodias, Mannaeus, and unknown + dangers. + </p> + <p> + Phanuel tried to persuade him, promising, as a guaranty of the honesty of + his projects, the submission of the Essenians to the King. These poor + people, clad only in linen, untameable in spite of severe treatment, + endowed with the power to divine the future by reading the stars, had + succeeded in commanding a certain degree of respect. + </p> + <p> + “What is the important matter thou wouldst communicate to me?” Antipas + inquired, with sudden recollection. + </p> + <p> + Before Phanuel could reply, a Negro entered the room in great haste. He + was covered with dust, and panted so violently that he could scarcely + utter the single word: + </p> + <p> + “Vitellus!” + </p> + <p> + “Has he arrived?” asked the tetrarch. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen him, my lord. Within three hours he will be here.” + </p> + <p> + Throughout the palace, doors were opening and closing and portieres were + swaying as if in a high wind, with the coming and going of many persons; + there was a murmur of voices; sounds of the moving of heavy furniture + could be heard, and the rattle of silver plates and dishes. From the + highest tower a loud blast upon a conch summoned from far and near all the + slaves belonging to the castle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + The ramparts were thronged with people when at last Vitellius entered the + castle gates, leaning on the arm of his interpreter. Behind them came an + imposing red litter, decorated with plumes and mirrors. The proconsul wore + a toga ornamented with the laticlave, a broad purple band extending down + the front of the garment, indicating his rank; and his feet were encased + in the kind of buskins worn by consuls. A guard of lictors surrounded him. + Against the wall they placed their twelve fasces—a bundle of sticks + with an axe in the centre. And the populace trembled before the insignia + of Roman majesty. + </p> + <p> + The gorgeous litter, borne by eight men, came to a halt. From it descended + a youth. He wore many pearls upon his fingers, but he had a protruding + abdomen and his face was covered with pimples. A cup of aromatic wine was + offered to him. He drank it, and asked for a second draught. + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch had fallen upon his knees before the proconsul, saying that + he was grieved beyond words not to have known sooner of the favour of his + presence within those domains; had he been aware of the approach of his + distinguished guest, he would have issued a command that every person + along the route should place himself at the proconsul’s orders. Of a + surety, the proconsul’s family was descended direct from the goddess + Vitellia. A highway, leading from the Janiculum to the sea, still bore + their name. Questors and consuls were innumerable in that great family; + and as for the noble Lucius, now his honoured guest, it was the duty of + the whole people to thank him, as the conqueror of the Cliti and the + father of the young Aulus, now returning to his own domain, since the East + was the country of the gods. These hyperboles were expressed in Latin, and + Vitellius accepted them impassively. + </p> + <p> + He replied that the great Herod was the honour and glory of the nation; + that the Athenians had chosen him to direct the Olympian games; that he + had built temples in the honour of Augustus; had been patient, ingenious, + terrible; and was faithful to all the Caesars. + </p> + <p> + Between the two marble columns, with bronze capitals, Herodias could now + be seen advancing with the air of an empress, in the midst of a group of + women and eunuchs carrying perfumed torches set in sockets of silver-gilt. + </p> + <p> + The proconsul advanced three steps to meet her. She saluted him with an + inclination of her head. + </p> + <p> + “How fortunate,” she exclaimed, “that henceforth Agrippa, the enemy of + Tiberius, can work harm no longer!” + </p> + <p> + Vitellius did not understand her allusion, but he thought her a dangerous + woman. Antipas immediately declared that he was ready to do anything for + the emperor. + </p> + <p> + “Even to the injury of others?” Vitellius asked, significantly. + </p> + <p> + He had taken hostages from the king of the Parthians, but the emperor had + given no further thought to the matter, because Antipas, who had been + present at the conference, had, in order to gain favour, sent off + despatches bearing the news. From that time he had borne a profound hatred + towards the emperor and had delayed in sending assistance to him. + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch stammered in attempting to reply to the query of the + proconsul. But Aulus laughed and said: “Do not be disturbed. I will + protect thee!” + </p> + <p> + The proconsul feigned not to hear this remark. The fortune of the father + depended, in a way, on the corrupt influence of the son; and through him + it was possible that Antipas might be able to procure for the proconsul + very substantial benefits, although the glances that he cast about him + were defiant, and even venomous. + </p> + <p> + But now a new tumult arose just within the gates. A file of white mules + entered the courtyard, mounted by men in priestly garb. These were the + Sadducees and the Pharisees, who were drawn to Machaerus by the same + ambition: the one party hoping to be appointed public sacrificers, the + other determined to retain those offices. Their faces were dark, + particularly those of the Pharisees, who were enemies of Rome and of the + tetrarch. The flowing skirts of their tunics embarrassed their movements + as they attempted to pass through the throng; and their tiaras sat + unsteadily upon their brows, around which were bound small bands of + parchment, showing lines of writing. + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same moment, the soldiers of the advance guard arrived. + Cloth coverings had been drawn over their glittering shields to protect + them from the dust. Behind them came Marcellus, the proconsul’s + lieutenant, followed by the publicans, carrying their tablets of wood + under their arms. + </p> + <p> + Antipas named to Vitellius the principle personages surrounding them: + Tolmai, Kanthera, Schon, Ammonius of Alexandria, who brought asphalt for + Antipas; Naaman, captain of his troops of skirmishers, and Jacim, the + Babylonian. + </p> + <p> + Vitellius had noticed Mannaeus. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that man?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch by a significant gesture indicated that Mannaeus was the + executioner. He then presented the Sadducees to the proconsul’s notice. + </p> + <p> + Jonathas, a man of low stature, who spoke Greek, advanced with a firm step + and begged that the great lord would honour Jerusalem with a visit. + Vitellius replied that he should probably go to Jerusalem soon. + </p> + <p> + Eleazar, who had a crooked nose and a long beard, put forth a claim, in + behalf of the Pharisees, for the mantle of the high priest, held in the + tower of Antonia by the civil authorities. + </p> + <p> + Then the Galileans came forward and denounced Pontius Pilate. On one + occasion, they said, a mad-man went seeking in a cave near Samaria for the + golden vases that had belonged to King David, and Pontius Pilate had + caused several inhabitants of that region to be executed. In their + excitement all the Galileans spoke at once, Mannaeus’s voice being heard + above all others. Vitellius promised that the guilty ones should be + punished. + </p> + <p> + Fresh vociferations now broke out in front of the great gates, where the + soldiers had hung their shields. Their coverings having now been removed, + on each shield a carving of the head of Caesar could be seen on the umbo, + or central knob. To the Jews, this seemed an evidence of nothing short of + idolatry. Antipas harangued them, while Vitellius, who occupied a raised + seat within the shadow of the colonnade, was astonished at their fury. + Tiberius had done well, he thought, to exile four hundred of these people + to Sardinia. Presently the Jews became so violent that he ordered the + shields to be removed. + </p> + <p> + Then the multitude surrounded the proconsul, imploring him to abolish + certain unjust laws, asking for privileges, or begging for alms. They rent + their clothing and jostled one another; and at last, in order to drive + them back, several slaves, armed with long staves, charged upon them, + striking right and left. Those nearest the gates made their escape and + descended to the road; others rushed in to take their place, so that two + streams of human beings flowed in and out, compressed within the limits of + the gateway. + </p> + <p> + Vitellius demanded the reason for the assembling of so great a throng. + Antipas explained that they had been invited to come to a feast in + celebration of his birthday; and he pointed to several men who, leaning + against the battlements, were hauling up immense basket-loads of food, + fruits, vegetables, antelopes, and storks; large fish, of a brilliant + shade of blue; grapes, melons, and pyramids of pomegranates. At this + sight, Aulus left the courtyard and hastened to the kitchens, led by his + taste for gormandizing, which later became the amazement of the world. + </p> + <p> + As they passed the opening to a small cellar, Vitellius perceived some + objects resembling breast-plates hanging on a wall. He looked at them with + interest, and then demanded that the subterranean chambers of the fortress + be thrown open for his inspection. These chambers were cut into the rocky + foundation of the castle, and had been formed into vaults, with pillars + set at regular distances. The first vault opened contained old armour; the + second was full of pikes, with long points emerging from tufts of + feathers. The walls of the third chamber were hung with a kind of tapestry + made of slender reeds, laid in perpendicular rows. Those of the fourth + were covered with scimitars. In the middle of the fifth cell, rows of + helmets were seen, the crests of which looked like a battalion of fiery + serpents. The sixth cell contained nothing but empty quivers; the seventh, + greaves for protecting the legs in battle; the eighth vault was filled + with bracelets and armlets; and an examination of the remaining vaults + disclosed forks, grappling-irons, ladders, cords, even catapults, and + bells for the necks of camels; and as they descended deeper into the rocky + foundation, it became evident that the whole mass was a veritable + honeycomb of cells, and that below those already seen were many others. + </p> + <p> + Vitellius, Phineas, his interpreter, and Sisenna, chief of the publicans, + walked among these gloomy cells, attended by three eunuchs bearing + torches. + </p> + <p> + In the deep shadows hideous instruments, invented by barbarians, could be + seen: tomahawks studded with nails; poisoned javelins; pincers resembling + the jaws of crocodiles; in short, the tetrarch possessed in his castle + munitions of war sufficient for forty thousand men. + </p> + <p> + He had accumulated these weapons in anticipation of an alliance against + him among his enemies. But he bethought him that the proconsul might + believe, or assert, that he had collected this armoury in order to attack + the Romans; so he hastened to offer explanations of all that Vitellius had + observed. + </p> + <p> + Some of these things did not belong to him at all, he said: many of them + were necessary to defend the place against brigands and marauders, + especially the Arabs. Many of the objects in the vault had been the + property of his father, and he had allowed them to remain untouched. As he + spoke, he managed to get in advance of the proconsul and preceded him + along the corridors with rapid steps. Presently he halted and stood close + against the wall as the party came up; he spoke quickly, standing with his + hands on his hips, so that his voluminous mantle covered a wide space of + the wall behind him. But just above his head the top of a door was + visible. Vitellius remarked it instantly, and demanded to know what it + concealed. + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch explained that the door was fastened, and that none could + open it save the Babylonian, Jacim. + </p> + <p> + “Summon him, then!” was the command. + </p> + <p> + A slave was sent to find Jacim, while the group awaited his coming. + </p> + <p> + The father of Jacim had come from the banks of the Euphrates to offer his + services, as well as those of five hundred horsemen, in the defence of the + eastern frontier. After the division of the kingdom, Jacim had lived for a + time with Philip, and was now in the service of Antipas. + </p> + <p> + Presently he appeared among the vaults, carrying an archer’s bow on his + shoulder and a whip in his hand. Cords of many colours were lashed tightly + about his knotted legs; his massive arms were thrust through a sleeveless + tunic, and a fur cap shaded his face. His chin was covered with a heavy, + curling beard. + </p> + <p> + He appeared not to comprehend what the interpreter said to him at first. + But Vitellius threw a meaning glance at Antipas, who quickly made the + Babylonian understand the command of the proconsul. Jacim immediately laid + both his hands against the door, giving it a powerful shove; whereupon it + quietly slid out of sight into the wall. + </p> + <p> + A wave of hot air surged from the depths of the cavern. A winding path + descended and turned abruptly. The group followed it, and soon arrived at + the threshold of a kind of grotto, somewhat larger than the other + subterranean cells. + </p> + <p> + An arched window at the back of this chamber gave directly upon a + precipice, which formed a defence for one side of the castle. A + honeysuckle vine, cramped by the low-studded ceiling, blossomed bravely. + The sound of a running stream could be heard distinctly. In this place was + a great number of beautiful white horses, perhaps a hundred. They were + eating barley from a plank placed on a level with their mouths. Their + manes had been coloured a deep blue; their hoofs were wrapped in coverings + of woven grass, and the hair between their ears was puffed out like a + peruke. As they stood quietly eating, they switched their tails gently to + and fro. The proconsul regarded them in silent admiration. + </p> + <p> + They were indeed wonderful animals; supple as serpents, light as birds. + They were trained to gallop rapidly, following the arrow of the rider, and + dash into the midst of a group of the enemy, overturning men and biting + them savagely as they fell. They were sure-footed among rocky passes, and + would jump fearlessly over yawning chasms; and, while ready to gallop + across the plains a whole day without tiring, they would stop instantly at + the command of the rider. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Jacim entered their quarters, they trotted up to him, as sheep + crowd around the shepherd; and, thrusting forward their sleek necks, they + looked at him with a gaze like that of inquiring children. From force of + habit, he emitted a raucous cry, which excited them; they pranced about, + impatient at their confinement and longing to run. + </p> + <p> + Antipas, fearing that if Vitellius knew of the existence of these + creatures, he would take them away, had shut them up in this place, made + especially to accommodate animals in case of siege. + </p> + <p> + “This close confinement cannot be good for them,” said Vitellius, “and + there is a risk of losing them by keeping them here. Make an inventory of + their number, Sisenna.” + </p> + <p> + The publican drew a writing-tablet from the folds of his robe, counted the + horses, and recorded the number carefully. + </p> + <p> + It was the habit of the agents of the fiscal companies to corrupt the + governors in order to pillage the provinces. Sisenna was among the most + flourishing of these agents, and was seen everywhere with his claw-like + fingers and his eyelids continually blinking. + </p> + <p> + After a time the party returned to the court. Heavy, round bronze lids, + sunk in the stones of the pavement, covered the cisterns of the palace. + Vitellius noticed that one of these was larger than the others, and that + when struck by his foot it had not their sonority. He struck them all, one + after another; then stamped upon the ground and shouted: + </p> + <p> + “I have found it! I have found the buried treasure of Herod!” + </p> + <p> + Searching for buried treasure was a veritable mania among the Romans. + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch swore that no treasure was hidden in that spot. + </p> + <p> + “What is concealed there, then?” the proconsul demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing—that is, only a man—a prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “Show him to me!” + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch hesitated to obey, fearing that the Jews would discover his + secret. His reluctance to lift the cover made Vitellius impatient. + </p> + <p> + “Break it in!” he cried to his lictors. Mannaeus heard the command, and, + seeing a lictor step forward armed with a hatchet, he feared that the man + intended to behead Iaokanann. He stayed the hand of the lictor after the + first blow, and then slipped between the heavy lid and the pavement a kind + of hook. He braced his long, lean arms, raised the cover slowly, and in a + moment it lay flat upon the stones. The bystanders admired the strength of + the old man. + </p> + <p> + Under the bronze lid was a wooden trap-door of the same size. At a blow of + the fist it folded back, allowing a wide hole to be seen, the mouth of an + immense pit, with a flight of winding steps leading down into the + darkness. Those that bent over to peer into the cavern beheld a vague and + terrifying shape in its depths. + </p> + <p> + This proved to be a human being, lying on the ground. His long locks hung + over a camel’s-hair robe that covered his shoulders. Slowly he rose to his + feet. His head touched a grating embedded in the wall; and as he moved + about he disappeared, from time to time, in the shadows of his dungeon. + </p> + <p> + The rich tiaras of the Romans sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight, and + their glittering sword-hilts threw out glancing golden rays. The doves, + flying from their cotes, circled above the heads of the multitude. It was + the hour when Mannaeus was accustomed to feed them. But now he crouched + beside the tetrarch, who stood near Vitellius. The Galileans, the priests, + and the soldiers formed a group behind them; all were silent, waiting with + painful anticipation for what might happen. + </p> + <p> + A deep groan, hollow and startling, rose from the pit. + </p> + <p> + Herodias heard it from the farther end of the palace. Drawn by an + irresistible though terrible fascination, she made her way through the + throng, and, reaching Mannaeus, she leant one hand on his shoulder and + bent over to listen. + </p> + <p> + The hollow voice rose again from the depths of the earth. + </p> + <p> + “Woe to thee, Sadducees and Pharisees! Thy voices are like the tinkling of + cymbals! O race of vipers, bursting with pride!” + </p> + <p> + The voice of Iaokanann was recognised. His name was whispered about. + Spectators from a distance pressed closer to the open pit. + </p> + <p> + “Woe to thee, O people! Woe to the traitors of Judah, and to the drunkards + of Ephraim, who dwelt in the fertile valleys and stagger with the fumes of + wine! + </p> + <p> + “May they disappear like running water; like the slug that sinks into the + sand as it moves; like an abortion that never sees the light! + </p> + <p> + “And thou too, Moab! hide thyself in the midst of the cypress, like the + sparrow; in caverns, like the wild hare! The gates of the fortress shall + be crushed more easily than nut-shells; the walls shall crumble; cities + shall burn; and the scourge of God shall not cease! He shall cause your + bodies to be bathed in your own blood, like wool in the dyer’s vat. He + shall rend you, as with a harrow; He shall scatter the remains of your + bodies from the tops of the mountains!” + </p> + <p> + Of which conqueror was he speaking? Was it Vitellius? Only the Romans + could bring about such an extermination. The people began to cry out: + “Enough! enough! let him speak no more!” + </p> + <p> + But the prisoner continued in louder tones: + </p> + <p> + “Beside the corpses of their mothers, thy little ones shall drag + themselves over the ashes of the burned cities. At night men will creep + from their hiding-places to seek a bit of food among the ruins, even at + the risk of being cut down with the sword. Jackals shall pick thy bones in + the public places, where at eventide the fathers were wont to gather. At + the bidding of Gentiles, thy maidens shall be forced to cease their + lamentations and to make music upon the zither, and the bravest of thy + sons shall learn to bend their backs, chafed with heavy burdens.” + </p> + <p> + The listeners remembered the days of exile, and all the misfortunes and + catastrophes of the past. These words were like the anathemas of the + ancient prophets. The captive thundered them forth like bolts from heaven. + </p> + <p> + Presently his voice became almost as sweet and harmonious as if he were + uttering a chant. He spoke of the world’s redemption from sin and sorrow; + of the glories of heaven; of gold in place of clay; of the desert + blossoming like the rose. “That which is now worth sixty pieces of silver + will not cost a single obol. Fountains of milk shall spring from the + rocks; men shall sleep, well satisfied, among the wine-presses. The people + shall prostrate themselves before Thee, and Thy reign shall be eternal, O + Son of David!” + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch suddenly recoiled from the opening of the pit; the mention of + the existence of a son of David seemed to him like a menace to himself. + </p> + <p> + Iaokanann then poured forth invectives against him for presuming to aspire + to royalty. + </p> + <p> + “There is no other king than the Eternal God!” he cried; and he cursed + Antipas for his luxurious gardens, his statues, his furniture of carved + ivory and precious woods, comparing him to the impious Ahab. + </p> + <p> + Antipas broke the slender cord attached to the royal seal that he wore + around his neck, and throwing the seal into the pit, he commanded his + prisoner to be silent. + </p> + <p> + But Iaokanann replied: “I shall cry aloud like a savage bear, like the + wild ass, like a woman in travail! The punishment of heaven has already + visited itself upon thy incest! May God inflict thee with the sterility of + mules!” + </p> + <p> + At these words, a sound of suppressed laughter arose here and there among + the listeners. + </p> + <p> + Vitellius had remained close to the opening of the dungeon while Iaokanann + was speaking. His interpreter, in impassive tones, translated into the + Roman tongue all the threats and invectives that rolled up from the depths + of the gloomy prison. The tetrarch and Herodias felt compelled to remain + near at hand. Antipas listened, breathing heavily; while the woman, with + parted lips, gazed into the darkness of the pit, her face drawn with an + expression of fear and hatred. + </p> + <p> + The terrible man now turned towards her. He grasped the bars of his + prison, pressed against them his bearded face, in which his eyes glowed + like burning coals, and cried: + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Is it thou, Jezebel? Thou hast captured thy lord’s heart with the + tinkling of thy feet. Thou didst neigh to him like a mare. Thou didst + prepare thy bed on the mountain top, in order to accomplish thy + sacrifices! + </p> + <p> + “The Lord shall take from thee thy sparkling jewels, thy purple robes and + fine linen; the bracelets from thine arms, the anklets from thy feet; the + golden ornaments that dangle upon thy brow, thy mirrors of polished + silver, thy fans of ostrich plumes, thy shoes with their heels of + mother-of-pearl, that serve to increase thy stature; thy glittering + diamonds, the scent of thy hair, the tint of thy nails,—all the + artifices of thy coquetry shall disappear, and missiles shall be found + wherewith to stone the adulteress!” + </p> + <p> + Herodias looked around for some one to defend her. The Pharisees lowered + their eyes hypocritically. The Sadducees turned away their heads, fearing + to offend the proconsul should they appear to sympathise with her. Antipas + was almost in a swoon. + </p> + <p> + Louder still rose the voice from the dungeon; the neighbouring hills gave + back an echo with startling effect, and Machaerus seemed actually + surrounded and showered with curses. + </p> + <p> + “Prostrate thyself in the dust, daughter of Babylon, and scourge thyself! + Remove thy girdle and thy shoes, gather up thy garments and walk through + the flowing stream; thy shame shall follow thee, thy disgrace shall be + known to all men, thy bosom shall be rent with sobs. God execrates the + stench of thy crimes! Accursed one! die like a dog!” + </p> + <p> + At that instant the trap-door was suddenly shut down and secured by + Mannaeus, who would have liked to strangle Iaokanann then and there. + </p> + <p> + Herodias glided away and disappeared within the palace. The Pharisees were + scandalised at what they had heard. Antipas, standing among them, + attempted to justify his past conduct and to excuse his present situation. + </p> + <p> + “Without doubt,” said Eleazar, “it was necessary for him to marry his + brother’s wife; but Herodias was not a widow, and besides, she had a + child, which she abandoned; and that was an abomination.” + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong,” objected Jonathas the Sadducee; “the law condemns such + marriages but does not actually forbid them.” + </p> + <p> + “What matters it? All the world shows me injustice,” said Antipas, + bitterly; “and why? Did not Absalom lie with his father’s wives, Judah + with his daughter-in-law, Ammon with his sister, and Lot with his + daughters?” + </p> + <p> + Aulus, who had been reposing within the palace, now reappeared in the + court. After he had heard how matters stood, he approved of the attitude + of the tetrarch. “A man should never allow himself to be annoyed,” said + he, “by such foolish criticism.” And he laughed at the censure of the + priests and the fury of Iaokanann, saying that his words were of little + importance. + </p> + <p> + Herodias, who also had reappeared, and now stood at the top of a flight of + steps, called loudly: + </p> + <p> + “You are wrong, my lord! He ordered the people to refuse to pay the tax!” + </p> + <p> + “Is that true?” he demanded. The general response was affirmative, Antipas + adding his word to the declaration of the others. + </p> + <p> + Vitellius had a misgiving that the prisoner might be able to escape; and + as the conduct of Antipas appeared to him rather suspicious, he + established his own sentinels at the gates, at intervals along the walls, + and in the courtyard itself. + </p> + <p> + At last he retired to the apartments assigned to him, accompanied by the + priests. Without touching directly upon the question of the coveted + offices of public sacrificers, each one laid his own grievances before the + proconsul. They fairly beset him with complaints and requests, but he soon + dismissed them from his presence. + </p> + <p> + As Jonathas left the proconsul’s apartments he perceived Antipas standing + under an arch, talking to an Essene, who wore a long white robe and + flowing locks. Jonathas regretted that he had raised his voice in defence + of the tetrarch. + </p> + <p> + One thought now consoled Herod-Antipas. He was no longer personally + responsible for the fate of Iaokanann. The Romans had assumed that charge. + What a relief! He had noticed Phanuel pacing slowly through the court, and + calling him to his side, he pointed put the guards established by + Vitellius, saying: + </p> + <p> + “They are stronger than I! I cannot now set the prisoner free! It is not + my fault if he remains in his dungeon.” + </p> + <p> + The courtyard was empty. The slaves were sleeping. The day was drawing to + a close, and the sunset spread a deep rosy glow over the horizon, against + which the smallest objects stood out like silhouettes. Antipas was able to + distinguish the excavations of the salt-mines at the farther end of the + Dead Sea, but the tents of the Arabs were no longer visible. As the moon + rose, the effect of the day’s excitement passed away, and a feeling of + peace entered his heart. + </p> + <p> + Phanuel, also wearied by the recent agitating scenes, remained beside the + tetrarch. He sat in silence for some time, his chin resting on his breast. + At last he spoke in confidence to Antipas, and revealed what he had wished + to say. + </p> + <p> + From the beginning of the month, he said, he had been studying the heavens + every morning before daybreak, when the constellation of Perseus was at + the zenith; Agalah was scarcely visible; Algol was even less bright; + Mira-Cetus had disappeared entirely; from all of which he augured the + death of some man of great importance, to occur that very night in + Machaerus. + </p> + <p> + Who was the man? Vitellius was too closely guarded to be reached. No one + would kill Iaokanann. + </p> + <p> + “It is I!” thought the tetrarch. + </p> + <p> + It might be that the Arabs would return and make a successful attack upon + him. Perhaps the proconsul would discover his relations with the + Parthians. Several men whom Antipas had recognised as hired assassins from + Jerusalem, had escorted the priests in the train of the proconsul; they + all carried daggers concealed beneath their robes. The tetrarch had no + doubt whatever of the exactness of Phanuel’s skill in astrology. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he bethought him of Herodias. He would consult her. He hated her, + certainly, but she might give him courage; and besides, in spite of his + dislike, not all the bonds were yet broken of that sorcery which once she + had woven about him. + </p> + <p> + When he entered her chamber, he was met by the pungent odour of cinnamon + burning in a porphyry vase and the perfume of powders, unguents, + cloud-like gauzes and embroideries light as feathers, filled the air with + fragrance. + </p> + <p> + He did not speak of Phanuel’s prophecy, nor of his own fear of the Jews + and the Arabs. Herodias had already accused him of cowardice. He spoke + only of the Romans, and complained that Vitellius had not confided to him + any of his military projects. He said he supposed the proconsul was the + friend of Caligula, who often visited Agrippa; and expressed a surmise + that he himself might be exiled, or that perhaps his throat would be cut. + </p> + <p> + Herodias, who now treated him with a kind of disdainful indulgence, tried + to reassure him. At last she took from a small casket a curious medallion, + ornamented with a profile of Tiberius. The sight of it, she said, as she + gave it to Antipas, would make the lictors turn pale and silence all + accusing voices. + </p> + <p> + Antipas, filled with gratitude, asked her how the medallion had come into + her possession. + </p> + <p> + “It was given to me,” was her only answer. + </p> + <p> + At that moment Antipas beheld a bare arm slipping through a portiere + hanging in front of him. It was the arm of a youthful woman, as graceful + in outline as if carved from ivory by Polyclitus. With a movement a little + awkward and at the same time charming, it felt about the wall an instant, + as if seeking something, then took down a tunic hanging upon a hook near + the doorway, and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + An elderly female attendant passed quietly through the room, lifted the + portiere, and went out. A sudden recollection pierced the memory of the + tetrarch. + </p> + <p> + “Is that woman one of thy slaves?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “What matters that to thee?” was the disdainful reply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + The great banqueting-hall was filled with guests. This apartment had three + naves, like a basilica, which were separated by columns of sandalwood, + whose capitals were of sculptured bonze. On each side of the apartment was + a gallery for spectators, and a third, with a facade of gold filigree, was + at one end, opposite an immense arch at the other. + </p> + <p> + The candelabra burning on the tables, which were spread the whole length + of the banqueting-hall, glowed like clusters of flaming flowers among the + painted cups, the plates of shining copper, the cubes of snow and heaps of + luscious grapes. Through the large windows the guests could see lighted + torches on the terraces of the neighbouring houses; for this night Antipas + was giving a feast to his friends, his own people, and to anyone that + presented himself at the castle. + </p> + <p> + The slaves, alert as dogs, glided about noiselessly in felt sandals, + carrying dishes to and fro. + </p> + <p> + The table of the proconsul was placed beneath the gilded balcony upon a + platform of sycamore wood. Rich tapestries from Babylon were hung about + the pavilion, giving a certain effect of seclusion. + </p> + <p> + Upon three ivory couches, one facing the great hall, and the other two + placed one on either side of the pavilion, reclined Vitellius, his son + Aulus, and Antipas; the proconsul being near the door, at the left, Aulus + on the right, the tetrarch occupying the middle couch. + </p> + <p> + Antipas wore a heavy black mantle, the texture of which was almost hidden + by coloured embroideries and glittering decorations; his beard was spread + out like a fan; blue powder had been scattered over his hair, and on his + head rested a diadem covered with precious stones. Vitellius still wore + the purple band, the emblem of his rank, crossed diagonally over a linen + toga. + </p> + <p> + Aulus had tied behind his back the sleeves of his violet robe, embroidered + with silver. His clustering curls were laid in carefully arranged rows; a + necklace of sapphires gleamed against his throat, plump and white as that + of a woman. Crouched upon a rug near him, with legs crossed was a pretty + white boy, upon whose face shone a perpetual smile. Aulus had found him + somewhere among the kitchens and had taken a violent fancy to him. He had + made the child one of his suite, but as he never could remember his + protege’s Chaldean name, called him simply “the Asiatic.” From time to + time the little fellow sprang up and played about the dining-table, and + his antics appeared to amuse the guests. + </p> + <p> + At one side of the tetrarch’s pavilion were the tables at which were + seated his priests and officers; also a number of persons from Jerusalem, + and the more important men from the Grecian cities. At the table on the + left of the proconsul sat Marcellus with the publicans, several friends of + the tetrarch, and various representatives from Cana, Ptolemais, and + Jericho. Seated at other tables were mountaineers from Liban and many of + the old soldiers of Herod’s army; a dozen Thracians, a Greek and two + Germans; besides huntsmen and herdsmen, the Sultan of Palmyra, and sailors + from Eziongaber. Before each guest was placed a roll of soft bread, upon + which to wipe the fingers. As soon as they were seated, hands were + stretched out with the eagerness of a vulture’s claws, seizing upon + olives, pistachios, and almonds. Every face was joyous, every head was + crowned with flowers, except those of the Pharisees, who refused to wear + the wreaths, regarding them as a symbol of Roman voluptuousness and vice. + They shuddered when the attendants sprinkled them with galburnum and + incense, the use of which the Pharisees reserved strictly for services in + the Temple. + </p> + <p> + Antipas observed that Aulus rubbed himself under the arms, as if annoyed + by heat or chafing; and promised to give him three flasks of the same kind + of precious balm that had been used by Cleopatra. + </p> + <p> + A captain from the garrison of Tiberias who had just arrived, placed + himself behind the tetrarch as protection in case any unexpected trouble + should arise. But his attention was divided between observing the + movements of the proconsul and listening to the conversation of his + neighbours. + </p> + <p> + There was, naturally, much talk of Iaokanann, and other men of his stamp. + </p> + <p> + “It is said,” remarked one of the guests, “that Simon of Gitta washed away + his sins in fire. And a certain man called Jesus—” + </p> + <p> + “He is the worst of them all!” interrupted Eleazar. “A miserable + imposter!” + </p> + <p> + At this a man sprang up from a table near the tetrarch’s pavilion, and + made his way towards the place where Eleazar sat. His face was almost as + pale as his linen robe, but he addressed the Pharisees boldly, saying: + “That is a lie! Jesus has performed miracles!” + </p> + <p> + Antipas expressed a long-cherished desire to see the man Jesus perform + some of his so-called miracles. “You should have brought him with you,” he + said to the last speaker, who was still standing. “Tell us what you know + about him,” he commanded. + </p> + <p> + Then the stranger said that he himself, whose name was Jacob, having a + daughter who was very ill, had gone to Capernaum to implore the Master to + heal his child. The Master had answered him, saying: “Return to thy home: + she is healed!” And he had found his daughter standing at the threshold of + his house, having risen from her couch when the gnomon had marked the + third hour, the same moment when he had made his supplication to Jesus. + </p> + <p> + The Pharisees admitted that certain mysterious arts and powerful herbs + existed that would heal the sick. It was said that the marvellous plant + known as “baaras” grew even in Machaerus, the power of which rendered its + consumer invulnerable against all attacks; but to cure disease without + seeing or touching the afflicted person was clearly impossible, unless, + indeed, the man Jesus called in the assistance of evil spirits. + </p> + <p> + The friends of Antipas and the men from Galilee nodded wisely, saying: “It + is evident that he is aided by demons of some sort!” + </p> + <p> + Jacob, standing between their table and that of the priests, maintained a + silence at once lofty and respectful. + </p> + <p> + Several voices exclaimed: “Prove his power to us!” + </p> + <p> + Jacob leaned over the priests’ table, and said slowly, in a + half-suppressed tone, as if awe-struck by his own words: + </p> + <p> + “Know ye not, then, that He is the Messiah?” + </p> + <p> + The priests stared at one another, and Vitellius demanded the meaning of + the word. His interpreter paused a moment before translating it. Then he + said that Messiah was the name to be given to one who was to come, + bringing the enjoyment of all blessings, and giving them domination over + all the peoples of the earth. Certain persons believed that there were to + be two Messiahs; one would be vanquished by Gog and Magog, the demons of + the North; but the other would exterminate the Prince of Evil; and for + centuries the coming of this Saviour of mankind had been expected at any + moment. + </p> + <p> + At this, the priests began to talk in low tones among themselves. Eleazar + addressed Jacob, saying that it had always been understood that the + Messiah would be a son of David, not of a carpenter; and that he would + confirm the law, whereas this Nazarene attacked it. Furthermore, as a + still stronger argument against the pretender, it had been promised that + the Messiah should be preceded by Elias. + </p> + <p> + “But Elias has come!” Jacob answered. + </p> + <p> + “Elias! Elias!” was repeated from one end of the banqueting-hall to the + other. + </p> + <p> + In imagination, all fancied that they could see an old man, a flight of + ravens above his head, standing before an altar, which a flash of + lightning illumined, revealing the idolatrous priests that were thrown + into the torrent; and the women, sitting in the galleries, thought of the + widow of Sarepta. + </p> + <p> + Jacob then declared that he knew Elias; that he had seen him, and that + many of the guests there assembled had seen him! + </p> + <p> + “His name!” was the cry from all lips. + </p> + <p> + “Iaokanann!” + </p> + <p> + Antipas fell back in his chair as if a heavy blow had struck him on the + breast. The Sadducees rose from their seats and rushed towards Jacob. + Eleazar raised his voice to a shout in order to make himself heard. When + order was finally restored, he draped his mantle about his shoulders, and, + with the air of a judge, proceeded to put questions to Jacob. + </p> + <p> + “Since the prophet is dead—” he began. + </p> + <p> + Murmurs interrupted him. Many persons believed that Elias was not dead, + but had only disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Eleazar rebuked those who had interrupted him; and continuing, asked: + </p> + <p> + “And dost thou believe that he has indeed come to life again?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I not believe it?” Jacob replied. + </p> + <p> + The Sadducees shrugged their shoulders. Jonathas, opening wide his little + eyes, gave a forced, buffoon-like laugh. Nothing could be more absurd, + said he, than the idea that a human body could have eternal life; and he + declaimed, for the benefit of the proconsul, this line from a + contemporaneous poet: + </p> + <p> + Nec crescit, nec post mortem durare videtur. + </p> + <p> + By this time Aulus was leaning over the side of the pavilion, with pale + face, a perspiring brow, and both hands outspread on his stomach. + </p> + <p> + The Sadducees pretended to be deeply moved at the sight of his suffering, + thinking that perhaps the next day the offices of sacrificers would be + theirs. Antipas appeared to be in despair at his guest’s agony. Vitellius + preserved a calm demeanour, although he felt some anxiety, for the loss of + his son would mean the loss of his fortune. + </p> + <p> + But Aulus, quickly recovering after he had relieved his over-burdened + stomach, was as eager to eat as before. + </p> + <p> + “Let some one bring me marble-dust,” he commanded, “or clay of Naxos, + sea-water—anything! Perhaps it would do me good to bathe.” + </p> + <p> + He swallowed a quantity of snow; then hesitated between a ragout and a + dish of blackbirds; and finally decided in favour of gourds served in + honey. The little Asiatic gazed at his master in astonishment and + admiration; to him this exhibition of gluttony denoted a wonderful being + belonging to a superior race. + </p> + <p> + The feast went on. Slaves served the guests with kidneys, dormice, + nightingales, mince-meat dressed with vine-leaves. The priests discoursed + among themselves regarding the supposed resurrection. Ammonius, pupil of + Philon, the Platonist, pronounced them stupid, and told the Greeks that he + laughed at their oracles. + </p> + <p> + Marcellus and Jacob were seated side by side. Marcellus described the + happiness he had felt under the baptism of Mithra, and Jacob made him + promise to become a follower of Jesus. + </p> + <p> + The wines of the palm and the tamarisk, those of Safed and of Byblos, ran + from the amphoras into the crateras, from the crateras into the cups, and + from the cups down the guests’ throats. Every one talked, all hearts + expanding under the good cheer. Jacim, although a Jew, did not hesitate to + express his admiration of the planets. A merchant from Aphaka amazed the + nomads with his description of the marvels in the temple of Hierapolis; + and they wished to know the cost of a pilgrimage to that place. Others + held fast to the principles of their native religion. A German, who was + nearly blind, sang a hymn celebrating that promontory in Scandinavia where + the gods were wont to appear with halos around their heads. The people + from Sichem declined to eat turtles, out of deference to the dove Azima. + </p> + <p> + Several groups stood talking near the middle of the banqueting-hall, and + the vapour of their breath, mingled with the smoke from the candles, + formed a light mist. Presently Phanuel slipped quietly into the room, + keeping close to the wall. He had been out in the open courtyard, to make + another survey of the heavens. He stopped when he reached the pavilion of + the tetrarch, fearing he would be splashed with drops of oil if he + approached the other tables, which, to an Essene, would be a great + defilement. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly violent blows resounded upon the castle gates. The news of the + imprisonment of Iaokanann had spread rapidly, and now it appeared that the + whole surrounding population was flocking to the castle. Men with torches + were hastening along the roads in all directions; a black mass of people + swarmed in the ravine; and from all throats came the cry: “Iaokanann! + Iaokanann!” + </p> + <p> + “That man will ruin everything,” said Jonathas. + </p> + <p> + “We shall have no more money if this continues,” said the Pharisees. + </p> + <p> + Accusations, recriminations, and pleadings were heard on all sides. + </p> + <p> + “Protect us!” + </p> + <p> + “Compel them to cease!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou didst abandon thy religion!” + </p> + <p> + “Impious as all the Herods!” + </p> + <p> + “Less impious than thou!” Antipas retorted. “Was it not my father that + erected thy Temple?” + </p> + <p> + Then the Pharisees, children of the proscribed tribes, partisans of + Mattathias, accused the tetrarch of all the crimes committed by his + family. + </p> + <p> + The Pharisees had pointed skulls, bristling beards, feeble hands, snub + noses, great round eyes, and their countenances bore a resemblance to that + of a bull-dog. A dozen of these people, scribes and attendants upon the + priests, who picked up their living from the refuse of holocausts, rushed + to the foot of the pavilion and threatened Antipas with their knives. He + attempted to speak to them, being only slightly protected by some of the + Sadducees. Suddenly he perceived Mannaeus at a distance and made him a + sign to approach. The expression on the face of Vitellius indicated that + he regarded all this turmoil as no concern of his. + </p> + <p> + The Pharisees, leaning against the pavilion, were now beside themselves + with demoniac fury. They broke plates and dashed them upon the floor. The + attendants had served them with a ragout composed of the flesh of the wild + ass, an unclean animal, and their anger knew no bounds. Aulus rallied them + jeeringly apropos of the ass’s head, which he declared they honoured. He + flung other sarcasms at them, regarding their antipathy to the flesh of + swine, intimating that no doubt their hatred arose from the fact that that + beast had killed their beloved Bacchus, and saying it was to be feared + they were too fond of wine, since a golden vine had been discovered in the + Temple. + </p> + <p> + The priests did not understand his sneers, and Phineas, of Galilean + origin, refused to translate them. Aulus suddenly became angry, the more + so because the little Asiatic, frightened at the tumult, had disappeared. + The feast no longer pleased the noble glutton; the dishes were vulgar, and + not sufficiently disguised with delicate flavourings. After a time his + displeasure abated, as he caught sight of a dish of Syrian lambs’ tails, + dressed with spices, a favourite dainty. + </p> + <p> + To Vitellius the character of the Jews seemed frightful. Their God was + like Moloch, several altars to whom he had passed upon his route; and he + recalled the stories he had heard of the mysterious Jew who fattened small + children and offered them as a sacrifice. His Latin nature was filled with + disgust at their intolerance, their iconoclastic rage, their brutal, + stumbling bearing. The proconsul wished to depart, but Aulus refused to + accompany him. + </p> + <p> + The exaltation of the people increased. They abandoned themselves to + dreams of independence. They recalled the glory of Israel, and a Syrian + spoke of all the great conquerors they had vanquished,—Antigone, + Crassus, Varus. + </p> + <p> + “Miserable creatures!” cried the enraged proconsul, who had overheard the + Syrian’s words. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the uproar Antipas remembered the medallion of the emperor + that Herodias had given to him; he drew it forth and looked at it a + moment, trembling, then held it up with its face turned towards the + throng. + </p> + <p> + At the same moment, the panels of the gold-railed balcony were folded + back, and, accompanied by slaves bearing wax tapers, Herodias appeared, + her coiffure crowned with an Assyrian mitre, which was held in place by a + band passing under the chin. Her dark hair fell in ringlets over a scarlet + peplum with slashed sleeves. On either side of the door through which one + stepped into the gallery, stood a huge stone monster, like those of + Atrides; and as Herodias appeared between them, she looked like Cybele + supported by her lions. In her hands she carried a patera, a shallow + vessel of silver used by the Romans in pouring libations; and, advancing + to the front of the balcony and pausing just above the tetrarch’s chair, + she cried: + </p> + <p> + “Long live Caesar!” + </p> + <p> + This homage was repeated by Vitellius, Antipas, and the priests. + </p> + <p> + But now, beginning at the farthest end of the banqueting-hall, a murmur of + surprise and admiration swept through the multitude. A beautiful young + girl had just entered the apartment, and stood motionless for an instant, + while all eyes were turned upon her. + </p> + <p> + Through a drapery of filmy blue gauze that veiled her head and throat, her + arched eyebrows, tiny ears, and ivory-white skin could be distinguished. A + scarf of shot-silk fell from her shoulders, and was caught up at the waist + by a girdle of fretted silver. Her full trousers, of black silk, were + embroidered in a pattern of silver mandragoras, and as she moved forward + with indolent grace, her little feet were seen to be shod with slippers + made of the feathers of humming-birds. + </p> + <p> + When she arrived in front of the pavilion she removed her veil. Behold! + she seemed to be Herodias herself, as she had appeared in the days of her + blooming youth. + </p> + <p> + Immediately the damsel began to dance before the tetrarch. Her slender + feet took dainty steps to the rhythm of a flute and a pair of Indian + bells. Her round white arms seemed ever beckoning and striving to entice + to her side some youth who was fleeing from her allurements. She appeared + to pursue him, with movements light as a butterfly; her whole mien was + like that of an inquisitive Psyche, or a floating spirit that might at any + moment dissolve and disappear. + </p> + <p> + Presently the plaintive notes of the gingras, a small flute of Phoenician + origin, replaced the tinkling bells. The attitudes of the dancing nymph + now denoted overpowering lassitude. Her bosom heaved with sighs, and her + whole being expressed profound languor, although it was not clear whether + she sighed for an absent swain or was expiring of love in his embrace. + With half-closed eyes and quivering form, she caused mysterious + undulations to flow downward over her whole body, like rippling waves, + while her face remained impassive and her twinkling feet still moved in + their intricate steps. + </p> + <p> + Vitellius compared her to Mnester, the famous pantomimist. Aulus was + overcome with faintness. The tetrarch watched her, lost in a voluptuous + reverie, and thought no more of the real Herodias. In fancy he saw her + again as she appeared when she had dwelt among the Sadducees. Then the + vision faded. + </p> + <p> + But this beautiful thing before him was no vision. The dancer was Salome, + the daughter of Herodias, who for many months her mother had caused to be + instructed in dancing, and other arts of pleasing, with the sole idea of + bringing her to Machaerus and presenting her to the tetrarch, so that he + should fall in love with her fresh young beauty and feminine wiles. The + plan had proved successful, it seemed; he was evidently fascinated, and + Herodias felt that at last she was sure of retaining her power over him! + </p> + <p> + And now the graceful dancer appeared transported with the very delirium of + love and passion. She danced like the priestesses of India, like the + Nubians of the cataracts, or like the Bacchantes of Lydia. She whirled + about like a flower blown by the tempest. The jewels in her ears sparkled, + her swift movements made the colours of her draperies appear to run into + one another. Her arms, her feet, her clothing even, seemed to emit streams + of magnetism, that set the spectators’ blood on fire. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the thrilling chords of a harp rang through the hall, and the + throng burst into loud acclamations. All eyes were fixed on Salome, who + paused in her rhythmic dance, placed her feet wide apart, and without + bending the knees, suddenly swayed her lithe body downward, so that her + chin touched the floor; and her whole audience,—the nomads, + accustomed to a life of privation and abstinence, the Roman soldiers, + expert in debaucheries, the avaricious publicans, and even the crabbed, + elderly priests—gazed upon her with dilated nostrils. + </p> + <p> + Next she began to whirl frantically around the table where Antipas the + tetrarch was seated. He leaned towards the flying figure, and in a voice + half choked with the voluptuous sighs of a mad desire, he sighed: “Come to + me! Come!” But she whirled on, while the music of dulcimers swelled louder + and the excited spectators roared their applause. + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch called again, louder than before: “Come to me! Come! Thou + shalt have Capernaum, the plains of Tiberias! my citadels! yea, the half + of my kingdom!” + </p> + <p> + Again the dancer paused; then, like a flash, she threw herself upon the + palms of her hands, while her feet rose straight up into the air. In this + bizarre pose she moved about upon the floor like a gigantic beetle; then + stood motionless. + </p> + <p> + The nape of her neck formed a right angle with her vertebrae. The full + silken skirts of pale hues that enveloped her limbs when she stood erect, + now fell to her shoulders and surrounded her face like a rainbow. Her lips + were tinted a deep crimson, her arched eyebrows were black as jet, her + glowing eyes had an almost terrible radiance; and the tiny drops of + perspiration on her forehead looked like dew upon white marble. + </p> + <p> + She made no sound; and the burning gaze of that multitude of men was + concentrated upon her. + </p> + <p> + A sound like the snapping of fingers came from the gallery over the + pavilion. Instantly, with one of her movements of bird-like swiftness, + Salome stood erect. The next moment she rapidly passed up a flight of + steps leading to the gallery, and coming to the front of it she leaned + over, smiled upon the tetrarch, and, with an air of almost childlike + naivete, pronounced these words: + </p> + <p> + “I ask my lord to give me, placed upon a charger, the head of—” She + hesitated, as if not certain of the name; then said: “The head of + Iaokanann!” + </p> + <p> + The tetrarch sank back in his chair as if stunned. + </p> + <p> + He had bound himself by his promise to her; and the people awaited his + next movement. But the death that night of some conspicuous man that had + been predicted to him by Phanuel,—what if, by bringing it upon + another, he could avert it from himself, thought Antipas. If Iaokanann was + in very truth the Elias so much talked of, he would have power to protect + himself; and if he were only an ordinary man, his murder was of no + importance. + </p> + <p> + Mannaeus stood beside his chair, and read his master’s thoughts. Vitellius + beckoned him to his side and gave him an order for the execution, to be + transmitted to the soldiers placed on guard over the dungeon. This + execution would be a relief, he thought. In a few moments all would be + over! + </p> + <p> + But for once Mannaeus did not perform a commission satisfactorily. He left + the hall but soon returned, in a state of great perturbation. + </p> + <p> + During forty years he had exercised the functions of the public + executioner. It was he that had drowned Aristobulus, strangled Alexander, + burned Mattathias alive, beheaded Zozimus, Pappus, Josephus, and + Antipater; but he dared not kill Iaokanann! His teeth chattered and his + whole body trembled. + </p> + <p> + He declared that he had seen, standing before the dungeon, the Angel of + the Samaritans, covered with eyes and brandishing a great sword, glowing + and quivering like a flame. He appealed to two of the guards, who had + entered the hall with him, to corroborate his words. But they said they + had seen nothing except a Jewish captain who had attacked them, and whom + they had killed. + </p> + <p> + The fury of Herodias poured forth in a torrent of invective against the + populace. She clenched the railing of the balcony so fiercely as to break + her nails; the two stone lions at her back seemed to bite her shoulders + and join their voices to hers. + </p> + <p> + Antipas followed her example; and priests, soldiers, and Pharisees cried + aloud together for vengeance, echoed by the rest of the gathering, who + were indignant that a mere slave should dare to delay their pleasures. + </p> + <p> + Again Mannaeus left the hall, covering his face with his hands. + </p> + <p> + The guests found the second delay longer than the first. It seemed tedious + to every one. + </p> + <p> + Presently a sound of footsteps was heard in the corridor without; then + silence fell again. The suspense was becoming intolerable. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the door was flung open and Mannaeus entered, holding at arm’s + length, grasping it by the hair, the head of Iaokanann. His appearance was + greeted with a burst of applause, which filled him with pride and revived + his courage. + </p> + <p> + He placed the head upon a charger and offered it to Salome, who had + descended the steps to receive it. She remounted to the balcony, with a + light step; and in another moment the charger was carried about from one + table to another by the elderly female slave whom the tetrarch had + observed in the morning on the balcony of a neighbouring house, and later + in the chamber of Herodias. + </p> + <p> + When she approached him with her ghastly burden, he turned away his head + to avoid looking at it. Vitellius threw upon it an indifferent glance. + </p> + <p> + Mannaeus descended from the pavilion, took the charger from the woman, and + exhibited the head to the Roman captains, then to all the guests on that + side of the hall. + </p> + <p> + They looked at it curiously. + </p> + <p> + The sharp blade of the sword had cut into the jaw with a swift downward + stroke. The corners of the mouth were drawn, as if by a convulsion. Clots + of blood besprinkled the beard. The closed eyelids had a shell-like + transparency, and the candelabra on every side lighted up the gruesome + object with terrible distinctness. + </p> + <p> + Mannaeus arrived at the table where the priests were seated. One of them + turned the charger about curiously, to look at the head from all sides. + Then Mannaeus, having entirely regained his courage, placed the charger + before Aulus, who had just awakened from a short doze; and finally he + brought it again to Antipas and set it down upon the table beside him. + Tears were running down the cheeks of the tetrarch. + </p> + <p> + The lights began to flicker and die out. The guests departed, and at last + no one remained in the great hall save Antipas, who sat leaning his head + upon his hands, gazing at the head of Iaokanann; and Phanuel, who stood in + the centre of the largest nave and prayed aloud, with uplifted arms. + </p> + <p> + At sunrise the two men who had been sent on a mission by Iaokanann some + time before, returned to the castle, bringing the answer so long awaited + and hoped for. + </p> + <p> + They whispered the message to Phanuel, who received it with rapture. + </p> + <p> + Then he showed them the lugubrious object, still resting on the charger + amid the ruins of the feast. One of the men said: + </p> + <p> + “Be comforted! He has descended among the dead in order to announce the + coming of the Christ!” + </p> + <p> + And in that moment the Essene comprehended the words of Iaokanann: “In + order that His glory may increase, mine must diminish!” + </p> + <p> + Then the three, taking with them the head of John the Baptist, set out + upon the road to Galilee; and as the burden was heavy, each man bore it + awhile in turn. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1291 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |