The Coming of the King

d in final preparations, and Mary was arranging a bowl of vari-colored lilies on the table. Entering the room Ma

hath he come. Shall we not set forth for him the better splendors of lilies in all their

meat well seasoned that dot

ove which doth ever give, until a woman giveth herself to be loved of a

mayhap is [Transcribe

p bowls. Joel and L

de the door. "The face of him was like-ha! ha!-it w

face of him?" a s

s well bea

rry mood to-day," M

men entered the room. When Joel had kissed Martha and exchanged greetings

bubble over like sour wine in a kid skin, and thri

het given to wit

d. "To wisdom he is given, yet in

that causeth thy pl

Jesus of Nazare

lk of?" was Martha's question. "Naught have we heard fro

with his teachings wh

ayings are har

as he settled himself on the window couch. "Yet is there that

ng that did please

ll open. And near at hand stood I. Upon him who spoke and those his followers, did the Galilean look. Then did he say, 'Why tempt me, ye hypocrites?' With these words did the countenances of his tempters grow long like their beards and take on a grievous expression like a beast unjustly berated. 'Show me the tribute money,' said he. With exceeding quickness were their hands thrust into their pockets, while the eyes of those who stood by watched close. As the Prophet of Galilee did take on his palm the coins, the corners of his

ended in a hearty laugh, which

e answer?"

k to those who sought to entangle him, he said, 'Render unto Caesar t

r?" It was Mary ag

ce of them. It we

s man," Martha observed. "Art t

usiness of a Galilean peasant to tell a me

s to thee?" Martha in

my camel did stick and s

d, "Enough it were to make dry bones

matters sorely vexatious,"

?" and there was conce

tes are. Here, when the camel would have walked under, he could not for the bales of silk that did wedge against the stones. Then did we strip the beasts, yet were their frames too large. Then did we

el through?" Marth

hide he did leave stic

ldst have seen thy Joel. Like a dog of the hills did h

tness thy sad plight?" Marth

ing he said, 'Verily, verily, it is easier for a camel to get through a needle's eye than for a r

to me did he also make a hard speech, yet

speech with the Galilea

y a

be his disciple

Pharisee be the disciple of a Galilean?" and t

crates have I sought knowledge. But, it is vain. The traditions of the Elders do weary me for at last tradition is no more than tradition. What avails fierce contentions over the ashes of the red heifer, the waving of willows or the pouring of ho

Essene? Hast thou heard

teaching sound, and as I did drink it in, turned he his face to me as if my lips had called him. And I did know, even as his eye rested on mine, that I should love him, yea, as if he were a brother. Again did I draw near as he did pa

What more doth the Law

ue in keeping the Law which bids us not steal, so lo

wife when a shapely Martha is promi

t virtue, nay. But where is virtue in t

epeated. "He did bid me sell my

low but a certain po

ry. Yet him whose disc

e al

ne presses?" and Mart

d?" and Mary too

garden and fountain and

el answer

work in his head," wa

y brother?" and Mary stood b

love him more t

require m

ern sky. Hast thou made ready for our honored guest, Zador Ben Amon, who arriveth shortly? Fortunate is he as those of the House of Annas since with the money-changers hath the High Priest

s.'" There was joy in Martha's que

would be; and the heart is not worn on the hand. Tell thy

exclaime

strewn incline just outside, tol