the palaces and mansions of the wealthy Jews and
strangers which, with their gardens, occupied the whole of the
upper part of Mount Zion. On the lower slope of Mount Moriah, lying
between the Valley of Jehoshaphat and that of the Tyropoeon, was a
densely-populated suburb known as the New Town. Westward, beyond
the Tower of Hippicus, lay the valley of Hinnom, with the Dragon
Pool glistening in the sun while, at a distance of four or five
miles, to the southward could be seen the village of Bethlehem. The
whole country outside the walls was a garden, with countless
villas, mansions, and groves of trees.

For some minutes, John looked round in admiration of the scene,
while Simon stood with his eyes fixed upon the road crossing Mount
Scopus. Suddenly he uttered an exclamation, and John joined him,
and looked in the direction in which he was gazing. The white line
of the road was darkened by a moving mass, sparkling as the sun
shone on arms and armor.

"They come, at last," Simon said and, as he spoke, cries of wailing
and lamentation were heard from the walls, far below them.

The four years that had elapsed, since danger first threatened
Jerusalem, had deepened the impression in the minds of the Jews
that the enemy would not be permitted to approach the Holy City. It
was true that their faith had been sorely shaken, by many strange
prodigies. A strange light had shone about the altar and the
Temple, and it was said that voices had been heard from the Holy of
Holies, saying, "Let us depart hence." The Beautiful Gate of the
Temple, which required the strength of twenty men to close it, had
opened of its own accord. War chariots and armies had been seen
contending in the clouds; and for months a great comet, in shape
like a flaming sword, had hung over the city. Still men had hoped,
and the cry from the watchers that the Roman army was in sight
struck dismay among the inhabitants. There were still many without
the walls. Some of these rushed wildly into the gates, and entered
the city; while the wiser fled away to the hills, and made their
way to their homes.

Titus, as he reached the brow of Mount Scopus, reined in his horse
and looked for some time, in silence, at the great and magnificent
city which extended before him; and there can be little doubt that
he would fain have spared it, had it been possible. Even a Roman
could not gaze on the massive beauty of the Temple, unmoved. It was
the most famous religious edifi