oy, joy," they say, "to Israel, for he cometh, he cometh in his
splendour and his might, the great Messiah of our ancient hopes."

'And, lo! a mighty chariot now appeared, drawn by strange beasts whose
forms were half obscured by the bright flames on which they seemed to
float. In that glorious car a warrior stood, proud and immovable his
form, his countenance. Hold my hand, Jabaster, while I speak; that
chieftain was myself!'

'Proceed, proceed, my son.'

'I started in my dream, and I awoke. I found myself upsitting on my
couch. The pageantry had vanished. Naught was seen but the bright
moonlight and the gloomy cave. And, as I sighed to think I e'er had
wakened, and mused upon the strangeness of my vision, a still small
voice descended from above and called, "Alroy!" I started, but I
answered not. Methought it was my fancy. Again my name was called, and
now I murmured, "Lord, I am here, what wouldst thou?" Naught responded,
and soon great dread came over me, and I rushed out and called to thee,
my master.'

'It was "the Daughter of the Voice"[12] that spake. Since the Captivity
'tis the only mode by which the saints are summoned. Oft have I heard
of it, but never in these sad degenerate days has its soft aspiration
fallen upon us. These are strange times and tidings. The building of the
temple is at hand. Son of David, my heart is full. Let us to prayer!'

Day dawned upon Jabaster, still musing in solitude among his rocks.
Within the cavern, Alroy remained in prayer.

Often and anxiously the Cabalist shot a glance at his companion, and
then again relapsed into reverie.

'The time is come that I must to this youth reveal the secrets of my
early life. Much will he hear of glory, much of shame. Naught must I
conceal, and naught gloss over.

'I must tell how in the plains of Tigris I upraised the sacred standard
of our chosen race, and called them from their bondage; how, despairing
of his recreant fathers, and inspired by human power alone, I vainly
claimed the mighty office for his sacred blood alone reserved. God of
my fathers, grant that future service, the humble service of a
contrite soul, may in the coming glory that awaits us, atone for past
presumption!

'But for him great trials are impending. Not lightly must that votary
be proved, who fain would free a people. The Lord is faithful to his
promise, but the Lord will choose his season and his minister. Courage,
and faith, and deep humility, and strong e