me on him as he thought of those evil days in Jerusalem
and of his part in their bloody record. There and then he flung off
the fetters of king and emperor.

He knew not yet who lay before him.

As he looked through tears upon them they seemed to be covered with
light as with a garment. David knelt before the mother and child in
adoration.

Vergilius, full of astonishment, turned to look around him, and saw
Manius, who stood near, trembling with superstitious awe. The wonders
of the night, the great star and song in the heavens, the glowing cave,
the mysterious child and mother had wrought upon him. Were they omens
of death?

"Apollo save me!" he whispered, turning to go.

David rose and approached Manius, and spoke with lifted hand.

"Apollo cannot save you," said he. "Kneel! kneel before the sacred
mother and put all evil out of your hearts!"

Vergilius knelt, and then his enemy. Manius began to weep.

"O God! who hast softened the heart of the world, give us peace!" said
David.

Again they heard that voice which had greeted their ears in Jerusalem.
It spoke now at the entrance of the cave, saying again: "Where is he
that is born king of the Jews?"

David, going to the door of the cave, answered: "Here, within."

"Tis he--the new king!" the tribune whispered. "I thought kings were
born in palaces, and here are they so near the beasts of the field."

Soon came David, and behind him, following in single file, three men, a
God-sent majesty in step and countenance. Vergilius and Manius moved
aside, saluting solemnly as the men passed. The young tribune turned
to his friend and to Manius.

"Come," he whispered. "The Judge of all the earth is here, and, as for
me, I dare not remain."

Softly, silently, they departed, their hearts lifted to that peace none
may understand. Gently, gently, Vergilius took the hand of him who had
been his enemy. They had forgotten their bitterness and the touch of
awe had made them kin.

"All debts are paid, my brother," said Vergilius. "I forgive you."

He struck his sword deep in the earth. "Henceforth it shall be for a
ploughshare," he added.

The assessor bowed low, kissing the hand of Vergilius, who quickly
mounted horse.

Then said the latter, turning to his followers: "Come, let us make
haste. Before the gold is shining in the great lantern of Shushan. I
must be on my way to the sea."

"On your way to the sea!" said his friend.

As he answered, t