he voice of Vergilius had a note of longing and
beloved memories: "Yes, for the day is come when I return to the city
of Caesar. Nothing shall separate me longer from my beloved. But
come, let us seek Appius at the beacon-fire."

On all sides the great shadow was now thick-sown with stars. The group
of horsemen, with colors flying, rode swiftly down the broad way to
Jerusalem. Suddenly they drew rein. Great surges of song were rolling
in upon this rounded isle from off the immeasurable, mighty deep of the
heavens. Beating of drums, and waving of banners, and trumpet-sounds,
and battle-cries of them unborn were in that new song--so it seemed to
those who heard it. Winding over the gloomy hills near them under the
light of the great star, they could see a long procession of shepherds
bearing crooks. Awhile the horsemen looked and listened. The host of
the dead now seemed to cry unto the host of the living:

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good-will towards men."

Slowly the song diminished.

"The everlasting gates are lifted up," said David, thoughtfully. Then,
thinking of the perils of the new king, he added: "I beseech you, say
nothing of these things abroad."

The song had ceased. A cloud, with all its borders bright, now
curtained the great star. Another band of horsemen were descending the
hill from Bethlehem. Swiftly they came near and halted.

"God send you peace," said the voice of a maiden. "We seek one
Vergilius, officer of the cohort."

"And who is he that you should seek him?" said the young tribune,
dismounting quickly.

"My lover," said she, a note of trouble in her voice, "and I do fear
his life is in peril."

Vergilius was at her side. Now the light of the great star shone full
upon them.

"Blood of my heart!" he whispered, lifting the maiden from her horse.

"Oh, you that have made me love you with the great love!" she cried,
pressing her cheek upon his. "I have been as one lost in the desert,
and I thank the one God he has led me to you."

A moment they stood together and all were silent.

"God has answered my prayer," said he. "But how came you here?"

Then she whispered: "I came with Appius, and the emperor has written
that we are to bring you home."

"And we shall live no more apart," said he. "'Tis a night of ten
thousand years, dear love. The Christ is come."

"The Christ is come!" she repeated. "How know you?"

"Have you not seen his light i