found in
the state of crops needing the sickle, an excuse to cover the fear
which they would have blushed to own as their motive for deserting the
cause of their country. Long before the evening had closed in, the
forces under Maccabeus had been reduced to one-half their number.

"They have judged themselves unworthy to share the glory that awaits
their brave brethren," cried the indignant Eleazar, as, leaning on his
unstrung bow, he watched a long line of fugitives wending their way
towards the west.

Undismayed, though perhaps somewhat discouraged by the defection of
half his troops, Maccabeus made before sunset a brief address to those
who remained. "Arm yourselves," he said, "and be valiant men; and see
that ye be in readiness before the morning, that ye may fight with
these nations that are assembled together to destroy us and our
sanctuary. For it is better for us to die in battle than to behold the
calamity of our people and our sanctuary. Nevertheless, as the will of
God is in heaven, so let Him do."

So, with stern resolution to conquer or die, the Hebrews retired to
their appointed places in the small camp till morning light should
arouse them to the desperate conflict.

CHAPTER XVI.

BATTLE Of EMMAUS.

But the struggle was not to be deferred the morning.

Night had just spread her veil of darkness over earth, and Simon,
prudently reserving his strength for the expected fatigues of the
coming day, had wrapped himself in his mantle, and stretched himself on
the ground to snatch some hours of repose, when he was roused by the
touch of a hand on his shoulder. Opening his eyes, Simon saw, by the
red light of a torch, which the armour-bearer of Judas was holding
aloft, that Maccabeus was before him.

"Awake, arise, my brother; this is no time for sleep," said the leader.
Simon was on his feet in a moment, an attentive listener, as Maccabeus
continued: "A scout has just brought in tidings from the Syrian camp
that Nicanor has detached five thousand of his foot-soldiers and a
thousand chosen horsemen, under the command of Giorgias, to attack us
this night, and take us by surprise."

"They will find us prepared," said Simon, as he girded on his sword.

"Nay; they will find their prey flown," replied Maccabeus, his features
relaxing into a stern smile; "we will fall on the Syrian camp in their
absence, teach the enemy his own lesson, and transfer the surprise to
our foes."

"Well thought of!"