have I studied since the days of my
father. Hillel and Shammiah have I poured over and of Philo have I
sought knowledge. Yea, even of the heathen Socrates have I sought
knowledge. But, it is vain. The traditions of the Elders do weary me
for at last tradition is no more than tradition. What avails fierce
contentions over the ashes of the red heifer, the waving of willows or
the pouring of holy water? Whether the Sadducees or the Pharisees gain
the contention the burden remaineth the same. At times have I thought
of turning to the spade and apron and white robe of the Essenes where
there be no Aaronic priesthood or bloody sacrifice."

"But this Jesus--is he an Essene? Hast thou heard aught of his
teachings?"

"Yea, Mary. In the Temple doth he tell of a Kingdom where the Law
shall be less and justice and liberty more, a Kingdom of Brotherhood
which the sword bringeth not but which cometh as spring-time brings a
new earth. Wonderful did this teaching sound, and as I did drink it
in, turned he his face to me as if my lips had called him. And I did
know, even as his eye rested on mine, that I should love him, yea, as
if he were a brother. Again did I draw near as he did pass on
Solomon's porch, and again did his eyes find my face. Then did I ask
what I should do to be his disciple. 'Keep the commandments,' was his
answer. 'All these have I kept from my youth up,' I made answer. But
it were not enough."

"It should be enough. What more doth the Law require?" Joel asked.

"Yet," observed Mary thoughtfully, "there be no virtue in keeping the
Law which bids us not steal, so long as the belly is full of red wine
and rich mutton."

"Or in coveting thy neighbor's fat wife when a shapely Martha is
promised. Eh, Joel?" Lazarus questioned.

They all laughed. Joel's reply was, "Not virtue, nay. But where is
virtue in the hard sayings he did put to Lazarus?"

"A hard saying truly," Lazarus repeated. "He did bid me sell my
possessions and give to the poor."

"The Law doth not allow but a certain portion for the poor."

"Thou sayest truly, Mary. Yet him whose disciple I would be, says,
'Give all.'"

"Thy vineyards and wine presses?" and Martha's face was troubled.

"Thy olive orchard?" and Mary too expressed concern.

"Yea, and thy home and garden and fountain and thy chickens and lilies,
Mary," Joel answered quickly.

"An evil spirit doth work in his head," was Martha's observation.

"Why said he