Christ Legends

but herself. She said to herself: "That which we demand of this stranger, is something which we can not coax from him either by force or bribes. But perhaps he will grant it us if

g sea trip to Joppa, and on the journey to Jerusalem she made no use of a litter, but rode a horse. She appeared

day's journey, when they came to the hills of Judea, they were not abandoned by the flowers. All the multiformed hills between which the road wound were planted with fruit trees, which stood in full bloom. And when the travelers wearied of looking at t

the plain came travelers. When they had reached the road to Jerusalem, those who traveled alone formed themselves into companies and marched forward with glad shouts. Round an elderly man, who rode on a jogging camel, walked his sons and daughters, his sons-in-law and daughte

his veiled sky the perfume of the budding leaves and blossoms did not penetrate the air as usual, but lingered over roads and fields. And this beautiful day, with its faint mist and hushed winds, which reminded one of Night's rest and calm, seemed to communicate

, as she said to a young Roman who rode beside her: "I dreamt last night that I saw Tiberius, and he implored me not to postpone the journey,

halt. Before her lay a large, deep valley-basin, surrounded by pretty hills, and from the dark,

t upon the cliff's smooth height, was this day magnified a thousand-fold. All the hills

ce had already come, and had managed to put their tents in order. On the other hand, those who lived near the city were still on their

hrongs of people and the long rows of tent-poles. The

e whole nation must ha

Faustina because he had, during a number of years, lived in Judea. "They celebrate now the gr

tival," said she. "It can not signify anything else than that the gods protect our journey. Do you think it like

is indeed a decree of the gods. Strong and vigorous though you be, you may consider yo

farers and asked them if they thought t

n," answered one. "Surely he must be here even

e foot of that mountain, which is covered with olive trees?" she said. "It is there that the Galileans

bottom of the valley, and then they began to ride up toward Zion's hill, to r

led. "Look," said the woman who had spoken, pointing to one of the beggars who sat on the wall, "there is a Galilean

with a heavy iron-gray beard. His face was bronzed by heat and sunshine. He asked no alms; on t

ressed him, and the latter had to

alilean. I beg you, therefore, to tell me w

ed what was wanted of him, he was seized with rage mixed with terror. "What are you talking abou

in his company," she protested. "Do not fear, but tell this noble Roman

they possessed by an evil spirit, since they come again and again and ask me about that man? Why will no one

a couple of beggars who sat on the wall

iples," said one. "We all know tha

m to-day on that man's account, and now they will not even leave me in peace out here am

t us go farther!" said she. "The man i

help her find the Prophet called to her to be careful. She pulled in her reins and saw that a man lay in the road, just in front of

vy feet close beside him. He was poorly clad, and besides he was covered with dust and dirt. In fact, he had thrown so

does this man lie here on

began shouting t

amels over me! Do not turn aside for me! Trample me to d

is a sinner who wants to do penance," said he. "Do not let this delay your jo

r heels on my heart! Let the camels crush my bre

miserable man without trying to make him

her way forward again. "This man also belonged to the Prophet's d

atively, and the woman

ur Master?" she asked. "I meet you scattered o

you to ask me about him?" he said, in a voice that was filled with despair. "You see, surely, that I have lain down in

the man staggered to his feet

way through the crowds that thronged in front of the gate, and rushed away s

e saw the man flee. She had become depressed by seeing these disciples of the Prophet.

ess, delay not in your search for him whom you would find! I fear some evil has befallen

live with people. It seemed well-nigh impossible to get through the city. The riders time and again had to stand still.

streets of Rome are peaceful plea

almost insurmountable di

e not too fatigued, I should advise you to walk to the Governor's palace. It is a goo

ed, and left her horse with one of the slaves. Thereup

toward the heart of the city, and Sulpicius showed F

this street, we will soon be there. I

to turn into the street, t

ough it a prisoner, who was to be taken out and crucified. Before him ran a crowd of wild youths who wanted to witness the execution. They raced up the street, w

ty's élite and foremost. Then came women, many of whom had tear-stained faces. A ga

end Thine angel and save him! Sen

orses. They kept guard so that none of the people

ied. They had laid a heavy wooden cross over his shoulder, but he was too weak for this burden. It weighed him

ed man's heavy tread. She noticed, with surprise, that he wore a purp

his man?"

red her: "It is one who wis

ing which is scarcely worth strivi

The executioners had tied a rope around his waist, and they began to pull on it to hasten

on a couple of women who tried to rush forward to help the fallen man. The executioners attempted to force him up with

d by the thorn-crown, trickled some drops of blood. His hair hung in knotted tangles, clotted with sweat and blood. His jaw was firm set, but his

and beautiful One with glorious, majestic eyes and gentle features, and she was

lled with tears. She forgot her own sorrow and anxiety for this tortured man's distress. She thought her heart w

pected to find protection with her against all those who persecuted and tortured him. He embraced

ome and sought protection with her. She placed one arm around his neck, and as a mother first of all wipes away the tea

isoner. Impatient over the delay, they dragged him off in wild haste. The condemned man ut

and she saw him borne away, she felt as if some one had torn from her her own child

was being led away. She wanted to rush after him. She wan

h weakness and dizziness. Sulpicius made haste to pl

was neither bench nor chair inside, but the shopkeeper was a kindly man. H

t dizziness had seized her that she coul

ity have been too much for her," said Sulpicius to the merchant. "She

he merchant. "The air is almost too heavy to breathe. It wo

en asleep, and she slept with calm, regular res

stood there, and looked at the cr