Thence they rode to
Jerusalem. The troop had dwindled to a squad of six, and came slowly
into the ancient capital at dawn. From afar they could hear bugles at
the castle of Antonia.
"They are changing the guard," Manius remarked.
Having entered the city gates, they passed throngs of cattle and their
drivers and many worshippers hurrying to the temple. One of the latter
stopped, and, pointing to the eagles and the medallion of Augustus on
their signa, shouted loudly:
"I thank Thee, O God, and the God of my fathers, that I am not of them
who provoke Thine anger with the graven image."
A chant of many voices from the temple roof floated over the plain,
saying:
"The light has come as far as Hebron."
Vergilius turned, looking up at the splendid Doric temple of Jerusalem.
As he looked, the sun's rays fell on a great, golden lantern before a
thicket of high columns in its eastern portico. It was the signal for
another outburst of trumpets.
"They are now making incense for the nostrils of Jehovah," said Manius.
"Soon they will offer him one of the most beautiful lambs in Judea.
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