David wept as he listened.
When the tale was finished he spoke bitterly: "'Twas she--the Beloved.
My father was put to death, his property seized, his wife and children
dragged to captivity. My heart is faint with sorrow. God! I weary of
thy slowness.
"Send, quickly send the new king, whose arrows
shall fly as the lightning
Making the mighty afraid and the proud to bow
low and the wicked to tremble."
For a moment they rode in silence. David was first to speak.
"Forgive me," said he, with fear of his imprudence. "My tongue has
gone too far. I am true to Herod, being his debtor, for he gave me
freedom. But I am of the house of David."
"Fear not," said Vergilius. "Never shall I betray the broken hearted.
I give you friendship."
"And I give you gratitude," was the answer of the Jew.
"I am as a child here in Judea and seek understanding. You shall be my
teacher."
For a time neither spoke; soon David asked: "Will you tell me of her my
sister is now serving?"
"Of all the daughters of Rome she is noblest.
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