I learn that she has given birth, and many have
journeyed far to see the child. There be some who say that he is,
indeed, the king of promise, albeit I have no such opinion."
"Why?"
"There shall be signs in the deep of the heavens, and we have not seen
them."
"Where may we find the priest?"
"In the village of Ain Karim, yonder."
They could see its low dwellings and the dome of its synagogue. The
Roman halted near the abode of Zacharias, while David took their
followers to the inn. Suddenly the young Roman saw an aged priest
approaching with a child in his arms.
"I have a message for you," said the man of God, stopping near the
Roman officer.
"And I seek it," said Vergilius, looking at the long, gray beard of the
venerable priest.
"It is borne in upon me to say to you that the kingdom of heaven is at
hand."
"Tell me of the king," said Vergilius. "I do thirst for knowledge."
"He shall be the prince of peace."
Vergilius looked thoughtfully at the old priest, who now sat down as if
weary.
"And he shall conquer with the sword?"
"Nay, but as it is written, 'he shall judge among the nations and shall
rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
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