Groping for light, he turned to the young
David. Then first he learned that God, being jealous, hated the image
of everything that has the breath of life. His understanding had
diminished, for, in this matter, the one God was like the many. He
questioned the Jew. "Wonder not," said his friend, "that God hates the
symbol of ancient error. It has been as a cloud upon the sun."
Vergilius had taken a palace and filled it with treasures, for,
possibly, he had thought, some day she would see all. Now its noble
statues were sent away--a kind of sacrifice to the God of the Jews.
But there was one he could not part with--a copy of the lovely Venus of
Alcamenes which his mother had sent to him. He concealed her in a
closet, contenting himself with a furtive glance at her now and then.
He set up in his fancy a giant of benevolent face, and humbly sought
his favor. Still he had no success.
Lying at table one night with Manius and Ben Joreb, he sought counsel
of the latter.
"He that hath his prayer hath prayed wisely," said the priest.
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