This latter one gave
him the greater satisfaction. It conveyed, in formal script, the
following message:
"TO ONE SEEKING WISDOM IN PRAYER
"If you would share in the deliberations of the Council of the
Covenant, be at the well of Nicanor, which is opposite the tenth column
in the king's portico of the temple, at the second sounding of the
sacred horns on the Day of Atonement. There wait until one shall come
and ask what you are seeking, and you shall answer, 'Knowledge of the
one God.' Then, if he turns away, follow him and do as he bids you."
His opportunity had come. He waited with the curiosity of a child.
Soon, possibly, he should see the face of the great Lawgiver and learn
of things beyond the valley of death. If all went well he would amaze
the people of Rome with wonder stories and give them assurance of
immortal life.
The city had been thronged with pilgrims that day of the ancient
festival. It was turning dusk when Vergilius made his way through
crowded streets to the well of Nicanor. Suddenly he heard a trumpet
signal, and then followed that moment of silence when every tongue and
foot and wheel stopped, quickly, and all stood listening for the awful
name spoken but once a year.
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