Now there had been, that night, a great discussion of the new king, and
suddenly a man sitting by the side of Vergilius had risen. He began
speaking in a strange voice, which had, however, some quality familiar
to the young Roman. Shrill and trembling with emotion, it thrilled
many with a feeling of religious awe.
"The time is upon us," said he, "when the judges of the council have
come to the end of their deliberations. It is for me, therefore, to
reveal it to you in part. If there be any here who give not full
approval, let them freely express their minds."
He did not explain that such were, then and there, to be won by
argument or put out of the way by daggers.
"I speak of great things, but he that is to follow me shall speak of
greater. After weighing all the promises of Holy Writ, and enforcing
their wisdom by the counsel of other learned men," he continued, "your
judges declare the fulness of time."
The speaker paused. He heard a little stir of bodies, a rustle of
robes in the darkness.
The speaker went on:
"When Herod dies you shall see a rider go swiftly through the streets
bearing a red banner and crying, 'The king is dead.
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