Creep
away from them who would put their feet upon you. Go live and die with
the wild men of the far deserts."
"Traitor to the gods!" said Manius, threatening with his sword. "Roman
Jew! I am of noble birth, and claim the right of combat."
"I give it, though you have no better right than dogs. Well, it would
please my hand to slay you. I know the name and father you have
dishonored, and you are grandnephew of the good Lady Claudia--noble
mother of Publius. For their sake I give you the right of combat. By
the wayside near Bethlehem are lonely hills. There, the seventh day
before the kalends, in the middle hour of the night, you shall see a
beacon-fire and near it my colors. Three friends may go with each, and
you and I will draw swords in the fire-light."
"I shall meet you there," said Manius. Vergilius, putting away his
weapon, turned quickly, and, without speaking, left the traitor's
palace with firm faith in the one God--that he was ever on the side of
the just who humbly sought his favor.
CHAPTER 24
The festival of games, in honor of Augustus, were about to begin at
Caesarea.
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