n a
mysterious valley named Comprafort (Comfort?). From Comprafort David
was directed to bring them to Jerusalem. He planted them close to a
fountain, and within thirty years they had grown together so as to form
a single tree of wonderful beauty, under the shade of which David
composed his psalms and wept for his sins. In spite of its beauty,
Solomon cut it down in order to complete his temple, for which a single
beam was wanted, of a size such as no other tree could furnish. But in
fitting the beam to its place, it was found, after repeated trials,
either too long or too short, and this was accepted as a sign that it
was not to be so employed."

It was then, says one version of the story, reverently preserved in the
temple. According to another version, when it was found too short or
too long "it was flung aside into a certain marsh, where it served as a
bridge. But when the Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem to hear the
wisdom of Solomon, and was about to cross the marsh, she {55} saw in a
vision how the Saviour of the world was to be suspended on that tree,
and so would not walk over it. It was buried in the earth on the spot
where the Pool of Bethesda was afterward made, so that it was not only
the descent of the angel, but the virtues of the buried wood, which
gave to the water its healing qualities. At the time of the passion
the wood rose and floated on the surface. The Jews took it to make the
cross of our Lord."

More attractive is the legend of how the cross was found, deeply buried
in the ground at Jerusalem, by St. Helena, the mother of Constantine,
the first Christian emperor. All three crosses were found, according
to the story, and that of our Lord was recognized by certain miracles
which it wrought on those who touched it.

In representations of the cross we trace two principal forms, the Latin
and the Greek cross, from which a great variety, with various
significations, have been produced.

[Illustration: Latin cross]

The _Latin_ or _Passion Cross_ has the lower limb considerably longer
than the other three. "It is doubtless most nearly the shape of the
very instrument on which Christ suffered, {56} and is therefore most
suitable to symbolize the Atonement and to express suffering." When it
is placed on steps it is called a "Calvary cross." The steps are
generally three in number, and are said to typify faith, hope, and
charity, the great Christian virtues.

[Illustration: Calvary c