man and Jew alike make merry of your sufferings,
which, if my voice had been listened to, would have been shorter, but
more cruel. Daughter of Satan, go back to Satan and let the Son of the
carpenter save you if he can."

"Spare to revile the maid," broke in Caleb furiously, "for curses are
spears that fall on the heads of those that throw them."

"Had I my will," answered the Rabbi, "a spear should fall upon your
head, insolent, who dare to rebuke your elders. Begone before me, and be
sure of this, that if you strive to return here it shall be for the last
time. More is known about you, Caleb, then you think, and perhaps you
also would make friends among the Romans."

Caleb made no answer, for he knew the venom and power of this Zealot
Simeon, who was the chosen friend and instrument of the savage John of
Gischala. Only he looked at Miriam with sad eyes, and, muttering "You
would have it so, I can do no more. Farewell," left her to her fate.

So there in the red light of the sunset, with her hands bound, a placard
setting out her shame upon her breast, and chained like a wild beast
to the column of marble, Miriam was left alone. Walking as near to the
little battlement as the length of her chain would allow, she looked
down into the Court of Israel, where many of the Zealots had gathered to
catch sight of her. So soon as they saw her they yelled and hooted and
cast a shower of stones, one of which struck her on the shoulder. With a
little cry of pain she ran back as far as she could reach on the further
side of the pillar. Hence she could see the great Court of Women, whence
the Gate Nicanor was approached by fifteen steps forming the half of a
circle and fashioned of white marble. This court now was nothing but
a camp, for the outer Court of the Gentiles having been taken by the
Romans, their battering rams were working at its walls.

Then the night fell, but brought no peace with it, for the rams smote
continually, and since they were not strong enough to break through the
huge stones of the mighty wall, the Romans renewed their attempt to take
them by storm in the hours of darkness. But, indeed, it was no darkness,
for the Jews lit fires upon the top of the wall, and by their light
drove off the attacking Romans. Again and again, from her lofty perch,
Miriam could see the scaling ladders appear above the crest of the wall.
Then up them would come long lines of men, each holding a shield above
his head. As the fo