hey were
captives, to a little chamber where she was left alone watching the
light grow through the lattice, and listening to the hum of voices
that rose without, mingled now and again with sobs and wails of grief.
Presently the door opened and a servant entered with bread on a platter
and milk in an earthenware vessel. These she took thankfully, knowing
that she would need food to support her during the long day, but
scarcely had she begun to eat when a slave appeared clad in the imperial
livery, and bearing a tray of luxurious meats served in silver vessels.

"Pearl-Maiden," he said, "my master, Domitian, sends you greeting and
this present. The vessels are your own, and will be kept for you, but he
bids me add, that to-night you shall sup off dishes of gold."

Miriam made no answer, though one rose to her lips; but after the man
had departed, with her foot she overset the tray so that the silver
vases fell clattering to the floor, where the savory meats were
spilled. Then she went on eating the bread and milk till her hunger was
satisfied.

Scarcely had she finished her meal, when an officer entered the cell and
led her out into a great square, where she was marshalled amongst many
other prisoners. By now the sun was up and she saw before her a splendid
building, and gathered below the building all the Senate of Rome in
their robes, and many knights on horses, and nobles, and princes from
every country with their retinues--a very wonderful and gallant sight.
In front of the building were cloisters, before which were set two ivory
chairs, while to right and left of these chairs, as far as the eye could
reach, were drawn up thousand upon thousands of soldiers; the Senate,
the Knights and the Princes, as she could see from the rising ground
whereon she stood, being in front of them and of the chairs. Presently
from the cloisters, clad in garments of silk and wearing crowns of
laurel, appeared the Caesars, Vespasian and Titus, attended by Domitian
and their staffs. As they came the soldiers saw them and set up a mighty
triumphant shout which sounded like the roar of the sea, that endured
while the Caesars sat themselves upon their thrones. Up and up went
the sound of the continual shouting, till at length Vespasian rose and
lifted his hand.

Then silence fell and, covering his head with his cloak, he seemed to
make some prayer, after which Titus also covered his head with his
cloak and offered a prayer. This done, Ve