know; and when he asked if he might
approach the ring he was told that the circle about the ring was for the
Romans and those whom they might invite, but he'd be able to see very
well from where he was.

The Romans seemed to him an arrogant and proud people; and, conscious of
an innate hostility, he watched them as they leaned over the railing
that enclosed the fighting ring, talking among themselves, sometimes,
however, deigning to call a Jew to join them. The Jews came to them
obsequiously, hoping that the honour bestowed upon them did not escape
notice; and Joseph's ear caught servile phrases: young Sir, it is
reported you've a bird that will smite down all comers, and, Sir, we can
offer you but a poor show of birds. Those at Rome----

A sudden silence fell, which was broken by the falling of dice, and
Joseph was told that the throw would decide which seven birds were to
begin.... We have won the throw, was whispered in his ear. We've the
advantage. But why it was an advantage to fight from the right rather
than from the left Joseph was too excited to inquire, for the cocks had
just been put into the ring or pit, and Joseph recognised the tall lank
bird that the Heeler had taken out of his basket in the orchard. He's
fighting to-day with long spurs, he was told. But why does he fight the
other bird--a yearling? he heard the woman ask; and he saw a black cock
crouch to meet the red in deadly fight. Must one die? he asked, but the
cockers were too intent on the battle to answer his question. The birds
re-sparred and leaped aside, avoiding each other's rushes, and before
long it became clear even to Joseph that their bird, though stronger
than the younger bird, did not spring as high or as easily. A good bird,
he heard the servants say: there'll be a battle for it, my word, there
will, and our bird will win if the young one doesn't get his stroke in
quickly; an old bird will tire out a young bird.... As these words were
spoken, the black cock dashed in, and with a quick stroke sent his spur
through the red bird's head. He's gone this time beyond thy care! And
tears came into Lydia's eyes. I'm sorry, I'd have liked to have seen him
end his days happily among the hens, a-treading of them. Joseph felt he
had not rightly understood her, and when he inquired out her meaning
from her, she told it with so repulsive a leer that he could not conquer
a sudden dislike. He moved away from her immediately and asked her no
more ques