ters, that the Roman soldiers stood not aside when such
a following did pass?"

"Aye, but I like the sound of thy speech," said Martha, smiling and
clapping her hands.

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Mary. "But the sword, why the sword?"

"The King hath been acclaimed, but the throne hath yet to be
established and swords shall the sons of Judah take up if there be
need."

"The spears of Rome are sharp and held by matchless soldiery and Pilate
is cruel as the grave and thirsting ever for the blood of Israel."

"Thou speakest, Mary. But when the people rise, even the legions of
Rome stand back. Saw we not that this day? Just now the flower of
Rome's strength in Palestine hath been sent to Assyria and ere the
legions of the Imperial City could reach Jerusalem, will the Tower of
Antonio and its stores be in possession of the Jews. With a handful of
the following the Master had to-day a Maccabee would take Jerusalem
from pagan hands. Shall the followers of him who is greater than David
fall short? Rather let the arm of Israel be palsied than to fail when
the Kingdom is in sight. Shout, my sisters, for the Kingdom is at
hand!"

"Thrice glad am I my wedding garments are gorgeous enough for a king's
court," Martha said.

"Talk of a king's court would be pleasant save for the glint of yonder
sword. Lazarus, is there harm or danger for him we love in all this
thou tellest?" and there was grave concern in Mary's face.

"There hath been dark mutterings and Pilate's wrath will be sore
kindled by what hath taken place. But the sons of Judah are brave and
the Lion of the Tribe shall prevail."

"Glad I am that ever I have given the Master of the best wine and
richest sop!" Martha exclaimed.

"My heart doth rejoice that while he was yet poor, our home hath been
his. Even as our fathers did entertain angels unawares, so have we
given shelter to a King," Mary said.

"Hath not thy heart from the beginning taken him for a King, Mary?"
Lazarus asked. "Yea, even _thy_ King?"

"Since first I saw him in the portals of the Temple have I loved him
whom thou sayest is to be King."

"So! So!" shouted Martha, laughing. "Even more than a friend may I be
to the King of the Jews, for doth not the Master love our Mary?"

"Methought thou hast feigned blindness these months," Lazarus said to
Martha.

"Blind was I in the beginning since I took not notice of signs. But,
brother, when thou didst die, my eyes came open. After thou