"And I pray that he may die," answered Nehushta.
The merchant shrugged his shoulders. "I care nothing either way,
provided that the peace is not disturbed to the injury of trade. On the
whole, however, he is a good king who causes money to be spent, which is
what kings are for--in Judaea--where they are but feathers puffed up by
the breath of Caesar, to fall if he cease to blow. But look!"
As he spoke, a figure appeared upon the steps of the palace who made
some communication to the crowd, whereon a great wail went up to the
very skies.
"You have your wish," said Amram; "Herod is dead or dying, and now,
I suppose, as his son is but a child, that we shall be ruled by some
accursed thief of a Roman procurator with a pocket like a sack without a
bottom. Surely that old bishop of yours who preached in the amphitheatre
this morning, must have had a hint of what was coming, from his familiar
spirit; or perhaps he saw the owl and guessed its errand. Moreover, I
think that troubles are brewing for others besides Herod, since the old
man said as much.
"What became of him and the rest?" asked Nehushta.
"Oh! a few were trampled to death, and others the Jews stirred up the
mob to stone, saying that they had bewitched the king, which they, who
were disappointed of the games, did gladly.
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