Lastly, when she grew older, there was a fourth master, who was an
artist. He taught Miriam how to model animals, and even men, in the clay
of the Jordan, and how to carve them out in marble, and something of the
use of pigments. Also this man, who was very clever, had a knowledge
of singing and instrumental music, which he imparted to her in her odd
hours. Thus it came about that Miriam grew learned and well acquainted
with many matters of which most girls of her day and years had never
even heard. Nor did she lack knowledge of the things of her own faith,
though in these the Essenes did not instruct her further than its
doctrines tallied with their own. Of the rest, Nehushta told her
something; moreover, on several occasions Christian travellers or
preachers visited this country to address the Essenes or the other Jews
who dwelt there. When they learned her case, these showed themselves
very eager to inform her of the Christian doctrine. Among them was one
old man who had heard the preaching of Jesus Christ, and been present
at His Crucifixion, to all of which histories the girl listened with
eagerness, remembering them to the last hour of her life.
Further, and perhaps this was the best part of her education, she lived
in the daily company of Nature.
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