Then
she remembered her strange visions of the night, and in them seemed to
find an answer.
Having repulsed this desperate sally the Roman officers set thousands
of men to work to attempt to extinguish the flaming cloisters, since,
notwithstanding the answer of the Jews, Titus still desired to save the
Temple. As for its defenders, beyond guarding the walls of the Court
of Israel, they did no more. Gathering in such places as were most
protected from the darts and stones thrown by the engines, they crouched
upon the ground, some in sullen silence, some beating their breasts and
rending their robes, while the women and children wailed in their
misery and hunger, throwing dust upon their heads. The Gate of Nicanor,
however, was still held by a strong guard, who suffered none to approach
it, nor did any attempt to ascend to its roof. That Caleb still lived
Miriam knew, for she had seen him, covered with dust and blood, driven
back by the charge of Roman horse up the steps of the gateway. This,
indeed, he was one of the last to pass before it was closed and barred
to keep out the pursuing Romans. After that she saw no more of him for
many a month.
So that day also, the last of the long siege, wore away.
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