Pity me and tell me, you in whose ear God
speaks, tell me, what must I do?"
"Daughter," answered the grave and gentle man, "you must trust in God.
Did He not save you in the house at Tyre? Did He not save you in the
streets of Jerusalem? Did He not save you on the gate Nicanor?"
"He did," answered Miriam.
"Aye, daughter, and so shall He save you in the slave-market of Rome. I
have a message for your ear, and it is that no shame shall come near
to you. Tread your path, drink your cup, and fear nothing, for the Lord
shall send His angel to protect you until such time as it pleases Him to
take you to Himself."
Miriam looked at him, and as she looked peace fell upon her soul and
shone in her soft eyes.
"I hear the word of the Lord spoken through the mouth of His messenger,"
she said, "and henceforth I will strive to fear nothing, no, not even
Domitian."
"Least of all Domitian, daughter, that son of Satan, whom Satan shall
pay in his own coin."
Then going to the door he summoned Julia, and while Gallus watched
without, the two of them prayed long and earnestly with Miriam. When
their prayer was finished the bishop rose, blessed her, and bade her
farewell.
"I leave you, daughter," he said, "but though you see him not, another
takes my place.
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