These she took thankfully, knowing
that she would need food to support her during the long day, but
scarcely had she begun to eat when a slave appeared clad in the imperial
livery, and bearing a tray of luxurious meats served in silver vessels.
"Pearl-Maiden," he said, "my master, Domitian, sends you greeting and
this present. The vessels are your own, and will be kept for you, but he
bids me add, that to-night you shall sup off dishes of gold."
Miriam made no answer, though one rose to her lips; but after the man
had departed, with her foot she overset the tray so that the silver
vases fell clattering to the floor, where the savory meats were
spilled. Then she went on eating the bread and milk till her hunger was
satisfied.
Scarcely had she finished her meal, when an officer entered the cell and
led her out into a great square, where she was marshalled amongst many
other prisoners. By now the sun was up and she saw before her a splendid
building, and gathered below the building all the Senate of Rome in
their robes, and many knights on horses, and nobles, and princes from
every country with their retinues--a very wonderful and gallant sight.
In front of the building were cloisters, before which were set two ivory
chairs, while to right and left of these chairs, as far as the eye could
reach, were drawn up thousand upon thousands of soldiers; the Senate,
the Knights and the Princes, as she could see from the rising ground
whereon she stood, being in front of them and of the chairs.
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