On a certain afternoon in one of the palaces of Tyre a man might havebeen sitting in a long portico, or verandah as we should call it,which overlooked the Mediterranean, whose blue waters lapped thestraight-scarped rock below--for this house was in the island city, notin that of the mainland where most of the rich Syrians dwelt.
The man was old and very handsome. His dark eyes were quick and full offire, his nose was hooked like the beak of a bird of prey, his hair andbeard were long and snowy white. His robes also were rich and splendid,and over them, since at this season of the year even at Tyre it wascold, he wore a cloak of costly northern furs. The house was worthy ofits owner. Built throughout of the purest marble, the rooms were roofedand panelled with sweet-smelling cedar of Lebanon, whence hung manysilver lamps, and decorated by statuary and frescoes. On the marblefloors were spread rugs, beautifully wrought in colours, while here andthere stood couches, tables and stools, fashioned for the most part ofebony from Libya, inlaid with ivory and pearl.
Benoni, the owner of all this wealth, having finished his businessfor that day--the taking count of a shipload of merchandise which hadreached him from Egypt--had eaten his midday meal and now sought hiscouch under the portico to rest a while in the sun. Reclining on thecushions, soon he was asleep; but it would seem that his dreams wereunhappy--at the least he turned from side to side muttering and movinghis hands. At last he sat up with a start.
"Oh, Rachel, Rachel!" he moaned, "why will you haunt my sleep? Oh! mychild, my child, have I not suffered enough? Must you bring my sin backto me in this fashion? May I not shut my eyes even here in the sunlightand be at peace a while? What have you to tell me that you come thusoften to stand here so strengthless and so still? Nay, it is not you; itis my sin that wears your shape!" and Benoni hid his face in his hands,rocking himself to and fro and moaning aloud.
Presently he sprang up. "It was no sin," he said, "it was a righteousact. I offered her to the outraged majesty of Jehovah, as Abraham, ourfather, would have offered Isaac, but the curse of that false prophet isupon me and mine. That was the fault of Demas, the half-bred hound whocrept into my kennel, and whom, because she loved him, I gave to her ashusband. Thus did he repay me, the traitor, and I--I repaid him. Ay! Butthe sword fell upon two necks. He should have suffered, and he alone.Oh, Rachel, my lost daughter Rachel, forgive me, you whose bones liethere beneath the sea, forgive me! I cannot bear those eyes of yours. Iam old, Rachel, I am old."
Thus Benoni muttered to himself, as he walked swiftly to and fro; then,worn out with his burst of solitary, dream-bred passion, he sank backupon the couch.
As he sat thus, an Arab doorkeeper, gorgeously apparelled and armed witha great sword, appeared in the portico, and after looking carefully tosee that his master was not asleep, made a low salaam.
"What is it?" asked Benoni shortly.
"Master, a young lord named Caleb wishes speech with you."
"Caleb? I know not the name," replied Benoni. "Stay, it must be theson of Hilliel, whom the Roman governor"--and turning, he spat upon theground--"has brought to his own again. I heard that he had come to takepossession of the great house on the quay. Bring him hither."
The Arab saluted and went. Presently he returned and ushered in Caleb,now a noble-looking young man clad in fine raiment. Benoni bowed tohim and prayed him to be seated. Caleb bowed in return, touching hisforehead in Eastern fashion with his hand, from which, as his hostnoticed, the forefinger was missing.
"I am your servant, sir," said Benoni with grave courtesy.
"Master, I am your slave," answered Caleb. "I have been told that youknew my father; therefore, on this, my first visit to Tyre, I come tomake my respects to you. I am the son of Hilliel, who perished manyyears ago in Jerusalem. You may have heard his story and mine."
"Yes," answered Benoni scanning his visitor, "I knew Hilliel--a cleverman, but one who fell into a trap at last, and I see that you are hisson. Your face proves it; indeed, it might be Hilliel who stands beforeme."
"I am proud that you should say so," answered Caleb, though already heguessed that between Benoni and his father no love had been lost. "Youknow," he added, "that certain of our people seized my inheritance,which now has been restored to me--in part."
"By Gessius Florus the procurator, I think, who on this account, hascast many Jews--some of them innocent--into prison."
"Indeed! Is that so? Well, it was concerning this Florus that I camechiefly to ask your advice. The Roman has kept a full half of myproperty," and Caleb sighed and looked indignant.
"You are indeed fortunate that he has not kept it all."
"I have been brought up in the desert far from cities," pleaded Caleb."Is there no law by which I may have justice of this man? Cannot youhelp me who are great among our people?"
"None," answered Benoni. "Roman citizens have rights, Jews what they canget. You can appeal to Caesar if you wish, as the jackal appealed to thelion. But if you are wise you will be content with half the carcase.Also I am not great; I am but an old merchant without authority."
Caleb looked downfallen. "It seems that the days are hard for us Jews,"he said. "Well, I will be content and strive to forgive my enemies."
"Better be content and strive to smite your enemies," answered Benoni."You who were poor are rich; for this much thank God."
"Night and morning I do thank Him," replied Caleb earnestly and withtruth.
Then there was silence for a while.
"Is it your intention to reside in Hezron's--I mean in your house--inTyre?" asked Benoni, breaking it.
"For a time, perhaps, until I find a tenant. I am not accustomed totowns, and at present they seem to stifle me."
"Where were you brought up, sir?"
"Among the Essenes by Jericho. But I am not an Essene--their creeddisgusted me; I belong to that of my fathers."
"There are worse men," replied Benoni. "A brother of my late wife is anEssene, a kindly natured fool named Ithiel; you may have known him."
"Oh, yes, I know him. He is one of their curators and the guardian ofthe lady Miriam, his great-niece."
The old man started violently, then, recovering himself, said:
"Forgive me, but Miriam was the name of my lost wife--one which itdisturbs me to hear. But how can this girl be Ithiel's grand-niece? Hehad no relations except his sister."
"I do not know," answered Caleb carelessly. "The story is that the ladyMiriam, whom they call the Queen of the Essenes, was brought to themnineteen or twenty years ago by a Libyan woman named Nehushta,"--hereagain Benoni started--"who said that the child's mother, Ithiel'sniece, had been shipwrecked and died after giving birth to the infant,commanding that it should be brought to him to be reared. The Essenesconsenting, he accepted the charge, and there she is still."
"Then is this lady Miriam an Essene?" asked Benoni in a thick, slowvoice.
"No; she is of the sect of the Christians, in which faith she has beenbrought up as her mother desired."
The old man rose from his couch and walked up and down the portico.
"Tell me of the lady Miriam, sir," he said presently, "for the taleinterests me. What is she like?"
"She is, as I believe, the most beautiful maiden in the whole world,though small and slight; also she is the most sweet and learned."
"That is high praise, sir," said Benoni.
"Yes, master, and perhaps I exaggerate her charms, as is but natural."
"Why is it natural?"
"Because we were brought up together, and I hope that one day she willbe my wife."
"Are you then affianced to this maid?"
"No, not affianced--as yet," replied Caleb, with a little smile; "but Iwill not trouble you with a history of my love affairs. I have alreadytrespassed too long upon your kindness. It is something to ask of youwho may not desire my acquaintance, but if you will do me the honour tosup with me to-morrow night, your servant will be grateful."
"I thank you, young sir. I will come, I will come, for in truth,"he added hastily,
"I am anxious to hear news of all that passes atJerusalem, which, I understand, you left but a few days since, and Iperceive that you are one whose eyes and ears are always open."
"I try both to see and to hear," said Caleb modestly. "But I am veryinexperienced, and am not sure which cause a man who hopes to becomeboth wise and good, ought to espouse in these troubled days. I needguidance such as you could give me if you wished. For this while,farewell."
Benoni watched his visitor depart, then once more began to wander up anddown the portico.
"I do not trust that young man," he thought, "of whose doings I haveheard something; but he is rich and able, and may be of service to ourcause. This Miriam of whom he speaks, who can she be? unless, indeed,Rachel bore a daughter before she died. Why not? She would not have leftit to my care who desired that it should be reared in her own accursedfaith and looked upon me as the murderer of her husband and herself. Ifso, I who thought myself childless, yet have issue upon the earth--atleast there is one in whom my blood runs. Beautiful, gifted--but aChristian! The sin of the parents has descended on the child--yes, thecurse is on her also. I must seek her out. I must know the truth. Man,what is it now? Can you not see that I would be alone?"
"Master, your pardon," said the Arab servant, bowing, "but the Romancaptain, Marcus, desires speech with you."
"Marcus? Oh, I remember the officer who was stationed here. I am notwell, I cannot see him. Bid him come to-morrow."
"Master, he bid me say that he sails for Rome to-night."
"Well, well, admit him," answered Benoni. "Perchance he comes to pay hisdebt," he added.
The Arab departed, and presently the Roman was ushered in.
"Greetings, Benoni," he said, with his pleasant smile. "Here am I, yetalive, for all your fears; so you see your money is still safe."
"I am glad to hear it, my lord Marcus," answered the Jew, bowing low."But if it will please you to produce it, with the interest, I think,"he added drily, "it may be even safer in my strongbox."
Marcus laughed pleasantly.
"Produce it?" he said. "What jest is this? Why, I come to borrow more todefray my costs to Rome."
Benoni's mouth shut like a trap.
"Nay," said Marcus, holding up his hand, "don't begin. I know it all.The times are full of trouble and danger. Such little ready cash as youhave at command is out at interest in safer countries--Egypt, Rome,and Italy; your correspondent at Alexandria has failed to make you theexpected remittance; and you have reason to believe that every ship inwhich you are concerned is now at the bottom of the ocean. So would yoube so good as to lend me half a talent of silver--a thousand shekels incash and the rest in bills of exchange on your agents at Brundisium?"
"No," said Benoni, sternly.
"Yes," replied Marcus, with conviction. "Look you, friend Benoni, thesecurity is excellent. If I don't get drowned, or have my throat slitbetween here and Italy, I am going to be one of the richest men in Rome;so this is your last chance of lending me a trifle. You don't believeit? Then read this letter from Caius, my uncle, and this rescript signedby Nero the Caesar."
Benoni perused the documents and returned them.
"I offer you my congratulations," he said. "If God permits it and youwill walk steadily, your future should be brilliant, since you are ofa pleasant countenance, and when you choose to use it, behind thatcountenance lies a brain. But here I see no security for my money, sinceeven if all things go right, Italy is a long way off."
"Man, do you think that I should cheat you?" asked Marcus hotly.
"No, no, but accidents might happen."
"Well, I will make it worth your while to risk them. For the half-talentwrite a talent charged upon my estate, whether I live or die. And beswift, I pray you, for I have matters to speak of, of more importancethan this miserable money. Whilst I was commissioner among the Esseneson the banks of Jordan----"
"The Essenes! What of the Essenes?" broke in Benoni.
Marcus considered him with his grey eyes, then answered:
"Let us settle this little matter of business and I will tell you."
"Good. It is settled; you shall have the acknowledgment to sign and theconsideration in cash and bills before you leave my house. Now what ofthese Essenes?"
"Only this," said Marcus; "they are a strange people who read thefuture, I know not how. One of them with whom I became friendly,foretold that mighty troubles were about to fall upon this land ofyours--slaughter and pestilence, and famine, such as the world has notseen."
"That is an old prophecy of those accursed Nazarenes," broke in Benoni.
"Call them not accursed, friend," said Marcus, in an odd voice, "for youshould do so least of all men. Nay, hear me out. It may be a prophecy ofthe Nazarenes, but it is also a prophecy of the Essenes, and I believeit, who watch the signs of the times. Now the elder told me this, thatthere will be a great uprising of the Jews against the strength ofCaesar, and that most of those who join in it shall perish. He even gavenames, and among them was yours, friend Benoni. Therefore, because youhave lent me money, although I am a Roman, I have come to Tyre to warnyou to keep clear of rebellions and other tumults."
The old man listened quietly, but not as one who disbelieves.
"All this may be so," he said, "but if my name is written in that bookof the dead, the angel of Jehovah has chosen me, and I cannot escape hissword. Moreover, I am aged, and"--here his eyes flashed--"it is a goodend to die fighting one's country's enemies."
"How you Jews do love us to be sure!" said Marcus with a little laugh.
"The nation that sends a Gessius Florus, or even an Albinus, to rule itsalien subjects must needs be loved," replied Benoni with bitter sarcasm."But let us be done with politics lest we grow angry. It is strange, buta visitor has just left me who was brought up among these Essenes."
"Indeed," said Marcus, staring vacantly into the sea.
"He told me that a young and beautiful woman resides with them who isnamed the Queen of the Essenes. Did you chance to see her, my lord?"
Instantly Marcus became very wide awake. "Oh, yes, I saw her; and whatelse did he tell you?"
"He told me that this lady was both beautiful and learned."
"That is true," said Marcus with enthusiasm. "To my mind, although sheis small, I never saw one lovelier, nor do I know a sculptor who is herequal. If you will come with me to the ship I will open the case andshow you the bust she made of me. But tell me, did this visitor of yourslack the forefinger on one hand--his right?"
"He did."
"Then I suppose that he is named Caleb."
"Yes; but how do you know that?"
"Because I cut off his forefinger," said Marcus, "in a fair fight, and,"he added savagely, "he is a young rascal, as murderous as he is able,whose life I did ill to spare."
"Ah," said Benoni, "it seems that I have still some discernment, forjust so I judged him. Well, what more do you know of the lady?"
"Something, since in a way I am affianced to her."
"Indeed! Well, this is strange, for so, as he told me, is Caleb."
"He told you that?" said Marcus springing from his chair. "Then he lies,and would that I had time to prove it on his body! She rejected him; Ihave it from Nehushta; also I know it in other ways."
"Then she did accept you, my lord Marcus?"
"Not quite," he replied sadly; "but that was only because I am not aChristian. She loves me all the same," he added, recovering. "Upon thatpoint there can be no doubt."
"Caleb seemed to doubt it," suggested Benoni.
"Caleb is a liar," repeated Marcus with emphasis, "and one of whom youwill do well to beware."
"Why should I beware of him?"
Marcus paused a moment, then answered boldly:
"Because the lady Miriam is your granddaughter and the heiress of yourwealth. I say it, since if I did not Caleb would; probably he has doneso already."
For a moment Benoni hid his face in his hands. Then he lifted it andsaid:
"I thou
ght as much, and now I am sure. But, my lord Marcus, if my bloodis hers my wealth is my own."
"Just so. Keep it if you will, or leave it where you will. It is MiriamI seek, and not your money."
"I think that Caleb seeks both Miriam and my money--like a prudentman. Why should he not have them? He is a Jew of good blood; he will, Ithink, rise high."
"And I am a Roman of better blood who will rise higher."
"Yes, a Roman, and I, the grandfather, am a Jew who do not love youRomans."
"And Miriam is neither Jew nor Roman, but a Christian, brought up not byyou, but by the Essenes; and she loves me, although she will not marryme because I am not a Christian."
Benoni shrugged his shoulders as he answered:
"All of this is a problem which I must ponder on and solve."
Marcus sprang from his seat and stood before the old man with menace inhis air.
"Look you, Benoni," he said, "this is a problem not to be solved by youor by Caleb, but by Miriam herself, and none other. Do you understand?"
"I understand that you threaten me."
"Ay, I do. Miriam is of full age; her sojourn with the Essenes must cometo an end. Doubtless you will take her to dwell with you. Well, bewarehow you deal by her. If she wishes to marry Caleb of her own free will,let her do so. But if you force her to it, or suffer him to force her,then by your God, and by my gods, and by her God, I tell you that I willcome back and take such a vengeance upon him and upon you, and upon allyour people, that it shall be a story for generations. Do you believeme?"
Benoni looked up at the man who stood before him in his youth andbeauty, his eyes on fire and his form quivering with rage, and looking,shrank back a little. He did not know that this light-hearted Roman hadsuch strength and purpose at command. Now he understood for the firsttime that he was a true son of the terrible race of conquerors, who, ifhe were crossed, could be as merciless as the worst of them, one whosevery honesty and openness made him to be feared the more.
"I understand that you believe what you say. Whether when you are backat Rome, where there are women as fair as the Queen of the Essenes, youwill continue to believe it, is another matter."
"Yes, a matter for me to settle."
"Quite so--for you to settle. Have you anything to add to the commandsyou are pleased to lay upon your humble creditor, Benoni the merchant?"
"Yes, two things. First, that when I leave this house you will no longerbe my creditor. I have brought money to pay you off in full, principaland interest. My talk of borrowing was but a play and excuse to learnwhat you knew of Miriam. Nay, do not start, though it may seem strangeto you that I also can be subtle. Foolish man, did you think that I withmy prospects should be left to lack for a miserable half-talent? Why,there at Jerusalem I could have borrowed ten, or twenty, if I wouldpromise my patronage by way of interest. My servants wait with thegold without. Call them in presently and pay yourself, principal andinterest, and something for a bonus. Now for the second, Miriam is aChristian. Beware how you tamper with her faith. It is not mine, but Isay--beware how you tamper with it. You gave her father and her mother,your own daughter, to be slaughtered by gladiators and to be torn bylions because, forsooth, they did not think as you do. Lift one fingeragainst her and I will hale you into the amphitheatre at Rome, thereyourself to be slaughtered by gladiators, or to be torn by lions.Although I am absent I shall know all that you do, for I have friendswho are good and spies that are better. Moreover, I return here shortly.Now I ask you, will you give me your solemn word, swearing it by thatGod whom you worship, first, that you will not attempt to force yourgranddaughter Miriam into marriage with Caleb the Jew; and secondly,that you will shelter her, treating her with all honour, and sufferingher to follow her own faith in freedom?"
Benoni sprang from his couch.
"No, Roman, I will not. Who are you who dare to dictate to me in my ownhouse as to how I shall deal with my own grandchild? Pay what you oweand get you gone, and darken my doors no more. I have done with you."
"Ah!" said Marcus. "Well, perhaps it is time that you shouldtravel. Those who travel and see strange countries and peoples, growliberal-minded, which you are not. Be pleased to read this paper," andhe laid a writing before him.
Benoni took it and read. It was worded thus:
"To Marcus, the son of Emilius, the captain, in the name of Caesar,greetings. Hereby we command you, should you in your discretion thinkfit, to seize the person of Benoni, the Jewish merchant, a dweller inTyre, and to convey him as a prisoner to Rome, there to answer chargeswhich have been laid against him, with the particulars of which you areacquainted, which said particulars you will find awaiting you in Rome,of having conspired with certain other Jews, to overthrow the authorityof Caesar in this his province of Judaea.
"(Signed) Gessius Florus, Procurator."
Benoni having read sank back upon his couch, gasping, his white facelivid with surprise and fear. Then a thought seemed to strike him.Seizing the paper he tore it into fragments.
"Now, Roman," he said, "where is your warrant?"
"In my pocket," answered Marcus; "that which I showed you was but acopy. Nay, do not ring, do not touch that bell. See this," and he drewa silver whistle from his robe. "Outside your gate stand fifty soldiers.Shall I sound it?"
"Not so," answered Benoni. "I will swear the oath, though indeed it isneedless. Why should you suppose that I could wish to force this maidinto any marriage, or to work her evil on account of matters of herfaith?"
"Because you are a Jew and a bigot. You gave her father and her motherto a cruel death, why should you spare her? Also you hate me and allmy people; why, then, should you not favour my rival, although he is amurderer whose life I have twice spared at the prayer of Miriam? Swearnow."
So Benoni lifted his hand and swore a solemn oath that he would notforce his granddaughter, Miriam, to marry Caleb, or any other man;and that he would not betray the secret of her faith, or persecute herbecause of it.
"It is not enough," said Marcus. "Write it down and sign."
So Benoni went to the table and wrote out his undertaking and signed it,Marcus signing also as a witness.
"Now, Benoni," he said, as he took the paper, "listen to me. Thatwarrant leaves your taking to my discretion, after I have made searchinto the facts. I have made such search and it seems that I am notsatisfied. But remember that the warrant is still alive and can beexecuted at any moment. Remember also that you are watched and ifyou lift a finger against the girl, it will be put in force. For therest--if you desire that the prophecy of the Essene should not cometrue, it is my advice that you cease from making plots against themajesty of Caesar. Now bid your servant summon him who waits in theantechamber, that he may discharge my debt. And so farewell. When andwhere we shall meet again I do not know, but be sure that we shallmeet." Then Marcus left the portico.
Benoni watched him go, and as he watched, an evil look gathered on hisface.
"Threatened. Trodden to the dirt. Outwitted by that Roman boy," hemurmured. "Is there any cup of shame left for me to drink? Who is thetraitor and how much does he know? Something, but not all, else myarrest could scarcely have been left to the fancy of this patrician,favourite though he be. Yes, my lord Marcus, I too am sure that we shallmeet again, but the fashion of that meeting may be little to your taste.You have had your hour, mine is to come. For the rest, I must keep myoath, since to break it would be too dangerous, and might cut the hairthat holds the sword. Also, why should I wish to harm the girl, or towed her to this rogue Caleb, than whom, mayhap, even the Roman would bebetter? At least he is a man who does not cheat or lie. Indeed, I longto see the maid. I will go at once to Jordan."
Then he sounded his bell and commanded that the servant of the lordMarcus should be admitted.
Pearl-Maiden: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem Page 13
