a Maccabee would take Jerusalem from pagan hands. Shall the followers of him who is greater than David fall short? Rather let the arm of Israel be palsied than to fail when the Kingdom is in sight. Shout, my sisters, for the Kingdom is at hand!" "Thrice glad am I my wedding garments are gorgeous enough for a king's court," Martha said. "Talk of a king's court would be pleasant save for the glint of yonder sword. Lazarus, is there harm or danger for him we love in all this thou tellest?" and there was grave concern in Mary's face. "There hath been dark mutterings and Pilate's wrath will be sore kindled by what hath taken place. But the sons of Judah are brave and the Lion of the Tribe shall prevail." "Glad I am that ever I have given the Master of the best wine and richest sop!" Martha exclaimed. "My heart doth rejoice that while he was yet poor, our home hath been his. Even as our fathers did entertain angels unawares, so have we given shelter to a King," Mary said. "Hath not thy heart from the beginning taken him for a King, Mary?" Lazarus asked. "Yea, even _thy_ King?" "Since first I saw him in the portals of the Temple have I loved him whom thou sayest is to be King." "So! So!" shouted Martha, laughing. "Even mo