Αυοῖν παρόντων ήμισυς λόγος πάρα.—Æschylus,Eum.428.He hears but half who hears one side only.1. Legal preparations.2. A mixed cup.3. A critical conversation.4. For better or worse?
Αυοῖν παρόντων ήμισυς λόγος πάρα.
—Æschylus,Eum.428.
He hears but half who hears one side only.
There were several reasons why the first wonder and rush of surmises as to the reappearance of Aleph did not last long. They were let alone severely. And then the rumors of an approaching visit from the Cæsar grew stronger every day; and all eyes and tongues were strongly drawn toward the daughter of Alexander and her probable views and feelings as to the great alliance. In addition, the air was now full of the great trials that were to come off in a few days—Malus against the two brothers, Malus against Cimon, and Cimon against Malus. That Malus should venture to attack anybody was not a matter for surprise; but that anybody should venture to attack Malus was indeed wonderful. So the city had plenty to talk about without querying long as to the where and how of Aleph’s escape, with nobody to answer questions.
The public interest grew exceedingly when it became plain, as it soon did, that the contest would not be between two individuals, but between two great parties. On the one side were Malus and the Flacci with their host of dependents: on the other was Cimon, supported by all the influence and forces of Seti and Alexander, as well as by the good-will and prestige and family influenceof both branches of the University, with which Aleph was now unboundedly popular. Though he firmly declined to give any information as to who the chief criminal in his abduction was, and what the place of his confinement, and how he was rescued, the students were not offended—following the lead of Cornelius and a few others who had specially attached themselves to him, and to whom he had said that his silence was to save embarrassment to Cimon and other friends in their affairs. They looked in his face and believed him. They heard the ring of his voice and were content both with him and his friend—with Cimon,becausehe was his friend. As Malus soon had occasion to know. Not a student entered his warehouse. If one saw him coming he ostentatiously crossed to the other side of the street. And the vexed trader was compelled to listen to some serenades that were neither very musical nor very complimentary. Of all such demonstrations in his favor, Aleph was ignorant; though he was well aware on what side the sympathies of his fellow-students were enlisted.
I have said that the public assumed that the Flaccan influence would be cast in favor of Malus. But one day an event occurred which unsettled at least the University part of the public on this point. At the close of one of Seti’s lectures and before the students had left, a herald appeared at the door and announced his Excellency the Governor. Seti stepped forward after a very cool and stately fashion to receive the dignitary; and inquired what he could do to pleasure his Excellency. His Excellency stated that he was fond of young men, and liked to look in upon them now and then, in their curriculum; but that his special object to-day was to congratulate bothhim and his young friend, who he believed was calledAleph the Chaldean, on the success of the measures for the rescue of the latter.
“Idocongratulate you most heartily, venerable Sir—as I know that you are much interested in the young man. Is he present?” And Flaccus looked about on the students as if to discover him.
“Will Aleph the Chaldean come forward?” said Seti: “His Excellency wishes to congratulate him in person on his safety.”
The young men were too much interested in what was passing to stand on ceremony. The better to see everything, they stepped on the seats and pommelled down obnoxious shoulders and heads. And they saw Aleph advance, not only without embarrassment, but with a grace and even majesty that would have become a king. And yet the kingly way was so unaffected and so modest in its expression, as not to be offensive.
“May it please your Excellency,” said Seti with emphasis, “this is the young man for whom you have asked and whom you authorized us to rescue at all costs.”
“I am glad I did it. It was one of the best acts of my life,” exclaimed Flaccus, as he looked up with undisguised astonishment at the figure and face before him.
Then with some hesitation he continued, “You do not seem, young man, to have suffered much from your confinement. It could hardly have been very severe without leaving some marks upon you. I see none whatever. I would not object to being confined myself if I could reappear in as good a condition as yours.”
“Still, such a confinement as mine is not one which I can conscientiously recommend to your Excellency,”returned Aleph. “It had some features about it rather trying to the average constitution. I think that the fact that I am here to-day in a sound condition is due to my having a constitution considerably tougher than the average.”
“No doubt it is so,” said the Roman. “I am glad that you have come off so well. I have come here to say so; to express my pleasure at your safe return; to congratulate you upon it; and also to congratulate you on having secured in so brief a time such warm and most desirable friends as I see about you. I trust you will count me among them.”
“Aleph the Chaldean accepts with pleasure the kind words which your Excellency does him the honor of offering; and himself feels that he has been highly favored in finding in a strange land so many friends whom he will never be willing or able to forget.”
“I have another object in coming here to-day,” continued Flaccus. “My son, who is sick, begs that you will visit him at the Cæsareum. Your nation, I believe, is well versed in leech craft; and perhaps you can help him. If you will take a seat with me in my chariot it will gratify both him and me.”
“I will go to your son almost immediately,” said Aleph. “But your Excellency will excuse me for declining the honor of your chariot. A less distinguished way of going will better suit my youth and circumstances.”
To say that the students were astonished hardly does the facts justice. Three things amazed them—that the Governor should take a step so likely to be understood by the public as against Malus; that Sextus Flaccus, sickor well, should send for Aleph; and that Aleph should carry himself in so unembarrassed and independent and yet courtly manner in the presence of the chief Roman dignitary. It was another revelation to them. Some of them said, “Plainly, this is not the first time Aleph has dealt with people in high places—he is too much at home with them to be dealing with novelties.”
Both that day, and daily for many days afterward, Aleph found his way to the Cæsareum, and to the slowly recovering Sextus. What was said or done in these interviews never transpired—at least among the students. I am not prepared to say but that Seti and Rachel came to know of pleasant and hopeful things.
Well, itistime to speak again of the lovely Jewess. Of course Aleph, the very next day after his return, fulfilled his promise to see Miriam—and all the more readily because Seti had domiciled himself at Alexander’s until the return of his son in law. He found not only Miriam but also Seti and Rachel in the family apartment. Great was his surprise at the gain the nurse had made since he last saw her; and so he was able to give congratulations as well as receive them. Miriam’s congratulations, however, were rather lame in the expression; for when she saw him enter without any sign, even the slightest, of harm from all that he had passed through, her eyes filled with tears and she scarcely found voice to say more than,Thank God.
“You see,” said Rachel, “that Miriam has wonderfully improved within the last few days; but I doubt whether you can guess to what the improvement is owing.”
“The skill of the leech?” suggested Aleph, smiling.
“Nay—as if you did not know her leech!” and she lifted her eyebrows.
“The excellent nursing?”
“By no means—I can speak for that.”
“Thewantof nursing? The nurse has been busy elsewhere; and so nature has had a chance to act freely. Excessive care is sometimes as hurtful as no care at all.”
“Still at fault,” cried the maiden. “Shrewd as you are, you will not be likely to guess: so I must tell you. She took a new medicine; and it wasAleph the Chaldean. Devising ways and means to get you out of your difficulties, O much enduring Ulysses, O pious Æneas beaten about in all seas—this is what has made the change that you see. It is a very healthful business this rescuing Aleph the Chaldean.”
Then followed a pleasant explanation of the part which Miriam had taken in the rescue, and such a grateful recognition of it as it deserved.
On the humorous plea that Miriam was indebted to him for her health, and must make payment for the same in valuable information, Aleph proceeded to ask her many questions suggested by her former narrative of what she had heard and seen of Jesus. Rachel joined him in this. As a result they found not a few difficulties removed or diminished by a better knowledge of circumstances.
During this questioning and cross questioning Seti sat a silent but alert listener. Only at the close, when the young people fairly woke up to the fact that for a long time he had said nothing, and turned deprecatingly toward him, did he say, “You two would make very respectable advocates. I hope Marcus Piso will examinewitnesses as well in the approaching trials. I am glad to see that your faith in Jesus does not forget the claims of reason.”
Here a parcel was brought in and given to Rachel. “From my mother,” she exclaimed, as she glanced at the superscription. “This doubtless contains further news of the Christ that will interest us all. Let us see.”
She broke the seals. In a moment she became so absorbed in her reading that, evidently, she was quite oblivious of her surroundings. Her face became a mirror behind which appeared the whole changing heaven of her moods and feelings. The first glance at the letter brought a shadow on the beaming countenance. As she went on the shadows deepened apace—as when clouds add themselves to clouds in advance of the storm. At last the storm itself came. Her face became a picture of mingled astonishment, compassion, indignation, and dismay. She dropped the letter on the floor, exclaiming, “Can it be! Where is the Almighty Avenger!” And the tears streamed between her fingers as she buried her face in her hands.
Seti and Aleph had both watched her changing expressions with alarm—had both risen and were now standing by her side.
“What dreadful thing has happened, my child?” asked Seti.
“They have murdered Him—murderedHim—have murdered theChrist!” she exclaimed: then turning to Aleph, “And you were right. You feared the worst, and the worst has come. Can there be a bright side to such a picture?”
She tried to brush away the tears that she might better see the expression of his face.
He said gently, “I think I can conceive of a brighter side even to such a terrible picture. But I see that you have not finished your reading. Perhaps the remainder of the letter will contain the brighter side.” He took it up from the floor and handed it to her.
Thus encouraged, she resumed her reading. Almost immediately a change appeared on her face. Her eyes opened widely with a new wonder, and beamed with a new light. As she went on the shadows thinned away as fast as they had thickened; the light and sweetness grew apace as does the fairest morning; and at last the sun rose on every lovely feature as she finished the manuscript and exclaimed,God be praised—there is indeed a brighter side!
She turned to Aleph, “You are right again. Jesus lives. He has passed through death to his throne.”
“I do not think,” said he, “that you are now able to read to us the whole wonderful account as your mother has written it. But perhaps you can give us a briefer account in your own words—suiting the length to your strength, and passing lightly over details that have tried you most.”
“I will try. But I think that I could not even do this were it not for the strength and courage which this last reading has given me.”
After a moment she proceeded: “From the time of the resurrection of Lazarus the chief men at Jerusalem, with two exceptions, have been bent on the death of Jesus. On the night before the Passover, they sent an armed force to Gethsemane, where he was praying, arrestedhim, took him to the palace of the high-priest, went through a form of trying him for blasphemy, condemned him (two only objecting), then hurried him to Pilate the governor; and so importuned and worried and threatened the reluctant Roman that he at last consented, but not until they had taken on themselves and their children the whole guilt of the deed, to condemn him to the cross. Then followed mocking, and buffeting and scourging. Then in the early morning, accompanied by many weeping and wailing friends and a mob of howling and exulting enemies, the soldiers took him to Calvary and there crucified him between two robbers. Oh, the cruel, cruel spikes! Oh, the more cruel jeers and mockings and tauntings and railings of the soldiers—and even of his fellow sufferers! They evidently were suffering far less than he. Those familiar with crucifixions had never before seen such agony. All the signs of an inexpressible anguish were in both face and form. And once he uttered a cry so terrible that Nicodemus, who heard it, said that it would haunt him to his dying day. He had never heard the like before: never could bear to hear the like again. He is fully persuaded that the sun in all his circuits had never looked down on such mortal agony, because it was the agony of Him on whom ‘God laid the iniquities of us all.’ In fact, the sun refused at length to look on the awful scene any longer. He had climbed over the eastern hills, and up to the zenith, with undimmed face, when, all at once, he disappeared. For three hours the darkness of God was over the whole land. Men could hardly see one another. But the darkness of men was still greater than the darkness of God. They still continued to cast atJesus through the lurid dimness the stones of their derision and insult until the end. At the ninth hour the great Victim died—praying for his enemies. Then the earth quaked mightily. Ancient rocks that had defied men and time broke in pieces before the silent cross. The veil of the temple was rent in twain by unseen hands. Even dead men came from their graves, to meet Jesus as he descended into his. ‘Truly,’ said the centurion who had the crucifixion in charge, ‘truly this was the Son of God!’
“When all was over, the disciples smote their breasts and returned to the city, filled with horror and almost despair. Who could have thought it! Is there really no humanity on earth, and no divinity in Heaven! Is this the end of their hopes—this the end of their long and fondly expected kingdom of God! From the towering summits of faith to the depths of doubt and misery—what a fall! My mother was not able to see the more immediate disciples for two or three days; for she was crushed in both body and heart: but Nicodemus kept her informed as to everything. Besides, she knew how they were feeling from knowing how she felt herself. She was prostrated before the awful mystery. She was dazed and almost incapable of thought under the mighty shock. And yet she had at the bottom of her heart a feeling that this could not be the end. Godcannotbe so defeated by man.
“So much for the tragedy. Had this been all that my mother wrote I could never have smiled again. Her account filled me with shame and horror and wrath. It seemed to me that God would have been just if he had at once smitten those murderers into the lowest Tophet.God forgive me! but I almost felt as if I could do it myself. I felt as if I belonged to an accursed and doomed race. Yes, I felt as if I could never smile again. But you see that I can (and her face wet with tears shone out upon him, with bewildering radiance); and it is because the tragedy has a triumph for its sequel.
“On the third day after the crucifixion Nicodemus came home in great excitement, saying that the Roman guard which Pilate, at the solicitation of the Jewish chiefs, had set about the tomb where the body of Jesus had been placed, came into the city early in the morning and reported to the chiefs with scared faces and trembling lips that One with a form bright as the lightning had flashed down from the sky in their sight, rolled away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, and sat upon it. They fell to the earth, and became as dead men. When they came to themselves they found the angel gone and the tomb open and empty. Great was the perplexity of the leaders on hearing this; but they finally resolved, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea protesting, to fortify one crime by another, and gave a large sum of money to the soldiers to say that the body was stolen while they slept. This recalled vividly to my mother’s mind what Jesus had once said, but which, in common with the other disciples, she had taken as having some figurative meaning, ‘And the third day I will rise again.’
“Soon after, one of the maids of the house, who also was a disciple and had been out at the market, came hastily home, saying that some of the apostles and others had seen angels at the sepulchre who told them that Jesus had risen—had even seen Jesus himself and spoken with him. My mother could no longer restrain herself, buthurried away to a place where the disciples were wont to gather; and found many assembled. The room was in a fever of restless pacings to and fro, of eager questionings and answerings. Seen him? Spoken with him? Sure there is no mistake? Peter and certain women were in great request, for they could sayYesto all such questions. The joy of assured conviction shone in some faces; a hope that still feared in others. It seemed too good to be true. Thomas, one of the Twelve, declared it could not be true: there must be some delusion in it—either of the senses, or the nerves, or the imagination. He would not believe without the concurrent witness of at least three senses. He had scarcely said this, when, though the doors were closed, they saw Jesus himself standing among them with the well-known form and features and voice; and he said to Thomas, ‘Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless but believing.’ Thomas broke down at once. Doubt was impossible. Not a ray of hesitation remained with any. None understood the sublime march of events; none knew what prodigies were yet to come, whether his enemies would now be swept away and a visible Divine Kingdom set up, or not; but of this all were sure that he who had died on the cross was again alive among them. And they rejoiced with exceeding great joy—though the joy yet felt the swell and tossing of the just departed storm.
“Since then my mother has seen the Messiah several times. But he never shows himself to the people at large. It is now understood among the disciples that in a short time, after meeting them in Galilee, he will return to Heaven—leaving his disciples to preach in hisname forgiveness of sins to all nations who will repent and believe.”
“I think I will read to you,” added Rachel, “the last page or two of the letter, that you may see what views are now being held by those immediately about Jesus as to his person and work.” She read:
“Now we all know that my thought was right—that his death was an atonement for the sins of all men; and that the victims which have been offered from the beginning were only types of this great Victim. And I say to myself, What must be the nature and dignity of him whose death can atone for all human sin? Must he not be Divine as well as human? Must he not be God manifest in the flesh? Who else could make so mighty an expiation?—who else save he of whom it is written, ‘And the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father,’ and who has said of himself, ‘I and my father are one?’
“I cannot return home just yet—much as I wish to see you and others. This great opportunity of seeing and hearing for a brief time longer the Redeemer of the world is too precious to be sacrificed. Besides, the successive tides of grief and joy have so shaken me that I am unfit to travel.
“Read what I have written to your dear grandfather. Oh, that he were here—his fairness of mind and penetration would be sure to place him on the side of Jesus.
“Of course I have written the same things to your dear father and brothers at Rome—hoping that amid their great schemes of business and ambition they will find room for faith,myfaith. May they not be among ‘Therulers who take counsel together against the Lord and against his Anointed?’ As to you I have no doubt, even though the lot of Esther”—the maiden broke off abruptly with a flush and a shudder, and busied herself for a little in adjusting the leaves of the manuscript.
This letter led to a long conversation; I should say to long conversations. Daily, for many days, Aleph came to his friends; and daily the great theme was Jesus the Christ. Seti never failed to be present, and never failed to be silent—save when a brief inquiry could bring light. But, the day before the trials were to begin, he was absent, arranging last things with his lawyer. Miriam also was absent.
The unfailing and unwearying topic of topics again came up; and after a delightful talk about the past and the future of the Messianic history, Aleph inquired about the attitude of Seti.
“My own impression has been,” said he, “that it was better for a mind like his, so fair and penetrating and judicial, to be left largely to feel its own way to the truth. So I have made no formal effort to commend our own faith to him—save by shaping my inquiries of Miriam and our talks with each other so as to furnish answers to questions which a great and philosophic mind would naturally ask on its way to a just conviction. Have I been right in this?”
“I think so,” she answered. “Such men, my father says, must convince themselves. The most we can do is to get the material for judgment within their reach. And I think we have done this successfully in the case of my grandfather. His mind is open to evidence from all quarters. He has no national or race prejudices. Hemarried a Caucasian princess; and was willing that my mother should marry a Hebrew. Signs are not wanting to me that his judgment is slowly but surely settling in favor of Jesus, not only as a divine messenger, but even as an incarnation of the One God. And yet I do not think that he has any idea of relinquishing his position as primate of the Egyptians.”
“I see no reason why he should,” returned Aleph. “He holds the original Egyptian position in matters of faith; also that of the higher priesthood all through the Egyptian history. He fairly represents the religion of the land as it was when his office was established: his predecessors have wrongfully used their power to change the ancient faith and practice; he can rightfully use his power to restore it. Meanwhile, he is acting no part; he is perfectly frank and outspoken as to his views and objects; his function requires of him no endorsement of idolatry or even a refusal of the Hebrew Scriptures and their Messiah. He could, to-day, say to his College of Priests, not only that, like the far-back fathers, he believes in one Infinite God who only is to be worshipped with Divine honors, but also that he believes that this God has just appeared in the person of Jesus—he could freely say all this and his subordinate priests would not be stumbled. So I think that no law, human or divine, requires him to surrender the advantages of his position in favor of some one who would promote the national apostasy instead of reforming it.... But I could wish to see him pronounced in favor of Jesus before I leave the country.”
“That, I trust, will not be soon?” said Rachel, with a startled look.
“As soon as these trials are fairly over, I suppose.”
“What!” she exclaimed with a look of dismay, “I thought you would remain a long time, studying our institutions, enlarging your knowledge of the Western World, especially getting an inside view of our University life and teachings. Be persuaded to remain—a long, very long time. Seti had rather lose all the rest of the University. I do not think he could be persuaded to part with you at all. And I think,” she stammered, “all your friends here feel very much the same.”
He replied, “My father did not propose for me a long stay in this city. Through my Greek preceptor I was already considerably acquainted with the matters you mention. They have been merely collaterals to two main purposes—which were, first, to learn what could be learned about the Messiah who, as my father believed, was born at Bethlehem some thirty years ago; and, second, to investigate the proceedings of Malus. As side issues my father wished me to get such improvement as a young man might from seeing the world, and from being under the necessity of judging and acting for himself among all sorts of men and under all sorts of conditions. And as soon as the great objects of my visit could be accomplished he wished me to return. I am an only child: the father wishes to see his son, and the son wishes to see the father. And if I can return through Judea and see the Messiah, and carry away from him to my parents a blessing, I shall consider my mission accomplished. But it will cost me something—very much indeed—to go away, even though it be homeward. I never expected to find such friends in Alexandria as I have found; and, asthe day approaches for me to say farewell to them, I find I am approaching one of the greatest trials of my life. What wonderful kindness they have shown the nameless stranger who could not, consistently with his father’s wishes, furnish the commonest letter of introduction! And what delightful hours have I spent in this house with one whose views and feelings on the most important of all subjects have harmonized so completely with my own! Yes, it will cost me much to go away—I did not know how much till I received yesterday a letter of recall from my father (his lip quivered); and I doubt whether I have even now a full sense of the bitterness that will come in saying last words. But, if they must be said, it is doubtless better that they be said a week hence than at some remoter time. I feel that my heart is less and less under my control with every passing day. You see (he added with a sad smile) that, if there were no other reasons, I must go away to escape from you: Rachel is too mighty for Aleph the Chaldean. When one cannot conquer it is best to leave the field.”
“Flight is disgraceful,” exclaimed Rachel with sparkling eyes. “Better die on the field. But I will be merciful to my captive. He shall live.”
“To be dragged at your chariot wheels—to grace the triumph of her at whose feet lies the empire of the West?” He rose.
She also rose and came toward him. “You are quoting; or you are thinking of a distant somebody of whom you have heard and whom you have despised. Surely you are not thinking ofme. It is true, if I must say it, that I have been offered the Roman purple in the person of the heir-apparent; and that to-day the elders ofmy people have been here to urge my acceptance of the proposals—for the public good. I listened to what they had to say and was silent—following the counsel of my grandfather. But to you I will not be silent. I have never seen Germanicus, and never want to see him. The empire of the West will have to wait long at my feet before I take it up. I will have none of it. I had rather die.”
She hesitated a moment and then went on, while a celestial blush spread a new loveliness over every feature, “So you see that you need not go away to escape from me. The daughter of Alexander was glad, beyond measure, to hear that she was beloved by Aleph the Chaldean. She accepts his love and gives him as large in return.”
Even Aleph could be transfigured. And it was nothing less than a transfiguration that now took place in his face at this frank declaration. Rachel had seen that face in many moods of thoughtfulness, watchfulness, resolve, pity, gratitude, command; but she had never before seen it radiant with joy. Now she saw it—wonderingly and blissfully saw it. All the flood gates of the morning seemed suddenly opened in his face. Such eloquence beamed upon her from that illuminated page that she needed no voice to interpret it. But a voice came—with a curious accent of surprise and inquiry.
“Can it be that I hear aright? Can it be that the greatest good fortune of my life thus far has come to me to-day; and that the maiden for whose favor princes strive can give her heart and hand to one who is to her merely Aleph the Chaldean—the unknown?”
“You arenotunknown,” she replied with a face asradiant and transfigured as his own. “It is true that I do not know whether you are rich or poor, whether prince or peasant, but this I know, that in yourself alone you deserve the warmest love that woman can give; and I give it. You shall be my emperor.”
“What will Seti say?”
“He will say as I do—proud old Pharaoh as he is.”
“What will your father say—the rich, the ambitious?”
“He will say as Seti says till he comes to know you better; and then he will say as I do. Much as he values money, I happen to know that he values merit more.”
“What will the city say? That the Gem of Alexandria, who might have chosen the greatest and best in the land, and even been mistress of the West, has thrown herself away on a nameless adventurer?”
“Perhaps. But I do not propose to marry to suit the city.”
In a moment she found herself in his arms, and felt his warm, lingering lips on her forehead. She looked up at him archly and said:
“And what willyourfather say?”
“Ah, that is a very serious question!” he answered with a smile; “but fortunately I can answer it better to-day than I could have done yesterday. This morning I saw Cimon, and, on my telling him my feelings toward you, he surprised me by saying that it was my father’s hope that during my absence I might find among the chosen people some suitable maiden to share my lot and be to him a daughter—that his wandering Jacob might somewhere find a Rachel. And Cimon, from whom I have kept nothing, is satisfied—nay, more, is delighted.So thus I answer your question. My father will say as Cimon does, and Cimon will say as I do.”
How long Aleph tarried at this unwatered wine I do not know; but I happen to know that he did not become so intoxicated but that he could hold a long business consultation afterward with Piso and Seti about the trials that were to begin the next day.
He was driving the chariot of the sun; but he held the fiery coursers well in hand.