Speak on, sweet shade of Miriam." "Nay, Marcus, you are not dead, you are only wounded and I am not a spirit, I am a woman, that woman whom once you knew down by the banks of Jordan.

I have come to save you, I and Nehushta.

If you will obey what I tell you, and if you have the strength to stand, we can guide you into a secret place where the Essenes are hidden, who for my sake will take care of you until you are able to return to the Romans.

If you do not escape I fear that the Jews will crucify you." "By Bacchus, so do I," said the whisper beneath, "and that will be worse than being beaten by Caleb.

But this is a dream, I know it is a dream.
If it were Miriam I should see her, or be able to touch her.