That Messiah of yours whom I rejected, yes, and still reject, had at least the gift of prophecy, for the words that you read me yonder in Tyre will be fulfilled upon this people and city, aye, to the last letter.

The Romans hold even the outer courts of the Temple; there is no food left.

In the upper town the inhabitants devour each other and die, and die till none can bury the dead.

In a day or two, or ten--what does it matter ?--we who are left must perish also by hunger and the sword.

The nation of the Jews is trodden out, the smoke of their sacrifices goes up no more, and the Holy House that they have builded will be pulled stone from stone, or serve as a temple for the worship of heathen gods." "Will Titus show no mercy?
Can you not surrender ?" asked Miriam.
"Surrender?
To be sold as slaves or dragged a spectacle at the wheels of Caesar's triumphal car, through the shouting streets of Rome?
No, girl, best to fight it out.