[Pearl-Maiden by H. Rider Haggard]@TWC D-Link book
Pearl-Maiden

CHAPTER XVII
12/25

This was the writing on the scroll: "Miriam, Nazarene and Traitress, is doomed here to die as God shall appoint, before the face of her friends, the Romans." Then followed several signatures of members of the Sanhedrim, including that of her grandfather, Benoni, who had thus been forced to show the triumph of patriotism over kinship.
This done the end of the chain was made fast round her middle and riveted with a hammer in such fashion that she could not possibly escape its grip.

Then all being finished the men prepared to leave.

First, however, Simeon addressed her: "Stay here, accursed traitress, till your bones fall piecemeal from that chain," he said, "stay, through storm and shine, through light and darkness, while Roman and Jew alike make merry of your sufferings, which, if my voice had been listened to, would have been shorter, but more cruel.

Daughter of Satan, go back to Satan and let the Son of the carpenter save you if he can." "Spare to revile the maid," broke in Caleb furiously, "for curses are spears that fall on the heads of those that throw them." "Had I my will," answered the Rabbi, "a spear should fall upon your head, insolent, who dare to rebuke your elders.

Begone before me, and be sure of this, that if you strive to return here it shall be for the last time.


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