In straight lines and jagged pinnacles the flames soared hundreds of feet into the still air, leaping higher and ever higher as the white walls and gilded roofs fell in, till all the Temple was but one gigantic furnace, near which none could bide save the dead, whose very garments took fire as they lay upon the ground.

Never, was such a sight seen before; never, perhaps, will such a sight be seen again--one so awesome, yet so majestic.
Now every living being whom they could find was slain, and the Romans drew back, bearing their spoil with them.

But the remainder of the Jews, to the number of some thousands, escaped by the bridges, which they broke down behind them, across the valley into the Upper City, whence that piercing, sobbing wail echoed without cease.

Miriam watched till she could bear the sight no longer.

The glare blinded her, the heat of the incandescent furnace shrivelled her up, her white dress scorched and turned brown.