Do you hear that, wife--by herself, not far in front of the very chariot of Titus?
As for the dress that she will wear," he went on nervously, since neither of his auditors seemed delighted with this news, "it is to be splendid, quite splendid, all of the purest white silk with little discs of silver sewn about it, and a representation of the Gate Nicanor worked in gold thread upon the breast of the robe." At this tidings Miriam broke down and began to weep.
"Dry your tears, girl," he said roughly, although the thickness of his voice suggested that water and his own eyes were not far apart.

"What must be, must be, and now is the time for that God you worship to show you some mark of favour.

Surely, He should do so, seeing how long and how often you pray to Him in burrows that a jackal would turn from." "I think He will," answered Miriam, ceasing her sobs with a bold up-lifting of her soul towards the light of perfect faith.
"I am sure He will," added Julia, gently stroking Miriam's dark and curling hair.
"Then," broke in Gallus, driving the point to its logical conclusion, "what have you to fear?
A long, hot walk through the shouting populace, who will do no harm to one so lovely, and after that, whatever good fate your God may choose for you.

Come, let us eat, that you may look your best when you appear before the Caesars." "I would rather look my worst," said Miriam, bethinking her of Domitian and his bleared eyes.

Still, to please Gallus, she tried to eat, and afterwards, accompanied by him and by Julia, was carried in a closed litter to the palace.
Too soon she was there, arriving a little before them, and was helped from the litter by slaves wearing the Imperial livery.