It was the end of the reign of reason.
"It is the abomination of desolation.

Even so, it is finished! It is the time, it is full time, and Michael hath come.

There are seventy weeks; behold them.

The transgression is finished and the end hereto of all sins.

Approacheth the hour for the reconciliation for iniquity and to bring in everlasting righteousness and to seal up the vision and prophecy and to anoint the most Holy! Prepare ye!" Somewhere in the city a voice that was heard even by the fighting-men on the wall in Akra cried: "The Sacrifice has failed! The Oblation is ceased! There is no Offering for the Altar; none is left to offer it!" The vast gathering heard it, and immediately from the high place of the prophetess came back the words, prompt and effective: "_And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease!_" Posthumus, buried in the midst of the crowd, was shouting, but over him the splendid mesmerism of the prophetess' voice soared.
"_The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children; they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people ...
The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; ...