The two remaining towers were set in position against the base of Moriah and resumed execution.

One after another the engines of the Romans were hauled into position, and worked unceasingly until covered with burning oil from the battlements above and consumed.

Others were hauled into place; fresh detachments of Romans seized upon the scaling-ladders or mounted to the towers, and the roar of the conflict never abated.
Meanwhile on the slopes of Zion the whole of Jerusalem, gaunt, dying and demoniacal, was packed in the ruins of the palace of Herod.
Old Momus with triumph and tearful exultation was holding out to Laodice a heavy roll of writings, dangling important seals, ancient papers showing yellow beside the fresh parchment, and an old record dark with long handling.
Here were the proofs of her identity! Laodice shrank from him with a gasp that was almost a cry.

Behold, the faithful old servant had suffered she knew not what to bring such evidence as would force her to do that which she believed she could not do and survive! Momus sought to put the papers in her hands, but she thrust them away and he stood looking at her in amazement and sorrow.
Nathan, the Christian, stood close to her.

From the opposite side, Philadelphus rounded the outskirts of the mob, searching.