"If not, tell me more.

What is to follow the coming of the new king ?" "The salvation of men." "From what ?" "Their wickedness." "How ?" "By the divine agencies--Faith, Love, and Good Works." "Then"-- Herod paused, and from his look no man could have said with what feeling he continued--"you are the heralds of the Christ.
Is that all ?" Balthasar bowed low.
"We are your servants, O king." The monarch touched a bell, and the attendant appeared.
"Bring the gifts," the master said.
The attendant went out, but in a little while returned, and, kneeling before the guests, gave to each one an outer robe or mantle of scarlet and blue, and a girdle of gold.

They acknowledged the honors with Eastern prostrations.
"A word further," said Herod, when the ceremony was ended.

"To the officer of the gate, and but now to me, you spoke of seeing a star in the east." "Yes," said Balthasar, "his star, the star of the newly born." "What time did it appear ?" "When we were bidden come hither." Herod arose, signifying the audience was over.

Stepping from the throne towards them, he said, with all graciousness, "If, as I believe, O illustrious men, you are indeed the heralds of the Christ just born, know that I have this night consulted those wisest in things Jewish, and they say with one voice he should be born in Bethlehem of Judea.