Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/255

Rh Truth answered: 'That I know not, but methinks that 't is to give hope to them who were not on earth at His appearance; that, when they see Him, they may believe and tremble, and repent.'

"Then I saw a crowd assembled, and high places raised, like thrones, and men in long robes ascending them, as if to preach; and, as each rose in the high place, another came and tore him down and cried: 'Who art thou to call thyself a priest?' or, 'Who art thou to call thyself a ruler? I will be priest, I will be ruler.' And, so soon as the one that did pull the other down did reach the throne, he too was dragged down and buffeted.

"And the Spirit of Truth explained: 'These are they whom ambition hath consumed. They sought high places and some gained them. Then these were puffed up with pride; then others came and took their place, and they were stricken to the dust.'

"Then I heard peals of laughter, the like to which I had never heard before. Methinks Satan must laugh so. And I looked around and saw no man near, save them who rose and fell in the high places; and the Spirit of Truth spake thus concerning them: 'These who hear this laughter are they who scoffed and derided at religion, and at them who tried to act aright; and they who made afraid the timid hearts. Now they hear ever this laughter around them, and seek to find whence it proceedeth; but they seek in vain; and the laugh continueth day and night, and ever it seemeth to them that none standeth near; till at last they go well-nigh mad for very horror, yet the laughter ceaseth not, and will never cease.'