Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/101

 “To some it is given to teach, but not unto me. It is sufficient that my hands toil, and my heart giveth thanks.”

“Though thou art lonely, thou givest thanks?”

“Yea; for my loneliness is not as the solitude of the desert. My limbs are strong, and my spirit at peace. The water sparkles beneath the rock, and the murmur of bees is heard in the still noon. There is fragrance in the air, and the voice of prayer is as music to mine ear. My soul is filled with good.”

Philip told how blessing abounded also unto himself, and would have led him where the pilgrims ate their noontide meal in the shade; but Jotham replied,

“Not so, my brother! for I mingle not with men, save to tend the sick. Go thou, and when thou thinkest on me, let it be with peace. Unto thee Zion shall be glorious, for thou rejoicest with thy people. Unto thee the sacrifice shall be joyful, for the wife of thy bosom sacrificeth with thee. Unto thy soul the music of the Levites shall be sweet, for the echoes of the temple shall send back familiar voices upon thine ear. I, too, will rejoice;