Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/131

 and a calm countenance, but breathless and hurried. He told that the people had been excited to tumult by reports of what had been said in the temple; that their rulers had not restrained them; and that they were now coming forth with violence to Bethany, to seize upon the Nazarenes who dwelt there. There was a moment’s silence when these tidings had been told. Then the sons of Hanoch arose with sparkling eyes, and desired to go forth to meet the multitude; but the women laid hold on their mantles, and besought them to regard their lives.

When Paltiel spoke, all turned to hear. He declared that to meet the people while they were enraged, was to cast away the life which it was a sin to esteem lightly. To remain was also to incur peril. By retiring to a short distance they might save the people from the crime for which they must otherwise mourn when their rage should be overpast. There was a space between the rocks, but a few furlongs off, where this little company of Nazarenes might retire, and where they had worshiped when the former persecution was hot against them. Thither they now resolved to