Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/145

 in the sunshine, and the golden spikes which covered the roof glittered like stars; and the sky above was of a deeper blue than in all the heaven besides. There were tents on the roofs of all the houses, and the walls and towers were thronged with people.

The Christians gazed till their eyes were dim with tears; and then the breeze brought to them a voice as from the tombs, which cried, “Woe unto Jerusalem and the holy house! Woe unto the bridegrooms and the brides! Woe unto the whole people!”

“Thus was there feasting in Sodom, when the decree of Jehovah had gone forth against her,” said one among the Christians. Yet his spirit and the spirit of his companions yearned towards the abode of their fathers. One who pressed her fatherless babe to her bosom, sighed,

“Alas! that we should leave the tombs in the valley of Jehosaphat! Where shall be thy sepulchre, my child?”

A youth, who had laid down his arms when he became a Christian, looked towards the towers of defence, and thence to the array of