Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/25

 a pleasant waking. Blessed be he who hath gladdened my age with light!”

“Amen, Amen,” murmured the maiden, as she sat with her head bowed on her knees.

“But the Teacher,” exclaimed Sadoc. “How came he unto thee, and where?”

“We rested beneath this tree,” replied the old man. “I heard the steps of men, and knew that a company approached. My daughter believed that the Prophet was among them, and therefore I went forth and bowed before him. He asked if I believed on his words, and looked to him for the salvation of Israel; and then he removed darkness from me.”

Again the maiden spoke in a low voice,

“‘According to thy faith be it done unto thee’—Those words shall be hidden in my heart evermore.”

“Wherefore have ye not followed him?” inquired the Nazarene.

“I hastened to do so, when I should have bestowed my child in safety; but the Teacher saw that my spirit trembled within me, and he took my hand and led me hither, and desired me to abide, till the heat of noon should