Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/66

 to the words of the Teacher, lest thou lose that for which thou hast waited so long.”

“May the wrath of Jehovah be upon me if I give ear unto the blasphemer who taketh his name in vain!” cried the priest, as he hastened away. His companion turned towards the voice which still spake, sometimes with authority declaring high truths, and sometimes answering the questions of those who stood around.

At the feet of Jesus sat Paltiel, who drank of the waters of life as if his soul thirsted with a thirst which could not be quenched. On the shoulder of Paltiel leaned Sadoc, his friend. Sadoc had come up to the feast with a longing desire to see again the hope of Israel. From the gates of Capernaum to the foot of Sion, he had looked around for the form which was sacred in his eyes; but he beheld it not during his journey. He had sought Jesus in the temple, in the city, and among the tabernacles, and sought in vain, till, as he bowed beneath the blessing of the High Priest, the voice he loved had touched his soul. Now, as the eye of the Prophet rested on him, he