Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/72

, and all hearts may be subdued before him.”

“Nay, my friend,” replied Paltiel, “the hearts of our people are as a stony soil; the words of wisdom are to them as a stream which floweth on and passeth away, and leaveth them as barren as before. Our rulers have ever been the destroyers of the prophets, and Zion is their sepulchre. When they have lifted up their voices, the people have mocked; when they have wrought wonders, the spirit which is upon them hath been despised; when they have hungered, no man hath ministered unto them; when they have mourned, none hath regarded. If a man is holy, he is despised; if he offereth life, he findeth death; if he seeketh to bless the people, he is stoned by their hands. Thus it hath been, and thus it shall be, with this nation.”

"Nay, Paltiel,” said his friend, “now thou speakest too much evil of thy people. Rememberest thou not that Jehovah hath part with us in this matter; hath he not promised, and is not his promise sure?”

“As the pillars of the earth, and the sign of the rainbow in the cloud. But the word of