Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/77

 “Behold!” cried Sadoc, “the Teacher entereth the temple. Let us go and warn him that spies are around him, and that many seek to ensnare him in his words.”

“He knoweth what is in men’s hearts before their tongues declare it,” answered Paltiel. “He discerneth spirits by his wisdom, and he hath power to save himself from the hands of violent men. Nevertheless, we will go unto him; for where should the disciple be but at the feet of his Lord?”

At eventide, the Prophet reposed on the Mount of Olives. His disciples were gathered around him, and their talk was of the sanctuary which arose before them, and which was one day to be destroyed. The valley of Kedron lay below them, and beyond arose the hill Moriah, crowned with the buildings of the temple. The wall of Solomon, whose height was five hundred feet, seemed the bulwark of an edifice which must endure for ever; and as the disciples gazed, they marvelled by what power the mighty mass should be overthrown, and whether the hand of man could so cast its stones abroad that not one should rest upon another. After a while, some one beheld a