Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/79

 heard from afar, mingling in a song of greeting to Zion, and of praise to the King of the Holy City. The song swelled into a shout of triumph as they drew nearer; but when they beheld the company on the mount, and him who sat in the midst, the chorus sank into silence, and every head was bowed in obeisance.

Sadoc glanced over their numbers, and then looked upon the countenance of Jesus, and immediately knew that the seventy disciples had returned from bearing glad tidings unto the cities of Israel. At the voice of the Teacher they upraised themselves, and when he smiled they pressed forwards to the place where he was.

A tale of joy was on every tongue, a blessing swelled in every heart on that name which had given them power. One, of a mighty frame, like the giants of old, had trod on scorpions, and returned unharmed. One, meek in countenance and frail in form, had gone forth as among wolves, with trembling; but now approached gladly, as a lamb that seeketh the fold at night-fall. Some told how a great city had received the tidings of salvation, and how the wayfarer in the wilderness had