Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/91

 and freshness which greeted every sense, it thirsted for somewhat more. His eye sought the roof beneath which his wife and his son and his kindred were gathered: but the sun was sinking behind the hills. His last rays gilded their summits, and the towers alone of the city rose above the grey shadow which spread over the plain.

At the gate which they approached, some men of the city were assembled, as was their wont at eventide. On either side of the gate were trees, and beneath the trees were seats, whereon the old men sat to give counsel, and the judges to award the law, and the young to see how strangers came to and fro, and to hear what tidings they brought. This night they regarded not the strangers, for a disciple of Jesus talked with them. The aged men leaned each on his staff, and bent to hear: the youths sat at his feet, and gazed upon his face, while many questioned, one with another, concerning the things which he said. Philip passed through the midst and they saw him not. He beheld there a friend of many years; yet he would not tarry, for his home was near. Not so passed the disciple. He who taught in the