Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/92

 gate beheld him, and came down from his seat, and embraced him gladly, and blessed him in the name of Christ: so that they who stood by observed how great was the love of the disciples one to another.

They followed Philip, and saw afar off how he bowed his head as he reached the gate of his dwelling. The gate was not opened to his knock, and many voices were heard from within, as if the court was filled with the murmur of tongues. When at length the master and his guests were admitted, the kindred and slaves who stood near uttered a cry of horror, and fled from Philip as if to touch him were death. “Unclean!” was their cry; and it was heard into the inner chambers. The lattices which had been opened were instantly closed, and signs of wrath and fear were made by those who retreated behind the fountain. Philip opened his lips to speak, but there was no voice, for his soul was sick with hope deferred. The disciple raised his hand, but ere he could speak, the joyous shout of a child was heard, and the young son of Philip burst from the grasp of the slave who held him, and sprang to his father’s bosom.