Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/98

 from the world. Their words were few, and they spoke gravely, though mildly, while pursuing their labours. Philip found that though fruits abounded, and honey was gathered from the hollow trees, and plenty was spread over the fields, it was not for themselves that the Essenes laboured to produce what was fair to the eye and pleasant to the taste. Their food was bread and herbs, and they drank only of the fountain. Their toil was from the day-spring till sun-set, and their sleep was shortened lest sloth should overcome them. To minister to others they rose up and toiled, and all that they sought for themselves was liberty to meditate and pray until they should become holy.

As Philip passed on from one to another, all spoke in like manner, till he observed that one afar off rested on his spade to gaze on the stranger. Towards him Philip hastened, hoping that he would communicate more freely than his brethren.

It was Jotham of Mamre.

“My brother!” cried Philip, “wherefore hast thou departed from Mamre? I believed that its groves had been as paradise unto thee.”