“I understand then,” said Cimon, “that even if our proofs are legally complete, we still have reason to fear that venality on the part of the judges and hostility on the part of the Governor and other officials will find means to set them aside.”
“Yes—it certainly is to be feared. Malus has undoubtedly patched up an alliance, if not with the Governor himself, at least with Romans who can bring heavy influence to bear upon him and so on the courts. We must not shut our eyes on this fact. It is our main disadvantage. But to offset this the Alabarch and myself can also bring heavy influences—and they shall not be wanting.”
“We are fortunate and thankful to find such friends—especially as we have no choice but to proceed. We will proceed and trust Heaven for the result. I think this is the conclusion to which we have come, and that we are ready to authorize our friend to place our papers in the hands of the advocate he proposes,” and he looked inquiringly at Aleph.
Aleph slightly bowed. After a moment, however, he added:
“Still I would be glad if, before legal proceedings are begun, we could give Malus an opportunity to retrace his steps. I would like to try what effect expostulation under the perils of his situation would have. The Most High practices forbearance to sinners; and such I understand is the practice of the Messiah toward his enemies. His miracles show that he has power enough to overwhelm them all with the greatest ease, but he forbears and tries on them the effect of more light and expostulation. I would be glad to imitate God and His Christ.”
Seti started to his feet in amazement.
“And this after your very lives have been so foully assailed! This way of doing things is neither Egyptian, nor Greek, nor Roman, nor even Jewish—however God-like and Christ like it may be.”
“I confess,” said Cimon, “that I have something of the feeling that my young friend has expressed. I am reluctant to drive a man to what may prove his ruin without giving him a chance for his life. To be sure, I have small hope of a favorable result from any appeal we can make to the conscience and fears of Malus. But I should feel easier if it were made.”
“Well, be it so!” said Seti after a short silence. “Make the experiment. See what merciful dealings can do. At the most, it only means the delay of a day or so.... Now let us see what you will write to this promising candidate for repentance and reformation: for I will never give my consent that you go in person into the den of such a serpent.”
Aleph looked at Cimon. The Greek nodded. The young man seated himself at a table and slowly wrote as follows: