Alexander had now come up.
“As the head of the community worshipping here, I demand to know for what purpose you have come into their sanctuary with standard and arms?”
“To give you and your friends,” the officer replied with mock solemnity, “an opportunity, which no doubt you will gratefully accept, to pay an act of religious worship to the great god Tiberius Cæsar—after this manner,” and he kneeled before the standard, and, with both hands lifted, cried, Great God, I worship thee.
Rising, he exclaimed, “Now I have set you an example—copy it, every one of you!”
The crowd behind groaned and hissed.
The officer shook his fist at them and shouted, “Be still, you snakes and swine; your turn will come shortly. Let your betters lead off. It is their privilege. Come, begin, Pontifex Maximus!”—turning to Alexander.
“I demand of you by what authority you make this demand on us,” demanded the Alabarch.
The Roman pointed to the image of the emperor.
“Do you mean to say that an order has come from Rome for violating the sanctuaries of the Jews, and revoking the edicts which from the founding of the city have guaranteed to us our own religious views and usages?”
“The Roman senate has decreed Divine honors to the emperor; and his image has been received and worshipped in every place of worship in the city, saving the synagogues of the Jews. Now you shall have your turn.”