Gasping for breath, he sank into his seat, overcome by a spasm of fear. A cold perspiration covered him, and he trembled in every limb.
“Our leader has fainted.”
There was a hurrying to relieve him, and to apply restoratives. But soon he recovered, and again stood up.
“It was nothing, comrades! Of late I have had disquieting visions. Some haunting demon would drive me from my chosen duty; but I hurl defiance at him, and at all the demons and powers of darkness! Behold they [pg 198]but drive me to more jealous and powerful action. I glory in persecution; for slaughter of the enemies of the God of Israel is service to the Chosen People.”
As he continued, his face grew dark, his jaws and fists were clinched, and his gestures violent. He seemed to be fighting some unseen enemy which was present and before him.
“Long live our worthy Dictator!”
“Woe to the enemies of the Temple!”
“The fate of Stephanos awaiteth them!”
“We will follow Saulus to the death!”
Such were some of the shouts that rent the air.