But quickly suppressing any appearance of disrespect, and noting the noble and manly bearing of Serenus, he politely continued,—
“Pardon me! I have in no wise much knowledge of your people, but have had the feeling that their philosophy, and religion also, consisted of a foolish round of ceremonialism, and that their devotion is paid to one poor and exclusive tribal deity. And have they not an exceeding contempt for all other religions and peoples?”
With dignified calmness Serenus replied,—
“Thou judgest not unrighteously, my lord Marcius. I would that it were altogether different.”
Marcius was pleased with the serene manliness of Serenus, and turning to Vivian remarked,—
“Of all Hebrews, thy friend is the only one whom I have ever known in whose eyes everything peculiar to his own people did not seem wholly righteous.”
“Though born a Hebrew, I am persuaded that he discerneth the inner goodness of all men,” replied Vivian.
“If he showeth that kind of a spirit, I shall be glad to listen, even if I do not believe his teaching! Where, O Serenus! hath thy doctrines been taught, and in what school hast thou found thy philosophy?”
“In my early youth I was a pupil of Philo of Alexandria, and afterwards sat at the feet of the Rabban Gamaliel [pg 317]at Jerusalem. But with all due honor to them, more hath come to me that pertaineth not to the schools.”
“From whence, then, is thy learning?”