Turbans, breastplates, phylacteries, and all other distinctive insignia were stripped off, and many men, women, and children were beaten and wounded. The mêlée, so quickly started, became general, and spread over a large space. The cry, “Murderers of children!” was taken up in every direction.
For a while the Jews rallied, and essayed to defend themselves, but being overwhelmingly outnumbered, began to scatter and flee as best they could. Some escaped through side streets and lanes, and many were borne down, bleeding and wounded.
Rebecca was among the number. Though caring little for the ceremonials of her people, she still outwardly observed them from strength of habit and association, and in compliance with the earnest requests of her father.
In the great tumult she became separated from all her friends, and twice was thrown down and trampled upon. At length, with torn garments and her beauti[pg 367]ful hair streaming behind, she darted through a narrow passage into an open square, still followed by a small rabble of the lowest class.
Marcius had taken no notice of the festival, he and Serenus having gone upon a drive up the right bank of the Cydnus. They were returning when rumors of the outbreak came to their ears. Marcius hurried on in order to exercise his authority in its suppression.
They quickly turned a corner, when at a little distance a dishevelled woman was seen running rapidly toward them, screaming, and closely followed by a mob. She was faint and ready to fall; but seeing, though not recognizing them, besought their aid.
Marcius drove rapidly forward, standing with whip in hand, and with an air of authority demanded order.
“Back! I say, and leave her alone! Disperse, ye rioters!”
As she came near, Serenus caught a full view of her beautiful face, and could not be mistaken.
“As I live, it is Rebecca!”