Blackness and high light in juxtaposition!
Not merely opposite personalities, but two irreconcilable kingdoms—even worlds—confronting each other!
Hatred, love—resistance, non-resistance—vice, vir[pg 495]tue—legions, moral ideals—animalism, spirituality! These, rarely in the world’s history so sharply defined between persons, but ever in warfare in human souls!
Nero called upon one of his consuls to read the indictment. It was briefly summed up in three charges.
“First, the prisoner, Saulus, is accused of disturbing the Jews in the free exercise of their worship, which is secured to them by Roman law.
“Second, he is charged with desecrating their Temple.
“Third, it is claimed that he violated the public peace by seditious agitation, as the leader of a factious sect which is treasonable to the authority of Rome.”
Saulus was asked to enter a plea concerning the indictment.
“I stand before the tribunal of Cæsar, and answer not guilty!” said he in a calm but firm voice.
Nero looked down contemptuously upon the prisoner, and took but a sluggish interest in the charges. He showed plainly by his manner that the whole affair was too trivial to be worthy of more than a passing notice. Of the Jewish religion he knew little and cared less. The idea that this poor fanatic, with no armed following, was a menace to the peace of the Empire was preposterous. Nevertheless, he must keep up the forms of justice, and the trial proceeded.