The press parted; the camels had begun to move slowly. One of their riders hailed the young commander, saying, in a voice that rang like a trumpet:
"Where is he that is born king of the Jews?"
"I would I knew," was the answer of Vergilius.
"So shall ye soon," said the stranger. "We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him."
The camels passed with long, stately strides. The horsemen resumed their journey.
"Strange!" thought Vergilius, turning his charger and looking back.
"They be surely those who have travelled far."
The squad of cavalry, under plume and helmet, moved on, passing the
Joppa gate and riding slowly down a long hill.
"See the glowing clouds yonder," said Vergilius, pointing westward.
"Ay, they be fair as the tents of Kedar," was the answer of David.
"There is a great beauty in the sky and the blue hills," Vergilius remarked, thoughtfully.