"I have a message for you," said the man of God, stopping near the
Roman officer.
"And I seek it," said Vergilius, looking at the long, gray beard of the venerable priest.
"It is borne in upon me to say to you that the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
"Tell me of the king," said Vergilius. "I do thirst for knowledge."
"He shall be the prince of peace."
Vergilius looked thoughtfully at the old priest, who now sat down as if weary.
"And he shall conquer with the sword?"
"Nay, but as it is written, 'he shall judge among the nations and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.'"
Now the Roman was alert to hear. His ideal, which had taken form at the altar of peace and grown with his love, was being set up before him.
"But the nations are stubborn," said he. "Tell me, O wise and learned man, how shall he subdue them?"