"By the love of God, almighty and ever-lasting."
"God, almighty and everlasting," said Vergilius. "I know him not."
"I do but defile myself to speak with you, worshipper of idols,"
sternly spake the priest. "And yet I am constrained to instruct you.
Listen—there is a power which even Rome has not been able to conquer.
Know you what power it is?"
The young tribune was recounting the peoples of the earth, when
Zacharias continued:
"'Tis the God of the Jews. Rome has conquered his people, but mark how he stands. And what is there of wrong that his law cannot remedy? Tell me, is there no injustice in your land?"
"There is much," said the young Roman.
"And so I know—but name it."
"Well, for one thing, men torture and kill their slaves."
"And in the law of the one God 'tis written, 'Thou shalt not kill.'"
After a thoughtful moment Vergilius added: "And the strong prey upon the weak, seizing their property and holding it for their own."