“You are mocking me,” he said. “If not, tell me more. What is to follow the coming of the new king?”

“The salvation of men.”

“From what?”

“Their wickedness.”

“How?”

“By the divine agencies—Faith, Love, and Good Works.”

“Then”—Herod paused, and from his look no man could have said with what feeling he continued—“you are the heralds of the Christ. Is that all?”

Balthasar bowed low.

“We are your servants, O king.”

The monarch touched a bell, and the attendant appeared.