"Curse thy uncleanness!" said the Roman, haughtily. "Thou needest not to touch him; but I would he might have a commandment to touch thee. O gladiator, I am told that thou art a sure blade, the slayer of the great Numidian lion. I hope to see thee slay another yet in the circus, but take not the head from this worthless one until thou art duly bidden to smite him."
"As thou doest so do I," said Ulric. "Shall a soldier question his captain?"
"Not if that commander be one Pontius the Spearman," replied the officer, "or even Caius of Thessalonica. Thou art right, O gladiator. None will interfere with thee and thy sharp edge."
"Stand by, thou," said Ulric to the Jew. "I will be with thee presently."
But now the man became seemingly cringing and friendly in his deportment, bowing low and standing in silence awaiting direction.
Nearer and nearer came the multitude along the highway and toward the gate. Ulric heard many of them shouting:
"This is Jesus of Nazareth, the Prophet of Galilee! He is the son of David! He is the King of Israel. He is the one who was to come! This is the Messiah, the deliverer!"
Others there were who loudly gainsaid these acclamations, protesting indignantly; but Ulric's thoughts were full of astonishment.
"I see that the man upon the ass is Jesus. I know that he is of the sons of the gods. This is a wonderful affair. But why cometh he now without an army into a fortified city which hath a Roman garrison? Odin! There is no prudence in this coming! They will slay him before he hath opportunity to gather men for one good legion."
So pondering in his mind, he watched until the ass and his rider passed by him through the gate and into the city.