Nehushta, however, who did not go to sleep, and Amram, employed themselves in watching the events that passed in the city below.

From this height they could see the great square surrounding the palace, and the strange scenes being enacted therein.

It was crowded by thousands of people, for the most part seated on the ground, clad in garments of sack-cloth and throwing dust upon the heads of themselves, their wives and children.

From all this multitude a voice of supplication rose to heaven, which, even at that distance, reached the ears of Nehushta and her companion in a murmur of sound, constant and confused.
"They pray that the king may live," said Amram.
"And I pray that he may die," answered Nehushta.
The merchant shrugged his shoulders.

"I care nothing either way, provided that the peace is not disturbed to the injury of trade.