In the centre of the line marched Ithiel bearing the babe Miriam, to his evident delight, and Nehushta, who instructed him so vigorously that at length he grew confused and nearly let it fall.

Thereon, setting this detail of the judgment at defiance, Nehushta snatched it from his arms, calling him a clumsy and ignorant clown only fit to handle an ox.

To this Ithiel made no answer, nor was he at all wroth, but finished the journey walking behind her and smiling foolishly.
Thus was the child Miriam, who afterwards came to be called the Queen of the Essenes, royally escorted to her home.

But little did these good men know that it was not a house which they were giving her, but a throne, built of the pure gold of their own gentle hearts..