And thou, Philadelphus, seest before thee, John of Gischala, the arbiter of Judea's future.

Be friends." With a comprehensive sweeping glance John inspected the man before him.
"John of Gischala," he repeated in his feline voice, "the oppressor John.

Art thou not afraid of me, sir ?" "Dost thou meditate harm for me, sir ?" Philadelphus smiled.
"Art thou, in that case, against me, sir ?" John parried.
"On that hingeth his answer," Amaryllis said, glancing at Laodice.
"And here is this same pretty stranger who bewitched thee yesterday.
Know her as Laodice.

Let that be parentage, history, ambition and religion for her.

She, too, seeks diversion in Jerusalem, and is my guest for a while." The Gischalan took Laodice's hand and held it.
"Welcome, thou," he said.