It has been as a cloud upon the sun." Vergilius had taken a palace and filled it with treasures, for, possibly, he had thought, some day she would see all.

Now its noble statues were sent away--a kind of sacrifice to the God of the Jews.
But there was one he could not part with--a copy of the lovely Venus of Alcamenes which his mother had sent to him.

He concealed her in a closet, contenting himself with a furtive glance at her now and then.
He set up in his fancy a giant of benevolent face, and humbly sought his favor.

Still he had no success.
Lying at table one night with Manius and Ben Joreb, he sought counsel of the latter.
"He that hath his prayer hath prayed wisely," said the priest.

"You have much to learn." "How, and of whom ?" said Vergilius.
"There is in Jerusalem a council of learned men.