It was near the middle hour of the night.

Many, just out of banquet-hall, theatre, and circus, thronged the main thoroughfares of the capital.

Cries of venders, ribald songs, shouts of revelry, the hurrying of many feet roused the good people who, wearied by other nights of dissipation, now sought repose.

They turned, uneasily, reflecting that to-morrow they would have their revenge.
Antipater had dined with but a single guest--a young priest, who, arriving that very day from Damascus, had sought the palace of his countryman.

The service at his table had not pleased the prince.
Leaping from his couch, he struck down a slave and ordered his crucifixion.