His parents accompanied him through the palm-grove to the town.

He walked between father and mother in his humble garb, and Joseph gave him good advice the while.
Mary was silent and invoked the heavenly powers to protect her child.
Only the boy was admitted through the gateway of the palace; father and mother remained behind and looked fearfully after their Jesus, who turned round to wave to them.

His face was glad, and that comforted the mother.

The father thought it incomprehensible that a child could so cheerfully and heedlessly part from the only creatures who cared for him; but he kept his thought to himself.
The boy felt curiosity, satisfaction, and repugnance all at the same time, when he gave himself into the hands of the servants, who led him to a refreshing bath, anointed him with sweet-smelling oil, and clad him in a silken garment.

But he desired to learn what life in the royal palace was like.