The Patriarch and his train were engaged in morning prayers when Asaad's escape was announced.

There was great excitement.

One man among them, who had sympathized with Asaad, ventured to speak out in his justification.

"You had reason," he said, "to expect nothing else.

Why should he stay with you here?
What had he here to do?
What had he to enjoy?
Books he had none; friendly society none; conversation against religion abundant; insults upon his opinions and feelings abundant.