Then I thought of the old hill, and the town, and the valley falling away into the depths of Cedron; of the vines and orchards, and fields of grain, unfailing since the days of Boaz and Ruth, of the familiar mountains--Gedor here, Gibeah yonder, Mar Elias there--which, when I was a boy, were the walls of the world to me; and I forgave the tyrants and came--I, and Rachel, my wife, and Deborah and Michal, our roses of Sharon." The man paused again, looking abruptly at Mary, who was now looking at him and listening.

Then he said, "Rabbi, will not your wife go to mine?
You may see her yonder with the children, under the leaning olive-tree at the bend of the road.

I tell you"-- he turned to Joseph and spoke positively--"I tell you the khan is full.

It is useless to ask at the gate." Joseph's will was slow, like his mind; he hesitated, but at length replied, "The offer is kind.

Whether there be room for us or not in the house, we will go see your people.