The Epic of Paul (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1905. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... BOOK III. SHIMEI AND THE CHILIARCH. Paul, accompanied by young Stephen, is started at about midnight, under strong military escort, for Caesarea. At the gate of the castle, Shimei, lurking there, is arrested, and brought before the chiliarch, Claudius Lysias by name. A conversation ensues, in which Shimei, for a time with some success, practises on the chiliarch his characteristic arts of deception. At last, the chiliarch, denouncing him for what he is, ana putting him under heavy bonds to respond in person, whenever and wherever afterward commanded by the Roman authorities, dismisses him from presence, chagrined and dismayed. SHIMEI AND THE CHILIARCH. Ere midnight, had reveille to those twain Sounded, and from brief slumber rallied them. They passed from the surprise of that farewell Kissed on the coolness of Gamaliel's brow -- He his reveille waiting from the trump Of resurrection, tranced in happy sleep -- From this passed Paul and Stephen to the court Without, where stood, made ready in array, Five hundred Roman soldiers, foot and horse, Filling the place with frequence and ferment. Armed men, and horses in caparison, And saddled asses thick together poured -- All was alive with motion and with sound. There was the stamping hoof of restless steed, The rattling bridle-rein, the bridle-bit Champed hoary, the impatient toss of head Shaking the mane disheveled, and with foam Flecking the breast, the shoulder, and the flank, Eruptive snort from nostril and from lip, The ass's long and melancholy bray, Horse's salute of recognition neighed To greet some fellow welcomed in the throng, Therewith, voices of men, scuffle of feet -- All under bickering light and shadow flung From torches, fixed or moving, fume and flame. To Paul and Stephen sharp the contras...