X.
THE STAR IN THE EAST.
One day a party of strangers on richly trapped camels
passed through the streets of Jerusalem causing great
excitement. Their riders, noble looking men, wore the
high head-dress and mantle thrown back over the shoulders,
which marked them as Persians.
They told a strange story. Months ago, whilst studying the midnight heavens, as was their wont, a star of extraordinary brightness had suddenly shone forth. They felt that it was sent to announce some great event. They knew that the whole world was expecting a Deliverer, and that the holy books of the Jews said a star should arise out of Jacob. This must be the star of the great King, sent to call them to His feet. They must go at once with the costliest gifts they could provide and offer Him their homage. Their people had mocked them; their families had tried to keep them back; but they were resolved to seek and find the Messiah at any cost. And so they had set out, three of them, towards Jerusalem, where they supposed He would be found.
"Where, then," they asked, "is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and are come to adore Him?"
Those who heard all this shook their heads and muttered as they turned away that it was a pity these travellers did not know what kind of a ruler Herod was, and that no man who valued his life would dream of speaking in Jerusalem of another king.
The news of their arrival and of their errand soon
