CHAPTER VII.
Stern was the law, which bade its vot'ries leave
At human woes with human hearts to grieve;
Stern was the law, which at the winning wile
Of frank and harmless mirth forbade to smile;
But sterner still, when high the iron-rod
Of tyrant power she shook, and call'd that power of God.
The Middle Ages.
The tribunal, erected for the trial of the innocent and unhappy Rebecca, occupied the dais
or elevated part of the upper end of the great
hall—a platform, which we have already described as the place of honour, destined to be
occupied by the most distinguished inhabitants
or guests of an ancient mansion.
On an elevated seat, directly before the accused, sate the Grand Master of the Temple, in full and ample robes of flowing white, holding in his hand
