ALAS! THAT MIGHTY CITY!
It was the day of preparation for the Passover; and there was gladness in all the Holy City. Music sounded from afar, as companies who came up to the feast entered at sun-rise by the several gates. A cloud of dust was raised towards Hebron, as the feet. of pilgrims trod the road to Jerusalem. As the mists drew off from the valley of Ajalon, it was seen that the tents which had been pitched there at even-tide were struck, that they who had reposed therein might hasten to the feast. The dwellers in Jerusalem came forth upon the housetops to greet their guests, and to boast of the multitude of their people: and, save that bands of soldiers went to and fro, there was no sign that the Romans had of late surrounded the city, and might approach to besiege it again.
