Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/154

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146
ALAS! THAT MIGHTY CITY!

to hearken on the hill-side for the voice of the watchman. The air was sultry, and there was no sound in the grove but of him who read, in the words of Luke, how the Lord Jesus had mourned over Jerusalem because she had stoned the prophets who reproved her in the day of her pride, and must therefore be left desolate. The voice of the reader faltered, and while he paused, the sound of a trumpet was heard from afar. It was faint; for there was no breeze to waft the music; and the worshipers looked one upon another in doubt. Again it was heard, like the voice of a dream; but when the third blast arose louder and clearer, the company bowed before Jehovah, knowing that the first covenant was now fulfilled.

It was night before they arrived where Jonathan waited for them on the heights of Teresh. The holy city was on the extreme verge of the plain, like a cloud of the sky, or a far island of the sea. Only when the sun shone on the temple at noonday, or the watch-fires were kindled at night, could it be discerned. But now a flame, mightier than all