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ION E

A TALE OF EPHESUS

By JAMES S. PARK

Suggested by Edwin Long's Painting "CHRIST OR DIANA"

NEW YORK ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH & COMPANY

(incorporated) 182 Fifth Avenue

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Copyright, i8g2, By James S. Park.

JHnt'fefrsffo Press: John Wilson and Son, Cambridge.

lONE.

I.

N days of seedtime of the Christian faith, When men were seeking every- where for light, Or clasping old traditions close, there lived At Ephesus a venerable Greek Called Ctesiphon. The changing years had

left Their grief as well as gladness in his heart ; His life-long friend, Antonius of Rome, Coming on business ventures, year by year. Had been persuaded, ere his last return, To leave awhile his young son, Marius ; But midway in the voyage the treacherous wind

6 lone.

Whirled the calm ripples into angry waves, And driving his galley hard upon the rocks, Sunk it, with all on board. The sad news

came Months afterward to the Ephesian home, And music changed to mourning. But the

boy Was loved and cherished by his father's

friend, And hardly did he know his orphanage Till his adoption. Soon he had become The dear companion in all pleasant hours Of the three sisters, younger than himself, lone, Lesbia, and Pelope. Gay, eager rivals were they in the search For . the first wild- flowers after winter's

snows ; They watched the kingly eagle, floating high. Or wondered at the rainbow's radiant arch. Or roaming in the dim old forest, learned Secrets of birds and bees, of trees and

moss ; They sailed their mimic fleets upon the

stream.

lone. 7

While sitting down, they cut long, hollow stalks,

And breathing in them brought forth mel- low tones ;

Or chased, with ringing laughter, playful goats

Around the field, till flushed and out of breath.

They sank down panting in the fragrant grass ;

And many another pastime filled the days'

Deep chalice to the brim with sparkling wine.

Five happy years went by on shining wings ; Then came a change, as Marius was of age For Roman schooling, as Antonius wished, In eloquence, and arms, and government, At the world's capital. Darker seemed the

house. And dimmed the sunshine over all the land. When he had left them, after long farewells, lone wandered restlessly about. Missing her leader in a hundred ways,

8 lone.

Till marking how a cloud enwrapped the

hearts Of father, mother, sisters, even the slaves. She strove by thoughtful, gentle ministry To bring back smiles and gladness. Day

by day Their loss was lessened, and she took his

place, As far as might be, to depending ones.

Then letters came, as months and years

rolled on, Telling of progress, with a glow of pride In deeds of ancient days, and how he

burned Already to be leader of a host In some great enterprise. lone felt A thrill of sympathy with all his thought, And treasured up the words like precious

gems, Because he wrote them.

But a dark-browed Guest Was daily drawing nearer to the house Unbidden, till at length they heard a knock

lone. 9

Imperious, and he entered, took the hand Of wife and mother in his chiUing clasp, And she whose Ufe was closely twined with

theirs, Making one harp-string, sounding full and

sweet, Passed into silence, with the voiceless

shades. Then Ctesiphon's sad, desolated heart, Too tender for his grim philosophy, Would not be comforted, but wandered out Into the darkness, asking for some strong Assurance of an endless, unseen hfe. With re-united souls, but all in vain. lone nobly strove again to fill A place made vacant, but her weight of grief Was overpowering sometimes, till she slipped Away from all, and wept despairingly. The younger children felt the sudden shock Less keenly, and their spirits soon revived. Till sunshine almost filled their restless

hearts, Save in the father's presence, when they

marked

lo lone.

How slow his step, how sorrowful his face, Where grief had ploughed deep furrows in

the brow, And scattered ashes on his hair and beard, Until it seemed that in the space of months Long years had passed ; instinctively they

hushed Their laughter then, and spoke in lower

tones.

So the dull days crept on with folded wings ; The sun, retreating toward the southern

pole, Was sometimes hid from sight by leaden

clouds, And chilly winds began to blow from seas And eastern deserts, heralds of the stern Gray monarch Winter ; soon the shivering

land Lay bound in icy fetters, and no voice From Nature's myriad summer tongues

could speak Of coming life and beauty, — all was death.

lone.

II.

HREE times had Winter's scepter ruled the earth, And thrice been broken by the hand of Spring; But by a shorter way than Nature knew The guide Necessity was bringing forth The woman in lone ere her years, And many a grace, unseen by radiant sun Of youth and gladness, blossomed in the

night Of sorrow, like some lovely snow-white

flower That shuns the glare of daytime. When

she passed Along the public ways, her floating hair And downcast, dark-fringed eyes and quiv- ering lips Compelled attention ; many turned about For second glance, and murmured, " Beau- tiful ! "

1 2 lone.

But one there was, the proud Neocritus, High-priest of great Diana, whose bold gaze Respected not her shrinking. Openly He led a righteous life, but down beneath Lay smouldering an evil, passionate heart, Whose fires flamed red in secret. But few

dared A whisper of dark deeds supposed or

known. Because the priest was powerful ; his com- mand A law supreme. Many a priestess fair Serving within the temple, was the tool Or partner of his sin. And having marked lone's beauty, all his varied arts Of soft persuasion were arrayed to win The maiden to this virgm company. As the lithe serpent seeks to lure the bird With fiery, flashing eyes and graceful coils, Till the poor victim flutters helplessly, The strange, wild fascination having dulled The sense of danger.

lone. 13

But lone's soul Beheld unceasingly the mother's face Through mist of tender memory; father's

age And sister's youth required her loving care, And one she saw in dreams, she doubted

not Would some day come again. Besides she

felt A vague, unreasoning fear, and strong dis- like As often as she met Neocritus. Yet answer absolute she dared not give. And trembling, pleaded longer time for

thought. Whereat the priest, though chafing inwardly, Forebore to press his purpose ; better far A future favorite than present slave !

One day lone, with a heavy heart. Was passing lisdessly along the way To some secluded spot, when brokenly A sound of reading reached her, and the voice,

14 lone.

Low-toned at first, yet thrilled exultingly, As if the reader felt a climax come, — A fair, white dayspring, — and his waiting

soul Rose like a lark to meet it. Drawing near The open door, she listened eagerly : —

" / would not have you to be ignorant, Brethren, concerning them that are asleep, So that ye sorrow not, as others do Which have no hope^

("Ah !" sighed lone, "I Am one of those ; what hope can come

to me?") Again she listened : —

" For the Lord himself Shall come down out of heaven with a

shout. The voice of the archangel, and the trump Of God ; thereat the dead in Christ shall

first Arise, then we which are alive shall all Be caught up in the clouds to fneet the Lord And he foirver with him ! "

lone. 15

Here she turned And swiftly walked away with burning

face. Surely this was the Christian sect, despised By all her people, — in her father's words, "A Galilean folly, far beneath The least attention of a thoughtful Greek ! " She did not know that, years before, the

flame Of Christian zeal had spread from house to

house. Kindled by Paul, nor that the words were

his Which she had heard repeated; but they

glowed Within her like the morning star in heaven, Distant and cold, yet hinting warmth and

cheer. "Great words," she mused, ''yet meaning- less to me. Who are ' the dead in Christ,' and how can

they Be raised by any power this poor sect

knows ?

1 6 lone.

Nay, I am but a foolish child to think On such delusions ; none can raise the dead ! "

But still the music of that noble voice Lingered within her memory ; and a wish That somehow all might be as she had

heard Drew her, almost unconsciously, again Some days thereafter, to the same low

door, Trembling with shame, though hungering

for a hope.

An influence all unguessed was guiding her In ways mysterious to learn of Him, The All-sufficient One, whose infinite heart. Forgetting none of heaven's vast multi- tudes, Twined round our little earth when time

began. And in far Eden breathed the breath of life Immortal into man, forevermore, — Almighty Love, whose everlasting arms.

lone. 1 7

That hold the whirUng universe in place, Are always underneath the fainting souls Of all that seek Him, so that none may sink Into eternal darkness, asking light.

The reading was in progress as she reached The Christian's house, and swiftly glanced

around For watchful, curious eyes. Save for herself The narrow street was now deserted quite. And reassured she listened. Smooth and

calm, In quiet dignity, the reader's words Flowed like a steady, sunlight-cleaving

stream : —

" God that hath made the world, and all

therein, Seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, Doth not inhabit temples made with hands ; Neither can he be worshipped with men's

hands, As if he needed aught, for he hath given To all the breath of life, and all things else,

1 8 lone.

And made all nations of one common blood, To dwell on all the earth, and hath ordained The times before appointed, and their bounds, That they should seek the Lord, if haply

thus In feeling they might find him, though

he be Not far from every one of us, because In him we live and move; in him we

have Our being, — as your poets also say : For we are all his offspring. The?-efore,

since Mankind is sprung from God, we ought not

think That Deity is like to graven gold. Silver, or stone, in forms devised by man. God hath allowed these titnes of ignorance. But now commands repentance everywhere. Because a day hath been appointed when The world shall all be fudged in righteous- ness By one ordained thereto, in sign of which He raised him from the dead.'^

lone. 19

lone stood Lost in a maze of thought, and scarcely

heard Beyond the strange, new words, " We ought

not think That Deity is hke to graven gold, Silver, or stone, in forms devised by man." That ancient image in the temple came, So she had learned, from mighty Zeus

himself. Descending through the clouds, in the dim.

dawn Of Asian history; who knew if this Were truth or not? If not, and man had

formed The statue, was it not the poor, weak

dream Of some old artist? Never help had come In answer to her prayers for strength and

light From Artemis; had any ever seen In very truth the high, immortal gods? Did they exist at all, save in the mind Of man, their maker?

20

lone.

While she stood, confused With new-born doubts, the little company Had closed their service with a hymn of

praise, And now came forth. But yet she heeded

not, Until a touch aroused her; terrified She turned, and met ihe frank, inquiring

eyes And gentle question of Alcseus, " Child : Art thou in trouble? Let the tender Christ Bear all thy burdens, and uplift thy soul ! "

As when the icy bonds of fountains melt, Touched by the morning sunshine, all her

pride Dissolved beneath the sudden sympathy. And the dry valley of her spirit filled To overflow with rush of tears released.

At this he led her to a seat within The little room, and waited for a space Before proceeding ; then with questions kind He learned her history.

lone. 2 1

Some sixty years Of earthly life Alcaens knew, and yet Few were the signs of care or weariness ; A steadfast peace dwelt ever in his eyes, And as he talked with her a heavenly smile Hovered about his lips, or glorified At one swift radiance all the upturned face. Long time they sat there, while the western

sun Began to gather up his golden robes, And on her spirit fell a strange, sweet calm, As if the Christ had whispered, " Peace, be

still ! "

At length she rose to go. Taking her hand With all a father's tenderness, he said : " Child, if thy mother never knew the

Christ, For lack of opportunity, and yet Was heedful of his voice within her heart. Unconscious whence it came, I may not

doubt That she has passed through death to

Paradise.

22 lone.

For ' how shall they believe on him of

whom They have not heard ? ' So says the apostle

Paul, And underneath the words I seem to hear The heart-beats of the Father's infinite love And perfect justice sound in harmony. Nay, more, — one day our Master met a

man Blind from his birth, and asking not for

faith. Put clay upon his eyes ; then bade him

wash Within a certain pool, and when he saw. Declared himself the Son of God, whereat The man believed and worshipped. And

I know That one so patient with the earthly eyes. In days when he was in the flesh, is not Less tender to the feeble sight of souls, Now that he reigns in glory. But to thee He giveth more of grace, and stands re- vealed To-day in all his beauty ; thou hast heard

lone.

23

His words of endless life ; believe in him And be at rest and peace forevermore ! But yet I would not leave thee unaware Of coming trials, for my uncle heard The great apostle say that grievous wolves Should, after his departure, enter in Among us, sparing not the flock. The

words May mean that we must seal our faith with

death, Even as others ; yet remember this, — Our light affliction for a moment is, And worketh out a far exceeding weight Of everlasting glory. Let thy thought Dwell on these things, and come to us

again The first day of the week, when thou shalt

learn More of the Saviour ; meantime, fare thee

well ! "

So through the twilight haze lone went. Slowly and wondering, to her home, and found

24

lone.

The place astir with news of Marius, Centurion of a company, on the way To Ephesus, to aid the garrison. And while with various thoughts her heart

beat fast, And flushed her face, and sometimes came

a smile To eyes and lips, as in the former days, The father watched her, half in bitterness, And murmured to himself, " Youth soon

forgets ! " But rarely did he ask her of her life. And seldom had she gone to him for help Or counsel since the day her mother died. Because his grief absorbed him. So her

thoughts Throughout the week were surging to and

fro; . But one grand purpose, like a steady ship. Faint on the far horizon, grew more clear And bright and high, as o'er the sea it

came. Though lashed by winds of fear and chilly

rain,

lone.

25

With waves of doubt strong dashing at the

prow, Till calmer water at the port it reached, And in a morning fair, with breezes sweet. Dropped anchor in the deep, safe harbor,

Christ !

But how to tell the others of her choice. What reasons give beyond their own, or why She had not spoken earlier of her mind, — Perplexed her yet ; and while she thought

on this, Up from the plains one sunny morn there

came Faint sounds of martial music, — then ap- peared A rolling cloud of dust, with points of light That circled round the roadway's nearest

bend. And slowly rising, thinly veiled the ranks Of Roman soldiers, marching cityward, — Each moment nearer, wider, more distinct. The sunbeams breaking on their burnished arms

26

lone.

In glittering wavelets, as the rising tide Crept onward up the slope, until at last They reached and passed the gates, and

formed within ; Then, while the housetops swarmed with

eager groups, Steadily up the street the column came, With rhythmic step and swaying spears and

shields And waving plumes and ensigns gleaming

high And horses neighing at the trumpet call. Familiar faces all were in the van, — The city's garrison for many months, — But closely following their escort marched A company of strangers, whom all eyes Regarded curiously ; and at their head, Mounted upon a proud, high-stepping bay, Young Marius, a bronzed Apollo, rode. The promise of his childhood beauty filled To satisfaction by the ripening years ; And many knew the face, as on he passed, And shouted friendly greeting ; but the man, Erect and flushed, impatient of delay.

lone.

27

Scarce seemed to hear them, while the

column wheeled Into a well-remembered street, and there. Hardly a spear-cast from his hungry eyes. Arose his boyhood's happy, care-free home, The house of Ctesiphon ! And as he gazed, Upon the roof appeared the household, all Save one whose gentle face he longed to see, The only mother that he ever knew; And the quick tears sprang up and veiled

his sight. The while they waved a welcome ; then he

passed, Swept onward, as it seemed, by all his men, And blended with the throng, so fading out. Beyond their keenest vision, as they turned And slowly left the roof, lone last.

How long the day that sunders waiting

hearts ! Upon her dial-plate the shadow slept. And Marius, chained by military cares, Looked often to the sun, that seemed to

stand

28 lone.

Still in the heavens, while a fervent heat Bore down upon the land, until the breeze Of morning fled away, as if in fear. All life breathed hard, and shrank into the

shade, And when the day king reached his throne

of noon He ruled a silent city.

Hour by hour. High overhead the vault of dazzling blue Shone spotless ; then its base began to fade Far to the southward, in a veil of mist, That gathered into feathery, floating clouds. Slow rising upward, and a whisper crept Along the land, a message from the sea, With promise of refreshing by and by.

At last the young centurion was released ; And in the waning of the day he sat, Divested of his armor, at the home. And looked again into his dear ones' eyes; Without, a fountain in a spacious court Plashed musically, while the whirring birds

lone. 29

Dipped down to drink and bathe, and scat- tered drops Like diamonds round the basin. Then he

told Of all his life, and answered questions

grave From Ctesiphon, or listened to the talk Of Lesbia and Pelope with smiles, But ever glancing where lone sat, Was filled with admiration at her face. Whose glowing eloquence was more than

speech ; And in his heart he whispered, " She is mine ! "

But while their souls were swept and stirred

and thrilled To strong, glad harmony by winds of love, The sky was darkening; glancing up they

saw The storm king's sable hosts arrayed for

war, — His fierce, impatient horses snorting fire, Their mighty hoofs upon the firmament,

30 lone.

That shook beneath their trampling ; then

arose The low, dread rumbling of his chariot

wheels. But in the pause that followed, suddenly Another shadow fell across the floor, And in the archway stood a white-robed

form,. — The priest Neocritus.

Then all arose In deference to his rank ; but with a smile Less courteous than crafty, he began Abruptly, as he took the offered seat : ** It may surprise thee, Ctesiphon, to know The purpose of my coming ; yet I trust That it may give thee pleasure. I have long Looked favorably upon thine eldest child, Because the generous gods have dowered her With graces like Pandora's ; and I deemed Such beauty should adorn the temple courts Of Artemis, our Lady. To this end I oft have urged the maiden, but some cause —

lone. 31

I know not what — restrains her from the

step; Wherefore I call thee to assist my words With reasoning of thine own. A father's

voice May well be more effectual than mine In setting forth the glory of the choice And honor of the service. This I ask, Not doubting of thy willingness to grant."

But Ctesiphon made answer dignified :

" Thou knowest that my daughters are the

stay And solace of my swift- departing days, And surely it were better to have asked For my consent before thou soughtest hers. Yet think not I am one of those whose

word Is law unbending to a child's desire ; lone is of age to know her will, And she shall have the fullest liberty To choose her future. Daughter, as thy

wish Shall be the answer, what hast thou to say ? "

32

lone.

Then from her seat lone rose, and stood Trembling and pale, but with a firm resolve To tell them bravely of her new-gained faith. Twice she essayed to speak-, but found no

words, And in the glimmering, soundless lightning

seemed Some unsubstantial vision, as it lit Her form and features with unearthly

gleams ; And Marius, shuddering, thought of those

dim shades That wander silent through the underworld. At last her answer broke the stillness, low And faltering at first, then gaining strength :

" Father, I thank thee truly, — not alone For these, thy generous words, but for the

love Which thou hast always lavished. But to

prove My gratitude, I can but gladly take The freedom given. And one thing I have

done,

lone. 33

Sure of thy kindness, which must now be

told; Some other time will serve for questioning, Therefore I ask thy patience.

" Never once Have I desired to leave thee, but have

sought Instead to be like sunshine in the house, Since that dark day we all remember well ; But mine own life was hopeless, till I

learned A better way of living. I have left The ancient faith, unsatisfied, and now Am resting on the power of One whose

name Is ever3'where despised. And this new life Has lifted me above all common things, And filled me with its music ; and I feel That far beyond our earthly days, and

death. Is life and joy undreamed of, peace and

rest. My mother, — and the Christ of Galilee ! " 3

34 tone.

She ceased ; but none replied, — astonish- ment Held all immovable, till Pelope, Close nestling at her shoulder, heard a faint, Soft whisper in the darkness of the room : " Dear Lord, I have confessed thee ! Oh, do

thou Remember me before thy Father's throne ! "

The high-priest waited for the old man's

word ; But Ctesiphon sat still and made no sign, — His head bowed heavily upon his hand. As if he heard not, saw not ; whereupon lone spoke again, with dignity : " Thou hast the answer, priest, — a Christian

maid Disdains the service of a heathen shrine ! "

Neocritus arose ; an angry flame

Burned in his face, and flickered in his

voice : " So be it, then ! Doubtless thy words are

wise.

lone. 35

And all the rest of Ephesus are fools, Pleased with a toy ; but yet I say to thee, Beware the vengeance of the holy gods ! The thunderbolts of Zeus — "

Quick, as he spoke, A lightning flash that tore the heavens

wide Blazed full upon their faces, and a crash As if the very hills were shattered, rolled And boomed around them. With a startled

cry The trembling children caught their sister's

hands And clung about her, Lesbia gasping, " See ! The gods are angry at thy evil choice ! " " Nay, Lesbia dear, fear not ; they have no

power Either for good or ill." Another flash, Another deafening peal, — and Marius stood With folded arms and proud, uplifted head Between the sisters and the haughty priest. And thus addressed him : " If the gods are

wronged. Let them avenge the insult as they will.

36 lone.

Thou earnest for an answer, which thou

hast; What further need is yet unsatisfied?" "Young man," the priest returned, "what- ever else, I need not thee to prompt me ; and if thou Dost Hnk thy hfe with hers, I need not ask For this thy rudeness greater recompense. I go, and trust my meaning will be plain Hereafter."

He was gone.

A silence fell Upon them, deep and dread, their throb- bing hearts Filled with a nameless fear. Strange whis- perings Passed through the air above, as if the storm, Uncertain how to strike, were seeking out Each point of weakness.

But lone marked That through all this her father had not moved ;

lone. 37

Alarmed at length, she swiftly crossed the

room And knelt before him, drawing down the

hand That held his forehead, as she gently said, "Dear Father, art thou angry? Have I

done So wrong in this? None loves thee more

than I ; Look in my face, and see ! " He raised

his head, And tears bedimmed the eyes that looked

in hers ; A long, fond gaze ; a tender, trembling

kiss, — " Could I be angry with thy mother's

child?"

"But, father, have I done a fooHsh thing?"

" I know not, dear one, save it be not wise To cross the will of great Neocritus, As we have done to-day. But for thy faith,

38 lone.

Keep it, if thou art pleased ; small faith

have I In aught beyond my present sight and

touch. Sit here, my daughter, till the storm is past, That I may feel thee near me."

Silently The others clustered round them.

Far away The murmuring voices of the upper air Swelled to a sigh, a moan ; then with a

roar Weaving all lesser noises into one, The storm came rushing on. Swiftly the

clouds, Spreading their banners black, joined rank

to rank And hurled at once their javelins thick and

fast, — A wild, resistless avalanche of rain ; And all the little wandering mountain

streams

lone. 39

Were swollen to foaming torrents ; and the

trees, Lashed by the whirlwind's fury, bowed their

heads And groaned submission to the conqueror; Fierce Hghtnings flashed incessantly, and loud The thunder spoke in awful majesty Unto the crouching earth ; then darkness

deep, Like bird of evil omen, settled down, With mighty, outstretched wings.

Within the room None spoke a word, till Marius' manly voice Startled their silence : " Father Ctesiphon, I know but little of Tone's faith. And may not guess the meaning of this

storm, Unless it be a warning ; but I know That I have loved her since our childhood

days. And whether well or ill that she has done. And punishment or not, I ask of her The greatest gift that man can ever ask.

40 lone.

I do not fear the priest ; and if the gods Should smite her to the earth, my only joy Would be to die with her in my embrace As promised wife. If thou approvest, thus I make request, despite the frown of Jove."

" Aye, Marius, it is well, if she consent."

"lone, dearest, it is yea, — or nay?"

" Dear Marius," she began, with choking

voice, " As kind and brave as ever thou hast been. Didst thou not know that I was always

thine ? I cannot give thee more than what thou hast ; And yet thy life and mine should never

join, Did I not know no evil would descend On thy dear head for aught that I have

done. Father, thy blessing?"

Kneeling at his feet They waited for the words.

lone. 41

At length he sighed, — " O unknown Powers that govern earth

and sky And time and Ufe and death, if ye exist, Be merciful ! Be merciful to these My children ! Grant them golden years of

joy, With love new springing at each rising sun, And intertwine the threads of life so close That at the last the fatal Severeir May not divide them, — one in life and

death ! " A pause, and then he said in calmer voice, " The rain has ceased, my children ; let us

go And from the housetop watch the clouds disperse."

The fresh, cool breezes fanned them in the

face. Freighted with delicate odors, as they stood And saw the scattered legions of the sky Slowly retiring, — some in sullen ranks. While others, with a new allegiance, turned

42 lone.

And caught the colors of the conquering

sun, Flaming in gold and crimson ; and the light Of victory and peace lay over all The city and the plain. White marble

walls, Dripping with rain, reflected back the rays As from a mirror ; groups of trees stood up And held aloft their foliage, brilliant

green, — Great sheaves of showery emeralds ; gardens

fair Arose in terraces of sparkling grass, With fountains, gorgeous flowers and gleam- ing shrines ; Above them, palaces and lofty towers Climbed to a dizzy height, enriched and

faced With ivory and dazzling bronze ; below, Like burnished shields, lay little lakes and

pools ; Westward, the harbor quivered restlessly, A glowing topaz ; here the Forum shone, Yonder the Stadium ; and the generous light

lone. 43

Rolled o'er the benches of the Theatre A cataract of gold ; while in the east The Temple glittered like a mount of snow ; And round about the city curved the plain, All gemmed with wild-flowers, as a circlet

bright Bent round the fair, white arm of Loveli- ness, — Her shifting, shimmering veil of thinnest

mist Spread out, and floating, whispering to the

sky, " Bend lower now, and take her ; she is thine ! "

And Marius, smiling as he read the scene. Drew from his tunic's folds a bracelet,

wrought With intricate design of bird and leaf And flower, jewelled, flashing in the light. Clasped it around lone's yielding arm. And bent his head and kissed her on the

brows. Too happy for a word, she raised her face

44

loue.

With snmmg, moistened eyes, and tremu- lous lips, And answered him in silence.

Long they stood, Clasped in each other's arms.

The sunset paled, And shadows deepened slowly into night, While one by one the calm, bright stars

appeared ; And downward from the deep, mysterious

sky, Like perfume dripping from an upturned

vase. Softly and sweet, descended balmy rest.

lone. 45

III.

WIFTLY the weeks and months had flown away, Till once again the glad- eyed Summer stood Close at the threshold of her kingdom fair. 'T was early morning now upon the plains Of Ephesus. A faint, gray mist upcurled From Cayster, winding slowly toward the sea In slumbrous music, rippled by the breeze That stole through groves of oak and tere- binth And cedar, fresh and fragrant. Meadow

flowers Upraised their swaying, dew-filled cups,

and smiled To the fast paling stars, as if to say, " O brothers, rest, and we will shine for

you ! " From river margin and the pearl-hung grass

46

lone.

And oleander bushes and the woods Came twittering questions of the day's

advance, While glowed the east with promise, —

amber skies Yielding to orange, melting into gold, Till up the gleaming pathway came the sun In royal majesty, and touched the tops Of Prion and Coressus, sister hills, With magic fire ; then, shooting swift and

far His glittering arrows, pierced the lingering

shades.

The crisp, delicious air was vibrant now With wakening life, and every feathered

throat ' Poured out a flood of golden melody, And 'insects droned and chirped, while

flocks and herds Moved slowly toward the river pools to

drink. Soon city gates were opened ] guards were

changed ;

lone. 47

Some few brown, sinewy laborers appeared Upon the streets, with instruments of toil ; Sellers of fruits made ready for the day ; Young flower girls began to twine their

wreaths, And in an hour of sunrise all the town Hummed with a varied population. Here, Soldiers in shining armor, shaven priests, And civil officers in trailing robes ; There, Jews of Palestine, or little groups Of Grecian poets and philosophers ; Ladies of rank in gilded litters, borne By stalwart men, who slowly pushed their

way, Elbowing active sailors from the coasts Of Tyre and Sidon, or thin Bedouins From lonely Petra and the wilderness ; The dwellers by Euphrates and the Nile Mixed with the half-clad Ethiopians ; Princes, magicians, keen-eyed merchants,

■ chiefs. Barbarians of the North, brought side by

side With temple servants, artists, artisans,

48 lone.

Musicians, perfume-mixers, burnishers, Or stooping water-carriers, patient beasts Of burden, and their drivers, — slaves of all Degree and occupation crowded close With poor and helpless ones, who idly

gazed Upon the busy scene, or feebly begged For food and coins. The dwellers in the

town Were far outnumbered by the visitors Drawn hither by the festival and games In honor of Diana ; for the sun Had filled the season with exuberance, And springing grass and flowers and waving

wheat And whispering leaves and opening buds

were held To be bright tokens of her wondrous power And condescension.

At the city gates The throng divided, and the larger part Hurried impatient to the Stadium ; Another company, with slower steps,

lone. 49

Passed in procession to the Temple, led By priests and priestesses; fair Lydian

youths And maidens, singing soft, voluptuous airs, Mingled with merry Phrygians, while here Strode a Galatian warrior, yonder one Of Cappadocia ; grave, gray devotees From all the provinces of Asia moved In strange varieties of dress and speech, But with one purpose, — to propitiate The goddess for their homes.

At length they reached The open plain, and knelt adoringly. While in full view the mighty structure rose.

A terraced way led to a staircase broad. Polished and worn by countless worshippers, And from the marble platform, smooth as

glass, An hundred columns reared their stately

strength, Massive and carved, full thirty cubits high, — Many the gifts of kings, and others wrought

50 lone.

By pious hands of masters in their art. Far up, above their graceful capitals, Cornice and frieze and architrave spread out Stories of strife and conquest mystical. Crowned by a roof of gleaming marble tiles ; And all the building throbbed with sculp- tured Hfe, Or glowed with splendid painting ; calm- eyed gods And goddesses, or struggling Amazons, Heroes and warriors ; Hermes, mighty Zeus, Or Pallas, Her^, Artemis herself, And Aphrodite, Eros with his bow, Pdseidon and his trident, deities Of stream and field * and forest ; satyrs,

nymphs, Or demigods, — as wondrous Herakles, Strongest of mortals. Here a Centaur stood ; Yonder came Tritons blowing on their

shells ; And all around were lions' heads, and rams. And piled up fruit, mingled with opening

flowers And twining honeysuckle. Phidias,

lone. 51

Praxiteles, Apelles, many more,

Masters and skilful workmen; all had

wrought With far-famed architects, until there stood At Ephesus the wonder of the world And envy of all Hellas. In the midst The statue towered high, — an image rude. Yet reverenced more than all the glorious

forms By which it was surrounded. Even so The soul of man, reaching a barren height Unsatisfied, had waited not, but turned. And backward traced its wandering, doubt- ful steps, Till every higher faculty became The handmaid of a lower. Grand indeed The Temple stood, yet shrined a foolish

faith ; And even the lowest, meanest worshipper. Trembling, perhaps, in superstitious fear. Had powers greater than he gave his gods.

Rising at length, the multitude advanced. And hours were spent in sacrifice and rites

52 lone.

Mysterious, — sacred dances, incense, chants. Till after mid-day ; then the priests ap- peared. With all the temple servitors again. And followed by the people, took the road That reached the Stadium. Musicians first, With ringing cymbals, piercing double-ilutes, And other instruments ; then girls and boys, Singing and dancing, bearing fruits and

flowers ; And after them, Neocritus alone, — His thick, black hair uncovered to the sun, A stern, set face, thin lips, and flashing eyes, And garmented in sacrificial robes. With heavy, lustrous folds. Behind him

marched The priests and priestesses, in ranks that

spread Across the roadway, chanting high and shrill The hymn to Artemis. And others bore Aloft upon their shoulders images Of gold and silver ; then the surging crowd Pressed forward shouting, joined along the way

lone. 53

By scores belated, till they reached the arch Of entrance to the Stadium.

Then at once The vast assemblage rose tumultuously, And everywhere were lifted arms and scarfs, And fluttering veils, and a great, throbbing

roar Of eager voices :

'^Artemis f'

"Behold Great Artemis ! "

" Diana ! "

" Artemis ! All Asia worships thee ! "

''Diana I''

" Great Is Artemis of Ephesus !''

And spears And swords and shields responded with, a

clang That seemed to shake the building. Only

one

54 tone.

In all that multitude was silent, one

Who leaned against a pillar, faint and pale

In agony of spirit, — Marius.

His men had marvelled much to see him ride Before them on that morning listlessly, The loose rein dropping from his nerveless

hands. And all unseeing where he went, his eyes Too weary for a glance, his body drooped In utter weakness. Now he stood alone, And shivered as if sickness seized him.

Why?

Beneath his feet a dungeon lay ; within, Close crowded in the narrow, noisome place. Were Christians ; all the steadfast little

church, Alcgeus, — and lone !

On the day The high-priest left the house of Ctesiphon, Angered that one slight girl should balk his power,

lone.

55

He planned revenge. A word dropped here

and there, A hint to artisans, a prophecy Of danger should the Christians multiply Again, as years before, at words of Paul, A warning that the city might decline If reverence for Artemis should fail, Had blown the ashes of indifference Aside and fanned the slumbering coals of

hate Into a flame, till all at once a mob Rushed to Alcseus' house in fury, dragged The Christians forth and bound them, hurry- ing back To the authorities, clamoring for their death, Which, after consultation, was decreed, Pending permission of the Emperor, As fitting climax to the festival In preparation.

Ctesiphon had gone With Marius impetuous to the priest, And offered gold and jewels, — anything To save lone ; but of no avail

56 lone.

Were all their efforts, — coldly he replied : "Our Lady Artemis desires the hearts As well as offerings, and it is her will That all who mock her shall be put to

death ; Be thankful that your lives are not required. And cease to ask for her who dared despise Our holy faith ! '

All hope was over now,

Unless she should recant ; but from below

Faintly the sound of Christian hymns arose,

And Marius felt that none of them would

yield.

No, never ! In that suffocating cave, Darker than midnight, all were kneeling now. Led by Alcaeus in a fervent prayer. The weary hours of day and night had

passed Alike to them ; the only light they had Glared from the lions' eyes behind the bars ; Instead of heaven's sweet winds upon the

brow^

lone. 57

The hot breath of their nostrils ; and they

heard In all the pauses of the sacred song Deep growls of hunger. Grasping each

other's hands They trembled, — but a consciousness of

power Beyond their own upheld them.

Meanwhile, games Were going on above ; the wrestlers strove And writhed for mastery, and athletes ran. As if by Hermes sandalled, for the crown ; The pugilists, with heads and necks like

bulls, Rained desperate blows upon each other ;

then Strong gladiators struggled for their lives. With swords and nets and tridents. And

their strife Stirred up the people as wild beasts are

stirred To savagery by the taste of blood. And all along the benches ran the words. —

58

lone.

A murmur, rising to an awful cry,

Hoarse and persistent, crueler than death, —

"Bring out the Christians!''''

Then a space was cleared And fenced with soldiers, and an altar placed Before a statue of the goddess, wreathed About the base with roses ; and behind Were ranged the priestesses, — the Asiarch Lysanias of Smyrna in the chair Of judgment. Soon the prisoners were

brought Before him, one by one, Alcseus first.

The accusation read, Lysanias asked : "Art thou a Christian?"

"Yea!" "And dost thou know The penalty?"

"I do."

" What madness, man, Has prompted thee to throw away thy life ? Be reasonable, — curse the Christ ; that done, I may release thee."

lone. 59

"Ay, thou dost not know That he who loses hfe for Christ's sweet

sake Shall find it more abundantly. Thy power And all thou hast is given thee from him ! "

"Take him away."

And hurriedly they tried The others ; but none yielded. Last of all lone answered to the summons. Then The high-priest had her father brought

within, With Lesbia and Pelope, that all Might suffer to the utmost, and prepared To read the grim indictment.

But a hand Seized hers in shaking grasp, and in her ear Trembled the voice of Marius, changed

and harsh With deadly fear, as rapidly he said : " lone, dearest, listen ! Leave the Christ And call upon Diana ! Take of these," —

6o lone.

Catching some jewels from a casket brought By Lesbia, — " these ornaments of thine, And offer on her altar for thy life ! Nay, take the bracelet, dearest, for I know That I must give thee up in life or death ; But oh, thou must not die! lone — "

"Dear—" She slowly turned her face, all wet with

tears. And looked him in the eyes. The throng

around Bent forward eagerly to catch the words : " My Marius, dost thou tempt my soul with

these To leave my Master, as Iscariot did? And even if I might, what should I care For any life without thee? Oh, my own. Dear father, sisters, friends, I love not life Better than truth ! The gracious Christ I

serve Will raise me up again. Let all of you Who love me learn of him, and any death Shall only re-unite us. Marius,

lone. 6 1

Thou hast not dreamed how much I love

thee yet ; But thou wilt know hereafter."

Down she drooped Her weary head, and murmured, "O my

Lord, I thank thee for this sudden, wondrous

strength, Made perfect in my weakness ! "

And a sigh Involuntary broke from all the crowd, As the tense bowstring, suddenly released, Springs to its place with apprehensive thrill, Foreseeing death in the arrow. Ctesiphon Groaned in despair, and wrung his helpless

hands Convulsively ; and down the sisters' cheeks Tears fell like rain. But Marius staggered

back, Weak as a child, and would have fallen to

earth Had not a soldier stayed him.

62 lone.

Then the priest, Unmoved, began to read the charge. But

she — Lifting her violet eyes above the throng, Above the circUng thousands in the seats, Along the side of green Coressus, up Beyond the trilling, soaring birds — at

length Rested in God's blue sky, while all of earth Seemed to dissolve away. Slowly a vision

sweet Opened before her.

For a pearly cloud That closed one gate of heaven rolled

aside, And a bright spirit beckoned her within, — The mother's face and form ; but glorious

now In such a smile as those redeemed may

wear ! Then, while the glad sight filled lone's

gaze, And scarce a breath escaped the parted lips.

hue. 63

Her hands close locked, in rapture keen as

pain, Suddenly all the avenue was filled With countless flashing ones, that raised

their harps And sang triumphantly, " Ay, blest are they, The pure in heart, for they shall see their

God!'' And others answered them afar, " These

came Out of great tribulation, and their robes Are white and glistefiifig ; they are washed

in blood. Even the Lamb's, who bears away the sin Of all the world/"

And then a splendor burned. Dazzling the wing-veiled angels; but she

saw. Even with eyelids closed, the form of One Like to the Son of Man, with hands and

feet Pierced by the cross-nails ; and his thrilling

voice

64 loiie.

Rang full and tender as the far, sweet chime Of silver cymbals :

" Be thou not afraid Of them that kill the body, and after

THAT

Have power to do no more, — fear not,

MY CHILD ; I AM THE resurrection AND THE LIFE,

And thou shalt be with me in Paradise To-day ! "

The Asiarch, wondering at her face. Thrice questioned ere she heard him ; then

she said, "Yea, I am ready ! " So they led her out, — The rude, imbruted Ethiopian slaves Awe-struck and trembling at her confi- dence, — And from the arena's sands of bloody death, She, with a score of others, entered Life,

n

lone. 65

Beneath the dust of centuries there Ues A sculptured tomb of marble, with these

words Engraved upon the pavement : " In this

PLACE

Sleeps in the peace of Jesus Christ the

DUST

Of Ctesiphon and Ione, side by side, Father and daughter.

" Blessed are the dead Whose death is in the Lord ; they rest

from strife, And their works follow them.

"This tomb was built By Marius, a minister of Christ."

■^^^•^