,*ri/mas ,light ,illu/ration ,*ri/mas ,light ,,by ,,e!l ,,calv]t ,,phillips ,) ,illu/rations ,illu/ration ,,bo/on ,,& ,,new ,,york ,,h\ghton ,,miffl9 ,,company ,! ,riv]side ,press ,cambridge #aibb ,,copyright1 #aibb1 ,,by ,,e!l ,,calv]t ,,phillips ,,all ,,rights ,,res]v$ ,! ,riv]side ,press ,,cambridge ,,massa*usetts ,,pr9t$ ,,9 ,,! ,u4,s4,a4 ,,to ,,my ,,"m ,light ( ! _w1 ! _w is d>k ab\t ,!e2 ,f> out on ,judah's hills ! night is deep4 ,n yet ! day is come :5 m5 %all d\bt ,!e1 ,n yet ! h\r :5 ,?\ mu/ wake & weep2 ,o little "o1 ,o ,"l ( ,glory1 sleep6 ,love ( all heav51 love's arms are fold$ r\nd ,!e1 ,love's he>t %all be ! pill[ = ,?y *eek4 ,n yet ! h\r has come :5 hate %all w\nd ,!e1 ,n yet = %elt] va9ly mu/ ,?\ seek4 ,re/1 little "o1 s mighty & s weak4 ,lie /ill & re/1 ,?\ ,re/ ( e>? & heav52 ,re/1 little h&s--our ,hope ( bliss ye keep2 ,re/1 little he>t--"o day %alt ,?\ be riv52 ,o newborn ,life1 ,o ,life et]nal1 sleep6 ,f> out on ,judah's hills ! night is deep4 ,illu/ration ,illu/ration ,cont5ts ,i4 ,naomi's ,g>d5 #a ,,ii4 ,"o ,sabba? #bj ,,iii4 ,! ,trip to ,j]usalem #cg ,,iv4 ,9 ! ,d>k #fj ,v4 ,all ! ,_w ,comes ,visit+ #gc ,,vi4 ,! ,%eph]ds #hh ,,vii4 ,9 a ,mang] #aja ,,viii4 ,! ,light ( ! ,_w #aaf ,illu/ration ,*ri/mas ,light ,,*apt] ,i ,,naomi',s ,,g>d5 ,x 0 9 a little g>d5 9 ! village ( ,be?lehem1 _m & _m a ye> ago1 t f\r sc>let poppies /ood side by side & sway$ g5tly back & =? ^u _! slim gre5 /alks 9 ! s(t aft]noon w9d4 ,a little girl came runn+ ov] ! grass & halt$ be=e ! poppies4 ,h[ beautiful y are6 said ! little girl1 ^: "n 0 ,naomi1 & :o 0 eight ye>s old4 ,%e clasp$ h] h&s be=e h] 9 delight1 & /ood smil+ d[n ^u ! fl[]s t seem$ to nod c\rte\sly 9 reply4 ,?is little ,jewi% girl _h d>k curl+ hair & g5tle br[n eyes4 ,h] *eeks 7 z rosy z ! poppies1 & %e wore a gay little robe ( sc>let & yell[ /rip$ /uff1 :ile ^u h] b>e br[n feet 7 ti$ s(t lea!r s&als4 ,h[ beautiful y are6 said ,naomi aga9 to ! poppies4 ,y are m9e1 = ,i made y gr[1 & y are ! mo/ beautiful fl[]s 9 all our lovely g>d54 ,& %e look$ z pr\dly r\nd ! t9y g>d5 plot z if x 7 z spaci\s & z wond]ful z ! fam\s g>d5s ( ! wick$ ,k+ ,h]od1 or ev5 ^? ( ! ,temple ,high ,prie/ himself4 ,9 ! c5t] ( ! grass plot /ood an orange-tree1 & "u x1 9 ! %ade ( its glossy leaves1 _h be5 plac$ a light wood5 b5*4 ,a tall h$ge ( prickly ?orns prev5t$ pass]s-by on ! n>r[ village /reet f peep+ 94 ,at "o end a heavy grapev9e clamb]$ ov] a trellis1 :ile at ! o!r !re 7 sev]al ri* clumps ( myrtle t %[$ d>k aga9/ ! surr\nd+ grass4 ,bel[ ! ?orn h$ge /ood a r[ ( bold flaunt+ tulips1 & !re 7 two fl[]-b$s1 "o ( :ite1 ! o!r ( tall r$ lilies4 ,! g>d5 0 inde$ a pleasant place1 & ,naomi's happie/ h\rs 7 sp5t "h1 :e!r play+ peacefully alone1 or amus+ baby ,jonas1 or :5 ! family ga!r$ toge!r "u ! orange-tree1 ,fa!r & ,"m1 bro!r ,ezra1 baby ,jonas1 & h]self4 ,to be sure !re 7 v9es & fl[]s gr[+ on ! ro( ( ,naomi's h\se1 :i* 0 (t5 us$ z a place to sit 9 ! cool ( ! day & ev5 to sleep :5 ! h\se grew unbe>ably w>m4 ,= ,naomi's dwell+ look$ l no?+ s mu* z a squ>e box turn$ upside d[n ) only a door cut 9 ! front & n a w9d[ to break ! smoo? :ite sides4 ,)91 !re 0 a s+le room1 r\nd :i* ran a b5* :]e 7 kept ! gay quilts1 tightly roll$1 :i* made ! only b$s ,naomi knew4 ,"h1 too1 lay ! cu%ions ^u :i* ! family sat :5 at meals r\nd ! table1 :i* 0 !n pull$ out f ! wall4 ,!re 0 a great c>v$ *e/ 9 :i* 7 kept ! ,sabba? clo!s1 ! cresc5t ( co9s :i* belong$ to ,naomi's "m & :i* %e wore ^u h] head z an ornam5t on fe/ive occasions1 & ! long p>*m5t rolls ( ,scripture 9 :i* ,naomi's fa!r took ! ke5e/ pride4 ,at ! door /ood a tall wat]-j> ) h]bs float+ on ! top to keep ! wat] cool4 ,9 a ni*e 9 ! doorpo/ hung a small roll ( p>*m5t 9 a case4 ,naomi 0 us$ to see+ h] fa!r & 8 fri5ds t\* x rev]5tly :5 pass+ 9 or out1 & !n kiss ! f+]s t _h t\*$ ! ,"n ( ! ,mo/ ,high4 ,%e c\ld ev5 recite z well z ,ezra ! v]ses %e knew 7 writt5 !re1 beg9n+1 ,he>1 ,o ,israel3 ,jehovah our ,god is "o ,jehovah1 & end+ & ?\ %alt write !m ^u ! doorpo/s ( ?y h\se & ^u ?y gates4 ,9 a small build+ ne> by /ood ! ov5 :]e ,naomi's "m did h] bak+ & :i* %e us$ 9 common ) sev]al o!r families4 ,x 0 (t5 a meet+-place = ! *ildr51 :o hung ab\t ! door on bak+-days hop+ = hot crumbs--/\t ,solomon f across ! road2 ,ra*el & ,rebekah1 ,naomi's p>ticul> fri5ds2 little ,eno*1 :o walk$ ) a limp & :o w\ld nev] gr[ any tall]1 ?\gh he might live to be ev] s old4 ,i w\ld t my ,aunt ,miriam us$ our ov51 ,naomi (t5 ?\ght1 = %e bakes e day1 &1 oh1 su* good ?+s z %e makes4 ,naomi's aunt kept ! village inn or khan t /ood j outside ! city gates on "o ( ! little hills ^u :i* ,be?lehem 0 built4 ,_m travel]s /opp$ ! night at ! khan & ev5 long]1 = ! village lay only "o mile to ! "r ( ! great road :i* l$ f ,j]usalem1 six miles away1 to ! old t[n ( ,hebron1 & !n d[n into ! f>-away1 my/]i\s l& ( ,egypt itself4 ,:]e ! road f ,be?lehem jo9$ ! ,j]usalem highway /ood ! tomb ( ,ra*el1 & _m a "t _h ,naomi1 loit]+ 9 ! c\rty>d ( ! inn1 he>d pi\s pilgrims1 fre% f ! spot1 tell ! /ories ( ,ra*el & ,jacob1 & _! sons ,joseph & ,b5jam94 ,naomi's little head 0 pack$ full ( ! /ories ( ! great p ( h] race4 ,ezra1 elev5 ye>s old1 w5t to s*ool 9 ! synagogue e day ) ! o!r boys ( ! village1 & dilig5tly /udi$ ! ,law & ! ,prophets4 ,at home1 ,naomi 0 taught by h] "m1 n only ! c>e ( ! h\se1 b ! hi/ory ( ! ,hebrew p1 _! songs1 _! pray]s1 & _! hopes4 ,i "k t5 hymns )\t a mi/ake1 ,naomi w\ld boa/1 & by hymns %e meant :at we call psalms4 ,i c recite ! ,song ( ,deborah & ! ,song ( ,hannah4 ,i c tell all ! /ory ab\t !m1 too1 &1 oh1 ev] s _m m4 ,h] favorite /ory 0 t ( ! ,naomi = :om %e _h be5 nam$4 ,b ?is summ] aft]noon %e 0 ?9k+ ( no?+ save ( ! pretty blossoms t n[ swung be=e h] aft] s _m days ( pati5t toil & c>e4 ,%e caught sight ( h] "m 9 ! doorway & eag]ly call$ h] to come & see ! sight4 ,come1 ,"m1 come1 %e call$4 ,my poppies are all out1 e "o4 ,f\r ( !m 9 a r[6 ,see--ev5 ! smalle/ "o t ,i fe>$ w\ld n bloom at all4 ,!re is "o = ea* ( !e3 ,fa!r1 ,"m1 ,ezra1 ,jonas4 ,! smalle/ "o is = ,jonas1 & v]ily x is ! prettie/ "o ( all4 ,naomi's "m came smil+ d[n ! pa?4 ,%e c>ri$ a wat]-pit*] or urn1 & a/ride h] left %\ld] sat baby ,jonas1 /eady+ himself by clut*+ 8 "m's ?ick d>k hair4 ,! fl[]s are beautiful1 ,naomi1 said %e pleasantly4 ,!y well repay !e = all ?y pati5ce & c>e4 ,i g n[ to ! f\nta9 = wat]4 ,x lacks b half an h\r to sund[n4 ,wat* ?y little bro!r ,jonas well & keep him happy until ,i return4 ,& slipp+ ,jonas f h] %\ld] to ! grass1 & pull+ h] :ite l95 veil into place1 %e /epp$ quickly out into ! village /reet1 h] urn securely balanc$ ^u h] head4 ,jonas _h already crept ov] to ! b5*1 &1 dragg+ himself up ^u 8 un/eady legs1 he look$ into 8 si/]'s face ) a smile4 ,! smalle/ poppy is ?9e1 ,jonas1 ,naomi told him1 b ?\ mu/ t\* x n4 ,come n[ ) me & see ! pigeons4 ,beh9d ! h\se1 a /ep out ( ! g>d51 /ood a dove-cote made ( mud4 ,inside 7 two wide-m\!d e>!n j>s t s]v$ z ne/+-boxes4 ,! pigeons 7 /epp+ maje/ically ab\t on ! gr\nd1 ! sun t\*+ _! s(t gray fea!rs ) blue & gre5 & rose4 ,jonas made sev]al lunges at !m 9 ! hope ( captur+ a new play?+1 b he succe$$ only 9 /ubb+ 8 toe & sitt+ d[n h>d ^u ! gr\nd4 ,no1 nei!r mu/ ?\ t\* !m1 said ,naomi1 help+ him t5d]ly to 8 feet & bru%+ (f ! dirt4 ,x seems to me t !re are a great _m ?+s t ?\ mu/ n t\*4 ,b ,i "k some?+ t ?\ can/ d4 ,x is my secret1 b ,i d n m9d tell+ !e because ?\ can/ n talk4 ,?\ may/ help me dig a well6 ,naomi's voice sank my/]i\sly z %e guid$ ! tott]+ ,jonas back into ! g>d5 & ov] to a b>e spot ( gr\nd beh9d ! l>ge/ ( ! myrtle bu%es4 ,sit ye d[n1 ,jonas1 said ,naomi1 s9k+ cross-legg$ to ! gr\nd4 ,i mean to dig ! well "h1 x w be s h&y = ,"m4 ,!n nev] w %e h to walk d[n to ! f\nta9 unless %e likes4 ,y take t /ick & ,i w use ?is "o4 ,= a few mom5ts ! little girl work$ indu/ri\sly1 loos5+ ! dry sun-bak$ soil1 :ile ,jonas scrat*$ vigor\sly ) 8 %>p-po9t$ /ick4 ,x is h>d "w1 ,jonas1 sigh$ ,naomi1 paus+ to %ake back h] curls4 ,b x w be wor? x :5 once ! well is made4 ,x w be call$ ',naomi's well' = me1 & ye>s & ye>s f n[ my great-great-gr&*ildr5 w be pr\d ( me because ,i made x4 ,& :5 ,i am an old woman1 all ?9 & br[n & dri$-up l lame ,eno*'s gr&mo!r1 ,i w say to my gr&*ildr51 all /&+ r\nd & li/5+ to e ^w ,i say--,i w say1 ',gr&*ildr51 ,i well rememb] ! day ?y de> uncle--t is ?\1 ,jonas--& ,i dug ?is'--,oh6 ,oh6 ,& ,naomi scream$ al\d & jump$ to h] feet4 ,some?+ cold & wet _h be5 plac$ aga9/ ! back ( h] neck1 & little %iv]s 7 runn+ ov] h] z %e turn$ & saw h] bro!r ,ezra beh9d h]1 smil+ at h] fright4 ,9 8 arms he held a small :ite lamb1 & x 0 ?is little animal's nose t _h be5 press$ to ,naomi's neck1 & t _h br\ght h] day-dream+ to su* an abrupt close4 ,wilt ?\ n tell ! gr&*ildr5 any?+ ab\t _! de> ,uncle ,ezra8 inquir$ ,ezra ) a comical look4 ,:o %>p5$ ^? /icks = !e1 ,i w\ld fa9 "k1 & ?\ did/ n ev5 tell me :at use !y 7 =4 ,h[ do/ ?\ ?9k ! gr&*ildr5 w\ld l to he> t8 ,h[ unk9d ?\ art to li/5 & !n laugh at me1 said ,naomi1 putt+ out h] "u lip4 ,i w\ld h told !e1 ,ezra1 ab\t ! well only x 0 a secret4 ,d n tell ,"m1 wilt ?\8 ,i w\ld fa9 surprise h]4 ,promise ?\ wilt n tell1 ,ezra6 ,promise6 ,& ,naomi laid an implor+ h& ^u h] bro!r's arm4 ,ezra's only answ] 0 to laugh & %ake 8 head4 ,?\gh he _h no int5tion ( tell+1 he want$ to tease ,naomi a little be=e mak+ any promises4 ,he 0 fond ( 8 little si/]1 & 0 f> m g5tle & k9dly ?an _m ano!r bro!r w\ld h be5 9 ^? days 9 old ,pale/9e4 ,= 9 ! ,jewi% family1 girls 7 n valu$ s highly z boys1 & 7 made to feel _! unimportance 9 _m ways t w\ld be highly displeas+ to little si/]s ( to-day4 ,girls 7 taught to wait ^u _! bro!rs & to treat !m ) respect4 ,x 0 impress$ ^u !m t ! duty ( a girl 0 to be useful & mode/ & quiet1 & t h] *ief pleasure %\ld lie 9 mak+ home happy & com=table = h] fa!r & bro!rs4 ,b 9 ! h\sehold ( ,samuel ! weav]1 ,naomi's lot _h n be5 q t ( ! ord9>y ,jewi% girl4 ,h] fa!r 0 pr\d ( 8 bright1 lovable little daught] & _h made h] 8 special pet4 ,h] "m1 :o _h be5 well taught by h] own "m1 a wise woman ( h] day1 0 c>eful t ,naomi seldom miss$ ! daily lesson t kept ! little girl1 to h] great delight1 only a %ort way beh9d ,ezra on ! h>d road ( k4 ,s ,ezra1 ?\gh he felt 8 sup]iority z a boy & ! fir/-born ( 8 family1 c\ld n long resi/ ,naomi's plead+ glance nor ! pressure ( h] little br[n h&4 ,:at wilt ?\ give me if ,i d n tell8 ask$ ,ezra1 n wi%+ to seem to rel5t too quickly4 ,! fir/ bright %ekel ,i f9d 9 ! highway1 answ]$ ,naomi saucily4 ,%e 0 smil+ n[1 & h] h& 0 g5tly /rok+ ! little lamb's nose4 ,:at lamb is ?is1 ,ezra8 %e ask$4 ,& :y ha/ ?\ br\ght x home8 ,x seems sleepy1 poor little creature4 ,look1 its eyes are half %ut4 ,x is "o ( ! ,temple flock1 answ]$ ,ezra1 look+ d[n at ! quiet little animal 9 8 arms4 ,b x has a blemi%4 ,x runs on ?ree legs1 & x does n see v well4 ,!y w n keep x 9 ! flock--x is n fit = ,temple use--& %eph]d ,eli gave x to me ?is aft]noon = my own4 ,i help$ him f9d an old ewe t _h caught h] foot betwe5 two /ones1 & :5 ,i 0 leav+ he gave me ! lamb4 ,by ! ,temple flock ,ezra meant ! %eep t 7 de/9$ to be us$ z sacrifices 9 ! great ,temple at ,j]usalem1 & :i* 7 encamp$ all ! ye> r\nd on ! hills outside ! city4 ,! %eph]ds ( ! flock 7 fri5dly to ! boy1 :o decl>$ he meant :5 a man to be a ,temple %eph]d himself4 ,ezra sp5t mo/ ( 8 sp>e "t ) !m1 help+ !m 9 _! "w & li/5+ ) delight to _! ?rill+ /ories ( enc\nt]s ) wolves & jackals4 ,_m ( ! %eph]ds 7 fri5ds ( 8 fa!r1 = bo? 7 connect$ ) ! ,temple1 s9ce ,samuel ! weav] sp5t 8 days1 9 common ) a numb] ( o!rs 9 ,be?lehem1 9 mak+ ! gorge\s curta9s & veils t 7 us$ 9 ! sacr$ build+4 ,/& up1 ,?ree ,legs1 said ,ezra1 putt+ 8 lamb on ! gr\nd & %[+ ,naomi its pitifully %runk5 limb4 ,9 nam+ x ,?ree ,legs ,ezra 0 foll[+ ! cu/om ( ! %eph]ds :o call$ _! *>ges by any peculi>ity !y might possess1 su* z ,black ,e> or ,long ,tail4 ,i mean to make a little wagon & tea* ,?ree ,legs to draw x4 ,& if he is n able to d t1 ,i %all sell him = :atev] ,i c get4 ,oh1 no1 ,ezra1 said ,naomi ^: t5d] he>t 0 t\*$ by ! =lorn little animal4 ,he is sick1 he is n able to draw a wagon4 ,give him to me & let me take c>e ( him4 ,ezra %ook 8 head4 ,i w sell him fir/1 said he ) det]m9ation4 ,i w n give him away4 ,sell him to me6 cri$ ,naomi2 sell him to me6 ,! lamb _h toppl$ ov] 9 a little heap & 0 look+ pati5tly & ) half-clos$ eyes into ,naomi's face b5t above him4 ,x seem$ to ! little girl t %e w\ld gladly give h] de>e/ possession if %e might h ! lamb = h] own to nurse & c>e =4 ,sell him to me1 ,ezra4 ,i w give !e any?+ ?\ may/ ask4 ,:at ha/ ?\ to give8 ask$ ,ezra %rewdly4 ,he felt sure ! lamb c\ld nev] draw a wagon1 & ! prospect ( sell+ a sick animal 0 small4 ,any?+ ?\ may/ ask1 0 ,naomi's reckless answ]4 ,! lamb _h put out a limp p9k tongue & 0 lick+ h] f+]s4 ,?y poppies8 ,ezra _h he>d 8 aunt say t v day1 ,i ne$ poppies sorely = my brew = ! palsy1 & n a s+le "o has bloom$ 9 ! khan g>d5 ?is ye>4 ,surely f\r poppies w\ld be wor? a ri* cake or two1 or p]haps ev5 a piece ( money4 ,my poppies8 ,naomi look$ agha/4 ,my poppies8 ,all f\r8 ,:y1 !re is j "o apiece6 ,fa!r & ,"m1 ?\ & ,jonas6 ,my poppies8 ,! lamb /irr$ & ) a little sigh ( cont5t snuggl$ 8 nose into ! palm ( ,naomi's h&4 ,take !m6 ,naomi /ood up & ga!r$ ! lamb 9 h] arms4 ,take !m1 only let me n see !e4 ,%e turn$ h] back ^u ,ezra & %ut h] eyes4 ,quickly he ga!r$ ! fl[]s & ran out ( ! g>d54 ,naomi op5$ h] eyes4 ,%e gave "o look at h] despoil$ fl[]-b$ & b5t aga9 ov] ! lamb4 ,i am glad1 ,?ree ,legs1 said %e w>mly4 ,?\ art mu* bett] ?an _m poppies1 ?\ poor little creature1 & ,i am glad ,i did x4 ,i am glad6 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,,"o ,,sabba? ,x 0 ,sabba? morn+1 & ,naomi & h] "m & ,ezra 7 on _! way to ! synagogue4 ,!y *ose back /reets z !y w5t1 & !y met only wom5 & *ildr5 on _! way1 = ! front roads on ! ,sabba? day 7 giv5 up to ! m54 ,naomi 0 happy z %e walk$ quietly along hold+ fa/ to h] "m's h&1 = %e wore h] new hyac9?-blue robe t h] "m _h spun & h] fa!r _h wov5 = h]4 ,ezra _h o!r ?\ghts1 & pres5tly he :isp]$ 9 ,naomi's e>3 ,9 two ye>s' "t ,i %all be a ,son ( ! ,law1 & !n ,i %all sit on ! m5's side 9 ! synagogue1 & walk on ! front /reets on ,sabba?4 ,?\ & ,"m w h to come alone4 ,naomi %ook h] head4 ,jonas w walk ) u !n1 %e :isp]$ back4 ,boa/]6 ,%e did n really blame ,ezra = 8 lordly words & air1 = %e knew h[ e ,jewi% boy look$ =w>d to :at 0 call$ 8 ,day ( ,fre$om1 :5 by a prie/ 9 ! synagogue he 0 made a ,son ( ! ,law4 ,!n he w\ld be no long] a *ild1 b a "y man4 ,8 s*ool days w\ld be ov]4 ,he w\ld *oose a trade & beg9 to e>n 8 own liv+4 ,b x 0 a com=t to ,naomi to ?9k t1 ) ,ezra gone1 little ,jonas w\ld trot along by h] side1 & %e 0 ?9k+ ( baby ,jonas1 left e ,sabba? morn+ 9 ! c>e ( lame ,eno*'s old gr&mo!r1 n[ gr[n too feeble to climb ! hill to ! synagogue1 :5 ,aunt ,miriam ov]took !m4 ,aunt ,miriam's husb&1 ,simon1 0 a weal?y man 9 ! village ( ,be?lehem4 ,he 0 ! own] ( ! gue/-h\se or khan t /ood a little bel[ ! t[n on ! way lead+ d[n into ,egypt1 & :i* 0 believ$ to h be5 ! dwell+ ( ,boaz & ,ru?1 & ! bir?-place ( ,k+ ,david himself4 ,to-day ,aunt ,miriam wore a robe ( f9e l951 cov]$ ) a wide cloak ( black & :ite /ripes1 & h] e>r+s & bracelets t9kl$ at e /ep4 ,on week-days ! *ildr5 knew h] to be bu/l+ & *atty & fond ( a je/4 ,b ! ,sabba? saw h] a diff]5t woman4 ,/ately & dignifi$ %e walk$ beside !m n[1 h] br[n eyes gaz+ f> away & full ( holy ?\ght4 ,! *ildr5 felt aw$ & %y ) h] z !y might ) a /rang]4 ,ezra /opp$ 8 :isp]+4 ,naomi glanc$ timidly up1 h] head held sideways l a little bird4 ,h[ good ,aunt ,miriam is6 %e mus$4 ,b h] aunt's ?\ghts w&]$ = a mom5t f _! pi\s m$itations4 ,sudd5ly %e loos5$ ! veil t 0 pull$ across h] face & spoke briefly to ,naomi's "m4 ,i %all come to see !e to-night aft] sund[n4 ,i g to ,j]usalem to-morr[1 & !re may be room 9 ! c>t = a c]ta9 good little maid4 ,naomi's he>t leap$4 ,did ,aunt ,miriam mean h]8 ,:at o!r little girl might %e take ) h]8 ,b %e _h said a good little maid1 & ,naomi rememb]$ ) a pang ( regret h[ %e & ,ezra _h qu>rel$ ye/]day1 & _h n ceas$ _! bick]+ until at sunset ! ?ree bla/s ( ! silv] trumpet1 bl[n by ! prie/ on ! synagogue ro(1 _h rem9d$ !m t ,sabba? eve _h come4 ,%e long$ to ask outright3 ,do/ ?\ mean to take me to ,j]usalem ) !e1 ,aunt ,miriam8 ,b !y _h rea*$ ! flat-ro($ little synagogue1 & once inside ! gate ! *ildr5 sil5tly foll[$ _! "m & aunt into ! wom5's c\rt & seat$ !mselves on ! mats t cov]$ ! /one floor4 ,naomi's m9d 0 s occupi$ by ! ?\ght ( a possible trip to ,j]usalem t %e =got to peep1 accord+ to h] wont1 ?r\gh ! lattice t sep>at$ ! m5's c\rt f t ( ! wom51 9 ! hope ( see+ h] fa!r4 ,%e usually wat*$ ) int]e/ :ile ! sacr$ ,rolls 7 tak5 f _! curta9$ %r9e1 be=e :i* burn$ ! holy lamp1 & _! out] cov] ( gold-embroid]$ silk & inn] cov] ( l95 remov$4 ,b ?is morn+ %e sc>cely he>d ! voice ( ! visit+ rabbi :o read ! lesson = ! day1 & h] "m 0 oblig$ to twit* h] vigor\sly :51 dur+ ! pray]s1 ! congregation rose to _! feet & turn$ t[>d ! ,holy ,city4 ,! ,sabba? day seem$ endless to ! eag] little girl4 ,all "w & play 7 =bidd54 ,no fire might be light$1 no b$ made4 ,naomi _h be5 well taught 9 ! ,law4 ,%e knew t x w\ld be s9ful = h] ev5 to c>ry a h&k]*ief tuck$ 9 h] belt4 ,& s surely n until ,sabba? 0 ov] w\ld ! trip to ,j]usalem be discuss$4 ,%e sat alone 9 ! %ade ( ! fig-tree t grew beside _! door1 & wi%$ t %e might see h] fri5ds ,ra*el & ,rebekah to tell !m ! good news4 ,%e wat*$ ! great sun flame ?r\gh ! bright ,syrian sky until h] eyes burn$ & a*$1 b /ill x 0 n sund[n4 ,at la/ %e curl$ h]self up on ! floor ( ! h\se ) heavy-ey$ ,?ree ,legs at h] side & fell asleep4 ,:5 %e woke x 0 ! ,fir/ ,wat* ( ! ,ev5+1 six o'clock1 & ! crimson sun 0 s9k+ out ( sight beh9d ! ,judean hills4 ,naomi sprang up & ran into ! g>d54 ,!re on ! b5* "u ! orange-tree sat h] fa!r & "m & ,aunt ,miriam4 ,aunt ,miriam 0 talk+4 ,& s1 s9ce ,simon is /ill sick ) a heavy summ] cold1 no?+ w d b ,i mu/ ride to ,j]usalem to-morr[ ) ! load ( grapes1 %e 0 say+4 ,simon _h l>ge v9ey>ds & own$ _m olive-trees1 beside be+ ho/ at ! inn4 ,to be sure1 ,jacob is a good s]v+-lad & manages well )\t 8 ma/]4 ,b !re is no "o1 aft] himself1 :o makes a bett] b>ga9 ?an ,i1 ,simon says1 & s ,i mu/ ride ) ! fruit to see t ju/ice is done my "l ,simon 9 ! trade4 ,"h ,aunt ,miriam laugh$ s he>tily t ,samuel & 8 wife 7 =c$ to smile 9 sympa?y4 ,b ,samuel 0 n altoge!r pleas$ ) ,aunt ,miriam's little joke ab\t h] husb&1 :o 0 9 tru? h] "l & ma/] & wor?y ( h] deepe/ respect4 ,he *ang$ ! subject by ask+3 ,& :at does ! physician say ( ,simon8 ,he recomm5d$ t he kiss ! nose ( a mule1 ,aunt ,miriam answ]$ gravely4 ,to h] & to h] audi5ce !re 0 no?+ amus+ ab\t ?is prescription4 ,/rang] rem$ies ?an t _h be5 ord]$ by ! wise doctors ( ! day3 a bro? ( beetle's legs1 crab's eyes1 ! heads ( mice1 bruis$ flies to cure ! /+ ( a hornet6 ,b 9 spite ( ?is1 %e cont9u$1 he is /ill flat on 8 back1 groan+ ) a*es & pa9s4 ,s1 to-morr[1 ,jacob & ,i />t at sunrise ) ! bullock c>t1 & no d\bt !re w be room among ! baskets ( grapes = ,naomi1 if ?\ wilt p]mit h] to g4 ,naomi1 at h] fa!r's elb[1 glanc$ implor+ly into 8 face1 b %e did n speak a ^w4 ,h] "m1 f ! end ( ! b5*1 smil$ hopefully at ! little girl1 b %e1 too1 wait$ 9 def]5t sil5ce until1 to ,naomi's great relief1 h] fa!r gave a nod ( cons5t4 ,x is k9d ( !e1 si/] ,miriam1 said he1 putt+ 8 arm ab\t ,naomi & draw+ h] to 8 side1 to ?9k ( giv+ our little daught] ?is pleasure4 ,naomi mu/ be good & ob$i5t & n make h]self tr\blesome 9 any way1 said h] "m w>n+ly1 lean+ =w>d to pull ,naomi's little robe /raight4 ,?y aunt w be occupi$ ) h] bus9ess1 ,naomi1 & ?\ mu/ be z quiet z a m\se s t %e w n regret t ?\ art ) h]4 ,nev] fe> t1 said ,aunt ,miriam he>tily1 ,naomi is z de> to me z my own4 ,i %all n be s busy t %e w h to play m\se all day4 ,%e %all see some?+ ( ! city1 & eat a good d9n] at ! h\se ( ,simon's si/] ,anna1 & make fri5ds1 p]haps1 ) ,anna's little ,m>?a :o is j h] age4 ,i w be quiet1 promis$ ,naomi1 h] face bright ) smiles4 ,i w be good4 ,i w n speak a ^w nor /ir all day long4 ,great are ?y promises1 ,naomi1 answ]$ ,aunt ,miriam1 ris+ to g & lay+ a k9dly h& ^u ! curly head ( h] niece4 ,i w give !e a hot breakfa/ at ! khan to /ay !e on ?y j\rney1 s be n late4 ,we />t at sunrise6 ,oh1 ,fa!r1 cri$ ,naomi1 ?r[+ h] arms ab\t h] fa!r's neck1 h[ good ,i mean to be always aft] ?is6 ,do/ ?9k ,i %all see ! ,temple8 ,&1 ,"m1 :i* am ,i to we>--my new blue robe or my yell[ & r$ /rip$ "o8 ,i am really to g to ,j]usalem6 ,oh1 :at w ,ezra say :5 he he>s ! good news ,i h to tell6 ,! next morn+ at daybreak1 :5 ! purple %ad[s lay heavily 9 ! ea/ & ! sky 0 /ill gray ov]head1 ,naomi1 we>+ a gay little cloak ( sc>let ov] h] be/ blue robe1 ran ha/ily d[n ! /ony road t l$ to ! ,be?lehem khan4 ,! dr[sy gate-keep] _h already unlock$ ! heavy t[n gates1 = day beg9s e>ly 9 hot c\ntries1 & at sight ( ,naomi1 :om he knew well1 he utt]$ a sleepy ,peace be ) !e6 z a morn+ greet+4 ,) !e be peace6 pip$ ,naomi 9 return4 ,oh1 ,na?an1 ,i g to-day to ,j]usalem ) my ,aunt ,miriam4 ,?is v day ,i g6 ,old ,na?an nodd$ 8 head solemnly & mutt]$ 9 8 be>d4 ,beautiful = situation1 ! joy ( ! :ole e>? is ,m\nt ,zion1 respond$ ! pi\s old ,jew4 ,b ,naomi 0 half-way d[n ! hill & did n he> "o ^w4 ,!re be=e h] at ! crossroads /ood ! old khan1 ) its great wall ( /one & its /\t gate beh9d :i* all night long sat a wat*man on ! al]t4 ,bel[ ! inn lay ! v fields among :i* ,ru?1 long1 long ago1 _h glean$ ! gold5 corn1 & :]e lat] ,k+ ,david z a %eph]d lad _h t5d$ 8 flock4 ,naomi slipp$ ?r\gh ! op5 gate into ! c\rty>d ( ! khan & /ood = a mom5t wat*+ ! bu/le & confusion ( ! sc5e be=e h]4 ,9 ! c5t] ( ! c\rt 0 ! f\nta91 & r\nd x n[ cr[d$ ! pilgrims & travel]s1 draw+ wat] = ! morn+ meal or 9 :i* to wa% be=e eat+4 ,! ar*ways :i* l9$ ! wall =m$ ! rooms ( ! anci5t inn1 = ! build+ at ! end ( ! c\rt 9 :i* ,simon ! ho/ & ,aunt ,miriam liv$ 0 n op5 to /rang]s4 ,%elt] & food 7 n provid$ )94 ,ea* man 9 8 little ar*way mu/ spread 8 own c>pet1 light 8 own brazi]1 cook 8 own food1 & eat f 8 own di%4 ,a ,syrian khan ( t p]iod 0 n at all l ! inns ( our day4 ,x 0 expect$ to supply no?+ b wat] & /raw = a b$4 ,x 0 a refuge f ?ieves & wild animals1 a %elt] f heat & du/1 a spot :]e a trad] might sell 8 w>es4 ,naomi look$ ) int]e/ at ! pati5t camels already kneel+ to receive _! load1 p]haps ( preci\s o9tm5t or sweet spices4 ,"h 7 ! m]*ants spread+ _! w>es3 gold "w f ,cairo2 %awls ( ,tyrian dye1 royal purple or sc>let2 ri* p]fumes 9 _! vases ( alaba/]1 l>ge & small4 ,9 "o corn] a gr\p ( dogs1 snapp+ & sn>l+1 qu>rel$ ov] a bone4 ,a c>avan 0 />t+ = ,egypt1 & z ! ,be?lehem khan 0 ! fir/ night's re/ aft] leav+ ,zion1 _m fri5ds ( ! travel]s _h come ) !m f ,j]usalem & 7 n[ sorr[fully say+ _! la/ f>ewells4 ,naomi /ood wat*+ an old fa!r t5d]ly kiss 8 dep>t+ son ^u ei!r *eek & !n lay 8 h& ^u ! boy's head 9 bless+4 ,a little lad1 c>ry+ 8 pet monkey1 0 lift$ to ! back ( a camel1 & ,naomi 0 />+ s int5tly t %e did n see ! s]v+-lad ,jacob until he 0 close ^u h]4 ,?y aunt calls = !e1 said he to ,naomi4 ,! c>t /&s ready load$ & we />t z soon z ?\ ha/ eat54 ,i w\ld t we 7 go+ d[n into ,egypt1 ,jacob1 said ,naomi1 skipp+ t[>d ! h\se z %e spoke4 ,to ride to ,j]usalem is no?+4 ,we %all be back to-morr[ 9 ?is v spot4 ,aye1 if ! robb]s d n cat* u1 answ]$ ,jacob1 wagg+ 8 head wisely4 ,x 0 ! fir/ "t he _h be5 tru/$ to ride to ,j]usalem ) a load1 & ! responsibility weigh$ heavily ^u him4 ,robb]s8 ,aunt ,miriam1 w !re be robb]s on ! way to-day1 ?9k y8 ,aunt ,miriam paus$ 9 h] brisk /epp+ ab\t ! room4 ,"h is a b[l ( hot pottage & a w>m cake = !e1 ,naomi4 ,eat all ( x1 %e comm&$4 ,& talk n to me ( robb]s4 ,9 tru?1 !re are z _m robb]s 9 ! khan at ,be?lehem z ^u ! l5g? ( ,j]usalem highway4 ,! c>avan to ,egypt w pay = /raw = six camels & t5 mules1 w !y1 :5 ,i myself c\nt$ no less ?an tw5ty animals 9 _! tra98 ,jacob1 br+ hi!r ! lead] ( ! c>avan t ,i may talk ) him4 ,robb]s1 inde$6 ,robb]s6 ,aunt ,miriam's r$ *eeks & fla%+ eyes bod$ ill = ! lead] ( ! c>avan = ,egypt4 ,naomi ate h] l5til pottage & mun*$ h] cake leisurely 9 a quiet corn]1 b %e _h long f9i%$ h] meal :5 ,aunt ,miriam 0 at la/ satisfi$ & ready to />t4 ,! bullock c>t /ood load$ ) baskets pil$ high ) great bun*es ( purple grapes4 ,ov] !m 7 spread ! dewy gre5 leaves ( ! v9e to protect ! fruit f ! sun & to keep x fre% & moi/4 ,aunt ,miriam1 ) a sigh ( relief1 settl$ h]self 9 place 9 ! front ( ! c>t4 ,naomi 0 tuck$ into a com=table corn] betwe5 two great br[n baskets ( wov5 ru%es4 ,jacob1 /&+ at ! cattle's head1 crack$ 8 long :ip1 ! animals /ra9$ =w>d1 ! c>t :eels creak$ & turn$1 & !y 7 (f = ,j]usalem4 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,,! ,,trip ,,to ,,j]usalem ,! road to ,j]usalem /ret*$ :ite & hot 9 ! blaz+ sun%9e4 ,! deep blue sky 0 )\t a cl\d1 & ! insects1 hidd5 9 ! roadside grass1 humm$ 9 ! heat4 ,a cl\d ( du/ 9 ! di/ance told t ! ?ree ,roman soldi]s :o1 only a mom5t ago1 x seem$1 _h gallop$ pa/ ! sl[ly mov+ ox c>t1 7 ne>+ _! de/9ation1 ! ,holy ,city4 ,naomi _h wat*$ ! glitt] ( _! helmets & ! fla%+ ( _! bright lances ) ! same int]e/ %e _h giv5 to a /r+ ( melan*oly gray camels l$ along ! road by a c\ntry lad 9 8 cool :ite tunic & broad r$ lea!r belt4 ,ev]y?+ 0 int]e/+ ?is morn+ to ,naomi4 ,%e />$ at ! du/y gray olive-trees1 ! %abby scrub oaks1 ! l[-bran*$ sycamores z if %e _h n be5 famili> ) !m all h] life4 ,to-day ! birds seem$ to d>t ab\t m swiftly & to utt] sweet] songs z !y flew4 ,! few %eep %e spi$ nibbl+ ! sp>se grass on ! rocky hillsides 7 surely :it] ?an ^? at home4 ,! field fl[]s1 ) faces upturn$ to ! bright sun1 gl[$ ) spl5did color4 ,! :ole _w 0 glad to-day4 ,!y are all happy because ,i am happy1 mus$ ,naomi1 smil+ at h] own ?\ght4 ,%e glanc$ at ,jacob plodd+ cont5t$ly along beside 8 bea/s1 at ,aunt ,miriam :o sat sil5t1 h] usually busy h&s fold$ 9 h] lap1 enjoy+ ?is little re/ f h] _m h\sehold c>es4 ,tap1 tap1 tap6 ,naomi pe]$ ab\t1 & ,aunt ,miriam sat up /raight at ?is s\nd ^u ! road4 ,tap1 tap1 tap6 ,n[ ! %uffl+ ( cauti\s feet 0 to be he>d1 too4 ,d[n ! ,j]usalem highway came six m5 walk+ 9 s+le file1 ea* ) a /aff 9 h& & ! o!r h& re/+ ^u ! %\ld] ( ! man be=e him4 ,!y 7 all bl9d6 ,ev5 _! guide1 :o tapp$ ! gr\nd z he walk$1 0 sightless1 ! bl9d lead+ ! bl9d4 ,naomi />$ curi\sly4 ,%e _h (t5 se5 z _m z a doz5 bl9d m5 walk+ 9 su* a r[1 & !y 7 always to be f\nd by ! wayside or ne> ! village gates at home1 9 company ) ! lame & ! helpless1 hold+ out a little b[l = money or food4 ,jacob6 call$ ,aunt ,miriam4 ,%e took a piece ( money f h] purse1 securely fa/5$ 9 h] belt1 & ,jacob1 )\t be+ told1 dropp$ x 9 ! b[l ( ! bl9d lead]4 ,he 0 accu/om$ to ! *>ity ( 8 good ma/] & mi/ress4 ,_h n ,moses ! ,lawgiv] bade ^? :o fe> _! ,god h sympa?y = ! bl9d8 ,! bl9d m5 at s\nd ( ! c>t _h drawn up by ! side ( ! road1 & n[ !y lean$ ^u _! /affs & turn$ _! sightless faces t[>d _! unse5 b5efactress4 ,!y 7 glad ( an excuse to re/ & also to talk1 = "t meant little to !m1 & !y lik$ no?+ bett] ?an to rec\nt1 ea* "o1 ! detail$ hi/ory ( 8 mis=tune4 ,b ,aunt ,miriam did n mean to sp5d sev]al h\rs ?is morn+ 9 idle talk ^u ! highway4 ,%e motion$ ,jacob to move on1 & 9 response to ! ?anks & bless+s %[]$ ^u h] = h] gift1 %e call$3 ,peace be unto !e1 fri5ds6 ,we ha/5 on to ,j]usalem be=e ! sun m\nts high4 ,may all good ?+s await !e 9 ,be?lehem6 ,up ! /eep hill climb$ ! bullock c>t1 & once r\nd ! curve 9 ! road ,aunt ,miriam po9t$4 ,naomi--! ,city6 %e said4 ,see ! ,temple6 ,h[ x gleams6 ,high above ! flat ro(s & massive walls ( ,j]usalem %one ! great gold & :ite ,temple ( ! ,hebrews4 ,! little p>ty halt$ at ! sight4 ,aunt ,miriam's lips mov$ 9 pray]4 ,naomi 0 sil5t z %e gaz$4 ,%e recall$ ! l9es 9 "o ( ! hymns h] "m _h taught h]3 ,we h ?\ght on ?y lov+k9dness1 ,o ,god1 9 ! mid/ ( ?y temple4 ,to ! pi\s little ,jewi% girl !re c\ld be no m beautiful nor inspir+ sight ?an t ( ! sacr$ ,temple set 9 ! mid/ ( ! ,holy ,city4 ,%e kept a rev]5t sil5ce until !y rea*$ ! ,be?lehem gate :]e ent]$ all ! trade & travel f ,egypt & ! sea4 ,b once ,naomi 0 lift$ d[n f ! c>t1 & plac$ 9 ! %ade ( ! huge gateway to wait ) ,aunt ,miriam :ile ,jacob ju/ifi$ _! pres5ce 9 ! city to ! haughty ,roman gu>d1 h] tongue wagg$ on z m]rily z be=e4 ,we h no wat*-t[] l ?is "o on our gateway at home1 ,aunt ,miriam1 %e obs]v$1 glanc+ up & d[n & r\ndab\t4 ,i suppose t t5 soldi]s c\ld /& 9 ?is "o at once if !y lik$4 ,h] aunt nodd$ abs5tly4 ,h] ?\ghts 7 ) ,jacob1 /ill talk+ ) ! ,roman gu>d4 ,%e hop$ !re w\ld be no tr\ble on ?is day ( all days :5 ,simon 0 n ) !m4 ,wilt ?\ buy me a dr9k1 ,aunt ,miriam8 ,naomi ask$ next4 ,n ( wat]1 b ( honey ( w9e4 ,! wat]-c>ri]s 7 r\gh-look+ be>d$ m5 :o ran ab\t 9 %ort frocks1 %\t+ & rattl+ _! brass cups1 ) d+y goatsk9 bottles la%$ ^u _! backs4 ,naomi 0 afraid ( !m4 ,%e lik$ f> bett] ! r[ ( peasant wom5 ) grape juice to sell1 :o sat aga9/ ! wall & call$ out3 ,honey ( w9e6 ,:o w buy8 ,honey ( w9e6 ,ho1 e "o t is a?ir/1 come6 ,buy & dr9k6 ,honey ( w9e6 ,a mom5t lat] %e _h =gott5 t %e 0 ?ir/y & 0 wat*+ two poor wom5 :o sat 9 a corn] on ! gr\nd gr9d+ at a /one mill4 ,ne> by /ood a man sell+ ! cakes new made f ! meal ! wom5 _h gr\nd4 ,x 0 h>d "w turn+ ! h&les t press$ ! meal betwe5 ! upp] & ne!r mill/ones1 & ! wom5 work$ we>ily4 ,h[ sl[ !y are6 said ,naomi scornfully4 ,i c\ld "w mu* fa/] ?an !y1 c\ld ,i n1 ,aunt ,miriam8 ,c\ld ,i n gr9d fa/ if ,i tri$8 ,naomi's aunt did n answ]4 ,) a g5tle h& %e pu%$ ! little girl back aga9/ ! wall4 ,/& !re1 ?\ *att]+ sp>r[1 said %e ) a smile1 & hold ?y peace4 ,"h comes "o ,solomon ! goldbeat]1 ?y ,uncle ,simon's fri5d4 ,! load ( grapes 0 br\ght "h at 8 ord]1 & x is my task to-day to see t he (f]s a fair price = !m4 ,peace6 ,x seem$ a long "t to ,naomi t ,solomon ! goldbeat] & ,jacob ! s]v+-lad1 /&+ at a little di/ance f ! wall1 haggl$ ov] ! load ( grapes4 ,b at la/ ,jacob came to report to 8 mi/ress ! sum (f]$1 & s9ce %e 0 satisfi$ ! b>ga9 0 soon made4 ,!n up !y w5t ?r\gh ! n>r[ d+y /reets ) _! ov]hang+ h\ses t made a pleasant %ade1 pa/ ! qu>t]s ( ! t9smi?s & ! jewel]s1 ! tailors & ! s&al-mak]s4 ,naomi look$ eag]ly 9 at ! gay baza>s pil$ high ) f9e l95s & embroid]ies1 ri* sc>ves & veils1 spices & c(fee1 dri$ fruits & nuts4 ,on !y w5t1 pa/ ! /reet ( ! pott]s :]e any?+ might be b\ght1 f wat]-j>s z tall z ,naomi h]self to ! t9y cup-%ap$ ,virg9's lamps :i*1 fill$ ) sweet oil1 7 c>ri$ by ! ,jewi% girls4 ,look well ab\t !e1 *ild1 in/ruct$ ,aunt ,miriam f beh9d h] veil4 ,we %all n come ?is way aga94 ,i c tell x all n[ to ,ezra1 answ]$ ,naomi confid5tly4 ,i h n =gott5 a s+le sight4 ,s f> ,i lik$ x be/ ( all :5 ! great ,ph>isee gave alms to ! poor 9 ! m>ket-place j n[1 :5 we 7 wait+ !re = ,jacob4 ,i lik$ x :5 8 s]vant blew ^u ! trumpet1 & ! poor came hurry+1 & e "o turn$ to look4 ,& next be/ ,i lik$ ! cages ( sp>r[s = sale4 ,we h !m 9 ! m>ket-place at home1 b n s _m nor s fat4 ,& next-- ,& next1 int]rupt$ h] aunt ) a smile1 ?\ w\ld/ l ?y d9n]1 p]haps4 ,"h is ! home ( ,simon's si/] ,anna1 & v]ily ,i believe h] little ,m>?a is wat*+ = u ?r\gh ! wicket 9 ! gate4 ,little ,m>?a1 ) ! help ( ! port]1 ?rew op5 ! gate be=e ,aunt ,miriam c\ld say ano!r ^w1 & ,naomi /epp$ ?r\gh a passageway "u ! h\se into a c\rty>d ) a t9y f\nta9 play+ 9 ! c5t] & a palm gr[+ on ei!r side ( x4 ,little ,m>?a 0 z fair z ,naomi 0 d>k4 ,%e _h light r$di% hair & blue eyes1 & well pleas$ 0 h] "m t x %\ld be s1 = ?is 0 call$ ,k+ ,david's color+ & 0 suppos$ to h be5 t ( ! great ,k+ himself4 ,%e wore a s(t little robe ( :ite & a f9e gold *a9 ab\t h] neck4 ,%e joyfully l$ ! visitors to h] "m :o 0 wait+ = !m at ! end ( ! c\rt4 ,come 91 ?\ bless$ ( ! ,"l1 0 ! graci\s greet+ ,anna gave !m1 & %e u%]$ !m up ! /airs & into a room t actually _h two w9d[s cut 9 ! side4 ,!y 7 ! fir/ w9d[s ,naomi _h ev] look$ f1 & %e held tight to ! sill = fe> ( fall+ into ! /reet bel[4 ,i w\ld t ,i _h w9d[s 9 my h\se1 ?\ght ,naomi ruefully4 ,i w\ld be s pr\d if ,i 7 ,m>?a4 ,b !n %e has no bro!r ,ezra nor baby ,jonas to play ) h]4 ,9 spite ( ! w9d[s little ,m>?a did n seem at all pr\d4 ,%e help$ h] "m br+ b[ls ( wat] = ! gue/s to wa% 91 & :5 ! meal 0 ready %e patt$ ! plump cu%ions into %ape on ! divans plac$ be=e ! gayly pa9t$ table4 ,sit by me1 %e :isp]$ to ,naomi1 break+ (f a neat ?ree-corn]$ piece ( b>ley cake :i* 0 to s]ve ,naomi z knife & =k & spoon4 ,= d9n] !re 0 a di% ( "y kid /ew$ ) olives1 hot b>ley cakes1 fre% & dri$ fruit--apricots1 figs1 pomegranates--& a b[l ( amb] honey4 ,n an easy ?+ is x to s]ve "o's self ) neatness & dispat* )\t knife or =k1 & only "o's f+]s & a bit ( bread to rely ^u4 ,b ,naomi & ,m>?a 7 able to dip _! food f ! common di% ) a bit ( b>ley cake q z nicely z ! gr[n p did1 & !y sat quiet & respectful :ile ,aunt ,miriam told ( ,simon's illness & ! reason = ?is trip to ,j]usalem4 ,:5 ! meal 0 ov]1 ,m>?a ran = fre% b[ls ( wat]1 = ! ,jews 7 c>eful to wa% bo? be=e & aft] eat+1 & z ,naomi dabbl$ h] f+]s da9tily ,m>?a :isp]$ to h]3 ,"m says we are all to g ab\t ! twelf? h\r1 9 ! cool ( ! day1 to %[ !e ! ,temple & to see ,k+ ,h]od's g>d54 ,oh6 ,oh6 ,& %e squeez$ h] new fri5d's arm ) su* f]vor t ! pretty b[l 0 b>ely sav$ f fall+ to ! floor4 ,lat] 9 ! day :5 ! fir/ ev5+ breezes 7 drift+ d[n ! d>k rav9es t swept r\nd ! city1 ! little p>ty ( sight-se]s sl[ly climb$ ! /eep lanes t l$ t[>d ,m\nt ,moriah on :i* ! ,temple /ood4 ,built ( :ite m>ble & glitt]+ ) gold1 x dazzl$ ! eyes ( little village-br$ ,naomi & made h] he>t ?rill z %e gaz$ up ! flights ( /eps at ! v ,h\se ( ,god4 ,x 0 a flat-ro($1 oblong build+1 ?is ,temple ( ! ,hebrews1 divid$ )9 by a curta9 ( ! f9e/ "w into two great rooms1 ! ,holy ( ,holies & ! ,holy ,place4 ,! ,holy ( ,holies 0 ! dwell+-place ( ! ,mo/ ,high1 nev] to be trodd51 nev] to be se51 except ^u ! r>e/ occasions1 by mortal man4 ,x 0 n[ b>e & empty1 s9ce ! loss ye>s be=e1 9 ! w> ) ,babylon1 ( ! ,ark ) its ,m]cy ,seat & two gold5 *]ubim4 ,9 ! out] *amb]1 ! ,holy ,place1 ly+ to ! ea/1 /ood ! gold5 c&le/ick be>+ sev5 lamps1 ! gold5 table ( %ew bread ) its twelve loaves arrang$ 9 two r[s1 & ! gold5 ,alt> ( ,inc5se1 hav+ ?irte5 spices burn+ night & day to signify t all ! produce ( ! e>? belongs to ,god4 ,9 ! huge doorway ( ?is room1 :]e only ! prie/s might ent]1 & fac+ ! sunrise1 hung a second curta9 or veil ( f9e l95 ri*ly embroid]$ 9 blue & sc>let1 purple & flax4 ,^! colors 7 meant to be an image ( ! _w4 ,! sc>let repres5t$ fire1 ! flax e>?1 ! blue sky1 & ! purple sea4 ,along ! wall ran gold5 v9es & clu/]s ( ! grape1 ! typical plant ( ,israel4 ,all ?is ,naomi c\ld picture p]fectly s (t5 _h %e he>d x describ$1 b %e saw x ) ! eye ( h] m9d only1 = ! wom5 ( ,israel _h a c\rt set ap>t = !m _m flights bel[ ! ,temple build+ itself & at ! ea/ ( ! m5's ,c\rt ( ! ,israelites1 z x 0 call$4 ,m>?a /ood at ! little girl's elb[1 gaz+ ab\t1 too1 b n ) ! same eag] int]e/ t ,naomi %[$1 s9ce a visit to ! ,temple 0 no great r>ity to h]4 ,?\ %\ld/ see ! ,temple at ,passov]1 ,naomi1 %e murmur$2 ! cr[ds ( p1 & ! prie/s at sunrise ^u ! walls bl[+ a ?\s& silv] trumpets1 & ! long procession 9 ! /reets c>ry+ ! lambs = ! (f]+4 ,fa!r ha? promis$ to br+ u all next ,passov]1 ,naomi answ]$ happily4 ,b n[ ,i long mightily to see ! great ,alt> ( ,burnt ,(f]+ 9 ! ,c\rt ( ! ,prie/s4 ,x is made ( unhewn /one1 ,ezra says1 & !re1 too1 /&s ! bronze bas9 :]e ! prie/s wa% h&s & feet be=e ent]+ ! ,holy ,place4 ,ezra has le>n$ all ab\t x at s*ool4 ,i long to see x4 ,little ,m>?a %ook h] head4 ,nay1 %e murmur$ reprov+ly1 t is n a sight = me & !e4 ,i h se5 ! smoke ris+--t is all4 ,naomi />$ up at ! great gr\p ( build+s--c\rts1 halls1 cloi/]s1 t]races1 & walls1 topp$ by ! spl5did gold5 front ( ! ,holy ,place1 9 sil5t awe4 ,if once ,i %\ld lose sight ( ,aunt ,miriam1 %e ?\ght1 ,i might w&] ab\t "h = days & days & nev] f9d h] aga94 ,& %e took su* a firm hold ^u h] aunt's cloak t %e1 feel+ ! tug1 ?\ght ! little girl 0 impati5t to move on4 ,yes1 *ild1 yes1 said %e4 ,we g d[n n[ into ! ,c\rt ( ! ,g5tiles4 ,d ?\ & little ,m>?a walk on ahead4 ,pick ?y way c>efully1 = ?is flight ( /eps is /eep4 ,! ,c\rt ( ! ,g5tiles 0 op5 to ! m5 ( all nations1 s9ce x 0 n /rictly a "p ( ! ,temple4 ,x 0 a sort ( sacr$ m>ket-place1 & ,naomi & little ,m>?a1 z !y walk$ ab\t1 held tight to "o ano!r :5 !y pass$ ! p5s ( %eep & ox5 de/9$ to be burnt (f]+s1 & :i* 7 re/lessly %\ld]+ "o ano!r & l[+ & bleat+ z if 9 "s way !y s5s$ _! approa*+ doom4 ,"h ! sell] ( doves & pigeons kept 8 cotes1 = _m a wor%ip] c\ld n af=d to buy a kid or a lamb4 ,"h1 too1 7 ! boo?s & /alls ( ! money*ang]s :o did a brisk trade1 s9ce no co9 might be (f]$ 9 ! ,temple save ! sacr$ %ekel4 ,art ?\ ready at la/ to leave ! ,temple1 *ild8 ask$ ,aunt ,miriam1 com+ up beh9d ,naomi z %e /ood gaz+ 9 at a p5ful ( "y lambs4 ,wilt ?\ be able to tell all ?is to ,ezra1 ?9k y8 ,naomi nodd$ sl[ly4 ,%e 0 n li/5+ to :at h] aunt said4 ,%e 0 wond]+ :y at times ! %eep look$ s /rangely blurr$1 & :y little black specks seem$ to dance be=e h] eyes4 ,ov] !re is a little lamb t looks l my ,?ree ,legs1 ,aunt ,miriam1 said %e4 ,i am glad he is n "h1 %ut up 9 "o ( ^! great p5s1 & to die1 p]haps1 be=e ano!r day4 ,%e mov$ li/lessly along1 & :5 h] aunt took h] h& %e clung to h] s heavily t good ,aunt ,miriam /opp$ %ort on ! side ( ! hill4 ,:at ails !e1 *ild8 said %e1 b5d+ ov] ,naomi4 ,?\ art n l ?yself4 ,?9e eyes look /rangely heavy1 ev5 l ^? ( little ,?ree ,legs4 ,art ?\ ill8 ,nay1 said ,naomi crossly4 ,surely to h sudd5 pa9s %oot ?r\gh "o's eyes 0 n to be ill4 ,i w\ld see ! g>d5s ( ,k+ ,h]od4 ,t is :at ,i want4 ,! *ild is we>y1 said little ,m>?a's "m k9dly4 ,%e has _h a long j\rney to-day besides ?is visit to ! ,temple4 ,! g>d5s ( ,k+ ,h]od w wait = !e1 ,naomi1 until ano!r "t :5 ?\ art re/$4 ,!y w n run away4 ,b ,naomi w\ld n smile at ?is little joke4 ,%e pull$ petti%ly away :5 good fri5d ,anna plac$ h] h& ^u h] =ehead to see if %e 7 fev]i%4 ,i w\ld see ! g>d5s ( ,k+ ,h]od1 %e repeat$ pla9tively1 rubb+ h] eyes z %e spoke4 ,ezra saw !m1 ) riv]s & fl[]s & f\nta9s4 ,he saw doves & pigeons fly+ ?r\gh ! air4 ,he saw a great bea/ t sp\t$ wat] f its m\?1 & ,i w\ld fa9 see x1 too4 ,! magnific5t g>d5s ( ! ,k+ ( ,judea 7 op5 all day long to any "o :o wi%$ to ent] & enjoy _! beauty1 _! coolness1 & _! %ade4 ,canals fl[$ betwe5 gre5 banks1 fl[]s bloom$ & trees ru/l$1 f\nta9s play$ 9 ! sunlight1 & t9y fi% d>t$ hi!r & ?i!r 9 ! artificial pools4 ,b !re1 too1 bright aga9/ ! gre51 0 to be se5 ! :ite m>ble ( /atues--nymphs1 & dryads1 figures symboliz+ grace & beauty--& = ?is reason1 s9ce to him all /atues 7 idols1 no ,jew w\ld set foot )9 ,k+ ,h]od's g>d54 ,all t ,naomi c\ld hope to d1 beside gaz+ at ! ?ree fam\s ca/les ( :ite m>ble1 ) _! battlem5ts & turrets1 built by ,h]od ! ,great1 & at 8 own spl5did palace ) its massive walls & t[]s1 0 to peep at ! g>d5 ?r\gh ! op5 gateways or p]haps f ! top ( ! wall1 z ,ezra _h done4 ,b ,aunt ,miriam1 ) /urdy common s5se1 _h no int5tion ( tak+ ! we>y & ail+ little girl on ! long trip across ,*eesemong]'s ,valley f ! ,m\nt ( ! ,temple to ,m\nt ,zion :]e ! palaces /ood4 ,%e beckon$ to ,jacob :o _h walk$ ne> !m all ! way1 & :5 he came =w>d %e said3 ,c>ry ! little maid home1 ,jacob4 ,%e is exce$+ly we>y & ne$s a night's re/4 ,naomi1 )\t a prote/1 turn$ to ,jacob & gladly hid h] heavy1 a*+ eyes ^u 8 broad %\ld]4 ,i am l ,?ree ,legs1 ?\ght ,naomi1 z ! procession mov$ homew>d4 ,b !n ,?ree ,legs has be5 sick a long1 long "t1 & ,i %all be well 9 ! morn+4 ,,*apt] ,,iv ,,9 ,,! ,,d>k ,"m1 is x sunrise yet8 ,no1 ,naomi1 x b ne>s ! end ( ! ,?ird ,wat*4 ,"m1 does ! lamp /ill burn8 ,yes1 *ild1 z always1 on ! table4 ,lie /ill1 ,naomi1 & try to sleep4 ,?\ ha/ a j\rney be=e !e to-day4 ,aye1 said ! little girl1 turn+ re/lessly on h] quilt4 ,i "k1 to ! ,pool ( ,be!sda4 ,p]haps ,i %all come home ) op5$ eyes1 ,"m4 ,p]haps ,i %all see :5 ,i come home to-day4 ,do/ ?\ believe t ! ,angel ( ! ,pool w op5 m9e eyes8 ,yea1 *ild1 ,i d believe1 answ]$ h] "m e>ne/ly4 ,?\ %alt see aga94 ,i hope x ) all my he>t4 ,& !n ,i %all help !e once m ab\t ! h\se1 said ,naomi hopefully1 & le>n my lesson e day1 & c>e = baby ,jonas :5 ?\ art busy4 ,!n ,i %all run & wait ^u my fa!r z ( old1 & he w place 8 h& ^u my head & say1 ',naomi1 ?\ art z quick & light ^u ?y feet z a "y h>t or doe4' ,t he _c say n[ & speak ! tru?4 ,b ?is v day x may be ,i %all h my sight aga94 ,& ) ?is hope to com=t h]1 ,naomi lay quietly d[n ^u h] b$ & let h] ?\ghts g back to h] la/ trip to ,j]usalem & its sad homecom+4 ,%e rememb]$ ! long ride 9 ! jolt+ bullock c>t1 :i* ,jacob guid$ z c>efully z he knew h[ 9 ord] to sp>e ,naomi's a*+ head & ?robb+ eyeballs4 ,= ! night's re/ _h n cur$ ,naomi4 ,%e _h awak5$ ) swoll5 eyelids t 7 s heavy %e c\ld n hold !m up1 & %>p little /abs ( pa9 _h caus$ h] to moan & twi/ 9 ! arms ( k9d ,aunt ,miriam :o held h] t5d]ly on ! long homew>d ride4 ,!n came days & nights ( pa91 & a visit f "o ( ! great doctors ( ,pale/9e :o ord]$ p\ltices ( e>? mix$ ) ! saliva ( "o :o _h be5 long fa/+4 ,& :5 ,naomi c\ld no long] be> ! heavy weight ( ?is rem$y ^u h] tortur$ eyes1 he k9dly *ang$ ! p\ltice to "o ( owl's bra9s1 z be+ n only m com=table b a trifle quick] 9 its action4 ,at la/ ! day arriv$ :5 ,naomi 0 free f pa91 b :5 also1 alas6 z %e rais$ h] head weakly & look$ ab\t1 %e did n see ! famili> room ) its c>v$ *e/ & gay cu%ions & little table pu%$ aga9/ ! wall1 %e did n see ! lov+ anxi\s faces ( h] fa!r & "m & ,ezra1 b only a black curta9 dott$ ) black] />s t danc$ & w9k$ & danc$ aga94 ,i _c see !e6 ,:]e art ?\1 ,"m8 ,is x night8 ,h[ black x is6 ,oh1 am ,i bl9d8 ,& ,naomi clung fa/ to h] fa!r & "m z if !y mu/ save h] f ?is dreadful fate4 ,bl9d6 ?\ght h] "m1 rememb]+ ) a %udd] ! numb]less figures t /ret*$ pitiful h&s by ! ,be?lehem roadside4 ,my little ,naomi1 bl9d8 ,an amulet w cure h]1 said worri$ ,samuel /\tly4 ,be n d[nhe>t$1 my little maid4 ,?y fa!r w buy = !e an amulet t w op5 ^? br[n eyes ( ?9e wid] ?an ev] be=e4 ,s ,naomi wore ab\t h] neck = weeks a small ?ree-corn]$ bag1 9 :i* 0 sewn a scrap ( p>*m5t tak5 f a religi\s book1 writt5 aft] c]ta9 rules & ) a diagram s my/]i\s t n ev5 ,samuel c\ld und]/& x4 ,& h[ 7 ! cont5ts ( ?is little ?ree-corn]$ bag to re/ore ,naomi's eyesight8 ,:y1 by *>m+ away ! wick$ _s :o _h ca/ an evil eye ^u h]4 ,or p]haps ,naomi _h *anc$ to rub h] eyes ^u wak+ be=e %e _h wa%$ h] h&s4 ,be+ unclean1 ! devil pres5t _h slipp$ f h] f+]s into h] eyes1 & n[ mu/ be *>m$ out aga9 by ! holy words ab\t h] neck4 ,n a ?\ght t ,naomi1 daily h&l+ sick little ,?ree ,legs1 might h caught ! malady t fir/ d>k5$ ! vision ( ! poor little animal1 & !n caus$ ! frail life to flick] out altoge!r4 ,naomi miss$ h] pet sorely1 b its dea? 0 only "o m grief add$ to ! burd5 t ov]%ad[$ all h] days4 ,%e c\ld no long] play 9 ! g>d54 ,h] well1 begun s happily1 0 neglect$1 ?\gh n =gott51 & little ,jonas 0 ! lead] n[1 guid+ h] falt]+ /eps ) su* good-w t ,naomi =gave him :5 he l$ h] /raight into ! orange-tree or neglect$ to w>n h] t ! myrtle bu% 0 9 h] pa?4 ,h] fri5ds ,ra*el & ,rebekah _h des]t$ h]1 = at ! fir/ m5tion ( ! evil eye !y _h look$ askance1 & n[ !y nev] came to play nor to ent]ta9 h] ) _! talk4 ,little lame ,eno* prov$ a fai?ful fri5d1 & ,naomi felt com=table ) him z a playmate1 = he1 too1 suff]$ f a h&icap & yet 0 *e]ful & gay not)/&+4 ,he knew a ho/ ( /ories told him by 8 old gr&mo!r1 & ! long h\rs slipp$ away quickly :ile _! little tongues *att]$1 ?\gh _! h&s & feet 7 pa!tically /ill4 ,b ( all ! com=t ,naomi knew1 ap>t f ! love ( h] fa!r & "m1 ! companion%ip ( ,ezra 0 ! greate/4 ,he amus$ h]1 he wait$ ^u h]1 he reviv$ h] droop+ spirits ) 8 own high hopes & plans = h]4 ,?\ %alt see aga91 ,naomi1 he w\ld decl>e confid5tly4 ,all ! cures h n be5 tri$ yet4 ,?\ art n l ! begg>s by ! roadside4 ,say n t aga91 or ,i w dip !e "s day 9 ! well beh9d ! myrtle bu% t ?\ wilt be digg+ ere long4 ,mo/ ( ! wayside begg>s are old m5 ) n an eyeball left1 :il/ ?\1 ,naomi1 art "y1 & ?9e eyes f )\t look z cle> & /rong z m9e4 ,wait until my fa!r has tak5 !e to ! ,pool ( ,be!sda6 ,h pati5ce1 ,naomi6 ,?\ %alt see aga96 ,! ,be!sda ,pool lay 9 ,j]usalem on ! ,temple m\nt1 a /one's ?r[ f ! ,%eep ,gate ( ! ,c\rt ( ! ,g5tiles1 :]e ,naomi _h l+]$ be=e ! %eep-p5s on ! aft]noon t n[ seem$ s f> away4 ,p]haps 9 ^! days we %\ld say t ! great pool conta9$ a m9]al spr+1 b 9 ,naomi's "t x 0 n d\bt$ t an angel _h wr\ght ! cures t 7 told f> & wide ( ?is well ( heal+4 ,ab\t x 7 always clu/]$ ! sick1 ! lame1 ! halt1 & ! bl9d1 9 ! belief t :5 ! angel tr\bl$ ! wat]s ! fir/ to dip himself !re9 w\ld be heal$4 ,s ,samuel ! weav] purpos$ to take ,naomi ?i!r1 &1 ev5 :ile ! little girl lay ?9k+ long1 long ?\ghts & wi%+ = daybreak1 ! mom5ts slipp$ by1 ! ,f\r? ,wat* or ,morn+ came1 & ,naomi's "m rose to prep>e ! meal s ! travel]s might h an e>ly />t4 ,a /\t little donkey1 borr[$ f ! khan /able1 c>ri$ ,naomi & h] fa!r briskly ov] ! famili> ,j]usalem highway4 ,! little girl rememb]$ h[ happy %e _h be5 on h] j\rney ) ,aunt ,miriam & h[ all ! _w _h seem$ gay t morn+4 ,!n %e recall$ ! tap1 tap1 tap ( ! bl9d m5 on ! road1 & %e hid h] face 9 h] fa!r's cloak & trembl$4 ,o t ! ,angel ( ! ,pool may op5 my eyes6 pray$ ,naomi4 ,o t ! ,angel ( ! ,pool may op5 my eyes6 ,! ,pool ( ,be!sda 0 a pretty spot4 ,ab\t x _h be5 built five por*es1 & 9 _! %elt] lay ! sick & ! )]$1 ! lame & ! bl9d1 wait+ = a *ance to pu% _! way 9 ! mom5t ! wat]s began to move4 ,:5 ,naomi & h] fa!r arriv$1 ! pool lay /ill 9 ! sunlight1 s ,samuel e/abli%$ himself close to ! edge ) 8 arm ab\t ,naomi1 & fell into conv]sation ) a pr(essional lett]-writ] :o sat1 be>d$ & grave1 ) ink-horn fa/5$ at 8 side4 ,?y little maid has felt ! h& ( ! ,"l8 qu]i$ ! lett]-writ]1 look+ compassionately at ,naomi :o /ood pick+ ) n]v\s f+]s at h] fa!r's sleeve4 ,samuel nodd$ sadly4 ,9 a few words he told ! /ory ( ,naomi's tr\ble4 ,%e is inde$ griev\sly afflict$1 obs]v$ ! lett]-writ]1 %ak+ 8 gray head & utt]+ a sigh4 ,& my fri5d "h1 :om ,i come to lift into ! pool1 has la9 helpless ^u 8 b$ = eight & tw5ty ye>s4 ,o t ! ,messiah w\ld come6 ',!n ! eyes ( ! bl9d %all be op5$ & ! e>s ( ! deaf %all be un/opp$4 ,!n %all ! lame man leap z a h>t & ! tongue ( ! dumb %all s+4' ,?9k y ! ,messiah w come %ortly8 inquir$ ,samuel4 ,?is 0 a burn+ "q ( ! day4 ,! desire = ! com+ ( ! ,k+dom ( ,god 0 a flame t 0 consum+ ! ,jewi% nation4 ,! lett]-writ] tapp$ 8 =ehead ?\ghtfully ) a br[n =ef+]4 ,?\ kn[e/ ! say+ ( ! ,ph>isees1 t if all ,israel c\ld keep ! ,law p]fectly = a s+le day1 ,messiah w\ld come4 ,z = me1 ,i long ) a mighty long+ to see ,israel re/or$1 to be deliv]$ f our enemies1 & to h our s9s =giv54 ,naomi /irr$ re/lessly4 ,:at did all ?is talk ( a ,messiah mean to h]8 ,well en\gh = ! gr[n folk to look =w>d to ! com+ ( a ,savi\r4 ,z = h]1 all %e ask$ ( all ! _w 0 t ! ,angel ( ! ,be!sda ,pool might come ) heal+ 9 8 w+s & lay 8 cool f+]s ^u h] clos$ eyes & op5 !m aga94 ,p]haps ,i %all see ,"m's face to-night1 %e ?\ght4 ,& ,ezra w be at ! village gate wait+ = me4 ,he promis$4 ,& ,i am to wave my girdle at ! fir/ turn 9 ! road if my eyes are op5$4 ,o ,angel ( ! ,pool1 rememb] me1 ,naomi6 ,rememb] me "h 9 ! d>k6 ,naomi's fa!r1 :o _h nev] tak5 8 eyes f ! pool1 lean$ =w>d4 ,x moves1 ,naomi1 he :isp]$4 ,! ,angel comes1 al?\gh we see him n4 ,be ready1 = ,i mu/ act quickly4 ,! surface ( ! pool began to heave & swell1 & at ! precise mom5t t ! wat] boil$ up1 ,samuel b5t ov] ) ,naomi 9 8 arms & dipp$ h] head "u ! wat] once1 twice1 ?ree times6 ,dripp+1 sputt]+1 & cry+1 ,naomi 0 plac$ ^u h] feet1 :ile h] fa!r endeavor$ to wipe away ! wat] t ran d[n into h] neck & /a9$ h] little robe4 ,do/ ?\ see1 ,naomi8 ask$ ,samuel ) a tremble 9 8 voice4 ,op5 ?9e eyes & look6 ,do/ ?\ see1 my little pomegranate8 ,if ! ,angel ( ! ,pool fail$ !m1 :]e %\ld he turn = help8 ,naomi ob$i5tly op5$ h] br[n eyes & />$1 sightless z ev]1 into h] fa!r's face4 ,! ,angel ( ! ,pool _h fail$ !m6 ,,*apt] ,v ,,all ,,! ,,_w ,,comes ,,visit+ ,x 0 ! w9t] season 9 ,pale/9e4 ,9 ! d>kness & despair t foll[$ h] trip to ! ,pool ( ,be!sda1 ,naomi _h n c>$ :at ! wea!r might be4 ,%e _h li/5$ ) indiff]5ce to ! :i/l+1 ro>+ w9d-/orm t _h come sudd5ly "o night 9 ,octob] tell+ ! wea!r-wise t summ] 0 ov] & ! ra9y season at h&4 ,huddl$ ov] ! brazi] ( *>coal t sm\ld]$ "u a rug 9 a %all[ hole 9 ! middle ( ! floor1 ,naomi _h n he$$ ! wild da% ( ra9 aga9/ ! h\se nor its melan*oly dripp+ 9 ! des]t$ g>d54 ,ev5 ! excitem5t ( ,ezra & ,jonas ov] a slight fall ( sn[1 ! fir/ ei!r "o _h ev] se51 _h fail$ to r\se h]4 ,samuel & 8 wife 7 tr\bl$ beyond words at ?is calamity t _h come ^u _! *ild4 ,aunt ,miriam & ,simon 7 sympa!tic1 b c\ld (f] no advice4 ,ezra 0 at 8 wits' ends1 = all 8 s*emes & devices to amuse fail$1 & ! holl[ words ( enc\ragem5t di$ ^u 8 hone/ lips4 ,samuel1 too1 _h a fre% worry ( :i* ,naomi knew no?+1 & :i*1 slight ?\gh x 0 9 comp>ison ) ! little girl's mis=tune1 did n t5d to make ! daily life ( ! family m pleasant4 ,aye1 ,samuel ! weav]'s *ild is bl9d1 said ! neighbors1 wagg+ _! heads 9 kn[+ fa%ion4 ,:at s9 ha? he committ$1 ?9k y1 t ?is calamity befalls him8 ,truly ! way ( ! transgressor is h>d4 ,x may be t 8 wife is ! s9n]1 0 :isp]$ ab\t4 ,or p]haps bo?4 ,& little by little ! village p turn$ aside :5 !y saw ,samuel com+1 & few] & few] 7 ! fri5dly words said to ,naomi's "m :5 %e w5t pati5tly d[n to ! f\nta9 = h] supply ( wat]4 ,ezra felt himself m =tunate ?an ! gr[n p1 = at ! fir/ unk9d ^w f 8 =m] fri5d1 fat ,solomon across ! road1 he _h fl[n at him 9 a fury1 & _h %ortly enjoy$ ! satisfaction ( see+ 8 blubb]+ enemy lick ! du/4 ,mole1 inde$6 %\t$ ,ezra1 d\bl+ up 8 fi/s4 ,?\ wilt call my si/] a bl9d mole1 wilt ?\8 ,?\ s]p5t1 fe$+ ^u ! du/6 ,?\ snake6 ,rise n up or ,i w rub ?y nose 9 ! dirt aga94 ,s cauti\s ,solomon1 hav+ le>n$ 8 lesson well1 0 =c$ to cont5t himself ) call+ names f beh9d ! wall1 :i* ,ezra 0 prompt to answ] ) /icks & /ones4 ,no "o 0 happy 9 ! little h\sehold1 & faces 7 sob] & voices hu%$ z !y w5t ab\t _! tasks1 until "o day ,aunt ,miriam call$ ,ezra & :isp]$ 9 8 e>4 ,8 eyes op5$ wide & 8 face bright5$1 & = m ?an a week he neglect$ 8 fri5ds1 ! %eph]ds1 & sp5t all 8 sp>e "t at ! khan4 ,!n1 "o aft]noon1 :5 ! ra9 _h ceas$ & ! little olive leaves gli/5$ 9 ! cold bright light1 ,naomi's "m approa*$ ! =lorn little figure cr\*$ 9 a corn] & rais$ h] to h] feet4 ,"h is ?y w>m cloak1 belov$1 said %e1 coax+ly1 lay+ h] h& on ! s(t br[n curls t seem$ to hang limply n[ t ,naomi nev] toss$ !m back ) a pr\d little %ake ( ! head4 ,be=e ! door /& ?y aunt1 ?y fa!r1 & ?y bro!r4 ,!y wait = !e4 ,&1 little ,naomi1 !re waits a surprise = !e also4 ,come & li/5 by ! doorway4 ,f beh9d ! door ,naomi he>d an unfamili> /amp+1 a runn+ ab\t1 & ,ezra's excit$ voice4 ,be c>eful1 ,jonas1 call$ ,ezra %>ply4 ,wilt ?\ be /epp$ on8 ,/& f "u4 ,naomi1 :]e art ?\8 ,"m6 ,oh1 %e comes6 ,aunt ,miriam1 ,fa!r1 %e comes6 ,naomi's "m l$ out ! :ite-fac$ little girl & ,samuel took h] g5tly by ! h&4 ,a gift = !e1 little ,naomi1 said he1 smil+ m happily ?an 9 _m a long day1 f ?y good ,aunt ,miriam4 ,put out ?y h& & guess4 ,naomi /ret*$ out a timid h& & t\*$ a s(t furry nose4 ,a donkey6 said ,naomi4 ,to take me = a ride6 ,aye1 bur/ out ,ezra1 8 face %9+ ) unselfi% joy2 to take !e = a ride e day & ev]y:]e4 ,up & d[n ! hills & r\ndab\t4 ,we %all g ev]y:]e toge!r1 ?\ & ,i4 ,speak m pla9ly1 ,ezra1 said ,aunt ,miriam1 see+ ! puzzl$ look ^u 8 si/]'s face4 ,! donkey is ?9e1 ,naomi4 ,?y ,uncle ,simon & ,i h giv5 x to !e4 ,ezra means t he w take !e rid+ ^u x :5ev] & :]ev] ?\ wilt4 ,no long] %alt ?\ lurk 9 ! h\se ) :ite *eeks f sunrise to sunrise4 ,we %all h !e z rosy z a poppy aga9 ere long4 ,& h] t5d]-he>t$ aunt fir/ wip$ h] brimm+ eyes ^u ! corn] ( h] veil1 & !n caught back ,jonas by 8 lea!r p9a=e f "u ! donkey's heels1 :]e he seem$ det]m9$ to meet ) a spe$y dea?4 ,n[ ! trick6 cri$ ,ezra1 :o _h be5 hopp+ f foot to foot dur+ 8 aunt's long spee*4 ,h ,i n be5 tea*+ him = m ?an a week8 ,say ?y lesson well1 little donkey6 ,/& "h be=e him1 ,naomi6 ,samuel plac$ ,naomi 9 position4 ,?y donkey's "n1 ,naomi1 w5t on ,ezra1 is ,mi*ma%1 because he comes f ! t[n ( t "n4 ,n[ place ?y h&s ^u ! tips ( 8 e>s4 ,d n p9* or he w kick4 ,i "k4 ,samuel guid$ ! little girl's h&s until !y re/$ ^u ! tips ( ! long gray e>s4 ,n[ say 8 "n sl[ly1 in/ruct$ ,ezra1 8 face agl[4 ,mi*1 said ,naomi1 & d[n came a furry e>1 ma%1 & d[n came ! o!r4 ,!n ! little donkey w9k$ bo? e>s viol5tly1 & turn$ a pati5t eye ^u 8 "y tea*] z if ask+ praise4 ,he did x6 ,he did x6 cri$ ! tea*]4 ,he did n =get 8 lesson & he w d x e "t4 ,mi*ma%6 ,& z ! long e>s fell aga91 ,ezra ?rew 8 arms ab\t ,naomi & hugg$ h] close4 ,wilt ?\ come = a ride ) me n[8 he :isp]$4 ,! sun %9es & ! w9d bl[s & x w be pleasant out ^u ! hills4 ,s seat$ ^u ! back ( ,mi*ma%1 ,naomi rode (f1 ) su* a bright look ^u h] wan face t h] fa!r & "m c\ld n help ?9k+ t bett] days 7 9 /ore = !m all4 ,e pleasant day ,ezra1 lead+ ,mi*ma%1 took ,naomi1 wrapp$ 9 h] little sc>let cloak1 out rid+1 & z !y mov$ along 9 ! crisp1 brac+ air !y talk$--long1 long talks ( :at !y 7 pass+1 ( ,ezra's day at s*ool1 or ( ! ?\ghts & fancies t fill$ ,naomi's active little m9d4 ,ezra1 said %e "o day1 z ,mi*ma% felt 8 way securely up ! side ( "o ( ! /ony little ,judean hills1 ,ezra1 do/ ?\ rememb] :at 0 told !e t ! lett]-writ] said t day by ! ,pool ( ,be!sda8 ,h] lip trembl$ z %e spoke1 b ,ezra answ]$ h] in/antly4 ,yea1 said he1 ,i d1 inde$4 ,he spoke ( ! ,messiah4 ,& :at ?9k y ( ! ,messiah8 ask$ ,naomi timidly4 ,:at ?9k y he w d :5 he come?1 ,ezra8 ,do/ ?9k t he w op5 ! eyes ( ! bl9d8 ,ezra1 9 ord] to speak m e>ne/ly1 halt$ ,mi*ma%1 :o gladly fell to cropp+ ! co>se grass4 ,! ,messiah1 ,naomi1 said ,ezra sl[ly1 w d :at ! prophet ,isaiah promis$ ( him4 ,nev] fe>4 ,he w op5 ! eyes ( ! bl9d & un/op ! e>s ( ! deaf4 ,he w make ! lame man leap & ! dumb man s+ = joy4 ,:5 he come?1 we %all all see ! salvation ( ! ,"l & our s9s %all be =giv5 u4 ,all ,israel %all rejoice4 ,aye1 ev5 /\t ,solomon also1 add$ ,ezra grimly4 ,! ,k+dom ( ,god w come1 & ! ,messiah w rule 9 righte\sness1 & he %all put our enemies to flight4 ,no long] !n w we pay tribute to ! ,emp]or ,caes> ,augu/us at ,rome4 ,no long] w we tol]ate ! wick$ ,k+ ,h]od 9 our city ( ,j]usalem4 ,& ! ,roman eagle t hangs above our ,temple gates w be torn d[n & trampl$ "u foot4 ,ezra spoke w>mly4 ,he _h be5 well taught 9 s*ool & synagogue1 & _h li/5$ c>efully to 8 fa!r & 8 fri5ds z !y talk$ 9 ! m>ket-place & else:]e4 ,oh1 ,i w\ld t ! ,messiah w\ld come quickly1 said ,naomi wi/fully4 ,& if he c make me see1 he c make lame ,eno* /raight4 ,i w\ld t ,eno*'s old gr&mo!r _h n di$ & t he _h n gone s f> away to live z ,j]i*o4 ,i miss him4 ,?9k n[ ( ?is new numb]+ ( all ! _w1 w5t on ,ezra1 ^: he>t burn$ )9 him at ! wrongs ( 8 nation4 ,e man mu/ travel to ! t[n :5ce 8 family sprang1 :e!r he live ne> or f> & :e!r or no he be ri* en\gh to /& a j\rney4 ,& :y8 ,because ! ,emp]or at ,rome has ord]$ s4 ,i /ood 9 ! m>ket-place :5 ! ,roman h]alds ) _! trumpets summon$ all ,be?lehem ?i!r1 & told ( ?is new enrollm5t & ( ! tax+ to foll[4 ,i saw ! black looks & he>d ! mutt]+1 b did any man speak out8 ,nay--afe>d ( ! %ort sword ! ,roman soldi] c>ries4 ,oh1 aye1 ,i am afe>d ( x myself1 admitt$ ,ezra indulg5tly2 b :5 ! ,messiah come? ?+s w n be s4 ,"m says t _m h already travel$ to ,be?lehem to be enroll$1 said ,naomi1 & t we %all h a h\seful :5 ! c>avan f ,naz>e? comes 94 ,i w\ld fa9 be a help to h] j n[ & n a tr\ble1 b ,i c d no?+ at all1 no?+1 only keep out ( ! way4 ,& ! te>s roll$ d[n poor ,naomi's *eeks4 ,d n cry1 said ,ezra pitifully1 & ) a pati5ce wond]ful 9 a boy ( 8 ye>s4 ,we all love !e1 ,naomi1 bett] ?an if ?\ had/ ! %>p sight ( an eagle4 ,come1 gre$y "o1 he w5t on1 pull+ at ,mi*ma%'s bridle4 ,wilt ?\ eat all night8 ,come6 ,!y /ood ^u a hill t look$ t[>d ! nor?1 & z ,ezra wait$ = lazy little ,mi*ma% to f9i% 8 m\?ful1 8 eye caught a l9e ( t9y black figures p]haps a mile away f ,be?lehem village4 ,! c>avan f ,naz>e?1 ,i v]ily believe6 he exclaim$4 ,hold fa/1 ,naomi1 & ,i w take !e d[n to ! gate4 ,!re ,i w tell !e all ! sights z !y come 94 ,rattl+ ov] ! /ones & d[n ! /eep pa?s 9 reckless fa%ion1 ! little bro!r & si/] 7 soon e/abli%$ 9 a spot :]e ,ezra c\ld see all t 0 ne$ful1 & :isp] :at he saw 9 ,naomi's e>4 ,x is ! c>avan f ,naz>e?1 he ann\nc$1 & !y ride on horses1 camels1 mules1 b "s walk4 ,!re are great numb]s ( !m & m are /ill to come4 ,"s h fall5 beh9d1 !y say1 & are f> back ^u ! road4 ,!y are v we>y & !y smile b little4 ,:o w\ld want to take ! long j\rney 9 w9t] only to "p ) money 9 ! end8 ,:5 ,ezra & ,naomi rea*$ home1 !y f\nd t1 z _! "m _h said1 _! h\se 0 full to ov]fl[+ ) company f ! ,naz>e? c>avan4 ,abn] & ,joel1 m]*ants ( ,naz>e?1 7 !re ) ,joel's son ,amos & 8 wife ,elisabe?4 ,samuel's c\s91 ,daniel1 :o own$ a l>ge f>m 9 fruitful ,galilee1 _h come1 br++ ) him z a matt] ( c\rse 8 fri5ds1 ,david & ,ph9eas1 neighbor+ f>m]s4 ,all ^! p _h orig9ally sprung f ?is city ( ,david1 & n[ back !y came to x1 "s 9 good1 "s 9 ill humor1 b to a man obey+ ! comm& ( ! ,emp]or at ,rome4 ,e in* ( floor space 9 ,samuel's little h\se 0 occupi$ t night :5 ! s(t quilts 7 spread out1 & ! family & _! gue/s lay d[n to re/4 ,naomi & ,jonas 7 cuddl$ 9 a corn] next _! "m4 ,b :5 ,ezra came 9 late f fe$+ ,mi*ma%1 ! dim light ( ! little oil lamp1 t burn$ ea* night 9 all b ! poore/ ( ,jewi% homes1 %[$ him a floor s cr[d$ ) s\ndly sleep+ gue/s t he knew n h[ to rea* 8 own b$ spread at 8 fa!r's "r h&4 ,fa!r6 :isp]$ ,ezra4 ,my son1 answ]$ ,samuel 9 a cauti\s voice4 ,fa!r1 x is s cr[d$ "h ,i w\ld fa9 sp5d ! night ) old ,eli 9 ! fields ) ! %eep4 ,!y are encamp$ bel[ ! khan 9 ! ,fields ( ,david4 ,may ,i g8 ,old ,eli said b ye/]day t ,i _h neglect$ him ( late4 ,g1 my son4 ,give greet+s to old ,eli1 & ,god's peace att5d !e4 ,s ,ezra slipp$ out "u ! d>k />ry sky to jo9 ! %eph]ds abid+ 9 ! field1 keep+ wat* ov] _! flock by night4 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,,! ,,%eph]ds ,ezra pick$ 8 way c>efully d[n ! d>k ,be?lehem lanes until he rea*$ ! t[n gate1 swung %ut & lock$ h\rs be=e at sunset4 ,na?an6 ,na?an6 he call$1 until ! old gate-keep] pe]$ out f 8 little boo? & mutt]$ a fri5dly greet+ to ! lad4 ,na?an1 ,i w\ld g d[n into ! fields ) %eph]d ,eli to-night1 expla9$ ,ezra politely4 ,wilt ?\ n let me pass ?r\gh ! /rait gate8 ,j ?is once6 ,i w nev] ask !e aga94 ,old ,eli is ?y fri5d & m9e4 ,d ! favor = him1 ,i beg ( !e1 & ,i w bless !e all my days4 ,na?an c\ld n help laugh+ at ! old-fa%ion$ spee* ( ! boy4 ,:e!r ,i d x = !e or = %eph]d ,eli1 ! de$ is done1 he cackl$1 & ?rew op5 ! small gate /&+ beside ! l>ge "o & kn[n z ! /rait gate4 ,ask me n aga91 ,i w>n !e2 ask me n aga94 ,pa/ ! ,be?lehem khan ,ezra hurri$1 & d[n ?r\gh ! piece ( f]tile l& t lay to ! ea/1 :]e ! reap]s ( ,boaz _h swung _! rude sickles & :]e ,ru? _h glean$ ! gold5 %eaves4 ,a walk ( two miles br\ght him to ! pa/ure l& :]e ! %eph]d lad ,david _h wat*$ 8 fa!r's %eep1 battl+ ) lion & be> :5 ! ne$ arose1 & :]e1 too1 _m ( 8 sweete/ songs _h be5 writt54 ,! boy scurri$ along at a good pace1 = on ^! d>k & lonely roads to meet ) wolf or jackal or1 /ill m t]rify+1 ) robb]s1 s+ly or 9 b&s1 0 n unkn[n4 ,at ! end ( ! road ,ezra pe]$ ab\t 9 ! />light until he c\ld di/+ui% a numb] ( d>k =ms huddl$ be=e "o ( ! caves 9 ! hillside4 ,)9 ! %all[ cave lay ! flock asleep1 & be=e x1 on 8 r\gh b$ ( bru%wood & ru%es1 sat %eph]d ,eli1 ) only a dog or two to keep him company4 ,beside him lay 8 %eph]d's crook1 8 club tipp$ ) iron ! bett] to protect 8 *>ges1 & 8 sl+ ) :i* he 0 wont to ?r[ /ones j beyond 8 %eep to br+ !m back :5 !y 7 go+ a/ray4 ,ezra *ose to leap ov] ! rude /one wall t enclos$ ?is %eepfold in/ead ( pass+ ?r\gh ! n>r[ gateway4 ,! two great %eep dogs1 gaunt & r\gh1 :o _h spi$ him on ! edge ( ! pa/ure l& long be=e he _h se5 !m1 leap$ fawn+ ^u him ) %>p yelps ( affection4 ,d[n6 ,d[n6 cri$ ,ezra1 half laugh+1 half impati5t4 ,eli1 my fa!r s5ds !e greet+4 ,z = me1 ,i w\ld fa9 sp5d ! night ) !e "h 9 ! fields4 ,i am cr[d$ out ( my fa!r's h\se by visitors f ,naz>e? :o come to be li/$ = ! c5sus4 ,i w make myself useful1 ,eli4 ,p]haps ?\ can/ /eal a nap :ile ,i keep wat* ( ! %eep4 ,b :y art ?\ alone to-night8 ,:]e are ! o!r %eph]ds8 ,& ! dogs8 ,aye1 aye1 respond$ %eph]d ,eli1 sl[ly wagg+ 8 head & draw+ 8 %eepsk9 cloak ab\t him4 ,?\ art always welcome1 lad4 ,z = sleep1 nev] at cockcr[ 0 ,i m wakeful ?an at ?is mom5t to-night4 ,= !re is some?+ /range 9 ! air1 lad4 ,! v dogs feel x4 ,!y lie quiet & /ill2 !y nei!r twi/ nor turn4 ,:e!r x be t fri5d or foe approa*es1 ,i "k n4 ,some?+ beyond our k5 is a-w+ to-night4 ,b1 ,eli1 said ,ezra1 if x 7 wolves or jackals1 ! dogs w\ld be b>k+4 ,& :]e are ! o!r %eph]ds8 ,wilt ?\ battle alone if ! wild bea/s come8 ,nay1 *ild1 nay1 said ,eli pati5tly4 ,i look n = wild bea/s to-night1 nor d ! dogs expect _! anci5t enemy4 ,?\ saye/ truly1 l a wise little %eph]d1 t !y behave n ?us :5 wolf or jackal is abroad4 ,! o!r %eph]ds read n ! signs z d ,i4 ,?ieves lurk ne> at h&1 say !y1 & ) ! dogs !y g to r\t !m out4 ,:at do/ ?\ expect1 ,eli8 ask$ ,ezra timidly4 ,he 0 ?rill$ & fright5$ & ?rill$ 9 turn at ?is talk4 ,! old man sat ) 8 face turn$ to ! brilliant ,ori5tal sky p[d]$ ?ick ) />s4 ',he numb]e? ! />s1 ,he calle? !m all by "n1' said ,eli s(tly4 ,expect8 ,*ild1 ,i "k n :at ,i expect except t ,he :o ha? promis$ u salvation f our enemies & remission ( our s9s %all keep ,8 holy ^w4 ,& !re are signs t ! "t draws ne>4 ,surely ?\ ha/ he>d ( ! prie/ ,za*>ias1 :o 0 smitt5 dumb z he s]v$ 9 ! ,temple1 & ( ! bir? ( 8 son ,john :o1 x is promis$1 is to g be=e ! face ( ! ,"l to make ready ,8 ways4 ,:o made ! promise8 ,:o b ! ,angel ( ! ,"l1 ,gabriel1 :o /&s 9 ! pres5ce ( ,god4 ,?9k y 8 ^w %all fail8 ,nay1 ,i tell !e ! times are ripe4 ,b ,eli-- ,ezra began 9 8 %rill little voice1 :5 ! old %eph]d cut him %ort ) a sudd5 ge/ure4 ,! m5 return1 mutt]$ ,eli4 ,once already to-night !y h he>d :at !y t]m 'an old man's babbl+4' ,let u li/5 to _! /ory n[4 ,h[ _m ?ieves caught ye1 fri5ds8 he call$ out4 ,did ye surprise ! enemy 9 8 lair8 ,! %eph]ds fil$ 9 ?r\gh ! n>r[ op5+ & ?rew !mselves heavily on ! gr\nd beside ,eli & ! lad4 ,! dogs cr\*$ l[1 ) nose betwe5 paws1 & clos$ _! eyes4 ,?ieves8 ,nay1 said "o ( ! %eph]ds brusquely4 ,we saw naught amiss1 & _h b ! walk = our pa9s4 ,! %eph]ds wrapp$ _! heavy wool5 mantles ab\t !m & talk$ toge!r 9 l[ voices4 ,no "o seem$ dispos$ to sleep1 ?\gh ! day's "w _h be5 h>d & all ne$$ a night's re/4 ,ezra sat sil5t1 ?9k+ ( old ,eli's words & sc>ce he>+ ! conv]sation t w5t on ab\t him4 ,sudd5ly ! old %eph]d grasp$ ,ezra's arm4 ,"o ( ! y\ng] m5 0 speak+4 ,! night has gr[n s /ill1 said he4 ,note ye t ! w9d dies d[n & t a hu% falls o'er all8 ,8 voice end$ on a trembl+ note4 ,he cov]$ 8 face ) 8 mantle & fell =w>d among 8 pro/rate companions4 ,only old ,eli1 ) 8 arm ab\t %ak+ little ,ezra1 held 8 :ite head erect--joy\s1 confid5t1 tru/ful4 ,= an angel ( ! ,"l /ood by !m1 & ! glory ( ! ,"l %one r\nd ab\t !m3 & !y 7 sore afraid4 ,& ! angel said unto !m3 ,be n afraid2 = behold1 ,i br+ y good tid+s ( great joy :i* %all be to all ! p3 = !re is born to y ?is day 9 ! city ( ,david a ,savi\r1 :o is ,*ri/ ! ,"l4 ,& ?is is ! sign unto y3 ,ye %all f9d a babe wrapp$ 9 swaddl+ clo!s1 & ly+ 9 a mang]4 ,& sudd5ly !re 0 ) ! angel a multitude ( ! heav5ly ho/ prais+ ,god1 & say+3 ,glory to ,god 9 ! highe/1 ,on e>? peace1 good w t[>d m54 ,ezra1 /r5g!n$ by ,eli's arm :i* did n wav]1 v5tur$ to op5 8 eyes4 ,he saw a brilliant :it5ess1 cle> z cry/al1 t seem$ to light ! _w f end to end4 ,high above1 ! sky 0 fill$ ) cl\ds ( rose & amb] & ame?y/4 ,all ! glories ( sunrise & ( sunset 7 m+l$ !re4 ,did he cat* a flutt] ( :ite p9ions8 ,did he glimpse a ,lead]1 maje/ic1 t]rible1 yet radiant ) graci\s love8 ,ev5 z he />$1 unable to move1 ! song grew fa9t]1 ! colors fad$ & vani%$4 ,! e*o ( ! angels' song rang 9 8 e>s4 ,to 8 dy+ day x w\ld haunt 8 memory4 ,! muffl$ figures on ! gr\nd /irr$ & /ood erect4 ,ov]head burn$ ! />s 9 ! fro/y sky4 ,! sil5ce 0 brok5 by old ,eli4 ,let u n[ g ev5 unto ,be?lehem1 & see ?is ?+ t is come to pass1 :i* ! ,"l ha? made kn[n unto u4 ,ov] ! r\gh1 unev5 gr\nd ha/5$ ! %eph]ds4 ,_! flocks = once 7 left unc>$ =1 save by ! dogs4 ,!y press$ on across ! famili> pa/ure l&1 up & ov] ! cornfields1 & !n took ! %>p rise t w\ld lead !m pa/ ! ,be?lehem inn4 ,cl++ to ! hillside & fac+ ! cornfields 0 ! /able ( ! inn1 a r\gh cave 9 ! lime/one rock4 ,on a rope /ret*$ across ! wide entrance swung a lant]n1 ^: dim light tw9kl$ & flick]$ be=e ! eyes ( ! %eph]ds z !y came up ! hill4 ,old ,eli quick5$ 8 pace1 ,ezra at 8 heels4 ,& ?is is ! sign unto y3 ,ye %all f9d a babe wrapp$ 9 swaddl+ clo!s1 & ly+ 9 a mang]4 ,! boy knew t ! inn 0 cr[d$ to ov]fl[+1 z 0 8 own & e h\se 9 ,be?lehem t night4 ,0 x possible t ?is famili> mang] 0 ! re/+-place to-night ( a ,heav5ly ,gue/8 ,7 /rang]s lodg$ 9 ! /able8 ,0 ?is ! only %elt] t c\ld be (f]$ ! late/ arrivals ( ! ,naz>e? c>avan because !re 0 no room at ! inn8 ,at ! /able entrance ,ezra hung back4 ,he saw a man come =w>d out ( ! %ad[s & talk ) ,eli4 ,) a s+le ge/ure ! old %eph]d motion$ 8 companions to jo9 him4 ,lo/ = a mom5t 9 ! gloom1 ,ezra saw !m aga9 speak+1 b5d+ =w>d1 !n fall+ ^u _! knees4 ,! />s _h fad$ & an e>ly morn+ w9d 0 bl[+ *ill :5 at la/ ! %eph]ds made _! way out ( ! /able4 ,! lamp1 /ill sw++1 burn$ pale 9 ! dawn1 b its fa9t light fell across ! :ite face ( a little boy :o lurk$ 9 ! doorway & ^: cold h& clut*$ old ,eli z he came exult+ =?4 ,praise ,god6 ,praise ,god = ,8 m]cy1 ju/ice1 & tru?6 ,praise-- ,old ,eli />t$ at ! cold t\*1 & look$ d[n ) eyes t gl[$ ) an inw>d light4 ,*ild1 :at doe/ ?\ "h8 ,h9d] me n4 ,i g n[ to spread ! good tid+s--to praise & to glorify ,god4 ,ezra op5$ 8 dry lips4 ,ha/ f\nd ,him8 he ask$4 ,is x ! ,messiah8 ,is x ! ,*ri/8 ,aye1 *ild1 'tis z ! angel said1 answ]$ ,eli happily2 a babe wrapp$ 9 swaddl+ clo!s1 ly+ 9 a mang]4 ,come to br+ peace on e>?1 our ,savi\r :o is ,*ri/ ! ,"l1 our long-look$-= ,messiah6 ,glory to ,god 9 ! highe/6 ,glory6 ,ezra he>d no m4 ,he _h turn$1 & ) ! spe$ ( an arr[ f its b[ 0 runn+ up ! /eep road t[>d home4 ,,*apt] ,,vii ,,9 ,a ,,mang] ,! ris+ sun pu%$ ?r\gh a bank ( purple cl\d & t\*$ ) long rosy beams ! ro( ( ,samuel ! weav]'s h\se4 ,on ! n>r[ p>apet t bord]$ ! ro( walk$ a numb] ( sn[y pigeons1 /epp+ delicately ) heads rais$ & ?r[n back z if to enjoy ! spl5dor & fre%ness ( ! e>ly morn+4 ,9 "o corn] ( ! ro( lay a d>k heap1 he$less ( sunlight1 morn+ breeze1 or bird1 consci\s only ( ! blacke/ mis]y1 ! deepe/ hopelessness t an eight-ye>-old he>t c "k4 ,x 0 ,naomi1 :o lay ) h&s cl5*$ & face press$ aga9/ ! cold /one1 too he>tsick = te>s1 wi%+ only 9 h] wret*$ness to creep away :]e %e might be alone4 ,pres5tly %e /irr$ & lift$ h] head4 ,q a diff]5t ,naomi 0 ?is f ! happy1 g5]\s *ild :o _h sacrific$ h] fl[] g>d5 = ! sake ( an ail+ lamb2 n at all l ! little girl :o _h set =? s joyfully = a day's pleasure 9 ,j]usalem4 ,h] little robe 0 wr9kl$1 h] curls 7 tangl$ & r\gh1 h] face 0 p9*$ & pitiful4 ,) h] s(t little fi/ %e beat ^u ! ro( 9 "t ) ! rhy?m ( h] words4 ,did !y ?9k ,i c\ld n he>8 %e ask$1 speak+ al\d 9 h] fullness ( he>t4 ,did ,elisabe?1 ! wife ( ,amos1 ?9k t ,i 0 deaf z well z bl9d t %e %\ld say al\d1 ',! *ild ,naomi w nev] see aga94 ,!re is no hope4' ,no hope6 ,no hope6 ,& p]haps ,i %all live to be z old z lame ,eno*'s gr&mo!r liv$ to be4 ,:o w c>e = me !n8 ,:o w give me %elt] & food8 ,amos ( ,naz>e? ?\ght ( t1 too4 ,i he>d him1 ?\gh he :isp]$ l[4 ',%e w be always a burd54 ,x 7 bett] t %e %\ld die4' ,i he>d him4 ,he said ^? words4 ',%e w be always a burd54 ,x 7 bett] t %e %\ld die4' ,die8 ,die8 ,i _c die4 ,i am well & /rong4 ,i %all live & live & live4 ,my "m & fa!r w die & leave me1 & ,ezra & ,jonas w we>y ( me4 ,i %all be a begg> by ! roadside4 ,no hope6 ,no hope6 ,naomi sank d[n aga9 9 a little heap & rock$ to & fro4 ,h] mis=tune seem$ too dreadful to be borne4 ,x 0 incr$ible t su* a fate %\ld ov]take h]4 ,x might happ5 to ,ra*el1 or ,rebekah1 or to /\t ,solomon across ! road1 b n to ,naomi1 ! daught] ( ,samuel ! weav]4 ,z %e sway$ back & =?1 torn by h] mis]y1 !re came to h]1 l balm ^u a w\nd1 ! famili>1 com=t+ words t h] "m & fa!r _h us$ ov] & ov] ( late1 to soo! ! little girl's pa9 & to enc\rage hope 9 ! sad he>ts ( !m all4 ,i _h fa9t$ unless ,i _h believ$ to see ! goodness ( ,jehovah ,9 ! l& ( ! liv+4 ,wait = ,jehovah3 ,be /rong1 & let ?y he>t take c\rage2 ,yea1 wait ?\ = ,jehovah4 ,naomi rose to h] feet4 ,! />tl$ pigeons )drew a %ort way & /ood wat*+ h] curi\sly ) _! h>d1 bright eyes4 ,ab\t h] 0 ! s(t sunlight1 ov] h] head ! deep blue sky4 ,%e turn$ h] sightless face t[>d ,j]usalem & spoke z if to a fri5d pres5t4 ,yea1 ,"l1 said ! little ,jewi% girl 9 simple fai?1 ,i w wait = ,!e1 & = ,?y ,messiah :o w op5 ! eyes ( ! bl9d4 ,surely :5 ,messiah come? ,i %all see4 ,& until !n1 ,i w wait & pray = ,8 com+4 ,i w wait4 ,on ! out] /airway t l$ f ! gr\nd to ! ro( /ood ,ezra1 brea?less1 8 h& press$ aga9/ 8 side4 ,he _h run all ! way1 )\t /opp+1 up ! /eep lanes f ! ,be?lehem /able1 & n[1 paus+ to re/ an in/ant be=e speak+ to ,naomi1 he c\ld n help ov]he>+ ! la/ words %e said4 ,s ?\ wilt wait8 he :isp]$1 8 brea? com+ 9 gasps4 ,?\ wilt wait = ,8 com+8 ,nay1 my little si/]1 ?y "t ( wait+ is ov]4 ,! ,messiah is "h6 ,! ,*ri/ is born6 ,o t ,i might %\t x f ! h\setop1 t my fa!r & "m & all ! _w may "k t ! ,"l ha? kept ,8 promise & ! ,messiah ha? come6 ,ezra's :ole he>t & s\l 7 full ( a great new hope1 & ! sight ( ,naomi's te>-/a9$ face & grop+1 out/ret*$ h&s made him long to tell h] ! good tid+s at once4 ,b ! boy's love = 8 unhappy little si/] made him wise beyond 8 ye>s4 ,if ,i tell h]1 & x does n come to pass z %e wi%es1 x w break h] he>t1 he argu$4 ,! ,messiah is b a t9y ,baby n[1 weak & helpless4 ,x may be ,he mu/ gr[ to manhood be=e ,he c heal ! bl9d1 ! deaf1 & ! sick4 ,:o kn[s8 ,n ,i4 ,i w n tell h] yet4 ,s ,ezra clatt]$ noisily up ! rema9+ /eps ( ! /airway1 call+ out3 ,naomi6 ,naomi6 ,:]e art ?\8 ,oh1 "h ?\ art6 ,are ?y s&als well ti$8 ,= ,i h come to take !e d[n to ! inn /able to %[ !e some?+ !re4 ,& :at x is1 ?\ c\ld/ nev] guess if ?\ did/ guess a hundr$ ye>s4 ,naomi %ook h] head4 ,%[ me8 ,:at c\ld ,i see8 ,nay1 ,i w g n[h]e1 ,ezra1 %e answ]$ sadly4 ,if ,i w5t1 ,i c\ld n see ?y wondr\s sight4 ,i w\ld f> r /ay at home4 ,b ?is is some?+ to feel1 said ,ezra coax+ly1 putt+ 8 arm ab\t ,naomi & lead+ h] g5tly t[>d ! /airway4 ,tell me1 do/ ?\ rememb] :5 "y ,deborah1 ! v9e-dress]'s wife1 laid some?+ s(t & w>m 9 ?9e arms8 ,a baby1 ,ezra8 ask$ ,naomi1 /opp+ %ort4 ,a baby at ! inn /able8 ,aye1 said ,ezra firmly1 a ,baby6 ,a ,baby born 9 a /able & ly+ 9 a mang] because !re 0 no room la/ night at ! inn4 ,b ,i _c see x1 ,ezra1 said ,naomi m\rnfully4 ,:y %\ld ,i g8 ,i _c see4 ,do/ ?\ rememb]1 too1 h[ ,deborah's baby clung to ?y f+]8 said ! crafty ,ezra1 guid+ h] t5d]ly d[n ! /eps z he talk$4 ,& did ye n f9d x pleasant to hold8 ,y rock$ x to & fro all day long1 ,naomi4 ,y said t y wi%$ t ,jonas might be put back 9 swaddl+ clo!s aga94 ,aye1 x 0 pleasant1 admitt$ ,naomi4 ,b ,deborah br\ght ! baby to me4 ,i w n g to ! khan1 ,ezra4 ,i d n wi% to meet any "o4 ,my he>t is heavy4 ,!re w be p to />e at me & to talk 9 ! lanes & at ! /able4 ,i w n g4 ,naomi1 said ,ezra desp]ately1 do/ ?\ love me8 ,aye1 ?\ kn[e/ t ,i love !e1 answ]$ ,naomi 9 surprise4 ,!n1 to please me1 come to ! inn /able1 0 ,ezra's quick response4 ,ask me no que/ions & delay n1 b come4 ,x is e>ly1 ,naomi4 ,we w meet no "o1 ,i hope & tru/4 ,give me ?y h& & come4 ,naomi in/antly slipp$ a ?9 little h& into h] bro!r's out/ret*$ palm4 ,= love ( !e1 ,ezra1 said %e sweetly4 ,= love ( !e4 ,d[n ! quiet road1 des]t$ 9 ! w9t] season at ?is e>ly h\r1 ,ezra l$ ,naomi1 c>efully guid+ h] ov] ! /ones & ruts 9 ! r\gh highway4 ,unobs]v$1 !y slipp$ quietly ?r\gh ! t[n gate1 & :5 a turn 9 ! road br\ght ! khan into view ,ezra ?rew 8 arm ab\t 8 si/] & quick5$ _! /eps4 ,he spoke b once4 ,"o ( ?y pigeons flies be=e u1 ,naomi1 said he1 z if to lead u on4 ,x gli/5s 9 ! sun l silv]4 ,naomi only nodd$ & clung ! tight] to ,ezra's arm4 ,pa/ ! inn & r\nd to ! /able door he l$ h]1 & !re !y halt$4 ,naomi1 said ,ezra1 8 voice trembl+ ) hope & fe>1 ?\ kn[e/ ! /able well4 ,ent]1 & walk =w>d until ?y feet t\* ! /raw be=e ! mang]4 ,!re lies ! ,babe6 ,) a g5tle pu% ,ezra />t$ ,naomi t[>d ! ,"m & ,*ild1 ^: figures he c\ld dimly see on a heap ( /raw at ! back ( ! cave4 ,!n 9 ! %ad[ ( ! doorway ,ezra fell ^u 8 knees4 ,o ,"l1 he pray$1 ,i "k t ?is is ,?y ,messiah4 ,i believe t ,?\ ha/ s5t ,him4 ,?\ ha/ promis$ ( old t :5 ,messiah come? ,he %all op5 ! eyes ( ! bl9d4 ,i w\ld t ,he might op5 my si/] ,naomi's eyes4 ,if ,?\ wilt answ] ?is pray]1 ,"l1 ,i w promise ,!e any?+4 ,i w be ,?y fai?ful s]vant1 ,i w be an ob$i5t son1 ,i w le>n my lessons well at s*ool & nev] %irk4 ,i w no m ?r[ /ones at /\t ,solomon nor ev5 call him names4 ,i w promise any?+ ,?\ may/ ask ( me1 if ,?y ,messiah w only op5 my si/] ,naomi's eyes4 ,he> my pray]1 ,o ,"l1 he> my pray]4 ,)9 ! /able ,naomi crept cauti\sly =w>d4 ,h] foot/eps lagg$1 = %e _h no he>t 9 ?is und]tak+4 ,:at pleasure c\ld !re be = h] 9 visit+ a /rang]'s baby :i* %e c\ld n ev5 see8 ,a %ort "t ago1 to hold ! s(t little body close & to feel ! t9y cl++ h&s might h giv5 h] a mom5t's happ9ess2 b to-day h] he>t 0 s full ( mis]y t !re 0 no room 9 x = joy to ent]4 ,%e long$ to s9k d[n on ! /able floor4 ,only h] love = ,ezra kept h] mov+4 ,%e felt ! /raw be=e ! mang] b5ea? h] feet1 & %e dropp$ to h] knees & /ret*$ out a timid h&4 ,yes1 ! ,"m & ,*ild 7 be=e h]4 ,%e f+]$ ! hem ( ! cloak wrapp$ ab\t ! "y ,"m1 b %e c\ld n br+ h]self to t\* ! little ,*ild4 ,i c>e n6 ,i c>e n6 ?\ght ,naomi hopelessly4 ,:at to me is ?is ,baby8 ,:y %\ld ,ezra wi% me to visit ?is ,*ild8 ,z if 9 answ] to h] unspok5 "q1 ) a sudd5 lovely ge/ure1 ! ,*ild lean$ =w>d4 ,8 t9y f+]s t\*$ ,naomi's =ehead & ,8 h&s re/$ = an in/ant ^u h] d>k5$ eyes4 99 99 99 99 99 ,naomi op5$ & clos$ h] eyes rapidly4 ,%e rose to h] feet & />$ ab\t h]4 ,0 x a dream1 ! same k9d ( a dream ) :i* %e _h s (t5 light5$ ! we>y h\rs ( d>kness1 ! long wat*es ( ! night1 :5 %e _h call$ to m9d "s old famili> sc5e--h] "m at ! well1 ! c\ntry road1 ,ezra ha/5+ home f s*ool8 ,n[ ! inn /able rose be=e h]4 ,did %e really see ! nose ( an ox ?ru/+ itself ov] ! /all8 ,or did %e only dream ! m\nd ( hay1 & on x ! "y ,"m wrapp$ 9 a wide blue cloak & 9 h] arms a ,*ild1 at ! velvet t\* ( ,^: t9y h&s ! black curta9 _h dropp$ f be=e h] eyes8 ,naomi rubb$ h] h&s toge!r & look$ d[n at !m4 ,yes1 !y 7 h] own h&s4 ,!re 0 ! famili> little br[n spot on ! inside ( h] ?ird f+]4 ,h] dress8 ,yes1 t 0 an old fri5d1 ! yell[ & r$ /rip$ robe4 ,%e _h worn x ! day 9 ! g>d5 t %e _h giv5 h] f\r sc>let poppies 9 ex*ange = little ,?ree ,legs4 ,!n x 0 true6 ,%e did see4 ,b h[ _h x happ5$8 ,:y at ! t\* ( ?is ,baby h& _h h] sight be5 re/or$8 ,ezra6 %e call$1 n d>+ to /ir4 ,ezra6 ,ezra's face1 :ite "u ! tan1 %[$ itself r\nd ! /able door4 ,ezra1 cri$ ,naomi1 ,i c see6 ,i c see6 ,i "k n h[ x is1 b ,i 0 bl9d & n[ ,i see6 ,o ,ezra1 ! ,baby t\*$ me & ,i c see6 ,ezra came swiftly =w>d4 ,8 eyes 7 full ( te>s1 b 8 face 0 radiant4 ,he knelt be=e ! ,"m1 :o 0 wat*+ ! sc5e ) wond]+ eyes1 & ! ,*ild1 ,:o slept n[ 9 ,8 ,"m's arms4 ,he pull$ ,naomi d[n beside him4 ,naomi1 x is ! ,*ri/ ,*ild1 he :isp]$4 ,! ,messiah has come6 ,our ,savi\r lies be=e u6 ,o ,naomi1 ! ,messiah ha? op5$ ! eyes ( ! bl9d6 ,! ,"l ha? he>d my pray]6 ,& b5d+ l[ be=e ,him1 !y wor%ip$ at ! ,*ri/ ,*ild's feet4 ,,*apt] ,,viii ,,! ,,light ,,( ,,! ,,_w ,! h\sehold ( ,samuel ! weav] lay sleep+ s\ndly4 ,! dim light ( ! small oil lamp reveal$ ! figures ( ,samuel & 8 wife wrapp$ 9 heavy slumb]1 ) ,jonas1 roll$ into a plump little ball1 at 8 "m's feet4 ,naomi lay close by ) arms out/ret*$4 ,h] dreams 7 pleasant1 = h] lips 7 p>t$ 9 a smile4 ,ezra 0 miss+4 ,he 0 aga9 sp5d+ ! night 9 ! fields ) %eph]d ,eli4 ,! fri5d%ip betwe5 ! old man & ! lad _h gr[n m deep & /rong s9ce ! night ( ! ,angels' ,visit1 & !y nev] we>i$ ( discuss+ ! wond]ful ev5t & all ! m>vels t _h foll[$ 9 its tra94 ,^! happ5+s _h r\s$ all ! village ( ,be?lehem1 & _h n[ t\*$ ev5 ! city ( ,j]usalem s9ce ! appe>ance ( ! ,wise ,m5 f ! ,ea/1 :o1 foll[+ ,8 />1 _h come to wor%ip ! ,k+ ( ! ,jews4 ,t v ev5+ ,ezra & ,naomi1 caught on a lonely hillside by ! sudd5 fall ( night1 _h ) "o accord po9t$ to ! dusky road bel[1 along :i* rock$ noiselessly ?ree tall camels be>+ ! ,magi rapidly 9 ! direction ( ,arabia4 ,!y br\ght gold & frank9c5se & myrrh1 murmur$ ,ezra1 ! (f]+s to a k+4 ,aye1 to my ,k+1 to my ,messiah1 answ]$ ,naomi happily4 ,oh1 ,ezra1 ,i w\ld t ,i _h all ! gold & frank9c5se & myrrh 9 all ! _w t ,i might lay x at ,8 feet4 ,h[ c ! neighbors d\bt :5 !y see :at ,he has done = me8 ,:o b ! true ,messiah c\ld op5 my eyes & give me sight aga98 ,ezra %ook 8 head4 ,_m d believe1 ,naomi1 he answ]$4 ,& all ?y life n[ ?\ can/ be a liv+ witness to ,god's m]cy & love4 ,h[ happy ,he has made u all6 ,fa!r & ,"m1 ?\ & ,i6 ,& ,jonas1 too1 said ,naomi quickly4 ,he laughs & plays ) me n[ z nev] be=e4 ,he knew t some?+ 0 wrong1 ?\gh he c\ld n put x into words4 ,we are to beg9 aga9 to dig our well to-morr[1 he & ,i4 ,i promis$ him4 ,x may be t ,naomi's dreams t night 7 ( ?is pleasant task t await$ h]2 x may be t 9 h] sleep1 z 9 h] wak+ h\rs1 h] ?\ghts 7 fill$ ) visions ( ! ,*ri/ ,*ild ev5 z h] he>t 0 full ( love = ,him4 ,h] smile deep5$1 & %e did n /ir z ! night wore on4 ,! />s 7 gr[+ pale1 ?\gh morn+ 0 /ill f> (f1 :5 ! deep sil5ce ( ! village 0 brok5 by ! s\nd ( feet runn+ lightly1 cauti\sly1 up ! lane4 ,ne>] & ne>] came ! foot/eps until !y halt$ be=e ! door ( ,samuel's h\se1 & a little figure1 pant+ & brea?less1 /epp$ quickly )94 ,naomi sat upright & pe]$ sleepily ?r\gh ! gloom4 ,ezra1 is x ?\8 %e ask$ 9 surprise4 ,is x morn+ yet8 ,:at br+s !e "h8 ,i h news1 ,naomi1 bad news1 ,i fe>1 ! boy answ]$4 ,i mu/ wak5 my fa!r & "m4 ,:atev] is done mu/ be done quickly4 ,!re is no "t to lose4 ,i he> !e1 son1 said ,samuel's voice unexpect$ly4 ,:at is ?y tale8 ,& my "m8 que/ion$ ,ezra4 ,x conc]ns ,jonas4 ,i sleep n1 said ,jonas's "m1 broad awake 9 an in/ant1 & draw+ ! dr[sy little ball into h] arms 9 swift al>m4 ,tell ?y /ory quickly4 ,z ye "k1 began ! boy hurri$ly1 ,i w5t d[n to ! ,fields ( ,david at sunset to sp5d ! night ) %eph]d ,eli4 ,& z ,i pass$ ?r\gh ! gate old ,na?an hail$ me4 ,he told me t "o ( ! %eph]ds _h borr[$ 8 w>m cloak & _h n yet return$ x1 & t he 0 n[ full ( a*es & pa9s & sorr[s because ( ! lack ( x4 ,he *>g$ me /raitly to tell ! %eph]d to return x at once or he w\ld h him hal$ be=e ! magi/rate at daybreak1 & t he w\ld n cease 8 wat* = x nor sleep t night until ! cloak 0 r\nd 8 %\ld]s once aga94 ,:5 ,i rea*$ ! ,fields1 ,i gave 8 message1 b ! %eph]d :o _h tak5 8 cloak 0 n !re2 he _h gone 9 se>* ( a lo/ lamb4 ,& :51 less ?an an h\r ago1 he return$1 he ask$ me to keep him company to ! gateway1 & help him make 8 peace ) angry ,na?an4 ,!y "k t ,na?an is fri5dly to me1 add$ ! boy 9 explanation4 ,& ,i "k t "s night1 w&]+ ab\t z ?\ do/1 ?\ wilt be caught by bea/ or robb]1 gr[l$ ,samuel4 ,resume ?y /ory4 ,! %eph]d & ,i1 cont9u$ ,ezra ha/ily1 7 pass+ ! inn :5 ,i saw a figure by ! roadside beckon+ me to come to him4 ,x 0 ,joseph ( ,naz>e?1 & beh9d him 9 ! %ad[ 0 8 wife1 ,m>y1 be>+ ! ,*ri/ ,*ild 9 h] arms4 ,he spoke l[ s t ! %eph]d %\ld n he>4 ,he told me t an angel ( ! ,"l _h appe>$ to him 9 a dream1 say+1 ',arise & take ! "y *ild & 8 "m & flee into ,egypt1 & be ?\ !re until ,i tell !e3 = ,h]od w seek ! "y *ild to de/roy him4' ,he spoke no m1 ,ezra w5t on1 b ,i said unto him1 ',my little bro!r1 ?9k y !re is dang] = him8' ,he nodd$ 9 reply1 & !n ,i ask$1 ',/>t y at once8' ,he nodd$ aga9 & /epp$ back into ! %ad[4 ,at ! gateway old ,na?an1 glad to see 8 cloak aga91 let me ?r\gh1 & ,i ha/5$ home to tell ! tale to !e4 ,ezra's "m _h already aris5 &1 op5+ ! great c>v$ *e/1 _h tak5 f x w>m wrapp+s 9 :i* %e 0 bundl+ ! /ill sleep+ ,jonas4 ,deborah1 ! v9e-dress]'s wife1 leaves at sunrise 9 ! c>avan = ,joppa4 ,z %e spoke1 %e work$ busily ga!r+ ,jonas's little g>m5ts into a bundle4 ,= fri5d%ip's sake %e w take ,jonas ) h]4 ,we h1 9 h]1 at lea/ "o true fri5d 9 ,be?lehem4 ,h] "m lies at ,joppa sore /rick5 ) a fev]1 & x may be t our boy w take ! sickness & p]*ance w die4 ,b r w\ld ,i see him 9 8 baby grave ?an 9 ! clut* ( cruel ,k+ ,h]od4 ,i w g ) !e1 wife1 to c>ry ! *ild1 said ,samuel gravely1 see+ t h] simple prep>ations 7 n[ f9i%$4 ,give ?y bro!r a kiss 9 f>ewell1 *ildr54 ,x may be ?\ wilt nev] see him m4 ,z ,naomi /ood on tiptoe & press$ a t5d] kiss ^u ,jonas's plump *eek1 he sudd5ly op5$ 8 d>k eyes &1 at sight ( 8 si/]1 broke into a broad smile4 ,f>ewell1 ,jonas1 f>ewell1 :isp]$ ,naomi1 h] eyes full ( te>s4 ,:5 ?\ returne/ we w dig ! well beh9d ! myrtle bu%1 ?\ & ,i4 ,f>ewell6 ,!n %e laid h] h& ^u h] fa!r's arm4 ,fa!r1 said %e 9 a l[ voice1 ! little ,messiah also travele? f> to-night4 ,i owe to ,him my sight & ! happ9ess ( u all4 ,i w\ld fa9 give unto ,him a gift4 ,i w\ld t ,i might give unto ,him my little ,mi*ma%1 t ,he may be borne swiftly & surely on ! long road t ,he mu/ g4 ,samuel look$ = an in/ant into ! br[n eyes upturn$ to 8 own4 ,he rememb]$ ! d>kness1 ! suff]+1 ! va9 hope1 ! despair1 !n--bless$ be ,jehovah6 ! ,light t _h appe>$ & t _h s wondr\sly %one into ! life ( 8 little maid4 ,yea1 *ild1 said he w>mly4 ,no gift t ?\ c\ld/ give w\ld be too great4 ,ezra1 cri$ ,naomi1 can/ ?\ ov]take !m1 ?9k y8 ,b ,ezra _h already left ! room1 & c\ld be he>d 9 ! %$ beh9d ! h\se fitt+ ! bridle ov] ! a/oni%$ ,mi*ma%'s head4 ,naomi caught up h] little sc>let cloak f out ! c>v5 *e/1 & z ,ezra came pa/ ! door1 lead+ ! little gray donkey1 %e flung x across h] bro!r's arm4 ,! j\rney d[n into ,egypt is f>1 & ! night w9ds are cold4 ,x may be my sc>let cloak w keep ! little ,messiah w>m4 ,%e ?rew h] arms ab\t h] donkey's neck & laid h] *eek aga9/ 8 s(t furry nose4 ,f>e !e well1 little ,mi*ma%1 %e :isp]$4 ,/umble n nor falt] on ! way4 ,?\ c>rie/ ! ,light ( all ! _w1 ! ,hope ( e he>t ^u ?y back4 ,f>ewell1 f>ewell6 ,sunrise--& aga9 ,naomi /ood alone ^u ! h\setop4 ,h] night ( d>kness beh9d h]1 %e turn$ h] happy gaze ^u ! morn+ sky1 blue & rose & violet1 ^: cl\ds t\*$ to mi/y purple ! hilltops & ! peaks t surr\nd$ ,be?lehem village4 ,bel[ h] lay ! :ite /one h\ses1 a few /eep fields ( d>k ruddy loam1 ! slop+ g>d5s ) _! v9es1 _! fig & olive trees4 ,f :]e ,naomi /ood ! road t l$ to ! ,holy ,city 0 hidd5 f view by ! m\nta9 peak ,m> ,elias1 & z %e look$ t[>d x h] face light$ & %e clasp$ h] h&s be=e h]4 ,= on ! m\nta9-top re/$ two great cl\ds l angels' w+s1 & ) a he>t full ( awe & rev]5ce & love little ,naomi felt t %e /ood 9 ! v pres5ce ( ,jehovah ,god4 ,:at ?\gh ! promis$ ,messiah 0 flee+ secretly & 9 dread f ,8 own c\ntry8 ,! ,"l 0 m9dful ( ,8 own1 & 0 ev5 n[ keep+ wat* ov] ,8 p4 ,behold1 ,he t keepe? ,israel w nei!r slumb] nor sleep4 ,%e _h no words4 ,%e c\ld only /& & let ! tide ( love %e felt sweep ov] h] aga9 & aga91 until s(tly & almo/ imp]ceptibly ! ,heav5ly ,p9ions fad$ away into ! blue4 ,:5 ,ezra came he f\nd ,naomi look+ t[>d ! road t w\nd ribbon-l pa/ ! ,be?lehem inn d[n into ! l& ( ! ,ph>aohs1 ! c\ntry ( ! ,sph9x & ! ,pyramids4 ,he nodd$ at ! "q 9 h] eyes & sil5tly po9t$ out to h] a little gr\p t mov$ /eadily =w>d ^u ! du/y road bel[4 ,do/ see !m8 ask$ ,ezra s(tly4 ,joseph1 /aff 9 h&1 leads little ,mi*ma% :o be>s ! ,"m & ! ,*ild ^u 8 back4 ,he /eps =? bravely1 ! little bea/4 ,ah6 n[ !y take ! turn t hides !m f our sight4 ,our little ,messiah6 ,gone f u aft] s %ort a "t6 ,aye1 b to come aga91 said ,naomi confid5tly4 ,i "k x1 ,ezra4 ,i 0 bl9d & n[ ,i see4 ,z a t9y ,babe ,he br\ght ! light to me alone4 ,b :5 ,he comes aga91 ,he w be ! ,light ( all ! _w1 ,ezra1 ! ,light ( all ! _w4 ,,! ,,end