After they had eaten, the person who had met them the evening before,
entered, and announced that their carriage was ready for their drive;
or, if they chose to take the cars, they would get within the city much
quicker, but, of course, would miss some interesting sights.
"We prefer to see all," replied the king.
"Then come with me."
The king and Remand followed into another room where they met a young
man who was to be their escort. The first now retired, and the young man
advanced and shook their hands.
"Be seated for a moment," said he. "My name is Paulus. I am to conduct
you into the city, and be your guide for the day. Such is the rule
here." The speaker also took a seat by the table. The king and his
companion sat opposite.
"In this city," continued Paulus, "there can be no hypocrisy, no deceit
of any kind. I am instructed, therefore, to tell you that your true
name, character, and mission is known. You are the king of Poland, and
you his counselor and friend."
The king started, changed color, and looked towards Remand.
"How--how is that?" he stammered.
Paulus smiled. "Do not be alarmed, my dear sir. You were known before
you entered the first gate yesterday. These people have entertained you
with a full knowledge of what you are; nevertheless, the treatment you
have received has been in no wise different from that which is given to
every honest man who comes to this city for righteous purposes, no
matter be he high or low, rich or poor, in the estimation of the world.
You see, true worth and righteousness are the only standards of judgment
here. Again, you are safer here than in the house of your best friend
in Poland, or surrounded by your old-time host of armed warriors; for
violence is no more heard in this land, neither wasting nor destruction
within our borders. Our walls are Salvation; our gates, praise; and the
inhabitants of this city are all righteous. It is their inheritance
forever, for they are a branch of the Lord's planting, the work of His
hands, wherein He is glorified."
Neither of the strangers spoke. The words seemed to thrill them into
silence.
"Come, then, let us be going."
The carriage was awaiting; but it was not the travelers' own.
"No," was Paulus' answer to their inquiry, "your horses will rest. This
is our equipage."
They drove into the city.
"'Walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers thereof. Mark
ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to the
generations following,'" said Paulus.
"You quote from the writings of the ancient Hebrews," said Remand.
"Yes; these 'holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost,'" was the answer.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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