This answer completely confounded Agrippa. He recognized the wisdom of becoming immediately humble. The authority of the Proprætor of Syria, the Ruler of the East, soared far above that of Judæan procurators and Herodian kings. A hint from him to the Roman Senate that Agrippa was unworthy of his post would be quite sufficient to deprive him of his crown. Smoothing his brows, and assuming a smile that in no way harmonized with his inward feelings, he said: “And what would the noble Crispus have of us?” “The release of this maiden.” The politic Agrippa, on the point of granting the request, was stayed by his more strong-minded sister, who was not disposed to let the captive go without at least a protest. “By whose authority do you make this demand?” “By that of the Legate of Syria.” “Will you let us see in the Legate’s own handwriting the order for the release of Vashti, daughter of Hyrcanus?” said Berenice, sarcastically. “He acts by me, his secretary and deputy.” “How know we that he will confirm your act?” “Should he refuse to do so I will restore the maiden to your hands,” said Crispus, who knew that he was quite safe in giving this pledge. Taking courage by his sister’s example, Agrippa now ventured upon a mild protest. “But, noble Crispus, you are infringing Jewish rights. The Legate hath no jurisdiction over the internal affairs of our synagogues.” Crispus gave a disdainful smile. “The authority of Cestius Gallus is supreme over every matter, small or great, within the province of Syria; he has power to reverse any judicial sentence, whether of basilica or synagogue, that he deems unjust, as he will certainly deem this to be when it comes to his hearing. Do you question his authority, O king?” Berenice answered for her brother. “It is not to be doubted,” said she, “that a fond father will ratify the action of a foolish son. Pronounce the damsel free, Agrippa. Cæsar at Rome may burn Christians alive, but we of Judæa must not even whip them. The great Crispus forbids it.” And gathering her robe around her she swept out with a proud and scornful air. The two Romans--no man daring to stay them--proceeded to remove the trembling Vashti from the synagogue, and, attended by the decurion Quintus, they conducted her to the gate of her house in the street of Millo. “So, Vashti, you are a Christian?” said Crispus. “I think I understand now the allusion in the poet Bianor, ‘By the Fish we are saved.’” She smiled, pleased to think that he had remembered her words. “Under the name of ‘The Fish,’” said she, “we symbolize our Divine Master, who leads us through the waters of baptism.”