Caught up in instant rapture from the earth To meet the Lord descended in the air: So shall we be forever with the Lord. With these things comfort ye yourselves, and each Comfort the other. "And all comfort me!" Paul added, with a breaking voice, and tears; But quick he rallied for those others' sake And his victorious tone recovered quite, Looking down, like a warrior on a foe Trampled into the dust beneath his feet-- So looking down upon that vanquished grave, Paul almost chanted in heroic rhythm This lyric exultation calmed to praise: "O death, where is thy sting? Thy victory where, O grave? Thanks be to God who giveth us, Through our Lord Jesus Christ, the victory!" Paul indeed craved the touch of human love, To stay him with a healing sense of help, And medicine to sorrow; but in part It was for his companions' own behoof He had desired their fellowship of cheer; He knew well that to comfort was of all Ways the way surest to be comforted. BOOK XXI. ARRIVAL. The day following, the shipwrecked company embark on a vessel that had wintered at Melita and sail for Puteoli. The islanders give Paul and his companions a grateful farewell of good wishes and of presents for their cheer. With Felix and Drusilla goes as a fresh addition to their train a Phrygian runaway slave whom Syrus, a young slave of Felix's, has befriended and has devised thus to get safely to Rome. Stephen is made confidant of this plan, and becoming interested in the runaway introduces him to Paul. The foot journey from Puteoli to Rome is accomplished, the approach to that city being made along the Appian Way. Various reflections are inspired in Paul by this experience and by the sight of the metropolis itself. At Rome, the Phrygian runaway slave goes to Paul's quarters, merged in the daily concourse that throngs thither to hear the gospel. Having been converted, he is encouraged by Paul to return to his master. This he finally does, carrying with him a letter from Paul. The result is, that the slave at the wish of the master comes joyfully back to Rome and devotes himself to the loving service of Paul. ARRIVAL.