The rush of such commotion through the streets, A torrent madness raging on its way, Raging and roaring, every moment more, Roused a wide wind of rumor and surmise Troubling the air of all Jerusalem. Tremor of this reached Rachel's jealous sense, On edge--she knowing that the Sanhedrim Would that day summon Stephen to its bar-- To fear the worst for Stephen and for Saul. But Ruth, her home more distant, she at home Urged by importunate cares which for her wrought Some present respite from the strain and pain Of that farewell with Stephen--vexing thought! Too certain to return insistently, In waking and in sleeping vision, soon, At night upon her bed, unbidden guest, And haunt her bosom with sad memories, And vague, unhappy, beckoning shapes of fears!-- Ruth, so precluded, nothing knew of all. Rachel, with other women of the Way Like-minded with herself, pathetic group! Drew timorous nigh the ragged rushing rim Of that confusion pouring toward the gate Which northward opened on Damascus road. The self-same path it was whereby had walked A little while before, bearing His cross, The Saviour of mankind toward Calvary. Stephen remembered, and, remembering, went Both meekly more, and more triumphantly, To suffer like his Lord without the gate. He said within himself, 'I follow Him; I feel His footprints underneath my feet.' Those women watched the martyr every step, And with hands waved signalled him sympathy. Such helpless help was help the more to him-- Who had no need, but gave them back again Their sympathy in looks of strength and cheer Which bade them too be faithful unto death, As they saw him that day. The peace of God, Lodged in his heart--a trust from Christ, Whose word Was, "Peace I leave with you, My peace to you I give; not as the world gives give I you: Let not your heart be troubled, neither let It be afraid"--that peace steadfast he bore Amid the tumult round him, the one thing Not shaken in a shaken universe, Like the earth's axle sleeping and the earth Whirling from centre to circumference!