"Glad am I thou hast come once more," said Ruth, "For I have wished to ask thee many things. How came his dreadful chance of martyrdom On Stephen? I can bear to hear it all, Since all is done and past and--'He is safe,' As thou saidst, Rachel!" Tenderly Ruth smiled, With tears behind her smiles that did not fall. Then Rachel said: "I cannot tell thee all As having all beheld, but this I heard, That Stephen gave a noble testimony Before the council who had cited him; That there his face shone like an angel's, God Himself so swearing for His servant, while Against him swore false witnesses suborned By Shimei; that his enemies could not bear The fierceness of the love with which in wrath He burned for God against their wickedness, And so they rushed upon him violently And thrust him forth without the city walls. But God beheld their threatening, and He sent His Romans to withstand them for a while. Then we that loved and honored him drew nigh, And would have spoken words of cheer to him, But he--O Ruth, thou shouldst have seen him then! I never can describe to thee how fair Thy husband was to look upon, while he, As steadfast as a star and as serene, And not less lovely-luminous to our eyes, Stood there amid the angry Sanhedrim And to us spake such heavenly words of cheer! He spake of thee, Ruth, and I think God gave His spirit comfort in good hope for thee. For, 'God will give all to our prayers,' said he, And added, 'Husband He will be to her, And Father to the fatherless.'" Thereat Ruth's tears as from a fresh-oped fountain flowed, And eased her aching heart, too full before Of love, remorseful love, for perfect peace. Rachel with Ruth wept tears of sympathy; But with the sweet and wholesome in her tears Mixed salt and bitter, for she thought of Saul. Ruth at length ceased to weep and yearning said: "And then those Romans let them work their will!" "On Stephen's body, yea, Ruth," Rachel said, "But on his spirit they could have no power."