[11] But last night
I stood upon the gulf which girds my dwelling: in one hand, I held my
sacred talisman, that bears the name ineffable; in the other, the mystic
record of our holy race. I remembered that I had evoked spirits, that I
had communed with the great departed, and that the glowing heavens were
to me a natural language. I recalled, as consolation to my gloomy soul,
that never had my science been exercised but for a sacred or a noble
purpose. And I remembered Israel, my brave, my chosen, and my antique
race, slaves, wretched slaves. I was strongly tempted to fling me down
this perilous abyss, and end my learning and my life together.
'But, as I gazed upon the star of David, a sudden halo rose around its
rays, and ever and anon a meteor shot from out the silver veil. I read
that there was trouble in the holy seed; and now comes this boy, who has
done a deed which----'
'The ark, the ark! I gaze upon the ark!' 'The slumberer speaks; the
words of sleep are sacred.' 'Salvation only from the house of David.'
'A mighty truth; my life too well has proved it. 'He is more calm. It
is the holy hour. I'll steal into the court, and gaze upon the star that
sways the fortunes of his royal house.
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