Chapter 30

The time had passed quickly. Peter was roused from his reverie by the sound of many footsteps in the corridor. There was the heavy tread of hobnailed boots.

Glaucus rattled his keys and drew the cell-door open. Surrounding him were prison guards and two tall legionaries in battle dress, their polished helmets gleaming.

Mencius edged past them and entered.

‘You have only a moment, Proconsul!’ muttered Glaucus. ‘Let there be no tarrying!’

‘Is it well with you, Peter?’ asked Mencius, in a half-whisper.

‘Yes, good Mencius,’ said Peter, ‘I am quite ready.’

‘Have you a final request? Is there anything I can do?’

‘I wish you would go to the home of Senator Gallio,’ said Peter in a steady voice, ‘and ask to see the old steward, Marcipor. Give Marcipor my abiding love and tell him to be a shepherd to my little flock. Tell him to say to them that the Kingdom will come, but they must not expect it to reign now—except in their hearts; for the world is not yet ready to receive the King.’

‘Come now!’ commanded Glaucus. ‘Time is up.’

Peter moved slowly toward the door. There he paused for another word with Mencius.

‘Last night in a dream I saw the King. He was standing on a high hill, gazing entreatingly into the far distance, across the mountains, plains and seas. And I heard him saying, in sorrow:

‘”You would not come unto me that you might have life!”‘

THE END

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