CHAPTER XXXIX

ANTIPODES BROUGHT FACE TO FACE

“Present Saulus of Tarsus for arraignment!”

Immediately after these words fell from the lips of Nero, the notable prisoner was led into the basilica of the imperial palace.

The room, of magnificent grandeur, was of great size and perfect proportion. The pavement, in mosaic designs of wonderful pattern and finish, was a masterpiece of skill, in which serpentine, onyx, and porphyry were artistically blended. A long row of lofty white marble columns, containing zones of blended pale green, stretched down the length of the hall on either side, and the walls were inlaid with giallo antico, lapis lazuli, and other fine marbles of variegated shades, which came from the mountains near Pisa. The broad cornices of alabaster were covered with a wealth of mythological figures carved in strange and grotesque design. The arched roof, of imposing height and of a deep blue shade, was so studded with golden points as to represent the evening heavens. The outer spaces beyond the columns were filled with statues in bronze, silver, gold, ivory, alabaster, and marbles, many of which were the fruits of despoliation in various cities of the East. Mingled with the statues were rare flowers in graven or embossed silver vases which stood upon veined tables of citron.

Nero’s gold and ivory chair, in which he half reclined, was at the centre of the apse, which projected from the eastern end of the basilica. Broad, polished steps of porphyry, with a white marble balustrade on each side, led up to the seat of the imperial judge. A little to his right, in a place of special honor, an ivory cabinet, inlaid with mother of pearl, contained his poems, tragedies, and orations, which he counted of priceless value to the world; and near by hung his golden harp, adorned with precious stones, upon which, in the _rôle_ of a “divine artist,” he played to special audiences.

Ranged in a double row below him on either side stood his special guard of Prætorians, whose silver eagles and gilded uniforms gave glitter and pomp to every official sitting, whether important or otherwise. Clustered a short distance behind him stood a group of tall lictors, whose shining axed fasces symbolized a power which none on earth could dispute.

Saulus was placed at a little distance in front of Nero, upon a spot marked by a different color in the pavement, and known as the prisoners’ circle. His chain was upon him, and there was no friend by his side.

To the right and left, on raised seats, and nearly in front of the imperial chair, was the council of Assessors, twenty in number, who were all men of high rank. Among them were the two consuls and the selected representatives of other magistracies of Rome, while the remainder consisted of senators, chosen by lot.

As Saulus took his place, Nero looked down languidly, as if impatient at such an interruption in the work of revising a new tragedy, in which he had great pride. He wore a white tunic and a toga of rare purple, and upon his head a laurel wreath. His eyes were dull and bloodshot, and his low, flat head, square jaw, flabby double chin, and thick neck combined to give him an unmistakable canine cast of countenance. His fat white hands looked waxy from constant bathing and polishing, which was submitted to in order that their suppleness might be improved for harp‐playing. Mingled plainly in his face were colossal vanity, cruelty, suffering, and silliness. He was not naturally a fool, but his talent had become strangely abnormal. Though yet young in years, they had been long enough to transform a man into a monster. He blinked as he turned his head from side to side, as if the air were thick with bloody spectres that he could not avoid, and from whom he expected an assault. Disordered in mind and body, he was distracted by physical pains and psychical hallucinations. Guilt had honeycombed him, and in a tragic manner he often told his intimates that he was haunted by all the Furies. But though a profligate and buffoon, he was lord of all the Roman legions, and through them the world was at his feet.

Saulus before Nero!

World‐wide contrasts in the same picture!

Blackness and high light in juxtaposition!

Not merely opposite personalities, but two irreconcilable kingdoms—even worlds—confronting each other!

Hatred, love—resistance, non‐resistance—vice, virtue—legions, moral ideals—animalism, spirituality! These, rarely in the world’s history so sharply defined between persons, but ever in warfare in human souls!

Nero called upon one of his consuls to read the indictment. It was briefly summed up in three charges.

“First, the prisoner, Saulus, is accused of disturbing the Jews in the free exercise of their worship, which is secured to them by Roman law.

“Second, he is charged with desecrating their Temple.

“Third, it is claimed that he violated the public peace by seditious agitation, as the leader of a factious sect which is treasonable to the authority of Rome.”

Saulus was asked to enter a plea concerning the indictment.

“I stand before the tribunal of Cæsar, and answer _not guilty_!” said he in a calm but firm voice.

Nero looked down contemptuously upon the prisoner, and took but a sluggish interest in the charges. He showed plainly by his manner that the whole affair was too trivial to be worthy of more than a passing notice. Of the Jewish religion he knew little and cared less. The idea that this poor fanatic, with no armed following, was a menace to the peace of the Empire was preposterous. Nevertheless, he must keep up the forms of justice, and the trial proceeded.

The witnesses who had come from Cæsarea were examined, and the papers in the case, which had been sent by Agrippa, read by the consul. It was plain to every one that the evidence was partial, and even contradictory. After the prosecution had been fully heard, Nero again cast his eyes indifferently upon Saulus.

“Hast thou any one to speak in thy defence?”

“With the consent of Cæsar, I would be heard briefly in my own behalf!” replied Saulus.

While the Apostle could but recoil from the character and personality of his judge, he was the man to respect the dignity which belonged to an exalted office. He began his reply in a manner courteous, calm, and respectful. Years of discipline had softened his native impetuosity, and given him thorough poise and self‐command.

“I appear before this supreme tribunal, O Imperator, with assurance that I shall find complete justice at thy hands. As the fountain of government and power in this, the greatest Empire the world hath seen, I am persuaded that thou mayest look with indifference upon the small jealousies of Judean sectarianism. I might confidently rest my case before thee almost wholly upon the discordant and even contradictory testimony of my accusers. I call thee to witness, O Cæsar, that King Agrippa, who hath much knowledge of the religion of our nation, found me guiltless of the charges for which I am called to make answer! Behold the whole matter is but an opinion or interpretation between Jewish sects, concerning which the imperial government hath no concern!

“Regarding the first accusation, I have called in question the liberty of no man concerning the exercise of his religious faith. I went up to Jerusalem to take alms to the poor, and to preach a pure faith, but neither in the Temple, nor in the synagogue, nor the street, did I dispute with any man, nor in any manner disturb the peace! It is indeed true that I belong to the Nazarenes, which the scribes and elders call a heretical sect, but of a truth, we worship the God of our fathers. We accept the things which are written in the law and the prophets when truly interpreted, and peradventure it be allowable to have sects of Pharisees and Sadducees among the Jews, there is nothing more illegal in the existence of the Nazarenes. Behold it is but a question of religious liberty, which Rome, to her honor, guarantees to all her subjects. I have in all this controversy a conscience void of offence toward God and man!”

Nero moved uneasily, but made no interruption.

“The second accusation, alleging the profanation of the Temple, hath no foundation. Behold my visit was only in discharge of sacred duty, and I made no tumult with any man! Such a strange charge hath not been proven, and cometh only from the prejudice of the Sadducees. I have always held honor toward the Temple of our fathers, and in no way profaned its courts or ordinances.

“Concerning the arraignment of stirring up sedition, it is utterly vain and empty! I have honored the Roman law, and taught that the powers that be are ordained of God. I ask that you hold in remembrance that they who have complained against me are all Jews, and that no Roman in all Judea, who is set by the authority of Cæsar, hath said aught for my condemnation.

“I would not weary thee by pointing out the subtlety of the differences between the Jewish sects, for much of it would seem to be foolishness to any Roman; but, O Imperator, I may truly avow that the Nazarenes live a New Faith which hath priceless value for all men! It is a spiritual kingdom which is set up within them, and hath no controversy with the material kingdoms of this world. So long as religious liberty is proclaimed by Rome, the Nazarenes never will be found disloyal!

“But, O Cæsar! I cannot close my appeal without saying that _I feel a love in my heart for thee, and would that the most excellent faith of the Nazarenes might light up thy soul!_”

A look of strange surprise at the audacity of Saulus passed like a flash over the faces of the spectators, and all eyes were turned toward Nero to see its effect upon him. But the outburst of the Apostle had been so evidently spontaneous and sincere that Cæsar was momentarily touched. His flabby features turned paler and more constrained than was wont, and moisture appeared in his heavy eyes as they were staringly fastened upon his prisoner. Instead of resentment, he seemed fascinated by so strange a human phenomenon.

“I have earnest good‐will toward thee, O Imperator, and warmly commend the New Faith for the health of thy soul! I beseech thee to bring forth the works of righteousness, temperance, and mercy! Thy Jewish prisoner wishes thee well, and whatever befall him, he hopeth and prayeth for thy salvation!”

The auditors were yet more astounded, and expected to see Nero fly into a rage at the closing words of Saulus.

The tables were turned, and behold the great Apostle was in the judgment‐ seat, and Cæsar the prisoner!

But there was only gentleness in the tones of Saulus, and the earnest love of man for his fellow‐man shone out so clearly that it could not be mistaken. Such a warm spiritual brightness lighted up his features that the Lion of Rome was both awed and softened.

The trial closed with hasty formality. The Assessors by a large majority voted for acquittal, and Nero confirmed the verdict, and the chains of Saulus were stricken off.