"
The Emperor departed, and Silvester remained alone.
"I wait!" he said to himself, "but meanwhile I look after our
worldly affairs." And he unfolded a map of the then known world.
With a piece of red chalk he drew crosses and crowns, for the most
part in the North. But above Jerusalem he drew a flag with a lance.
* * * * *
The year 999 approached its end, and the Christians lived in a state
of deadly anxiety. In Rome and its neighbourhood, all the active
business of life had ceased. The fields were not sown, but lay
covered with weeds; trade was at a stand-still; the shops were
closed. Those who had anything gave it away, and had difficulty in
finding anyone to take it. The churches stood open day and night for
three months, and each day was like Sunday. People wore their best
clothes, for there was no object in keeping them, and they wished to
be well dressed in order to meet the Redeemer on His arrival.
Christmas had been kept with unwonted solemnity, and men lived at
peace with one another. The guards of the city had nothing to do,
for the fear of what was coming sufficed to maintain order. People
slept with open doors, and no one dared to steal or to deceive.
There was no need to do so, for everyone received what he asked
for; bakers distributed bread gratis, and innkeepers allowed
unlimited credit; the payment of debts was not exacted.
Pages:
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207