We suffer for our sins, that is true, but
you, godless, cursed man, pride not yourself on your power, for you
have not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God. I will give my
life and shed my blood for the law of my fathers, but God's justice
will punish you, as your pride has deserved."
The Hermit had gone out to his followers. Those within the house
closed the window-shutters and the door.
There was a cry without: "Fire the house!"
"Let us bless God, and die!" said Eleazar, and none of them
hesitated.
All fell on their knees. Eleazar spoke: "I know that my Redeemer
liveth, and that He will stand at the latter day upon the earth. And
when I am free from my flesh, I shall see God. Him shall I see and
not another, and for that my soul and my heart cry out."
The mother had taken the youngest son in her arms, as though she
wished to protect him against the fire which now seized on the wall.
Then Eleazar began the Song of the Three Children in the fire, and
when they came to the words,
"O Thank the Lord, for He is good,
And His mercy endureth for ever,"
their voices were choked, and they ended their days like the
Maccabees.
On 16th July 1069, Peter the Hermit entered Jerusalem through the
same Jaffa Gate before which he had sat as a beggar.
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