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.