The wrestlings of the night! Then foul demons are abroad; and then
God's good angels are descending the ladders of the sky.

Soon comes a great moment. While the soul of Quintus is in wild
commotion, there falls upon him a mighty force which is not of
earth. Coming he knows not whence, but not invading the department
of his will, it impels him to the Christ. Transformed is this
Roman knight, who has been taught the doctrines of the Latin cult,
and whose nation can only feel disdain for a Galilaean who proposes
to revolutionize the ages. The words of the augur at Brundisium
are having in truth a strange fulfillment.

As if the Man were present on whom he had looked in the Porch of
Solomon. Quintus speaks his choice for the long eternities:

"Happen what may, I take thee, O Christus, for my Lord and Master.
I sacrifice my Roman knighthood for thee, if it shall be required.
I choose thee, because thou hast risen from the dead and hast
proven that there is another life for men."

Not Cicero, but Christ! The Roman knight has made the great
decision.




V

THE VISION OF THE RISEN CHRIST