The Big Fisherman (81 page)

'The Kingdom of the Christos will come, but not now, not soon. Empires will rise and fall. Slavery and slaughter will prevail and increase in horror until the sight of it will sicken the heart of God! Terror will reign until the hungry and homeless will cry to the rocks to cover them! And when all seems lost—then the Kingdom will come.

'Remember how the Master said that the Kingdom would grow as a mustard tree, from the smallest of seeds. Always there will be some who hear His voice. In the midst of their distresses, they will watch and wait and hope for the coming of the King! And He will come, at length, to keep His covenant, and set men free.

'Meantime, He offers the benefits of the Kingdom to every man who yearns to see the Kingdom come. For them the Kingdom has come! You, Peter, have earned that peace. For you, the Kingdom is here; it is now; it is yours!'

* * * * * *

The time had passed quickly. Peter was roused from his reverie by the sound of many footsteps in the corridor. There was the heavy tread of hobnailed boots.

Glaucus rattled his keys and drew the cell-door open. Surrounding him were prison guards and two tall legionaries in battle dress, their polished helmets gleaming.

Mencius edged past them and entered.

'You have only a moment, Proconsul!' muttered Glaucus. 'Let there be no tarrying!'

'Is it well with you, Peter?' asked Mencius, in a half-whisper.

'Yes, good Mencius,' said Peter, 'I am quite ready.'

'Have you a final request? Is there anything I can do?'

'I wish you would go to the home of Senator Gallio,' said Peter in a steady voice, 'and ask to see the old steward, Marcipor. Give Marcipor my abiding love and tell him to be a shepherd to my little flock. Tell him to say to them that the Kingdom will come, but they must not expect it to reign now—except in their hearts; for the world is not yet ready to receive the King.'

'Come now!' commanded Glaucus. 'Time is up.'

Peter moved slowly toward the door. There he paused for another word with Mencius.

'Last night in a dream I saw the King. He was standing on a high hill, gazing entreatingly into the far distance, across the mountains, plains and seas. And I heard him saying, in sorrow:

'"You would not come unto me that you might have life!"'

THE END