As for Drusilla, she now had her proof; And seeing his purpose prosper Simon was glad.
Publius, the governor of the island, who in gratitude to Paul for the healing of his father has opened his house to the Christians for their meetings, now expresses, through Sergius Paulus, his guest, a wish to hear himself the story that Mary Magdalené is relating. The company accordingly assemble in his house, and Publius is in courtesy asked to act as a kind of master of the feast. He accepts the part, and discharges it with much urbane demonstrativeness. Interrupting Mary at one point of her story with exclamations of surprise and pleasure, he proposes to Krishna that he offset what has just been told with something parallel from the life of his master Buddha. Krishna reluctantly complies, when, after some comment following from Paul, Mary resumes her narrative.
For many following days in Melita There was no season of hospitality To man from Nature under open sky, Genial for ease and comfort out of doors. But the fair spacious halls of Publius Stood smiling ever ready to entertain Resort of Paul or any dear to Paul Whether for social worship in prayer and psalm, With hearing of Paul discourse of things divine, Or for communion sweet of friend and friend. Here presently were gathered yet again The company that had with one accord Already twice assembled to give ear To Mary Magdalené while she told Her story still unfinished of the Lord.
Publius, as Roman to his Roman peer-- And Roman peer so versed in all the arts And all the accomplishments urbane that make Amenity in companionship--had said To Sergius Paulus (likewise, for his sake, To Krishna), "Pray thee, honor thou my house, And be content, abide with me a guest." Now Sergius had to Publius rehearsed The things that Mary those two afternoons Recounted, and the Roman lord would fain Hear from her lips the rest. So he was there-- Guest in a sort, while host, at his own hearth-- And Sergius Paulus said: "O Publius, thou-- Most welcome, as thou makest us welcome here-- Shalt, so it please thee, us all it will please, Be the feast-master in the present feast Of story and of audience. Krishna here"-- And courteous toward the Indian Sergius bowed-- "Has also a story to tell us of his lord. Whether with alternation and relief Between our two historians, or in course, Till one have finished, be the order best, Judge thou for all, and all will grateful be." "Let Mary Magdalené then go on," Said Publius, "if she will, from where she ceased At the last audience;" and he turned to her With, "Sergius has most kindly made me know So far thy story, madam, with the rest Of this good company. But, with thy peace, And with the peace of Krishna and of all, I will upon occasion interrupt-- For haply the occasion may arise-- To ask what contrast or what parallel To this or that of Jesus, Buddha yields."