THE STAR IN THE EAST

Terah had been a high official at the court of Nimrod, and he was
held in great consideration by the king and his suite. A son was
born unto him whom he called Abram, because the king had raised
him to an exalted place. In the night of Abraham's birth, the
astrologers and the wise men of Nimrod came to the house of
Terah, and ate and drank, and rejoiced with him that night. When
they left the house, they lifted up their eyes toward heaven to
look at the stars, and they saw, and, behold, one great star came
from the east and ran athwart the heavens and swallowed up the
four stars at the four corners. They all were astonished at the
sight, but they understood this matter, and knew its import. They
said to one another: "This only betokens that the child that hath
been born unto Terah this night will grow up and be fruitful, and