For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem

"Dreaming, John, as usual? I never saw such a boy. You are always in extremes; either tiring yourself out, or lying half asleep."
"I was not half asleep, mother. I was looking at the lake."
"I cannot see much to look at, John. It's just as it has been ever since you were born, or since I was born."
"No, I suppose there's no change, mother; but I am never tired of looking at the sun shining on the ripples, and the fishermen's boats, and the birds standing in the shallows or flying off, i…