Pearl-Maiden

Pearl-Maiden: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem is a novel by H Rider Haggard.

Miriam is a Christian during a time when the Romans are feeding Christians to the lions. She is brought up by the Essenes for her parents died before she was a year old. There, she hides from the Romans, learning what the Essenes taught her in language and in arts. It turns out that she has a great talent for sculpture. And when a Roman named Marcus comes to investigate a murder in the Essenes' village, Miriam creates a sculpture of him as a gift. It is because they have a great affection for each other. Unfortunately, Marcus is a pagan, which means that Miriam cannot marry him. Amongst plots to overthrow Rome, assassinations, and revolt, will their love survive it all? And can they overcome their differences to live happily ever after?