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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 18:35:52 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 18:35:52 -0700 |
| commit | 418ff9d2109f856c54d571d2193ebc960efbe102 (patch) | |
| tree | 00de3564a1e63f6969a5edfb0a2041b40c9af3fd /44083-h | |
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You may copy it, give it away or re-use + it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License <a href= + "#pglicense" class="tei tei-ref">included with this eBook</a> or + online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" class= + "tei tei-xref">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a></p> + </div> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +Title: The Count of the Saxon Shore + +Author: Alfred John Church + +Release Date: October 31, 2013 [Ebook #44083] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE COUNT OF THE SAXON SHORE*** +</pre> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"></div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="frontis" + id="frontis" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig1" id= + "fig1"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_002.jpg" alt="The Burning of the Villa" title= + "The Burning of the Villa." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">The Burning of the + Villa.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/cover.jpg" alt="Cover image" /></div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-titlePage" style="text-align: center"> + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><a name= + "Pgi" id="Pgi" class="tei tei-anchor" style="text-align: center"></a> + <span class="tei tei-docTitle" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 173%">The</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%; font-variant: small-caps">Count</span></span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 173%">of the</span> <span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%; font-variant: small-caps">Saxon + Shore</span></span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">or</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">The Villa in VECTIS</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic; font-variant: small-caps">A + Tale of the Departure of the Romans from + Britain</span></span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + + <div class="tei tei-byline" style="text-align: center"> + BY THE<br /> + <span class="tei tei-docAuthor" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-variant: small-caps">Rev.</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 120%">ALFRED J. CHURCH, + M.A.</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Author of “Stories from + Homer”</span></span><br /> + <br /> + WITH THE COLLABORATION OF<br /> + RUTH PUTNAM<br /> + </div><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Fifth + Thousand</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docImprint" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-pubPlace" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">London</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-publisher" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">SEELEY, SERVICE + & CO. LIMITED</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-pubPlace" style="text-align: center">38 + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Great Russell + Street</span></span></span></span> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><a name= + "Pgii" id="Pgii" class="tei tei-anchor" style= + "text-align: center"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.75em"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">Entered at Stationers’ Hall</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 75%">By SEELEY & CO.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.75em"><span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%; font-variant: small-caps">Copyright by G. P. + Putnam’s Sons</span></span><span style="font-size: 75%">, + 1887</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 75%">(For the United States of + America).</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgiii" id="Pgiii" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc2" id="toc2"></a> <a name="pdf3" + id="pdf3"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">PREFACE.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Count of the Saxon Shore”</span> was a title bestowed by + Maximian (colleague of Diocletian in the Empire from 286 to 305 + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">A.D.</span></span>) on the officer whose task it was + to protect the coasts of Britain and Gaul from the attacks of the + Saxon pirates. It appears to have existed down to the abandonment of + Britain by the Romans.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So little is known + from history about the last years of the Roman occupation that the + writer of fiction has almost a free hand. In this story a novel, but, + it is hoped, not an improbable, view is taken of an important + event—the withdrawal of the legions. This is commonly assigned to the + year 410, when the Emperor Honorius formally withdrew the Imperial + protection from Britain. But the usurper Constantine had actually + removed the British army two years before; and, as he was busied with + the conquest of Gaul and Spain for a considerable time after, it is + not likely that they were ever sent back.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-signed" style="text-align: right"> + A. J. C. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-dateline" style="text-align: right"> + R. P. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgiv" id="Pgiv" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgv" id="Pgv" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc4" id="toc4"></a> <a name="pdf5" + id="pdf5"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CONTENTS.</span></h1><a name="Pgvi" id= + "Pgvi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class= + "tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <colgroup span="3"></colgroup> + + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">CHAP.</span></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">PAGE</span></span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">I.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A BRITISH CÆSAR</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg001" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">1</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">II.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">AN ELECTION</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg013" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">13</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">III.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A PRIZE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg021" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">21</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">IV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE VILLA IN THE ISLAND</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg032" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">32</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">V.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">CARNA</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg047" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">47</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE SAXON</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg057" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">57</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A PRETENDER’S DIFFICULTIES</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg070" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">70</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE NEWS IN THE CAMP</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg083" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">83</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">IX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE DEPARTURE OF THE LEGIONS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg094" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">94</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">X.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">DANGERS AHEAD</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg107" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">107</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE PRIEST’S DEMAND</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg115" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">115</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">LOST</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg124" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">124</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">WHAT DOES IT MEAN?</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg135" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">135</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE PURSUIT</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg144" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">144</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE PURSUIT (<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">continued</span></span>)</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg152" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">152</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE GREAT TEMPLE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg164" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">164</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE BRITISH VILLAGE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg173" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">173</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE PICTS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg182" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">182</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE SIEGE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg194" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">194</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">CEDRIC IN TROUBLE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg207" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">207</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE ESCAPE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg216" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">216</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A VISITOR</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg224" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">224</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE STRANGER’S STORY</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg234" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">234</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXIV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">NEWS FROM ITALY</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg245" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">245</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">CONSULTATION</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg256" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">256</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXVI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">FAREWELL!</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg266" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">266</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXVII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">MARTIANUS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg271" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">271</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXVIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A RIVAL</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg281" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">281</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXIX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg293" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">293</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XXX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">AT LAST</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg306" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">306</a></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgvii" id="Pgvii" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc6" id="toc6"></a> <a name="pdf7" + id="pdf7"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</span></h1> + + <table summary="This is a table" cellspacing="0" class= + "tei tei-table" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <colgroup span="2"></colgroup> + + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE BURNING OF THE VILLA</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#frontis" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Frontispiece</span></span></a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">PAGE</span></span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CONSTANTINE ELECTED EMPEROR</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig018" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">18</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">PANTHER</span></span> AND THE SAXON + PIRATES</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig028" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">28</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CEDRIC AT THE FORGE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig058" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">58</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">JAVELIN THROWING</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig078" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">78</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE DEPARTURE OF THE LEGIONS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig104" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">104</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">BRITISH CONSPIRATORS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig112" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">112</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE CAPTURE OF CARNA</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig128" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">128</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE SACRIFICE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig166" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">166</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CEDRIC AND THE PICT</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig196" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">196</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CEDRIC’S FURY</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig212" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">212</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CEDRIC’S ESCAPE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig222" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">222</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CLAUDIAN’S TALE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig234" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">234</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE COUNT RECEIVING THE LETTER OF + HONORIUS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig252" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">252</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CARNA AND MARTIANUS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig276" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">276</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell">CARNA ON THE HILLSIDE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#fig304" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">304</a></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgviii" id="Pgviii" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-body" style= + "margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page1">[pg 1]</span><a name="Pg001" id= + "Pg001" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.73em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">THE COUNT OF THE + SAXON SHORE.</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc8" id="toc8"></a> <a name="pdf9" id="pdf9"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER I.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A BRITISH CÆSAR.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hail! Cæsar Emperor, the starving salute + thee!”</span><a id="noteref_1" name="noteref_1" href= + "#note_1"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">1</span></span></a> and the + speaker made a military salute to a silver coin, evidently brand-new + from the mint (which did not seem, by the way, to turn out very good + work), and bearing the superscription, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Gratianus Cæsar Imperator Felicissimus.”</span> He was a + soldier of middle age, whose jovial face did not show any sign of the + fate which he professed to have so narrowly escaped, and formed one + of a group which was lounging about the <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Quæstorium</span></span>, or, as we may put it, + the paymaster’s office of the camp at the head of the Great + Harbour.<a id="noteref_2" name="noteref_2" href= + "#note_2"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">2</span></span></a> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page2">[pg 2]</span><a name="Pg002" id= + "Pg002" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>A very curious medley of + nationalities was that group. There were Gauls; there were Germans + from the Rhine bank, some of them of the pure Teuton type, with fair + complexions, bright blue eyes, and reddish golden hair, and + remarkably tall of stature, others showing an admixture of the Celtic + blood of their Gallic neighbours in their dark hair and hazel eyes; + there were swarthy Spaniards, fierce-looking men from the Eastern + Adriatic, showing some signs of Greek parentage in their regular + features and graceful figures; there were two or three who seemed to + have an admixture of Asian or even African blood in them; it might be + said, in fact, there were representatives of every province of the + Empire, Italy only excepted. They had been just receiving their pay, + long in arrear, and now considerably short of the proper amount, and + containing not a few coins which the receivers seemed to think of + doubtful value.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let me look at his Imperial Majesty,”</span> said + another speaker; and he scanned the features of the new + Cæsar—features never very dignified, and certainly not flattered by + the rude coinage—with something like contempt. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, he does not look exactly as a Cæsar should; but + what does it matter? This will go down with Rufus at the wine-shop + and Priscus the sausage-seller, as well as the head of the great + Augustus himself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> said a third speaker, picking out from + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page3">[pg 3]</span><a name="Pg003" id= + "Pg003" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a handful of silver a coin which + bore the head of Theodosius, <span class="tei tei-q">“this was an + Emperor worth fighting under. I made my first campaign with him + against Maximus, another British Cæsar, by the way; and he was every + inch a soldier. If his son were like him<a id="noteref_3" name= + "noteref_3" href="#note_3"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">3</span></span></a> things + would be smoother than they are.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you think,”</span> said the second speaker, after + first throwing a cautious glance to see whether any officer of rank + was in hearing—<span class="tei tei-q">“do you think we have made a + change for the better from Marcus?<a id="noteref_4" name="noteref_4" + href="#note_4"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">4</span></span></a> He at all + events used to be more liberal with his money than his present + majesty. You remember he gave us ten silver pieces each. Now we don’t + even get our proper pay.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Marcus, my dear fellow,”</span> said the other speaker, + <span class="tei tei-q">“had a full military chest to draw upon, and + it was not difficult to be generous. Gratianus has to squeeze every + denarius out of the citizens. I heard them say, when the money came + into the camp yesterday, that it was a loan from the Londinium + merchants. I wonder what interest they will get, and when they will + see the principal again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hang the fat rascals!”</span> said the other. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page4">[pg + 4]</span><a name="Pg004" id="Pg004" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>should + they sleep soft, and eat and drink the best of everything, while we + poor soldiers, who keep them and their money-bags safe, have to go + bare and hungry?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come, come, comrades,”</span> interrupted the first + soldier who had spoken; <span class="tei tei-q">“no more grumbling, + or some of us will find the centurion after us with his + vine-sticks.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The group broke + up, most of them making the best of their way to spend some of their + unaccustomed riches at the wine-shop, a place from which they had + lately kept an enforced absence. Three or four of the number, + however, who seemed, from a sign that passed between them, to have + some secret understanding, remained in close conversation—a + conversation which they carried on in undertones, and which they + adjourned to one of the tents to finish without risk of being + disturbed or overheard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The camp in which + our story opens was a square enclosure, measuring some five hundred + yards each way, and surrounded by a massive wall, not less than four + feet in thickness, in the construction of which stone, brick, and + tile had, in Roman fashion, been used together. The defences were + completed by strong towers of a rounded shape, which had been erected + at frequent intervals. The camp had, as usual, its four gates. That + which opened upon the sea—for <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page5">[pg + 5]</span><a name="Pg005" id="Pg005" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + sea washed the southern front—was famous in military tradition as the + gate by which the second legion had embarked to take part in the + Jewish War and the famous siege of Jerusalem. Vespasian, who had + begun in Britain the great career which ended in the throne, had + experienced its valour and discipline in more than one + campaign,<a id="noteref_5" name="noteref_5" href= + "#note_5"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">5</span></span></a> and had + paid it the high compliment of making a special request for its + services when he was appointed to conduct what threatened to be a + formidable war. This glorious recollection was proudly cherished in + the camp, though more than three centuries had passed, changing as + they went the aspect of the camp, till it looked at least as much + like a town as a military post. The troops were housed in huts + stoutly built of timber, which a visitor would have found comfortably + furnished by a long succession of occupants. The quarters of the + tribune and higher centurions were commodious dwellings of brick; and + the headquarters of the legate, or commanding officer, with its + handsome chambers, its baths, and tesselated pavements, might well + have been a mansion at Rome. There was a street of regular shape, in + which provisions, clothes, and even ornaments could <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page6">[pg 6]</span><a name="Pg006" id="Pg006" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>be bought. Roman discipline, though + somewhat relaxed, did not indeed permit the dealers to remain within + the fortifications at night, but the shops were tenanted by day, and + did a thriving business, not only with the soldiers, but with the + Britons of the neighbourhood, who found the camp a convenient resort, + where they could market to advantage, besides gossiping to their + hearts’ content. The relations between the soldiers and their native + neighbours were indeed friendly in the extreme. The legion had had + its headquarters in the camp of the Great Harbour for many + generations, though it had occasionally gone on foreign service. + Lately, too, the policy which had recruited the British legion with + soldiers from the Continent, had been relaxed, partly from + carelessness, partly because it was necessary to fill up the ranks as + could best be done, and there was but little choice of men. Thus + service became very much an inheritance. The soldiers married British + women, and their children, growing up, became soldiers in turn. Many + recruits still came from Gaul, Spain, and the mouth of the Rhine, and + elsewhere, but quite as many of the troops were by this time, in part + or in whole, British.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another change + which the three centuries and a half since Vespasian’s time had + brought about was in religion. The temple of Mars, which had stood + near the headquarters, and where the legate had been <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page7">[pg 7]</span><a name="Pg007" id="Pg007" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>accustomed to take the auspices,<a id= + "noteref_6" name="noteref_6" href="#note_6"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">6</span></span></a> was now a + Christian Church, duly served by a priest of British birth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">About a couple of + hours later in the day a shout of <span class="tei tei-q">“The + Emperor! the Emperor!”</span> was raised in the camp, and the + soldiers, flocking out from the mess-tents in which most of them were + sitting, lined in a dense throng the avenue which led from the chief + gate to headquarters.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gratianus, who was + followed by a few officers of superior rank and a small escort of + cavalry, rode slowly between the lines of soldiers. His reception was + not as hearty as he had expected to find. He had, as the soldiers had + hinted, made vast exertions to raise a sum of money in + Londinium—then, as now, the wealthiest municipality in the island. + Himself a native of the place, and connected with some of its richest + citizens, he had probably got together more than any one else would + have done in like circumstances. But all his persuasions and + promises, even his offer of twenty per cent. interest, had not been + able to extract from the Londinium burghers the full sum that was + required; and the soldiers, who the day before would have loudly + proclaimed that they would be thankful for the smallest instalment, + were now almost furious because they had not been paid in full. A few + shouts of <span class="tei tei-q">“Hail, Cæsar! Hail, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page8">[pg 8]</span><a name="Pg008" id="Pg008" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Gratianus! Hail, Britannicus!”</span> + greeted him on the road to his quarters; but these came from the + front lines only, and chiefly from the centurions and + deputy-centurions, while the great body of the soldiers maintained an + ominous silence, sometimes broken by a sullen murmur.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gratianus was not + a man fitted to deal with sudden emergencies. He was rash and he was + ambitious, but he wanted steadfast courage, and he was hampered by + scruples of which an usurper must rid himself at once if he hopes to + keep himself safe in his seat. He might have appealed frankly to the + soldiers—asked them what it was they complained of, and taken them + frankly into his confidence; or he might have overawed them by an + example of severity, fixing on some single act of insubordination or + insolence, and sending the offender to instant execution. He was not + bold enough for either course, and the opportunity passed, as quickly + as opportunities do in such times, hopelessly out of his reach.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The temper of the + soldiers grew more excited and dangerous as the day went on. For many + weeks past want of money had kept them sober against their will, and + now that the long-expected pay-day had come they crowded the + wine-shops inside and outside the camp, and drank almost as wildly as + an Australian shepherd when he comes down to the town <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page9">[pg 9]</span><a name="Pg009" id="Pg009" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>after a six months’ solitude. As anything + can set highly combustible materials on fire, so the most trivial and + meaningless incident will turn a tipsy mob into a crowd of + bloodthirsty madmen. Just before sunset a messenger entered the camp + bringing a despatch from one of the outlying forts. One of those + prodigious lies which seem always ready to start into existence when + they are wanted for mischief at once ran like wild-fire through the + camp. Gratianus was bringing together troops from other parts of the + province, and was going to disarm and decimate the garrison of the + Great Camp. The unfortunate messenger was seized before he could make + his way to headquarters, seriously injured, and robbed of the + despatch which he was carrying. Some of the centurions ventured to + interfere and endeavour to put down the tumult. Two or three who were + popular with the men were good-humouredly disarmed; others, who were + thought too rigorous in discipline, were roughly handled and thrown + into the military prison; one, who had earned for himself the + nick-name of <span class="tei tei-q">“Old Hand me the + other,”</span><a id="noteref_7" name="noteref_7" href= + "#note_7"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">7</span></span></a> was + killed on the spot. The furious crowd then rushed to headquarters, + where Gratianus was entertaining <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page10">[pg 10]</span><a name="Pg010" id="Pg010" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>a company of officers of high rank, and + clamoured that they must see the Emperor. He came out and mounted the + hustings, which stood near the front of the buildings, and from which + it was usual to address gatherings of the soldiers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a moment the + men, not altogether lost to the sense of discipline, were hushed into + silence and order by the sight of the Emperor as he stood on the + platform in his Imperial purple, his figure thrown into bold relief + by the torches which his attendants held behind him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you want, my children?”</span> he said; but + there was a tremble in his voice which put fresh courage into the + failing hearts of the mutineers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Give us our pay, give us our arrears!”</span> answered a + soldier in one of the back rows, emboldened to speak by finding + himself out of sight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The cry was taken + up by the whole multitude. <span class="tei tei-q">“Our pay! Our + pay!”</span> was shouted from thousands of throats.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gratianus stood + perplexed and irresolute, visibly cowering before the storm. At this + moment one of the tribunes stepped forward and whispered in his ear. + What he said was this: <span class="tei tei-q">“Say to them, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Follow me, and I will give you all you ask + and more.’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a happy + suggestion, one of the vague promises that commit to nothing, and if + the unlucky usurper could have given it with confidence, with an air + that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page11">[pg 11]</span><a name= + "Pg011" id="Pg011" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gave it a meaning, he + might have been saved, at least for a time. But his nerve, his + presence of mind was hopelessly lost. <span class="tei tei-q">“Follow + me—where? Whither am I to lead them?”</span> he asked, in a hurried, + agitated whisper.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His adviser + shrugged his shoulders and was silent. He saw that he was not + comprehended.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gratianus + continued to stand silent and irresolute, with his helpless, + despairing gaze fixed upon the crowd. Then came a great surging + movement from the back of the crowd, and the front ranks were almost + forced up the steps of the platform. The unlucky prince turned as if + to flee. The movement sealed his fate. A stone hurled from the back + of the crowd struck him on the side of the face. Half stunned by the + blow, he leaned against one of the attendants, and the blood could be + seen pouring down his face, pale with terror, and looking ghastly in + the flaming torchlight. The next moment the attendant flung down his + torch and fled—an example followed by all his companions. Then all + was in darkness; and it only wanted darkness to make a score of hands + busy in the deed of blood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As Gratianus lay + prostrate on the ground the first blow was aimed by a brother of his + predecessor, Marcus, who had been quietly waiting for an opportunity + of vengeance. In another minute he had ceased to live. His head was + severed from the body <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page12">[pg + 12]</span><a name="Pg012" id="Pg012" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + fixed on the top of a pike. One of the murderers seized a smouldering + torch, and, blowing it into flame, held it up while another exhibited + the bleeding head, and cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“The tyrant has + his deserts!”</span> But by this time the mad rage of the crowd had + subsided. The horror of the deed had sobered them. Many began to + remember little acts of kindness which the murdered man had done + them, and the feeling of wrong was lost in a revulsion of pity. In a + few moments more the crowd was scattered. Silent and remorseful the + men went to their quarters, and the camp was quiet again. But another + British Cæsar had gone the way of a long line of unlucky + predecessors.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page13">[pg 13]</span><a name="Pg013" + id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc10" id= + "toc10"></a> <a name="pdf11" id="pdf11"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER II.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">AN ELECTION.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The camp next day + was covered with gloom. The soldiers moved silent and with downcast + faces along the avenues, or discharged in a mechanical way their + routine duties. The guards were turned out, the sentries relieved, + and the general order of service maintained without any action on the + part of the officers—at least of those who held superior rank. These + remained in the seclusion of their tents; and it may be said that + those who were conscious of being popular were almost as much alarmed + as those who knew that they were disliked. If the latter dreaded the + vengeance of those whom they had offended, the others were scarcely + less alarmed by the possibility of being elected to the perilous + dignity which had just proved fatal to Gratianus. The country people, + whose presence generally gave an air of cheerfulness and activity to + the camp, were too much alarmed to come. The <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page14">[pg 14]</span><a name="Pg014" id="Pg014" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>trading booths inside the gates were empty, and + only a very few stalls were occupied in the market, which was held + every day outside them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The funeral of the + late prince was celebrated with some pomp. The soldiers attended it + in crowds, and manifested their grief, and, it would seem, their + remorse, by groans and tears. They were ready even to give proofs of + their repentance by the summary execution of those who had taken an + active part in the bloody deed. But here, one of the centurions, + whose cheerful, genial manners made him an unfailing favourite with + the men, had the courage to check them. <span class="tei tei-q">“No, + my men,”</span> said he; <span class="tei tei-q">“we were all mad + last night, and we must all take the blame.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two days passed + without any incident of importance. On the third the question of a + successor began to be discussed. One of the other garrisons might be + beforehand with them, and they would have either to accept a chief + who would owe his best favours to others, or risk their lives in an + unprofitable struggle with him. In the afternoon a general assembly + of the troops was held, the officers still holding aloof, though some + of them mixed, <span lang="it" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "it"><span style="font-style: italic">incognito</span></span>, so to + speak, in the crowd.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course, the + first difficulty was to find any one who would take the lead. At last + the genial centurion, who has been mentioned above as a + well-<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page15">[pg 15]</span><a name= + "Pg015" id="Pg015" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>established favourite + with the soldiers, was pushed to the front. His speech was short and + sensible. <span class="tei tei-q">“Comrades,”</span> he said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I doubt whether what I have to say will + please you; but I shall say it all the same. You know that I always + speak my mind. We have not done very well in the new ways. Let us try + the old. I propose that we take the oath to Honorius + Augustus.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A deep murmur of + discontent ran through the assembly, and showed that the speaker had + presumed at least as far as was safe on his popularity with the + troops.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Does Decius,”</span> cried a burly German from the + crowd—Decius was the name of the centurion—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“does Decius recommend that we should trust to the mercy + of Honorius? Very good, perhaps, for himself; for the giver of such + advice could scarcely fail of a reward; but for us it means + decimation<a id="noteref_8" name="noteref_8" href= + "#note_8"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">8</span></span></a> at the + least.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A shout of + applause showed that the speaker had expressed the feelings of his + audience.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I propose that we all take the oath to Decius + himself!”</span> said a Batavian; <span class="tei tei-q">“he is a + brave man and an honest, and what do we want more?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The good Decius + had heard undismayed the angry <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page16">[pg 16]</span><a name="Pg016" id="Pg016" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>disapproval which his loyal proposal had called + forth; but the mention of his name as a possible candidate for the + throne overwhelmed him with terror. His jovial face grew pale as + death; the sweat stood in large drops upon his forehead; he trembled + as he had never trembled in the face of an enemy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Comrades,”</span> he stammered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“what have I done that you should treat me thus? If I + have offended or injured you, kill me, but not this.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">More than half + possessed by a spirit of mischief, the assembly answered this piteous + appeal by continuous shouts of <span class="tei tei-q">“Long live the + Emperor Decius!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The good man grew + desperate. He drew his sword from the scabbard, and pointed it at his + own heart. <span class="tei tei-q">“At least,”</span> he cried, + <span class="tei tei-q">“you can’t forbid me this escape.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The bystanders + wrested the weapon from him; but the joke had gone far enough, and + the man was too genuinely popular for the soldiers to allow him to be + tormented beyond endurance. A voice from the crowd shouted, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Long live the Centurion Decius!”</span> to + which another answered, <span class="tei tei-q">“Long live Decius the + subject!”</span> and the worthy man felt that the danger was + over.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A number of + candidates, most of whom were probably as little desirous of the + honour as Decius, were now proposed in succession.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page17">[pg 17]</span><a name="Pg017" id="Pg017" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I name the Tribune Manilius,”</span> said one of the + soldiers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The name was + received with a shout of laughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let him learn first to be Emperor at home!”</span> cried + a voice from the back of the assembly, a sally which had considerable + success, as his wife was a well-known termagant, and his two sons the + most frequent inmates of the military prison.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I name the Centurion Pisinna.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very good, if he does not pledge the purple,”</span> for + Pisinna was notoriously impecunious.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I name the Tribune Cetronius.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very good as Emperor of the baggage-guard.”</span> + Cetronius had, to say the least, no high reputation for personal + courage, and was supposed to prefer the least exposed parts on the + field.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A number of other + names were mentioned only to be dismissed with more or less + contumely. Tired of this sport—for it really was nothing more—the + crowd cried out for a speech from a well-known orator of the camp, + whose fluency, not unmixed with shrewdness and humour, had gained him + a considerable reputation among his comrades.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Comrades,”</span> he began, <span class="tei tei-q">“if + you have not yet found a candidate worthy of your suffrages, it is + not because such do not exist among you. Can it be believed that + Britain is less worthy to produce the Emperor than Gaul, or Spain, or + Thrace, or even the effeminate <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page18">[pg 18]</span><a name="Pg018" id="Pg018" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Syria? Was it not from Britain that there came + forth the greatest of the successors of Augustus, the Second Romulus, + Flavius Aurelius Constantinus?”</span><a id="noteref_9" name= + "noteref_9" href="#note_9"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">9</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The orator was not + permitted to proceed any further. The name Constantinus ran like an + electric shock through the whole assembly, and a thousand voices took + up the cry, <span class="tei tei-q">“Long live Constantinus, Emperor + Augustus!”</span> while all eyes were turned to one of the back rows + of the meeting, where a soldier who happened to bear that name was + standing. Some of his comrades caught him by the arm, hurried him to + the front, and from thence on to the hustings. He was greeted with a + perfect uproar of applause, partly, of course, ironical, but partly + the expression of a genuine feeling that the right man had been + found, and found by some sort of Divine assistance. The soldiers + were, as has been said, a strange medley of men, scarcely able to + understand each other, and alike only in being savage, ignorant, and + superstitious. They had been unlucky in choosing for themselves, and + now it might be well to have the choice made for them. And at least + the new man had a name which all of them knew and reverenced, as far + as they reverenced anything.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig018" + id="fig018" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig12" id= + "fig12"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_029.jpg" alt="Constantine elected Emperor" + title="Constantine elected Emperor." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Constantine elected + Emperor.</span></span> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page19">[pg 19]</span><a name= + "Pg019" id="Pg019" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whether he had + anything but a name might have seemed perhaps somewhat doubtful. He + had reached middle age, for he had two sons already grown up, but had + never risen above the rank of a private soldier. It might be said, + perhaps, that he had shown some ability in thus avoiding + promotion—not always a desirable thing in troublous times; but there + was the fact that he was nearly fifty years of age, and was not even + a deputy-centurion. On the other hand, he was a respectable man, + ignorant indeed, for, like most of his comrades, he could neither + read nor write, but with a certain practical shrewdness, so + good-humoured that he had never made an enemy, known to be remarkably + brave, a great athlete in his youth, and still of a strength beyond + the average.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His sudden and + strange elevation did not seem to throw him in the least off his + balance. He had been perfectly content to go without promotion, and + now he seemed equally content to receive the highest promotion of + all. He stood calmly facing the excited mob, as unmoved as if he had + been a private soldier on the parade ground. A slight flush, indeed, + might have been seen <a name="corr019" id="corr019" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">to mount</span> to + his face when the cloak of imperial purple was thrown over his + shoulders, and the peaked diadem put upon his head. He must have been + less than man not to have felt some thrill either of fear or pride at + the touch of what had brought two of his comrades to their graves + within the space <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page20">[pg + 20]</span><a name="Pg020" id="Pg020" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + less than half a year; but he showed no other sign of emotion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The officers, + seeing the turn things had taken, had now come to the front, and the + senior tribune, taking the new Emperor by the hand, led him to the + edge of the hustings, and said, <span class="tei tei-q">“Comrades, I + present to you Aurelius Constantinus, chosen by the providence of God + and the choice of the army to be Emperor of Britain and the West. The + Blessed and Undivided Trinity order it for the best.”</span> A + ringing shout of approval went up in response. The tribunes then took + the oath of allegiance to the new Emperor in person. These again + administered it to the centurions, and the centurions swore in great + batches of the soldiers. The new-made prince meanwhile stood unmoved, + it might almost be said insensible, so strange was his composure in + the face of his sudden elevation. All that he said—the result, it + seemed, of a whisper from one of his sons—were a few words, which, + however, had all the success of a most eloquent oration.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Comrades, I promise you a donative<a id="noteref_10" + name="noteref_10" href="#note_10"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">10</span></span></a> within + the space of a month.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The assembly broke + up in great good-humour, and the newly-made Emperor, attended by the + officers, went to take possession of headquarters.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page21">[pg 21]</span><a name="Pg021" + id="Pg021" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc13" id= + "toc13"></a><a name="pdf14" id="pdf14"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER III.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A PRIZE.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a bright + morning some three weeks after the occurrences related in the last + chapter, when a squadron of four Roman galleys swept round the point + which is now known as the South Foreland. The leader of the four, all + of which, indeed, lay so close together as to be within easy hailing + distance, bore on its mainmast the <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Labarum</span></span>, or Imperial standard, + showing on a ground of purple a cross, a crown, and the sacred + initials, all wrought in gold. It was the flagship, so to speak, of + the great Count himself, one of the most important lieutenants of the + Empire, whose task it was to guard the shores of Britain and Northern + Gaul from the pirate swarms that issued from the harbours of the + North Sea and the Baltic. The Count himself was on board, coming + south from his villa on the eastern shore—for the stations of which + he had the charge extended as far as the Wash—to his winter residence + in the sunny island of Vectis.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page22">[pg 22]</span><a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count was a + tall man of middle age, and wore over his tunic a military cloak + reaching to the hips, and clasped at the neck with a handsome device + in gold, representing a hunting-dog with his teeth fixed in a stag. + His head was covered with a broad-brimmed hat of felt. The only + weapon that he carried was a short sword, which, with its plain hilt + and leather scabbard, was evidently meant for use rather than show. + His whole appearance and bearing, indeed, were those of a man of + action and energy. His eyes were bright and piercing; his nose + showed, strongly pronounced, the curve which has always been + associated with the ability to command; the contour of his chin and + lips, as far as could be seen through a short curling beard and + moustache, worn as a prudent defence against the climate, betokened + firmness. Still, the expression of the face was not unkindly. As a + great writer says of one whom Britain had had good reason in earlier + days both to fear and to love, <span class="tei tei-q">“one would + easily believe him to be a good man, and willingly believe him to be + great.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the time when + our story opens he was standing in conversation with the helmsman, a + weather-beaten old sailor, whose dark Southern complexion had been + deepened by the sun and winds of more than fifty years of service + into an almost African hue.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The wind will hardly serve us as well as it has,”</span> + said the Count, as his practised eye, familiar with <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page23">[pg 23]</span><a name="Pg023" id="Pg023" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>every yard of the coast, perceived that + they were well abreast of the extreme southern point of the + coast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, my lord,”</span> said the old man, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we shall have to take as long a tack as we can to the + south. There is a deal of west in the wind—more, I think, than there + was an hour since. Castor and Pollux—I beg your lordship’s pardon, + the blessed Saints—defend us from anything like a westerly + gale.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah! old croaker,”</span> replied the Count, with a + laugh, <span class="tei tei-q">“I verily believe that you will be + half disappointed if we get to our journey’s end without some + <a name="corr023" id="corr023" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">mishap.</span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good words, good words, my lord,”</span> said the old + man, hastily crossing himself, while he muttered something, which, if + it could have been overheard, would have been scarcely suitable to + that act of devotion. <span class="tei tei-q">“Heaven bring us safe + to our journey’s end! Of course it is your lordship’s business to + give orders, and ours to go to the bottom, if it is to be so. But I + must say, saving your presence, that it is against all rules of a + sailor’s craft as I have known it, man and boy, for nigh upon + threescore years, to be at sea near about a month after the autumn + equinox.</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + ’Never let your keel be wet, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + When the Pleiades have set; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Never let your keel be dry, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + When the Crown is in the sky.’ + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page24">[pg 24]</span><a name= + "Pg024" id="Pg024" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">That is what my father used to say, and his fathers + before him, for I do not know how many generations, for we have + always followed the sea.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well for them, perhaps,”</span> said the Count, + <span class="tei tei-q">“in the days when a man would almost as soon + go into a lion’s den as venture out of sight of land. But the world + is too busy to let us waste half our year on shore.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes, I know all about that,”</span> answered the + old man, who was privileged to have the last word even with so great + a personage as the Count; <span class="tei tei-q">“but there is a + proverb, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Much haste, little speed,’</span> + and I have always found it quite as true by sea as by + land.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile the + proper signals had been given to the rest of the squadron, and the + whole four were now heading south, with a point or two to the west, + the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Panther</span></span>—for that was the name of + the flagship—still slightly leading the way, with her consorts in + close company. In this order they made about twelve miles, the wind + freshening somewhat as they drew further away from the British shore, + and, being nearly aft, carrying them briskly along.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fine sailing, fine sailing,”</span> said the old + helmsman, drawn almost in spite of himself into an exclamation of + delight, as the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Panther</span></span>, rushing through the water + with an almost even keel, began to widen the gap between herself and + her nearest follower. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page25">[pg + 25]</span><a name="Pg025" id="Pg025" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The + short waves, which just broke in sparkling foam, the brilliant + sunshine, almost bringing back summer with its noonday heat, and the + sea with a blue which recalled, though but faintly, the deep tint of + his native Mediterranean, combined to gladden the old man’s soul. + <span class="tei tei-q">“But we need not put about now,”</span> he + said to himself. <span class="tei tei-q">“If this wind holds we shall + fetch Lemanis<a id="noteref_11" name="noteref_11" href= + "#note_11"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">11</span></span></a> without + requiring to tack.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was about to + give the necessary orders to trim the sails, when he was stopped by a + shout from the look-out man at the bow, <span class="tei tei-q">“A + sail on the starboard side!”</span> Just within the range of a keen + sight, in the south-western horizon, the sunlight fell on what was + evidently a sail. But the distance was too great to let even the + keenest sight distinguish what kind of craft it might be, or which + way it was moving. The Count, who had gone below for his mid-day + meal, was of course informed of the news. He came at once upon deck, + and lost no time in making up his mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If she is an enemy,”</span> he said to the old helmsman, + <span class="tei tei-q">“she will be eastward bound; though I never + knew a pirate keep the sea quite so late in the year. If she is a + friend she will probably be sailing westward, or even coming our + way—but it does not matter which. If she has anything to tell us, we + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page26">[pg 26]</span><a name="Pg026" + id="Pg026" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>shall be sure to hear it sooner + or later. But it will never do to let a pirate escape if we can help + it. Any one who is out so late as the middle of October must have had + good reason for stopping, and can hardly fail to be worth catching. + Quintus, put her right before the wind, and clap on every inch of + canvas.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The course of the + squadron was now changed to nearly due south-east. All eyes, of + course, were bent on the strange craft, and before an hour had passed + it was evident that the Count had been right in his guess. There were + four ships; they were long and low in the water, of the build which + was only too well known along the coasts of Gaul and Britain, where + no river or creek, if it gave as much as three or four feet of water, + was safe from their attack. In short, they were Saxon pirates, and + were now moving eastward with all the speed that sails and oars could + give them. The question that every one on board the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Panther</span></span> + was putting to himself with intense interest was, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shall we be able to intercept them?”</span> For the + present the Count’s ship had the advantage of speed, thanks to the + wind abaft the beam. But a stern chase would be useless. On equal + terms the pirates were at least as quick as their pursuers. The + light, too, of the autumn day would soon fail, and with the light + every chance of success would be gone.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page27">[pg 27]</span><a name="Pg027" id="Pg027" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a time it + seemed as if the escape of the pirate was certain. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Curse the scoundrels!”</span> cried the Count, as he + paced impatiently up and down the after deck. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“If it would only come on to blow in real earnest we + should have them. Anyhow, I would sooner that we should all founder + together than that they should get off scot free.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Panther</span></span>, which had left her + consorts about a mile in the rear, was now near enough for her crew + to see distinctly the outlines of the pirate ships, to mark the + glitter of the shields that were ranged along the gunwales, and to + catch the rhythmic rise and fall of the long sweeping oars. The + Saxons were evidently straining every nerve to make good their + escape, and it seemed scarcely possible that they could fail. Then + came a turn of fortune—the very thing, in fact, that the Count had + prayed for. For a time—only a very few moments—the wind freshened to + something like the force of a gale. The masts of the <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Panther</span></span> + were strained to the utmost of their strength; they groaned and bent + like whips under the sudden pressure on the canvas, but the seasoned + timber stood the sudden call upon it bravely. How the Count blessed + himself that he had never passed over a piece of bad workmanship or + bad material! The good ship took a wild plunge forward, but nothing + gave way. But the last of the four pirates was not so fortunate. She + had one tall <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page28">[pg + 28]</span><a name="Pg028" id="Pg028" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>mast, + carrying a fore-and-aft sail, so large as to be quite out of + proportion to her size. The wind struck her nearly sideways, and she + heeled over till her keel could almost be seen. For a moment it was + doubtful whether she would not capsize. Then the mast gave. The + vessel righted at once, but only to lie utterly helpless on the + water, with all her starboard oars hopelessly entangled with the + canvas and rigging. What the Count would have done had his ship been + entirely in hand it is difficult to say. No speedier or more + effective way of dealing with the enemy than running her down could + have been practised. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Panther</span></span> had three or four times + the tonnage of her adversary, whose lightness and low bulwarks made + her easily accessible to this kind of attack. Nor would the pirates + have a chance of showing the desperate valour which the Roman + boarding-parties had learnt to respect and almost to fear. The only + argument on the other side would have been that prisoners and booty + would probably be lost. But, as a matter of fact, the Count had no + opportunity of weighing the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">pros</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">cons</span></span> in + the matter. The <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Panther</span></span>, driving as she was + straight before the wind, was practically unmanageable. She struck + the pirate craft with a tremendous crash amidships, and cut her + almost literally in half. One blow, and one only, did the pirates + strike at their conquerors. When escape had become manifestly + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page29">[pg 29]</span><a name="Pg029" + id="Pg029" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>impossible by the fall of the + mast, the Saxon warriors had dropped their oars, and seizing their + bows had discharged a volley of arrows against the Roman ship. The + hurry and confusion of the moment did not favour accurate aim, and + most of the missiles flew wide of the mark; but one seemed to have + been destined to fulfil the helmsman’s expectations of evil to come. + It struck the old man on the left side, inflicting a fatal wound. In + the first confusion of the shock the incident was not noticed, for + the brave fellow stuck gallantly to the tiller, propping himself up + against it while he kept the <span class="tei tei-name"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Panther</span></span> steadily before the wind. + In fact, loss of blood had brought him nearly to his end before it + was even known that he had been wounded. Then, in a moment, the Count + was at his side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig028" + id="fig028" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig15" id= + "fig15"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_041.jpg" alt="The Panther and the Saxon Pirate" + title="The Panther and the Saxon Pirate." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">The Panther and the Saxon + Pirate.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Carry him to my own cabin,”</span> he said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old man raised + his hand in a gesture that seemed to refuse the service which half a + dozen stout sailors were at once ready to render him. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“it is + idle; this arrow has sped me. But let me die here, where I can see + the waves and the sky. I have known them, man and boy, threescore + years—aye, and more, for my father would take me on his ship when I + was a tiny chap of three feet high. Nay, no cabin for me; ’tis almost + as bad as dying in one’s bed.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His voice grew + feeble. The Count stopped, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page30">[pg 30]</span><a name="Pg030" id="Pg030" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>asked whether there was anything that he could + do for him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> said the old man, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“nothing; I have neither chick nor child. ’Tis all as + well as I could have wished. But mark, my lord, I was right about + sailing in October. Any one that knows the sea would be sure that + trouble must come of it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The next moment he + was past speaking or hearing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was his + privilege, we must remember, to have the last word.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The <span class= + "tei tei-name"><span style="font-style: italic">Panther</span></span> + meanwhile had been brought to the wind. Her consorts, too, had come + up, and a search was made for any survivors of the encounter that + might be still afloat. Some had been killed outright by the + concussion; others had been so hurt that they could make no effort to + save themselves. They would not, however, have made it if they could. + Those that had escaped uninjured evidently preferred drowning to a + Roman prison. With grim resolution they straightened their arms to + their sides and went down. Only two survivors were picked up. These, + evidently twins from their close resemblance to each other, were + found clinging to a fragment of timber. One had been grievously hurt, + the other had not suffered any injury.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wounded man, + who had received an almost fatal blow upon the head, had lost the + power to move, and was holding on to life more than half + un<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page31">[pg 31]</span><a name="Pg031" + id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>consciously; and his brother, + moved by that passionate love so often found between twins, had + sacrificed himself—that is, the honour which he counted dearer than + life—to save him. Had he had only himself to think of, he would have + been the first to go down a free man to the bottom of the sea; but + his brother was almost helpless, and he could not leave him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When it was + evident that all further search would be useless, the squadron set + their sails for Lemanis, which, thanks to a further change in the + wind to the northward, they were able to reach before midnight.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page32">[pg 32]</span><a name="Pg032" + id="Pg032" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc16" id= + "toc16"></a> <a name="pdf17" id="pdf17"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER IV.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE VILLA IN THE ISLAND.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Count Ælius was a + man of the best Roman type, a man of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“primitive virtue,”</span> as the classical writers would + have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and + purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old + Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing. + In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the + Empire who could pretend to compare with him. For the most part, the + old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the + Republic had died out. The old nobility had gone, and the new + nobility had followed it. The great name of Fabius, saved by an + accident from extinction, when its three hundred gallant sons, each + of them <span class="tei tei-q">“fit to command an army,”</span> + perished in one day by the craft of the Etruscan foe, had passed + away. There was no living representative of the conqueror of + Carthage, or of the conqueror <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page33">[pg 33]</span><a name="Pg033" id="Pg033" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>of Corinth. Even the <span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">parvenus</span></span> of the Empire had in + their turn disappeared. The generals and senators, both of the old + Rome and of the new,<a id="noteref_12" name="noteref_12" href= + "#note_12"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">12</span></span></a> bore + names which would have sounded strange and barbarous to Cicero or + even to Tacitus. An Ælius then, one who claimed to trace his descent + to a time even earlier than the legendary age, to a race which was + domiciled in Italy long before even Æneas had brought thither the + gods of Troy, was an almost singular phenomenon in a generation of + new men. And nothing less than this was the pedigree claimed by the + Ælii. Their remotest ancestor—the Count never could hear an allusion + to it without a smile—was the famous cannibal king who ruled over the + <a name="corr033" id="corr033" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Laestrygones</span>, + a tribe of Western Italy,<a id="noteref_13" name="noteref_13" href= + "#note_13"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">13</span></span></a> and from + whose jaws the prudent Ulysses so narrowly escaped. The pride of + ancient descent is not particular as to the character of a + progenitor, so he be sufficiently remote; and one branch of the Ælii + had always delighted to recall by their surname their connection with + this man-eating hero. But the race had not lacked glories of its own + in historical times. They had had soldiers, statesmen, and men of + letters among them. One of them had been made immortal by the + friendship of Horace. Another, an adopted <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page034">[pg 034]</span><a name="Pg034" id="Pg034" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>son, it was true, better known by the famous + name of Sejanus, had nearly made himself master of the throne of the + Cæsars. About a hundred years later this crowning glory of human + ambition had fallen to it in the person of Hadrian, third in the list + of the <span class="tei tei-q">“five good Emperors”</span>;<a id= + "noteref_14" name="noteref_14" href="#note_14"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">14</span></span></a> though + indeed there were purists in the matter of genealogy who stoutly + denied that this great soldier and scholar had any of the real Ælian + blood in him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count’s father + had held civil office at Carthage, and the young Ælius had there, for + a short time, been a pupil of Aurelius Augustinus, then known as an + eloquent teacher of rhetoric, afterwards to become the most famous + doctor of the Western Church. But his bent was not for the profession + of the law, and his father, though disappointed at his preference for + a soldier’s career, would not stand in his way. His first experience + of warfare was gained on a day of terrible disaster. His father’s + influence had secured him a position which seemed in every way + desirable. He was attached to the staff of Trajanus, a general of + division in the army of the Emperor Valens. By great exertions, + travelling night and day, at the hottest period of the year, the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page35">[pg 35]</span><a name="Pg035" + id="Pg035" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>young Ælius contrived to report + himself to his commander on the eve of the great battle of + Adrianople. He had borne himself with admirable courage and + self-possession during that terrible day, more disastrous to the + Roman arms than even Cannæ itself. He had helped to carry the wounded + Emperor to a cottage near the field of battle, and had barely escaped + with his life, cutting his way with desperate resolution through the + enemy, when this place of refuge was surrounded and burnt by the + barbarians. After this unfortunate beginning he betook himself for a + time to the employments of peace, obtaining an office under + Government at Milan, where he renewed his acquaintance with his old + teacher, Augustine. Then another opening, in what was still his + favourite profession, presented itself. The young soldier’s gallant + conduct on the disastrous day of Adrianople had not been forgotten by + some who had witnessed it, and when Stilicho, then the rising general + of the Empire, was looking about for officers to fill posts upon his + staff, the name of Ælius was mentioned to him. Under Stilicho he + served with much distinction, and it was on Stilicho’s recommendation + that he was appointed to the post which, when our story opens, he had + held for nearly twenty years.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His position + during this period had been one of singular difficulty. The tie + between the Empire and Britain was very loose. More than once during + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page36">[pg 36]</span><a name="Pg036" + id="Pg036" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Ælius’ tenure of office it had + seemed to be broken altogether. Pretender after pretender had risen + against the central power, and had declared his province independent, + and himself an Emperor. The Count of the Saxon Shore had contrived to + keep himself neutral, so to speak, during these troubles. His own + office, that of defending the eastern and southern shores of the + island against the attacks of the Saxon pirates, he had filled with + remarkable vigilance and skill. And the usurpers had been content to + leave him undisturbed. His sailors were profoundly attached to him, + and any attempt to interfere with him would have thrown a + considerable weight into the opposite scale. And he and his work were + necessary. Whether Britain was subject to Rome or independent of it, + it was equally important that its coasts should not be harried by + pirates. If Ælius would provide for this—and he did provide for it, + with an almost unvarying success—he might be left alone, and not + required to give in his allegiance to the new claimant of the throne. + This allegiance he never did give in. He was always the faithful + servant of those who appointed him, and, whoever might happen to be + the temporary master of Britain, regularly addressed his despatches + and reports to the central authority in Italy. On the other hand, he + did not feel himself bound to take direct steps towards asserting + that authority in the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page37">[pg + 37]</span><a name="Pg037" id="Pg037" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>island. He had to keep the pirates in check, and + that was occupation quite sufficient to keep all his energies + employed. Thus, as has been said, he observed a kind of neutrality, + always loyal to the Roman Emperor, but willing to be on friendly + terms with the rebel generals of Britain as long as they left him + alone, let him do his work of defending the coast, and did not make + any demands upon him which his conscience would not allow him to + satisfy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having thus + sketched the career of the Count, we must now say something about the + house, which now—it was early in the afternoon of the day following + the events described in the last chapter—was just coming into + sight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The villa was the + Count’s private property, and had been purchased by him immediately + on his arrival in the island, for a reason which will be given + hereafter. It was a handsome house, and complete in its way, with all + that was necessary for a comfortable residence, but not one of the + largest of its kind. Indeed, it may be said that what may be called + the <span class="tei tei-q">“living”</span> part of it was unusually + small for the dwelling of so distinguished a person as the Count. It + had been found large enough by its previous owners, men of moderate + means and, it so happened, of small families; and the Count, feeling + that his occupation of it might be terminated at any time, had not + cared to add to it. Its situation was re<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page38">[pg 38]</span><a name="Pg038" id="Pg038" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>markably pleasing. Behind it was a sheltering + range of hills,<a id="noteref_15" name="noteref_15" href= + "#note_15"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">15</span></span></a> keeping + off the force of the south-westerly winds, and then richly covered + with wood. It was not too near the sea, the Romans not finding that + the ceaseless disturbance of rising and falling tides was an element + of pleasure, though they could not get too close to their own + tideless Mediterranean; but it was within an easy distance of the + Haven.<a id="noteref_16" name="noteref_16" href= + "#note_16"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">16</span></span></a> The + convenience of this neighbourhood had indeed been one of the Count’s + reasons for selecting this spot. But if the harsh, grating sound of + the waves upon the shingle did not reach the ears of the dwellers in + the villa, and the force of the sea winds was somewhat broken for + them by intervening cliffs, they still enjoyed all the freshness and + vitality of an air that had come across many a league of water. The + climate, too, was genial, mild without being too soft, mostly free + from damp, though not exempt from occasional mist, seldom troubled by + frost or snow, and, on the whole, not unlike some of the more + temperate regions of Italy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The villa, with + its belongings, occupied three sides of a square, or rather + rectangle, and was built nearly to the points of the compass. The + eastern side of the square was open, thus giving a prospect + sea<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page39">[pg 39]</span><a name="Pg039" + id="Pg039" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>wards. The western contained + the principal living rooms. The northern, too, was partly occupied by + bed-chambers and sitting-rooms, for which there was no room in the + comparatively small portion which had been originally intended for + the residence of the owner and his family. Some of the workmen + employed lived in cottages outside the villa enclosure. The southern + was devoted to storehouses, workshops, and all the miscellaneous + buildings which made a Roman villa, as far as possible, an + establishment complete in itself. The open space was occupied by a + pretty garden, which will be more particularly described + hereafter.<a id="noteref_17" name="noteref_17" href= + "#note_17"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">17</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The eastward front + of the villa was occupied for the greater part of its length by a + colonnade or corridor. A low wall of about four feet in height + separated this from the garden; above the wall it was open to the + air; but an overhanging roof helped greatly to shelter it, while the + view into the garden was unimpeded. The floor was adorned with a + handsome tesselated pavement, the principal device <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page40">[pg 40]</span><a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of which was a representation of the + favourite subject of Orpheus attracting beasts and birds by his lyre. + The proprietor from whom the Count had purchased the villa had + brought it from Italy. He was a Christian of artistic tastes, and, + like his fellow-believers, had delighted to trace in the old myth a + spiritual meaning, the power of the teaching of Christ to subdue to + the Divine obedience the savage, animal nature of man. He had + displaced for it the original design, which, indeed, was nothing + better than a commonplace representation of dancing figures which had + satisfied the earlier owners. The artist had included among the + listeners animals, some of which, as the monkey, the Thracian + minstrel could hardly have seen, and, with a certain touch of humour, + he had adorned the monkey’s head with a Phrygian cap, like that which + Orpheus himself wore, to indicate probably that the monkey is the + caricature of man. The inner wall was ornamented with a bold design + of Cæsar’s first landing in Britain, worked in fresco. Seats and + tables were arranged along it at intervals, and the whole corridor + was thus made to furnish a pleasant promenade in winter and a + charming resort when the weather was warm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the south end + of the corridor was the Count’s own apartment, or study, as it would + be called in a modern house. One window looked into the corridor, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page41">[pg 41]</span><a name="Pg041" + id="Pg041" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>into which a door also opened; + another, which was built out into the shape of a bow, so as to catch + as much of the sun as the aspect allowed, looked into the garden. + Part of it was formed of lattices, which admitted of being completely + closed when the weather required such protection; the rest was glazed + with glass, which would have seemed rough to the present generation, + but was quite as good as most people were content to have in their + houses fifty years ago. The pavement was tesselated, and presented + various designs, a Bacchante, and a pair of gladiators among them. + These, however, were commonly covered with thick woollen rugs, the + villa being chiefly used as a winter residence. The Count had not + forgotten his early studies, and some handsome bookcases contained + his favourite authors, among which were to be found the great classic + poets of Rome, Tacitus, for whom he had a special regard, some + writers on the military art, Cato and Columella on agriculture, and, + not least honoured, though some, at least, of their contents had but + little interest for him—for, sincere Christian as he was, he cared + little for controversy—the numerous treatises of his friend and + teacher, Augustine. Behind this room was a simple furnished + bed-chamber, showing in an almost bare simplicity the characteristic + tastes of a soldier.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the other end + of the corridor was a door leading to the principal chamber in this + part of the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page042">[pg + 042]</span><a name="Pg042" id="Pg042" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>villa. This measured altogether close upon forty + feet in length, but it was divided, or rather could be divided, into + two by columns which stood about halfway down its longer sides, and + between which a curtain could be hung. When the chamber was occupied + in summer it might be used as a whole; in the winter the smaller + part, which looked out into the garden, could be shut off from the + rest by drawing the curtain, and so made a comfortable room, warmed + from below by hot air from the furnace, which had been constructed at + the western end of the northern wing of the villa. Much artistic + skill had been expended on the pavements of the apartment, and the + smaller chamber was very richly decorated in this way. In the middle + was a large head of Medusa, and the rest was filled with + beautifully-worked scenes illustrating the pleasures of a pastoral + life. It was the custom of the Count’s family to use the larger + portion of the whole chamber as a dining-room, the smaller as a + ladies’ boudoir. On the rare occasion of some large entertainment + being given, the whole was thrown into one.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The ladies of the + family, of whom we shall hear more hereafter, had their own + apartments at the western end of the north wing, part of which was + shut off for their occupation and for their immediate attendants. A + covered way connected this with the portion occupied by the + Count.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page43">[pg 43]</span><a name= + "Pg043" id="Pg043" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It would be + needless to describe the rest of the villa. It was like the houses of + its kind, houses which the Romans erected wherever they went in as + close an imitation as they could make of what they were accustomed to + at home.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The garden, + however, must not be wholly passed over. Spacious and handsome as it + was, it in part presented a stiff and unnatural appearance, looking, + in fact, somewhat theatrical, as contrasted with the pastoral + sunniness of the landscape. A Roman gardener had been brought from + Rome—one skilled in all the arts of his craft. It was he who had + terraced the slope with so much regularity, had planted stiff box + hedges—and, above all, it was his taste which led him to cut and + train box and laburnum shrubs into fantastic imitations of other + forms. The poor trees were forced to abandon their own natural + shapes, and to pose as vases, geometrical figures, and animals of + various kinds. There was even a ship of box surrounded by a broad + channel of water, so that the spectator, making large demands on his + imagination, might imagine that the little mock vessel was moored on + a still sheet of water. Among the box trees were stone fountains + badly copied from classic models. But these had not remained in their + bare crudity. The loving British ivy had crept close around them, and + added a grace which the sculptor had failed to give. The Roman + gardener would have liked to banish <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page44">[pg 44]</span><a name="Pg044" id="Pg044" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>this intruder, or to at least train it into the + positions prescribed by horticultural rules, but he had been bidden + to let it run at its own sweet will; and so it had, and had + flourished, well nursed by the soft and humid atmosphere.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Scattered at + regular intervals through the green were flower-beds stocked with + plants, which were either native to the island, or had been brought + hither with great care from the capital. There were roses in several + varieties, strange-shaped orchids, which had been found growing wild + at lower levels of the island, and adopted into this civilized garden + to ornament it with their unique beauty. Gay geraniums and other + flowers made throughout the summer bright patches of colour in + striking contrast to the dark green.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These beds were + enclosed by borders. Between these enclosures were curiously-cut + letters of growing box, which perpetuated—at least for the life-time + of the shrub—the gardener’s own name or that of his master, or + classic titles, to serve as designations for certain portions of the + place. In the midst of the garden several luxuriant oaks and graceful + elms had been allowed to retain in their native freedom the shapes + into which they had been growing for so many years. They cast wide + shadows, and gave a softened aspect to the unnatural shapes of the + trained growths.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page45">[pg + 45]</span><a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Beyond the floral + division of the garden was another enclosure for pear and apple + trees. They stood on a green sward, soft as velvet, and of a deeper + hue than Italian suns permit to the grass on which they smile. Here, + too, were foreign embellishments. The monotony of the uniform rows of + fruit trees was varied by pyramids of box, and the whole orchard was + surrounded by a belt of plane trees.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A circle of oaks + had been left at the summit of one of the terraces. Thick hedges were + planted between the trees, making a dense wall, in which openings + were cut for the view, so that the vista was visible, like a picture + set in a dark frame. This green room, roofed by the sky, was paved + with a mosaic of the bright coloured chalk from the cliffs at the + western end of the island, and contained an oblong basin of water + shaped like a table. The water flowed through so gently that the + surface always seemed at rest, and yet never grew warm. Couches were + placed at this fountain table, and from time to time repasts were + served here, certain viands being placed in dishes shaped like swans + or boats, which floated gracefully on the watery surface. The more + solid meats were placed on the broad marble edges of the basin.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This sylvan + retreat seemed made for a meeting of naiads and nereids. In short, + the spot was so <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page46">[pg + 46]</span><a name="Pg046" id="Pg046" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>sheltered, the outlook over sea and land both + near and across the strait so fair, that one could well believe even + Pliny’s famed Tuscan garden, which may have suggested some features + of this British one, was not more happily placed.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page47">[pg 47]</span><a name="Pg047" + id="Pg047" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc18" id= + "toc18"></a> <a name="pdf19" id="pdf19"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER V.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">CARNA.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Ælius had + come, some eighteen years before the beginning of our story, to take + up his command on the coast of Britain, he had brought with him his + young wife. This lady, always delicate in health, had not long + survived her transplantation to a northern climate. Six months after + her arrival in Britain she had died in giving birth to a daughter. + The child was entrusted to the care of a British woman, wife of the + sailing master of one of the Roman ships, who had reared her together + with her own daughter. When little Ælia was but a few weeks old her + foster-mother had become a widow, her husband having met with his + death in a desperate encounter with one of the Saxon cruisers. This + misfortune had been followed by another, the loss of her two elder + children, who had been carried off by a malarious fever. The widow, + thus doubly bereaved, had thankfully accepted the Count’s offer that + she <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page48">[pg 48]</span><a name= + "Pg048" id="Pg048" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>should take the post of + mother of the maids in his household. Her foster-daughter, a feeble + little thing, whom she had the greatest difficulty in rearing, was as + dear to her as was her own child, and the new arrangement ensured + that she should not be separated from her. For ten years she was as + happy as a woman who had lost so much could hope to be. She had the + pleasure of seeing her delicate nursling pass safely through + childhood, and grow into a handsome, vigorous girl. Then her own call + came; and feeling that her earthly work was done, she had been glad + to meet it. The Count, who was a frequent visitor to her deathbed, + had no difficulty in promising her that the two children should never + be separated. Indeed he could not have divided the pair even had he + wished. Every wish of the ten-year-old Ælia was as a law to him, and + Ælia would have simply broken her heart to lose her playmate and + sister Carna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two friends + were curiously unlike in person and disposition. Ælia was a Roman of + the Romans. Her hair was of a shining blue-black hue, and so abundant + that when unbound it fell almost to her knees. Her black eyes, soft + and lustrous in repose, and shaded with lashes of the very longest, + could give an almost formidable flash when anything had roused her to + anger. Her complexion was a rich brown, relieved by a slight ruddy + tinge; her features regular, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page49">[pg + 49]</span><a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>less + delicately carved, indeed, than the Greek type, but full of + expression, which was tender or fiery, according to her mood. Her + figure was somewhat small, but beautifully formed. If Ælia was + unmistakably Roman, Carna showed equally clearly one of the finest + British types. She was tall, overtopping her companion by at least a + head; her hair, which fell in curls about her shoulders, was of a + glossy chestnut; her eyes of the very deepest blue; her complexion, + half-way between blonde and brunette, mantled with a delicate colour, + which deepened, when her emotions were touched, into an exquisite + blush; her forehead was somewhat low, but broad, and with a rare + promise both of artistic power and of intelligence; her nose would + have been pronounced by a casual observer to be the most faulty + feature in her face; and it is true that its outline was not perfect. + But the same observer, after a brief acquaintance, would probably + have retracted his censure, and owned that this feature suited the + rest of her face, and would have been less charming if it had been + more perfect. Ælia was impulsive and quick of temper, honest and + affectionate, but not caring to go below the surface of things, and + without a particle of imagination. Carna, on the other hand, seemed + the gentlest of women. Those blue eyes of hers were ready to express + affection and pity; but no one—not even Ælia, who could be + exceedingly provoking at times—had ever seen a <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page50">[pg 50]</span><a name="Pg050" id="Pg050" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>flash of anger in them. But her nature had + depths in it that none suspected to be there; it was richly endowed + with all the best gifts of her Celtic race. She had a world of her + own with which the gay Roman girl, whom she loved so dearly, and with + whom she seemed to share all her thoughts, had nothing to do. Music + touched her soul in a way of which Ælia, who could sing very + charmingly, and play with no little expression on the <span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cithara</span></span>, had no conception. And + though she had never written, or even composed, a verse, and possibly + would never write or compose one, she was a poetess. At present all + her soul was given to religion, religion full of the imagination and + enthusiasm which has made saints of so many women of her race. The + good British priest, to whose flock she belonged, a worthy man who + eked out his scanty income<a id="noteref_18" name="noteref_18" href= + "#note_18"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">18</span></span></a> by + working a small farm, was perplexed by her enthusiasm. She was not + satisfied with the duties of adorning the little church where he + ministered, and its humble altar-cloths and vestments, by the skill + of her nimble fingers, of aiding the chants with the rich tones of + her beautiful voice, of ministering to the sick. She performed these, + indeed, with devotion, but she demanded more, and the good man did + not know how to satisfy her. In addition to her other gifts Carna had + that of being <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page51">[pg + 51]</span><a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a + born nurse. It was her first impulse to fly to the help of + anything—whether it was man, or beast, or bird—that was sick or hurt, + just as it was Ælia’s impulse, though she mastered it at any strong + call of duty, to avoid the sight of suffering. She had now heard that + a prisoner had been brought in desperately wounded, and she could not + rest till she knew whether she could do anything for the poor + creature’s soul or body. Ælia was as scornful as her love for her + foster-sister allowed her to be.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dearest Carna,”</span> she cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“what on earth can make you trouble yourself in this + fashion about this miserable creature? They are the worst plagues in + this world, these Saxons, and it would be a blessing to the world if + it were well quit of the whole race of them! A set of pagan + dogs!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, sister,”</span> said Carna, her eyes brimming with + tears, <span class="tei tei-q">“that is the worst of it. A pagan, who + has never heard of the Blessed Lord, and now, they say, he is dying! + What shall we do for him?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But surely,”</span> returned the other, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“he is no worse off than his threescore companions who + went to the bottom the other day.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“God be good to them,”</span> said Carna, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but then we did not know them, and that seems to make a + difference. And to think that this poor creature should be so near to + the way and not find it. But I must go and see + him.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page52">[pg + 52]</span><a name="Pg052" id="Pg052" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It will only tear your poor, tender heart for no + purpose. You had far better come and talk to father.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna was not to + be persuaded, but hurried to the chamber to which the wounded man had + been borne.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was evident at + first sight that the end was not far off. The dying Saxon lay + stretched on a rude pallet. He was a young man, who could scarcely + have seen as many as twenty summers, for the down was hardly to be + seen on his upper lip and chin. His face, which was curiously fair + for one who had followed from infancy an outdoor life, was deadly + pale, a pathetic contrast with the red-gold hair which fell in curly + profusion about it. His eyes, in which the fire was almost quenched, + were wide open, and fixed with an unchanging gaze upon a figure that + stood motionless at the foot of the bed. This was his brother, who + had been permitted by the humanity of the Count to be present. They + had been exchanging a few sentences, but the dying man was now too + far gone to speak, and the two could only look their last farewell to + each other. It was a pitiful thing to see the twins, so like in + feature and form, but now so different, the one, prisoner as he was, + full of life and strength, the other on the very threshold of + death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By the side of the + wounded man stood the household physician, a venerable-looking slave, + who had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page53">[pg 53]</span><a name= + "Pg053" id="Pg053" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>acquired such knowledge + of medicine and surgery as sufficed for the treatment of the commoner + ailments and accidents. This case was beyond his skill, or indeed the + skill of any man. He could do nothing but from time to time put a few + drops of cordial between the sufferer’s lips. Next to the physician + stood the priest, and his skill, too, seemed to be at fault. A + messenger, sent by Carna, had warned him that a dying man required + his ministrations, but had added no further particulars, and the + worthy man, who was busy at the time in littering down his cattle, + had hastily changed his working dress for his priestly habiliments, + and had come ready, as he thought, to administer the last + consolations of the Church to a dying Christian. The case utterly + perplexed him. He had tried the two languages with which he was + familiar, and found them useless. No one had been able to understand + a single word of the dialogue which had passed between the brothers. + The dying stranger was as hopelessly separated from him and the means + of grace that he could command as if he had been a thousand miles + away. He could not even venture—for his theology was of the narrowest + type—to commend to the mercy of God the passing soul of this + unbaptized heathen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna understood + the situation at a glance. She saw death in the Saxon’s face; she saw + the hopeless perplexity in the expression of the + priest.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page54">[pg + 54]</span><a name="Pg054" id="Pg054" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father,”</span> she cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“can + you do nothing, nothing at all for this poor soul?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My daughter,”</span> said the priest, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am helpless. He knows nothing; he understands + nothing.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Can you not baptize him?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Baptize him without a profession of repentance, without + a confession of faith! Impossible!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will you let him perish before your eyes without an + effort to save him?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Child,”</span> said the priest, with some impatience in + his tone, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have told you that I am + helpless. It was not I that brought these things about.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl cast an + agonized look about the room, as of one that appealed for help, and + seized a crucifix that hung upon the wall. She threw herself upon her + knees by the bedside, and after pressing the symbol of Redemption + passionately to her lips, held it to the mouth of the dying man. The + Saxon, on his first entrance into the room, had removed his look from + his brother and fixed it steadfastly on this beautiful apparition. + Clad in white from head to foot, with a golden girdle about her + waist, her eyes shining with excitement, her whole face transfigured + by a passion of pity, she seemed to him a vision from another world, + one of the Walhalla maidens of whom his mother had talked to him in + days gone by. His lips closed feebly on the crucifix which she held + to them; a smile lighted up his fading eyes, and he <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page55">[pg 55]</span><a name="Pg055" id="Pg055" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>muttered with his last breath <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Valkyria.”</span> The girl heard the word and remembered + without understanding it. The next moment he was dead, and one of the + women standing by stepped forward and closed his eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna burst into a + passion of tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is gone,”</span> she cried, amidst her sobs, + <span class="tei tei-q">“he is gone, and we could not help + him.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The priest was + silent. He had no consolation to offer. Indeed, but that he + recognized the girl’s saintliness—a saintliness to which he, worthy + man as he was, had no pretensions—he would have thought her grief + foolish. But the old physician could not keep silence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pardon me, lady,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“if I seem to reprove you. I pray you not to suffer your + zeal for the salvation of souls to overpower your faith. Do you think + that the All-Father does not love this poor stranger as well as you, + nay, better than you can love him? that He cannot care for him as + well? that you, forsooth, must save him out of His hands? Nay, my + daughter—pardon an old man for the word—do not so distrust + Him.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are right, father, as always,”</span> said the girl. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have been selfish and faithless. I was + angry, I suppose, to find myself baffled and helpless. You must set + me a penance, father,”</span> she added, turning to the + priest.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page56">[pg + 56]</span><a name="Pg056" id="Pg056" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Saxon + meanwhile had contrived by his gestures to make his guards understand + that he wished to take his farewell of his dead brother. They allowed + him to approach the bed. He stooped and kissed the lips of the dead, + and then, choking down the sobs which convulsed his breast, turned + away, seemingly calm and unmoved. But as he passed Carna he contrived + to catch with his manacled hands one of the flowing sleeves of her + white robe, and to lift the hem to his lips.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page57">[pg 57]</span><a name="Pg057" + id="Pg057" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc20" id= + "toc20"></a> <a name="pdf21" id="pdf21"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VI.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE SAXON.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not easy to + know what should be done with the survivor of the two Saxon captives. + The villa had no proper provision for the safe custody of prisoners; + and the problem of keeping a man under lock and key, without a quite + disproportionate amount of trouble, was as difficult as it would be + in the ordinary country house of modern times.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I shall send him to the camp at the Great + Harbour,”</span> said the Count, a few days after the scene described + in our last chapter. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is quite impossible + to keep him unless we chain him hand and foot, or set half a dozen + men to guard him; and even then he is such a giant that he might + easily overpower them. At the camp they have got a prison, and stocks + which would hold him as fast as death.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna’s face + clouded over when she heard the Count’s determination, but she said + nothing. The lively Ælia broke in—</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page58">[pg 58]</span><a name="Pg058" id="Pg058" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear father, you will break poor Carna’s heart if you + do anything of the kind. She is bent on making a convert of the noble + savage. And anyhow, whatever else she may induce him to worship, he + seems ready, from what I have seen, to worship her. And besides, what + harm can he do? He has no arms, and he can’t speak a word of any + language known here. If he were to run away he would either be killed + or be starved to death.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, Carna,”</span> said the Count, with a smile, + <span class="tei tei-q">“what do you say? Will you stand surety for + this young pagan? Or shall I make him your slave, and then, if he + runs away, it will be your loss?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I hope,”</span> said the girl, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that you won’t send him to the camp, where, I fear, they + hold the lives of such as he very cheap.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> replied the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we will keep him here, at all events for the present, + and I will give the bailiff orders to give him something to do in the + safest place that he can think of.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Accordingly the + young Saxon was set to work at the forge attached to the villa, and + proved himself a willing and serviceable labourer. No more suitable + choice, indeed, could have been made. That he was a man of some rank + at home everything about him seemed to show—nothing more than his + hands, which were delicate, and unusually small in proportion to his + almost gigantic stature. But the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page59">[pg 59]</span><a name="Pg059" id="Pg059" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>greatest chief among his people would not have + disdained the hammer and anvil. Was not Thor a mighty smith? And was + it not almost as much a great warrior’s business to make a good sword + as to wield it well when it was made? So the young man, whose mighty + shoulders and muscular arms were regarded with respect and even + astonishment by his British fellow-workmen, laboured with a will, + showing himself no mean craftsman in the blacksmith’s art. Sometimes, + as he plied the hammer, he would chant to himself, in a low voice, + what sounded like a war-song. Otherwise he remained absolutely + silent, not even attempting to pick up the few common words which + daily intercourse with his companions gave him the opportunity of + learning. There was an air of dignity about him which seemed to + forbid any of the little affronts to which a prisoner would naturally + be exposed; his evidently enormous strength, too, was a thing which + even the most stupid of his companions respected. Silent, + self-contained, and impassive, he moved quietly about his daily + tasks; it was only when he caught a glimpse of Carna that his + features were lighted up for a moment with a smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig058" + id="fig058" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig22" id= + "fig22"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_073.jpg" alt="Cedric at the Forge" title= + "Cedric at the Forge." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Cedric at the Forge.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The idea of + opening up any communication with him seemed hopeless, when an + unexpected, but still quite natural, way out of the difficulty + presented itself. An old peddler, who was accustomed to <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page60">[pg 60]</span><a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>supply the inmates of the villa with silks + and jewellery, and who sometimes had a book in his pack for Carna, + paid in due course one of his periodical visits. The old man was a + Gaul by birth, a native of one of the States on the eastern bank of + the Rhine, and in youth he had been an adventurous trader, extending + his journeys eastward and northward as far as the shores of the + Baltic. The risk was great, for the Germans of the interior looked + with suspicion on the visits of civilized strangers; but, on the + other hand, the profits were considerable. Amber, in pieces of a size + and clearness seldom matched on the coasts of Gaul and Britain, and + beautiful furs, as of the seal and the sea-otter, could be bought at + very low prices from these unsophisticated tribes, and sold again to + the wealthy ladies of Lutetia<a id="noteref_19" name="noteref_19" + href="#note_19"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">19</span></span></a> and + Lugdunum<a id="noteref_20" name="noteref_20" href= + "#note_20"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">20</span></span></a> at a + very considerable advantage. In these wanderings Antrix—for that was + the peddler’s name—had acquired a good knowledge of the + language—substantially the same, though divided into several + dialects—spoken by the German tribes; and, indeed, without such + knowledge his trading adventures would have been neither safe nor + profitable. As he approached old age Antrix had judged it expedient + to transfer his business from Gaul to Britain. Gaul <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page61">[pg 61]</span><a name="Pg061" id="Pg061" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he found to be a dangerous place for a + peaceable trader, having lost more than once all the profits of a + journey, and, indeed, a good deal more, by one of the marauding bands + by whom the country was periodically overrun. Britain, or at least + the southern district of Britain, was certainly safer, and it was + this that for the last ten years he had been accustomed to traverse, + till he had become a well-known and welcome visitor at every villa + and settlement along the coast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here then chance, + or, as Carna preferred to think, Providence, had provided an + interpreter; and it so happened that, whether by another piece of + good fortune, or an additional interposition, his services were made + permanently useful. The old man had found his journeys becoming in + the winter too laborious for his strength, and it was not very + difficult to persuade him to make his home in the villa for two or + three months till the severity of the season should have passed. + Every one was pleased at the arrangement. Antrix was an admirable + teller of tales, and his had been an adventurous life, full of + incident, with which he knew how to make the winter night less long. + The Count saw a rare opportunity, such as had never come to him + before, of learning something about the hardy freebooters whom it was + his business to overawe; and Carna had the liveliest hopes of making + a proselyte, if she <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page62">[pg + 62]</span><a name="Pg062" id="Pg062" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>could + only make herself, and the message in which she had so profound a + faith, understood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young Saxon’s + resolution and pride did not long hold out against the unexpected + delight of being able once more to converse in his own language, and + he soon began to talk with perfect freedom—for, he had no idea of + having anything to conceal—about his home and his people. He was the + son, they learnt from him, of the chief of one of the Saxon + settlements near the mouth of the Albis.<a id="noteref_21" name= + "noteref_21" href="#note_21"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">21</span></span></a> The + people lived by hunting and fishing, and, more or less, by + cultivating the soil. But life was hard. The settlements were + crowded; game was growing scarce, and had to be followed further + afield every year; the climate, too, was very uncertain, and the + crops sometimes failed altogether. In short, they could not live + without what they were able to pick up in their expeditions to richer + countries and more temperate climates. On this point the young Saxon + was perfectly frank. The idea that there was anything of which a + warrior could possibly be ashamed in taking what he could by the + strong hand had evidently never crossed his mind. To rob a neighbour + or fellow-tribesman he counted shameful—so much could be gathered + from expressions that he let drop; as to others, his simple morality + was this—to keep what you had, to take what others could not keep. + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page63">[pg 63]</span><a name="Pg063" + id="Pg063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>The Count found him curiously + well informed on what may be called the politics of Europe. He was + well aware of the decay of the Roman power. Kinsmen and neighbours of + his own had made their way south to get their share in the spoil of + the Empire. Some, he had heard, had stopped to take service with the + enemy; some had come back with marvellous tales of the wealth and + luxury which they had seen. About Britain itself he had very clear + views. The substance of what he said to the Count was this: + <span class="tei tei-q">“You won’t stop here very long. My father + says that you have been weakening your fleet and armies here for + years past, and that you will soon take them away altogether. Then we + shall come and take the country. It will hardly be in his time, he + says. Perhaps it may not be in mine. It is only you that hinder us; + it is only you that we are afraid of. We shall have the island; we + must have it. Our own country is too small and too barren to keep + us.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of his own + adventures the young Saxon had little to say. This was the first + voyage that he and his brother had taken. Their father was in failing + health, and their mother, who had but one other child, a girl some + ten years younger, had kept them at home, till she had been + unwillingly persuaded that they were losing caste by taking no part + in the warlike excursions of their countrymen. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“We had a fairly successful <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page64">[pg 64]</span><a name="Pg064" id="Pg064" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>time,”</span> went on the young chief, with the + absolute unconsciousness of wrong with which a hunter might relate + his exploits; <span class="tei tei-q">“took two merchantmen that had + good cargoes on board, and had a right royal fight with the people of + a town on the Gallic coast. We killed thirty of them; and only five + of our warriors went to the Walhalla. Then we turned homeward, but + our ship struck on a rock near some islands far to the west,<a id= + "noteref_22" name="noteref_22" href="#note_22"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">22</span></span></a> and had + almost gone to the bottom. With great labour we dragged her ashore, + and set to work repairing her; but our chief smith and carpenter had + fallen in the battle, and we were a long time in making her fit for + sea. This was the reason why we were going home so late, and also why + we lagged behind our comrades when you were chasing us. By rights we + were the best crew and had the swiftest ship, but she had been + clumsily mended, and dragged terribly in the water.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count listened + to all this with the greatest interest, and plied the speaker with + questions, all of which he answered with perfect frankness. He found + out how many warriors the settlement could muster, what were the + relations with their neighbours, whether there had been any definite + plans for a common expedition. On the whole, he came to the + conclusion that though there was no danger of an overpowering + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page65">[pg 65]</span><a name="Pg065" + id="Pg065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>migration from this quarter + such as Western and Southern Europe had suffered from in former + times, these sea-faring tribes of the East would be an increasing + danger to Britain as years went on. Personally the prospect did not + concern him greatly; his fortunes were not bound up with the island. + Still he loved the place and its people; it troubled him to see what + dark days were in store for them. And taking a wider view—for he was + a man of large sympathies—he was grieved to see another black cloud + in an horizon already so dark. Would anything civilized be left, he + thought to himself, when every part of Europe has been swept by these + hosts of barbarians?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before long + another source of interest was discovered in the young Saxon. The + Count happened to overhear him chanting to himself, and though he + could not distinguish the words, he recognized in the rhythm + something like the camp-songs that he had often listened to from + German warriors in Stilicho’s camp. Here again the peddler’s services + as an interpreter were put in requisition, and though the old man’s + Latin, which went little beyond his practical wants as a trader, fell + lamentably short of what was wanted, enough was heard to interest the + villa family, which had a literary turn, very much. What the young + man had sung to himself was an early Saga, a curious romance<a id= + "noteref_23" name="noteref_23" href="#note_23"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">23</span></span></a> of + heroes fighting with monsters, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page66">[pg 66]</span><a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>as unlike as can be conceived to anything to be + found in Roman poetry—verse in its rudest shape, but still making + itself felt as a real poet’s work.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lastly, Carna, now + that she had found a way of communicating her thoughts, threw herself + with ardour into the work of proselytizing the stranger. Here the + peddler was more at home in his task as interpreter. Carna used the + dialect of South Britain, with which he was far more familiar than he + was with Latin—it differed indeed but little from his native speech. + The topics too were familiar, for he had been brought up in the + Christian faith, and though he scarcely understood the girl’s zeal, + he was quite willing to help her as much as he could.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna found her + task much more difficult than she had expected. She had thought in + her simple faith that it would be enough for her to tell to the young + heathen the story of the Crucified Christ for him to fall down at + once and worship. He listened with profound attention and respect. + This, perhaps, he would have accorded to anything that came from her + lips; but, beyond this, the story itself profoundly interested him. + But it must be confessed that there was a good deal in it which did + not commend itself to his warrior’s ideal of what the God whom he + could worship should be. He was a soldier, and he could scarcely + conceive of anything great or good that was outside a soldier’s + virtues. The gods of his own <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page67">[pg + 67]</span><a name="Pg067" id="Pg067" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>heaven, Odin and Thor and Balder, were great + conquerors, armed with armour which no mortal blow could pierce, + wielders of sword and hammer which were too heavy for any mortal arm + to wield. He could bow down to them because they were greater, + immeasurably greater than himself, in the qualities and gifts which + he most honoured. Now he was called upon to receive a quite different + set of ideas, to set up a quite different standard of excellence. The + story of the Gospels touched him. It roused him almost to fury when + he heard how the good man who had gone about healing the sick and + feeding the hungry had been put shamefully to death by His own + countrymen, by those who knew best what He had done. If Carna had + bidden him avenge the man who had been so ungratefully treated, he + would have performed her bidding with pleasure. But to worship this + Crucified One, to depose for Him Odin, Lord of Battles—that seemed + impossible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Still he was + impressed, and impressed chiefly by the way in which the preacher + seemed to translate into her own life the principles of the faith + which she tried to set forth to him. She had told him that this + Crucified One had died for him. He could not understand why He should + have done so, why He should not have led His twelve legions of angels + against the wicked, swept them off from the face of the earth, and + established by force of arms a kingdom of justice. <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page68">[pg 68]</span><a name="Pg068" id="Pg068" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Still the idea of so much having been + given, so much endured for his sake touched him, especially when he + saw how passionately in earnest was this wonderful creature, this + beautiful prophetess, as, with the German reverence for women, he was + ready to regard her, how eager she was to do him good, how little, as + he could not but feel, she thought of herself in comparison with + others.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As long as Carna + dwelt on these topics she made good way; when she wandered away from + them, as naturally she sometimes did, she was not so successful. One + day it unluckily occurred to her that she would appeal to his + fears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do not refuse to listen,”</span> she said to him, + <span class="tei tei-q">“for if He is infinitely good to those who + love Him, He can also be angry with those who love Him + not.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What will He do with them?”</span> asked the young + Saxon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He will send them to suffer in everlasting + fire.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> answered the youth, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have heard from our wise men of such a place into + which Odin drives cowards, and oath-breakers, and such as are false + to their friends. But they say it is a place of everlasting cold, and + this indeed seems to me to be worse than fire.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> said Carna, <span class="tei tei-q">“there + is such a place of torment, and it is kept not only for the wicked, + as you say, but for all who do not believe.”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page69">[pg 69]</span><a name="Pg069" id="Pg069" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will the Lord Christ then banish thither all who do not + own Him as their Master, and call themselves by His name?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—and think how terrible a thing it would be if it + should happen to you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And that is why you are so anxious to persuade + me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And why you were so troubled about my brother when you + could not make him understand before he died?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes. Oh! it was dreadful to think he should pass away + when safety was in his reach.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And you think that the Lord Christ has sent him to that + place because he did not know Him?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I fear that it must be so.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then He shall send me also. For how am I better because + I have lived longer? No—I will be with my brother, whom I loved, and + with my own people.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And neither for + that day nor for many days to come would he speak again on this + subject. Carna was greatly troubled; but she began to think whether + there might not be something in what the young man had said.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page70">[pg 70]</span><a name="Pg070" + id="Pg070" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc23" id= + "toc23"></a> <a name="pdf24" id="pdf24"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A PRETENDER’S DIFFICULTIES.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Our story must now + go back a little, and take up the course of events at the camp, where + the look of affairs was not promising. The donative promised by + Constantine on the day of his election had been paid, but this had + been done only after the greatest exertions in wringing money out of + unlucky traders, farmers, and even peasants, who had been already + squeezed almost dry. All that had any coin left were beginning to + bury it,<a id="noteref_24" name="noteref_24" href= + "#note_24"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">24</span></span></a> and + though the collectors of taxes, or loans, or gifts, or whatever else + the frequent requisition of money might be called, had ingenious ways + of discovering or making their owners give up these hoards, it was + quite evident that very little more could be got out of Britain. The + military chest meanwhile was becoming alarmingly empty, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page71">[pg 71]</span><a name="Pg071" id="Pg071" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and though money was still found somehow + for the larger camps, some of the less important garrisons had been + left for months with almost nothing in the way of pay. What was to be + done was a pressing question, which had to be answered in some way + within a few days. If it was not so answered, it was tolerably plain + that Constantine would meet the fate of Marcus and Gratianus. The + Emperor himself (if we are to give him this title) seemed to be very + little troubled by the prospect, and remained stolidly calm. His + elevation indeed had made the least possible difference to him. He + drank a better kind of wine, and perhaps a little more—for his cups + had been limited by his means—but he did not run into excess. He was + still the same simple, contented, good-natured man that he had always + been. But his sons were of another temper, though curiously differing + from each other. Constans the elder was an enthusiast, almost a + fanatic, a man of strong religious feeling, who would have followed + the religious life if it had been possible, and who now, finding + himself possessed of power, had schemes of using it to promote his + favourite schemes. Julian the younger had ambitions of a more + commonplace kind. But both the brothers were agreed in holding on to + the power that had been so strangely put into their father’s hands, + hands which, as he had very little will of his own, were practically + theirs.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page72">[pg + 72]</span><a name="Pg072" id="Pg072" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A council was held + at which Constantine, his two sons, and three of the officers of + highest rank were present, and the urgent question of the day was + anxiously debated.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Julian began the + discussion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The army,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“must + be employed, or it will find mischief to do at home which all of us + will be sorry for.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have some one to introduce to your Majesty,”</span> + said one of the officers present, <span class="tei tei-q">“who may + have something to say which will influence your decision. He is from + Ierne,<a id="noteref_25" name="noteref_25" href= + "#note_25"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">25</span></span></a> and + brings me a letter from the commander at Uriconium. He came last + night.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let him enter,”</span> said Constantine, with his usual + dull phlegmatic voice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune went + to the door of the chamber, and despatched a message to his quarters. + In a few minutes the stranger was introduced into the council. He was + a man verging upon middle age, somewhat short of stature, with a + great bush of fiery-red hair, which stood up from his head with a + very fierce look, a long, shaggy beard of the same colour, eyes of + the deepest blue, very bright and piercing, but with a <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page73">[pg 73]</span><a name="Pg073" id="Pg073" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>wandering and unsteady look in them, and a + ruddy complexion which deepened to an intense colour on his cheek + bones and other prominent parts of his face. Around his neck he wore + a heavy twisted collar of remarkably red gold. Massive rings of the + same metal adorned his fingers. His dress was of undyed wool, and + very rudely shaped, a curious contrast to the richness of his + ornaments. He was followed into the room by an interpreter, a young + native of Northern Britain, who had been carried off by Irish pirates + from one of the ecclesiastical schools. He had been taught Latin + before his captivity, and, while a captive, had made himself + acquainted with the Irish language, which indeed did not differ very + much from that spoken in Britain.<a id="noteref_26" name="noteref_26" + href="#note_26"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">26</span></span></a> His task + of interpreter was not by any means an easy one to fulfil. The Prince + broke out into a rapid torrent of complaint, invective, and entreaty, + which left the young man, who was not very expert in either of the + languages with which he had to deal, hopelessly behind. Then seeing + that he was not followed, he turned on his unlucky attendant and + dealt him a blow upon the ear that sent him staggering across the + room. Then he seemed to remember himself, and began to tell his story + again at a more moderate rate of speed, though he still from time to + time, when he came to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page74">[pg + 74]</span><a name="Pg074" id="Pg074" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>some + peculiarly exciting part in the tale of his wrongs, broke out into a + rapid eloquence that baffled all interpretation. The upshot of the + story was this—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was, or rather + had been, a small king in South-eastern Ireland,<a id="noteref_27" + name="noteref_27" href="#note_27"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">27</span></span></a> the + eldest of four brothers, having succeeded his father about ten years + before. There had been a quarrel about the division of some property. + The Prince was a little obscure in his description of the property; + indeed it was a matter about which he was shrewd enough to say as + little as possible. But his hearers had no difficulty in presuming + that it consisted of spoil carried off from Britain. The quarrel had + come to blows. All the nation had been divided into parties in the + dispute. Finally he had been compelled by his ungrateful subjects to + fly for his life. Would the Emperor bring him back? He was liberal, + even extravagant, in his offers. He would bring the whole island + under his dominion. (As a matter of fact, his dominions had never + reached more than seventy miles inland, and he had contrived to make + himself so hated during his ten years’ reign that he had scarcely a + friend or follower left.) And what an island it was! There never was + such a place. The sheep were fatter, the cows gave more milk than in + any other place in the whole world. And there was <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page75">[pg 75]</span><a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gold too, gold to be had for the picking + up; and amber on the shores, and pearls in the rivers. In short, it + was a treasure-house of wealth, which was waiting for the lucky + first-comer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are you a Christian?”</span> asked Constans.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The exiled chief + would have gladly said that he was, and indeed for a moment thought + of the audacious fiction that his attachment to the new faith had + been one of the causes of his expulsion. He was, in fact, a savagely + bigoted pagan, and had dealt very roughly with one or two + missionaries who had ventured into his neighbourhood. But he + reflected that the falsehood would infallibly be detected, and would + inevitably do him a great deal of harm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No!”</span> he exclaimed; <span class="tei tei-q">“would + that I were. But there is nothing that I so much desire if only I + could attain to that blessing. But I promise to be baptized myself, + and to have every man, woman, and child within my dominions baptized + within a month, if you will only bring me back to them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even Constans + thought this zeal to be a little excessive.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And how many men can you bring into the field?”</span> + asked the more practical Julian; <span class="tei tei-q">“and what + money can you find for the pay of the soldiers?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The stranger was + taken aback at these direct questions.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page76">[pg 76]</span><a name="Pg076" id="Pg076" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All my subjects, all my treasures are yours,”</span> he + said, after a pause.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don’t believe,”</span> said one of the tribunes in + Latin to Julian, <span class="tei tei-q">“that he has any subjects + besides this wretched interpreter, or any treasure beyond what he + wears on his neck and his fingers.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shall he withdraw?”</span> said Julian to his + father.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Constantine, who + never spoke when he could avoid speaking, answered by a nod, and the + Irish Prince withdrew.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let us have nothing to do,”</span> said the practical + Julian, <span class="tei tei-q">“with these Irish savages. They may + cut their own throats, and welcome, without our helping them. The + men, too, would rebel at the bare mention of Ierne. It is out of the + world in their eyes, and I think they are about right. And as to the + gold and pearls, I don’t believe in them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Perhaps you are right,”</span> <a name="corr076" id= + "corr076" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">said</span> Constans; <span class="tei tei-q">“but it + would be a great work to bring over a new nation to the orthodox + faith.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Julian answered + with a laugh. <span class="tei tei-q">“My good brother, we are not + all such zealous missionaries as you. I am afraid that preaching is + not exactly the work which our friends the soldiers are looking out + for.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What does your Majesty say to an expedition to chastise + those thieving Picts? They grow more insolent every day.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was the + suggestion of one of the tribunes.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page77">[pg 77]</span><a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is to be got?”</span> was Julian’s answer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Glory!”</span> answered the tribune.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Glory! What is that?—the men want pay and plunder. These + bare-legged villains haven’t so much as a rag that you can take from + them, and they have a shrewd way of giving at least as many hard + blows as they take. No!—we will leave the Picts alone, and only too + thankful if they will do the same for us!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Count of the Shore has not yet taken the oath to his + Majesty,”</span> said an officer who had not spoken before. + <span class="tei tei-q">“We might give some employment to the men in + bringing him to reason.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Constantine spoke + for the first time since the council had begun its + sitting—<span class="tei tei-q">“The Count is a good man and does his + business well. Leave him alone.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Other suggestions + were made and discussed without any sensible approach to a + conclusion, and the council broke up, but with an understanding that + it should meet again with as little delay as possible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the afternoon + of that very day an incident occurred which convinced every one—if + further conviction was needed—that delay would certainly be + fatal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A party of + soldiers was practising javelin throwing, and Constantine, who had + been particularly expert in this exercise in his youth, stood + watching the game. He had stepped up to examine the mark <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page78">[pg 78]</span><a name="Pg078" id="Pg078" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>made by one of the weapons on the wooden + figure at which the men were throwing, when a javelin passed most + perilously near his head and buried itself in the wood. It could not + have been an accident; no one could have been so recklessly careless + as to throw under the circumstances. Constantine was as imperturbable + as usual. Without a sign of fear or anger, he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Comrades, you mistake; I am not made of wood,”</span> + and, signing to his attendants, walked quietly away. The incident, + however, made a great impression upon him, and a still greater upon + his sons.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig078" + id="fig078" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig25" id= + "fig25"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_095.jpg" alt="Javelin throwing" title= + "Javelin throwing." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Javelin throwing.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The consultation + was renewed and prolonged far into the night, and, as no conclusion + was reached, continued on the next day. About noon an unexpected + adviser appeared upon the scene.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A message was + brought into the council-chamber that a merchant from Gaul had + something of importance to communicate to the Emperor. The man was + admitted, after having been first searched by way of precaution. His + dress was sober in cut and colour, and he had a small pack such as + the wandering dealers in jewellery and similar light articles were + accustomed to carry. Otherwise he was little like a trader; indeed, + it did not need a very acute or practised hand to detect in him a + soldier’s bearing, and even that of one who was accustomed to + command.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page79">[pg + 79]</span><a name="Pg079" id="Pg079" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have something to tell us?”</span> said Julian.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I have,”</span> said the stranger, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but let me first show you my credentials.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He spoke in + passable Latin, but with a decided accent, which, strongly marked as + it was, was not recognized by any of those present. At the same time + he produced from a silken purse, which he wore like a girdle round + his waist, a small square of parchment. It was a letter written in a + minute but very clear hand, and it had evidently been put for the + security of the bearer, who could thus more easily dispose of it in + case of need, into the smallest possible compass. This was handed to + Constantine, who, in turn, passed it on to his elder son Constans, he + being the only one present who could read and write with fluency. It + ran thus:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Alaric, the son of Baltha, King of the Goths, + Emperor of the World, to Marcus, Emperor of Britain and the West, + greeting.</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A grim smile + passed over Constantine’s face as he heard this address. He muttered + to himself, <span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Marcus,’</span> indeed! Those who write to the Emperor + of Britain must have speedy <a name="corr079" id="corr079" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">letter-carriers.</span>”</span> The letter proceeded + thus:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I desire friendship and alliance with the + nations who are wearied and worn out with the oppressions and + cruelties of Rome, and for this purpose send this present by + my</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page80">[pg 80]</span><a name= + "Pg080" id="Pg080" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style= + "font-style: italic">trusty kinsman and counsellor Atualphus, to you + who are, I understand, asserting against the common tyrant of the + world the liberty of Britain and the West. I have not thought it fit + to trust more to writing, but commend to you the bearer hereof, the + aforesaid Atualphus, who is acquainted with the mind and purpose of + myself and of my people, and with whom you may conveniently concert + such plans as may best serve our common welfare. Farewell. Given at + my camp at Æmona.</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Marcus is no more,”</span> said Julian. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“He was unworthy of his dignity. You are in the presence + of the most excellent Constantine, Emperor of Britain.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It matters not,”</span> said the Goth, with a haughty + smile. <span class="tei tei-q">“My lord the king will treat as + willingly with one as with another, so he be an enemy of + Rome!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what does he propose? What would he have us + do?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Make common cause with him against Honorius and + Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What shall we gain thereby?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Half of the Empire of the World.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How shall that be?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The King will march into Italy and attack the Emperor in + his own land. The Emperor will withdraw all the legions that he yet + controls for his own defence. With them the King will deal. Then + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page81">[pg 81]</span><a name="Pg081" + id="Pg081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>comes your opportunity. What + does it profit you to remain in this island, where nothing is to be + won either of glory or of riches. Cross over into Gaul and Spain, + which, wearied with oppression and desiring above all things to throw + off the Roman yoke, will gladly welcome you. Your Cæsar shall reign + on this side of the Alps and the Pyrenees. The future may bring other + things, but that may suffice for the present.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The plan, so bold, + and yet, it would seem, so feasible, and presenting a ready escape + out of a situation that seemed hopeless, struck every one present + with a delighted surprise. Even the phlegmatic Constantine was + roused. <span class="tei tei-q">“It shall be done,”</span> he + said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some further + conversation followed, which it is not necessary to relate. Ways and + means were discussed. Questions were asked about the strength and + temper of the forces in Gaul and Spain, about the feeling of the + towns, and a hundred other matters, with all of which Atualphus + showed a curiously intimate knowledge. When the Goth retired from the + council, he left very little doubt or hesitation behind him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are heretics—these Goths,”</span> grumbled + Constans; <span class="tei tei-q">“obstinate Arians every one of + them, I told——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You shall convert them, my brother,”</span> answered + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page82">[pg 82]</span><a name="Pg082" + id="Pg082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Julian, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“when you are Bishop of Rome. When we divide the West + between us, that shall be your portion.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It shall be done,”</span> said Constantine again, as he + rose from his chair.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page83">[pg 83]</span><a name="Pg083" + id="Pg083" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc26" id= + "toc26"></a> <a name="pdf27" id="pdf27"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VIII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE NEWS IN THE CAMP.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That afternoon a + banquet, which was as handsomely set out as the very short notice + permitted, was given to all the officers in the camp. When the tables + were removed,<a id="noteref_28" name="noteref_28" href= + "#note_28"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">28</span></span></a> + Constantine, who had been carefully primed by his sons with what he + was to say, addressed his guests. His words were few and to the + point. <span class="tei tei-q">“Britain,”</span> he said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“has been long enough ruled by others. It is + now time that she should begin herself to rule. It was the error of + those who went before me to be content with the limits of this + island. But here there is not enough to content us. Beyond the sea, + separated from us by only a few hours’ journey, lie wealthy provinces + which wait for our coming. A kindlier sky, more fertile fields, + richer and fairer cities than ours are there. We have only to show + ourselves, in short, to be both <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page84">[pg 84]</span><a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>welcomed and obeyed. Half the victories which we + have won here to no profit over poverty-stricken barbarians would + have sufficed to give us riches even beyond our desires. Henceforth + let us use our arms where they may win something for us beyond empty + honour and wounds. Follow me, and within a year you shall be masters + both of Gaul and Spain.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The younger guests + received this oration with shouts of applause; visions of promotion + and prize-money, and even of the spoil of some of the wealthy cities + of the mainland floated before them. The older men did not show this + enthusiasm. Many of them were attached to Britain by ties that they + were very loth to break. They had little to hope, but much to fear, + from a change. Still, they saw the necessity for doing something; + another year such as that which had just passed would thoroughly + demoralize the army of Britain. Legions that get into the habit of + making emperors and killing them for their pastime must be dealt with + by vigorous remedies, and the easiest and best of these was active + service. In any case it would have been impolitic to show dissent. + Many feigned, therefore, a joy which they did not feel, and shouted + approval when the Senior Tribune exclaimed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Comrades, drink to our chief, Constantine Augustus, + Emperor of Britain and the West.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The revel was kept + up late into the night, the young Goth distinguishing himself by the + marvellous depth <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page85">[pg + 85]</span><a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + his draughts and the equally marvellous strength of his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Emperor + retired early from the scene, and Constans, who had little liking for + these boisterous scenes, followed his example, as did most of the + older men. One of these, the cheery centurion, who has been mentioned + more than once, we may follow to his home.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Outside the camp + had grown up a village of considerable size, though it consisted for + the most part of humble dwellings. There were two or three taverns, + or rather drinking-shops, where the soldiers could carouse on the + thin, sour wine of the British vineyards, or, if the length of their + purses permitted, on metheglin, a more potent drink, made from the + fermentation of honey. A Jew, driven by the restless speculation of + his race, had established himself in a shop where he sold cheap + ornaments to the soldiers’ wives, and advanced money to their + husbands on the security of their pay. A tailor displayed tunics and + cloaks, and a shoemaker sold boots warranted to resist the cold and + wet of the island climate. There were a few cottages occupied by the + grooms and stablemen who attended to the horses employed in the camp, + by fishermen who plied their trade in the neighbouring waters, and + other persons of a variety of miscellaneous employments in one way or + other connected with the camp. But just outside the main <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page86">[pg 86]</span><a name="Pg086" id="Pg086" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>street, at the end nearest to the camp, + stood a house of somewhat greater pretensions. It was indeed a humble + imitation of the Roman villa, being built round three sides of an + irregular square, which was itself occupied by a grass plot and a few + flower beds. It was to this that the Centurion Decius bent his steps + after the conversation related in the last chapter. It was evidently + with the reluctant step of the bearer of bad news that he proceeded + on his way. As soon as he entered the enclosure his approach was + observed from within. Two blooming girls, whose ages may have been + seventeen and fifteen respectively, ran gaily to meet him. A woman + some twenty-five years older, but still youthful of aspect and + handsome, followed at a more sober pace.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is the matter, father?”</span> cried the elder of + the girls, who had been quick to perceive that all was not right.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The centurion held + up his hand and made a signal for silence. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hush,”</span> he said; <span class="tei tei-q">“I have + something to tell you, but it must not be here. Let us go + indoors.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shall the children leave us alone?”</span> said the + centurion’s wife, who had now come up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> he answered, wearily, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“let them be with us while they can,”</span> he added in + a low voice, which only the wife’s ears, made keenly alive by + affection and fear, could catch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gaiety of the + young people was quenched, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page87">[pg + 87]</span><a name="Pg087" id="Pg087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>for, + without having any idea of what had happened, they could see plainly + enough that something was disturbing their parents; and it was with + fast beating hearts that they waited for his explanation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Our happy days here are over, my dearest,”</span> said + the centurion, drawing his wife to him, and tenderly kissing her, as + soon as they were within doors.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You mean,”</span> said she, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that the order has come.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> he answered, <span class="tei tei-q">“we + are to leave as soon as the transports can be collected. The + resolution was made to-day and will be announced to the army + to-morrow. It is no secret, I suppose, or will not be for <a name= + "corr087" id="corr087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">long.</span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And where are we to go?”</span> cried the elder of the + girls, whose face brightened as the thought of seeing a little more + of the world, of a home in one of the cities of Gaul, possibly in + Rome itself, flitted across her mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poor centurion + changed colour. The girl’s question brought up the difficulty which + he knew had to be faced, but which he would gladly have put off as + long as he could.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We shall go to Gaul, certainly; where I cannot + say,”</span> he answered, after a long pause, and in a hesitating + voice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, how delightful!”</span> cried the girl; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“exactly the thing that Lucia and I have been longing + for. And Rome? Surely we shall go to Rome, father? <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page88">[pg 88]</span><a name="Pg088" id="Pg088" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Are you not glad to hear it, mother? I am + sure that we are all tired of this cold, foggy place.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The mother said + nothing. If she did not exactly see the whole of the situation, she + had at least an housewife’s horror of a move. The poor father moved + uneasily upon his chair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The legion will go,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but your mother and you——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Lucius,”</span> cried the poor wife, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you do not, cannot mean that we are not to go with + you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nothing is settled,”</span> he replied, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it is true; but I am much troubled about it. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">You</span></span> might go, though I do not like + the idea of your following the camp; but these dear girls—and yet + they cannot be separated from you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The unhappy wife + saw the truth only too clearly. If the times had been quiet, she + might herself have possibly accompanied the legion in its march + southward; but even then she could not have taken her daughters with + her, her daughters whom she never allowed to go within the precincts + of the camp, except on the one day, the Emperor’s birthday, when all + the officers’ families were expected to be present at the ceremony of + saluting the Imperial likeness. And this had of late been omitted + when it was difficult to say from day to day what Emperor the troops + acknowledged. The centurion had spoken only too truly; the legion + might go, but they must <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page89">[pg + 89]</span><a name="Pg089" id="Pg089" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>stay + behind. She covered her face with her hands and wept.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lucia,”</span> cried the elder girl to her sister, + <span class="tei tei-q">“we will enlist; we will take the oath; I + should make just as good a soldier as many of the Briton lads they + are filling up the cohorts with now; though you, I must allow, are a + little too small,”</span> she added, ruefully, as she looked at her + sister’s plump little figure, too hopelessly feminine ever to admit + the possibility of a disguise. <span class="tei tei-q">“Cheer up, + mother,”</span> she went on, <span class="tei tei-q">“we shall find a + way out of the difficulty somehow.”</span> And she threw her arms + round the weeping woman, and kissed her repeatedly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was silence + for a few minutes, broken at last by the timid, hesitating voice of + the younger girl.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But must you go, father?”</span> she said. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely they don’t keep soldiers in the camp for ever. + And have you not served long enough? You were in the legion, I have + heard you say, before even Maria was born.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My child,”</span> said the centurion, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it is true that my time is at least on the point of + being finished. Yet I can’t leave the service just now. Just because + I am the oldest officer the Legate counts on me, and I can’t desert + him. It would be almost as bad as asking for one’s discharge on the + eve of a battle. And besides, though I don’t like troubling your + young spirits with such matters, I cannot afford it. <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page90">[pg 90]</span><a name="Pg090" id="Pg090" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Were I to resign now I should get no + pension, or next to none. But in a year or two’s time, when things + are settled down, I hope to get something worth having—some post, + perhaps, that would give me a chance of making a home for + you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A fifth person, + who had hitherto taken no part in the conversation, and whose + presence in the room had been almost forgotten by every one, now + broke in, with a voice which startled the hearers by its unusual + clearness and precision. Lena, mother of the centurion’s wife, had + nearly completed her eightieth year. Commonly, she sat in the chimney + corner, unheeding, to all appearances, of the life that went on about + her, and dozing away the day. In her prime, and even down to old age, + she had been a woman of remarkable activity, ruling her daughter’s + household as despotically as in former days she had ruled her own. + Then a sudden and severe illness had prostrated her, and she had + seemed to shrink at once into feebleness and helplessness of mind and + body. Her daughter and granddaughters tended her carefully and + lovingly; but she seemed scarcely to take any notice of them. The + only thing that ever seemed to rouse her attention was the sight of + her son-in-law when he chanced to enter the chamber without + disarming. The shine of the steel brought a fire again into her dim, + sunken eyes. It was probably this that had now roused her; and her + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page91">[pg 91]</span><a name="Pg091" + id="Pg091" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>attention, once awakened, had + been kept alive by what she heard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And at whose bidding are you going?”</span> she said, in + a startlingly clear voice to come from one so feeble; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“this Honorius, as he calls himself, a feeble creature + who has never drawn a sword in his life! Now, if it had been his + father! He was a man to obey. He did deserve to be called Emperor. I + saw him forty years ago—just after you were born, daughter—when he + came with his father. A splendid young fellow he was; and one who + would have his own way, too! How he gave those turbulent Greeks at + Thessalonica their deserts! Fifteen thousand of them!<a id= + "noteref_29" name="noteref_29" href="#note_29"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">29</span></span></a> That was + an Emperor worth having!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! mother,”</span> cried her daughter, horrified to see + the old woman’s ferocity, softened, she had hoped, by age and + infirmity, roused again in all its old strength. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! mother, don’t say such dreadful things. That was an + awful crime in Theodosius, and he had to do penance for it in the + church.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ay,”</span> muttered the old woman, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can fancy it did not please the priests. But + why,”</span> she went on, raising her voice again, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“why does not Britain have an Emperor of her + own?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page92">[pg + 92]</span><a name="Pg092" id="Pg092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So she has, mother,”</span> said the centurion. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You forget our Lord Constantine.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Our Lord Constantine!”</span> she repeated. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who is Constantine? Why, I remember his mother—a slave + girl—whom the Irish pirates carried off from somewhere in the North. + Constantine’s father bought her, and married her. Why should he be + Emperor? I could make as good a one any day out of a faggot + stick.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Peace, dear mother,”</span> said the centurion, + soothingly, afraid that her words might have other listeners.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why not you,”</span> went on the old woman, unheeding; + <span class="tei tei-q">“you are better born.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I, Emperor!”</span> cried the centurion. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Speak good words, dearest mother.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> said the old woman, dropping her voice + again, <span class="tei tei-q">“they are poor creatures + now-a-days.”</span> And she relapsed into silence, looking again as + wholly indifferent to the present as if the strange outburst of rage + and impatience which her family had just witnessed had never taken + place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The family + discussed the position of affairs anxiously till far into the + night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what will happen,”</span> said the wife, + <span class="tei tei-q">“when the legions are gone?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There will be a British kingdom, I suppose; and, if it + were united, it might stand. But it <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page93">[pg 93]</span><a name="Pg093" id="Pg093" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>will not be united. It will be every man for + himself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And how about the Saxons and the Picts? If the legions + hardly protected us from them, how will it be when they are + gone?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The centurion’s + look grew gloomier than ever. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + know,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“the prospect is a sad + one. But I hope that for a year you will be fairly safe; and after + that I shall hope to send for you. Or you might go over to Gaul. But + I hope to see the Count of the Shore about these matters. He will + give me the best advice. Here, of course, you can hardly stay, even + if you cared to do it; and some place must be found. Meanwhile, make + all the preparations you can for a move.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page94">[pg 94]</span><a name="Pg094" + id="Pg094" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc28" id= + "toc28"></a> <a name="pdf29" id="pdf29"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER IX.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE DEPARTURE OF THE LEGIONS.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The resolution to + leave Britain was announced at a general meeting of the soldiers on + the following day, and was received by it with tremendous enthusiasm. + To most who were present, Gaul seemed a land of promise. It was from + Gaul that almost every article of luxury that they either had or + wished to have was imported, and some of the necessities of life, as + notably wine, were known to be both better and cheaper there than in + Britain. Comfortable quarters in wealthy cities, which were ready to + be friendly, or could easily be brought to reason if they were not; + easy campaigns, not against naked Picts, but against civilized + enemies who had something to lose; and when the time of service was + over, a snug little farm, with corn land, pasture, and vineyard, and + a hard-working native to till it—such were the dreams which floated + through the soldiers’ minds; and they were ready to go anywhere with + the man <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page95">[pg 95]</span><a name= + "Pg095" id="Pg095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>who promised to make + them into realities. Older and more prudent men who knew that there + were two sides to the question, and the unadventurous, who were well + content to stay where they were, could not resist the tide of popular + feeling, and concealed, if they did not abandon, their doubts and + scruples. As money was scarce, the men volunteered to forego their + pay till it could be returned to them with large interest in the + shape of prize-money. They even gave up to the melting pot the silver + ornaments from their arms and from the trappings of their horses. The + messengers who were sent with the tidings of the proposed movement to + the other camps—which were now mainly to be found in the southern + part of the island—found the troops everywhere well disposed, and + within a few days every military station was alive with the stir and + bustle of preparations for a move.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the most + pressing cares of the new leaders of the army was the securing the + means of transport. There was a great number of merchant ships, + indeed, which could be pressed into the service, and which would + perform it very well if only the passage in the Channel could be made + without meeting opposition. The question to be considered was whether + they could reckon upon this, or would the fleet, which was still + supposed to acknowledge the authority of Honorius, prevent them from + crossing. The chief person to be reckoned with in this matter was, of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page96">[pg 96]</span><a name="Pg096" + id="Pg096" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>course, the Count of the Shore, + and a despatch was immediately sent to him. It was the production of + Constans, and ran thus—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Constantine, Emperor of Britain and the West, to + Lucius Ælius, Count of the Saxon Shore, + greeting.</span></span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Having been called to Empire by the unanimous + voice of the People and Army of Britain, and desiring to give + deliverance from tyranny and protection from violence to other + provinces besides this my Island of Britain, I purpose to transport + such forces as it may be necessary to use for this purpose to the + land of Gaul. I call upon you therefore, having full confidence in + your loyalty, to give me such assistance as may be in your power, for + the accomplishment of this end, and promise you, on the other hand, + my favour and protection. Farewell.</span></span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Given at the Camp of the Great + Harbour.</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count received + this communication about ten days after his arrival at the villa. The + writer would scarcely have been pleased at the comments which he made + as he read it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘Constantine, Emperor.’</span> + How many more Emperors are we to have in this unlucky island? + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Of Britain and the West.’</span> And I doubt + whether he can call a foot of ground his own fifty miles from the + camp. <span class="tei tei-q">‘To deliver other provinces from + oppression and violence.’</span> Why not begin by trying his hand at + home? <span class="tei tei-q">‘Full confidence in my loyalty.’</span> + Truly <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page97">[pg 97]</span><a name= + "Pg097" id="Pg097" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>valuable praise from so + excellent a judge in the matter. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Such + assistance as may be in my power.’</span> Well, I should be glad to + see the last of this crew of adventurers and villains; but he sha’n’t + have my ships.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count’s + position indeed was one of singular difficulty. He had thought it + best—indeed he had found it necessary, if he was to do his own + work—to keep on friendly terms with the usurpers who had gone before + Constantine. It had been quite hopeless for him to attempt to coerce + the legions. If they chose to make Emperors for themselves, he must + let them do it, so long as they did not interfere with his liberty as + a loyal subject. But this was a different matter. Crossing over into + Gaul meant downright hostility to the authorities in Italy. How could + he help it forward? And yet how could he prevent it? He had three + ships available. All the others were laid up for the winter in + harbours on the eastern and south-eastern shores of the island. With + these he might do some damage to the legions in their passage; but + the passage he could not hope to prevent. And if he did prevent it, + what would be his own future relations with the army? Clearly he + could not stay in Vectis, or indeed anywhere in Britain, for there + was no place which he could hope to hold against a small detachment + of the army. And to go, though it could easily be done, and would + save him a vast <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page98">[pg + 98]</span><a name="Pg098" id="Pg098" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>amount of trouble, would be to give up his whole + work, and to leave the unhappy inhabitants of the coast without + protection from the pirates of the East. After long and anxious + deliberation, which he did not disdain to share with his daughter and + Carna, he resolved on a middle course, by following which he would + neither help nor hinder. The first thing was to seek an interview + with Constantine or his representatives, and a messenger was + accordingly despatched suggesting a conference to be held on + shipboard, under a flag of truce, off the mouth of the Great + Harbour.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The proposition + was accepted, and three days afterwards the conference was held, in + the way that the Count had suggested. Each party brought a single + ship, which was anchored for the greater convenience of carrying on + the conversation, but was perfectly ready to slip its anchor in case + of any threatening of treachery. The Count’s vessel had the Imperial + standard at its mast-head; Constantine’s, on the other hand, had no + distinguishing characteristic. Both he and his two sons were present, + but the father was as silent as usual, and the chief spokesman was + Julian.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count was very + brief in his greetings, and indicated, as plainly as he could without + saying it in so many words, that he did not acknowledge the + pretensions of the usurper.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“you + have asked me to help in the transport of your army across the + Channel. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page99">[pg 99]</span><a name= + "Pg099" id="Pg099" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Briefly then I have not + the means. I have but three ships ready for sea, and not one of these + can I spare.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Emperor can command their services,”</span> said + Julian.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have received no instructions from my master,”</span> + returned the Count, <span class="tei tei-q">“to use them except for + the protection of the coast.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have them now,”</span> said Julian, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and you will refuse to obey them at your + peril.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My commission is made out by Flavius Honorius Augustus, + and I know no other to whom I can yield obedience.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A pause followed + this plain speech; the party on board with Constantine debated the + situation with some heat, Julian maintaining that the Count must be + brought to reason, the others being anxious to keep on good terms + with him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A single cohort can bring him to order,”</span> cried + the young Prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Can drive him out of the villa doubtless,”</span> said + the more prudent Constans, <span class="tei tei-q">“but not bring us + an inch nearer getting the ships.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We may at least count on your friendship,”</span> said + Constans, Julian retiring sulkily from the negotiations; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you will not hinder the passage.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have nothing to do with the disposition of the + legions,”</span> answered the Count, <span class="tei tei-q">“and, as + I said <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page100">[pg 100]</span><a name= + "Pg100" id="Pg100" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>before, have no + instructions except to defend the shore against the + Pirates.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“His Majesty will not be ungrateful,”</span> said + Constans.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I owe no duty but to Honorius, and desire no favour but + from him,”</span> was the Count’s reply, and the conference was at an + end.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The result was as + favourable as Constantine could have expected. At least no opposition + would be offered. Preparations for the passage were accordingly + hurried on with all possible speed. All the towns along the coast + were put under requisition for all the shipping that they could + furnish, and, for the most part, were glad enough to answer the call. + Whatever might happen in the future, it would be at least something + to be rid of such troublesome neighbours. If other legions were to + come, they might be more orderly and well-behaved. If these were to + be the last, perhaps this would be a change for the better. Every one + accordingly exerted himself to the utmost to supply the demand for + transports.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a curious + medley of vessels that assembled in the Great Harbour in the late + autumn for the embarkation of the army. Old ships of war that had + lain high and dry from before the memory of man were hastily pitched + over and launched. Merchant vessels of every kind were there, from + the huge hulks <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page101">[pg + 101]</span><a name="Pg101" id="Pg101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that + were accustomed to carry heavy cargoes of metal from Cornwall, to the + light barks that carried on the trade in wine, olive oil, fruit, and + such light goods between Armorica and Britain; even the fishing + vessels from the villages along the coast were pressed into the + service, and laden to the full, sometimes even to a dangerous depth, + with military material and all the miscellaneous property with which + an army of twenty thousand men would be likely to be encumbered. The + greater part of this force had been collected at the Camp of the + Great Harbour, which indeed was overflowing, and more than + overflowing, with troops. But the garrisons that were situated to the + eastward, as at Regnum<a id="noteref_30" name="noteref_30" href= + "#note_30"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">30</span></span></a> and + Anderida,<a id="noteref_31" name="noteref_31" href= + "#note_31"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">31</span></span></a> were to + join the fleet as it sailed, while those from the inland and coast + stations of South and Eastern Britain were to make the best of their + way to the Portus Lemanus. This was to be the rendezvous for the + whole force, and the point for commencing the passage. The longer + voyage, direct from the Great Harbour to the mouth of the Sequana + (the Seine) or the projecting peninsula, now known as Manche, was + dreaded, for the Channel had even a worse reputation in those days + than it has now. It was arranged, accordingly, that the flotilla + should sail along the coast as far as the Portus Lemanus, and cross + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page102">[pg 102]</span><a name="Pg102" + id="Pg102" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>from thence to Bononia.<a id= + "noteref_32" name="noteref_32" href="#note_32"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">32</span></span></a> The + first half of November had passed before the preparations for + departure were completed, and there were some who advised Constantine + to delay his passage till the following spring. That he knew to be + impossible; it was better to run any risk of storm or shipwreck than + to face the winter with an ill-paid and discontented army.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At early dawn, on + the fifteenth of the month, the embarkation began, the munitions of + war, stores, and other baggage having been already, as far as was + possible, put on board of the heavier transports. The water-gate of + the camp was thrown open, and at this Constantine, his sons, and his + principal officers took their place. The priest who served the church + within the camp offered a few prayers, and solemnly blessed the eagle + of the Second Legion, which constituted, as has been said, the main + part of the forces in the camp. When this ceremony was concluded, + Constantine addressed the army.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“By this gate in the days of our ancestors Vespasian led + forth the Second Legion, then, as now, one of the chief ornaments and + supports of the Empire, to execute the judgment of God on the + rebellious nation of the Jews, and to receive before long as his + reward the Empire of Rome. By this gate I lead you forth, worthy + successors as you are of those <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page103">[pg 103]</span><a name="Pg103" id="Pg103" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>who conquered with him, to a service not less + honourable, and certain to receive no less distinguished a reward. + Let my name, which recommended me to your favour, and this place, + already famous as the starting-point of victorious armies, be + accepted as omens of success. Comrades, follow me on a march which + has for its end nothing less than the Capitol of Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He then took his + seat in a boat manned with a picked crew, and, amidst shouts of + applause from the assembled soldiers and spectators, was rowed to the + ship, one of the few war galleys of recent construction that were to + be found in the fleet. Then began the embarkation of the troops.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a singular + scene. The news had spread with the greatest rapidity through the + whole countryside, and the native population had crowded to witness + the departure. Every point from which the sight could be seen was + occupied by spectators. Even the slopes of Portsdown were thickly + dotted by them. Nearer the camp the emotion and excitement were + intense. A regiment that marches out of a town in which it has been + in garrison for a year or two leaves many sad hearts behind it; even + so brief a space is long enough for the binding of many ties. But the + legions had been almost permanent residents in Britain, and they were + bound to its people by bonds many and close. And this people was not, + it <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page104">[pg 104]</span><a name= + "Pg104" id="Pg104" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>must be remembered, the + self-restrained English race, so chary of sighs and groans, and so + much ashamed of tears, but a race of excitable Celts, always ready to + express all, and even more, than they felt. Wives, children, + kinsfolk, friends were now to be left behind, and probably left for + ever—for who could believe that the legions, whose departure had been + threatened so long, could ever come back?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig104" + id="fig104" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig30" id= + "fig30"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_123.jpg" alt="The Departure of the Legions" + title="The Departure of the Legions." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">The Departure of the + Legions.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The embarkation + went on. Some of the lighters could be brought close to the shore, + and were boarded by gangways. To others of heavier burden the men had + to be carried in boats. A strong guard had been posted to keep the + place of embarkation clear. But the guard was powerless, or perhaps + unwilling—for who could deal harshly with women and children so + situated?—to check the rush of the excited crowd. Some of the women + threw themselves on their departing husbands and lovers, clasped them + round their necks, or hung to their knees. Others sat on the shore + rocking themselves to and fro, or frozen by the extremity of their + grief into stillness; some uttered shrill cries; others were sunk in + a speechless despair. Nor were there wanting scenes of a less + harrowing kind. Not a few of the departing soldiers were breaking + other obligations besides those of the heart. Creditors were to be + seen clinging to debtors whom they saw vanishing out of their sight. + The Jew trader from the village outside the camp <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page105">[pg 105]</span><a name="Pg105" id="Pg105" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>seemed to be in despair. Probably he had + secured himself fairly well against the consequences of an event + which he must have been shrewd enough to foresee; but to judge from + the bitterness and frequency of his appeals he was hopelessly ruined. + He swore by the patriarchs and prophets that he had always carried on + his business at a loss, and that if his debts were not now settled in + full he should be reduced to beggary. The tavern-keepers were also + busy, running to and fro, getting, or trying to get, payment of + scores from customers whom they had trusted. There were others who + had something to sell, some provisions for the voyage, a cloak, or a + mantle, and offered it as a bargain—not, however, without a margin of + profit—to dear friends with whom they were not likely to have + dealings again. Other noisy claimants for attention were young + Britons who wanted to enlist. For days past these had been flocking + into the camp, and now that their last chance was about to disappear, + they became importunate in the extreme. The numbers of the legions + could have been almost doubled from these candidates for service.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Slowly, as ship + after ship received its complement of men, the turmoil on the shore + lessened, and about sunset the embarkation was completed. The weather + was beautifully calm, a light wind blowing from the land during the + day, and even this falling as the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page106">[pg 106]</span><a name="Pg106" id="Pg106" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>light declined. When the moon rose—the time of + the full had been chosen for the embarkation—the sea was almost calm. + Then, amidst a great cry of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Farewell,”</span> from the shore, the fleet slowly moved + down the harbour. All night, making the most of the favourable + weather, it pursued its way along the coast, being joined as it went + by other detachments. At the Portus Lemanus it found the fleet which + carried the garrisons of the eastern stations ready to start, and the + whole made its way without hindrance across the Channel to Bononia, + having as prosperous a voyage as had the legions which more than four + hundred and fifty years before Cæsar had brought to the island.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page107">[pg 107]</span><a name="Pg107" + id="Pg107" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc31" id= + "toc31"></a> <a name="pdf32" id="pdf32"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER X.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">DANGERS AHEAD.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The winter that + followed the departure of the legions was a busy time with the Count. + He was now almost the only representative of Roman power in Southern + Britain, and the villa on the island became a place of considerable + importance. A military force of some strength was gathered there. + Constantine’s enterprise was not universally popular, and many had + taken any chance that offered itself of escaping from it. Some had + reached, or very nearly reached, the end of their time of service, + and claimed their discharge; others were known to be loyal to Rome, + and were allowed to retire. Not a few of those who found themselves + without home or employment, and did not happen to have friends or + kinsfolk in Britain, rallied to the Count. The families, too, of some + that had gone with the legions were glad to claim such shelter and + protection as the neighbourhood of the villa could give. Among these + were the wife and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page108">[pg + 108]</span><a name="Pg108" id="Pg108" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>daughters of the Centurion Decius; the old + mother had steadily refused to accompany them, and, with an aged + dependent of nearly the same age, continued to occupy the house near + the deserted camp. It was an anxious matter with the Count what was + to be done with these helpless people. While things were quiet they + could live safely, if not very comfortably, in the neighbouring + village; but if trouble were to come—and there were several quarters + from which it might come—they would have to be sheltered somewhere in + the villa. This never could be made into a really strong place; but + it might serve well enough for a time and against ordinary attack. + Some of the outbuildings and domestic offices were fortified as well + as the position admitted; such material of war as could be got was + accumulated, and provisions also were stored. The most reliable + resource, however, was in the ships of war. These were not, as was + usual, drawn up on the beach for the winter, but were kept at anchor, + ready for immediate use.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor were these + precautions unnecessary, for indeed, as we shall see, mischief of a + very formidable kind was brewing, and indeed had been brewing ever + since the departure of the legions, and even before that event. And + it was mischief of a kind of which it may safely be affirmed that + neither the Count nor any Roman official, had any notion. Britain, to + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page109">[pg 109]</span><a name="Pg109" + id="Pg109" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>all appearance, had for many + generations been thoroughly subdued. Any Roman, if he had been told + that there was any danger of rebellion among the Britons, would have + laughed the suggestion to scorn. The legions, indeed, had often been + mutinous and turbulent, and their generals ambitious and + unscrupulous. The island indeed had gained so bad a reputation for + loyalty to the Empire that it had been called the mother of tyrants, + by <span class="tei tei-q">“tyrant”</span> being meant <span class= + "tei tei-q">“usurper.”</span> But whenever Rome had been defied, she + had been defied by her own troops. The Britons had enlisted in the + rebel armies, but they had never attempted to assert anything like + British independence. And yet the tradition of independence and + liberty had always been kept alive. The Celtic race is singularly + tenacious of such ideas, and also singularly skilful in concealing + them from those who are its masters for the time, and the Britons + were Celts of the purest blood. Caradoc<a id="noteref_33" name= + "noteref_33" href="#note_33"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">33</span></span></a> and + Boadicea, and other heroes and heroines of British independence, were + household words in many families which were yet thoroughly Roman in + spirit and manners. Just as the Christianized Jews of Spain, though + to all appearances devout worshippers at church, still clung in + secret to the rites of their own worship, so these loyal subjects of + the Empire, as all the world <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page110">[pg 110]</span><a name="Pg110" id="Pg110" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>believed them, cherished in their hearts the + memory of the free Britain of the past and the hope of a free Britain + in the future. And the time was now at hand when their leaders + thought that this hope might be fulfilled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Shanklin Chine + of to-day is not a little different from the Shanklin Chine of + fifteen hundred years ago. It has, so to speak, been subdued and + civilized. Now it is a very pretty and pleasant wood; then it was an + almost impenetrable thicket, a noted lair of elk and wild boar. + Inaccessible, however, as it seemed to any one who surveyed it from + above, there was for those who were in the secret a way of + approaching its recesses. A little path, the beginning of which it + was almost impossible to discover without a guide, led up from the + sea-end of the ravine to a hut which had been constructed about half + way up the ascent. It consisted of a single chamber, about fourteen + feet long, ten broad, and not more than seven in height, and was + constructed of roughly-hewn logs, the interstices of which were + filled with clay. The walls, however, were not visible, for they were + covered with hangings of a dark blue material, something like serge. + The floor was strewn with rushes. In the centre of the apartment + there was a hearth, having over it an aperture in the roof, not, + however, opening directly into the outer air, by which the smoke + might escape. On this hearth two or <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page111">[pg 111]</span><a name="Pg111" id="Pg111" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>three logs were smouldering with a dull heat + which it would have been easy to fan into flame. There were two + windows unglazed, but closed with rough wooden lattices.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On three settles, + roughly but strongly made of oak, which, with a rudely-polished slab + of wood that served for table, constituted all the furniture of the + hut, sat three confederates, and behind each stood a stalwart + attendant armed with a wicker shield which hung from his neck, and a + long Gallic sword. The three chiefs were curiously different in + appearance. One, as far, at least, as dress and manner were + concerned, might have passed anywhere for a genuine Roman. He was + taller, it is true, than the Romans commonly were; and his + complexion, though dark rather than fair, had a ruddier hue than was + often seen under the more glowing skin of Italy; still he might have + walked down the Sacred Way or the Saburra<a id="noteref_34" name= + "noteref_34" href="#note_34"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">34</span></span></a> + unnoticed save as an exceptionally handsome man, of that fair beauty + which the southern nations especially admire. His hair was carefully + curled and perfumed; his face as carefully shaven, and showing no + trace of beard, moustache, or whisker. His <a name="corr111" id= + "corr111" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">toga</span> of brilliant white, his long-sleeved tunic + of some dark purple stuff, his elegant sandals, were all such as a + dandy of the Palatine <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page112">[pg + 112]</span><a name="Pg112" id="Pg112" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>might have worn. The one thing which would have + been singular in a Roman street was the under-garment reaching to his + knees, which he had assumed in consideration of the cold and wet of + the insular climate. His fingers were loaded with rings, one of them + a sapphire of unusual size, on which was engraved a likeness of the + feeble features of the Emperor Honorius; on his left wrist might be + seen a bracelet of gold.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If Martianus—for + that was the name of the personage whom we have been describing—might + have been easily mistaken for a Roman, the chief who sat facing him + on the opposite side of the hearth was as manifestly a Briton. His + hair fell over his shoulders in long natural curls which suggested no + suspicion of the barber’s or the perfumer’s art. His upper lip was + covered with a moustache which drooped to his chin. His body was + covered with a sleeveless coat skilfully made of otters’ skins. Both + arms were bare, and were plentifully painted with woad. On his legs + he wore a garment something like the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“trews”</span> or short trowsers which the Highland + regiments sometimes wear in lieu of the kilt; his feet were enveloped + in rude boots of hide which were laced round his ankles. His + ornaments were a massive chain of twisted gold, which he wore round + his neck, and a single ring, rudely wrought of British gold, in which + was set a British pearl of immense size but indifferent <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page113">[pg 113]</span><a name="Pg113" id="Pg113" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hue. He had a Roman name, as he could on + occasion wear Roman costume, and speak the Latin tongue. In the + present company he was known and addressed by his native name of + Ambiorix.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig112" + id="fig112" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig33" id= + "fig33"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_133.jpg" alt="British Conspirators" title= + "British Conspirators." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">British Conspirators.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The third + conspirator had the appearance of a middle-class provincial. He wore + the tunic that formed part of a Roman’s ordinary dress, but not the + toga, which was replaced by a garment somewhat resembling a short + cloak. But under the garb of a well-to-do townsman was concealed a + very remarkable career and character. Carausius—for this was the name + by which he was generally known—was one of the last representatives + of the ancient Druid priesthood. The glory and power of this + remarkable caste, which had once held itself superior to the kings of + Britain, were departed. Indeed, it was almost dangerous to hold the + ancient faith, and practise the ancient worship. Since the + publication of the edict by which Constantine had made Christianity + the Imperial religion, the adherents of the old religion had become + fewer and feebler. Some of the chiefs and nobles still held it in + secret, or were, at least, ready to return to it, if it should ever + again become powerful; but its adherents were mostly to be found + among the poorer classes. Even these in the towns were, in name at + least, mostly Christians; it was only the dwellers in the remoter and + wilder parts of the country that remained faithful. But these + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page114">[pg 114]</span><a name="Pg114" + id="Pg114" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>scattered adherents revered the + name of Carausius, who was believed to possess all the wisdom of his + class, and was indeed credited with mysterious powers over nature and + the gift of prophecy. From the Roman population all this was a + secret, and the secret was remarkably well kept. Carausius was + supposed to be nothing more than an ordinary farmer. His Roman + neighbours would have been astonished in the last degree if they + could have seen him presiding at one of the Druid ceremonies, in his + white robes curiously embroidered with mystic figures, his chaplet of + golden oak-leaves, and the headless spear, which was to him what the + crozier was to a Christian bishop.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page115">[pg 115]</span><a name="Pg115" + id="Pg115" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc34" id= + "toc34"></a> <a name="pdf35" id="pdf35"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XI.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE PRIEST’S DEMAND.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So the time has come at last,”</span> said Ambiorix; + <span class="tei tei-q">“at last the yoke is broken from off the neck + of Britain. Blessed be the day that saw the legions of the oppressor + depart!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> replied Martianus, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but will they not return? They have gone before; but + have they not come back? I take it these Romans get too much out of + us to let us go willingly.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have no fear of their return. If Honorius can make + terms with this Constantine and his army, he will never send them + back here; he wants them too much at home. He has got King Alaric to + reckon with, and he has been long since drawing every soldier that he + can from the provinces into Italy. No, depend upon it, at last + Britain is <a name="corr115" id="corr115" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">free.</span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Free; yes, if it has not forgotten how to + move.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We haven’t all learnt to play the slave,”</span> said + Ambiorix fiercely, as he started from his seat. <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span><a name="Pg116" id="Pg116" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“There are some + who have not sold their birthright for the delights of the bath and + the banquet, and who are too proud to ape the manners of their + masters.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Peace, my son,”</span> interposed the aged priest; + <span class="tei tei-q">“Martianus is not the less able to help the + cause of our country because he seems to be the friend of those who + oppress it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“These are but the wild words of youth, father,”</span> + said Martianus. <span class="tei tei-q">“By a wise man they are + forgotten as soon as they are heard. But let us hear what Ambiorix + has to tell us about the force which we can bring into the + field.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young chief + entered into details which it is impossible to reproduce. + Preparations had been made over nearly the whole of Britain, though + the more northerly parts, owing to the perpetual attacks of their + neighbours the Picts, had little to contribute in the way of help. + Ambiorix knew how many men could be relied upon in every district; he + was acquainted with the disposition of the representatives of the + chief British families; he knew what each would want for himself, to + whom he would be prepared to yield precedence, from whom he would + claim precedence for himself. All his views and calculations were + those of a sanguine temper; but he certainly could show—on paper at + least, as we should say—a very respectable amount of strength. When + he had finished his account of the resources <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page117">[pg 117]</span><a name="Pg117" id="Pg117" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>of Britain, Martianus, who, whatever his faults, + had at least a genuine admiration for ability, held out his hand—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This is wonderful!”</span> he said. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have a true genius for rule. That you should keep + the threads of so complicated a business all so distinct is simply + wonderful. You certainly give me hopes that I never had + before.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I never doubted for a moment,”</span> returned the young + man, <span class="tei tei-q">“but that when this Roman incubus was + removed all would go well. Besides, who is there to attack us? We + have no enemies.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No enemies!”</span> replied the other, in a tone of + surprise. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you forget the Saxons by sea + and the Picts by land.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I believe that neither will trouble us. They are not our + enemies, but the enemies of Rome. They have harassed—they were quite + right in harassing—the oppressors of the world: they will respect, I + am sure, the liberties of a free people. When Britain is as + independent as they are we shall be friends.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus could + not help smiling sarcastically. <span class="tei tei-q">“That is very + fine. One would think that you had been a pupil in one of the schools + of rhetoric which you so much despise. The most famous of our + declaimers could not have put it better. But I am afraid that there + will be some difficulty in explaining all this to + them.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page118">[pg + 118]</span><a name="Pg118" id="Pg118" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In any case, we can defend ourselves,”</span> returned + the young chief, <span class="tei tei-q">“though I do not think that + the need will occur.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let us hope not,”</span> said Martianus, but his tone + was not confident or cheerful.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There were, it may + easily be supposed, not a few other subjects for discussion, and the + conversation lasted for a long time, the young chief showing + throughout such a mastery of details as greatly impressed his + companions. When he had finished a brief silence followed. It was + broken by the priest. There was a special solemnity in his tone, + which seemed to claim an authority for his utterances, quite + different from the position that he had taken up while politics or + military matters were being discussed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My children,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“this is a grave matter. The weal or woe of Britain for + many generations is at stake. If we fail, we may well be undone for + ever. You cannot enter on so great an enterprise without the favour + of the gods, and the favour of the gods is not easily to be won. For + many years they have lacked the sacrifice which they most prize. I + myself, though I have completed my threescore years and ten, have but + once only been privileged so to honour them. The time has come for + this sacrifice to be offered once more. Have I your consent, my + children? But indeed I need not ask. This is a <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page119">[pg 119]</span><a name="Pg119" id="Pg119" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>matter in which I cannot be mistaken, and + from which I cannot go back.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young chief + nodded assent, but said nothing. He was evidently disturbed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you mean, father?”</span> he said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The sacrifice which the gods most prize,”</span> + answered the old man, <span class="tei tei-q">“is also that which is + most prized by men. The most perfect offering which we can present to + them is the most perfect creature they themselves have made. Sheep + and oxen may suffice for common needs; but at such a time as this, + when Britain itself is at stake, we must appease the gods with the + blood of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Man</span></span>.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus grew + pale. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is not possible,”</span> he + stammered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not only possible, but necessary,”</span> calmly + returned the priest. <span class="tei tei-q">“Our fathers were + commonly content to offer those who had offended against the laws; + but in times of special necessity they chose the noblest victims. + Even our kings have given up their sons and their daughters. So it + must be now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All this was + absolutely horrible to Martianus. He did not believe indeed in + Christianity, but it had influenced him as it had influenced all the + world. Whether he was at heart much the better may be doubted. But he + was softer, more refined; he shrank from visible horrors, from open + cruelty—though he could be cruelly selfish on occasion—and from + blood<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page120">[pg 120]</span><a name= + "Pg120" id="Pg120" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>shed, though he would + not stretch out a finger to save a neighbour’s life. And what the + priest said was as new and unexpected to him as it was hideous. He + had no idea that this savage faith had survived in Britain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“such a + thing would ruin us. Such a deed would raise the whole country + against us. A human sacrifice! It is monstrous!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are right so far,”</span> returned the priest, + <span class="tei tei-q">“the country must not know it. Britain is + utterly corrupted by this new faith, a superstition fit only for + women, and children, and slaves; and I don’t doubt but that it would + lift up its hands in horror at this holy solemnity. But there is no + need that it should know it. It must be done secretly—so much I + concede.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the victim?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, the days are passed when a Druid could lay his + command on Britain’s noblest, and be obeyed without a murmur. The + victim must be taken by force, and secretly.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And have you any such victim in your + thoughts?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The priest + hesitated for a moment; but it was only for a moment. He resumed in a + low voice, which it evidently cost him an effort to keep steady—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have not forgotten the necessity of a choice; indeed + for months past it has been without ceasing in my mind, and now the + choice is made. The victim <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page121">[pg + 121]</span><a name="Pg121" id="Pg121" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>whom + the gods should have is a maiden, beautiful and pure. She is of noble + descent, though her father was compelled, by poverty and the + oppression of the Roman tyrants, to follow a humble occupation. Thus + she is worthy to be offered. And yet no true Briton will regret her + fate, for she has deserted the faith of her ancestors for the base + superstition of the Cross.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And her name, father?”</span> said both of the + conspirators together.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again the priest + hesitated; a close observer might even have seen a trace of agitation + in that stern countenance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is Carna,”</span> he said, after a pause, which + raised the suspense of his hearers almost to agony. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is Carna, adopted daughter of Count + Ælius.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And he looked + steadfastly at his companions’ faces, as if he would have said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I dare you to challenge my + decision.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two started + simultaneously to their feet. Not long before, young Ambiorix, who + was then not yet possessed by the fanatical patriotism which now + mastered him, had admired her beauty and sweetness of manner, and had + had day-dreams of her as the goddess of his own hearth. Then a + stronger love had come in the place of the old. It was not of woman, + but of Britain free among the nations, as she had been before the + restless eagles of the South <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page122">[pg 122]</span><a name="Pg122" id="Pg122" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>had found her, that he thought day and night. + Still, he could not calmly hear her doomed to a horrible death, and + for a moment he was ready to rebel against the sentence of the + priest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The older man was + terribly agitated. He had been for many years on the friendliest + footing with the Count, a frequent guest at his table, almost an + intimate of the house. And Carna was an especial favourite with him. + Her sweetness, her simplicity, and a pathetic resemblance that she + bore to a dead daughter of his own, touched him on the best side of + his nature.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Priest,”</span> he thundered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it shall not be. I would sooner the whole scheme came to + ruin; I would sooner die. A curse on your hideous + worship!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The priest had now + crushed down the risings of human feelings which his training had not + sufficed to eradicate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have sworn by the gods,”</span> he said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and you cannot go back. If you do not + hesitate to betray Britain, at least you will not dare to betray + yourself. You know the power I can command. Go back from your promise + to follow my leading, and you are a dead man. You are + faithful?”</span> he went on, turning to Ambiorix. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“You do not draw back?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young chief + returned a muttered assent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The older man, + meanwhile, was in a miserable condition of indecision and terror. + Unbeliever as he was, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page123">[pg + 123]</span><a name="Pg123" id="Pg123" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>having long since given up the faith of his + fathers, and never accepted the doctrine of the church but with the + emptiest formality, he had not put from his breast the superstitious + fear that commonly lingers when belief is gone. And he knew that the + priest’s threatened vengeance on himself was no empty boast. The + strength of Druidism had passed, but it still had fanatics at its + command, whose daggers would find their way sooner or later to his + heart. The cold, cynical look with which he had entered on the + conference had given place to mingled looks of rage, remorse, and + fear.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You must have your own way,”</span> he muttered, + sullenly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My son,”</span> said the priest, in a tone which he made + studiously cautious, <span class="tei tei-q">“what is one life in + comparison with the happiness and glory of our nation? You, I know, + would shrink from no sacrifice, and, believe me,”</span> he added in + a lower voice, for he had to play off the two rivals against each + other, <span class="tei tei-q">“believe me, whatever sacrifice you + make shall not miss its reward.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page124">[pg 124]</span><a name="Pg124" + id="Pg124" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc36" id= + "toc36"></a><a name="pdf37" id="pdf37"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">LOST.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna was known + all over the neighbourhood of the villa as the best and kindest of + nurses, always ready to help in cases of sickness, and able to + command the services of the household physician where her own medical + skill was at fault. It was therefore with no surprise that the + morning after the consultation, recorded in the last chapter, she was + told that her help was wanted in a case of urgent need. The woman who + had brought the message was a stranger. She was the daughter, she + said, of an old woman living at Uricum, a small hamlet about four + miles from the villa. She had happened to come the day before on a + visit to her mother, and found her very ill; they had no medicines in + the house, and indeed should not have known how to use them if they + had. Would the lady come, and, if she thought proper, bring the + physician with her? The place <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page125">[pg 125]</span><a name="Pg125" id="Pg125" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>mentioned was on the limits of the district with + which Carna was acquainted. It could only be approached by a path + through the forest; and the girl had not visited it more than two or + three times in her life. She had a vague remembrance, however, of the + patient’s name. On sending for the physician, it was found that he + was out, having been called away, Carna was told, to a case which, he + had said before starting, would probably occupy him for the greater + part of the day. On hearing this, she made up her mind to start + without waiting for him. The illness was very probably of a simple + kind, though it might be violent in degree. Very likely it was a case + in which the nurse would be more wanted than the doctor. She provided + herself with two or three simple remedies which she learnt to employ + in the ordinary maladies of the country, of which feverish colds were + the most common, and started, taking with her as companion and + protector a stately Milesian dog, or mastiff, who was always + delighted to play the part of a guard in her country walks. Her own + pet dog, a long-haired little creature, something of the Spanish + kind, whom she had intended to leave at home, contrived to free + himself from the custody to which he had been assigned, and + stealthily followed her, cunningly keeping out of sight till the + party had gone too far for him to be conveniently sent back. He then + showed himself <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page126">[pg + 126]</span><a name="Pg126" id="Pg126" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with + extravagant gestures of contrition, was tenderly reproached, + pardoned, and allowed to go on.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During the walk + the messenger was curiously silent, and answered all Carna’s + questions about her mother and her affairs in the very briefest + fashion. All that could be got from her was that she lived on the + main land, about twenty miles inland, in a northerly direction, and + that since her marriage, now twenty years ago, she had seen very + little of her mother. When they reached the outskirts of the hamlet + she pointed out her mother’s house, and, making an excuse that she + had an errand for a neighbour, disappeared. Carna, seeing nothing but + a certain surliness of temper, possibly only shyness, in her + companion, went on without suspicion. She reached the house, and + knocked at the door. There was no answer. She knocked again. Still + all was silence. Looking a little more closely at the place she could + see no signs of habitation, no smoke, for instance, making its way + out of the thatch (for chimneys did not yet exist, at least, in the + poorer dwellings). The next thing was to peep in at the window, a + wooden lattice, which had been left partially open. The room into + which she looked was perfectly bare.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A suspicion rushed + into her mind that she had been tricked, and that danger of some + unknown kind was at hand. The strange sympathy which often + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page127">[pg 127]</span><a name="Pg127" + id="Pg127" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>makes the dog so quick to + understand the feelings of man, made the big mastiff, Malcho, uneasy. + With a low growl, showing uneasiness rather than fear or anger, he + ranged himself at her side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As she stood + considering what was next to be done, a party of six men, one of whom + led a horse, issued from the wood which bordered the little garden of + the cottage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Can you tell me where I shall find one Utta, who, I am + told, is sick, and wishful to see me? Can it be that I have mistaken + the house?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Utta, my lady,”</span> said one of the party, + <span class="tei tei-q">“is not to be found any more. She died a week + since.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But,”</span> said Carna, with rising anger, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“a woman, who said that she was her daughter, told me, + not more than two hours ago, that she was sick, and desired to see + me. Why have I been brought here for nothing?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pardon me, lady,”</span> returned the first speaker, in + a tone in which respect and command were curiously blended, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but you have not been brought for nothing. + You have a better work to do than ministering to a sick old + woman.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he spoke he + moved forwards. But he had not taken two steps before the great dog, + who had been watching the speakers, we might say almost listening to + their talk with the most eager attention, sprang furiously at him, + and laid him prostrate on the ground. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page128">[pg 128]</span><a name="Pg128" id="Pg128" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>His companions rushed to rescue their leader + from the dog and to seize the girl. They did not accomplish either of + their objects with impunity. The gallant creature turned from one + assailant to another with a strength and a fury which made him a most + formidable antagonist, and he had inflicted some frightful wounds + before he was made senseless by repeated blows from the weapons of + the assailants. Nor was Carna overpowered without a struggle. Weapons + she had none, except a little dagger, meant for use in needlework, + which hung at her side; but she used this not without effect. She + clenched her fist, and dealt two or three blows, of which her + antagonists bore the marks upon their faces for days to come. Finally + she wrenched herself from the grasp of the assailants as a last + resource, and endeavoured to fly, but it was a hopeless effort. + Before she had run more than a few yards she was overtaken. Her + captors used no more violence than they could help. Probably had they + been less unwilling to hurt her, she could not have resisted so long. + Finding her so strong and so determined, they were obliged to bind + her hands and feet; but they did this with all the gentleness + compatible with an evident resolve to make her bonds secure. In the + midst of her terror and distress Carna could not help observing with + astonishment that the cords which they used were of silk. Then + finding herself absolutely helpless, she said—</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page129">[pg 129]</span><a name="Pg129" id="Pg129" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do not bind me as though I were a slave. On the faith of + a Christian, I will not attempt to escape.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lady, we trust you,”</span> said the leader of the + party, and at the same time directed one of his companions to unbind + the ropes. <span class="tei tei-q">“Be comforted,”</span> he went on; + <span class="tei tei-q">“we do not intend you harm; on the contrary, + high honour is in store for you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig128" + id="fig128" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig38" id= + "fig38"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_151.jpg" alt="The Capture of Carna" title= + "The Capture of Carna." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">The Capture of Carna.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna was scarcely + reassured by these mysterious words, but she had now recovered her + calmness. Summoning up all her courage—and it was far beyond even the + average of a singularly fearless race—she intimated to her captors + that she was ready to follow them without further delay. They mounted + her upon the horse, which, as has been said, one of them was holding, + and started in a northerly direction. Two of the party had been so + severely injured by the hound, that they were obliged to stay behind. + One of the others held the bridle of the horse, and led him forward + at an ambling pace; the others followed behind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The way of the + party lay entirely along rough forest-paths which seemed from their + appearance, often grown over as they were with branches and creepers, + to be but seldom traversed. Night had fallen some hours before they + reached the northern coast of the island. Their way had lain in a + north-westerly direction, and they emerged near to the <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page130">[pg 130]</span><a name="Pg130" id="Pg130" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>arm of the sea now known as Fishbourne + Creek. Here they found a rowing boat in waiting.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna’s captors + now handed over their charge to the boat party, which was under the + command of the young chief whom we know by the name of Ambiorix. He + received his prisoner with a dignified civility, made her as + comfortable as he could with rugs and wraps in the stern of the boat, + and then gave orders to start. The journey across the channel, which + we now know as the Solent, occupied some hours, though the night was + calm, and the ebbing tide mostly in the rowers’ favour, the shortest + route not being taken, but a north-westerly direction still followed. + The morning was just beginning to break when the coast was reached + near the spot where Lymington now stands. The party hurriedly + disembarked, put the girl on a rough litter which they had with them + in the boat, and carried her to a dwelling some half-mile inland, and + surrounded by the woods which here almost touched high-water mark. + Carna found a tolerable chamber allotted to her, where she was waited + upon by an elderly woman who seemed bent on doing everything that she + could for her comfort. The girl was of the elastic temper which soon + recovers itself even under the most depressing circumstances. She had + the wisdom, too, to feel that, if she was to help herself, she must + keep up her strength to the very best of her power. She <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page131">[pg 131]</span><a name="Pg131" id="Pg131" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>did not refuse the simple but well-cooked + meal which her attendant served to her, after she had enjoyed the + refreshment of a bath. And then overpowered by the fatigue of a + journey which had lasted not much less than twenty-four hours, she + sank into a deep sleep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was dark when + her attendant gently roused her and told her that in an hour she + would be required to resume her journey, in which, as Carna heard + with some pleasure, she was herself to be her companion. A start was + made about three hours before midnight, and the journey was continued + till an hour before dawn. This plan was followed till their + destination was reached. The party was evidently careful to keep its + movements secret. Their way lay as before, by woodland paths, leading + them through the district now known as the New Forest. They travelled + but slowly, more slowly indeed than they had done on the island, for + the paths were still rougher, and, in fact, almost undistinguishable. + Carna, too, was the only one of the company that had a horse, and her + female attendant, who was neither young nor active, could manage but + a few miles at a time. It was the morning of the second day after + they had left the coast before they reached the edge of the great + forest known as the Natanleah. Some five miles to the west lay + Sorbiodunum, now Salisbury. This was a Roman town of some + impor<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page132">[pg 132]</span><a name= + "Pg132" id="Pg132" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tance, and had of + course to be avoided by the party, who, indeed, were anxious, as + Carna could gather from a few scattered words that were let drop in + her presence, as to the way in which the rest of their journey was to + be accomplished. The country was open, cultivated, and comparatively + populous, the inhabitants being, for the most part, thoroughly + Latinized. Two Roman roads, too, had to be crossed before their + destination was reached.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The day was spent + as usual in concealment and repose. An hour after nightfall the party + started. They had now managed to procure another horse for Carna’s + attendant; and as the ground was fairly level, unenclosed, and, at + that time of year, unencumbered by crops, they moved rapidly onwards. + The moon had now risen, and Carna, for the first time, could at least + see where they were going. She was still, however, at a loss to know + what part of the country they had reached. At midnight a halt was + called, and the leader of the party proceeded to blindfold the + captive’s eyes. But if he wanted to keep her in ignorance of the + locality, he was a little too late. The girl’s quick sight had caught + a glimpse in the distance of the huge circle of earth walls, now + known as Amesbury. She had never seen the place, but it was known to + her in the chronicles of her people. There, as she had read with a + patriotism which all her Roman surroundings had not been <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page133">[pg 133]</span><a name="Pg133" id="Pg133" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>able to quench, her countrymen had more + than once held at bay the legions of Rome. She knew roughly the + situation of the famous camp of the Belgæ, and she was sure that + these massive fortifications, just seen for a moment in the + moonlight, could be none others than those of which she had read so + often.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the bandage + was removed, she found herself in a chamber larger and more + comfortably furnished than any she had hitherto occupied on her + journey. Part of the palace of one of the old kings of the Belgæ was + still standing, and the travellers had taken up their quarters in it. + The Amesbury camp was indeed as safe a place as they could have + chosen. It was a spot which no Roman, much less a Briton living under + Roman protection, would care to visit. The whole countryside believed + that it was haunted by the spirits of the great chiefs and warriors + who had been buried within its precincts, and of the slaves who had + been killed to furnish them with service and attendance in the unseen + world. The scanty remnant who still clung to the Druid faith found + their account in encouraging these superstitions. More than one + appearance had been arranged to terrify sceptical or curious persons + who had been rash enough to visit the vast circle of embankments. For + many years before the time of our story the enclosure had been + untrodden except by the few who were in the secret of the Druid + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page134">[pg 134]</span><a name="Pg134" + id="Pg134" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>initiation. Here, then, the + party waited securely with their prisoner till the time should come + for the solemn visit to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Choir Gawr</span></span>, the Great Temple, + known to us by the name of Stonehenge.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page135">[pg 135]</span><a name="Pg135" + id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc39" id= + "toc39"></a> <a name="pdf40" id="pdf40"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XIII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">WHAT DOES IT MEAN?</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was some time + before the prolonged absence of Carna caused any alarm at the villa. + When she was on one of her errands of kindness among the sick, it was + difficult to say when she would return. But in the course of the + afternoon the old physician returned, not a little wrath that he had + been sent on a fool’s errand. He had been told that an old farmer, + living close to the north-west of the island some seven or eight + miles from the villa was lying dangerously ill, and he had found the + supposed patient in vigorous health, and not a little angry at being + supposed to be anything else. This seemed to make things look + somewhat serious. It was easy to guess that the trick played upon the + physician had something to do with the message brought to Carna. It + was remembered that the stranger had asked that he should accompany + the girl; it was at least possible that she knew him to be out of the + way, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page136">[pg 136]</span><a name= + "Pg136" id="Pg136" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and that she would not + have made the request had she not known it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While the Count, + who had just returned from an inspection of his crews, was talking + the matter over with his daughter and two of his officers who + happened to be present, a new cause for suspicion and alarm presented + itself. Carna’s pet dog had found its way back with a bit of broken + cord round its neck, and refused to be comforted, tearing and pulling + at the dresses of the attendant, and saying, as plainly as a dog + could say it, that there was something wrong, that it must be + attended to at once, and that he would show them how to do it, if + they would only follow him. When the rope round his neck was examined + more closely, it was found that it had been gnawed in two. + <span class="tei tei-q">“He has been tied up and has broken + away,”</span> said the Count, when this was pointed out to him. + <span class="tei tei-q">“And if I know the dear little thing,”</span> + broke in Ælia, <span class="tei tei-q">“he would not have left his + mistress as long as he could be near her. I am sure that some + mischief has happened to her.”</span> And this was the general + impression, though, who could have ventured on so audacious an + outrage it was impossible to guess.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What had happened, + as the reader may possibly guess, was this. The dog had remained with + Carna, showing his love, not by fierce resistance like that made by + his powerful companion, for which he had <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page137">[pg 137]</span><a name="Pg137" id="Pg137" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the sagacity to know he had not sufficient + strength, but by keeping as close to her as he could. After she had + been made a prisoner, and while the party were preparing for a start, + he had been tied to a tree. It had been intended that he should go + with his mistress, for whom, as has been said, her captors showed + throughout a certain consideration, but it so happened that in the + bustle of departure he was forgotten. When he saw her go and found + himself left behind, he set himself with all his might to gnaw the + rope which fastened him to the tree. This task took him a long time, + for he was an old dog, and his teeth were not as good as they had + been. Finding himself free he started in headlong pursuit, easily + tracking the party by the scent, but after a while he halted; a happy + thought—is it possible that, in the teeth of all accumulated + evidences, any one can deny that dogs can think?—a happy <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">thought</span></span> + then struck his mind, quickened to its utmost capacity of + intelligence by love and grief. We may translate it into human + language thus: <span class="tei tei-q">“If I follow her and overtake + her, what good can I do? but if I go back and make the people at home + understand that something has happened to her, then I can help her to + some purpose.”</span> This was his conclusion, anyhow. How he arrived + at it only He knows who makes all things great and small, and + <span class="tei tei-q">“divideth to all severally as He + will.”</span> He turned back, ran with breathless <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page138">[pg 138]</span><a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>speed to the villa, and did all that could + be done, short of speaking, to show that his dear mistress was in + trouble.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile, + however, much time had been lost, and the day was already far + advanced. Anxious as was the Count to set out, he could not but + perceive that haste might defeat the object of his journey. To start + when the light was failing would probably be to miss important signs + of what had happened, and, very possibly, to risk success. All + preparations, however, were made. The men who were to form the + pursuing party were chosen. As it may be supposed, there was no lack + of volunteers. There was not a single being at the villa or its + dependencies that would not have given a great deal and borne a great + deal to see Carna again in safety. But it would be possible to take + only a small number, if the pursuit was to be rapid and effective. + Some of the most active of the crews of the war-ships accordingly + were chosen, sailors having then as now a cheerful activity that + makes them particularly valuable members of a land expedition. The + Count added others from his own establishment, and he determined to + conduct the party himself. It was arranged that it should start the + following day, as soon as it should be sufficiently light.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the slaves + who was early astir on the following morning found fixed to an + outside gate of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page139">[pg + 139]</span><a name="Pg139" id="Pg139" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + villa a document, rudely written and roughly folded, which bore the + Count’s address. It was found, when opened, to contain the following + message, expressed in ungrammatical Latin, mingled with one or two + British words:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">She whom you seek is not far off, and may be + recovered by you if you are wise. If you attempt to regain her by + force, she will be lost to you altogether. But if you wish to have + her again with you safely and without trouble, send one whom you can + trust with a hundred gold pieces at midnight three days after the + receiving of this letter to the place to which she was yesterday + fetched. Let your messenger go alone, and ask no questions then or + afterwards.</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So she is held to ransom by a set of brigands,”</span> + cried the Count, when he had read this document. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I should not have thought that such a thing had been + possible in Britain. But the times have been getting worse and worse. + We have long been weakening our hold upon the province, and we had + better clear out altogether, if we cannot do better than this. But I + suppose we have no choice. We must not endanger the dear girl’s life. + But now the question is about the money. I do not think that I have + so much in gold in the house; but we can borrow somewhere what is + <a name="corr139" id="corr139" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">wanted.</span>”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page140">[pg 140]</span><a name="Pg140" id="Pg140" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Perhaps,”</span> said the Count’s secretary, whom he had + summoned to consult with him, <span class="tei tei-q">“the peddler + can help you. He has the reputation of being richer than he + looks.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> replied the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that would be a simple way out of the difficulty, if it + can be managed. Meanwhile, let me see what I have got of my own at + hand.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was found that + eighty gold pieces were forthcoming, and the peddler was summoned and + asked whether he could make up the balance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My Lord,”</span> said the man when he was brought into + the Count’s presence and had heard the story, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will make no idle pretence of poverty. I have what you + want, and it is entirely at your lordship’s service. But will you let + me see the letter in which this demand for ransom is + made?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count handed + him the document, and he examined it long and carefully.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“the + more I look at this, the more I am confirmed in certain suspicions + which have been growing up in my mind. I have been thinking of this + matter, and of other matters which seem to me to be connected with it + all the night. It will take long to explain, and, of course, after + all I may be wrong; still, I think you would do well to hear what I + have got to say.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count, who had + previously had reasons for <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page141">[pg + 141]</span><a name="Pg141" id="Pg141" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>thinking well of the peddler’s intelligence, + bade him proceed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the first place,”</span> continued the man, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I think this letter is a blind. It is made + to look like the work of some very rude and ignorant person. But the + pretence is not well kept up. You will see, if you look at the + handwriting a little more closely, that it is feigned. The writer was + perfectly able to make it a great deal better than it is, if he had + so chosen, and he has sometimes forgotten his part. Some of the + letters, some even of the words, particularly of the small words, + about which he would naturally be less careful, are quite + well-formed. Now a really bad writer, I mean one who writes badly + because he does not know how to write well, is always bad; every + letter he forms is misshapen.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count examined + the document and acknowledged that this comment upon it was just. And + he began to see too what was naturally more apparent to him, as an + educated man, than it was to the peddler, that the style was hardly + what would have been expected from an ignorant scribe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, then, is your conclusion?”</span> he asked.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“About that,”</span> returned the other, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am not so certain. That this is a blind, as I said, I + am sure; and this talk about the ransom consequently is a deception. + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Three days,’</span> you see it says. That + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page142">[pg 142]</span><a name="Pg142" + id="Pg142" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>would be three days lost. No, + my lord, it is not by robbers that this has been planned.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What then?”</span> cried the Count, flushing a fiery red + as a sudden thought occurred to him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Carna + is very beautiful. Do you think——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> said the peddler, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + think not. A lover would not lay so elaborate a plot as I fancy I can + see here. I think the Lady Carna is a hostage, or——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He paused, and + continued after a few minutes of silence. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + have much to piece together, and it would take long, and lose much + precious time. That is the last thing that we should do. They have + got too much start already. We must not let them improve it more than + we can help. You will let me go with you, and I shall have leisure to + put all I have got to say together without hindering you. But the + sooner we are on their track the better.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To this the Count + readily agreed, and preparations for immediate departure were made. + It was with difficulty that Ælia could be persuaded that she must be + left behind. But when it was pointed out to her that her presence + must inevitably make the progress of the party more slow, and + increase their anxieties, she reluctantly gave way. At the last + moment an unexpected addition was made to the party in the person of + the Saxon prisoner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> said the peddler, to whom the young + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page143">[pg 143]</span><a name="Pg143" + id="Pg143" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>man had communicated his + earnest desire to be allowed to go; <span class="tei tei-q">“it may + seem a strange thing for me to say, but you cannot have a better + helper in this matter than this young fellow. He is as strong as any + horse, and as keen and intelligent a youth as I ever saw. And in this + case too his wits will be doubly sharp, and his arm doubly strong, + for he worships the very ground that the Lady Carna treads + upon.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well,”</span> replied the Count, with a smile, + <span class="tei tei-q">“let him go. After all, it is quite as safe + to take a lion about with one, as to leave him at home.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The pet dog was, + of course, a valued member of the expedition.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page144">[pg 144]</span><a name="Pg144" + id="Pg144" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc41" id= + "toc41"></a> <a name="pdf42" id="pdf42"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XIV.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE PURSUIT.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The task of + tracing the lost girl was at first easy enough. She and the stranger, + who, it now seemed, had been sent to entrap her, had been seen + proceeding in the direction mentioned in the message. The + neighbourhood of the villa was mostly cultivated ground, and there + had been people at work in the fields who had noticed the girl’s + well-known figure. Beyond this belt of cultivated country, which + might have been about a mile broad, there was only one road which it + was possible for her to have taken. Following this, and reaching the + hamlet at the further end of which, as we have seen, the abduction + had taken place, they still found themselves on the right track. A + child had seen two people, one of them, she said, a pretty lady, pass + by on the morning of the day before. The lady had smiled, and said a + few words to her in her own language, and had given her a sweetmeat. + Further on the traces of what they were looking for became still more + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page145">[pg 145]</span><a name="Pg145" + id="Pg145" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>evident. There were marks of + struggle on the ground, for Carna, as we have seen, had not suffered + herself to be taken without resistance; a button was found on the + ground, which the peddler at once identified as one of his own + selling. And a little off the path, the tree was found to which the + dog had been tied, with the fragment of string still attached to it. + Curiously enough, no traces of the great dog could be found.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor did the next + step in the pursuit delay them long. There were, it is true, three + paths through the forest, which closed in the hamlet on every side + except that by which the party had approached it. Carna’s pet dog at + once decided for the searchers which of the three they should follow. + He discovered the scent very quickly, ran at the top of his speed + along the path thus distinguished from the others for about a hundred + yards, and then, coming back, implored the party, so to speak, by his + gestures, that they should come with him. It was evident that the + path had been traversed by a party of considerable size, whose + tracks, the marks of a horse’s hoofs among them, were still fresh in + the ground, soft as it was with the winter rains. The dog was + evidently satisfied that they were right, for he ran quietly on, now + and then giving a very soft little whine. It wanted still an hour or + so of sunset when the party emerged out of the forest upon the + shore.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page146">[pg + 146]</span><a name="Pg146" id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here it might have + seemed at first all trace was lost. The tide had flowed and ebbed + twice since the girl had been there, and had swept away all marks of + footsteps. The dog too was no longer a guide. The poor little + creature’s distress indeed was pitiful, as he ran to and fro upon the + shore with a plaintive whine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count asked + his companions for their opinions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Have they taken to the wood again, do you think? or have + they crossed the water? they may have gone a mile or more along the + shore and then entered the forest. In that case it seems hopeless to + recover the track.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is my opinion,”</span> said the peddler, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that they have crossed to the mainland; but it is only + an opinion, and I have little or nothing to urge for it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Other members of + the party had different views; and, on the whole, opinion was adverse + to the peddler’s view; and the Count was about to order a search in + the direction of the wood further along the shore, when the attention + of the party was arrested by a shout from the Saxon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The discussion had + been carried on in a language which he had still some difficulty in + understanding, and he had been pacing backwards and forwards along + the shore, seemingly lost in thought, but really watching everything + with that keen attention to all outward objects which is one of the + characteristics <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page147">[pg + 147]</span><a name="Pg147" id="Pg147" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + uncivilized man. It was thus that something caught his eye. He + plunged his hand into one of the little rock-pools upon the shore, + and drew it out. It was a small gold trinket, which the girl had + dropped in the forlorn hope that it might be found. Its weight, for + it was an almost solid piece of metal, had kept it in the place where + it fell, and as the night and day had been uniformly calm, there had + been no sufficient movement of the water to disturb it. With a cry of + delight the Saxon held it up, and the Count recognized it at + once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> said the peddler, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + knew the fellow would be of use to us. If the Lady Carna is anywhere + on the earth he would find her. This proves, my lord, that they have + crossed the sea. They would certainly have not come down so far from + the shore as this.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This seemed too + probable to admit of any doubt. Happily it had occurred to the Count + that it would be well to have some kind of vessel at his command, and + he had ordered a pinnace to start from the haven as soon as it could + be got ready, and to coast along the shore of the island, watching + for any signal that might be given. The land party had outstripped + the ship, which, indeed, had not started till somewhat later. Still, + it might be expected very soon. Meanwhile there was an opportunity + for discussing the aspect which the affair now bore.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After various + opinions had been given, the Count <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page148">[pg 148]</span><a name="Pg148" id="Pg148" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>turned to the peddler. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what do you think of the affair?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have a notion,”</span> the man replied, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but it may be only a fancy—still I seem to myself to + have a notion of what their purpose is.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you mean,”</span> pursued the Count, as the other + paused, and seemed almost unwilling to speak, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“do you mean that they think of holding her as a kind of + hostage against me? Do they fancy that I shall not be able to act + against them, and shall hinder my colleagues from acting, as long as + she is in their power? or will they keep her as something to make + terms about if they fail?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other was + still silent for a few minutes, and seemed to be collecting his + thoughts. At last he said:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord, what I am going to tell you may seem as foolish + as a dream. I should have gone on saying nothing about it, as I have + said nothing about it hitherto, if things had not happened which + makes it a crime for me to be silent any longer. You find it + difficult to believe that a rebellion is possible among a nation + which you have always looked upon as thoroughly subdued. But what + will you say if I tell you that this rebellion has been preparing for + generations, and that the Druids have been, and are, at the bottom of + it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Druids!”</span> cried the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I did not know <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page149">[pg + 149]</span><a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that + there were any Druids. I thought that the last of them had + disappeared years ago.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not so,”</span> replied the peddler; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the people who rule do not know what is going on about + them. Now I have been among this people the greater part of my life. + I have seen them, not as they show themselves to you, but as they + are. You think that they are Christians—not very good Christians, + perhaps, but still not worse than other people—and believing the + Creeds, if they believe anything. Now I know for a certainty that + many of them are no more Christians now than their fathers were three + hundred and fifty years ago. I have seen sometimes, when no one knew + that I saw, what they really worshipped. I have pieced together many + little things. I have heard hints dropped unawares, and I know that + there is a secret society, which has existed ever since the island + was conquered, which has for its object the bringing back of the old + faith. I could name—if things turn out as I expect they will, I will + name—men whom you believe to be quiet, respectable citizens, but who + are the heads of a conspiracy reaching all over Britain, against Rome + and the Christian Church. You never see them except in the tunic and + the cap, but they can wear on occasion the Druid’s robe and + crown.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But tell me,”</span> said the Count, with a certain + impatience, <span class="tei tei-q">“what has this got to do with my + daughter?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page150">[pg + 150]</span><a name="Pg150" id="Pg150" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This, my lord,”</span> answered the other, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that if the Druids are making the great effort for which + they have been preparing for no one knows how many years, they will + begin it with all the solemnity that is possible—in a word, with the + great sacrifice. This, I suppose, has not been practised for many + generations, but it has not been forgotten. To speak plainly, I + believe that the Lady Carna has been carried off for the + victim.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count + staggered back as if he had been struck. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Impossible!”</span> he cried. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Such things cannot be in Britain: and why should they + fix upon her?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For two reasons,”</span> said the peddler. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“She is of royal race. You very likely do not know or + care about such things. All Britons to you will be much about the + same; but they do not forget it. Yes, though her father was nothing + more than a sailor, she is descended from Cassibelan. And then she is + a Christian. These are the two reasons why they have chosen her—this + is what they honour her for, and this is what they hate her + for.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But where,”</span> cried the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“where is this monstrous thing to be done?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That,”</span> replied the other, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think I know. It can hardly be done anywhere but at + the Great Temple, the Choir Gawr, as they call it + themselves.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And where is this Great Temple?”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page151">[pg 151]</span><a name="Pg151" id="Pg151" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“About forty miles inland, in a nearly northerly + direction. I have seen the place once, and I can find my way to it, I + believe; but, to make sure, I will find a guide.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And when?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“At the full moon. I should say.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And how much does it want to the full moon + now?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It will be full moon to-morrow night.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We have to cross then to the mainland—and the galley is + not in sight—to find a guide, and to travel forty miles, and all + before to-morrow night. Well, it must be done. To think of these + wretches murdering my dear Carna!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do not fear, my lord; we shall do it,”</span> said the + peddler; but added, in a low voice, <span class="tei tei-q">“if + nothing happens.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At that moment the + galley came in sight. <span class="tei tei-q">“That is right,”</span> + cried the Count; <span class="tei tei-q">“anyhow, we begin well; no + time will be lost in getting across.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page152">[pg 152]</span><a name="Pg152" + id="Pg152" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc43" id= + "toc43"></a> <a name="pdf44" id="pdf44"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XV.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE PURSUIT (</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%; font-style: italic">continued</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%">).</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The signal + previously agreed was promptly hoisted by the party on shore, and as + promptly observed and obeyed by the crew of the galley which had been + for some time on the watch for some communication.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> said the peddler, when they had + embarked, <span class="tei tei-q">“if I may suggest, we should not + make a straight passage to the mainland from here, but steer for the + north-west. Some eight miles beyond the western point of the island + there is a river flowing into the sea, and a fishing village at the + mouth. I know the place well, and have one or two good friends there. + We shall get a guide there; I have in my mind the very man who will + suit us well in that capacity. Indeed the river<a id="noteref_35" + name="noteref_35" href="#note_35"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">35</span></span></a> itself + would be no bad guide. The Great Temple lies but a few miles westward + from its upper course. The road will be easy too along the valley, + which is mostly clear of wood.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page153">[pg 153]</span><a name="Pg153" id="Pg153" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then,”</span> said the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Temple cannot be far from Sorbiodunum. Why not make + for the Great Harbour, and go by the Great Road to Venta<a id= + "noteref_36" name="noteref_36" href="#note_36"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">36</span></span></a> and from + Venta to Sorbiodunum.<a id="noteref_37" name="noteref_37" href= + "#note_37"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">37</span></span></a> The + travelling would be much easier.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have thought of that,”</span> said the other, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but I think my plan the best. The distance + is far less, and, what is quite as important, we shall not be + expected to come that way. Depend upon it there will be an ambuscade + laid somewhere along the road; for they will feel sure that we shall + try and come that way.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was evident + anyhow that as far as the sea voyage was concerned the man was right. + The tide was ebbing slowly, and an east wind, already high and still + rising, was blowing. To make way against wind and tide to the Great + Harbour would be in any case a laborious business; and if the wind + increased to a gale as it threatened to do, might become impossible. + The galley had been chosen for swiftness rather than seaworthy + qualities in rough weather, and might fail in the attempt to work + back. On the other hand both wind and tide thoroughly favoured a + westward voyage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Indeed she moved + gaily on with a strong breeze, that in the phraseology of to-day + would be called a half-gale, blowing due aft, and scarcely felt the + heavy <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page154">[pg 154]</span><a name= + "Pg154" id="Pg154" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sea, seeming to leave + the waves behind, as the rowers bent their backs to their work. The + Saxon had now taken his place on one of the thwarts, and his gigantic + strength, put it was evident with a will into the labour, seemed of + itself to drive the galley forwards. In an incredibly short time the + river mouth was reached, the galley stranded, and the guide, who, by + great good luck, had just returned from a fishing voyage, + engaged.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But now an + unforeseen obstacle opposed itself. A few specks of rain had been + felt by the party as they went, and then as the day went on, began to + change to snow. And now the wind almost suddenly died away, and at + the same time the fall of snow grew heavier. The face of the guide + fell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + hear that your business is urgent and cannot wait. But I must tell + you that the weather looks very bad, and that the prospects of our + journey are almost as unfavourable as they can be. We shall have a + very heavy fall of snow, and if the wind gets up again, and it begins + to drift, we shall be blocked, and possibly unable to get either + backwards or forwards.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We must go,”</span> said the Count, in a determined + voice, <span class="tei tei-q">“though the snow were over our + heads.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a very short + interval allowed for refreshment, the party started. At first the + snow was no very serious obstacle; but after a couple of hours + inces<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page155">[pg 155]</span><a name= + "Pg155" id="Pg155" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sant and rapid fall, it + began to make movement very difficult. The progress of the travellers + grew slower and slower, and the Count began to calculate that at + their present rate of speed they could but barely arrive in time. It + was an immense relief when the sky almost suddenly cleared, and + showed the moon still evidently somewhat short of the full. But the + relief was only temporary. The clearer weather was the result of a + change of wind, which had suddenly veered to a point westward of + north and which was rapidly increasing in force. And now occurred the + thing which the peddler’s knowledge of the country and the weather + had suggested to him—the snow began to drift. At first the party was + hardly conscious of the change; indeed for a time the way was + somewhat clearer and easier than before; then as they came to a + slight depression, the snow was felt to be certainly deeper. Still + three or four miles were traversed without any particular difficulty. + Then the leader of the party suddenly plunged into a drift + considerably above his knees. This obstacle, however, was surmounted, + or rather avoided by making a <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">détour</span></span>. + But still the wind rose higher and higher, and as it rose, not only + did its force hinder the party’s advance, but the drifts grew now + formidably deep. Some of the party began to lag behind; the Count + himself, who was past his prime, began to acknowledge to himself, + with an agony of anger and fear in <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page156">[pg 156]</span><a name="Pg156" id="Pg156" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>his heart, that his strength was failing. Still + they struggled on, leaving one or two of the strugglers to make the + best of their way back, or, it might well be, to perish in the snow, + till about half the distance was traversed. They had now reached a + little hamlet,<a id="noteref_38" name="noteref_38" href= + "#note_38"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">38</span></span></a> on the + outskirts of which there happened to be a small villa. It was shut + up, the proprietor chancing to be absent, but it was put at the + disposal of the party by the person who was in charge. Fires were + hastily lighted, and the travellers, most of whom had almost reached + the end of their powers of endurance, were refreshed with warmth and + food.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count held a + council of war. The situation indeed <a name="corr156" id="corr156" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">seemed</span> + nothing less than desperate. Two out of the party of + twenty-five—their numbers had been increased by a contingent taken + from the crew of the galley—were missing. They had fallen out on the + march, and it was too probable that they had perished in the snow. Of + the remainder but four or five seemed fit for any further exertion. + By far the freshest and most vigorous of them was the Saxon. The + fatigues of the night had scarcely told on his gigantic strength. The + Italians, and even the Britons, natives of the southern parts of the + island, and little accustomed to heavy falls of snow, looked at him + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page157">[pg 157]</span><a name="Pg157" + id="Pg157" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with astonishment. As for him, + he was full of impatience at the delay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count was in + an agony of doubt and distress. His own strength had failed so + completely that all his spirit—and there was no braver man in the + armies of Rome—could not have dragged him a hundred yards further. + And he saw that many of his followers were in little better case. And + yet to give up the pursuit! to leave Carna, the sweetest, gentlest of + women, dear to him as a daughter of his own, to this hideous death! + The thought was too dreadful.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“When do they perform their horrible rites?”</span> said + the Count to the peddler.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“When the full moon shines through the great south + entrance of the Temple,”</span> was the answer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And when will that be?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To-night, and about an hour before midnight, as far as I + can guess.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what must be done? What is your advice?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There seems to me only one thing possible. Those who can + must press on. I count a <a name="corr157" id="corr157" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">great</span> deal on + the Saxon. His strength and endurance are such as I never saw in any + man, and they now seem to be increased manyfold. Anything that can be + done by mortal man, he, you may be sure, will do. Our guide too has + happily something still left in him; and there are three or four + others who are equal to going on after they have had a little rest. I + should say, let <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page158">[pg + 158]</span><a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>them + get two or three hours’ sleep, and then push on to Sorbiodunum. That + is not far from here, and they can easily reach it before noon + to-day, after allowing a fair time for rest. Perhaps they may get + some help there, though the place is not what it was. It is some + years since I paid it a visit, and then I found it in a very + declining condition, so much so that it was not worth my while to go + there again. There were not more than two or three Roman traders + there, and they made but a very poor living out of their + business.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This seemed to be + the best course practicable under the circumstances. The Saxon, with + whom the peddler held a long conversation, was for pressing on at + once, and would almost have gone alone, but for want of a guide. When + he understood the state of the case he yielded to what he perceived + to be a necessity, and throwing himself down on the hearth was almost + immediately buried in a profound sleep, an example which was soon + followed by the rest of the party, the Count and the peddler + excepted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not more than two + hours could be allowed for rest. The guide and the three sailors who + had volunteered to go on were roused with no little difficulty; the + young Saxon was wide awake in a moment. The party partook hastily of + a meal of bread, meat, and hot wine and water, which the peddler had + been busying himself in preparing while they slept, and, after + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page159">[pg 159]</span><a name="Pg159" + id="Pg159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>stowing away some provisions + for the day, started on their journey about two hours before + noon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sorbiodunum was + reached without much difficulty. But there a great disappointment + awaited them. The peddler’s anticipations were more than fulfilled, + for the town was almost deserted. Only one Roman remained there. He + was an old man who had married a British wife, and who cultivated a + farm which had descended to her from her father. When the guide + handed to him the letter which the Count had addressed to the + authorities of the town, begging for any help which they could give + in saving the liberty and life of a person very dear to himself, he + shook his head. When he heard the whole of the guide’s story, he + became still more depressed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Authorities!”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there are no authorities. I am the only Roman left in + the place, and I do not know where to look for a single man to help + you. As for the Great Temple on the plain there is not a creature + here who would dare to go near it. They think it haunted by spirits + and demons. And indeed there <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">are</span></span> strange stories about it. To + tell you the plain truth, I should not much care to go there myself. + No; I see nothing to be done. But I will ask my wife. Perhaps her + woman’s wit will help us.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Bidding the party + be seated, he left the room in which he had received them, and + entered the kitchen, where his wife was busy with her domestic + affairs.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page160">[pg + 160]</span><a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In about half an + hour he returned. His expression was now a shade more cheerful than + before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“I was + right about the woman’s wit. She <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">has</span></span> + thought of something. You must know that my wife is a very devout + Christian—for myself I am a Christian too, but I must own that I + don’t see so much in it as she does—and that she has brought up our + children in that way of thinking. Now, our eldest son is a priest in + a village some seven miles hence, and his people are devoted to him. + If there is any one in this neighbourhood who can give you the help + you want it is he. He has only got to say the word and his people + will follow him to the end of the world. Here is a proof of it. Four + years ago a strong party of Picts came this way, ravaging and + plundering wherever they went. There were not more than fifty of + them, but the people were as terrified as if they were so many + demons. If you think this place a desert now, what would you have + thought it then? There was not a single person left in it—at least a + single person that could help himself—for the cowards had the + meanness to leave some of the old and the sick behind them. But my + son was not going to let the robbers have it all their own way—you + know he has something of the Roman in him—and he went about talking + to his people in such a way, that they plucked up spirit, and fell on + the Picts one night when they were expecting nothing <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span><a name="Pg161" id="Pg161" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>less than an attack, and gave such an + account of them, that the country has not been troubled since with + the like of them. Well, as I say, he is the man to help you. I have + my younger son here working with me on the farm; he is just such + another as his elder brother, and would have been a priest too if he + had not felt it to be his duty to stay and help me. I will bring him + in, and he shall hear the whole story and carry it to his brother. + That is the best hope that I can give you, and I really think that it + is worth something. What I can do for you does not go beyond + hospitality, but to that you are heartily welcome. You have some + hours before you. If you start an hour after sunset you will be in + ample time. And, in fact, you had better not start before, because + the less that is seen of your movements the better. I don’t know that + any of the people about here are infected with the Druid + superstition, though I have had one or two hints to that effect, + hints which what you have just told me helps to explain. But, in any + case, the more secret you are the better. Besides, my son’s Party + cannot reach the Great Temple till long after dark. Meanwhile take + some rest and refreshment, for, believe me, you have something before + you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This advice was so + obviously right, that the guide, who was in command of the party, had + no hesitation in accepting it.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page162">[pg 162]</span><a name="Pg162" id="Pg162" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">About six o’clock + another start was made. At first, though the weather looked + threatening, no serious obstacle presented itself. The snow was + somewhat deep on the ground, but there were no serious drifts on + their way, a way which, indeed, for some distance from the town lay + under the leeward side of a wood. But they had not gone more than a + mile and a half when a disastrous change in their circumstances + occurred. The wind rose almost suddenly to the height of a gale, and + brought with it a fall of snow, separated by the rapid movement of + the air into a very fine powder, and working its way through the + clothing of the traveller with a penetrating power which nothing + could resist. Still, benumbed as they were, almost blinded by the icy + particles which were whirled with all the force of the tempest + against their faces, they struggled on for more than half the + distance which lay between them and their destination. Then the three + sailors cried out simultaneously that they must halt, and the guide + unwillingly owned that he must follow their example. Only the Saxon + was left to go on, and he, with a gesture which it was impossible to + mistake, declared his intention of persevering. Just at that moment + the clouds parted in the east, and the full moon showed the landscape + with a singular clearness, its most conspicuous feature being the + gigantic stones of the Great Temple, which could be seen about two + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page163">[pg 163]</span><a name="Pg163" + id="Pg163" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>miles to the northward. The + guide pointed to them, and the Saxon, when they caught his eye, leapt + forward with an energy which nothing seemed to have abated, and, with + a gesture of farewell to his companions, plunged into the + darkness.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page164">[pg 164]</span><a name="Pg164" + id="Pg164" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc45" id= + "toc45"></a> <a name="pdf46" id="pdf46"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XVI.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE GREAT TEMPLE.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Great Temple, + or Stonehenge as it is now called, though its decay had already + commenced, still preserved the form which we have now some difficulty + in tracing. There was an outer circle consisting of thirty huge + triliths,<a id="noteref_39" name="noteref_39" href= + "#note_39"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">39</span></span></a> the + greater part of which were still standing in the position in which + the unsparing labour of a long past generation had placed them. + Within this there was a circle of forty single stones, this circle + again containing two ovals. One of these ovals was composed of five + triliths, even larger than those which stood in the outer circle; the + other was made of nineteen upright stones. At the upper end of this + stood the altar, a low, flat structure of blue marble.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All the + preparations for the sacrifice were complete when Cedric—for we may + as well henceforth <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page165">[pg + 165]</span><a name="Pg165" id="Pg165" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>call + the Saxon by the name which he bore among his countrymen—reached the + spot. Carna was being led by two of the subordinate priests to the + altar, where Caradoc stood, robed for the rite which he was about to + perform. The sky had now again cleared, and the moon, riding high in + the heavens, poured a flood of silver light through the south + entrance, and fell on the priest’s impassive face as he stood + fronting the light, while it glittered on his crown of gold and gave + a dazzling brilliancy to his white robe. In his hand he held a knife + of flint, with which it was the custom to give the first blow to the + victim, though innovation had so far prevailed even in the Druid + worship that the sacrifice was completed with a weapon of steel. But + this latter lay at his feet, and was concealed by the fall of his + robe. It was not, indeed, supposed to be used. The attendants, who + were also dressed in white, were rough and brutal creatures, selected + for their office because they could be trusted to carry out any + orders without remonstrance or hesitation. Yet even they seemed + touched by the girl’s dignity and courage, as she walked with head + erect and unfaltering gait between them. Had she hesitated, or hung + back, or struggled, doubtless they would not have hesitated to drag + her to the altar; but walking as she did with a proud resignation to + her fate, they showed her a rude respect by letting their hands rest + as lightly as pos<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page166">[pg + 166]</span><a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>sible, so as to give no sense of constraint, + upon her arms. On either side of the priest stood Martianus and + Ambiorix. The younger man had braced himself to what, fanatical + patriot as he was, was evidently a hateful task. He looked + steadfastly and unflinchingly at the scene; but his face was deadly + pale, and the blood trickled down his chin as he bit his lip in the + unconscious effort to maintain a stern composure. Martianus was + overwhelmed with shame and horror. If there was one softer heart + among the <span class="tei tei-q">“stern, black-bearded kings”</span> + who of old in Aulis watched the daughter of Agamemnon die, he must + have looked and felt as Martianus did in the Great Temple that night. + Cursing again and again in his heart the ambition which had led him + to mix himself up with this fanatical crew, but too much a craven at + heart to protest, he stood trembling with agitation, mostly keeping + his eyes shut or fixed upon the earth, but sometimes compelled by a + fascination which he could not resist to lift them, and take in the + horror of the scene. Each of the chiefs had an armed attendant + standing behind him. Besides these there were no spectators of the + scene, though guards were disposed at each of the entrances which led + to the central shrine. Even these had been kept in ignorance of what + was to be done, and they were too deeply imbued with the traditional + awe felt for the Great Temple to think of playing the spy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig166" + id="fig166" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig47" id= + "fig47"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_191.jpg" alt="The Sacrifice" title= + "The Sacrifice." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">The Sacrifice.</span></span> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page167">[pg 167]</span><a name= + "Pg167" id="Pg167" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The priest, after + observing the position of the moon, and seeing that the shadows fell + now almost straight towards the north, began the invocation which was + the preliminary of the sacrifice. It was for this that the Saxon was + waiting, as he stood in the shadow of one of the huge triliths. He + crept silently out of his concealment, entirely unobserved, so intent + were all present on the scene that was being enacted. His first + object was the priest. This had been laid down for him in the + instructions given him by the peddler before he started; and indeed + his own instinct would have dictated the act. The priest put out of + the way, the sacrifice would, for the time at least, be stopped; for + so high a solemnity could not be performed but by one of the very + highest rank. Time would thus be gained, and with time anything might + happen. One firm thrust between the shoulders sent the Saxon’s sword + right through the priest’s body, so that the point stood out an inch + or two from the priest. Without a cry the man fell forward, deluging + with his blood the stone of sacrifice. The ministrants who stood on + either side of Carna were paralysed with astonishment and dismay. + Before they could recover themselves Cedric had dragged his weapon + out of the priest’s body, sheathed it, and thrown himself on them. + Two blows, delivered almost simultaneously by fists that had almost + the force of sledge hammers, levelled them both senseless to + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page168">[pg 168]</span><a name="Pg168" + id="Pg168" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the ground. He then caught the + girl up in his arms. A full-grown woman—and Carna had a stature + beyond the average of her sex—is no light burden, but Cedric’s + strength was, as has been said before, exceptionally great, and now + it seemed doubled by the fierce excitement of the hour. To escape + with her by running was, he knew, impossible. For such a task no + fleetness of foot, no strength, would be sufficient. To attempt would + be to expose himself to certain death, and Carna to as certain + re-capture. But his quick eye had caught sight of a place where he + might hold out, at least for a time, against a much superior strength + of assailants. One of the triliths had partially fallen, the huge + cross-stone having been so displaced that it formed an angle with one + of its supports, and so afforded a protection to the back and sides + of a fighter who managed to ensconce himself in the niche, and who + would so have only his front to protect. Setting Carna behind him, + and making her understand by a movement of the hand that she must + crouch as low as she could upon the ground, he prepared to hold his + position. The odds against him were not so heavy as might have been + supposed. The two ministrants were unarmed. Of the four left, the two + chiefs and their attendants, one was a middle-aged man, who had never + been expert in arms; and who, whatever his skill and strength, would + scarcely have cared to use them in <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page169">[pg 169]</span><a name="Pg169" id="Pg169" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>such a conflict. Ambiorix, indeed, was of + another temper. The gloomy, fanatical doggedness with which he had + looked on at the preparations for the sacrifice gave way to a fierce + delight when he saw an enemy before him with whom he could cross + swords. In his inmost soul he had hated the thought of the sacrifice; + but yet the man who had hindered it, and with it the weal of Britain, + was a foe whom it would be pleasure to smite to the ground. But + fierce as was his temper, it was full of chivalry. He would not + dishonour himself by bringing odds against an enemy. Signing to the + armed attendants to stand back, he advanced to challenge Cedric. The + Saxon, in height and strength, was more than a match for his + antagonist. But he was hampered by his position, especially by the + presence of the girl. The weapon, too, with which he was armed—a + short Roman sword—was strange to him. He thought with regret of his + own good steel, an heirloom come down to him from warriors of the + past, and inscribed with magic Runic rhymes, that was then lying at + the bottom of the Channel. The change, however, was not really so + much to his disadvantage as he thought. The stones behind him would + have hindered the long sweeping blow which made the great Saxon + swords especially formidable. Altogether it might have seemed as if + Cedric must inevitably be worsted in the struggle. The British chief, + though he hated <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page170">[pg + 170]</span><a name="Pg170" id="Pg170" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + customs and even the civilization of the Roman conquerors, had not + disdained to learn what they could teach him in the use of arms. They + were acknowledged masters in that, and he accepted the maxim that it + was right to be instructed even by one’s bitterest enemy. Accordingly + he knew all that a fencing master could teach him; and all the + Saxon’s agility, quickness of eye, and strength, could not + counterbalance the advantage. Before many minutes had passed Cedric + was bleeding from two wounds, neither of them very serious, but + sufficient to hamper and weaken him. One had been inflicted on the + sword-arm, and threatened to disable him altogether before long. He + felt this himself, and took his resolve. <span class="tei tei-q">“The + curse of Thor upon this foolish toy!”</span> he cried, in his native + tongue, as he threw the short sword straight in the face of his + enemy; and followed up the strange missile by leaping on his + antagonist, both of whose arms he fastened down to his sides with a + supreme exertion of strength. Gigantic strength, indeed, was the only + thing which gave so desperate a resort the chance of success, and + this might well have failed, if the adversary had not been entirely + unprepared for the movement. Once held in this tremendous clasp, + Ambiorix was as helpless as a kid in the hug of a bear. Cedric fairly + lifted him off his feet, and threw him backwards. His head struck one + of the great stones <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page171">[pg + 171]</span><a name="Pg171" id="Pg171" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in + his fall, and he lay senseless and helpless on the ground.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The struggle was + over so quickly that the attendants had no time to interfere; nor + when it was finished did they feel any great eagerness to engage so + formidable a champion. Still they advanced, and Martianus, who felt + himself unable to maintain any longer in the face of what had + happened his attitude of inaction, advanced with them. By this time + Carna, who had been almost stunned by the rapid succession of + startling incidents, had recovered her self-possession. She lifted + herself from the ground, and stepped between Cedric and the three + antagonists who stood confronting him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Martianus,”</span> she cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“what are you doing here? What mixes you up with these + horrible doings—you, my father’s friend, you, a Christian + man?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Briton stood + silent, cursing in his heart the hideous enterprise which had not + even the poor merit of success. He was spared the necessity of + speaking by an exclamation from one of the ministrants.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“See!”</span> cried the man, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there is a party coming. It is not likely that they are + friends—let us be off.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And indeed the + moonlight clearly showed a number of persons who were rapidly + advancing up one of the great avenues.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus did not + hesitate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are right,”</span> he said to the man, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we must <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page172">[pg + 172]</span><a name="Pg172" id="Pg172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>go. + The priest’s body must be left. It is useless to cumber ourselves + with the dead; we shall have as much as we can do to escape + ourselves, but take the sacred things. They at least must not fall + into the hands of the enemy. And you,”</span> he went on, addressing + himself to the two attendants, <span class="tei tei-q">“take up your + master and carry him off. We have something of a start, and it is + possible that they may not pursue us.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His directions + were at once obeyed. The priest’s body was stripped of its robes and + ornaments. Ambiorix, who still lay unconscious on the ground, was + carried by the united efforts of the soldiers and ministrants, and + the whole party had started in the direction of Amesbury before the + new-comers, who proved to be the priest Flavius, with a party of his + people, reached the Temple.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page173">[pg 173]</span><a name="Pg173" + id="Pg173" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc48" id= + "toc48"></a> <a name="pdf49" id="pdf49"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XVII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE BRITISH VILLAGE.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The British + priest’s home was at a populous village on the banks of the Avon, now + known by the name of Netton, and as this was some miles nearer than + Sorbiodunum, he determined to take thither the party whom his + opportune arrival had rescued from danger. Once arrived there, it + would be easy to send a messenger to the town, and await further + instructions. A litter was hastily constructed for Carna, who, though + her spirits and courage were still unbroken, was somewhat exhausted + by excitement and fatigue. The Saxon’s wounds were dressed and bound + up by the priest, who united some knowledge of medicine and surgery + to his other accomplishments, and was indeed scarcely less well + qualified for the cure of bodies than of souls. The priest-doctor + looked somewhat grave when he saw how deep the sword-cuts were, and + how much blood had been lost, but Cedric made light of his injuries, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page174">[pg 174]</span><a name="Pg174" + id="Pg174" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>scorned the idea of being + carried, and indeed seemed to find no difficulty in keeping close to + Carna’s litter on the homeward journey.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Netton—we are + unable to give the British name of the village—was reached some time + before dawn. At sunrise the priest, who had refreshed himself with + two or three hours’ sleep, was ready to perform his office at his + little church. It was the first day of the week, and the building was + crowded. It was an oblong building, with a semicircular eastern end, + that resembled that kind of chancel which is known by the name of an + apse. It had been designed by an Italian builder, who had copied the + shape that seems to have been used in the earliest Christian + buildings, that of the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">schola</span></span> + or meeting-house of the trade guilds or associations. The body of the + building was of timber. The eastern end, or sanctuary, had a little + more pretension to ornament; it was of stone, and the walls were hung + with somewhat handsome tapestry, wrought with symbolic designs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Few of the party + which had accompanied the priest the night before were prevented by + their fatigue from being present. The Britons were always a devout + people, and in Netton their priest had gained such an influence over + them, that they were exceptionally regular in their religious duties. + Carna had been anxious to attend the service, but <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page175">[pg 175]</span><a name="Pg175" id="Pg175" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the priest’s wife—he had followed the + usual practice of the British Church in marrying before + ordination—had absolutely forbidden so unreasonable an exertion. + Cedric, who would otherwise have been present in whatever part of the + building was open to an unbaptized person, was still buried in a + profound slumber. The service was in Latin, a language of which most + if not all the worshippers knew enough to be able to follow the + prayers. Such portions of the Scriptures as were read were + accompanied by the priest with occasional expositions in the British + language; and the sermon, except the text, which was in Latin, and + taken from the recently published Vulgate of St. Jerome, was wholly + in that tongue. The preacher’s text was from the Psalms, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quomodo dicitis animæ meæ, Transmigra in montem sicut + passer?”</span><a id="noteref_40" name="noteref_40" href= + "#note_40"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">40</span></span></a> and was + mostly concerned with the troubles of the time. He had in an uncommon + degree the national gift of eloquence, and stirred the hearts of his + hearers to their inmost depths. He warned them that troublous times + were approaching, such as neither they nor their fathers had seen + were approaching, and that they would have to resist unto blood for + the faith into which they had been baptized.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Antichrist,”</span> he cried, adapting to the day, as + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page176">[pg 176]</span><a name="Pg176" + id="Pg176" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Christian preachers have done + in every age, the language of the apostles—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Antichrist is at hand! You see him in these heathen + hosts who are threatening you on every side; these Saxon pirates from + the east, who are ravaging our shores; these Pictish ravagers from + the north, who every year are penetrating further and further into + the land. Yes,”</span> he added, with a telling reference to the + event of the night before, <span class="tei tei-q">“and even in + apostates of British blood, who have preserved in your midst the + hideous superstitions from which our ancestors turned to worship the + blessed Christ; and as it was in the days of the blessed Paul, so is + it now: <span class="tei tei-q">‘He that letteth will let till he be + taken out of the way,’</span> The Roman power has kept these forces + in check, but it will keep them no more. The time is short. They are + gathering every day in greater strength, and you must gird yourselves + to meet them.”</span> Therefore, he went on, they must be strong and + quit them like men. They must gird on them, and make complete in + every point, their spiritual armour—the helmet of salvation, the + sword of the Divine Word, the all-covering shield of faith; nor must + they forget the temporal weapons with which the outward enemies who + assail the body must be met. <span class="tei tei-q">“He that hath no + sword, let him sell his garment and buy one,”</span> cried the + preacher, in his final apostrophe to his people, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and he will find that as his day so shall his strength + be, and that the Lord can <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page177">[pg + 177]</span><a name="Pg177" id="Pg177" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>deliver by few as by many, Gideon’s three + hundred, as by the eight hundred thousand men that drew sword in + Israel.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Wrought by the + eloquence of the orator to an almost incontrollable excitement, the + whole congregation sprang to their feet, as if they were asking to be + led at once to the battle. Then, with a sudden change from the + stirring tone of the trumpet to the sweet music of the flute, the + preacher touched another note. In a pleading voice, almost but never + quite broken with tears, he besought them to cleanse their hearts; he + reminded them that the armies of the Lamb of God must be clothed in + the white robe of righteousness; that purity, tenderness to the weak, + charity to the fallen, were as needed for Christ’s soldiers as + steadfastness and courage, till many a cheek was wet with tears of + contrition and repentance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the course of + the forenoon a fleet-footed messenger was despatched to Sorbiodunum. + By the time he reached that town the Count and his party had arrived, + excepting one who had been left behind, still too exhausted by his + forced march to move. Some, too, had been sent back in the hope that + they might not be too late to rescue the stragglers who had perforce + been left behind during the journey through the snow. As there was + now no immediate necessity of haste, Ælius allowed his followers to + rest and refresh them<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page178">[pg + 178]</span><a name="Pg178" id="Pg178" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>selves for the remainder of the day at <a name= + "corr178" id="corr178" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">Sorbiodunum.</span> The following morning he went on + to Netton, where he found, to his great delight, that Carna had + apparently suffered no harm from her perilous adventures. His + gratitude to the Saxon was beyond the power of words to express. + Though it somewhat hurt his Roman pride that a barbarian should ever + have the strength to hold out when all others fail, he did not suffer + his vexation to take anything from the hearty warmth of his thanks. + Cedric received them with the courtesy of an equal, a bearing which + both Britons and Italians could not help resenting in their hearts, + while they reluctantly admired his surpassing strength.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Three days were + spent in Netton with much comfort to the party, the priest and his + people showing them as liberal an hospitality as their means + admitted, and refusing the recompense which the Count almost forced + upon <a name="corr178a" id="corr178a" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">them.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take something for your poor,”</span> said Ælius, when + his arguments were exhausted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My people,”</span> answered the priest, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“must not lose one of the most precious privileges of + their Christian life, the sweet compulsion of having to minister to + the necessities of those who want their help.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then you cannot refuse some ornament for your + church,”</span> the Count went on.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The good man + hesitated for a moment. His <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page179">[pg + 179]</span><a name="Pg179" id="Pg179" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>church was dear to his heart, and he would + gladly have seen it made as fair as art and wealth could make it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> he replied, after his brief hesitation, + <span class="tei tei-q">“in happier times, and in another place, I + would not refuse your generous offer. But now the poorer we are the + better. I should like to see our altar-vessels of gold, but it would + not be well to tempt the barbarians to a deadly sin, and to expose + Christian lives to worse peril than that they now stand in, by such + treasures, of which the report could scarcely fail to be spread + abroad. Our chalices, and flagons, and patens are now of lead, thinly + covered for decency’s sake with silver, and they are of no value to + any but those who use them. No, my lord, leave our church with at + least such safety as poverty can give. But there are places in the + world, I would fain believe, though indeed in these days I scarce + know where they are, where Christian men worship God in security, and + where the treasures of the church are safe from robbery. Let your + gift be given there, when you find the occasion. And if you will let + me know the place I shall be happy with imagining it, without the + anxious care of its custody.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With this answer + the Count was compelled to be content, till at least next morning, by + which time Carna’s ready wit had suggested that the priest could + hardly refuse a gift of books.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page180">[pg 180]</span><a name="Pg180" id="Pg180" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> said the good man, when the Count + renewed his offer in its fresh shape on the following day, + <span class="tei tei-q">“your determined generosity has overcome me. + Books I cannot refuse either for my own sake or my people’s. I + sometimes feel that they are starved, or at the best ill-fed with + spiritual food. I can speak to them of their every-day duties, but I + cannot build them up in their faith for lack of knowledge in myself, + and where is the knowledge to come from? Of books I have none but my + Bible and my Service-book, and two small books of homilies. If I had + some of the commentaries and homilies of the two great doctors of our + Church, Hieronymus<a id="noteref_41" name="noteref_41" href= + "#note_41"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">41</span></span></a> and + Augustine, I should be well content. I have heard of the great + preacher of Antioch and Constantinople, John the Golden Mouth,<a id= + "noteref_42" name="noteref_42" href="#note_42"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">42</span></span></a> but, + alas, I cannot read Greek.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You shall have them as soon as they can be got,”</span> + said the Count.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the course of + the day the search party sent back from Sorbiodunum returned. They + had found one of the stragglers still alive, and had brought him on + to the village where the first halt had been made. There he was being + carefully tended, but there was no chance of his being restored to + health for many weeks to come. Of the other two they had a terrible + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page181">[pg 181]</span><a name="Pg181" + id="Pg181" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>account to give. Only a few + mangled remains could be discovered, the poor creatures having been + manifestly devoured by wolves. All that could be hoped was that they + had expired before they were attacked.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count had now + nothing to detain him, and as he was for many reasons anxious to be + at home, where a multiplicity of duties were awaiting him, he + determined to start on the following day. His route was first to + Sorbiodunum. There he would be on the main road leading to Venta + Belgarum.<a id="noteref_43" name="noteref_43" href= + "#note_43"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">43</span></span></a> From + Venta, by following another main road he and his party would make + their way easily to the Camp of the Great Harbour.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page182">[pg 182]</span><a name="Pg182" + id="Pg182" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc50" id= + "toc50"></a> <a name="pdf51" id="pdf51"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XVIII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE PICTS.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The journey to + Venta Belgarum was accomplished in safety, and, by dint of starting + long before sunrise, in a single day. The distance was a little more + than twenty miles, and the road, which was so straight that the end + of the journey might almost have been seen from the beginning, lay + almost through an open country. This was favourable for speed, as + there was little or no need to reconnoitre the ground in advance. It + was just after sunrise when the party reached the spot where the + traces of the great camp of Constantius Chlorus may still be seen. It + had even then ceased to be occupied, but the soldiers’ huts were + still standing, and the avenues, though overgrown with grass, looked + as if they might easily be thronged again with all the busy life of a + camp. The Count called a halt for a few minutes, and pointed out the + locality to Carna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“See,”</span> said he, with a sigh, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there Constantius had <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page183">[pg 183]</span><a name="Pg183" id="Pg183" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>his camp, the great Constantius to whom we owe + so much.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And was Constantine himself ever there?”</span> cried + the girl, to whom the first Christian Emperor was the object of an + admiration which we, knowing as we do more about him, can hardly + share.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I doubt it,”</span> returned the Count. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Constantius made it and held it during his campaigns + with Allectus. But, my child, I was thinking not of its past, but of + its future. It will never be occupied again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why should it?”</span> exclaimed the girl, almost + forgetting in her excitement that she was speaking to a Roman. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why should it? Why should not Britain be + happy and safe and free without the legions? Forgive me, + father,”</span> she added, remembering herself again; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am the last person in the world who should be + ungrateful to Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don’t blame you,”</span> said the Count, and as he + looked at the maiden’s flashing eyes and remembered how bravely she + had gone through terrors which would have driven most women out of + their senses, he thought to himself—<span class="tei tei-q">“Ah, if + there were but a few thousand men who had half the spirit of this + woman in them, the end might be different. My child,”</span> he went + on, <span class="tei tei-q">“I would not discourage you, but there + are dark days before this island. She has enemies by sea and land, + and I doubt whether she has the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page184">[pg 184]</span><a name="Pg184" id="Pg184" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>strength to strike a sufficient blow for + herself. I am thankful that you will be safely away before it + comes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna was about to + speak, but checked herself. It was not the time she felt to speak out + her heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For some time + after this little or nothing of interest occurred; but as the party + approached within a few miles of Venta the scene underwent a + remarkable change. The road had hitherto been almost entirely + deserted; it was now thronged: but the face of every passenger was + turned towards Venta, not a single traveller was going the other way. + Every by-way and bridle-path and foot-path that touched the road + contributed to swell the throng. In fact, the whole countryside was + in motion. And the fugitives, for their manifest hurry and alarm + proclaimed to be nothing less, carried all their property with them. + Carts laden with rustic furniture, on the top of which women and + children were perched, waggons loaded with the harvest of the year, + droves of sheep and cattle helped to crowd the road till it was + almost impassable. And still the hurrying pace, the fearful anxious + glances cast behind showed that it was some terrible danger from + which this timid multitude was flying. For some time, so stupified + with fear were the fugitives, Ælius could get no rational answer to + the questions which he put. <span class="tei tei-q">“The Picts! The + Picts! They are upon us!”</span> at last said a man whom a + sud<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page185">[pg 185]</span><a name= + "Pg185" id="Pg185" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>den catastrophe that + brought a great pile of household goods to the ground, had compelled + to halt, and who was glad to get the help of the Count’s attendants + to restore them, all help from neighbours being utterly out of the + question when all were selfishly intent on saving their own lives and + property. When his property had been set in its place again the man + thanked the Count very heartily, and was collected enough to tell all + he knew.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is no doubt that the Picts are not far off. I have + not seen anything of them myself, thank heaven! but I could see the + fires last night all along the sky to the north.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Have they ever been here before?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Never quite here. You see, sir, the camp at + Calleva<a id="noteref_44" name="noteref_44" href= + "#note_44"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">44</span></span></a> kept + them in check. A party did slip by, I know, some little way to the + westward, and I was glad to hear they got rather roughly handled. + But, generally, they did not like to come anywhere near the camps. + But now these are deserted, and there is nothing to keep them + back.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But why don’t you defend yourselves?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah, sir, we have not the strength, nor even the arms. + You are a Roman, I see, and, if I may judge, a man in authority, and + you know that I am <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page186">[pg + 186]</span><a name="Pg186" id="Pg186" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>speaking the truth. You have not allowed us to + do anything for ourselves, and how can we do it now at a few months’ + notice?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count made no + answer; indeed, none was possible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And you expect to find shelter at Venta?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don’t say that I expect it, but it is our only chance. + The place has at least walls.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And any one to man them?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There should be some old soldiers, but how many I cannot + say; anyhow, scarcely enough for a garrison.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the Count + learned the situation he felt that his best course would be to press + on with his party to Venta with all the speed possible. The chief + authority of the town was in the hands of a native, who had the title + of Head of the City.<a id="noteref_45" name="noteref_45" href= + "#note_45"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">45</span></span></a> It was + possible that this officer might be a man of courage and capacity; + but it was far more likely that he would be quite unequal to the + emergency. In either case the Count felt that his advice and personal + influence might be of very great use. Even the twenty stout soldiers + whom he had with him would be no inconsiderable addition to the + fighting force of the place. Accordingly he gave orders to his + followers to quicken their pace. Fortunately the greater part + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page187">[pg 187]</span><a name="Pg187" + id="Pg187" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the fugitives was behind + them; still it was no easy task for the party to make its way through + the struggling masses of human beings and cattle, and it was past + sunset when they rode up to the gates of Venta.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was evident + that the bad news had already arrived. The gates were closely shut, + while the walls were crowded with spectators anxiously looking + northwards for signs of the approaching enemy. The porter was at + first unwilling to admit the strangers, peering anxiously through the + wicket at them, and declaring that he must first consult his + superior. One of the spectators on the wall happened, however, to + recognize the Count, and the party was admitted without further + question, and rode up at once to the quarters of the Commander of the + Town.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If he had hoped to + find an official with whom it would be possible or profitable to + co-operate in the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Princeps</span></span> of + Venta, the Count was very much disappointed. He was an elderly man, + who had realized a fair fortune by contracting for the provisioning + of the army in Southern Britain, and had done very fairly as long as + he had nothing to do but execute the orders of the military governor. + Left to himself he was absolutely helpless. Indeed he had been taking + refuge from his anxieties in the wine-cup, and the Count found him at + least half intoxicated. At the moment of the party’s arrival the poor + creature <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page188">[pg + 188]</span><a name="Pg188" id="Pg188" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had + reached the valorous stage of drunkenness, and was loud in his + declarations that there was no possible danger.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They will know better,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“than to come near Venta. If they do, very few will go + back. Indeed I should like nothing better than to give them a lesson. + You shall see something worth looking at if you will give us the + pleasure of your company in our little town for a day or + two.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another cup, which + he drained to the prosperity of Britain and the confusion of her + enemies, changed his mood. He now seemed to have forgotten all about + the invaders, insisted on recognizing a dear friend of past times in + the Count, and invited him to spend the rest of the day in talking + over old times.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count did not + waste many minutes with the old man, but when he left the house the + darkness had already closed in. After finding with some difficulty + accommodation for Carna, he returned to the gate, anxious to learn + for himself how things were going on. He found the place a scene of + frightful confusion. The warders had abandoned their office as + hopeless. An incessant stream of fugitives, men, women, and children, + mingled with carts and waggons of every shape and size, was pouring + into the town. Every now and then one of these vehicles, brought out + perhaps in the sudden emergency from the repose of years, broke down + and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page189">[pg 189]</span><a name= + "Pg189" id="Pg189" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>blocked the way. Then + the living torrent began to rage at the obstacle, as a river in flood + roars about a tree which has fallen across its current. Shortly the + offending vehicle would be removed by main force, and with a very + scanty regard for its contents. Then the uproar lulled again, though + there never ceased a babel of voices, cursing, entreating, + complaining, quarrelling, through all the gamut of notes, from the + deepest base to the shrillest treble. The wall was crowded with the + inhabitants of the town, and every eye was fixed intently on the + northern horizon. There, as was only too plainly to be seen, the sky + was reddened with a dull glow, which might have been described as a + sunrise out of place, but that it was brightened now and then for a + moment by a shoot of flame. <span class="tei tei-q">“Where are + they?”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“How soon will they be + here?”</span> were the questions which every one was asking, and + which no one attempted to answer. The Count made his way with some + difficulty along the top of the rampart in search of some one from + whom he might hope to get some rational account of the situation. At + last he found among the spectators an old man, whose bearing struck + him as having something soldierly about it. A nearer look showed him + a military decoration. He lost no time in addressing him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Comrade,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“I see + that you have followed the eagles.”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page190">[pg 190]</span><a name="Pg190" id="Pg190" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The veteran + recognized something of the tone of command in the Count’s voice, and + made a military salute.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, sir, so I have, though my sword has been hanging up + for more than thirty years.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what do you think of the prospect?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Badly, sir, badly. This is just what I feared; but it + has come even sooner than I looked for it. Things have been very bad + for some time in the north ever since the garrisons were taken from + the Wall,<a id="noteref_46" name="noteref_46" href= + "#note_46"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">46</span></span></a> but, + except for a troop of robbers now and then, we were fairly safe here. + But now that these barbarians know that the legions are gone, there + will be no stopping them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are the Picts, I hear. Have you ever had to do with + them?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, sir, I have seen as much of them as ever I want to + see. I came to this island thirty-nine years ago with Theodosius, + grandfather, you know, of the Augustus;”</span> and the old man, who + was steadfastly loyal to the Emperor, bared his head as he spoke. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am a Batavian from the island of the + Rhine, and was then a deputy-centurion in Theodosius’ army. We found + Britain full of the savages. They had positively over-run the whole + country as <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page191">[pg + 191]</span><a name="Pg191" id="Pg191" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>far + as the southern sea, and only the walled towns had escaped them, and + these were almost in despair. I shall never forget how the people at + Londinium crowded about the general, kissing his hands and feet, when + he rode into the town. But I must not tire you with an old soldier’s + stories. You ask me about the Picts. They are the worst savages I + ever saw, and I have had some experience too. They go naked but for + some kind of a skin girdle about their loins, and they are hideously + painted, and their hair is more like a beast’s than a man’s, and then + they eat human flesh. Ah, sir, you may shake your head, but I know + it. We used to find dead bodies with the fleshy parts cut off where + they had been. I shudder to think of what I saw in those days. Well, + we gave them a good lesson, drove them back to their own country, and + an awful country it is, all lakes and mountains, with not so much as + a blade of corn from one end to the other. But now they will be as + bad as ever.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you are safe here in Venta, I suppose?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Safe! I wish we were. If we had a proper garrison here, + there is no one to command them. You have seen the <span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Princeps</span></span>?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count said + nothing, but his silence was significant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But there is no garrison. There are not more than fifty + men in the place who have ever carried arms.”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page192">[pg 192]</span><a name="Pg192" id="Pg192" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But surely the people will defend themselves. You, as an + old soldier, know very well that civilians, who would be quite + useless in the field, may do good service behind walls.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“True, sir, if they have two things—a spirit and a + leader; and these people, as far as I can tell, have + neither.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That is a bad look out. But tell me—how soon do you + think the enemy will be here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not to-night, certainly; perhaps not to-morrow. And + indeed it is just possible that they may not come at all. You see + that they get a great quantity of plunder in the country without much + trouble or danger, and they may leave the towns alone. Barbarians + mostly don’t care to knock their heads against stone walls, and of + course they think us a great deal stronger than we are.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After making an + appointment with his new acquaintance for a meeting on the following + day, the Count rejoined his party.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The next day the + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Princeps</span></span> called a meeting of the + principal burgesses of the town, at which the Count, in consideration + of his rank as a Roman official, was invited to attend. The tone of + the meeting was better than he had expected. There were one or two + resolute men among the local magistrates, and these contrived to + communicate something of their spirit to the rest. A general levy of + the inhabitants <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page193">[pg + 193]</span><a name="Pg193" id="Pg193" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>between the ages of sixteen and sixty was to be + made. The town was divided into districts, and recruiting officers + were appointed for each. By an unanimous vote of the meeting the + Count was requested to take the chief command. The delay of the + invaders gave some time for carrying out these preparations for + defence. A force was speedily raised, sufficient, as far at least as + numbers were concerned, to garrison the walls. This was divided into + companies, each having two watches, which were to be on duty + alternately. The whole extent of work was divided among them, and the + town was stored with such missiles as could be collected or + manufactured, while Carna busied herself among the women, organizing + the supply of food and drink for the guards of the wall, and + preparations for the care of the wounded.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page194">[pg 194]</span><a name="Pg194" + id="Pg194" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc52" id= + "toc52"></a> <a name="pdf53" id="pdf53"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XIX.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE SIEGE.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Day after day the + burgesses of Venta awaited the course of events. For some time they + hoped that, after all, the town might not be visited by the invaders. + The lurid glow of the skies by night, and the clouds of smoke by day, + sometimes borne by the wind so close to the town that the smell could + be distinctly recognized, proved that they were still near. But + though the effects of their work of ruin were visible enough, of the + barbarians themselves no one had yet caught a glimpse. But towards + the evening of the seventh day after the Count’s arrival a party was + seen to emerge from a wood, distant about half a mile from the gates. + There were four in all; two of them were mounted on small and very + shaggy ponies, the others were on foot. The party advanced till they + were about a hundred yards from the wall, and though the fading light + prevented them from being seen very clearly, there could be no doubt + that they were some of the dreaded Picts.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page195">[pg 195]</span><a name="Pg195" id="Pg195" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A debate, which + seemed, from the gesticulations of the speakers to be of a somewhat + violent kind, was carried on for a time among the savages. Then one + of the mounted men rode, with all the speed to which his diminutive + horse could be urged, almost up to the gates of the town. He wore a + deer-skin robe of the very simplest construction, with holes through + which his head and arms were thrust. His legs were bare. Round his + neck was hung a bow of a very rude kind. In his right hand he carried + a short spear. With the butt of this he struck violently at the gate, + as if demanding entrance, and after waiting a few seconds, as it + seemed for an answer, turned his pony’s head and began to ride back + to his party. He had almost reached them before the defenders of the + wall had recovered from the astonishment which his audacity had + caused them. Then one who was armed with a bow discharged at the + retreating figure an arrow, which more by good luck than skill, for + scarcely any aim had been taken, struck the Pict on the neck. He did + not fall from his horse, but swayed heavily to one side, catching at + the animal’s mane to steady himself. His three companions rushed + forward to help him, and in another moment would have carried him + off, but for the resolution and activity of the Saxon, who with the + Count was standing on the rampart close to the gate. He lowered + himself by his hands <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page196">[pg + 196]</span><a name="Pg196" id="Pg196" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>from + the wall, a height of about fifteen feet, itself no small feat of + activity, and ran at his full speed, a speed which, as has been said + before, was quite uncommon. Hampered as they were by having to keep + their wounded companion in the saddle, the Picts could move but + slowly, and were soon overtaken. With two blows, delivered with all + his gigantic strength, Cedric levelled two of them to the ground, + and, seizing the wounded chief, threw him over his shoulder, then + turning ran towards the gate. For a moment the third Pict stood too + astonished to move. Cedric had thus a start of some yards, and before + he could be overtaken, had got so close to the wall as to be under + the protection of the archers and slingers who lined it. The next + moment the wicket of the gate was opened, and the prisoner + secured.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was evident + that he was a prize of some value, for a rudely wrought chain of gold + round his neck showed that he was a chief. He had ridden up to the + gate against the advice of his followers, as it was guessed, under + the influences of copious draughts of metheglin. The effect of the + liquor, together with the pain of his wound and the shock of his + capture, had been to make him insensible when he was brought into the + town. While he was in this state his wound was dressed by a slave who + had some surgical skill, and who declared that though serious it was + not mortal. When he recovered consciousness <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page197">[pg 197]</span><a name="Pg197" id="Pg197" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>he behaved more like a wild beast than a man. + His first act was to tear furiously at the bandage which had been + applied to his wound. The attendants mastered him with difficulty, + for he fought with the ferocity of a wild cat, and then bound his + hands and feet. Thus rendered helpless, he raved at the top of his + voice till sheer exhaustion reduced him to silence, a silence which + was soon followed by sleep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig196" + id="fig196" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig54" id= + "fig54"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_223.jpg" alt="Cedric and the Pict" title= + "Cedric and the Pict." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Cedric and the Pict.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The night passed + without any attack. It was evident that the Picts were in + considerable force, for their watch fires were to be seen scattered + over a wide extent of country, and there was much anxious talk in the + town about the chances of a siege. Few indeed in Venta closed their + eyes that night, and with the earliest morning the whole town was + astir. The invaders, of course, had no notion of how a siege should + be conducted, nor had they the necessary mechanical means even if + they had known how to use them. Their arrows did but little harm, for + their bows were ill made, and had but a small range, nothing like + that which was commanded by the better weapons of the defenders. With + the sling, however, they were singularly expert, and inflicted no + small damage, making indeed some parts of the walls scarcely tenable. + But as they could do nothing without showing themselves, they + suffered more loss than they inflicted. In the early days of the + siege especially, a catapult, which the garrison worked <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page198">[pg 198]</span><a name="Pg198" id="Pg198" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>from the walls, did great damage among + them. After awhile they were careful not to collect in such numbers + as to give a fair mark for this piece of artillery.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The townspeople + were greatly elated at their success, and when, about a fortnight + after the first appearance of the invaders before the walls, two days + had passed without one of them being visible, concluded that, + hopeless of making any impression upon the place, they had + disappeared.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They were soon + undeceived. It was growing dusk on the third day after the supposed + departure of the enemy, when a heavily laden cart was drawn up to the + western gate of the city. The driver, apparently a country man, + knocked for admittance. By rights, at such an hour, it should have + been refused, but the vigilance of the watch had begun to slacken, + most of the besieged believing that the danger was practically over. + Accordingly, no difficulty was made about throwing open the gates. + But, once thrown open, they were not so easily closed. Just as the + cart was passing through the opening in the wall one of the wheels + came off, and the vehicle broke down hopelessly. Commonly it would + not have taken long to clear the obstacle out of the way. There was + usually a throng of people about the gates and on the walls, and a + multitude of willing hands would have been ready to lend their help. + But just at this moment the gates and walls were almost deserted. + Even-<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page199">[pg 199]</span><a name= + "Pg199" id="Pg199" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>song was going on in + the Church of Venta, and a preacher of some local fame was expected + to enlarge on the Divine mercy shown in the deliverance of the town + from the barbarians. The keepers of the gate would, therefore, have + been at a loss even if they had seen the necessity of bestirring + themselves. As it was, they were content to do nothing. They amused + themselves by standing by and laughing at the rustic driver as he + slowly unladed from his vehicle its miscellaneous cargo, the + contents, it seemed, of one of the country-side cottages, from which + the terror of the invasion had driven their inhabitants. The process + of unloading, carried on slowly and with much grumbling, was scarcely + half finished, when one of the warders, chancing to look behind him, + caught sight of a body of men rapidly approaching through the + darkness. A number of Picts had concealed themselves in the wood + mentioned before as distant about half a mile from the wall, and when + they saw the gate blocked by the broken-down cart—a part, it need + hardly be said, of the stratagem—had made a rush to get to it before + the obstacle could be removed. A hasty alarm was raised, and some of + the citizens who were in hearing ran up. But it was too late. The + rustic driver, a villain whose treacherous services had been bought + by the enemy, had quickened his work when he saw his employers + approaching, and contrived to finish the unloading of the cart at the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page200">[pg 200]</span><a name="Pg200" + id="Pg200" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>very moment of their coming up. + In a few moments some of them had clambered over the empty vehicle, + struck down the guards, and disabled the fastenings of the gates. + Before many minutes had passed the whole of the ground outside the + gates seemed to swarm with the enemy, and though the townspeople had + now begun to make a rally in force, it was too late to make any + effectual effort to keep them out. The situation would in any case + have been full of danger. At Venta it was hopeless. A garrison of + veterans might have kept their heads, but there were not more than + sixty or seventy among the defenders of Venta who had ever seen + service in the field; and the citizen soldiers were fairly + panic-stricken when they saw themselves actually facing a furious, + yelling crowd of barbarians, cruel and savage creatures in reality, + and commonly reported to be even worse than they were. Without even + striking a blow they turned and fled. The Count, whom the alarm had + just reached, was met, and, for a time, carried away by the tide of + fugitives. Still he was able to rally a few men to his side for a + last effort. Some of his own followers were with him, and the rest + could be fetched in a few moments. The gallant old centurion, in + spite of his seventy years, was prompt with the offer of his sword; + and, as always happens, the infection of courage spread not less + rapidly than the infection of cowardice. Altogether a compact body of + about <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page201">[pg 201]</span><a name= + "Pg201" id="Pg201" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a hundred men were + collected. Well armed and well disciplined they turned a steadfast + face to the enemy, and were able to make their retreat to a little + fort which stood on a hill to the south-east of the town. Carna, the + priest of Venta and his family, and a few other non-combatants were + with them. More, in the terrible confusion of the scene, it was + impossible to rescue. All through the trying time Cedric + distinguished himself by his coolness and courage. When once he had + seen Carna safely bestowed in the centre of the party, and had also + seen that the person of the Pictish chief was secured (having the + presence of mind to foresee that he would be a valuable hostage), he + took up a position in the extreme rear of the retreat, and performed + prodigies of valour in keeping the pursuers at bay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The occupation of + the fort could, of course, do nothing more than give them a breathing + space. Though it had been for some time unoccupied, its defences were + tolerably perfect, and it might have been held against a barbarian + enemy as long as provisions held out. Unfortunately this was the weak + part of their position. Of provisions they had very little. Luckily + the place had latterly been used as a warehouse, and contained some + sacks of flour. A few sheep were feeding in a meadow hard by, and + were hastily driven within the defences. Happily there was a well + within the walls.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page202">[pg + 202]</span><a name="Pg202" id="Pg202" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That night was a + dismal experience which none of the party ever forgot. A confused + noise came up from the town, where the savages were busy with plunder + and massacre. Every now and then some piercing shriek was heard, + curdling the blood of all the listeners. At other times the loud + crash of some falling building could be distinguished. Towards + midnight flames could be seen bursting out from various parts of the + town, and before an hour had passed, every eye was fixed on a hideous + spectacle, on which it was an agony to look, but from which it yet + seemed impossible to turn. Venta was on fire. The flames could be + seen to catch street after street, and distinctly against the lurid + background of the burning houses could be seen, flitting here and + there, as they busied themselves with the work of destruction, the + dark shapes of the barbarians. When the morning dawned only a few + detached buildings, among them the church, a basilica of some size, + built by the munificence of the Empress Helena, were standing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The party in the + fort reviewed their position anxiously. The civilians were for the + most part in favour of staying where they were. They felt the + substantial protection of the stout walls which surrounded them, and + were indisposed to leave it. The military men, on the other hand, + recognized facts more clearly and more completely. The protection + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page203">[pg 203]</span><a name="Pg203" + id="Pg203" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the fort was worth this and + this only—that it gave them time to reflect. To stand a siege would + be to ensure destruction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We must cut our way through,”</span> said the Count. + <span class="tei tei-q">“If we do not try it now we shall have to try + it three or four days hence, and try it with less courage, and hope, + and strength, and probably fewer men than we have now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Cut our way through all those thousands of + savages!”</span> said the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Princeps</span></span>, who was one of the few + who had escaped from the town. <span class="tei tei-q">“No; we should + be fools to leave the shelter of these walls.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shelter!”</span> cried the old centurion; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“will they shelter you against famine? No; let us go + while we have strength to walk.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But how,”</span> said another of the townspeople, + <span class="tei tei-q">“how will you do all the three things at + once—retreat, and fight, and save the women? A few of the men may get + through, but it will be as much as they can do to take care of + themselves.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The argument was + only too clear, and the Count turned away with a groan of despair. + The prospect seemed hopeless. All the comfort that he could find was + in the thought that he and Carna should anyhow, not fall alive into + the hands of the barbarians.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But now Cedric + came again to the rescue with the happy thought which had made him + carry off the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page204">[pg + 204]</span><a name="Pg204" id="Pg204" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Pictish chief. He said nothing to any of his + companions; but he managed the affair with the prisoner, and managed + it with an astonishing speed and success. He pointed to a party of + the chief’s fellow-countrymen who were approaching the fort, by way, + it appeared, of reconnoitring its defences, and intimated that he + wished to open communications with them, showing at the same time, by + holding up two of his fingers, that not more than two were to + approach. The chief, whose intelligence was sharpened by a keen sense + of his danger, by a shrill piercing whistle, twice repeated, conveyed + this intimation to his countrymen, and two of them approached to + within speaking distance of the walls. Cedric now addressed himself + to the task of making his prisoner understand that his life and + liberty depended upon his inducing his countrymen to retire. This was + not very easily done. The expressive gestures of drawing a knife + across the throat was readily understood; and at last by a pantomime + of signs he was made to comprehend that this would be the result, if + his countrymen were to approach the walls. Then the other alternative + was expressed. One of the bonds with which he was secured was + partially loosed, and this action was accompanied by a sweeping + gesture of the hand towards the north, which was to indicate that + that must be their way, if he was to be freed. A light of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page205">[pg 205]</span><a name="Pg205" + id="Pg205" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>comprehension gradually dawned + in the chief’s eye, and the Saxon had little doubt that he had made + his meaning intelligible. Whether the man could be trusted to keep + the engagement was what neither he nor any one could say. But it was + clear that the risk had to be run, for the only possible hope of + escape lay in this direction. A conversation followed between the + chief and his countrymen, accompanied by signs which were intended to + convey to the Saxon the purport of what he was saying. When it was + over, they disappeared, and the chief, turning to Cedric, raised his + hands to the sky in a gesture which the latter interpreted, and + rightly interpreted, to mean that he was calling the powers above to + witness his fidelity to the engagement which he had made.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cedric then + communicated the result of his negotiations through his interpreter + the peddler to the Count. It was not received with unanimous approval + by the party in the fort. The <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">Princeps</span></span> + especially protested loudly against trusting their lives to the good + faith of a couple of savages. <span class="tei tei-q">“A Pict and a + Saxon!”</span> he cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“the worst enemies + that Britain has, and you think that they are going to save + us!”</span> He was quickly overruled by the Count, who let him + understand quite plainly that he would be left to shift for himself + unless he availed himself of this chance of escape.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do as you please,”</span> was Ælius’s first utterance, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page206">[pg 206]</span><a name="Pg206" + id="Pg206" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“you + have authority over the fort, and if you choose to defend it with as + many of your friends as you can induce to stay with you, I cannot + hinder you. But you must take the consequences, and I haven’t the + shadow of a doubt what these will be. Meanwhile, I and my party mean + to go. As for the Pict, I know nothing of him; the Saxon I would + trust with my life, and what is far dearer to me, the life of my + daughter. He has proved his good faith already in such a way that I + for one shall never doubt him again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Preparations for + departure were hastily made. Indeed there was little to prepare. The + party had simply nothing with them except their arms. Every one had + to walk—for food they had to trust to what they might find on the + road. But before they started the Count loosed with his own hand the + chief’s bonds. The chief put his hand upon his heart, and then lifted + it to the sky with the same gesture of appeal that he made + before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is sufficient + to say that he kept his word, for the party reached the coast without + molestation.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page207">[pg 207]</span><a name="Pg207" + id="Pg207" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc55" id= + "toc55"></a> <a name="pdf56" id="pdf56"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XX.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">CEDRIC IN TROUBLE.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For several weeks + life passed at the villa with little change or incident. But the + Count, though he kept a cheerful face, and talked gaily of the future + to his daughter and Carna, felt more acutely every day how full his + position was of anxieties and difficulties. First came, as it always + does come first, the question of money. It had never been a very easy + matter to provide for the expenses of the fleet. Again and again the + Count had drawn on his private means, which were happily very large. + But these had lately been crippled by the troubled condition of the + provinces in which his estates were situated, and even if they had + been untouched the burden that now threatened to fall upon them would + have been too great for them to bear. Some of the seaport towns + would, he hoped, continue to pay their contributions. He was + personally popular, and his influence would do something. Then, + again, he could still <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page208">[pg + 208]</span><a name="Pg208" id="Pg208" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>give + at least some return for the money. The sea-coast must be protected + from the enemy, and no one could protect it so cheaply and so + effectually as he. From the inland towns, which had always grumbled + at having to pay an impost from which they saw no visible advantage, + nothing was to be hoped. And any expectation of money from the + authorities at home was quite out of the question.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One thing was + quite certain: the establishment must be reduced within much narrower + limits. He must diminish the fleet, and lessen also the range of + shore which he professed to defend. He could not henceforth pretend + to go north of the mouth of the Thamesis. For the coast southward and + westward he might be able to provide more or less effectually. More + he could not do.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the first + necessities of the changed position in which he found himself was + that he must give up the villa on the east coast. It would be a + matter for after consideration whether the island of Vectis was not + too much out of the way. But till that point could be settled, it + would have to be his head-quarters. To carry out these new + arrangements, and to wind up affairs in the region which he was + preparing to relinquish, a voyage became necessary. On this voyage + the Count started early in April. He arranged for disposing of that + part of the fleet which he could not hope to keep in his own pay. + Some of the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page209">[pg + 209]</span><a name="Pg209" id="Pg209" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>oldest galleys were broken up; others were + handed over to the authorities of the coast-towns, on the + understanding that they were to man and pay them themselves. A few + picked men were taken from the crews by the Count; the rest, + excepting such as were re-engaged by the local authorities, were + discharged. When this had been done, and the villa had been + dismantled, the Count prepared to return to the island.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here, meanwhile, + there had been trouble. The Saxon had quietly returned to his work at + the forge, and would have been perfectly content, as far as could be + judged from his demeanour, if only he had been left alone, and + permitted to pay as before his distant worship to Carna. But to some + members of the villa household he was an object of dislike. They were + jealous of the favour in which the Count and the Count’s family held + him. They were naturally not at all pleased at what they could not + but acknowledge his great superiority in strength, and as Christians, + though not particularly zealous in their performance of most of their + duties, they felt themselves to be unquestionably zealous and sincere + in their hatred and contempt for a pagan. The Saxon, on the other + hand, heartily despised those by whom he was surrounded. They were + slaves, or little better than slaves, and he was a freeman and a + chief, though the gods had made him a prisoner. <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page210">[pg 210]</span><a name="Pg210" id="Pg210" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>He went to and fro among them with a scorn + which was not the less evident because it was not expressed in + words.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a time this + enforced silence helped to keep the peace; Cedric knew nothing of the + British tongue, or of the mongrel Latin which sometimes took its + place, and the other inhabitants of the villa nothing of Saxon. There + were angry and contemptuous looks on both sides, but there was + nothing more; or if there were words, these were harmless, because + they were not understood. But by degrees this was changed. Cedric had + intelligence of no common kind—indeed he was something of a poet + among his own people—he had many motives for learning the language of + those among whom he dwelt, his adoration for Carna being one of the + most powerful, and he had, too, opportunities for learning. The + peddler taught him much, and Carna, who never forgot her zealous + desire for his conversion, taught him more. The end was that he + picked up much of the British language with extraordinary rapidity, + and, in little more than six months after his capture, could express + himself with some ease and fluency.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was very well + in its way, but it had the unfortunate result that he began to + understand and be understood. Every day the relations between him and + the domestics and artizans employed about the <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page211">[pg 211]</span><a name="Pg211" id="Pg211" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>villa became worse and worse, and it was + not long before matters came to a crisis.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cedric had + repeatedly noticed that the tools which he used in the forge had been + hidden or mischievously damaged. He was too proud to complain, and + indeed his temper was curiously patient in any matter where he did + not conceive his honour to be involved. He said nothing about the + matter, searched for his missing tools, and if he could not find + them, continued to do without them, and repaired the injuries as best + he could. The offender, of course, grew bolder with impunity, and at + last the limits of Cedric’s endurance were reached and passed. Coming + into the forge at an unusually early hour one morning, he caught the + doer of the mischief in the very commission of a more serious piece + of mischief than he had yet ventured, namely, cutting a hole in the + bellows. He lifted the offender by the skin of the neck—he was a lad + of about sixteen, and son of the chief bailiff of the farm attached + to the villa—shook him, as a dog shakes a rat, yet without forgetting + that he was but a boy, dipped him head foremost in the bath of the + forge, and then let him go, more dead than alive from the fear that + he felt at finding himself in the hands of the great giant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Unluckily at the + very moment when the young rascal was being dismissed in a paroxysm + of howling with a contemptuous kick, his father entered the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page212">[pg 212]</span><a name="Pg212" + id="Pg212" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>yard. No one about the place + was more prejudiced against the Saxon, or more jealous of the favour + in which he stood with the Count and his family. He had too, in its + very worst form, the ungovernable Celtic temper, and now, when he saw + his son, a spoilt boy whom everybody else disliked, ill-treated as he + thought by the prisoner, he was fairly carried out of himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pagan dog!”</span> he cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“do + you dare to touch with your beast’s foot a Christian boy?”</span> and + he struck at the Saxon with a long cart whip which he had in his + hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The end of the + lash caught the Saxon’s cheek, on which it raised an ugly-looking + wheal. Even in the height of his passion the Briton stood aghast at + the change which came in a moment over the form and features of the + Saxon. One or two of the bystanders had seen him face to face with an + enemy, and had wondered how strangely calm he had seemed to be, + showing no sign of excitement, except a certain glitter in his eyes. + He had a very different look now. <span class="tei tei-q">“The form + of his visage was changed,”</span> as it was in the Babylonian + king<a id="noteref_47" name="noteref_47" href="#note_47"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">47</span></span></a> when he + found himself, for the first time in his life, confronted by a + point-blank refusal to obey. A consuming anger, like the Berseker + rage of his kinsmen of after times, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page213">[pg 213]</span><a name="Pg213" id="Pg213" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the Vikings, seemed to possess and transform + him. His features worked, as if caught by some strange malady, his + eyes literally blazed with fury, his whole figure seemed to dilate. + The luckless bailiff was seized round the middle, lifted from the + ground as easily as if he had been a child in arms, and hurled with a + crash, like a bolt from a catapult, against the wall. He lay there + bleeding from nose and mouth, while the horror-stricken Britons stood + helpless and afraid to move.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig212" + id="fig212" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig57" id= + "fig57"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_241.jpg" alt="Cedric’s Fury" title= + "Cedric’s Fury." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Cedric’s Fury.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dogs of slaves,”</span> cried Cedric, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“do you dare to growl at your master;”</span> and he + swept through the terrified crowd, laying them low on either side. + Happily at the moment he had no weapon in his hand, but he seized a + bar of iron from the anvil of the forge, and swinging it round his + head, prepared, it seemed, to deal about him an indiscriminate + destruction. What would have followed it is impossible to say. In his + fury and in his absolute mastery over that shrinking crowd, he was + like a tiger in the midst of a flock of sheep. But at the critical + moment, before his hand had dealt a single blow, the apparition of + Carna interposed between him and his victims. The uproar in the court + had reached her in her chamber, and brought her ready to play her + accustomed part of peacemaker. Now she stood, her figure framed like + a picture, in the door which opened on the court from the part of the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page214">[pg 214]</span><a name="Pg214" + id="Pg214" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>villa which she occupied. She + wore a simple dress of white, fastened with a blue girdle; her long + chestnut hair fell in loose waves to her waist, for she had not had + time to arrange it in more orderly fashion. Her face was pale and + troubled, her eyes wide open with a sad surprise. It was indeed + another Cedric that she saw from the one whom she had known. Was this + terrible savage, who looked more like some dreadful spirit from the + abyss than a human creature, the gentle giant in whose mute homage + she had felt such an innocent pleasure, the hopeful pupil whom she + was teaching, as she hoped, to put away savage ways for the mild and + peaceful behaviour of a Christian. As for Cedric, he seemed paralyzed + at the vision that presented itself to him. The sight of the girl + always moved him strangely; now she reminded him of the time when he + had first seen her by the bedside of his dying brother; and the + remembrance completed, if anything was needed to complete, the + impression. The fury that had transfigured him seemed to pass away; + his hand loosed its hold on the weapon which he held. His adversaries + did not fail to use the opportunity. They had been too genuinely + frightened to let it slip when it came. Indeed they may be excused + for feeling that this most formidable enemy had to be secured against + doing any more damage. The moment they saw him unarmed they sprang + with one movement <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page215">[pg + 215]</span><a name="Pg215" id="Pg215" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>on + him and overpowered him. Even then, if he had offered resistance, + they might have had no small trouble, perhaps might have failed in + securing him. But he stood passive, and allowed his hands to be bound + without a struggle, and followed without difficulty when he was led + to the room where offenders were commonly confined. Some of the + meaner spirits in the household were disposed to visit their feelings + of annoyance and humiliation on his head, now that he seemed to be in + their power. But others felt a salutary dread of rousing the sleeping + lion whose rage they had seen could be so terrible. Carna too did not + abandon her <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">protegé</span></span>. He was + chained, indeed, to a staple in the wall of the room which served as + his prison. This seemed nothing more than a necessary precaution. But + the girl let it be distinctly understood that no cruelty must be used + to him, and she took care herself that his supply of food should be + plentiful and good.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page216">[pg 216]</span><a name="Pg216" + id="Pg216" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc58" id= + "toc58"></a> <a name="pdf59" id="pdf59"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXI.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE ESCAPE.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prisoner + seemed to submit to his fate with patience. He thanked the attendant + who brought him his rations with a nod and smile, and disposed of the + food with an appetite which seemed to indicate a cheerful temper. A + visit which the peddler paid him the second day of his imprisonment + was apparently received as a welcome relief. The two had a long and + friendly conversation, nor did Cedric utter a word of complaint + against his treatment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In reality the + young chief was keeping under his rage with an effort almost + unbearably painful. That he should be chained like a dog to the wall + was an intolerable grievance; he, a free man, and the son of a long + line of chiefs which boasted the blood of the great Odin himself! The + iron did indeed enter into his soul, and the seeming calm of his + outward patience concealed a whole volcano of inward fury. + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page217">[pg 217]</span><a name="Pg217" + id="Pg217" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>It was only the hope of freedom + that kept him calm. It was that he might not diminish this hope, this + almost desperate chance, by the very smallest fraction that he ate + and drank with such seeming cheerfulness. He would want, he knew, all + his strength for an escape. He would support it and husband it to the + utmost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And for an escape, + unknown to his keepers, he was steadily preparing. The chain which + bound him to the wall was fastened round his right arm and leg, and + the fastening would have seemed secure to any ordinary observer. But + such an observer would not have made the necessary allowance for the + young man’s ordinary vigour and endurance. His hand was large and + muscular; far too much so, one would have thought, to pass through + the ring which had been welded round the arms. But he possessed an + unusual power of contracting it. To exercise this power was indeed a + painful effort, causing something like an agonizing cramp; still it + was an effort that could be made, and made without disabling the + limb. It could not, however, be done twice, because the hand, + recovering its shape from the extraordinary pressure to which it had + been subjected, would infallibly swell. Cedric, accordingly, after + satisfying himself that it could be done, postponed actually doing it + till the moment of escape had arrived. The fastening of the leg was + less manageable. He <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page218">[pg + 218]</span><a name="Pg218" id="Pg218" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>would not have scrupled to do as the Spartan + prisoner is said to have done, and cut off the foot which impeded his + escape, but he had positively nothing with which this could be done. + The only alternative was to drag the staple from the wall, and to + carry it and the chain along with him. Fortunately, strong as it was, + it was light. The staple at first seemed obstinate. It had indeed + been subjected to tests which satisfied the villa blacksmith of its + capacity of resistance. But repeated efforts, made with all the + enormous strength which the young giant could bring to bear, weakened + its hold, and at last it gave. The prisoner was prudent enough not to + complete the separation of the iron from the walls. It would have + been difficult to replace it so as to escape the notice of the + attendant. Accordingly the drag was relaxed as soon as the first + indications of yielding were felt. The time for attempting the escape + was a subject of much anxious deliberation. The obvious course would + have been to choose some hour between midnight and dawn; but Cedric + had heard from time to time the step of some one walking up and down + before his prison, and he guessed that it might be guarded at night, + but left during the day-time, on the presumption that the captive + would scarcely make an effort to escape while it was light. It was + this accordingly that he resolved to do. Shortly after sunrise the + attendant paid him his customary visit, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page219">[pg 219]</span><a name="Pg219" id="Pg219" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>bringing with him the morning meal. Cedric + pretended to be but half awake, and, returning his salutation in a + mumbling, sleepy tone, turned again on his side, as if to continue + his slumbers. But the moment after the man had left the room he was + at work. He dragged his hand through the ring, at the cost of a pang + which taxed his endurance to the utmost; pulled the staple from the + wall, wound the chain round his leg, and wrenching away one of the + iron bars of the window, dropped through the opening thus made on to + the ground. His calculation was correct. The ground was clear. Then + another question presented itself to him. Should he attempt to escape + as he was? He knew where a boat was commonly kept, and it had been + his plan to take this and row out to sea in the hope of meeting some + one of his countrymen’s galleys. If he once got off from the shore he + was free, for if the worst came to the worst, he could at least die + as a free man should. But should he go unarmed, and with the + hampering chain about his leg? A moment’s consideration—no more was + possible—decided him. He would make one more bold effort. The forge + was close at hand, and he knew from having worked there that at that + hour in the morning it was commonly empty, the workmen leaving it for + their morning meal. There he could find what he wanted, a file to + release himself from the chain, and a weapon.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page220">[pg 220]</span><a name="Pg220" id="Pg220" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The forge was + empty, as he had expected. The question was, How long would it remain + so? The workmen, he could see, had but just left it. The fire had not + died down to the lowest, showing that the bellows had been recently + at work, and a piece of iron that had been left, half-wrought, on the + anvil, was still hot, as he could feel from putting his hand near it. + It might be safest to take a file and escape with it at once. On the + other hand, it would be far better to release himself at once from + his encumbrance, in the event of having to run or fight for his life. + He might count, he thought, upon half an hour, and he resolved to + file away the chain then and there. With admirable coolness he sat + down and applied all the strength and skill which he possessed to the + work, and had finished it in little more than half the time which he + had reckoned to have undisturbed. He then caught up a sword which + hung on one of the walls. It was an old-fashioned weapon, but Cedric, + who knew good iron when it came in his way, had tried its temper, and + knew it to be capable of doing good service.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So far everything + had favoured him, nor did his good fortune desert him now. He found + the boat, which was one commonly used for fishing by the inmates of + the villa, ready furnished with oars and a small mast and sail. There + were even, by good luck, a small jar of water, some broken food in a + hamper, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page221">[pg 221]</span><a name= + "Pg221" id="Pg221" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>left by a party which + had been using it the day before, with some fishing lines. These, + Cedric thought to himself, might be useful if he failed to fall in + with any of his countrymen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Jumping on board, + he plied his sculls rapidly, going in the direction of the sea, and + keeping as close under the shore as possible, so as to be out of + sight of the villa. As it happened, this precaution was unnecessary. + His absence was not discovered till shortly afternoon, when the + attendant, bringing the midday meal, was astonished beyond measure to + find the room empty. But another danger threatened him, a danger + which he had not indeed forgotten, but against which he had known it + to be impossible to take any precautions. This was the chance of + meeting with the Count’s squadron as it was returning to the island; + and it was this that he actually encountered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Just as he had + reached the mouth of the Haven and was turning his boat eastward, he + saw within a hundred yards of him one of the Roman galleys. It was + not the Count’s own vessel, for this had been delayed by an accident + to the rigging, and was now many miles behind, but was in charge of + the second-in-command. The recognition was mutual. Cedric’s tall + figure was not one that could be easily mistaken, nor could it be + doubted that he was attempting an escape. Had the Count been there + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page222">[pg 222]</span><a name="Pg222" + id="Pg222" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he would probably have parleyed + with the fugitive. The officer in command was not so considerate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shoot,”</span> he cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“he is + trying to escape,”</span> and as he spoke he seized a bow which lay + on deck, and took aim at the Saxon. His order was immediately + observed, and a shower of missiles was directed at the boat. They all + fell short, for Cedric had by this time increased his distance. In a + minute or two, however, the ship was put about, and then began to + gain rapidly on the solitary rower.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another volley was + discharged, and this time one of the arrows took effect, wounding the + fugitive slightly in the left arm. The situation was desperate. To + remain in the boat was to await certain death. A third volley would + unquestionably be fatal. Cedric jumped overboard, but still clung to + the side of the boat. It was only just in time. The third volley was + discharged, and rattled on the upturned keel of the boat so thick as + to show plainly what the fate of the occupant would have been. Still, + though he had escaped for the moment, Cedric’s fate seemed sealed. + The boat had given him shelter for the time, but to go on clinging to + it would be to ensure his capture. He left it, and after making a few + vigorous strokes, threw up his arms from the surface of the water, + and uttering a loud cry, disappeared.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His quick eye had + discerned a great mass of sea-weed floating on the water about fifty + yards away, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page223">[pg + 223]</span><a name="Pg223" id="Pg223" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + his ready intelligence had seen a chance, small indeed and almost + desperate, but still a chance of escape. Swimming under water to the + sea-weed, he was able to come to the surface and to take breath under + its shelter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig222" + id="fig222" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig60" id= + "fig60"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_253.jpg" alt="Cedric’s Escape" title= + "Cedric’s Escape." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Cedric’s Escape.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On board the + galley every one of course supposed him to have sunk. His action of + the lifted arms and the loud cry had been natural enough to deceive + the most wary observer. The boat was righted and secured by a rope, + and the galley pursued its way to the villa, while Cedric was left to + make the best of his way to the land.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page224">[pg 224]</span><a name="Pg224" + id="Pg224" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc61" id= + "toc61"></a> <a name="pdf62" id="pdf62"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A VISITOR.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The day after + Cedric’s disappearance the Count returned to the island. The prospect + before him had not by any means lightened. Britain, conquered, + oppressed, protected, for nearly four hundred years, governed + sometimes ill and sometimes well, according to the varying characters + of the Roman legates, but never allowed to do anything for herself, + was not ready at a moment’s notice to be independent and stand alone. + The Count was much too shrewd a man to hope that she would. Still, + even he had not realized how bad things would be; and when he came to + see them face to face he felt something like disappointment, and even + despair. A man will often make up his mind to the general fact of + failure, and yet be almost as much vexed at the details of failure, + when it comes, as if he had expected success.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fact was that + the Count had found little or no disposition in the native States to + take up and carry <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page225">[pg + 225]</span><a name="Pg225" id="Pg225" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>on + the work which he was being compelled to give up. They would make no + sacrifices, or even efforts. They refused to work together. Each + reckoned on its own chance of escaping the common danger, and would + not contribute to the defence that might possibly be wanted for its + neighbours, and not for itself. Then jealousies and enmities, + hitherto kept in check by the strong hand of a master, began to break + out. The cities seemed likely, not only not to combine against Picts + and Saxons, but actually to go to war among themselves. The Count + felt all the pain that comes to an honest and capable man when he has + to face the breaking up of a bad system which he has inherited from + predecessors less high principled than himself. It happens very often + that revolutions come in the days, not of the worst offenders, but of + the men who are making sincere endeavours to do their duty. And so it + was with the Count.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was in a very + gloomy and depressed condition of mind, therefore, that he returned + to the villa. And almost every day brought news of fresh troubles and + disasters. Some of the Roman houses scattered through the country had + been attacked and burnt of late. Since the central authority had been + weakened the Roman residents had sometimes begun to behave in a + lawless and oppressive way to their British neighbours, and these + were taking their revenge with the cruelty that is always natural to + the oppressed. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page226">[pg + 226]</span><a name="Pg226" id="Pg226" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Tragical tales of villas surrounded by + infuriated crowds of Britons, of masters and families shut up within + the walls, and perishing in the fires that consumed them, were + brought to the Count by the scared survivors who had contrived to + escape from the general destruction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count’s + personal difficulties were considerable. He had a considerable colony + now settled near the villa, and many of its members were helpless and + dependent people. The question of feeding them would soon become an + urgent one. At present he could use the surplus stores which would no + longer be wanted now that his squadron had been so reduced in + strength. And there was another question that pressed upon his + mind—that of defence. Already he had had to contract his operations. + With single pirate vessels, or even small squadrons of two or three, + he would be able to deal, but anything stronger would have to be left + alone. With the few ships that were left to him it would be madness + to run any risk. And what, he could not help thinking, if the Saxons + were to attack the villa itself? It had been built as a pleasure + residence, and though now fortified as far as circumstances + permitted, could not be held against a strong force. Should he + continue to occupy, or should he retire to the camp of the Great + Harbour, which would at least be a more defensible + position?</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page227">[pg + 227]</span><a name="Pg227" id="Pg227" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It may easily be + imagined that these anxieties, which had been troubling his thoughts + during the whole time of his absence, were not relieved when he heard + the story of what had happened during his absence. He owed the Saxon + more than he could ever repay, for he shuddered to think what would + have happened to Carna but for his strength and energy. And apart + from this feeling of gratitude, he admired the man’s splendid courage + and tenacity. He had even come to rely upon him for services of + unusual difficulty and danger. And now, to think that he was lost to + them by the stupid perversity and jealousy of a set of slaves!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The said slaves + had a bad time with their master for some days after his return. + Good-humoured and kind as he was, yet he was a Roman—in other words, + he had inherited the lordly temper of a race which had ruled the + world for five hundred years, and any contradiction that thwarted him + in one of his serious convictions or purposes, broke through the + veneer of refinement and culture that commonly concealed the sterner + part of his nature. A Christian master could not crucify an + offender—indeed, crucifixion had been long since forbidden by the + law—but he had almost unlimited power over life and limb. Life, + indeed, the Count was too conscientious a follower of his religion to + touch, but he had no scruple about going to the very utmost verge of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page228">[pg 228]</span><a name="Pg228" + id="Pg228" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>severity in the use of minor + punishments. As for his daughter, she was only too like her father to + be any check on his anger, and for the first time in her life Carna + found her mediation useless.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Girl,”</span> he said to her on one occasion, when she + had urged her intercession with tears, <span class="tei tei-q">“you + do not know what mischief these foolish, cowardly knaves have done. + One thing I see plainly, that as soon as ever the Saxons know the + weakness of the position we shall not be able to hold it any longer. + There is nothing to hinder them from coming and burning the whole + place over our heads; nothing in the way of fortifications, and + certainly nothing in the way of garrison. They did not know all this + before, but they are sure to know it soon; and we shall see the + consequences before many months are over.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the course of + the summer occurred an incident which diverted the Count’s attention + for a time, though it did not lessen his perplexities.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One morning a + small trading vessel entered the haven near the villa. Her business, + it was found, was to land a stranger, who had bargained for a passage + to the island. The trader had come from a port of Western Gaul, and + had then taken her passenger on board. Who he was the captain could + not say, except that he had the appearance of a Roman gentleman. The + day after they had set sail an illness, which had evidently been upon + him when <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page229">[pg + 229]</span><a name="Pg229" id="Pg229" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he + came on board, had increased to such an extent that he had lost + consciousness. Two or three days of delirium had been succeeded by + stupor; in this condition the unfortunate man still lay. But while + still conscious he had written down his destination, and added an + appeal to the compassion of his future host. The Count read on the + paper which the merchant captain handed to him a few words written in + a trembling hand. They ran as follows:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">In case I should not be able to speak for + myself, I invoke by these words the compassionate protection of the + Count Ælius. Let him not fear to receive me, but believe that I am + unfortunate rather than guilty, and that there is between us the tie + of a great common affection.</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count did not + recognize the stranger, though a dim impression of having seen him + before floated across his mind; and there was something in his + appearance which agreed with the trading captain’s conviction that he + was a man of birth and position. In any case Ælius was not one who + was inclined to resist such an appeal to his compassion. The + stranger, still unconscious, was landed, together with a few effects + which were said to belong to him, and at once handed over to the care + of Carna. All her diligence and watchfulness as a nurse, and all the + skill of the old physician, were wanted before the patient could be + brought back to life. For fourteen <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page230">[pg 230]</span><a name="Pg230" id="Pg230" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>days he lay hovering on the very verge of death, + mostly sunk in a stupor so complete that it was barely possible to + perceive either pulse or breath; sometimes muttering in delirium a + few broken sentences, of which all that physician and nurse were able + to distinguish was that they were certainly Latin, and that they + seemed to be verse.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was on the + morning of the fifteenth day that there came a change. Carna sat by + the window of the sick man’s room. It had a southern aspect, and the + sunshine came with a softened brilliance through the thick tinted + glass, and brought out the exquisite tints of the girl’s glossy hair, + as she sat bending over the embroidery with which she was employing + her nimble, never-idle fingers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“By heaven! another, fairer Proserpine!”</span> said the + sick man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl turned + her head at the sound of the clearly pronounced words which her + practised ear distinguished at once from the strained or blurred + utterances of delirium.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She held up her + finger to her lips. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not speak,”</span> + she said; <span class="tei tei-q">“you have been very ill, and must + not tire yourself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lady,”</span> said the sick man, with a smile, + <span class="tei tei-q">“you must at least let me ask you where I + am.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, you shall hear, if you will promise to ask no more + questions, but to be content with what you are <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page231">[pg 231]</span><a name="Pg231" id="Pg231" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>told. You are with friends, in the island + of Vectis, in the house of Ælius, Count of the Saxon Shore. And now + be quiet, and don’t spoil all our pains in making yourself ill + again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She gave him a + little broth which was being kept hot by the fire in readiness for + the time when he should recover consciousness; and after this had + been disposed of, and she had found by feeling his pulse that he was + free from fever, a small quantity of well diluted wine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And now,”</span> she said, <span class="tei tei-q">“you + must sleep”</span>—a command which he was ready enough to obey.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After this his + recovery was rapid. For a time, indeed, the cautious old physician, + though he did not forbid conversation, prohibited any reference to + business. <span class="tei tei-q">“You will want, of course,”</span> + he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“to tell your story, and to make + your plans for the future; that will excite you, and, till you are + stronger, may bring about a relapse. Be content for a while with the + ladies’ company”</span>—Ælia, now that no nursing had to be done, was + often with her foster-sister—<span class="tei tei-q">“the Count will + see you when I give permission.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And much talk the + ladies had with him, and greatly astonished they were at the variety + and brilliance of his conversation. He seemed equally familiar with + books and men. He had read everything—so at least thought the two + girls, who were sufficiently well educated to recognize a full mind + when they came <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page232">[pg + 232]</span><a name="Pg232" id="Pg232" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>across it—he had been everywhere, he had seen + everybody. He never boasted of his intimacy with great people, and + indeed very seldom mentioned a name, but his allusions showed that he + was equally familiar with courts and camps. It would have puzzled + more experienced persons than the sisters to guess who this man of + the world, who was also a man of letters, could possibly be.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the end of + another week the physician removed his prohibition, and the Count, + who had hitherto judged it better not to agitate his guest by his + presence, now paid a visit to his room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a few kindly + inquiries as to his health, the Count went on, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Understand me, sir, that I have no wish to force any + confidence from you. My good fortune gave me the chance of serving + you, but it has not given me the right of asking you questions which + you might not care to answer. You are welcome to my hospitality as + long as you choose to remain here, and you may command my help when + you wish to go. But of course, if you care to give me your + confidence, it may make the help a great deal more + effective.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yours is a true hospitality,”</span> answered the + stranger, with a smile, <span class="tei tei-q">“but it is right that + you should know who I am, and how I came to be here; and I have only + been waiting for the good Strabo’s leave to tell you. But may your + daughter and her sister be present? I have a sad story to relate, but + there is <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page233">[pg + 233]</span><a name="Pg233" id="Pg233" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>nothing in it which is unfit for them to hear, + and they have been good enough to show some interest in an unhappy + <a name="corr233" id="corr233" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">man.</span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They shall come, if you wish it,”</span> said the Count, + <span class="tei tei-q">“indeed they have been almost dying of + curiosity.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was to this + audience that the stranger told his story.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page234">[pg 234]</span><a name="Pg234" + id="Pg234" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc63" id= + "toc63"></a> <a name="pdf64" id="pdf64"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXIII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE STRANGER’S STORY.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have found out that my name is known to these ladies, + though they are not aware that it belongs to me. You, sir, have very + probably not found time among your many cares to give any thought to + the trifles which, if I may say so much of myself, have made me + famous. I am Claudius Claudianus.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What! the poet!”</span> cried the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the Virgil of these later days?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poet blushed + with pleasure to hear the compliment, which, extravagant as it may + seem to us, did not strike him as being anything out of the way. For + had not his statue been set up in Trajan’s Forum at Rome, an honour + which none of his predecessors had been thought worthy to + receive?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah! sir,”</span> he replied, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you are too good. But it would have been well for me if + I had contented myself with following Virgil; unfortunately I must + also imitate Juvenal. Praise of the fallen may be for<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page235">[pg 235]</span><a name="Pg235" id="Pg235" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>given, but there is no pardon for satire + against those that succeed. Enmity lasts longer than friendship, and + I have made enemies whom nothing can appease.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig234" + id="fig234" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig65" id= + "fig65"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_267.jpg" alt="Claudian’s Tale" title= + "Claudian’s Tale." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Claudian’s Tale.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But what of Stilicho?”</span> said the Count. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Surely he has not ceased to be your friend. + Doubtless you owe much to him, but he owes more, I venture to say, to + you. He may have given you wealth, but you have given him + immortality.”</span><a id="noteref_48" name="noteref_48" href= + "#note_48"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">48</span></span></a></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page236">[pg 236]</span><a name="Pg236" id="Pg236" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah! sir,”</span> said Claudian, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“have you not then heard?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Heard!”</span> cried the Count; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we hear nothing here. We always were cut off from the + rest of the world; but for the last nine months we might as well have + been living in the moon, for all that has reached us of what is going + on elsewhere.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You did not know, then, that Stilicho was + dead?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dead! But how?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Killed by the order of the Emperor.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What! killed? by the Emperor’s orders? It is impossible. + The man who saved the Empire, the very best soldier we have had since + Cæsar! And you say that the Emperor ordered him to be + killed?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count rose + from his seat, and walked about in incontrollable emotion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So they have killed him! Fools and madmen that they are! + There never was such a man. I knew him well. He was always ready, + always cheerful, as gay in a battle as at a wedding; as brave as a + lion, and yet never doing anything by force that he could contrive by + stratagem. But tell me—they had, or pretended to have, some cause. + What was it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They said he was a traitor, that he wanted the Empire + for himself, or for his son, that he intrigued with the + barbarians.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, he was fond of power; and who can wonder + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page237">[pg 237]</span><a name="Pg237" + id="Pg237" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that he was dissatisfied when + he saw in what hands it was lodged? But tell me—what do you + think?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don’t say,”</span> resumed Claudian, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that he was blameless, but he had an impossible task—he + had to save the Empire without soldiers. He did it again and again; + he played off one barbarian power against another with consummate + skill; and filled his legion one day with the enemies whom he had + routed the day before. But this could not be done without intrigues, + without devices which, taken by themselves, looked like treason. But + it is idle to speak of the past. He lies in a dishonoured grave, and + the Empire of Augustus is tottering to its fall.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tell me of his end,”</span> said the Count. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“You saw it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> said the poet; <span class="tei tei-q">“I + saw it, and, I am ashamed to say, survived it. Well, I will tell you + my tale. You know he might have had the Empire; the soldiers offered + it to him; Alaric and his Goths would have been delighted to help + him. But he refused. He was loyal to the last. He would not even fly. + There are many places where he would have been safe——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> interrupted the Count; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“he would have been safe here, if I know anything of + Britain.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, he would go to none of them. He went to the one + place where safety was impossible. He went to Ravenna; and at Ravenna + every one, from <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page238">[pg + 238]</span><a name="Pg238" id="Pg238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + Emperor down to the meanest slave, was an enemy. He wanted to make + them trust him by trusting them—as if one disarmed a tiger by going + into his lair! He had two or three of his chief officers with him, + besides myself, and as many slaves. We had not a weapon of any kind + among us. Stilicho made a point of our being unarmed. Well, we had + not an encouraging greeting when we entered the city. Every one, as + you may suppose, recognized him. Indeed, there was no man, I suppose, + in the whole Empire, who was better known. No one who had ever seen + Stilicho could forget that towering form, that white head.<a id= + "noteref_49" name="noteref_49" href="#note_49"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">49</span></span></a> There + were sullen looks as we walked through the streets, and hisses, and + even some stone throwing. However, we got safe to our lodgings, and + passed the night without disturbance. The next day, as we were + standing in the market-place, an old Vandal soldier—one of the + general’s countrymen, you know—put a flower in his hand as he walked + by, without saying a word, or even looking at him; for it would have + been as much <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page239">[pg + 239]</span><a name="Pg239" id="Pg239" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>as + his life was worth to be seen communicating with us. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘An old comrade,’</span> said Stilicho, who never forgot + a face. <span class="tei tei-q">‘He served with me in Greece.’</span> + The flower was a little red thing; the <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘shepherd’s hourglass’</span> they call it, because it + shuts when there is rain coming. It was a warning. There was danger + close at hand. The general said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘We must + take sanctuary.’</span> Then he called me to him. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Leave me, Claudian,’</span> he said; <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘you cannot take sanctuary with us, for you are not a + baptized man. I do not count much on the Church’s protection; but + still it may give me time to make my defence to the Emperor. So you + must look out for your own safety. But surely they can’t be base + enough to harm you, for what you have done?’</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘I don’t know about that, my Lord,’</span> I answered; + <span class="tei tei-q">‘you remember the fable of the + trumpeter.<a id="noteref_50" name="noteref_50" href= + "#note_50"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">50</span></span></a> Anyhow, + I shall follow you as far as I can.’</span> Well, he went into the + great church—what used to be the Basilica before Constantine’s + time—and took sanctuary by the altar. I did not go further than the + nave. In the course of an hour or so comes the bishop, with the + archdeacon and two or three priests, and following them one of the + great officers of the Court, with a body-guard. The church was + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page240">[pg 240]</span><a name="Pg240" + id="Pg240" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>now crowded from end to end; + the people had climbed up into the pulpit, and every accessible spot + from which they could get a view of what was going on. I think that + there was a reaction in the general’s favour. No one, whose heart was + not flint, could see the man who had saved the Empire, and that not + once or twice, a suppliant for his life. Well, I could not see for + myself what went on, but I heard the story afterwards. The bishop + brought a safe-conduct from the Emperor; or rather the chamberlain + brought it, and the bishop gave it to Stilicho, with his own + guarantee. I can’t believe that a man of peace and truth, as he calls + himself, could have been a party to so base a fraud—he must have been + deceived himself. Well, the safe-conduct promised that the general + should be heard in his own defence; and he wanted nothing more. I + doubt whether a trial would have served him; but they never intended + to give him even so much. As soon as he was out of the church I could + see what was meant, for I followed him. The chamberlain’s body-guard + drew their swords. Well, I was wrong to say that he had no friends in + Ravenna. He had a friend even in that crew of hirelings—another of + his old soldiers, I daresay. I told you that Stilicho had neither + armour nor weapon. Well, in a moment, no one could see how, there was + a long sword lying at his feet. He took it up; and, verily, if he had + used <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page241">[pg 241]</span><a name= + "Pg241" id="Pg241" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>it, he would at least + have sold his life dearly. The general was a great swordsman, as good + a swordsman as he was a general. But no; he would not condescend to + it; after a soldier’s first impulse to take the weapon, he made no + use of it. He pointed it to the ground, and stood facing his enemies. + Ah! it was a noble sight—that grand old man looking steadfastly at + that crew of murderers. For a few moments they seemed cowed. No one + lifted his hand—then some double-dyed villain crept behind and + stabbed him. He staggered forward, and immediately there were a dozen + swords hacking at him. At least his was no lingering death. They cut + off that grand white head and carried it to the Emperor; his body + they threw into the pit where they bury the slaves. And that was the + end of the saviour of the Empire.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And about yourself?”</span> said the Count.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> went on the poet, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have since thought that if I had been a man I should + have died with him. But when I knew that he was dead, I was coward + enough to fly. You would not care to hear how I spent the next few + days. I had a few gold pieces in my pocket, and I found a wretched + lodging in one of the worst parts of the city, and I lay there in + hiding. One day I was having my morning meal at a wine shop, when a + shabbily dressed old man, who sat next, turned to me in a meaning + way, and, pouring a few <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page242">[pg + 242]</span><a name="Pg242" id="Pg242" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>drops out of his wine cup, said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘To Apollo and the Muses.’</span> That is a crime + now-a-days, in some places at least, Ravenna among them; and he + wanted, I suppose, to put me at my ease. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Will you not do the same,’</span> he went on, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘of all men in the world there is no one who + has better cause.’</span> Pardon me, illustrious Count, if I repeat + his flatteries. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Whom do you take me + for?’</span> said I, for one gets to be a sad coward after a few + days’ hiding, and I was unwilling to declare myself. He replied by + repeating some of my verses in so meaning a way that I could not + misunderstand him. <span class="tei tei-q">‘These wine-bibbers + here,’</span> he went on, <span class="tei tei-q">‘don’t know one + verse from another, but they might catch up a name. Come along with + me; I will give you a flask of something better than this sour + stuff.’</span> Well, we went to his house, which was close to the + harbour. He was the owner, I found, of two or three small trading + vessels. The house was a veritable temple of the Muses, ornamented + with busts of the poets—my own I was flattered to see among them—and + containing an excellent library of books. Manlius—that was my + friend’s name—had heard me recite at Rome; and he recognized me + partly from memory, partly from my resemblance to the bust. To make a + long story short, he entertained me most hospitably for several days, + while we discussed the question what was to become of me. Home I + could not go, not, at least, till there should be a change in + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page243">[pg 243]</span><a name="Pg243" + id="Pg243" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the Emperor’s surroundings. The + further I got from Italy the more chance there would be of safety. We + thought of North-western Gaul or Britain, or of getting across the + Rhine. The end of it was that the good fellow took me across Italy, + disguised as his servant, to Genoa, where he had correspondents. From + Genoa I went to Marseilles, and from Marseilles overland to Narbonne, + using now the character of a bookseller’s agent, one which I thought + myself better qualified to sustain than any other. At Narbonne I + found employment as a bookseller’s assistant, till I could get a + letter from my wife in Africa with some money. That came in due + course, and then I set off on my travels again, still working + northwards. Then, sir, I thought of you. I had often heard the great + man speak of you. You served under him against the Bastarnæ,<a id= + "noteref_51" name="noteref_51" href="#note_51"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">51</span></span></a> I think, + and it occurred to me that for Stilicho’s sake you might give me + shelter. Not that it matters much to me. To Stilicho I owe so much + that I can scarcely imagine life without him. He gave me honour, + wealth, even,”</span> added the poet, with a sad little smile, + <span class="tei tei-q">“even my wife, for it was not my courting, + but the Lady Serena’s<a id="noteref_52" name="noteref_52" href= + "#note_52"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">52</span></span></a> letter + that won her for me. But to go on, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page244">[pg 244]</span><a name="Pg244" id="Pg244" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>I found an honest trader, and bargained with him + to bring me here. I had been sickening for some time, and I remember + little or nothing from the time of my embarking. There, sir, you have + my history carried up to the latest point.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We will put off the future to another day,”</span> said + the Count; <span class="tei tei-q">“meanwhile you may count on me for + anything that I can do.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your kindness does much to reconcile me to life,”</span> + said the poet, <span class="tei tei-q">“and now I will retire, for I + feel a little tired.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah,”</span> said Carna half to herself, when he had left + the room, <span class="tei tei-q">“now I understand about + Proserpine.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“About Proserpine? What do you mean?”</span> asked + Ælia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, when he came to himself for the first time I was + sitting in the window with a piece of embroidery work in my hand, and + I heard him whisper something about Proserpine.”</span> Carna + suppressed the flattering epithet. <span class="tei tei-q">“Don’t you + remember that passage where he describes the tapestry which + Proserpine was working for her mother, and how we admired it, and + thought we would work something of the kind for ourselves, only we + could not get any design?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I remember,”</span> replied the other, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and you have had a Pluto, too, to carry you off. Luckily + he was not so successful as the god.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page245">[pg 245]</span><a name="Pg245" + id="Pg245" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc66" id= + "toc66"></a> <a name="pdf67" id="pdf67"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXIV.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">NEWS FROM ITALY.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count’s + difficulties did not seem to diminish as the year advanced. Money + grew scarcer and scarcer, till it was only by pledging his personal + credit to the merchants of Londinium and other towns in Britain that + he was able to find the pay for the crews of his little squadron. His + credit happily was still good, a character of twenty years without a + single suspicion on his integrity standing him in good stead. Then a + disaster happened to one of the few ships that he had retained. After + a fierce encounter with a Saxon galley, in which its crew had been + much weakened, it had been caught in a storm and driven on the deadly + western shore of the island, still dreaded under the name of the + Needles by those who navigate the Channel. The ship became a complete + wreck and only a small portion of the crew escaped with their lives, + all the disabled men being lost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the Count’s + chief perplexities were within <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page246">[pg 246]</span><a name="Pg246" id="Pg246" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>rather than without. For more than twenty years + he had yielded an unquestioning obedience to the authorities at home. + It is true that very little had been demanded of him. He had been + given a free hand, and left to do his duty with very little + interference, if with very little help. But now in the news of + Stilicho’s death his loyalty had received a tremendous shock. How was + he to bear himself to a ruler who was capable of committing so great + a crime? True, he knew enough of the Emperor to be sure that he was + only a tool in the hands of others, but this did not make the matter + one whit better. Such tools are often more mischievous than men who + are actively wicked. What then was he to do? Should he join the + usurper Constantine, of whose astonishing success in Gaul and Spain + he had heard the most glowing reports? His pride forbad it—an Ælius + doing homage to a man who but twelve months before had been a private + soldier! The thought was impossible. Should he retire into private + life? But would not that be to shirk his duty, not to mention the + fact that to retire is the one thing which in troubled times a man in + a conspicuous position cannot do. One thing, indeed, was evident—that + a decision would have to be made speedily. His position was rapidly + becoming untenable, and he would have to make up his mind, without + much delay, as to the best way of getting out of it. In the end + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page247">[pg 247]</span><a name="Pg247" + id="Pg247" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>it happened to him as it + happens to so many of us, that his mind was made up for him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One day, towards + the end of August, he was about to seek in a day’s sport a little + relief from his many cares. It was still about four hours to noon, + and he was sitting under a cherry tree (one of his own planting) in + the villa garden, and sharing a slight meal of milk and wheaten cakes + with his daughter and Carna, both of whom he had persuaded to + accompany him. A young Briton stood by holding in a leash a couple of + dogs very much like the greyhounds of our own times; another carried + a bow and a quiver; a third had a game bag of leather, with a netted + front, slung across his shoulders.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailing-master + of one of the galleys approached and saluted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is a galley,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“coming up the Haven, and I thought that you should know + at once, since it seems to have something of importance on + board.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What makes you think so?”</span> said the Count.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have been watching it for the last hour,”</span> said + the man. <span class="tei tei-q">“At first I thought it was a little + trading vessel; but I noticed that as soon as it entered the Haven it + hoisted the Labarum.”</span><a id="noteref_53" name="noteref_53" + href="#note_53"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">53</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Labarum!”</span> exclaimed the Count; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page248">[pg + 248]</span><a name="Pg248" id="Pg248" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>not + seen that flying from any mast but my own for a year past. Well, that + ought to mean something.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the + etiquette to go as far as was possible to meet an Imperial messenger, + just as a host receives a very distinguished guest on his door-step, + and the Count, after hastily exchanging his hunting-dress for a toga, + went to the little pier at which the galley would land its passenger. + He had not to wait many minutes before it arrived, and a handsome + young man, with a short military cloak over his traveller’s dress, + leapt lightly ashore. The Count saluted. The stranger, who was for a + time the representative of the Emperor, received the greeting with + the dignified gesture of a superior.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do I address Lucius Ælius, Count of the Saxon + Shore?”</span> he asked.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am he,”</span> the Count briefly replied.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I bring the commands of Augustus,”</span> said the + messenger, producing from a pocket in his tunic a vellum roll, bound + with a broad purple cord, and bearing the Imperial seal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count received + the missive with a profound inclination, and put it to his lips. At + the same time the messenger uncovered, and changed his haughty + demeanour for the behaviour usual to a young officer in the presence + of his superior.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It will be more respectful and more convenient to read + his Majesty’s gracious communication in <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page249">[pg 249]</span><a name="Pg249" id="Pg249" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>private. Will you please come with me to my + house?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He led the way to + the villa, and introduced the visitor into the little room which he + used for the transaction of business. He then cut with his dagger the + purple cord which fastened the package containing the despatch, and, + after again putting the document to his lips, proceeded to read it. + Its contents were seemingly not agreeable, for his face darkened as + he went on. He made no remark, however, beyond simply asking the + messenger—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“May I presume that you have a general acquaintance with + the contents of this document?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have,”</span> replied the young man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then you will know that the answer is not one which can + be given in a moment. But,”</span> and he went on with a rapid change + of voice and manner, <span class="tei tei-q">“<span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">cras + seria</span></span>.<a id="noteref_54" name="noteref_54" href= + "#note_54"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">54</span></span></a> I was + just on the point of going out for a few hours’ hunting when your + arrival was announced. Will you come with me? I have nothing very + great to show you, though we have some big game here too, if we had + time to look for it, but if you will condescend to anything so small + as hare-hunting, I can show you some sport.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Imperial + messenger was an Italian of the north of the Peninsula, who had been + fond of fol<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page250">[pg + 250]</span><a name="Pg250" id="Pg250" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>lowing the chase on the slopes of the Apennines + before chance had made him a courtier. He accepted the invitation + with pleasure, and the party made the best of their way to the high + ground now known as Arreton Downs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> said the Count, as he pointed northward to + where the great Anderida Forest<a id="noteref_55" name="noteref_55" + href="#note_55"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">55</span></span></a> might be + seen stretching far beyond the range of sight, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there is the place for sport; a wilder country I have + never seen, no, nor finer game. There are wild boars of which I have + never seen the like in Italy, no, nor in the Hercynian Wood<a id= + "noteref_56" name="noteref_56" href="#note_56"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">56</span></span></a> itself, + where I used to hunt years ago. Last year I killed one which measured + six feet from snout to tail. There are wolves, too, and bears, and + wild oxen; splendid fellows these last, as fierce as lions, and + almost as big as elephants. But to-day we must be content with + humbler sport.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This humbler game, + however, afforded plenty of amusement, and they returned with a bag + of eight fine hares—a very fair burden for the carrier of the + game-bag—and an excellent appetite for dinner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The meal, to which + the Count had invited the captains of his galleys and the principal + persons in <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page251">[pg + 251]</span><a name="Pg251" id="Pg251" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + little colony which was now gathered about the villa, passed off very + well. The young Italian was loud in his praises of everything. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your oysters,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“all the world knows, but some of your other dishes are a + surprise. The turbot, for instance, how incomparably superior to the + flabby and tasteless things which they bring us from our own coasts. + The colder water of the seas is, I suppose, the cause. The hares, + too, how fine and fleshy! You seem to be amazingly well off in the + way of food in this corner of the world.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah!”</span> said the Count, with a sigh, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we should do very well, if the rest of the world would + only leave us alone. But our neighbours cannot be content without a + share of some of our good things, and they have a very rough and + disagreeable way of asking for it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The speaker went + on to draw for the benefit of his guest a vivid picture of the + trouble which the Saxons were giving by sea and the Picts by land, + till the Italian exclaimed—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah! I see that you too have your disagreeables. I began + to think that this was a land of peace and plenty, where one might + find a pleasant refuge. But these barbarians, in one shape or + another, are everywhere. We are fallen upon evil times + indeed.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> said the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“evil times, and no one knows how to deal with them; and + if God does <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page252">[pg + 252]</span><a name="Pg252" id="Pg252" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>send + us a capable man, we treat him as if he were an enemy.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the tables + had been cleared, the Count rose and proposed the toast of the + Emperor’s health; but he did this without a single word of + compliment, a significant omission that did not fail to attract the + attention of all who were present. He then proceeded, and again + without any preface, to read to the company the despatch which had + been put into his hands the day before. It ran thus:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Flavius Honorius Augustus to the faithful and + valiant Lucius Ælius, Count of the Saxon Shore, + greeting.</span></span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 2.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Our Imperial care for the dominions, which by + Divine Providence have been committed to our trust, bids us combine + the safety of the seat of our government with the welfare of the + provinces. For, seeing that these are mutually related, as are the + head and the limbs in the body of man, it is manifest that neither + can prosper without the other. Our well-beloved and faithful province + of Britain has now for many generations been protected by our + invincible legions and fleets. But even as there comes a time when + the most careful fathers judge it to be not only needless but even + harmful to keep their children in dependence upon themselves, so do + we now judge that our province may now with great advantage, not only + to us—for of this we think little—but also to itself, defend + itself</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page253">[pg + 253]</span><a name="Pg253" id="Pg253" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic">with its own + resources. We charge you, therefore, our well-beloved and faithful + Ælius, as having supreme command of the fleets of the said province + of Britain, to withdraw them as soon as you conveniently may, but not + without leaving our loyal subjects the assurance of our fatherly love + and of the unfailing protection of our majesty. The Ever-Blessed + Trinity keep and prosper both you and all that are committed to your + charge. Given at Ravenna, the twelfth day before the Kalends of + August,</span><a id="noteref_57" name="noteref_57" href= + "#note_57"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; font-style: italic; vertical-align: super">57</span></span></a> + <span style="font-style: italic">in the year of our Lord 408, and the + fifteenth year of our reign.</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig252" + id="fig252" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig68" id= + "fig68"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_287.jpg" alt= + "The Count receiving the letter of Honorius" title= + "The Count receiving the letter of Honorius." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">The Count receiving the letter of + Honorius.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The reading of the + despatch was followed by a dead silence. Every one had felt for some + time that the present state of affairs could not last. Only a man of + the vigorous character of the Count, and having long years of + excellent service to fall back upon, could have maintained it so + long, but it was impossible not to see that it must soon end. A + solitary commander, without resources or support, could not maintain + himself on the remotest borders of the Empire. Yet to know that the + moment for the change had come was disturbing. The fleet, reduced as + it had been to a petty squadron, was still, while it remained, the + symbol of Imperial power, and seemed to be worth more in the way of + protection than <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page254">[pg + 254]</span><a name="Pg254" id="Pg254" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>it + really was. When this was withdrawn, Britain would be really left to + itself; and this prospect, however it might be regarded elsewhere, + was not agreeable to any one of the Count’s guests.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count was the + first to break the silence. <span class="tei tei-q">“This,”</span> he + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“is manifestly a matter that calls for + serious thought. Let us postpone it till to-morrow, and for the + present turn ourselves to matters more suitable for a festive + occasion. Perhaps my friend Claudian will give us the recitation of + something with which he has already charmed the ears of our + fellow-countrymen elsewhere.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poet, not more + reluctant than his brother-countryman to exhibit his genius, at once + signified his willingness to comply with this request, and gave a + recitation from an unfinished poem which he had then in hand. We may + give a specimen, put into the best English that we can command—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The elemental + order there she drew,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + And Jove’s high dwellings; there you saw + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The needle tell how ancient Chaos grew + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + To harmony and law; + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“How Nature set + in order due and rank</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Her atoms, raised the light on high, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And to the middle place the weightier sank; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + There lustrous shone the sky, + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The heavens + were pink with flame, the ocean rolled,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + The great world hung in mid suspense. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Each was of diverse hue; she worked in gold + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + The starry fires intense, + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page255">[pg 255]</span><a name= + "Pg255" id="Pg255" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Bade ocean flow + in purple, and the shore</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + With gems upraised. Divinely wrought, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The threads embossed to swelling billows bore + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + Strange likeness; you had thought + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“They dashed the + seaweed on the rocks, or crept</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Hoarse murmuring thro’ the thirsty sands. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Five zones, she added. In mid place she kept + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + With red distinct the lands + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Leaguered with + burnings; all the region showed</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Scorched into blackness, and the thread + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Dry as with sunshine that eternal glowed; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + <a name="corr255" id="corr255" class="tei tei-anchor" style= + "text-align: left"></a><span class="tei tei-corr" style= + "text-align: left">On</span> either hand were spread + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“The realms of + life, lapt in a milder breath</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Kindly to men; and next appear, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + On this extreme and that, dull lands of death: + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + She made them dark and drear + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“With year-long + frost, and saddened all the hue</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + With endless winter; last she showed + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + What seats her sire’s grim brother holds; nor knew + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The fated dark + abode.”</span><a id="noteref_58" name="noteref_58" href= + "#note_58"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style= + "text-align: left"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">58</span></span></a> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page256">[pg 256]</span><a name="Pg256" + id="Pg256" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc69" id= + "toc69"></a> <a name="pdf70" id="pdf70"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXV.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">CONSULTATION.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The next morning + the Count invited the Imperial messenger to a private conference. His + daughter and Carna were present, as was also Claudian.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have the latest news,”</span> the Count began. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Pray let us have them. Here we know nothing. + But tell us first how you got here. It was noticed that you did not + hoist the standard till you were within the Haven. You did not, I + suppose, think it a safe flag to sail under.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> replied the messenger, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I thought it better to have no flag at all. But, to tell + the truth, the Labarum is not just now exactly the best passport in + the world.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You crossed from Gaul, I suppose?”</span> the Count went + on. <span class="tei tei-q">“How are matters there?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Constantine, with the legions he brought from here, and + those that have joined him since, is pretty well master of the + country, and of Spain too.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page257">[pg 257]</span><a name="Pg257" id="Pg257" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what is the Emperor doing? Did he let these + provinces go without a struggle? Spain was the first province that + Rome ever had, and Gaul was the second. None, I take it, have been so + steadily profitable, and now we are to lose them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He rose from his + seat, and walked up and down the room in an agitation which he could + not conceal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the only man who could keep the Empire together is + gone; butchered, as if he were a criminal!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The messenger said + nothing to this outburst. He went on, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + believe his Majesty proposes to admit Constantine to a share of the + Imperial honours, to make him Cæsar of Gaul and Spain.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What!”</span> said the Count. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do not my ears deceive me? This fellow, whom I have seen + wearing the collar for the neglect of duty, recognized as his + colleague by Augustus!”</span><a id="noteref_59" name="noteref_59" + href="#note_59"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">59</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I do not pretend to know his Majesty’s purposes, I can + only say what is reported at head-quarters, and, it would seem, on + good authority. But,”</span> continued the speaker, in a voice from + which he had studiously banished all kind of emphasis, and looking as + he spoke at the ceiling of the room, <span class="tei tei-q">“your + lordship is aware that the honours thus unexpectedly bestowed do not + always turn out to the advantage of those who receive + them.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page258">[pg + 258]</span><a name="Pg258" id="Pg258" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you mean?”</span> asked the Count.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I mean that what is given may be taken away—and taken + away with very handsome interest for the loan—when the proper time + comes. Your lordship has not forgotten the name of + Carausius.”</span><a id="noteref_60" name="noteref_60" href= + "#note_60"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">60</span></span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> said the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“this is not the old way Rome had of dealing with her + enemies. But, <span class="tei tei-q">‘other times, other + manners.’</span> Tell me now, if the Augustus has arranged or is + going to arrange with Constantine, what about Alaric?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! he will be quiet for a time, or should be, if there + is any truth in a barbarian’s oath. You have heard how he marched on + Rome?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, indeed,”</span> replied the Count. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have heard nothing here, except, quite early in the + year, a vague rumour that he was on the move again. But tell me—has + Augustus given <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></span>, too, a share in the + Empire?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not exactly; but I will tell what has taken place. He + marched on Rome.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page259">[pg + 259]</span><a name="Pg259" id="Pg259" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> interjected the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and there was no Stilicho to save it!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The city was almost helpless. Even the walls had not + been kept in repair, and if they had, there was no proper force to + man them. The only thing possible was to make peace on the best terms + that they could. I happened to be in Alaric’s camp with a letter, + under a flag of truce, the very day that the ambassadors came out to + treat with the king, and I saw the whole affair. I don’t mind saying + that it was not one to make a man feel proud of being a Roman. The + barbarians, it seemed to me, had not only all the strength on their + side, but the dignity also. Alaric himself is a splendid specimen of + humanity, every inch a king, the tallest and handsomest man in his + army, and that, too, an army of giants. It was a contrast, I can tell + you, between him and the two miserable, pettifogging creatures that + represented the Senate. At first they tried what a little brag could + do. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Give us an honourable peace,’</span> + said their spokesman, <span class="tei tei-q">‘or you will repent of + having driven to despair a nation of warriors, a nation that has + conquered the world.’</span> The king laughed; he knew what the + Romans have come to. <span class="tei tei-q">‘The thicker the + hay,’</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘the easier to + mow.’</span> And then he fixed the ransom that he would take for + retiring from before the walls. Brennus throwing his sword into the + scales was moderation in comparison to him. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Give <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page260">[pg + 260]</span><a name="Pg260" id="Pg260" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>me,’</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘all the gold and silver, coined or uncoined, private + property or public that you have, and all the other property that the + envoys whom I shall send think worth taking; and hand over to me all + the slaves that you have of the nations of the North, Goths, or Huns, + or Vandals. You are pleased to call them barbarians, but they are + more fit to be masters than you; and I will not suffer them to be in + a bondage so unworthy. Your Greeks, and Africans, and Asiatics, and + such like cattle you may keep.’</span> The ambassadors were pale with + dismay. If they had taken back such an answer, the Romans had at + least enough spirit left to tear them in pieces. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘What do you leave us, then?’</span> they said. + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Your lives!’</span> he thundered out. In the + end, however, he softened somewhat. Five thousand pounds of gold and + thirty thousand pounds of silver, and I don’t know how much silk, and + cloth, and spices, were what he finally asked. I know the city was + stripped pretty bare before the Senate could make up the sum. I am + told that the treasuries of the churches had to be emptied. Well, as + I said, Alaric, if he keeps his bargain, ought to be quiet for a + time, but you will see that the Emperor has need of all his friends + round him, and all the strength which he can bring together. That is + what I have to say by way of explanation of the despatch that I + brought.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“May I ask you to leave us for a while?”</span> said the + Count to the young Italian.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page261">[pg 261]</span><a name="Pg261" id="Pg261" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When he had left + the room the Count turned to his daughter, and said—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And this is our country! This is Rome! The Emperor, + forsooth, has need of all his friends. His friends indeed! I little + thought that the day would come when I should feel ashamed of the + title. But tell me, daughter; what shall we do? Shall we + go?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What else can we do?”</span> asked the girl.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have thought much about the matter since I heard the + dreadful news of Stilicho’s death, and have had all kinds of wild + schemes in my head. I have felt that I could not go back and touch in + friendship the hands that murdered him. Sometimes I thought, while + Cedric was here, that we would take him with us, and sail eastward. I + have had many a hard fight with these Saxons, but at least they are + men, and brave men, too, who are true to their friends, if they hate + their enemies. But that is now at an end. But is there no other way + to go? What say you, Claudian—have you any counsel to give + us?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would not advise you to sail eastward,”</span> said + the poet. <span class="tei tei-q">“We know pretty well what lies that + way; tribes of barbarians, of whom the less we see the better, with + all respect to your friend Cedric, who seems to have been a fine + fellow. But why not westward? You will laugh at me for believing in + the Islands of the Blest. Well, I do not mean to say that there is + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page262">[pg 262]</span><a name="Pg262" + id="Pg262" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a country where Achilles and + the rest of the heroes are living in immortal joy and peace. If there + is, it is not one which any ship, built by the art of man, can reach. + But I do believe that there is a country. These old tales, depend + upon it, have something more in them than mere fancy. Why, my lord, + should not you be the one to find it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, let us go, dear father,”</span> said Ælia, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and leave this dreadful world with all its + troubles and quarrels behind us. Don’t you think so, + Carna?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna only smiled + sadly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Or,”</span> continued the poet, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there is the land beyond the north, the country of the + blessed Hyperboreans, that old Herodotus talks about. Why should we + not go there? Or, if that sounds too wild, there is Africa, with + regions rich and fertile beyond all doubt that are waiting to be + explored. These at least are no matter of legend. We know where they + are. Let us search for them. Whatever world we may find, it can + hardly be worse than that which we are leaving behind.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what says Carna?”</span> said the Count, turning, + with an affectionate look, to his adopted daughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl thus + appealed to flushed painfully. For a moment she seemed about to + speak, but not a syllable passed her lips.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Speak,”</span> cried the Count; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you always see clearer and farther than the rest of + us.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page263">[pg + 263]</span><a name="Pg263" id="Pg263" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My father,”</span> the girl went on, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will speak from my heart, as I know you always wish me + to do. Forgive me if I seem to teach when it is my part to learn and + to obey. But, if you ask what I think you should do, I say, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Go home to Rome or Ravenna, or wherever else + the Emperor bids you.’</span> After all, it is your country, and it + never needed the help of good and brave men more than it does + now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“By heaven! Claudian,”</span> cried the Count, after a + brief silence, <span class="tei tei-q">“the girl is right, as she + always is. These are not the times for an honest man to turn his back + upon his country. If I could reach the Islands of the Blest, or the + happy people who live beyond the north, as easily as I can walk + across this room, I would not do it; and after all, what is the world + without Rome to a Roman? What say you, Claudian?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am but a poor singer, who has lost all that made him + sing. I could do little in any case, and I doubt whether those who + killed Stilicho will have anything but the axe for Stilicho’s friend. + Still, I go with you. It is not for a Roman to say that Rome is + unworthy.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So that is settled,”</span> exclaimed the Count.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Carna,”</span> cried Ælia, throwing her arms round + her sister, <span class="tei tei-q">“shall we ever be as happy again + as we have been in this dear place?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna clung to + her, and sobbed as if her heart would break.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page264">[pg 264]</span><a name="Pg264" id="Pg264" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Does it trouble you so much to go?”</span> asked the + Count. <span class="tei tei-q">“Surely the place is not so much to + you. You can be happy, wherever you may be, with those you + love.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl lifted up + a tear-stained face to him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father,”</span> she said—<span class="tei tei-q">“more + than father, for you have loved me without any tie of kindred—I + cannot go, my home is here.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, child, what are you saying? Your home has been with + us ever since you were a babe in arms, and it is so still; + or,”</span> he added, with a smile, <span class="tei tei-q">“are you + going to leave us for a husband?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl blushed + crimson as she shook her head. When she could recover her speech, + choked, as it was, with sobs, she said—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You asked me just now what you should do, and I said + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Go home to your country.’</span> Can I do + less myself? Rome is your country, and Britain is mine. And oh, if + Rome wants all her sons and daughters, how much more does this poor + Britain!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But where will you live?”</span> broke in the Count’s + daughter; <span class="tei tei-q">“Where will you be safe? Think of + the dreadful things you have gone through within the last few months! + How can you bear to face them with your friends gone? And, dearest + Carna,”</span> she went on, as she clasped her still closer, + <span class="tei tei-q">“how can I live without you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dearest sister,”</span> sobbed the girl, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“don’t make <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page265">[pg + 265]</span><a name="Pg265" id="Pg265" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>it + harder than it is. It breaks my heart to part from you, but I cannot + doubt what my duty is. And I am not without hope. There are brave men + here, and men who love their country, and I cannot but trust that + they will be able to do something. Of course, we shall stumble, for + we have not been used to go alone, but I do hope that we shall not + fall altogether.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, Carna, what can you do?”</span> said Ælia. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You seem to be sacrificing yourself for + nothing.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not for nothing; it is something if I can only sit at + home and pray. But it must be at home that I must pray. God would not + hear me if I were to put myself in some safe, comfortable place, and + then pretend to care for the poor people whom I had left + behind.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She hurried from + the room when she had said this, as if she could not trust herself + against persuasions that touched her heart so nearly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Carna is right,”</span> said the Count, when she had + gone, <span class="tei tei-q">“but I feel as if she were going to her + death.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page266">[pg 266]</span><a name="Pg266" + id="Pg266" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc71" id= + "toc71"></a> <a name="pdf72" id="pdf72"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXVI.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">FAREWELL!</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The resolution to + return to Italy once made, the Count lost no time in carrying it out. + His own preparations for departure did not cost him much trouble. He + began by offering freedom to all the slaves in his household. The + difficulty was in inducing them to accept it. So kind a master had he + been—in spite of an occasional outburst of temper—and so uncertain + were the prospects of a quiet life in Britain, that very few felt any + eagerness to be independent, and the boon had to be forced upon them + or made acceptable by a considerable bribe. With the free population + that since the departure of the legions had gathered in increasing + numbers about the villa it was still more difficult to deal. Many of + them were quite helpless people whom it seemed equally difficult to + take and to leave behind. To all that were of Italian birth, or that + had kinsfolk or friends on the Continent who might be reasonably + expected to give <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page267">[pg + 267]</span><a name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>them + a home, the Count offered a passage. For others employment was found + in Londinium and other towns. But, when all that was possible had + been done, there was a helpless remnant, about whom the Count felt + much as the occupants of the last boat must feel at the sight of the + poor creatures whom they are forced to leave behind on a sinking + ship.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna had quitted + the villa very soon after her resolution to remain in Britain had + been made. It was indeed too painful to remain there, for, though the + Count had confessed that she was right, his daughter remained + unconvinced, and assailed her with incessant entreaties and + reproaches which went very near to breaking her heart. She made her + home with the old priest whose wife was a distant kinswoman of her + own, and found, as such tender hearts always will, a solace for her + own sorrows in relieving the troubles of others.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">About the middle + of September all was ready for a start. The two serviceable ships + that were left to the Count were loaded to their utmost capacity with + the persons and property of the departing colony. Their sailing + masters had indeed remonstrated as strongly as they dared.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">may</span></span> get safely across,”</span> + said the senior of them, <span class="tei tei-q">“if all goes better + than we have any right to expect. But if it comes on to blow we shall + hardly be able to handle our ships; and if we meet with the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page268">[pg 268]</span><a name="Pg268" + id="Pg268" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>pirates—well, a man might as + well go into battle with his hands tied.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Count refused + to listen to these protests. Even the suggestion that the cargo + should be divided, and part left for a second voyage he scouted, + <span class="tei tei-q">“It will not do,”</span> he said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“the poor people would fancy they were being + left behind, and I am not at all sure that they would not be right. + It is only too likely that if we once get to the other side we should + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></span> come back. No! we will sink or + swim together.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">About an hour + before noon on the fifteenth of the month, the crews were ready to + weigh anchor. The Count and his daughter, who had just taken their + last view of the villa which had been their home for so many years, + were standing on the little jetty, ready to step into the boat that + was to convey them to the ship. Carna and the old priest and his wife + were with them, and the hour of farewell had come. Ælia, if she had + not reconciled herself to separation from her sister, at least saw + that it was inevitable, and was resolved not to make the parting + bitterer than it must needs be. She affected a cheerfulness which she + did not feel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good-bye, Carna,”</span> she cried, throwing her arms + round the girl’s neck. <span class="tei tei-q">“Good-bye! now we are + going like swallows in the autumn, and very likely shall come back + like them in the spring. Meanwhile keep the nest as warm for us as + you can.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page269">[pg + 269]</span><a name="Pg269" id="Pg269" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Remember, Carna,”</span> said the Count, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that you have a home as long as either I or my daughter + have a roof over our heads. You are doing your duty in staying, but + there is a limit even to duty. As long as you can be of service, + stop; I would not have it otherwise; but don’t sacrifice yourself and + those that love you for nothing.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna’s heart was + too full to let her speak. She caught the Count’s hands and kissed + them. Then she turned to Ælia, and taking her gold cross and + chain—the only ornament that she wore—hung it round her sister’s + neck. When she had succeeded in choking down her sobs, she whispered, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Take this, and, if you will give me yours, + we will bear each other’s crosses, and, perhaps, they will be a + little lighter. But oh, how heavy!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Kneel, my children,”</span> said the old priest, and the + little group knelt down, while the rowers in the boat uncovered their + heads. After repeating the paternoster and a few simple words of + prayer, he raised his hand and blessed them, then fell on his knees + beside them. After two or three minutes of silent supplication the + Count rose, and almost lifted his daughter into the boat, so broken + down was she with the passion of her grief. Carna remained on her + knees, her face buried in her hands. To have looked up and seen + father and sister go was more than she dared to do. For the struggle + that she fancied was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page270">[pg + 270]</span><a name="Pg270" id="Pg270" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>over + had begun again in her heart, and she could not feel sure even then + that duty would prevail. The Count gently laid his hand upon her head + and blessed her, then stepped into the boat. As the rowers dipped + their oars in the water, a gleam of sunshine burst through the + clouds, and lighted as with a glory the head of the kneeling + girl.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page271">[pg 271]</span><a name="Pg271" + id="Pg271" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc73" id= + "toc73"></a> <a name="pdf74" id="pdf74"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXVII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">MARTIANUS.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The little + community that remained in the neighbourhood of the villa after the + departure of the Count and his household had plenty to occupy their + thoughts and hands. The Count had behaved with a liberality and a + discretion that were both equally characteristic of him. All the + stock of what may be called the home farm, all the agricultural + implements, the cattle, sheep, and pigs, and as much of the stores of + corn that he could spare, he had made over to the priest and two + other principal persons in the settlement for the benefit of the + community at large. This was an excellent start, and removed all + immediate anxiety for the future. The stores of provisions had been + increased by opportune purchases before the resolution to go had been + taken, and enough was left to last, if managed with due economy, over + the coming winter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna found plenty + of employment of the kind in <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page272">[pg 272]</span><a name="Pg272" id="Pg272" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which she found her greatest pleasure. There was + indeed a terrible gap in her life; not only had she lost those whom + she had loved all her life as father and sister, but her intellectual + interests had dropped away from her. Many of the books at the villa + had indeed been left with her, but then there was no one to whom to + talk about them. The old priest never opened a volume except it was a + service book; his wife could not even read. But the time never hung + heavily upon her hands, for there was plenty of work to do among the + sick and sorry. As the autumn went on an epidemic, which a modern + doctor would probably have described as measles, broke out among the + children, and Carna spent her days and nights in ministering to the + little sufferers. The one relief that she allowed herself—and there + was no little sadness mixed with the pleasure which it gave her—was + to spend an hour, when she could snatch one from her many cares, in + the deserted rooms of the villa. The indulgence was rare, not only + because her leisure was infrequent, but because she was conscious of + feeling somewhat relaxed after it for the effort of her daily life; + but when it came it was precious. Not a room, not a picture on the + walls, not a pattern in the tesselated pavements, that did not call + up a hundred associations, and make the past in which she had enjoyed + so much happiness live again in her fancy. The dwelling was under the + charge of an old couple, who <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page273">[pg 273]</span><a name="Pg273" id="Pg273" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>gladly kept it clean in exchange for the shelter + of two or three of the rooms, and Carna was free to wander about it + as she would, while she felt a certain security in the knowledge that + the place was not wholly deserted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The autumn and + winter passed without any incident of importance. News from the + Continent had never been very regular during that season of the year, + and now it came only at the rarest intervals. All that the settlement + heard went to show that there was but little chance of the return of + the legions. Constantine, after some changes of fortune, had made + himself master of Gaul and Spain, and had established a kingdom which + looked so much as if it might last, that he had been regularly + acknowledged by Honorius as a partner in the Empire. But it would be + long before he could spare money or men for adding Britain to his + dominions. From Britain itself the news was mostly of the most dismal + kind. The Picts, indeed, were not as troublesome as usual. Happily + for their neighbours on the south, their attention had been occupied + by the tribes on the north, who had been driven by a season of + unusual scarcity to forage for themselves. The robbers, in fact, had + been obliged to defend themselves against being robbed, and Britain + had had in consequence a quiet time. But the people used it to + quarrel among themselves. There were scores of chiefs who had each + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page274">[pg 274]</span><a name="Pg274" + id="Pg274" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>his pedigree, by which he + traced his lineage to some king of the pre-Roman days, and which gave + him, he fancied, a title to rule over his neighbours. And besides + these personal jealousies, there was a great division which split the + nation into two hostile factions. There were Britons, who held to + Roman ways, and among them, to the religion which Rome had given, and + there were Britons who looked back to the old independent days, and + to the faith which their fore-fathers had held long before the name + of Christ had been heard out of or in the land of His birth. The + former party was by far the more numerous, but its adherents were + those who had suffered most by Britain’s four centuries of servitude; + in the latter the virtues of freedom had been kept alive by a + carefully cherished tradition. They were few in number; but they were + vigorous and enthusiastic, even fanatical. It was clear that this + strife within would cause at least as much trouble as would come from + enemies without.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was about seven + months after the Count’s departure when Carna paid one of her + customary visits to the villa. She had been unusually busy for three + or four weeks previously, and had not found time to come. As she + passed through the garden, on her way to the house, she noticed that + the place looked somewhat neater and less neglected than usual. This, + however, did not surprise her, as she had gently remonstrated with + the old keeper for <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page275">[pg + 275]</span><a name="Pg275" id="Pg275" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>doing so little, and, in her usual kindly way, + had followed up her reproof with a little present. Accordingly she + passed on without thinking more of the matter to the little + sitting-room which she had once shared with Ælia, and prepared to + spend an hour of quiet enjoyment with a book. Her books, indeed, she + kept for these visits to the villa. Not only was her time elsewhere + closely occupied, but her hostess, kindly and affectionate as she + generally was, could not conceal her dislike of the volumes which + Carna loved so dearly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the midst of + her reading she was startled by the unaccustomed sound of footsteps. + She lifted her eyes from the page and saw a sight so unexpected that + for a few moments she could not collect her thoughts or believe her + eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The British chief + Martianus stood before her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had seen him + last at the Great Temple, and the recollections of those days and + nights of horror, her capture, her hurried journey, and the + interrupted sacrifice, crowded upon her, and almost overpowered her. + Nor could she help giving one thought to the question—if this man’s + presence recalls such horrors in the past, what does it not mean for + the future? Still, the courage which had supported her so bravely + before did not fail her now. She rose from her seat and calmly faced + the intruder, while she waited for him to speak.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page276">[pg 276]</span><a name="Pg276" id="Pg276" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus began in + a tone of the deepest respect. <span class="tei tei-q">“Lady, I am + truly glad that you condescend to honour this poor house of mine with + your presence.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This house of yours!”</span> repeated the girl, with + astonishment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lady, doubtless you do not know that this villa was + built by its former owner on land which belonged to my family, and + which was taken from them by force. I do not speak of the Count—he + was too honourable a man to do anything of the kind—I speak of the + former owner, or so-called owner, from whom he purchased it. In the + Count’s time I said nothing of my claim. I would not have troubled + him for the world. But now that he has gone, and practically given up + the place, I am justified, I think, in asserting my + ownership.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know nothing of these matters,”</span> said Carna, + coldly, <span class="tei tei-q">“but I will take care not to intrude + again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Intrusion!”</span> said the chief. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did I not say that there is no one who would be more + welcome here? We were friends once, in the good Count’s time; why + should we not be so again? and more,”</span> he added in a + whisper.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Friends with you! Surely that is impossible. You cannot + wish it yourself, after what has happened. You seem to + forget.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lady, Carna—I used to call you Carna when you were a + child—I do try to forget that dreadful <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page277">[pg 277]</span><a name="Pg277" id="Pg277" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>night. I was overborne by those double-dyed + villains, Carausius and Ambiorix. Believe me, it was against my will + that I took any part in that dreadful business. And you will remember + I never lifted a hand against you, no, nor against that base champion + of yours. You will do me that justice. Carausius, thank Heaven! has + got his deserts, and I have broken with Ambiorix.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig276" + id="fig276" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig75" id= + "fig75"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_313.jpg" alt="Carna and Martianus" title= + "Carna and Martianus." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Carna and Martianus.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna remained + silent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus resolved + to try another appeal, and, presuming that the girl’s recollections + of the scene might be confused by fear, did not scruple to depart + considerably from the truth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I implore you to believe that I could not have allowed + that horrible deed to be accomplished. If that base fellow who had + the privilege of saving you had not appeared, I was ready myself to + interfere. I know that I ought to have done so before; it has been a + ceaseless regret to me that I did not. But I wanted to keep on terms + with those two, and I held back till the last moment. Forgive me my + irresolution, Carna, but do not believe that I could have been one of + the murderers.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl’s + recollections of the scene, which were quite free from the confusion + which Martianus had imagined, did not agree with this account of his + behaviour, but she did not think it worth while to argue the + point.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page278">[pg + 278]</span><a name="Pg278" id="Pg278" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let it be as you will,”</span> she said, with a cold + dignity, <span class="tei tei-q">“but you can imagine that these + recollections are not pleasing to me. And now I will bid you + farewell.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She stepped + forward as she spoke with the intention of at once leaving the room, + but Martianus barred the way. Dropping on one knee, he caught her + hand. For a moment Carna, who had still something of the child in + her, felt a strong impulse to use the hand that was still free in + dealing him a vigorous blow. But her womanly dignity prevailed: she + only wrenched her hand away with something like violence. There was + something in the foppish appearance and insincere manner of Martianus + that set her more decidedly against him than even the recollection of + the plot in which he had been concerned.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will listen to what you have to say, but do not touch + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You give me little encouragement,”</span> Martianus + began, <span class="tei tei-q">“but still I will speak. I say nothing + about myself, only about my country—your country and mine. I know how + you love it. We have all heard what sacrifices you have made for it, + how you gave up home and friends sooner than leave it. Make, if I + must put it so, one sacrifice more. You are the heiress of the great + Caradoc, the noblest king that Britain ever had, whom even the Romans + were com<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page279">[pg 279]</span><a name= + "Pg279" id="Pg279" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>pelled to admire. I can + reckon among my ancestors Cunobelin. Apart our claims might be + disputed; together they will make a title which no one can dispute to + the crown of Britain. Yes, Carna, it is nothing less than that—the + crown of Britain that is in question.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A crown does not tempt me,”</span> said Carna, looking + the speaker straight in the face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah! it is not that,”</span> replied the suitor; + <span class="tei tei-q">“you mistake me. I never dreamed of tempting + you. I know only too well that it would be impossible. But think what + a British crown really means. It means a united Britain, strong + against the Picts, strong against the Saxons; and without it—think + what that would mean. Every tribe—for we should split up into tribes + again—for itself; every chief working for his own hand; the Picts + plundering the inland, the Saxons harrying the coast. Oh, Carna! as + you love your country—I don’t speak of myself, though that, too, + might come in time, if a man’s devotion is of any avail—but if you + love your country, do not say no.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a powerful + appeal, and touched Carna’s heart at the point where it was most + accessible. And she was so candid and transparent a soul that what + she felt in her heart she soon showed in her face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus saw his + advantage, but, happily for <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page280">[pg + 280]</span><a name="Pg280" id="Pg280" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Carna, did not press it as he might have done. + The fact was that he was so conscious of his own insincerity and + falsehood that his courage failed him, and he dared not press his + suit any further. Had he gone on, he might have entangled the girl in + a promise which her feeling for truth would not have permitted her to + break, which would have made her even shut her eyes to the truth. As + it was, he thought it his best policy to rest content with the + progress that he had made. He raised Carna’s hand respectfully to his + lips, and, with a low salutation, opened the door.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page281">[pg 281]</span><a name="Pg281" + id="Pg281" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc76" id= + "toc76"></a> <a name="pdf77" id="pdf77"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXVIII.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A RIVAL.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a fact that + Martianus had taken possession of the villa in the island, on the + strength of a claim which was far less definite than he had chosen to + represent to Carna. But no other owner was forthcoming, and the place + was important in the minds of the British population as having been + the dwelling of the last representative of Roman power. The new + occupant might seem to have succeeded to the position of the one who + had lately quitted it. It flattered the man’s vanity, too, to put + himself in the place, so to speak, of the powerful Count of the + Shore, while he could use the appliances of the villa, which were + comfortable and even luxurious, to gratify his taste for what he + called the pleasures of civilized life. His establishment would + probably have failed to satisfy the fastidious taste of a Roman + gentleman; the cooking was barbarous, and the service generally rude. + Still there was a certain imitation, which im<span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page282">[pg 282]</span><a name="Pg282" id="Pg282" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>posed at least upon the ignorant, of Roman + refinement, and Martianus flattered himself that he was at least a + passable successor of Count Ælius.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile he + pursued his suit to Carna with a good deal of craft. He was a + diligent attendant at the village church, and professed to feel such + an interest in the teaching of the old priest that the ministrations + in church must be supplemented by conversations at home. To Carna he + said little or nothing about his personal claims, but he was eloquent + on the subject of the future of Britain. About this she was never + tired of hearing, and in hearing him speak of it, which he did with a + certain eloquence, the sense of his falseness and unreality began to + grow fainter in her mind. The maiden faith which <span class= + "tei tei-q">“glorifies clown and satyr”</span> began to make this + schemer, who indeed was not without ability and accomplishments, look + like a genuine patriot. As for the priest and his wife, they were + simply captivated by him, and never lost an opportunity of praising + him to their young kinswoman. On the whole, his suit made some + progress. It was only when he seemed to put forward any personal + claim, or ventured to address to Carna any personal compliments, that + she decidedly shrank from him. He was quite shrewd enough to see + this, and though it was a very unpleasant experience for his vanity + as well as for his love, he did not fail to guide his con<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page283">[pg 283]</span><a name="Pg283" id="Pg283" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>duct by it. As long as he talked about + Britain, its wrongs in the past, and its hopes for the future, he was + sure of a favourable hearing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus had + other things to think of besides his suit to Carna. As he said, he + had broken entirely with Ambiorix. He had found that the strength of + the old Druid party had been greatly exaggerated, and that in fact + the time for its revival had gone by for ever. Any chance, too, of + even temporary success that it might have had had been lost with the + life of Carausius. The priest had held many threads of secret + intrigue in his hands, and there was no one to take them up, when + they dropped from his hand. And Ambiorix, besides being worth but + little as an ally, had wanted too much, for he was not of a temper to + be satisfied with the second place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Still Martianus + was well aware that his rival would have to be reckoned with sooner + or later. If he could induce Carna to become his wife, and thus unite + her family claim to his own, this reckoning might be got through with + care and success. If he had to rely upon himself the chances would be + decidedly less favourable. The dilemma in which he found himself was + this. On the one hand, to hasten his suit might be to ruin it + altogether; Carna, too, might fairly ask him for something more + substantial than his own assertion of his pretensions. On the other + hand, there was the danger of being <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page284">[pg 284]</span><a name="Pg284" id="Pg284" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>attacked and crushed before he could make his + appeal to the country. Ambiorix, he knew, was a man of even desperate + courage, and would not suffer himself to be effaced without a + struggle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus did his + best to guard himself against this danger. He strengthened the + fortifications which the Count had made round the villa, laid up a + store of provisions which might be sufficient for a prolonged siege, + and used all his resources—he was one of the richest men in + Britain—to get together as large and effective a garrison as + possible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These precautions + were not taken a day too soon. About the beginning of June he + received intelligence from his agents on the mainland that Ambiorix + was preparing to attack him. He hurried at once with the news to the + priest’s house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You know,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“that + my house has always been at your disposal, but, much as I should have + liked to receive you as my guests, I would not press the invitation + upon you. But now, in the face of what I have just heard, your coming + is a necessity. Ambiorix and his followers are almost on the way to + attack us, and there is no place of safety but the villa.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The proposition + was most distasteful to Carna, who shuddered at the thought of + entering her old home in such society. At first she was disposed to + be generally incredulous, knowing that Martianus <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page285">[pg 285]</span><a name="Pg285" id="Pg285" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was not incapable of exaggerating, and + even of inventing, when he had an object to serve. Compelled, by the + proofs which the chief advanced, to acknowledge that the danger was + real, she took refuge in the argument that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it did not concern them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We are too insignificant to be harmed,”</span> she + said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pardon me, Carna,”</span> replied Martianus. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You surely know better than that about + yourself. And if, as I can easily believe, you are careless on your + own account, think of your host. There is nothing that Ambiorix hates + with so deadly a hatred as a Christian priest.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old priest, a + worthy man, but not of the stuff of which martyrs are made, was + terribly alarmed at this statement. Carna, too, was compelled to + acknowledge that this fear was not without reason, and reluctantly + consented to the removal. Her mind once made up, she found abundance + of occupation in making it as little grievous to others as might be. + The villa could not hold any great number of inmates in addition to + the garrison, and of course it was necessary that the number of + non-combatants should be as small as possible. Some of the + inhabitants of the settlement could, of course, remain safely in + their homes. They had little or nothing to be robbed of, and the + expected assailants had no <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page286">[pg + 286]</span><a name="Pg286" id="Pg286" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>other reason for harming them. But many + households had to be broken up, and as only very few could be + received at the villa, there were many painful scenes to be gone + through, and Carna was unceasingly busy giving all the comfort and + help that she could. Martianus, who was not unkindly in temper, put + all his resources at her disposal, and his readiness to assist put + him higher in her favour than he had ever been before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor was she sorry + that she had found shelter within the fortifications of the villa + when the next morning revealed the presence of the invaders. They had + come across in the night to the number of several hundreds, and could + be seen from the windows of the villa. And a very singular sight they + were. A spectator might have imagined himself to have been carried + back more than four centuries and a half, and to be looking on the + hosts which had gathered to oppose the landing of the first Cæsar. + These warriors who came up shouting to the palisade which formed the + outer defence of the villa seemed to be absolute barbarians; no one + could have believed that for many generations they had been subjects + of a civilized power. They had, in fact, deliberately thrown off all + the signs of that subjection. It was the dream of Ambiorix to have + Britain such as she might have been had Rome never conquered her. It + was a hopeless attempt, this rolling back the course <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page287">[pg 287]</span><a name="Pg287" id="Pg287" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of time by four centuries, but in such + matters as dress and equipment something could be done. Accordingly, + his troops were such as the troops of Cassibelan might have been had + they suddenly risen from their graves. Most of them were naked to the + waist; what clothing they had was chiefly of skins, though some wore + gaily-coloured trews. All wore their hair falling over their + shoulders, and long, drooping moustaches, but no beard or whisker. + All the exposed parts of their bodies were dyed a deep indigo-blue, + by the application of woad. Ambiorix had been very anxious to revive + the chariots of his ancestors, but had been compelled to give up the + idea. In any case he could not have transported them to the island. + He had been at great pains to instruct them in the genuine British + war-cries, as far as tradition had preserved them. Here, again, the + result had been somewhat disappointing. There were things which they + had learnt from Rome which they could not put off as easily as their + dress; and the challenges which they shouted out to the besieged as + they surged up to the defences were a curious mixture of the British + and Latin tongues.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The battle at + first went decidedly against the assailants. The Count had left + behind him a catapult among other effects which he had not thought it + worth while to remove; and Martianus, who had practised some of the + garrison in the use of it, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page288">[pg + 288]</span><a name="Pg288" id="Pg288" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>brought it <a name="corr288" id="corr288" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">into</span> play with + considerable effect. The very first discharge killed one of the + lesser chiefs, and a little later in the day Ambiorix himself was + badly bruised by one of the stones propelled from it. Meanwhile the + defenders escaped almost wholly without injury. There was no need for + them to leave the shelter of the buildings. As long as they kept + within this the bows and slings of the enemy failed to harm them. One + or two rash young recruits exposed themselves unnecessarily, and were + wounded in consequence; but when Ambiorix, about an hour before + sunset, called off his men, the garrison found that the casualties + had been very slight and few.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During the night + the besiegers were not idle. They constructed a mantelet<a id= + "noteref_61" name="noteref_61" href="#note_61"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">61</span></span></a> of + wicker work covered with stout hides, and brought it out close to the + palisade—an operation which the besieged, with a culpable + carelessness, allowed them to do unmolested. From under cover of this + they plied long poles, armed at the ends with blades of steel (for + Ambiorix was not so obstinate a conservative as to go back to the axe + of bronze), and hacked away at the palisade. The catapult produced no + effect on this erection, and though arrows, discharged almost + perpendicularly into the air so as to fall just <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page289">[pg 289]</span><a name="Pg289" id="Pg289" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>on the other side of it, inflicted some + injury, the work went on without interruption. Martianus, seeing + this, headed a sally in person, and, after a sharp struggle, + succeeded in possessing himself of it. The wicker work was broken in + pieces, and the hides carried off within the line of defences.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The next three + days passed without incident, and the inmates of the villa began to + hope that the danger had passed over. In reality, however, the + besiegers were collecting materials for the construction of another + mantelet on a much larger scale. As much of this as was possible was + put together out of sight of the villa, and on the morning of the + fourth day an erection of considerable size could be seen about fifty + yards from the palisade. It soon became evident that the new plan of + the assailants was to try the effect of fire. Arrows were wrapped + round with tow, and, when this had been lighted, were discharged into + the enclosure. Some mischief was done, not so much to the buildings, + for it was not difficult to put out the fire if the arrows happened + to fall on an inflammable place, but to the garrison. The men who had + to extinguish the flames could not avoid exposing themselves, and + those who exposed themselves were frequently hit by the slingers and + archers. On the whole, however, little progress was made, and when, + in the course of the evening, a heavy rain came on, and the wind, + which had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page290">[pg + 290]</span><a name="Pg290" id="Pg290" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>hitherto assisted the flames, altogether died + away, the discharge ceased.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was now + necessary for Ambiorix to bring matters to a crisis. His followers + had nearly exhausted the store of provisions which they had brought + with them, and, as he was unwilling to alienate the inhabitants of + the island by resorting to plunder, he did not see how he could + replenish it. Nothing remained, therefore, but to try a direct + assault, and this he did in the early dawn of the sixth day after his + arrival. Under cover of a heavy mist which rolled in from the sea, + and helped by the neglect of the sentinels, who, never very watchful, + had relaxed their care altogether when the light became visible, he + brought his men close up to the palisade at the spot where an opening + had been left, closed with a strong gate. For a few minutes, such was + the supineness of the garrison, the assailants were allowed to batter + and hew at this undisturbed. When some of the defenders had been + rallied to the spot, the work was more than half done. Ambiorix, who + was now entirely recovered from the injury received on the first day + of the siege, plied his axe with extraordinary energy, and his + immediate followers, whom he had carefully selected for their courage + and strength, followed his example. By the time Martianus arrived on + the scene the gate had been broken down, and the assailants were + pouring into the enclosure.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page291">[pg 291]</span><a name="Pg291" id="Pg291" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The garrison, who + were outnumbered in the proportion of nearly three to one, were at + once ordered to fall back into the quadrangle of the villa. They + formed a line across the open side where they were covered by the + archers and slingers posted on the roofs of the various buildings. + Here a long and fierce struggle ensued. The defenders had some + advantage in their position, and were better drilled and disciplined; + the assailants, on the other hand, had the courage of fanaticism. + When an hour had passed, and the combatants, by mutual consent, + paused to take breath, both sides had lost many in killed and + wounded, but neither had gained any considerable advantage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna meanwhile + had been busy ministering to the needs of the wounded, and was + scarcely aware of the true position of affairs, the room in which she + was at work not commanding a view of the space in which the struggle + was going on. Chancing, however, to leave it for a moment in search + of something which she wanted for her work, she saw what had taken + place. In a moment her resolution was taken. During the siege her + thoughts had been taken up, not with the danger to herself and the + other inmates of the villa, but with the terrible fact that Britons + were fighting against Britons. Long before she would have attempted + to put an end to their cruel strife, if she had seen any hope of + success. She would not have hesitated risking her life in the + attempt. In<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page292">[pg + 292]</span><a name="Pg292" id="Pg292" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>deed + she had proposed to Martianus that she should go with a party bearing + a flag of truce, and seek an interview with the hostile commander. He + had met her with a courteous and peremptory refusal, and she had been + compelled to acquiesce. But now it seemed to her that her chance was + come. Taking advantage of the pause in the struggle, she ran between + the combatants, and threw herself on her knees with her face towards + the assailants.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A murmur of + astonishment and admiration ran through both the ranks. She seemed to + be a visitor from another world, so strange, so unexpected, and, at + the same time, so beautiful was her appearance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Britons, brothers,”</span> she cried, in a sweet but + penetrating voice, which made itself heard through the throng, + <span class="tei tei-q">“what is this? Britons, brothers, have you + forgotten what you are? Your masters have left you. You carry arms + which have been forbidden to you for more than four hundred years, + and must you first use them against your own countrymen? Have you no + enemies abroad that you must look for them at home?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A shriek of + terror, followed by a wild war cry, which, though strange to many of + the crowd, was only too familiar to the dwellers on the coast, gave a + fearful emphasis to her words. The enemies from without were + there.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page293">[pg 293]</span><a name="Pg293" + id="Pg293" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc78" id= + "toc78"></a> <a name="pdf79" id="pdf79"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXIX.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cedric, after + making good his escape from the villa, as has been related, had + nearly died of hunger on the shore to which he had managed to make + his way. When he was almost at his last gasp, a Saxon galley had + touched at the very spot to supply itself with water. Fortunately for + him it was commanded by a kinsman of his own, who persuaded the + crew—the Saxon adventurers had to be dealt with by persuasion rather + than by command—to return home with their passenger. This probably + saved his life; his mother, a skilful leech, whose fame was spread + abroad among the dwellers on the coast, nursed him back into health. + Still he had suffered long and much; and it was not till the summer + was far advanced that he was allowed to join an expedition. His noble + birth, his reputation for strength and courage, not a little + enhanced, of course, by his late escape, and the personal fascination + that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page294">[pg 294]</span><a name= + "Pg294" id="Pg294" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he exercised on all + about him, pointed him out, young as he was, for command.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Carna had been + unceasingly in his thoughts since the day when he had last seen her. + During the delirium of his illness her name had been continually on + his lips, and one of the earliest confidences of his recovery was the + story of his love for this Christian maiden of the west. His mother + was touched by the story. The girl’s passionate desire for the + welfare of the son that was dead (which she appreciated without + comprehending its motive), and the very heroism which the son that + was living had shown in defending her, combined to move her heart. + That any living woman could resist the attraction of such a champion + as her son, she did not believe for a moment, in spite of all that + Cedric could say about the height of saintliness on which Carna + stood; and by degrees the young chief himself found his worshipping + devotion mingled with hopes that were very sweet to his heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is not + surprising, therefore, that as soon as he was at sea, and the + destination of their voyage became a question, his thoughts at once + turned to the island. Approaching it with caution, for he was too + good a leader to risk an encounter with the superior force of the + Roman squadron, he learnt with surprise that the Count had departed. + Of Carna his informant, a fisherman who found it answer his purpose + to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page295">[pg 295]</span><a name= + "Pg295" id="Pg295" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>give what information + he could to the Saxons, could tell him nothing, and Cedric naturally + supposed that she had gone with the family into which she had been + adopted. The news struck a strange chill into his heart, but at the + same time it relieved him of considerable perplexity. His course was + now clear; if the Romans were gone there was nothing to be feared. He + knew the approaches to the villa, and how weak were its defences, and + he felt sure that a British garrison would not be a match for his own + vigorous Saxons.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He reached the + island two days after the landing of Ambiorix. Acting as his own spy + on the strength of his knowledge of the country, he soon found out + the position of affairs, and thought that he could not do better than + wait to see how things would turn out. The galleys—Cedric had two + under his command—lay in hiding at some little distance from the + Haven, and meanwhile every detail of the struggle was watched, + unknown to the combatants, by scouts who carried news of its progress + to their chief. The gathering of the troops previous to the attack on + the fortifications had been observed and rightly understood by these + men. Cedric had been at once informed of what was in progress, had + landed his crews, amounting in all to about two hundred, and marched + with all the speed that was possible to the scene of action. As the + news had reached him not <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page296">[pg + 296]</span><a name="Pg296" id="Pg296" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>long + after midnight he was able to reach the spot very soon after the + attack had commenced.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The battle-cry of + the Saxons, terrible to those who knew it, scarcely less terrible, + with its shrillness and fierceness, to those to whom it was strange, + arrested the attention of all, and made every eye turn to the rear of + the attacking party. There could be seen, running swiftly up the + ascent which led to the palisade, the band of Saxons. In front a huge + standard-bearer carried a blood-red banner, on which was wrought in + black the raven of Odin. Behind him came, in a loose order which + served to conceal their scanty number, Cedric’s warriors, a sturdy + race, whose tall stature was made to seem almost gigantic by the + height to which their hair was dressed. They were formidable foes, + but still there were brave men in both the British parties who would + have had the courage to stand up against them. Unhappily one of the + panics which defy all reason and all individual courage began among + the inland Britons at the sight of these strange enemies; and, once + begun, it could not be checked. Ambiorix, indeed, with a few of his + immediate followers, faced the enemy, but was quickly swept away by + the rush of their onset. Martianus, with some of the garrison, + carrying Carna along with him, took refuge in the villa, and hastily + secured the doors. Others fled wildly over the country, or hid + themselves in the out-buildings. Nowhere was <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page297">[pg 297]</span><a name="Pg297" id="Pg297" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>there any thought of resistance, and the Saxons + won their victory almost without losing a drop of blood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cedric’s eyes, + sharpened as they were by love, had caught a glimpse of Carna, as she + was swept in the throng of fugitives within the doors of the villa, + and he at once led his men to the attack. Any defence of the place + against assailants so determined would have been hopeless, even had + the garrison been as resolute as they were, in fact, feeble and + demoralized. A few sturdy blows from Cedric’s battle-axe brought the + principal door to the ground, and he rushed across the fragments into + the hall, followed by some ten of his attendants. The rest he had + signed to remain without. Carna, who, herself undismayed amidst all + the tumult, was surrounded by a group of terrified men and women, + stood facing him. The crimson mounted to her forehead as she met his + eyes, for she saw, as no woman could fail to see, the love that was + in them; but she showed no other sign of emotion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Spare these poor creatures,”</span> she said, pointing + to her terrified companions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your lives are safe,”</span> said Cedric in British. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Go with this <a name="corr297" id="corr297" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">man,</span>”</span> and he pointed to one of his + attendants, to whom at the same time he gave some brief directions. + He turned to Carna: <span class="tei tei-q">“Lady,”</span> he said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“this is no time for many words; and I could + not say them if it were, for my tongue is ill-taught in your + language. But you cannot have failed to see <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page298">[pg 298]</span><a name="Pg298" id="Pg298" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>my heart. It is yours, and all that I have. Come + and be a queen in my home and among my people.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl’s eyes, + which she had turned to the ground at his first address, were now + lifted to meet his gaze. <span class="tei tei-q">“I cannot leave my + people,”</span> she said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yet,”</span> he answered, <span class="tei tei-q">“the + good women of whom you used to tell me, whose lives are written in + that holy book of yours, left their own people to follow their + husbands.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, but the God of the husbands whom they followed was + the God whom they worshipped in their own homes. You worship strange + gods, with whom I can have no fellowship.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come with me and teach the truth to my people and + me,”</span> cried the young man, feeling that there was nothing which + he would not do to win this bright, brave, beautiful maiden.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen, Cedric,”</span> she answered—it was the first + time that she had called him by his name, and he thought that he had + never known before what a name it was—<span class="tei tei-q">“You + told me some time since that you would sooner go into the everlasting + darkness with your own people than bow the knee to a God whom you + believed to have dealt unjustly with them. It was a noble resolve; + and I have honoured you for it. Will you give it up for the love of a + woman? If you did, I could honour you no more, and you are too good + to have a wife that did not honour you. No, Cedric, I <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page299">[pg 299]</span><a name="Pg299" id="Pg299" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>will pray for you. Perhaps God will hear + me, and give you light, and bring us together to the blessed Christ, + but it cannot be here.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She caught his + right hand which he had reached out in the earnestness of his + speaking, and lifted it to her lips. Her kiss was the last expression + of her gratitude. And perhaps there was something in it of a woman’s + love. But she never faltered for one instant in the resolve that was + to separate them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Behind Cedric + stood a burly, middle-aged warrior, his father’s foster-brother. He + had watched the scene with an intense interest, and though of course + he could not understand what was said, had a very shrewd notion of + the turn which affairs were taking. Perhaps he saw, too, expressed in + the girl’s tone something of a feeling which the young man was too + rapt in his adoration to observe. Anyhow, he was ill-content that his + young chief should miss the bride on whom his heart was set, and who + seemed so worthy of him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A noble maiden!”</span> he whispered to Cedric, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and fit to be the wife and mother of kings; + and I think that she loves you. Shall we carry her off? I warrant + that it will not be long before she forgives us.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Peace!”</span> said Cedric, turning fiercely upon him, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Peace! Would you have me wed a slave? My + wife must come to me freely, or come not at + all.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page300">[pg + 300]</span><a name="Pg300" id="Pg300" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He spoke to Carna + again. <span class="tei tei-q">“Your will is my law. If you say that + we must part, I go. But, lady, you must leave this house. My people + are set upon burning it, and I could not hinder them, if I + would.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Without another + word, she obeyed his bidding, and passed into the court, followed by + Cedric and his attendants.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile some of + the Saxon crews had been busy with their torches, and the flames were + beginning to gain a mastery over the building. Before many minutes + had passed the sheds and outbuildings, which were, to a great extent, + constructed of wood, were in a blaze, while dense volumes of smoke + rolled out of the windows of the villa itself. Carna stood spellbound + by the sight, at once so terrible and so grand. The spectacle of a + burning house exercises a curious fascination even on those for whom + it means loss and disaster, and Carna, even in that supreme crisis of + her life, could not help gazing at the conflagration, and even + admiring unconsciously the splendid contrasts of light and darkness + which it produced.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It seemed as if + that day was about to sweep away all her past. She had torn from her + heart her half-acknowledged love; she saw the home of her childhood + and youth vanishing into smoke and ashes; and now another actor in + the bygone of her life was to disappear for ever.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page301">[pg 301]</span><a name="Pg301" id="Pg301" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Martianus had + observed the scene from the chamber in which he had taken refuge, and + had misunderstood it. He fancied that the girl, whom, though no + formal betrothal had bound her to him, he regarded as his own, was + going of her own accord with this Saxon robber, in whom, of course, + he recognized the champion who had saved her life at the Great + Temple. The thought stung him to madness. With all his foppery and + frivolity, he had the courage of his race. He might probably have + escaped unnoticed from the burning building. But, disdaining flight, + he rushed at Cedric, heedless of the odds which he was + challenging.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chief’s + followers, knowing their master’s temper, stood aside to let the + conflict be decided without their interference. It was fierce, but it + was brief. Martianus was a skilled swordsman, but a life of + indolence, if not of excess, had slackened his sinews and unsteadied + his nerves. He parried some of his antagonist’s blows with sufficient + adroitness, but his defence grew weaker and weaker, and he could not + save himself from one or two severe wounds. Giving way before the + fierce, unremitting attack of his antagonist, he came without knowing + it to the edge of the well, stumbled over the raised parapet that + surrounded it, and fell headlong into its depths.<a id="noteref_62" + name="noteref_62" href="#note_62"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">62</span></span></a></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page302">[pg 302]</span><a name="Pg302" id="Pg302" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sight of the + conflict had diverted Carna’s attention from the burning house. She + did not wait to see its issue, but at once quitted the precincts of + the villa. Some of the survivors of the garrison, the old priest and + his wife, and the rest of the non-combatants, followed her. Not only + did they feel that it was she who had saved them from the swords of + the Saxons, but they recognized in her calmness and courage the + qualities of a true leader, and were sure that they could not do + better than follow her guidance. Her own plans had been formed for + some time. She saw that the strength of Britain was in the great + cities. If the country, disorganized as it was, was to be made + capable again of order and self-defence, the impulse must come from + them, the centres of its civil and religious life. Londinium, where + the Count’s name was well-known and respected, and where she had some + connections of her own, was her destination. There she hoped to be + able to do something for her people.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The first step was + to leave the neighbourhood of the villa, and with the helpless + companions who now, she saw, looked to her for guidance, to make her + way to the north of the island, and from thence to the mainland. + Making a short pause till the stragglers had come up, she addressed a + few words of counsel and comfort to the fugitives.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear friends,”</span> she said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“God has delivered us <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page303">[pg 303]</span><a name="Pg303" id="Pg303" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>from the hands of the heathen, and will bring us + safe to the haven where we would be. But this is no place for us. We + will go to where we may serve Him in peace and quietness.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her clear, firm + tones, which seemed inspired with all the confidence of an + unfaltering faith, seemed to breathe in their turn new courage into + the terrified crowd. They received them with a murmur of assent, and + without an expression of fear or doubt, followed her as she led the + way to the summit of the neighbouring downs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Arrived at this + spot, she paused and turned, as if to take a last look at the scenes + in which her past life had been spent. The landscape lay calm and + smiling about her. Every feature in it was familiar to her eyes; + there was not one with which she had not some happy association. But + now the sight had lost its power; her soul was occupied with more + profound emotions. The home of her childhood lay beneath her feet, a + blackened ruin; and there, upon the sea, could be seen flashing in + the sunlight the oars of the Saxons’ departing galleys.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a contrast + full of significance, and the girl, in whose pure and enthusiastic + soul there seemed to be something of a prophetic power, caught some + of its meaning. That ruined house was the past, the days of the Roman + domination. It had had its uses, it had done its work, but it had + become corrupt and feeble, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page304">[pg + 304]</span><a name="Pg304" id="Pg304" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and + it was passing away for ever. And the future was there, symbolized in + the Saxon ships that, brightened by the sunshine, were speeding their + way, instinct, as it seemed, with a vigorous and hopeful life, across + the waters. That was the new power that was to shake this worn-out + civilization, and raise in the course of the ages a fair fabric of + its own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For the moment the + present, with all its misery and desolation, mastered the girl’s + spirit with an overpowering sense of loss. Thoughts of her ruined + home, her helpless country, and her own personal loss, though almost + unacknowledged to herself, in the final parting with the young hero + of her life, came upon her with a force which broke down all her + fortitude. She covered her face with her hands and wept.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then her fortitude + and her conscience reasserted themselves. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Courage, my friends,”</span> she cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“God hath not deserted us, nor our dear country. We have + sinned much, and we shall have much to bear. But He has chosen this + land for a great work, and He will make all things work together for + good till He has accomplished it.”</span> She was silent for a few + moments. When she began to speak again, some mighty inspiration + seemed to carry her beyond the present and out of herself. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> she cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“God hath great things in store for this dear + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page305">[pg 305]</span><a name="Pg305" + id="Pg305" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>country of ours. I see a great + blackness of darkness. From many houses, great and fair, where the + rulers of the land lived delicately, shall go up to heaven the smoke + of a great burning, and the fields shall be untilled and desolate, + and the rivers shall run red with blood. But beyond the darkness I + see a light, and the light shines upon a land that is fair as the + garden of the Lord; and therein I behold great cities thronged with + men, and in the midst of them stately houses of God, such as have + never yet been built by skill of human hand. And the people that work + and worship there are not of our race, nor yet wholly strange. For + the Lord shall make to Himself a people from out of them that know + Him not, even from the rovers of the sea; they that pull down His + Church shall build it again, and they shall carry His name to many + lands, for the sea shall be covered with their ships; and they shall + rule over the nations from the one end of heaven to the + other.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a name="fig304" + id="fig304" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><a name="fig80" id= + "fig80"></a></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <img src="images/i_343.jpg" alt="Carna on the Hillside" title= + "Carna on the Hillside." /> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Carna on the Hillside.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She sank upon her + knees, and remained wrapt in prayer, while the crowd stood round and + watched her with awe-stricken faces. When she rose again to her feet + she was calm. Resolutely she set her face from the scene of her past + life, and went her way to meet the future that lay before her.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page306">[pg 306]</span><a name="Pg306" + id="Pg306" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc81" id= + "toc81"></a> <a name="pdf82" id="pdf82"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XXX.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">AT LAST.</span></span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was nearly + sunset on the second day of the great battle of Badon Hill.<a id= + "noteref_63" name="noteref_63" href="#note_63"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">63</span></span></a> The + long, desperate fight was over, and the great British champion had + turned back for a time the tide of Saxon invasion. The heathen dead + lay, rank by rank, as they had fallen, every man in his place, in the + great wedge-like formation which had resisted all the efforts of the + Britons during the first day of the struggle, and had been with + difficulty broken through on the second.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The King was + sitting amidst a circle of his knights on the top of the hill, + resting from his toils. His cross-hilted sword stood fixed in the + ground before him. On one side lay his helmet, bearing for its crest + a dragon wrought in gold; on the other, his shield, on which was + blazoned the figure of the Virgin.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page307">[pg 307]</span><a name="Pg307" id="Pg307" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A priest + approached, walking in front of a party of four who were carrying a + litter, and who, at a sign from their leader, set it down before the + King.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord,”</span> said the priest, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I was traversing the field to see whether I could serve + any of the wounded with my ministrations, when word was brought to me + that a Saxon desired to talk with me. He could speak the British + tongue, it was told me, a thing almost unheard of among these + barbarians. I did not delay to visit the man, and finding that he + desired above all things to speak to your lordship, I took it upon + myself to order that he should be brought.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wounded man + raised himself with some difficulty, and by the help of one of the + bearers, into a sitting posture. He was of almost gigantic + proportions, and though his hair and beard were white as snow, showed + little of the waste and emaciation of age.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the King’s + knights recognized him at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I noted him,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“for a long time during the battle. He was in the front + rank, and stood close to a young chief, whose guardian he seemed to + be. I observed that he was content to ward off blows that were aimed + at the young man, but never dealt any himself. What came to him and + his charge afterwards I do not know, for the tide of battle carried + me away.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page308">[pg + 308]</span><a name="Pg308" id="Pg308" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you want?”</span> said the King.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord King,”</span> said the old man, speaking British + fluently, though with a foreign accent, <span class="tei tei-q">“the + knight speaks true. Neither to-day, nor yesterday, nor indeed through + all the years during which my people have fought with yours, have I + stained my hands with British blood. Indeed for forty years I have + not set foot on this island. But this year I was constrained to come, + for the young Prince of my people, Logrin by name, was with the army, + and his father had given him into my charge, and I could not leave + him. All day, therefore, I stood by him, and warded off the blows + with such strength and skill as I had, and when his death hour came, + for he fell on the morning of the second day, I cared no more for my + own life. So much I say that you may listen to me the more willingly, + though report says of you that you are generous, not to friends only, + but also to foes. But I have something to say that is of more moment. + Many years ago I was a prisoner in this land, having been taken by + one of the ships of Count Ælius. Many things happened to me during my + sojourn here of which it does not concern me to speak, except of + this. There was in the household of the Count a maiden, his daughter + by adoption, but of British birth, Carna by name. She was very + anxious to bring me to faith in her Master, Christ; and I was no + little moved by her words, and still <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page309">[pg 309]</span><a name="Pg309" id="Pg309" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>more by the example of her goodness. But I loved + her, and this love seemed to hinder me, for how could I tell whether + it were truth itself or the love that was persuading me? And would + not he be the basest of men who for love of a woman should leave the + faith of his fathers? So I remained, though it was half against my + own mind, in my unbelief, and when she would not take me for her + husband, being unbaptized, we parted, and I saw her no more. But her + words, and the memory of her, have dwelt with me unceasingly, and now + that God has brought me back to this land, I desire to have that + which once I refused. But tell me, my lord King, have you any + knowledge of this lady Carna?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> said the King, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + know her well, and by the ordering of God, as I do not doubt, she is + in this very place this day, for she gives her whole time to + ministering to such as are in trouble or sorrow. She shall be sent + for forthwith, and the archbishop also, who will, if he thinks fit, + administer to you the holy rite of baptism.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cedric, for as my + readers will have guessed it was he, bowed his head in assent, and + after swallowing a cordial which the King’s physician put to his + lips, sank back upon the litter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In about half an + hour Carna appeared. She was dressed in the garb of a religious + house, for she had taken the vows, and she was followed by a small + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page310">[pg 310]</span><a name="Pg310" + id="Pg310" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>company of holy women who, like + her, had devoted their lives to the service of their poor and + suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. Time had dealt gently with + her, as he often does with gentle souls. The glossy chestnut hair of + the past was changed indeed to a silvery white, and her face was + wasted with fast and vigil; but her complexion was clear and delicate + as of old, and her eyes as lustrous and deep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When she saw and + recognized the wounded man—for she did recognize him at once—a sweet + and tender smile came over her face. Her gift of intuition seemed to + tell her that her prayers were answered, and that the soul for which + her supplications had gone up day by day, from youth to age, had been + given to her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Carna,”</span> said the dying man, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“God has brought me back to you after many years, and + before it is too late. Your God is my God, and your country my + country—but not here. Once I could not own it, fearing lest my love + should be leading me into falsehood; but all things are now made + clear. But, my lord King,”</span> he went on, feebly turning his head + to Arthur, <span class="tei tei-q">“bid them make haste, for I would + be baptized before I die, and my time is short.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The priest had + departed on another errand, and the King was perplexed. The physician + whispered in his ear—</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page311">[pg + 311]</span><a name="Pg311" id="Pg311" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He has not many moments to live.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Baptize him, my lord King, yourself,”</span> said Carna; + <span class="tei tei-q">“it is lawful in case of need, and none can + do it more fittingly.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will willingly be his sponsor,”</span> said the knight + who had first spoken, <span class="tei tei-q">“for there was never + braver man wielded axe or sword.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The King dipped + his hand in a golden cup that stood on the table by his chair, + sprinkled the water thrice on the dying man, as he pronounced the + solemn formula, and signed on his forehead the sign of the Cross. He + then put the cross-shaped hilt of his sword to the lips of the newly + baptized. Cedric devoutly kissed it. The next minute he was dead.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 5.00em">THE + END.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em; margin-top: 4.50em"> + <span style="font-size: 90%">UNWIN BROTHERS, LIMITED, PRINTERS, + WOKING AND LONDON.</span></p> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-back" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div id="footnotes" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <a name="toc83" id="toc83"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Footnotes</span></h1> + + <dl class="tei tei-list-footnotes"> + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_1" name="note_1" href= + "#noteref_1">1.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A reference to the well-known + salutation of the gladiators as they passed the Emperor in his + seat at the Public Games. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ave Cæsar + Imperator! Morituri te salutant.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hail! Cæsar + Emperor, the doomed to death salute thee.</span></span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_2" name="note_2" href= + "#noteref_2">2.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Now known all over the world as + Portsmouth Harbour.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_3" name="note_3" href= + "#noteref_3">3.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Honorius and Arcadius, who ruled + over the Western and Eastern Empires respectively, were the weak + sons of the vigorous Theodosius.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_4" name="note_4" href= + "#noteref_4">4.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Marcus was the first of three + usurpers successively saluted Emperor by the legions of + Britain.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_5" name="note_5" href= + "#noteref_5">5.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Vespasian, appointed by Claudius in + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">A.D.</span></span> 52 to the command of the + second legion, had made extensive conquests in Britain adding, + among other places, the Isle of Wight (Vectis) to the + Empire.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_6" name="note_6" href= + "#noteref_6">6.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The observation of omens, or signs, + supposed to indicate the future, was one of the duties of a + commanding officer.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_7" name="note_7" href= + "#noteref_7">7.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">When one of the vine-sticks used in + administering corporal punishment to the Roman soldiers was + broken on the culprit’s back, he would at once call for another. + A milder disciplinarian would probably consider that when the + stick was broken the punishment might end.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_8" name="note_8" href= + "#noteref_8">8.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Decimation”</span> was a common military punishment + in cases of mutiny or bad behaviour on the field of battle. Every + tenth man, taken by lot, was put to death.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_9" name="note_9" href= + "#noteref_9">9.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">It would seem that the myth which + made the Empress Helena, the mother of Constantine, into a + British princess, had already grown up. She was, in fact, the + daughter of a tavern-keeper, and in no way connected with + Britain.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_10" name="note_10" + href="#noteref_10">10.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">donative</span></span> was a distribution of + money made to the soldiers on such occasions as the accession of + an Emperor.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_11" name="note_11" + href="#noteref_11">11.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Lymne, in Kent, now some miles + inward, on the edge of Romney Marsh.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_12" name="note_12" + href="#noteref_12">12.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Constantinople.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_13" name="note_13" + href="#noteref_13">13.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">His capital is said to have been + near the ancient Caieta and modern Gaieta.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_14" name="note_14" + href="#noteref_14">14.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The <span class= + "tei tei-q">“five”</span> are, Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus + Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, whose united reigns extended from 97 + to 180 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">A.D.</span></span>—a period of peace and + prosperity such as Rome never enjoyed again.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_15" name="note_15" + href="#noteref_15">15.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The hills that run as far as Arreton + and the valley of the Medina.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_16" name="note_16" + href="#noteref_16">16.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Brading Haven.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_17" name="note_17" + href="#noteref_17">17.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The villa consisted, it will be + seen, of the three parts which were commonly found in + establishments of this kind. These were called respectively the + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Urbana</span></span>, + containing the rooms in which the family resided, and including + also the garden terraces, &c.; the <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Rustica</span></span>, occupied by slaves + and workmen but in this case, as will be seen, partly used for + another purpose; and the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Fructuaria</span></span>, containing cellars + for wine, &c., barns, granaries, and storehouses of various + kinds.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_18" name="note_18" + href="#noteref_18">18.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The British bishops were notoriously + poor, and their clergy were doubtless still more slenderly + provided for.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_19" name="note_19" + href="#noteref_19">19.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Lutetia Parisiorum, now Paris.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_20" name="note_20" + href="#noteref_20">20.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Now Lyons.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_21" name="note_21" + href="#noteref_21">21.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Elbe.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_22" name="note_22" + href="#noteref_22">22.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Probably the Channel Islands, always + a dangerous place for navigation.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_23" name="note_23" + href="#noteref_23">23.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Perhaps something like the early + Saxon poem which we know under the name of Beowulf.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_24" name="note_24" + href="#noteref_24">24.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Possibly the reason why so much + buried money belonging to the later days of the Roman occupation + of Britain has been found.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_25" name="note_25" + href="#noteref_25">25.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Ireland. A similar incident is + mentioned by Tacitus in his life of Agricola. An Irish petty + king, driven from his throne by internal troubles, came to the + Roman general and promised, if he were restored, to bring the + island under the dominion of Rome. This is the first notice of + the country that occurs in history.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_26" name="note_26" + href="#noteref_26">26.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This was exactly what had happened + not many years before to St. Patrick, the Apostle of + Ireland.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_27" name="note_27" + href="#noteref_27">27.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Probably somewhere near + Wexford.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_28" name="note_28" + href="#noteref_28">28.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">With us tables are cleared after a + meal; with the Romans they seem to have been actually + removed.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_29" name="note_29" + href="#noteref_29">29.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Theodosius ordered a massacre at + Thessalonica on account of some offence offered to him by the + populace of that city.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_30" name="note_30" + href="#noteref_30">30.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Chichester.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_31" name="note_31" + href="#noteref_31">31.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Pevensey.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_32" name="note_32" + href="#noteref_32">32.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Boulogne.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_33" name="note_33" + href="#noteref_33">33.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Commonly known by his Romanized name + of Caractacus.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_34" name="note_34" + href="#noteref_34">34.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Streets of Rome.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_35" name="note_35" + href="#noteref_35">35.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This river, of course, must have + been the Avon.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_36" name="note_36" + href="#noteref_36">36.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Winchester.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_37" name="note_37" + href="#noteref_37">37.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Salisbury.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_38" name="note_38" + href="#noteref_38">38.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Now known as Downton, a small market + town, about five miles south of Salisbury.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_39" name="note_39" + href="#noteref_39">39.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A trilith consists of two upright + stones with a third placed across.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_40" name="note_40" + href="#noteref_40">40.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“How say ye + then to my soul that she should flee as a bird unto the + hill?”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Psalm</span></span> xi. 1.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_41" name="note_41" + href="#noteref_41">41.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Commonly called Jerome.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_42" name="note_42" + href="#noteref_42">42.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">John Chrysostom, at Antioch 386-398, + at Constantinople 398-404.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_43" name="note_43" + href="#noteref_43">43.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Winchester.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_44" name="note_44" + href="#noteref_44">44.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Calleva Attrebatium, now known as + Silchester, one of the most perfect specimens of a Roman camp to + be seen in this country.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_45" name="note_45" + href="#noteref_45">45.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Princeps Civitatis.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_46" name="note_46" + href="#noteref_46">46.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The wall of Antoninus, built to + defend Northern Britain from the Caledonians, and held by Roman + forces till far on in the fourth century.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_47" name="note_47" + href="#noteref_47">47.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Daniel iii. 19.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_48" name="note_48" + href="#noteref_48">48.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">It may be as well to say a few words + about Stilicho. He was the son of a Vandal captain, and attracted + by his skill and courage the favourable notice of the Emperor + Theodosius, who gave him his niece Serena in marriage. His + influence continued to increase, and in course of time Theodosius + made him and his wife guardians of his young son Honorius, whom + he shortly afterwards proclaimed Augustus, and Emperor of the + West. In 394 Theodosius died, and the Empire was divided between + his two sons, Honorius taking the West and Arcadius the East. + Stilicho’s daughter Maria was now betrothed to Honorius, and his + influence continued to increase. He restored peace to the Empire, + conquering the Franks, chastising the Saxon pirates, and driving + back, it is said, the Picts and Scots from Britain by the very + terror of his name. For six years (398-404) he was engaged in a + struggle with Alaric, King of the Goths, over whom he won, in the + year 403, a great victory at Pollentia, near the modern Turin, + and whom he defeated again in the following year under the walls + of Verona. He is said to have conceived the idea of securing the + Empire for his own son, and for this purpose to have entered into + intrigues with his old enemy Alaric. However this may be, it is + certain that he fell into disgrace. His end is related in this + chapter. The poet Claudian employed himself in writing the + praises of Stilicho and invectives against his rivals Rufinus and + Eutropius.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_49" name="note_49" + href="#noteref_49">49.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: left">“Stilichonis apex et cognita + fulsit</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: left">Canities.”</span> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-q">“There shone Stilicho’s towering + head and well-known locks of white”</span>—a passage quoted + from Claudian by D’Israeli, with exquisite propriety, in his + eulogium on the Duke of Wellington, in the House of Commons, + November, 1852. + </dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_50" name="note_50" + href="#noteref_50">50.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In one of Æsop’s fables, a + trumpeter, taken prisoner, begs for his life, pleading that he + has never struck a blow in battle; but is told that he has done + much worse in encouraging others to fight by his martial + music.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_51" name="note_51" + href="#noteref_51">51.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A tribe that occupied a region + included in what is now known as Russian Poland.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_52" name="note_52" + href="#noteref_52">52.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Serena was wife to Stilicho, and, as + has been said before, niece to the Emperor Theodosius.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_53" name="note_53" + href="#noteref_53">53.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Imperial standard (see page + 21).</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_54" name="note_54" + href="#noteref_54">54.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Business to-morrow.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_55" name="note_55" + href="#noteref_55">55.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Forest of Anderida occupied a + great part of Hampshire and nearly the whole of Sussex, except a + strip of land along the coast. It must have measured a hundred + miles from east to west.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_56" name="note_56" + href="#noteref_56">56.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The Black Forest, part of which was + known to the Romans.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_57" name="note_57" + href="#noteref_57">57.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">July 21st.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_58" name="note_58" + href="#noteref_58">58.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This is the translation of a passage + from the first book of an unfinished poem by Claudian, entitled + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">De Raptu + Proserpinæ</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-q">“The Carrying + off Proserpine.”</span> It is an amplification of the legend that + Pluto, god of the region of the dead, carried off Proserpine, + daughter of Ceres, to be his wife and queen, while she was + gathering flowers in the fields of Enna in Sicily. The passage + translated occurs in the first book, and describes the tapestry + with which Proserpine is busy, as a gift to her absent mother. + The poem breaks off in the third book, while relating the search + which the mother makes for her lost daughter.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_59" name="note_59" + href="#noteref_59">59.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This was actually done about this + time, and with the result foreshadowed in the conversation given + above.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_60" name="note_60" + href="#noteref_60">60.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Carausius had held, towards the end + of the third century, the same command as that of the Count of + the Saxon Shore, had rebelled against the Emperor, made himself + master of Britain and all the Western Seas, and had then + proclaimed himself Augustus. The Emperor Diocletian made several + attempts to reduce him, but, finding that this could not be done, + acknowledged him as a partner in the Empire. Six years later + Carausius was murdered by one of his lieutenants, Allectus, who + doubtless hoped thus to bring himself into favour at Rome.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_61" name="note_61" + href="#noteref_61">61.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Mantelet: a shield of wood, metal, + or rope, for the protection of sappers, &c.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_62" name="note_62" + href="#noteref_62">62.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A skeleton has been found in the + well of the Brading Villa.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_63" name="note_63" + href="#noteref_63">63.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The battle of Badon Hill, fought in + 451, seems to be a well authenticated historical fact. King + Arthur defeated the Saxons after a fierce conflict which lasted + for two days. Badon Hill is near Bath.</dd> + </dl> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="boxed tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="pdf84" id="pdf84"></a><a name="toc85" id="toc85"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Transcriber’s Note</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Variations in + hyphenation (<span class="tei tei-q">“countryside”</span>, + <span class="tei tei-q">“country-side”</span>; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“headquarters”</span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“head-quarters”</span>) have not been changed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Other changes, + which have been made to the text:</p> + + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr019" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 19</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“tomount”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“to mount”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr023" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 23</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“mishap.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr033" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 33</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lasetrygones”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Laestrygones”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr076" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 76</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“asid”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“said”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr079" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 79</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“letter-carriers.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr087" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 87</a>, single quote mark changed to double + quote mark after <span class="tei tei-q">“long.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr111" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 111</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“oga”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“toga”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr115" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 115</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“free.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr139" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 139</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“wanted.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr156" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 156</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“eemed”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“seemed”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr157" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 157</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“greal”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“great”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr178" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 178</a>, period added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sorbiodunum”</span>, comma changed to period after + <a href="#corr178a" class="tei tei-ref"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“them”</span></a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr233" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 233</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“man.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr255" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 255</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Or”</span> + changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“On”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr288" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 288</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“inot”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“into”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr297" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 297</a>, quote mark added after <span class= + "tei tei-q">“man,”</span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE COUNT OF THE SAXON SHORE*** +</pre> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader86" id="rightpageheader86"></a><a name= + "pgtoc87" id="pgtoc87"></a><a name="pdf88" id="pdf88"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Credits</span></h1> + + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <th 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