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A Tale of Rome and Judæa by G. + J. Whyte-Melville</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 3.00em; margin-bottom: 3.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This ebook is + for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most + other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no + restrictions whatsoever. 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>. If you are + not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws + of the country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> + </div> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 3.00em; margin-bottom: 3.00em"> +Title: The Gladiators. A Tale of Rome and Judæa + +Author: G. J. Whyte-Melville + +Release Date: December 30, 2014 [Ebook #47822] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GLADIATORS. A TALE OF ROME AND JUDÆA*** +</pre> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"></div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-right: 4.00em; margin-left: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Of this + Edition of Whyte-Melville’s Works One Thousand and Fifty Copies only + have been printed by Morrison and Gibb Limited, Edinburgh, who have + distributed the type</span></span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">THE WORKS + OF</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">G. J. WHYTE-MELVILLE</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">EDITED BY</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Sir HERBERT MAXWELL, + Bart.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + VOLUME XXII.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <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">THE GLADIATORS</p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_004.png"><img src="images/i_004.png" alt= + "Illustration: Monogram" /></a> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + </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="frontispiece" id= + "frontispiece" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_007.jpg"><img src="images/i_007.jpg" alt= + "Illustration: ‘The Briton watching his opportunity seized the bit in his powerful grasp.’" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + ‘The Briton watching his opportunity seized the bit in his + powerful grasp.’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/cover.jpg"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt= + "Illustration: Title page" /></a> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-titlePage" style="text-align: center"> + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><span class= + "tei tei-docTitle" style="text-align: center"><span class= + "tei tei-titlePart" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%">THE GLADIATORS</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 144%">A TALE OF ROME AND + JUDÆA</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + + <div class="tei tei-byline" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">BY</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docAuthor" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">G. J. + WHYTE-MELVILLE</span></span> + </div><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS + BY HARRINGTON BIRD</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docImprint" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-pubPlace" style= + "text-align: center">LONDON</span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-publisher" style="text-align: center">W. THACKER + & CO., 2 CREED LANE, E.C.</span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-pubPlace" style="text-align: center">CALCUTTA: + THACKER, SPINK & CO.</span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-date" style= + "text-align: center">1901</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: 90%; font-style: italic">All rights + reserved</span></span></span> + + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></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="pageix">[pg ix]</span><a name="Pgix" id= + "Pgix" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc1" id= + "toc1"></a><a name="pdf2" id="pdf2"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CONTENTS</span></h1> + + <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"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">EROS</span></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + </tr> + + <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">THE IVORY GATE</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">THE MARBLE PORCH</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg006" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">6</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">III.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">HERMES</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg015" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">15</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">IV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">APHRODITÉ</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg020" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">20</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">V.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">ROME</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg028" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">28</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 WORSHIP OF ISIS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg036" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">36</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">TRUTH</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg046" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">46</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 JEW</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg055" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">55</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 ROMAN</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg061" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">61</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">X.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A TRIBUNE OF THE LEGIONS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg071" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">71</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">STOLEN WATERS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg081" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">81</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">MYRRHINA</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg086" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">86</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">NOLENS—VOLENS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg095" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">95</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">CÆSAR</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg100" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">100</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">RED FALERNIAN</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg108" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">108</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 TRAINING-SCHOOL</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg117" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">117</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A VEILED HEART</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg125" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">125</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">WINGED WORDS</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">XIX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE ARENA</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">XX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE TRIDENT AND THE NET</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg155" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">155</a></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table><span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagex">[pg x]</span><a name= + "Pgx" id="Pgx" 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"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">ANTEROS</span></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + </tr> + + <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">THE LISTENING SLAVE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg163" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">163</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">II.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">ATTACK AND DEFENCE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg172" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">172</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">III.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“FURENS QUID + FŒMINA”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg179" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">179</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 LOVING CUP</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg186" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">186</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">V.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">SURGIT AMARI</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">VI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">DEAD LEAVES</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg200" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">200</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“HABET!”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg209" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">209</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">TOO LATE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg214" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">214</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 LURE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg221" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">221</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">X.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">FROM SCYLLA TO CHARYBDIS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg229" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">229</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 RULES OF THE FAMILY</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg238" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">238</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A MASTER OF FENCE</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">XIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE ESQUILINE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg252" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">252</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 CHURCH</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg260" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">260</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">REDIVIVUS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg269" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">269</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“MORITURI”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg280" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">280</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 GERMAN GUARD</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg286" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">286</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 BUSINESS OF CÆSAR</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">XIX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">AT BAY</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg300" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">300</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE FAIR HAVEN</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg307" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">307</a></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table><span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagexi">[pg xi]</span><a name= + "Pgxi" id="Pgxi" 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"></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">MOIRA</span></span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell"></td> + </tr> + + <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 HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg311" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">311</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">II.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE LION OF JUDAH</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg321" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">321</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">III.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE WISDOM OF THE SERPENT</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg330" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">330</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 MASTERS OF THE WORLD</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg338" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">338</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">V.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">GLAD TIDINGS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg345" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">345</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">WINE ON THE LEES</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg352" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">352</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">VII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE ATTAINDER</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg360" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">360</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 SANHEDRIM</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg368" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">368</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 PAVED HALL</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg376" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">376</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">X.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">A ZEALOT OF THE ZEALOTS</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg384" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">384</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 DOOMED CITY</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg392" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">392</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">DESOLATION</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg398" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">398</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIII.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE LEGION OF THE LOST</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg406" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">406</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XIV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">FAITH</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg416" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">416</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XV.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">FANATICISM</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg423" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">423</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XVI.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">DAWN</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg427" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">427</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 FIRST STONE</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg435" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">435</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 COST OF CONQUEST</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg440" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">440</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 GATHERING OF THE EAGLES</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg446" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">446</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right">XX.</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell">THE VICTORY</td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#Pg453" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">453</a></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgxii" id="Pgxii" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagexiii">[pg xiii]</span><a name= + "Pgxiii" id="Pgxiii" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc3" id= + "toc3"></a> <a name="pdf4" id="pdf4"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; 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"></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"><span class="tei tei-q">“THE BRITON, + WATCHING HIS OPPORTUNITY, SEIZED THE BIT IN HIS POWERFUL + GRASP”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#frontispiece" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: right"><span style="font-style: italic">Coloured + Frontispiece</span></span></a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘HAVE AT HIM! GOOD DOGS!’</span> ”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_020" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">2</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“LICINIUS + HOLDS THE BRITISH MAIDEN TO HIS BREAST”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_082" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">63</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“WITH A SHORT + LABOURING TROT HE MOVES ACROSS THE ARENA”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_172" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">150</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘YOU ARE SAFE,’</span> SHE SAID”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_220" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">197</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“SHE WAS + ACCOSTED BY A DARK SALLOW OLD WOMAN”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_246" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">221</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“HER EYES GREW + DIM, HER SENSES SEEMED FAILING”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_282" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">255</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘THEIR POINTS ARE POISONED,’</span> HE + SHOUTED”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_334" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">304</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“SHE WALKED + BOLDLY UP TO HIM”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_438" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">407</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-row"> + <td class="tei tei-cell"><span class="tei tei-q">“SANK DOWN + HELPLESS ON THE PAVEMENT AT HIS FEET”</span></td> + + <td class="tei tei-cell" style="text-align: right"><a href= + "#i_472" class="tei tei-ref" style= + "text-align: right">439</a></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgxiv" id="Pgxiv" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-body" style= + "margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgxv" id="Pgxv" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.73em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">THE GLADIATORS</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div><a name="Pgxvi" id="Pgxvi" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page1">[pg + 1]</span><a name="Pg001" id="Pg001" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.73em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">THE GLADIATORS</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc5" id="toc5"></a> <a name="pdf6" id="pdf6"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%; font-weight: 700">Eros</span></span></h1> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <a name="toc7" id="toc7"></a> <a name="pdf8" id="pdf8"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER I</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE IVORY GATE</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_018.png"><img src="images/i_018.png" alt= + "Initial D" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dark and stern, + in their weird beauty, lower the sad brows of the Queen of Hell. + Dear to her are the pomp and power, the shadowy vastness, and the + terrible splendour of the nether world. Dear to her the pride of + her unbending consort; and doubly dear the wide imperial sway, that + rules the immortal destinies of souls. But dearer far than + these—dearer than flashing crown and fiery sceptre, and throne of + blazing gold—are the memories that glimmer bright as sunbeams + athwart those vistas of gloomy grandeur, and seem to fan her weary + spirit like a fresh breeze from the realms of upper earth. She has + not forgotten, she never can forget, the dewy flowers, the blooming + fragrance of lavish Sicily, nor the sparkling sea, and the summer + haze, and the golden harvests that wave and whisper in the garden + and granary of the world. Then a sad smile steals over the haughty + face; the stern beauty softens in the gleam, and, for a while, the + daughter of Ceres is a laughing girl once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So the Ivory + Gate swings back, and gentle doves come forth on snowy wings, + flying upwards through the gloom, to bear balm and consolation to + the weary and the wounded and the lost. Now this was the dream the + birds of Peace brought with them, to soothe the broken spirit of a + sleeping slave.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page2">[pg + 2]</span><a name="Pg002" id="Pg002" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old boar has + turned to bay at last. Long and severe has been the chase; through + many an echoing woodland, down many a sunny glade, by copse and + dingle, rock and cave, through splashing stream, and deep, dank, + quivering morass, the large rough hounds have tracked him, unerring + and pitiless, till they have set him up here, against the trunk of + the old oak-tree, and he has turned—a true British denizen of the + waste—to sell his life dearly, and fight unconquered to the last. + His small eye glows like a burning coal; the stiff bristles are up + along his huge black body, flecked with white froth that he churns + and throws about him, as he offers those curved and ripping tusks, + now to one, now to another of his crowding, baying, leaping + foes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Have at him! Good dogs!”</span> shouts the hunter, + running in with a short, broad-bladed boar-spear in his hand. + Breathless is he, and wearied with the long miles of tangled + forests he has traversed; but his heart is glad within him, and his + blood tingles with a strange wild thrill of triumph known only to + the votaries of the chase.</p><a name="i_020" id="i_020" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_020.png"><img src="images/i_020.png" alt= + "Illustration: “Have at him good dogs”" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; text-align: center; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“Have at him + good dogs”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gelert is down, + torn and mangled from flank to dewlap; Luath has the wild swine by + the throat; and a foot of gleaming steel, driven home by a young, + powerful arm, has entered behind the neck and pierces downwards to + the very brisket. The shaft of the spear snaps short across, as the + thick unwieldy body turns slowly over, and the boar shivers out his + life on the smooth sward, soft and green as velvet, that exists + nowhere but in Britain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The dream + changes. The boar has disappeared, and the woodland gives place to + a fair and smiling plain. Vast herds of shaggy red cattle are + browsing contentedly, with their wide-horned heads to the breeze; + flocks of sheep dot the green undulating pastures, that stretch + away towards the sea. A gull turns its white wing against the clear + blue sky; there is a hum of insects in the air, mingled with the + barking of dogs, the lowing of kine, the laughter of women, and + other sounds of peace, abundance, and content. A child is playing + round its mother’s knee—a child with frank bold brow and golden + curls, and large blue fearless eyes, sturdy of limb, quick of + gesture, fond, imperious, and wilful. The mother, a tall woman, + with a beautiful but mournful face, is gazing steadfastly at the + sea, and seems unconscious of her boy’s caresses, who is fondling + and kissing the white hand he holds in both his own. Her large + shapely figure is draped in snowy robes that trail upon the ground, + and massive ornaments of gold encircle arms and ankles. At + intervals she looks fondly down <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page3">[pg 3]</span><a name="Pg003" id="Pg003" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>upon the child; but ever her face resumes its + wistful expression, as she fixes her eyes again upon the sea. There + is nothing of actual sorrow in that steadfast gaze—still less of + impatience, or anger, or discontent. Memory is the prevailing + sentiment portrayed—memory, tender, absorbing, irresistible, + without a ray of hope, but without a shadow of self-reproach. There + is a statue of Mnemosyne at one of the entrances to the Forum that + carries on its marble brow the same crushing weight of thought; + that wears on its delicate features, graven into the saddest of + beauty by the Athenian’s chisel, just such a weary and despondent + look. Where can the British child have seen those tasteful spoils + of Greece that deck her imperial mistress? And yet he thinks of + that statue as he looks up in his mother’s face. But the fair tall + woman shivers and draws her robe closer about her, and taking the + child in her arms, nestles his head against her bosom and covers + him over with her draperies, for the wind blows moist and chill, + the summer air is white with driving mist, huge shapeless forms + loom through the haze, and the busy sounds of life and laughter + have subsided into the stillness of a vast and dreary plain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The child and + its mother have disappeared, but a tall, strong youth, just + entering upon manhood, with the same blue eyes and fearless brow, + is present in their stead. He is armed for the first time with the + weapons of a warrior. He has seen blows struck in anger now, and + fronted the legions as they advanced, and waged his fearless + unskilful valour against the courage, and the tactics, and the + discipline of Rome. So he is invested with sword, and helm, and + target, and takes his place, not without boyish pride, amongst the + young warriors who encircle the hallowed spot where the Druids + celebrate their solemn and mysterious rites.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The mist comes + thicker still, driving over the plain in waves of vapour, that + impart a ghostly air of motion to the stones that tower erect + around the mystic circle. Grey, moss-grown, and unhewn, hand of man + seems never to have desecrated those mighty blocks of granite, + standing there, changeless and awful, like types of eternity. Dim + and indistinct are they as the worship they guard. Hard and stern + as the pitiless faith of sacrifice, vengeance, and oblation, + inculcated at their base. A wild low chant comes wailing on the + breeze, and through the gathering mist a long line of white-robed + priests winds slowly into the circle. Stern and gloomy are they of + aspect, lofty of stature, and large of limb, with long grey beards + and tresses waving in the wind. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page4">[pg 4]</span><a name="Pg004" id="Pg004" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Each wears a crown of oak-leaves round his + head; each grasps a wand covered with ivy in his hand. The youth + cannot resist an exclamation of surprise. There is desecration in + his thought, there is profanity in his words. Louder and louder + swells the chant. Closer and closer still contracts the circle. The + white-robed priests are hemming him in to the very centre of the + mystic ring, and see! the sacrificial knife is already bared and + whetted, and flourished in the air by a long brawny arm. The young + warrior strives to fly. Horror! his feet refuse to stir, his hands + cleave powerless to his sides. He seems turning to stone. A vague + fear paralyses him that he too will become one of those granite + masses to stand there motionless during eternity. His heart stops + beating within him, and the transformation seems about to be + completed, when lo! a warlike peal of trumpets breaks the spell, + and he shakes his spear aloft and leaps gladly from the earth, + exulting in the sense of life and motion once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again the dream + changes. Frenzied priest and Druidical stone have vanished like the + mist that encircled them. It is a beautiful balmy night in June. + The woods are black and silver in the moonlight. Not a breath of + air stirs the topmost twigs of the lofty elm cut clear and distinct + against the sky. Not a ripple blurs the surface of the lake, spread + out and gleaming like a sheet of polished steel. The bittern calls + at intervals from the adjacent marsh, and the nightingale carols in + the copse. All is peaceful and beautiful, and suggestive of + enjoyment or repose. Yet here, lying close amongst the foxglove and + the fern, long lines of white-robed warriors are waiting but the + signal for assault. And yonder, where the earthwork rises dark and + level against the sky, paces to and fro a high-crested sentinel, + watching over the safety of the eagles, with the calm and ceaseless + vigilance of that discipline which has made the legionaries masters + of the world.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Once more the + trumpets peal; the only sound to be heard in that array of tents, + drawn up with such order and precision, behind the works, except + the footfall of the Roman guard, firm and regular, as it relieves + the previous watch. In a short space that duty will be performed; + and then, if ever, must the attack be made with any probability of + success. Youth is impatient of delay—the young warrior’s pulse + beats audibly, and he feels the edge of his blade and the point of + his short-handled javelin, with an intensity of longing that is + absolutely painful. At length the word is passed from rank to rank. + Like the crest of a sea-wave breaking into foam, rises that + wavering line of white, rolling its length out in the moonlight, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page5">[pg 5]</span><a name="Pg005" + id="Pg005" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>as man after man springs + erect at the touch of his comrade; and then a roar of voices, a + rush of feet, and the wave dashes up and breaks against the steady + solid resistance of the embankment. But discipline is not to be + caught thus napping. Ere the echo of their trumpets has died out + among the distant hills, the legionaries stand to their arms + throughout the camp. Already the rampart gleams and bristles with + shield and helmet, javelin, sword, and spear. Already the eagle is + awake and defiant; unruffled, indeed, in plumage, but with beak and + talons bare and whetted for defence. The tall centurions marshal + their men in line even and regular, as though about to defile by + the throne of Cæsar, rather than to repel the attack of a wild + barbarian foe. The tribunes, with their golden crests, take up + their appointed posts in the four corners of the camp; while the + prætor himself gives his orders calm and unmoved from the + centre.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Over the roar of + the swarming Britons sounds the clear trumpet-note pealing out its + directions, concise and intelligible as a living voice, and heard + by the combatants far and wide, inspiring courage and confidence, + and order in the confusion. Brandishing their long swords, the + white-clad warriors of Britain rush tumultuously to the attack. + Already, they have filled the ditch and scaled the earthwork; but + once and again they recoil from the steady front and rigid + discipline of the invader, while the short stabbing sword of the + Roman soldier, covered as he is by his ample shield, does fearful + execution at close quarters. But still fresh assailants pour in, + and the camp is carried and overrun. The young warrior rushes + exulting to and fro, and the enemy falls in heaps before him. Such + moments are worth whole years of peaceful life. He has reached the + prætorium. He is close beneath the eagles, and he leaps wildly at + them to bring them off in triumph as trophies of his victory. But a + grim centurion strikes him to the earth. Wounded, faint, and + bleeding, he is carried away by his comrades, the shaft of the + Roman standard in his hand. They bear him to a war-chariot, they + lash the wild galloping steeds, the roll of the wheels thunders in + his ears as they dash tumultuously across the plain, and then ... + the gentle mission is fulfilled, the doves fly down again to + Proserpine, and the young, joyous, triumphant warrior of Britain + wakes up a Roman slave.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page6">[pg 6]</span><a name="Pg006" + id="Pg006" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc9" id= + "toc9"></a> <a name="pdf10" id="pdf10"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER II</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE MARBLE PORCH</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the sound + of a chariot, truly enough, that roused the dreamer from his + slumbers; but how different the scene on which his drowsy eyes + unclosed, from that which fancy had conjured up in the shadowy + realms of sleep!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A beautiful + portico, supported on slender columns of smooth white marble, + protected him from the rays of the morning sun, already pouring + down with the intensity of Italian heat. Garlands of leaves and + flowers, cool and fresh in their contrast with the snowy surface of + these dainty pillars, were wreathed around their stems, and twined + amongst the delicate carving of their Corinthian capitals. Large + stone vases, urn-shaped and massive, stood in long array at stated + intervals, bearing the orange-tree, the myrtle, and other + dark-green flowering shrubs, which formed a fair perspective of + retirement and repose. Shapely statues filled the niches in the + wall, or stood out more prominently in the vacant spaces of the + colonnade. Here cowered a marble Venus, in the shamefaced + consciousness of unequalled beauty; there stood forth a bright + Apollo, exulting in the perfection of godlike symmetry and grace. + Rome could not finger the chisel like her instructress Greece, the + mother of the Arts, but the hand that firmly grasps the sword need + never want for anything skill produces, or genius creates, or gold + can buy; so it is no marvel that the masterpieces and treasures of + the nations she subdued found their way to the Imperial City, + mistress of the world. Even where the sleeper lay reclined upon a + couch of curiously-carved wood from the forests that clothe Mount + Hymettus, an owl so beautifully chiseled that its very + breast-plumage seemed to ruffle in the breeze, looked down upon him + from a niche where it had been placed at a cost that might have + bought a dozen such human chattels as himself; for it had been + brought from Athens as the most successful effort of a sculptor, + who had devoted it to the honour of Minerva in his zeal. + Refinement, luxury, nay, profusion, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page7">[pg 7]</span><a name="Pg007" id="Pg007" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>reigned paramount even here outside the + sumptuous dwelling of a Roman lady: and the very ground in her + porch over which she was borne, for she seldom touched it with her + feet, was fresh swept and sanded as often as it had been disturbed + by the tread of her litter-bearers, or the wheels of her + chariot.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many a time was + this ceremony performed in the twenty-four hours; for Valeria was a + woman of noble rank, great possessions, and the highest fashion. + Not a vanity of her sex, not a folly was there of her class, in + which she scrupled to indulge; and then, as now, ladies were prone + to rush into extremes, and frivolity, when it took the garb of a + female, assumed preposterous dimensions, and a thirst for + amusement, incompatible with reason or self-control.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is always + a certain hush, and, as it were, a pompous stillness, about the + houses of the great, even long after inferior mortals are astir in + pursuit of their pleasure or their business. To-day was Valeria’s + birthday, and as such was duly observed by the hanging of garlands + on the pillars of her porch; but after the completion of this + graceful ceremony, silence seemed to have sunk once more upon the + household, and the slave whose dream we have recorded, coming into + her gates with an offering from his lord, and finding no domestics + in the way, had sat him down to wait in the grateful shade, and, + overcome with heat, might have slept on till noon had he not been + roused by the grinding chariot-wheels, which mingled so confusedly + with his dream.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was no + plebeian vehicle that now rolled into the colonnade, driven at a + furious pace, and stopping so abruptly as to create considerable + confusion and insubordination amongst the noble animals that drew + it. The car, mounted on two wheels, was constructed of a + highly-polished wood, cut from the wild fig-tree, elaborately + inlaid with ivory and gold; the very spokes and felloes of the + wheels were carved in patterns of vine-leaves and flowers, whilst + the extremities of the pole, the axle, and the yoke, were wrought + into exquisite representations of the wolf’s head, an animal, from + historical reasons, ever dear to the fancy of the Roman. There was + but one person besides the driver in the carriage, and so light a + draught might indeed command any rate of speed, when whirled along + by four such horses as now plunged and reared and bit each other’s + crests in the portico of Valeria’s mansion. These were of a milky + white, with dark muzzles, and a bluish tinge under the coat, + denoting its soft texture, and the Eastern origin of the animals. + Some<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page8">[pg 8]</span><a name= + "Pg008" id="Pg008" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>what thick of neck + and shoulders, with semicircular jowl, it was the broad and + tapering head, the small quivering ear, the wide red nostril, that + demonstrated the purity of their blood, and argued extraordinary + powers of speed and endurance; while their short, round backs, + prominent muscles, flat legs, and dainty feet, promised an amount + of strength and activity only to be attained by the production of + perfect symmetry. These beautiful animals were harnessed four + abreast—the inner pair, somewhat in the fashion of our modern + curricle, being yoked to the pole, of which the very fastening-pins + were steel overlaid with gold, whilst the outer horses, drawing + only from a trace attached respectively on the inner side of each + to the axle of the chariot, were free to wheel their quarters + outwards in every direction, and kick to their heart’s content—a + liberty of which, in the present instance, they seemed well + disposed to avail themselves.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave + started to his feet as the nearest horse winced and swerved aside + from his unexpected figure, snorting the while in mingled + wantonness and fear. The axle grazed his tunic while it passed, and + the driver, irritated at his horses’ unsteadiness, or perhaps in + the mere insolence of a great man’s favourite, struck at him + heavily with his whip as he went by. The Briton’s blood boiled at + the indignity; but his sinewy arm was up like lightning to parry + the blow, and as the lash curled round his wrist he drew the weapon + quickly from the driver’s hand, and would have returned the insult + with interest, had he not been deterred from his purpose by the + youthful, effeminate appearance of the aggressor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I cannot strike a girl!”</span> exclaimed the slave + contemptuously, throwing the whip at the same time into the floor + of the chariot, where it lit at the feet of the other occupant, a + sumptuously-dressed nobleman, who enjoyed the discomfiture of his + charioteer, with the loud frank glee of a master jeering a + dependant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well said, my hero!”</span> laughed the patrician, + adding in good-humoured, though haughty tones, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not that I would give much for the chance of man or + woman in a grasp like yours. By Jupiter! you’ve got the arms and + shoulders of Antæus! Who owns you, my good fellow? and what do you + here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, I would strike him again to some purpose if I + were on the ground with him,”</span> interrupted the charioteer, a + handsome, petulant youth of some sixteen summers, whose long + flowing curls and rich scarlet mantle denoted a pampered + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page9">[pg 9]</span><a name="Pg009" + id="Pg009" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and favourite slave. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Gently, Scipio! So-ho, <a name="corr009" + id="corr009" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">Jugurtha!</span> The horses will fret for an hour + now they have been scared by his ugly face.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Better let him alone, Automedon!”</span> observed his + master, again shaking his sides at the obvious discomfiture + portrayed on the flushed face of his favourite. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Through your life keep clear of a man when he shuts + his mouth like that, as you would of an ox with a wisp of hay on + his horn. You silly boy! why he would swallow such a slender frame + as yours at a gulp: and nobody but a fool ever strikes at a man + unless he knows he can reach him, ay, and punish him too, without + hurting his own knuckles in return! But what do you here, good + fellow?”</span> he repeated, addressing himself once more to the + slave, who stood erect, scanning his questioner with a fearless, + though respectful eye.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My master is your friend,”</span> was the outspoken + answer. <span class="tei tei-q">“You supped with him only the night + before last. But a man need not be in the household of Licinius, + not have spent his best years at Rome, to know the face of Julius + Placidus, the tribune.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A smile of + gratified vanity stole over the patrician’s countenance while he + listened; a smile that had the effect of imparting to its + lineaments an expression at once mocking, crafty, and malicious. In + repose, and such was its usual condition, the face was almost + handsome, perfect in its regularity, and of a fixed, sedate + composure which bordered on vacuity, but when disturbed, as it + sometimes, though rarely, was, by a passing emotion, the smile that + passed over it like a lurid gleam, became truly diabolical.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave was + right. Amongst all the notorious personages who crowded and jostled + each other in the streets of Rome at that stormy period, none was + better known, none more courted, flattered, honoured, hated, and + mistrusted, than the occupant of the gilded chariot. It was no time + for men to wear their hearts in their hands—it was no time to make + an additional enemy, or to lose a possible friend. Since the death + of Tiberius, emperor had succeeded emperor with alarming rapidity. + Nero had indeed died by his own hand, to avoid the just retribution + of unexampled vices and crimes; but the poisoned mushroom had + carried off his predecessor, and the old man who succeeded him fell + by the weapons of the very guards he had enlisted to protect his + grey head from violence. Since then another suicide had indued + Vitellius with the purple; but the throne of the Cæsars was fast + becoming synonymous with a scaffold, and the sword of <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page10">[pg 10]</span><a name="Pg010" id="Pg010" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Damocles quivered more menacingly, and + on a slenderer hair than ever, over the diadem.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When great + political convulsions agitate a State, already seething with + general vice and luxury, the moral scum seems, by a law of nature, + to float invariably to the surface—the characters most destitute of + principle, the readiest to obey the instincts of + self-aggrandisement and expediency, achieve a kind of spurious + fame, a doubtful and temporary success. Under the rule of Nero, + perhaps, there was but one path to Court favour, and that lay in + the disgraceful attempt to vie with this emperor’s brutalities and + crimes. The palace of Cæsar was then indeed a sink of foul iniquity + and utter degradation. The sycophant who could most readily reduce + himself to the level of a beast in gross sensuality, while he + boasted a demon’s refinement of cruelty, and morbid depravity of + heart, became the first favourite for the time with his imperial + master. To be fat, slothful, weak, gluttonous, and effeminate, + while the brow was crowned with roses, and the brain was drenched + with wine, and the hands were steeped in blood—this it was to be a + friend and counsellor of Cæsar. Men waited and wondered in + stupefied awe when they marked the monster reeling from a debauch + to some fresh feast of horrors, some ingenious exhibition of the + complicated tortures that may be inflicted on a human being, some + devilish experiment of all the body can bear, ere the soul takes + wing from its ghastly, mutilated tenement, and this not on one, but + a thousand victims. They waited and wondered what the gods were + about, that divine vengeance should slumber through such + provocations as these.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But retribution + overtook him at last. The heart which a slaughtered mother’s + spectre could not soften, which remorse for a pregnant wife’s fate, + kicked to death by a brutal lord, failed to wring, quailed at the + approach of a few exasperated soldiers; and the tyrant who had so + often smiled to see blood flow like water in the amphitheatre, died + by his own hand—died as he had lived, a coward and a murderer to + the last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Since then, the + Court was a sphere in which any bold unscrupulous man might be + pretty sure of attaining success. The present emperor was a + good-humoured glutton, one whose faculties, originally vigorous, + had been warped and deadened by excess, just as his body had become + bloated, his eye dimmed, his strength palsied, and his courage + destroyed by the same course. The scheming statesman, the pliant + courtier, the successful soldier had but one passion <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page11">[pg 11]</span><a name="Pg011" id="Pg011" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>now, one only object for the exercise of + his energies, both of mind and body—to eat enormously, to drink to + excess, to study every art by which fresh appetite could be + stimulated when gorged to repletion—and then—to eat and drink + again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With such a + patron, any man who united to a tendency for the pleasures of the + table, a strong brain, a cool head, and an aptitude for business, + might be sure of considerable influence. The Emperor thoroughly + appreciated one who would take trouble off his hands, while at the + same time he encouraged his master, by precept and example, in his + swinish propensities. It was no slight service to Vitellius, to + rise from a debauch and give those necessary orders in an + unforeseen emergency which Cæsar’s sodden brain was powerless to + originate or to understand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ere Placidus had + been a month about the Court, he had insinuated himself thoroughly + into the good graces of the Emperor. This man’s had been a strange + and stirring history. Born of patrician rank, he had used his + family influence to advance him in the military service, and + already, whilst still in the flower of youth, had attained the + grade of tribune in Vespasian’s army, then occupying Judæa under + that distinguished general. Although no man yielded so willingly, + or gave himself up so entirely to the indolent enjoyments of + Asiatic life, Placidus possessed many of the qualities which are + esteemed essential to the character of a soldier. Personal bravery, + or we should rather say, insensibility to danger, was one of his + peculiar advantages. Perhaps this is a quality inseparable from + such an organisation as his, in which, while the system seems to + contain a wealth of energy and vitality, the nerves are extremely + callous to irritation, and completely under control. The tribune + never came out in more favourable colours than when everyone about + him was in a state of alarm and confusion. On one occasion, at the + siege of Jotapata, where the Jews were defending themselves with + the desperate energy of their race, Placidus won golden opinions + from Vespasian by the cool dexterity with which he saved from + destruction a whole company of soldiers and their centurion, under + the very eye of his general.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A maniple, or, + in the military language of to-day, a wing of the cohort led by + Placidus was advancing to the attack, and the first centurion, with + the company under his command, was already beneath the wall, + bristling as it was with defenders, who hurled down on their + assailants darts, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page12">[pg + 12]</span><a name="Pg012" id="Pg012" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>javelins, huge stones, every description of + weapon or missile, including molten lead and boiling oil. Under + cover of a movable pent-house, which protected them, the head of + the column had advanced their battering-ram to the very wall, and + were swinging the huge engine back, by the ropes and pulleys which + governed it, for an increased impulse of destruction, when the + Jews, who had been watching their opportunity, succeeded in + balancing an enormous mass of granite immediately above the + pent-house and the materials of offence, animate and inanimate, + which it contained. A Jewish warrior clad in shining armour had + taken a lever in his hand, and was in the act of applying that + instrument to the impending tottering mass; in another instant it + must have crashed down upon their heads, and buried the whole band + beneath its weight. At his appointed station by the eagle, the + tribune was watching the movements of his men with his usual air of + sleepy, indolent approval. And even in this critical moment his eye + never brightened, his colour never deepened a shade. The voice was + calm, low, and perfectly modulated in which he bade the trumpeter + at his right hand sound the recall; nor, though its business-like + rapidity could scarce have been exceeded by the most practised + archer, was the movement the least hurried with which he snatched + the bow from a dead Parthian auxiliary at his feet and fitted an + arrow to its string. In the twinkling of an eye, while the granite + vibrated on the very parapet, that arrow was quivering between the + joints of the warrior’s harness who held the lever, and he had + fallen with his head over the wall in the throes of death. Before + another of the defenders could take his place the assaulting party + had retired, bringing along with them, in their cool and rigid + discipline, the battering-ram and wooden covering which protected + it, while the tribune quietly observed, as he replaced the bow into + the fallen Parthian’s hand, <span class="tei tei-q">“A company + saved is a hundred men gained. A dead barbarian is exactly worth my + tallest centurion, and the smartest troop I have in the + maniple!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Vespasian was + not the man to forget such an instance of cool promptitude, and + Julius Placidus was marked out for promotion from that day forth. + But with its courage, the tribune possessed the cunning of the + tiger, not without something also of that fierce animal’s outward + beauty, and much of its watchful, pitiless, and untiring nature. A + brave soldier should have considered it a degradation, under any + circumstances, to play a double part; but with Placidus + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page13">[pg 13]</span><a name="Pg013" + id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>every step was esteemed + honourable so long as it was on the ascent. The successful winner + had no scruple in deceiving all about him at Rome, by the eagerness + with which he assumed the character of a mere man of pleasure, + while he lost no opportunity the while of ingratiating himself with + the many desperate spirits who were to be found in the Imperial + City, ready and willing to assist in any enterprise which should + tend to anarchy and confusion. While he rushed into every + extravagance and pleasure of that luxurious Court—while he vied + with Cæsar himself in his profusion, and surpassed him in his + orgies—he suffered no symptoms to escape him of a higher ambition + than that of excellence in trifling—of deeper projects than those + which affected the winecup, the pageant, and the passing follies of + the hour. Yet all the while, within that dainty reveller’s brain, + schemes were forming and thoughts burning that should have withered + the very roses on his brow. It might have been the strain of Greek + blood which filtered through his veins, that tempered his Roman + courage and endurance with the pliancy essential to conspiracy and + intrigue—a strain that was apparent in his sculptured regularity of + features, and general symmetry of form. His character has already + been compared to the tiger’s, and his movements had all the pliant + ease and stealthy freedom of that graceful animal. His stature was + little above the average of his countrymen, but his frame was cast + in that mould of exact proportion which promises the extreme of + strength combined with agility and endurance. Had he been caught + like Milo, he would have writhed himself out of the trap, with the + sinuous persistency of a snake. There was something snake-like, + too, in his small glittering eye, and the clear smoothness of his + skin. With all its brightness no woman worthy of the name but would + have winced with womanly instincts of aversion and repugnance from + his glance. With all its beauty no child would have looked up + frankly and confidingly in his face. Men turned, indeed, to scan + him approvingly as he passed; but the brave owned no sympathy with + that smooth set brow, that crafty and malicious smile, while the + timid or the superstitious shuddered and shrank away, averting + their own gaze from what they felt to be the influence of the evil + eye. Yet, in his snowy tunic bleached to dazzling white, in his + collar of linked gold, his jewelled belt, his embroidered sandals, + and the ample folds of his deep violet mantle, nearly approaching + purple, Julius Placidus was no unworthy representative of his time + and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page14">[pg 14]</span><a name= + "Pg014" id="Pg014" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>his order, no mean + specimen of the wealth, and foppery, and extravagance of Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such was the man + who now stood up in his gilded chariot at Valeria’s door, masking + with his usual expression of careless indolence, the real + impatience he felt for tidings of its mistress.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page15">[pg 15]</span><a name="Pg015" + id="Pg015" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc11" id= + "toc11"></a> <a name="pdf12" id="pdf12"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER III</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">HERMES</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was customary + with the more refined aristocracy of Rome, during the first century + of the Empire, to pay great respect to Mercury, the god of + invention and intrigue. Not that the qualities generally attributed + to that power were calculated to inspire admiration or esteem, but + simply because he had acquired a fortuitous popularity at a period + when the graceful Pantheism of the nation was regulated by general + opinion, and when a deity went in and out of fashion like a dress. + At Valeria’s porch, in common with many other great houses, stood + an exquisite statue of the god, representing him as a youth, of + athletic and symmetrical proportions, poised on a winged foot in + the act of running, with the broad-leaf hat on his head, and the + snake-turned rod in his hand. The countenance of the statue was + expressive of intellect and vivacity, while the form was wrought + into the highest ideal of activity and strength. It was placed on a + square pedestal of marble immediately opposite the door; and behind + this pedestal, the slave retired in some confusion when a train of + maidens appeared from within, to answer the summons of Julius + Placidus in his chariot.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune did + not think it necessary to alight, but producing from the bosom of + his tunic a jewelled casket, leaned one hand on the shoulder of + Automedon, while with the other he proffered his gift to a damsel + who seemed the chief among her fellows, and whose manners partook + largely of the flippancy of the waiting-maid.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Commend me to your mistress,”</span> said Placidus, at + the same time throwing a gold chain round her neck on her own + account, and bending carelessly down to take a receipt for the + same, in the shape of a caress; <span class="tei tei-q">“bid her + every good omen from the most faithful of her servants, and ask her + at what hour I may hope to be received on this her birthday, which + the trifle you carry to her from me will prove I have not + forgotten.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page16">[pg + 16]</span><a name="Pg016" id="Pg016" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The waiting-maid + tried hard to raise a blush, but with all her efforts the rich + Southern colour would not deepen on her cheek; so she thought + better of it, and looked him full in the face with her bold black + eyes, while she replied: <span class="tei tei-q">“You have + forgotten surely, my lord, that this is the feast of Isis, and no + lady that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">is</span></span> a lady, at least here in + Rome, can have leisure to-day for anything but the sacred mysteries + of the goddess.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus laughed + outright; and it was strange how his laugh scared those who watched + it. Automedon fairly turned pale, and even the waiting-maid seemed + disconcerted for a moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have heard of these mysteries,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“my pretty Myrrhina, and who has not? The + Roman ladies keep them somewhat jealously to themselves; and by all + accounts it is well for our sex that they do so. Nevertheless there + are yet some hours of sunlight to pass before the chaste rites of + Egypt can possibly begin. Will not Valeria see me in the + interval?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A very quick ear + might have detected the least possible tremor in the tribune’s + voice as he spoke the last sentence; it was not lost upon Myrrhina, + for she showed all the white teeth in her large well-formed mouth, + while she enumerated with immense volubility those different + pursuits which filled up the day of a fashionable Roman lady.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Impossible!”</span> burst out the damsel. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“She has not a moment to spare from now till sunset. + There’s her dinner,<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 her + fencing-lesson, and her bath, and her dressing, and the sculptor + coming for her hand, and the painter for her face, and the new + Greek sandals to be fitted to her feet. Then she has sent for + Philogemon, the augur, to cast her horoscope, and for Galanthis, + who is cleverer than ever Locusta was, and has twice the practice, + to prepare a philtre. Maybe it is for <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></span>, my + lord,”</span> added the girl roguishly. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + hear the ladies are all using them just now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The evil smile + crossed the tribune’s face once more; perhaps he too had been + indebted to the potions of Galanthis, for purposes of love or hate, + and he did not care to be reminded of them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> said he meaningly, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there is no need for that. Valeria can do more with + one glance of her bright eyes, than all the potions and poisons of + Galanthis put together. Say, Myrrhina—you are in my interest—does + she look more favourably of late?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How can I tell, my lord?”</span> answered the girl, + with an <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page17">[pg 17]</span><a name= + "Pg017" id="Pg017" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>arch expression of + amusement and defiance in her face. <span class="tei tei-q">“My + mistress is but a woman after all, and they say women are more + easily mastered by the strong hand, than lured by the honey lip. + She is not to be won by a smooth tongue and a beardless face, I + know, for I heard her say so to Paris myself, in the very spot + where we are now standing. Juno! but the player slunk away somewhat + crestfallen, I can tell you, when she called him <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘a mere girl in her brother’s clothes’</span> at the + best. No; the man who wins my mistress will be a man all over, I’ll + answer for it! So far, she is like the rest of us for that + matter.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And Myrrhina + sighed, thinking, it may be, of some sunburnt youth the while, + whose rough but not unwelcome wooing had assailed her in her early + girlhood, ere she came to Rome; far away yonder amongst the + blushing vines, in the bright Campanian hills.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Say you so?”</span> observed the tribune, obviously + flattered by the implied compliment; for he was proud in his secret + heart of his bodily strength. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nay, there + was a fellow standing here when I drove up, who would make an easy + conquest of you, Myrrhina, if, like your Sabine grandams, you must + be borne off to be wed, on your lover’s shoulders. By the body of + Hercules! he would tuck you up under his arm as easily as you carry + that casket, which you seem so afraid to let out of your hand. Ay, + there he is! lurking behind Hermes. Stand forth, my good fellow! + What! you are not afraid of Automedon, are you, and the crack of + that young reprobate’s whip?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While he spoke, + the slave stepped forward from his lurking-place behind the statue, + where the quick eye of Placidus had detected him, and presented to + Myrrhina with a respectful gesture the offering of his lord to her + mistress—a filigree basket of frosted silver, filled with a few + choice fruits and flowers—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“From Caius Licinius, greeting,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“in honour of Valeria’s natal day. The + flowers are scarce yet dry from the spray that brawling Anio flings + upon its banks; the fruits were glowing in yesterday’s sun, on the + brightest slopes of Tibur. My master offers the freshest and + fairest of his fruits and flowers to his kinswoman, who is fresher + and fairer than them all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He delivered his + message, which he had obviously learned by rote, in sufficiently + pure and fluent Latin, scarcely tinged with the accent of a + barbarian, and bowing low as he placed the basket in Myrrhina’s + hand, drew himself up to his <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page18">[pg 18]</span><a name="Pg018" id="Pg018" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>noble height, and looked proudly, almost + defiantly, at the tribune.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl started + and turned pale—it seemed as if the statue of Hermes had descended + from its pedestal to do her homage. He stood there, that glorious + specimen of manhood, in his majestic strength and symmetry, in the + glow of his youth, and health, and beauty, like an impersonation of + the god. Myrrhina, in common with many of her sex, was easily + fascinated by external advantages, and she laughed nervously, while + she accepted with shaking hands the handsome slave’s offering to + his master’s kinswoman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will you not enter?”</span> said she, the colour + mantling once more, and this time without an effort, in her burning + cheeks. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is not the custom to depart + from Valeria’s house without breaking bread and drinking + wine.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the slave + excused himself, abruptly, almost rudely, losing, be sure, by his + refusal, none of the ground he had already gained in Myrrhina’s + good graces. It chafed him to remain even at the porch. The + atmosphere of luxury that pervaded it, seemed to weigh upon his + senses, and oppress his breath. Moreover, the insult he had + sustained from Automedon, yet rankled in his heart. How he wished + the boy-charioteer was nearer his match in size and strength! He + would have hurled him from the chariot where he stood, turning his + curls so insolently round his dainty fingers—hurled him to earth + beyond his horses’ heads, and taught him the strength of a Briton’s + arm and the squeeze of a Briton’s gripe. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ay! and his master after him!”</span> thought the + slave, for already he experienced towards Placidus that + unaccountable instinct of aversion which seems to warn men of a + future foe, and which, to give him his due, the tribune was not + unused to awaken in a brave and honest breast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus, + however, scanned him once more, as he strode away, with the + critical gaze of a judge of human animals. It was this man’s + peculiarity to look on all he met as possible tools, that might + come into use for various purposes at a future and indefinite time. + If he observed more than usual courage in a soldier, superior + acuteness in a freedman, nay, even uncommon beauty in a woman, he + bethought himself that although he might have no immediate use for + these qualities, occasions often arose on which he could turn them + to his profit, and he noted, and made sure of, their amount + accordingly. In the present instance, although somewhat surprised + that he had never before remarked the slave’s stalwart proportions + in the household of Licinius, whose <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page19">[pg 19]</span><a name="Pg019" id="Pg019" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>affection for the Briton had excused him from + all menial offices, and consequent contact with visitors, he + determined not to lose sight of one so formed by nature to excel in + the gymnasium or the amphitheatre, while there crept into his heart + a cruel cold-blooded feeling of satisfaction at the possibility of + witnessing so muscular and shapely a figure in the contortions of a + mortal struggle, or the throes of a painful death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Besides, there + was envy, too, at the bottom—envy in the proud patrician’s breast, + leaning so negligently on the cushions of his gilded chariot, with + all his advantages of rank, reputation, wealth, and influence—envy + of the noble bearing, the personal comeliness, and the free manly + step of the slave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Had he struck thee, Automedon,”</span> said his + master, unable to resist taunting the petted youth who held the + reins; <span class="tei tei-q">“had he but laid a finger on thee, + thou hadst never spoken again, and I had been rid of the noisiest + and most useless of my household. Gently with that outside horse; + dost see how he chafes upon the rein? Gently, boy, I say! and drive + me back into the Forum.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he settled + himself among the cushions and rolled swiftly away, Myrrhina came + forth into the porch once more. She seemed, however, scarcely to + notice the departing chariot, but looked dreamily about her, and + then re-entered the house with a shake of the head, a smile, and + something that was almost a sigh.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page20">[pg 20]</span><a name="Pg020" + id="Pg020" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc13" id= + "toc13"></a> <a name="pdf14" id="pdf14"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">APHRODITÉ</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A negro boy, the + ugliest of his kind, and probably all the more prized for that + reason, was shifting uneasily from knee to knee, in an attitude of + constraint that showed how long and tiresome he felt his office, + and how wearied he was of Valeria’s own apartment. Such a child, + for the urchin seemed of the tenderest age, might be initiated + without impropriety into the mysteries of a lady’s toilet; and, + indeed, the office it was his duty to undertake, formed the most + indispensable part of the whole performance. With a skill and + steadiness beyond his years, though with a rueful face, he was + propping up an enormous mirror, in which his mistress might + contemplate the whole galaxy of her charms—a mirror formed of one + broad plate of silver, burnished to the brightness and lucidity of + glass, set in an oval frame of richly chased gold, wrought into + fantastic patterns and studded with emeralds, rubies, and other + precious stones. Not a speck was to be discerned on the polish of + its dazzling surface; and, indeed, the time of one maiden was + devoted to the task alone of preserving it from the lightest breath + that might dim its brightness, and cloud the reflection of the + stately form that now sat before it, undergoing, at the hands of + her attendants, the pleasing tortures of an elaborate toilet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The reflection + was that of a large handsome woman in the very prime and noontide + of her beauty—a woman whose every movement and gesture bespoke + physical organisation of a vigorous nature and perfect health. + While the strong white neck gave grace and dignity to her + carriage—while the deep bosom and somewhat massive shoulders + partook more of Juno’s majestic frame than Hebe’s pliant + youth—while the full sweep and outline of her figure denoted + maturity and completeness in every part—the long round limbs, the + shapely hands and feet, might have belonged to Diana, so perfect + was their symmetry; the warm flush that tinted them, the voluptuous + ease of her attitude, the gentle languor of her <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page21">[pg 21]</span><a name="Pg021" id="Pg021" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>whole bearing, would have done no + discredit to the goddess, hanging over the mountain-tops in the + golden summer nights to look down upon Endymion, and bathe her + sleeping favourite in floods of light and love.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Too fastidious a + critic might have objected to Valeria’s form that it expressed more + of physical strength than is compatible with perfect womanly + beauty, that the muscles were developed overmuch, and the whole + frame, despite its flowing outlines, partook somewhat of a man’s + organisation, and a man’s redundant strength. The same fault might + have been found in a less degree with her countenance. There was a + little too much resolution in the small aquiline nose, something of + manly audacity and energy in the large well-formed mouth, with its + broad white teeth that the fullest and reddest of lips could not + conceal—a shade of masculine sternness on the low wide brow, smooth + and white, but somewhat prominent, and scarcely softened by the + arch of the marked eyebrows, or the dark sweep of the lashes that + fringed the long laughing eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And yet it was a + face that a man, and still more a boy, could hardly have looked on + without misgivings that he might too soon learn to long for its + glances, its smiles, its approval, and its love. There was such a + glow of health on the soft transparent skin, such a freshness and + vitality in the colour of those blooming cheeks, such a sparkle in + the grey eyes, that flashed so meaningly when she smiled, that + gleamed so clear and bright and cold when the features resumed + their natural expression, grave, scornful, almost stern in their + repose; and then such womanly softness in the masses of rich + nut-brown hair that showered down neck and shoulders, to form a + framework for this lovely, dangerous, and too alluring picture. + Even the little negro, wearied as he was, peeped at intervals from + the back of the mirror he upheld, fawning like a dog for some sign + of approval from his haughty, careless mistress. At length she bade + him keep still, with a half-scornful smile at his antics; and the + sharp white teeth gleamed from ear to ear of the dusky little face, + as it grinned with pleasure, while the boy settled himself once + more in an attitude of patience and steady submission.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor was + Valeria’s apartment unworthy of the noble beauty who devoted it to + the mysterious rites of dress and decoration. Everything that + luxury could imagine for bodily ease, everything that science had + as yet discovered for the preservation or the production of + feminine attractions, was there to be found in its handsomest and + costliest form. In <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page22">[pg + 22]</span><a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>one + recess, shrouded by transparent curtains of the softest pink, was + the bath that could be heated at will to any temperature, and the + marble steps of which that shapely form was accustomed to descend + twice and thrice a day. In another stood the ivory couch with its + quilted crimson silks and ornamental pillars of solid gold, in + which Valeria slept, and dreamed such dreams as hover round the + rest of those whose life is luxury, and whose business is a + ceaseless career of pleasure. On a table of cedar-wood, fashioned + like a palm-leaf opening out from a pedestal that terminated in a + single claw of grotesque shape, stood her silver night-lamp, + exhaling odours of perfumed oil, and near it lay the waxen tablets, + on which she made her memorandums, or composed her love-letters, + and from which, as from an unfinished task, the sharp-pointed steel + pencil had rolled away upon the shining floor. Through the whole + court—for court it might be called, with its many entrances and + recesses, its cool and shady nooks, its lofty ceiling and its + tesselated pavement—choice vases, jewelled cups, burnished + chalices, and exquisite little statues, were scattered in + systematic irregularity and graceful profusion. Even the very water + in the bath flowed through the mouth of a marble Cupid; and two + more winged urchins wrought in bronze, supported a stand on which + was set a formidable array of perfumes, essences, cosmetics, and + such material for offensive and defensive warfare.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The walls, too, + of this seductive arsenal, were delicately tinted of a light + rose-colour, that should throw the most becoming shade over its + inmates, relieved at intervals by oval wreaths wrought out in + bas-relief, enclosing diverse mythological subjects, in which the + figure of Venus, goddess of love and laughter, predominated. Round + the cornices stretched a frieze representing, also in relief, the + fabulous contests of the Amazons with every description of monster, + amongst which the most conspicuous foe was the well-known gryphon, + or griffin, an abnormal quadruped, with the head and neck of a bird + of prey. It was curious to trace in the female warriors thus + delineated, something of the imperious beauty, the vigorous + symmetry, and the dauntless bearing that distinguished Valeria + herself, though their energetic and spirited attitudes afforded, at + the same time, a marked contrast to the pleasing languor that + seemed to pervade every movement of that luxurious lady reclining + before her mirror, and submitting indolently to the attentions of + her maid-servants.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These were five + in number, and constituted the principal slaves of her household; + the most important among them <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page23">[pg 23]</span><a name="Pg023" id="Pg023" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>seemed to be a tall matronly woman, + considerably older than her comrades, who filled the responsible + office of housekeeper in the establishment—a dignity which did not, + however, exempt her from insult, and even blows, when she failed to + satisfy the caprices of a somewhat exacting mistress; the others, + comely laughing girls, with the sparkling eyes and white teeth of + their countrywomen, seemed principally occupied with the various + matters that constituted their lady’s toilet—a daily penance, in + which, notwithstanding the rigour of its discipline, and the + severities that were sure to follow the most trifling act of + negligence, they took an inexplicable and essentially feminine + delight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of these it was + obvious that Myrrhina was the first in place as in favour. She it + was who brought her mistress the warm towels for her bath; who was + ready with her slippers when she emerged; who handed every article + of clothing as it was required; whose taste was invariably + consulted, and whose decision was considered final, on such + important points as the position of a jewel, the studied negligence + of a curl, or the exact adjustment of a fold.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This girl + possessed, with an Italian exterior, the pliant cunning and + plausible fluency of the Greek. Born a slave on one of Valeria’s + estates in the country, she had been reared a mere peasant, on a + simple country diet, and amidst healthful country occupations, till + a freak of her mistress brought her to Rome. With a woman’s + versatility—with a woman’s quickness in adapting herself to a + strange phase of life and a total change of circumstances—the + country girl had not been a year in her new situation, ere she + became the acutest and cleverest waiting-maid in the capital, with + what benefit to her own morals and character, it is needless to + inquire. Who so quick as Myrrhina to prepare the unguents, the + perfumes, or the cosmetics that repaired the injuries of climate, + and effaced the marks of dissipation? Who so delicate a sempstress; + who had such taste in colours; who could convey a note or a message + with half such precision, simplicity, and tact? In short, who was + ever so ready, in an emergency, with brush, crisping-iron, needle, + hand, eye, or tongue? Intrigue was her native element. To lie on + her mistress’s behalf, seemed as natural as on her own. He who + would advance in Valeria’s goodwill, must begin by bribing her + maid; and many a Roman gallant had ere this discovered that even + that royal road to success was as tedious as it was costly, and + might lead eventually to discomfiture and disgrace.</p><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">As she took the + pouncet-box from one of the girls, and proceeded to sprinkle + gold-dust in Valeria’s hair, Myrrhina’s eye was caught by the gift + of Placidus, lying neglected at her feet, the casket open, the + jewels scattered on the floor. Such as it was, the waiting-maid + owned a conscience. It warned her that she had not as yet worked + out the value of the costly chain thrown round her neck by the + tribune. Showering the gold-dust liberally about her lady’s head, + Myrrhina felt her way cautiously to the delicate theme.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There’s a new fashion coming in for headgear when the + weather gets cooler,”</span> said she. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It’s truth I tell you, madam, for I heard it direct + from Selina, who was told by the Empress’s first tirewoman, though + even Cæsar himself cannot think Galeria looks well, with that + yellow mop stuck all over her head. But it’s to be the fashion, + nevertheless, and right sorry I am to hear it; nor am I the only + one for that matter.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why so?”</span> asked Valeria languidly; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“is it more troublesome than the present?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina had + done with the gold-dust now, and, holding the comb in her mouth, + was throwing a rich brown curl across her wrist, while she laid a + plat carefully beneath it. Notwithstanding the impediment between + her lips, however, she was able to reply with great volubility.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The trouble counts for nothing, madam, when a lady has + got such hair as yours. It’s a pleasure to run your hands through + it, let alone dressing and crisping it, and plaiting it up into a + crown that’s fit for a queen. But this new fashion will make us all + alike, whether we’re as bald as old Lyce, or wear our curls down to + our ankles, like Neæra. Still, to hide such hair as <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">yours</span></span>;—as my lord said, only + this morning”</span>—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What lord? this morning!”</span> interrupted Valeria, + a dawn of interest waking on her handsome features; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“not Licinius, my noble kinsman? His approval is indeed + worth having.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Better worth than his gifts,”</span> answered Myrrhina + pertly; pointing to the filigree basket which occupied a place of + honour on the toilet-table. <span class="tei tei-q">“Such a + birthday present I never saw! A few late roses and a bunch or two + of figs to the richest lady in Rome! To be sure, he sent a + messenger with them, who might have come direct from Jove, and the + properest man I ever set eyes on.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And Myrrhina + moved to one side, that her lady might not observe the blush that + rose, even to her shameless brow, as she recalled the impression + made on her by the handsome slave. Valeria liked to hear of proper + men; she woke up a <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page25">[pg + 25]</span><a name="Pg025" id="Pg025" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>little out of her languor, and flung the hair + back from her face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go on,”</span> said she, as Myrrhina hesitated, half + eager and half loth to pursue the pleasing topic.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the + waiting-maid felt the chain round her neck, and acknowledged in her + heart the equivalent it demanded.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was the tribune, madam,”</span> said she, + <span class="tei tei-q">“who spoke about your hair—Julius Placidus, + who values every curl you wear, more than a whole mine of gold. Ah! + there’s not a lord in Rome has such a taste in dress. Only to see + him this morning, with his violet mantle and his jewels sparkling + in the sun, with the handsomest chariot and the four whitest horses + in the town. Well! if I was a lady, and wooed by such a man as + that”</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">Man</span></span> call you him?”</span> + interrupted her mistress, with a scornful smile. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, when these curled, perfumed, close-shaven things + are called men, ’tis time for us women to bestir ourselves, lest + strength and courage die out in Rome altogether. And you, too, + Myrrhina, who know Licinius and Hippias, and saw with your own eyes + two hundred gladiators in the circus only yesterday, you ought to + be a better judge. Man, forsooth! Why, you will be calling + smooth-faced Paris a man next!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here maid and + mistress burst out laughing, for thereby hung a tale of which + Valeria was not a little proud. This Paris, a young Egyptian, of + beautiful but effeminate appearance, had lately come to Italy to + figure with no small success on the Roman stage. His delicate + features, his symmetrical shape, and the girlish graces of his + pantomimic gestures, had made sad havoc in the hearts of the Roman + ladies, at all times too susceptible to histrionic charms. He lost + nothing, either, of public attention, by bearing the name of Nero’s + ill-fated favourite, and embarked at once, unhesitatingly, on the + same brilliant and dangerous career. But although it was the + fashion to be in love with Paris, Valeria alone never yielded to + the mode, but treated him with all the placid indifference she felt + for attractions that found no favour in her sight. Stung by such + neglect, the petted actor paid devoted court to the woman who + despised him, and succeeded, after much importunity, in prevailing + on her to accord him an interview in her own house. Of this he had + the bad taste to make no small boast in anticipation; and Myrrhina, + who found out most things, lost no time in informing her mistress + that her condescension was already as much misrepresented as it was + misplaced. The two laid their plans accordingly; <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page26">[pg 26]</span><a name="Pg026" id="Pg026" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and when Paris, attired in the utmost + splendour, arrived panting to the promised interview, he found + himself seized by some half-dozen hideous old negresses, who + smothered him with caresses, stripped him from head to foot, forced + him into the bath, and persisted in treating him as if he were a + delicate young lady, but with a quiet violence the while, that it + was useless to resist. The same swarthy tirewomen then dressed him + in female garments; and despite of threats, struggles, outcries, + and entreaties, placed him in Valeria’s litter, and so carried him + home to his own door. The ready wit of the play-actor put upon his + metamorphosis the construction least favourable to the character of + its originator; but he vowed a summary vengeance, we may be sure, + nevertheless.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think Paris knows what you think of him only too + well,”</span> resumed Myrrhina; <span class="tei tei-q">“not but + that he has a fair face of his own, and a lovely shape for dancing, + though, to be sure, Placidus is a finer figure of a man. Oh! if you + could have seen him this morning, madam, when he lay back so + graceful in his chariot, and chid that pert lad of his for striking + with his whip at the tall slave, who to be sure vanished like a + flash of lightning, you would have said there wasn’t such another + patrician in the whole city of Rome!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Enough of Placidus!”</span> interrupted her mistress + impatiently; <span class="tei tei-q">“the subject wearies me. What + of this tall slave, Myrrhina, who seems to have attracted your + attention? Did he look like one of the barbarians my kinsman + Licinius cries up so mightily? Is he handsome enough to step with + my Liburnians, think you, under the day-litter?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The + waiting-maid’s eyes sparkled as she thought how pleasant it would + be to have him in the same household as herself; and any little + restraint she might have experienced in running over the personal + advantages that had captivated her fancy disappeared before this + agreeable prospect.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Handsome enough, madam!”</span> she exclaimed, + removing the comb from her mouth, dropping her lady’s hair, and + flourishing her hands with true Italian emphasis and + rapidity,—<span class="tei tei-q">“handsome enough! why he would + make the Liburnians look like bald-headed vultures beside a golden + eagle! Barbarian, like enough, he may be, Cimbrian, Frisian, + Ansibarian, or what not, for I caught the foreign accent tripping + on his tongue, and we have few men in Rome of stature equal to his. + A neck like a tower of marble; arms and shoulders like the statue + of Hercules yonder in the vestibule; a face, ay, twice as beautiful + as Pericles on your medallion, with the <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page27">[pg 27]</span><a name="Pg027" id="Pg027" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>golden curls clustering round a forehead as + white as milk and eyes”</span>—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here Myrrhina + stopped, a little at a loss for a simile, and a good deal out of + breath besides.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go on,”</span> said Valeria, who had been listening in + an attitude of languid attention, her eyes half closed, her lips + parted, and the colour deepening on her cheek. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What were his eyes like, Myrrhina?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, they were like the blue sky of Campania in the + vintage; they were like the stones round the boss of your + state-mantle; they were like the sea at noonday from the long walls + of Ostia. And yet they flashed into sparks of fire when he looked + at poor little Automedon. I wonder the boy wasn’t frightened! I am + sure I should have been; only nothing frightens those impudent + young charioteers.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Was he my kinsman’s slave; are you sure, + Myrrhina?”</span> said her mistress, in an accent of studied + unconcern, and never moving a finger from her listless and + comfortable attitude.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No doubt of it, madam,”</span> replied the + waiting-maid; and would probably have continued to enlarge on the + congenial subject, had she not been interrupted by the entrance of + one of the damsels who had been summoned from the apartment, and + returned to announce that Hippias, the retired gladiator, was in + waiting—<span class="tei tei-q">“Would Valeria take her + fencing-lesson?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Valeria + declined at once, and sat on before her mirror, without even + raising her eyes to the tempting picture it displayed. Whatever was + the subject of her thoughts, it must have been very engrossing, she + seemed so loth to be disturbed.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page28">[pg 28]</span><a name="Pg028" + id="Pg028" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc15" id= + "toc15"></a> <a name="pdf16" id="pdf16"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER V</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">ROME</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_047.png"><img src="images/i_047.png" alt= + "Initial M" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile the + British slave, unconscious that he was already the object of + Valeria’s interest and Myrrhina’s admiration, was threading his way + through the crowded streets that adjoined the Forum, enjoying that + vague sense of amusement with which a man surveys a scene of bustle + and confusion that does not affect his immediate concerns. Thanks + to the favour of his master, his time was nearly at his own + disposal, and he had ample leisure to observe the busiest scene in + the known world, and to compare it, perhaps, with the peace and + simplicity of those early days, which seemed now like the memories + of a dream, so completely had they passed away. The business of the + Forum was over: the markets were disgorging their mingled stream of + purveyors, purchasers, and idle lookers-on. The whole population of + Rome was hurrying home to dinner, and a motley crowd it was. The + citizens themselves, the Plebeians, properly so called, scarcely + formed one half of the swarming assemblage. Slaves innumerable + hurried to and fro, to speed the business or the pleasure of their + lords; slaves of every colour and of every nation, from the + Scandinavian giant, with blue eyes and waving yellow locks, to the + sturdy Ethiopian, thick-lipped, and woolly-haired, the swarthy + child of Africa, whose inheritance has been servitude from the + earliest ages until now. Many a Roman born was there, too, amongst + the servile crowd, aping the appearance and manner of a citizen, + but who shrank from a master’s frown at home, and who, despite the + acquirement of wealth, and even the attainment of power, must die a + bondsman as he had lived.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not the least + characteristic feature of the state of society <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page29">[pg 29]</span><a name="Pg029" id="Pg029" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>under the Empire was the troop of + freedmen that everywhere accompanied the person, and swelled the + retinue of each powerful patrician. These manumitted slaves were + usually bound by the ties of interest as much as gratitude to the + former master, who had now become their patron. Dependent on him in + many cases for their daily food, doled out to them in rations at + his door, they were necessarily little emancipated from his + authority by their lately acquired freedom. While the relation of + patron and client was productive of crying evils in the Imperial + City, while the former threw the shield of his powerful protection + over the crimes of the latter, and the client in return became the + willing pander to his patron’s vices, it was the freedman who, more + than all others, rendered himself a willing tool to his patrician + employer, who yielded unhesitatingly time, affections, probity, and + honour itself, to the caprices of his lord. They swarmed about the + Forum now, running hither and thither with the obsequious haste of + the parasite, bent on errands which in too many cases would scarce + have borne the light of day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Besides these, a + vast number of foreigners, wearing the costumes of their different + countries, hindered the course of traffic as they stood gaping, + stupefied by the confusing scene on which they gazed. The Gaul, + with his short, close-fitting garment; the Parthian, with his + conical sheepskin cap; the Mede, with his loose silken trousers; + the Jew, barefoot and robed in black; the stately Spaniard, the + fawning Egyptian, and amongst them all, winding his way wherever + the crowd was closest, with perfect ease and self-possession, the + smooth and supple Greek. When some great man passed through the + midst, borne aloft in his litter, or leaning on the shoulder of a + favourite slave, and freedmen and clients made a passage for him + with threat, and push, and blow, the latter would invariably miss + the Greek to light on the pate of a humble mechanic, or the + shoulders of a sturdy barbarian, while the descendant of Leonidas + or Alcibiades would reply in whining sing-song tones to the verbal + abuse, with some biting retort, which was sure to turn the laughter + of the crowd on the aggressor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If Rome had once + overrun and conquered the dominions of her elder sister in + civilisation, the invasion seemed now to be all the other way. With + the turn of the tide had come such an overflow of Greek manners, + Greek customs, Greek morals, and Greek artifice, that the Imperial + City was already losing its natural characteristics; and the very + language was so interlarded with the vocabulary of the conquered, + that it <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page30">[pg 30]</span><a name= + "Pg030" id="Pg030" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was fast becoming + less Latin than Greek. The Roman ladies, especially, delighted in + those euphonious syllables, which clothed Athenian eloquence in + such melodious rhythm; and their choicest terms of endearment in + the language of love, were invariably whispered in Greek.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That supple + nation, too, adapting itself to the degradation of slavery and the + indulgence of ease, as it had risen in nobler times to the + exigencies of liberty and the efforts demanded by war, had usurped + the greater portion of art, science, and even power, in Rome. The + most talented painters and sculptors were Greeks. The most + enterprising contractors and engineers were Greeks. Rhetoric and + elocution could only be learned in a Greek school, and mathematics, + unless studied with Greek letters, must be esteemed confused and + useless; the fashionable invalid who objected to consult a Greek + physician deserved to die; and there was but one astrologer in Rome + who could cast a patrician horoscope. Of course he was a Greek. In + the lower walks of criminal industry; in the many iniquitous + professions called into existence by the luxury of a great city, + the Greeks drove a thriving and almost an exclusive trade. Whoever + was in most repute, as an evil counsellor, a low buffoon, a + money-lender, pimp, pander, or parasite, whatever might be his + other qualifications, was sure to be a Greek. And many a + scrutinising glance was cast by professors of this successful + nation at the Briton’s manly form as he strode through the crowd, + making his way quietly but surely from sheer weight and strength. + They followed him with covetous eyes, as they speculated on the + various purposes to which so much good manhood might be applied. + They appraised him, so to speak, and took an inventory of his thews + and sinews, his limbs, his stature, and his good looks; but they + refrained from accosting him with importunate questions or insolent + proposals, for there was a bold confident air about him, that + bespoke the stout heart and the ready hand. The stamp of freedom + had not yet faded from his brow, and he looked like one who was + accustomed to take his own part in a crowd.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly a + stoppage in the traffic arrested the moving stream, which swelled + in continually to a struggling, eager, vociferating mass. A dray, + containing huge blocks of marble, and drawn by several files of + oxen, had become entangled with the chariot of a passing patrician, + and another great man’s litter being checked by the obstruction, + much confusion and bad language was the result. Amused with the + turmoil, and in no hurry to get home, the British slave stood + looking <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page31">[pg 31]</span><a name= + "Pg031" id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>over the heads of the + populace at the irritated and gesticulating antagonists, when a + smart blow on the shoulder caused him to wheel suddenly round, + prepared to return the injury with interest. At the same instant a + powerful hand dragged him back by the tunic, and a grasp was laid + on him, from which he could not shake himself free, while a rough + good-humoured voice whispered in his ear—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Softly, lad, softly! Keep hands off Cæsar’s lictors + an’ thou be’st not mad in good earnest. These gentry give more than + they take, I can promise thee!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The speaker was + a broad powerful man of middle size, with the chest of a Hercules; + he held the Briton firmly pinioned in his arms while he spoke, and + it was well that he did so, for the lictors were indeed forcing a + passage for the Emperor himself, who was proceeding on foot, and as + far as was practicable <span class="tei tei-foreign"><span style= + "font-style: italic">incog.</span></span>, to inspect the + fish-market.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Vitellius + shuffled along with the lagging step of an infirm and bloated old + man. His face was pale and flabby, his eye dim, though sparkling at + intervals with some little remnant of the ready wit and pliant + humour that had made him the favourite of three emperors ere he + himself attained the purple. Supported by two freedmen, preceded + and followed only by a file of lictors, and attended by three or + four slaves, Cæsar was taking his short walk in hopes of acquiring + some little appetite for dinner: what locality so favourable for + the furtherance of this object as the fish-market, where the + imperial glutton could feast his eyes, if nothing else, on the + choicest dainties of the deep? He was so seldom seen abroad in + Rome, that the Briton could not forbear following him with his + glance, while his new friend, relaxing his hold with great caution, + whispered once more in his ear—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ay, look well at him, man, and give Jove thanks thou + art not an emperor. There’s a shape for the purple! There’s a head + to carry a diadem! Well, well, for all he’s so white and flabby + now, like a Lucrine turbot, he could drive a chariot once, and hold + his own at sword and buckler with the best of them. They say he can + drink as well as ever still. Not that he was a match for Nero in + his best days, even at that game. Ay, ay, they may talk as they + will: we’ve never had an emperor like <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></span> + before nor since. Wine, women, shows, sacrifices, wild-beast + fights;—a legion of men all engaged in the circus at once! Such a + friend as he was to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">our</span></span> trade.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And that trade?”</span> inquired the Briton + good-humouredly enough, now his hands were free: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think I can guess it without asking too many + questions.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page32">[pg + 32]</span><a name="Pg032" id="Pg032" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No need to guess,”</span> replied the other. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I’m not ashamed of my trade, nor of my + name neither. Maybe you have heard of Hirpinus, the gladiator? + Tuscan born, free Roman citizen, and willing to match himself with + any man of his weight, on foot or on horseback, blindfold or + half-armed, in or out of a war-chariot, with two swords, sword and + buckler, or sword or spear. Any weapon, and every weapon, always + excepting the net and the noose. Those I can’t bear talking + about—to my mind they are not fair fighting. But what need I tell + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></span> all about it?”</span> he + added, running his eye over the slave’s powerful frame. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I must surely have seen you before. You + look as if you belonged to the Family<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> + yourself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave + smiled, not insensible to the compliment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“’Tis a manlier way of getting bread than most of the + employments I see practised in Rome,”</span> was his reply, though + he spoke more to himself than his companion. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“A man might die a worse death than in the + amphitheatre,”</span> he added meditatively.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A worse death!”</span> echoed Hirpinus. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“He could scarce die a better! Think of the rows of + heads one upon another piled up like apples to the very awnings. + Think of the patricians and senators wagering their collars and + bracelets, and their sesterces in millions, on the strength of your + arm, and the point of your blade. Think of your own vigour and + manhood, trained till you feel as strong as an elephant, and as + lithe as a panther, with an honest wooden buckler on your arm, and + two feet of pliant steel in your hand, as you defile by Cæsar and + bid him <span class="tei tei-q">‘Good-morrow, from those who have + come here to die!’</span> Think of the tough bout with your + antagonist, foot to foot, hand to hand, eye to eye, feeling his + blade with your own (why a swordsman, lad, can fence as well in the + dark as the daylight!), foiling his passes, drawing his attack, + learning his feints, watching your opportunity; when you catch it + at last, in you dash like a wild-cat, and the guard of your sword + rings sharp and true against his breastbone, as he goes over + backwards on the sand!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And if <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">he</span></span> gets the opportunity + first?”</span> asked the slave, interested in spite of himself at + the enthusiasm which carried him irresistibly along with it. + <span class="tei tei-q">“If your guard is an inch too high, your + return a thought too slow? If you go backwards on the sand, with + the hilt at your breastbone, and the two feet of steel in your + bosom? How does it feel then?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page33">[pg 33]</span><a name="Pg033" id="Pg033" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Faith, lad, you must cross the Styx to have that + question fairly answered,”</span> replied the other. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have had no such experience yet. When it comes I + shall know how to meet it. But this talking makes a man thirsty, + and the sun is hot enough to bake a negro here. Come with me, lad! + I know a shady nook, where we can pierce a skin of wine, and + afterwards play a game at quoits, or have a bout of wrestling, to + while away the afternoon.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The slave was + nothing loth. Besides the debt of gratitude he owed for + preservation from a serious danger, there was something in his new + friend’s rough, good-humoured, and athletic manhood that won on the + Briton’s favour. Hirpinus, with even more than their fierce + courage, had less than the usual brutality of his class, and + possessed besides a sort of quaint and careless good-humour, by no + means rare among the athletes of every time, which found its way at + once to the natural sympathies of the slave. They started off + accordingly, on the most amicable terms, in search of that + refreshment which a few hours’ exposure to an Italian sun rendered + very desirable; but the crowd had not yet cleared off, and their + progress was necessarily somewhat slow, notwithstanding that the + throng of passengers gave way readily enough before two such + stalwart and athletic forms.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hirpinus thought + it incumbent on him to take the Briton, as it were, under his + protection, and to point out to him the different objects of + interest, and the important personages, to be seen at that hour in + the streets of the capital, totally irrespective of the fact that + his pupil was as well instructed on these points as himself. But + the gladiator dearly loved a listener, and, truth to tell, was + extremely diffuse in his narratives when he had got one to his + mind. These generally turned on his own physical prowess, and his + deadly exploits in the amphitheatre, which he was by no means + disposed to underrate. There are some really brave men who are also + boasters, and Hirpinus was one of them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was in the + midst of a long dissertation on the beauties of an encounter fought + out between naked combatants, armed only with the sword, and was + explaining at great length a certain fatal thrust outside his + antagonist’s guard, and over his elbow, which he affirmed to be his + own invention, and irresistible by any party yet discovered, when + the slave felt his gown plucked by a female hand, and turning + sharply round was somewhat disconcerted to find himself face to + face with Valeria’s waiting-maid.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are wanted,”</span> said she unceremoniously, and + with an <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page34">[pg 34]</span><a name= + "Pg034" id="Pg034" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>imperious gesture. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are to come to my lady this instant. + Make haste, man; she cannot brook waiting.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina pointed + while she spoke to where a closed litter borne aloft by four tall + Liburnian slaves, had stopped the traffic, and already become the + nucleus of a crowd. A white hand peeped through its curtains, as + the slave approached, surprised and somewhat abashed at this + unexpected appeal. Hirpinus looked on with grave approval the + while. Arriving close beneath the litter, of which the curtain was + now open, the slave paused and made a graceful obeisance; then, + drawing himself up proudly, stood erect before it, looking + unconsciously his best, in the pride of his youth and beauty. + Valeria’s cheek was paler than usual, and her attitude more + languid, but her grey eyes sparkled, and a smile played round her + mouth as she addressed him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Myrrhina tells me that you are the man who brought a + basket of flowers to my house this morning from Licinius. Why did + you not wait to carry back my salutations to my + kinsman?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The colour + mounted to the slave’s brow as he thought of Automedon’s insolence, + but he only replied humbly, <span class="tei tei-q">“Had I known it + was your wish, lady, I had been standing in your porch till + now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She marked his + rising colour, and attributed it to the effect of her own dazzling + beauty.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Myrrhina knew you at once in the crowd,”</span> said + she graciously; <span class="tei tei-q">“and indeed yours is a face + and figure not easily mistaken in Rome. I should recognise you + myself anywhere now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She paused, + expecting a suitable reply, but the slave, albeit not insensible to + the compliment, only blushed again and was silent. Valeria, + meanwhile, whose motives in summoning him to her litter had been in + the first instance of simple curiosity to see the stalwart + barbarian who had so excited Myrrhina’s admiration, and whom that + sharp-sighted damsel had recognised in an instant amongst the + populace, now found herself pleased and interested by the quiet + demeanour and noble bearing of this foreign slave. She had always + been susceptible to manly beauty, and here she beheld it in its + noblest type. She was rapacious of admiration in all quarters; and + here she could not but flatter herself she gathered an undoubted + tribute to the power of her charms. She owned all a woman’s + interest in anything that had a spice of mystery or romance, and a + woman’s unfailing instinct in discovering high birth and gentle + breeding under every <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page35">[pg + 35]</span><a name="Pg035" id="Pg035" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>disguise; and here she found a delightful + puzzle in the manner and appearance of her kinsman’s messenger, + whose position seemed so at variance with his looks. She had never + in her life laid the slightest restraint on her thoughts, and but + little on her actions—she had never left a purpose unfulfilled, nor + a wish ungratified—but a strange and new feeling, at which even her + courageous nature quailed, seemed springing up in her heart while + she gazed with half-closed eyes at the Briton, and hesitated to + confess, even to herself, that she had never seen such a man as + this in her life before. It was in a softened tone that she again + addressed him, moving on her couch to show an ivory shoulder and a + rounded arm to the best advantage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are a confidential servant of my kinsman’s? You + are attached to his person, and always to be found in his + household?”</span> she asked, more with a view of detaining him + than for any fixed purpose.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would give my life for Licinius!”</span> was the + prompt and spirited reply.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you are gentle born,”</span> she resumed, with + increasing interest; <span class="tei tei-q">“how came you in your + present dress, your present station? Licinius has never mentioned + you to me. I do not even know your name. What is it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Esca,”</span> answered the slave proudly, and looking + the while anything but a slave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Esca!”</span> she repeated, dwelling on the syllables, + with a slow soft cadence; <span class="tei tei-q">“Esca! ’Tis none + of our Latin names; but that I might have known already. Who and + what are you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was + something of defiance in the melancholy tone with which he + answered—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A prince in my own country, and a chief of ten + thousand. A barbarian and a slave in Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She gave him her + hand to kiss, with a gesture of pity that was almost a caress, and + then, as though ashamed of her own condescension, bade the + Liburnians angrily to <span class="tei tei-q">“go on.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca looked long + and wistfully after the litter as it disappeared; but Hirpinus, + clapping him on the back with his heavy hand, burst into a hearty + laugh while he declared—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“’Tis a clear case, comrade. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Came, saw, and conquered,’</span> as the great soldier + said. I have known it a hundred times, but always to men of muscle + like thee and me. By Castor and Pollux! lad, thou art in luck. Ay, + ay, ’tis always so. She takes thee for a gladiator, and they’ll + look at nothing but a gladiator now. Come on, brother; we’ll drink + a cup to every letter of her name!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page36">[pg 36]</span><a name="Pg036" + id="Pg036" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc17" id= + "toc17"></a> <a name="pdf18" id="pdf18"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE WORSHIP OF ISIS</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the cool + and calming hour of sunset. Esca was strolling quietly homewards + after the pursuits of the day. He had emptied a wineskin with + Hirpinus; and, resisting that worthy’s entreaties to mark so + auspicious a meeting by a debauch, had accompanied him to the + gymnasium, where the Briton’s magnificent strength and prowess + raised him higher than ever in the opinion of the experienced + athlete. Untiring as were the trained muscles of the professional, + he found himself unable to cope with the barbarian in such + exercises as demanded chiefly untaught physical power and length of + limb. In running, leaping, and wrestling, Esca was more than a + match for the gladiator. In hurling the quoit, and fencing with + wooden foils, the latter’s constant practice gave him the + advantage, and when he fastened round his wrists and hands the + leathern thong or <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">cestus</span></span>, used + for the same purpose as our modern boxing-glove, and proposed a + round or two of that manly exercise to conclude with, he little + doubted that his own science and experience would afford him an + easy victory. The result, however, was far different from his + expectations. His antagonist’s powers were especially adapted to + this particular kind of contest; his length of limb, his quickness + of eye, hand, and foot, his youthful elasticity of muscle, and his + unfailing wind, rendered him an invincible combatant, and it was + with something like pique that Hirpinus was compelled to confess as + much to himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the end of + the first round he was satisfied of his mistake in underrating so + formidable an opponent. Ere the second was half through, he had + exhausted all the resources of his own skill without gaining the + slightest advantage over his antagonist; and with the conclusion of + a third, he flung away the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">cestus</span></span> + in well-feigned disgust at the heat of the weather, and proposed + one more skin of wine before parting, to drink success to the + profession, and speedy employ<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page37">[pg 37]</span><a name="Pg037" id="Pg037" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>ment for the gladiators at the approaching + games in the amphitheatre.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Join us, man!”</span> said Hirpinus, dropping + something of the patronising air he had before affected. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thou wert born to be a swordsman. Hippias + would teach thee in a week to hold thine own against the best + fencers in Rome. I myself will look to thy food, thy training, and + thy private practice. Thou wouldst gain thy liberty easily, after a + few victories. Think it over, man! and when thou hast decided, come + to the fencing-school yonder, and ask for old Hirpinus. The steel + may have a speck of rust on it, but it’s tough and true still; so + fare thee well, lad. I count to hear from thee again before + long!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiator + accordingly rolled off with more than his usual assumption of manly + independence, attributable to the measure of rough Sabine wine of + which he had drunk his full share, whilst the Briton walked quietly + away in the direction of his home, enjoying the cool breeze that + fanned his brow, and following out a train of vague and complicated + reflections, originating in the advice of his late companion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The crimson glow + of a summer evening had faded into the serene beauty of a summer + night. Stars were flashing out, one by one, with mellow lustre, not + glimmering faintly, as in our northern climate, but hanging like + silver lamps, in the infinity of the sky. The busy turmoil of the + streets had subsided to a low and drowsy hum; the few chance + passengers who still paced them, went softly and at leisure, as + though enjoying the soothing influence of the hour. Even here, in + the great city, everything seemed to breathe of peace, and + contentment, and repose. Esca walked slowly on, lost in + meditation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly, the + clash of cymbals and the sound of voices struck upon his ear. A + wild and fitful melody, rising and falling with strange thrilling + cadence, was borne upon the breeze. Even while he stopped to + listen, it swelled into a full harmonious chorus, and he recognised + the chant of the worshippers of Isis, returning from the unholy + celebration of her rites. Soon the glare of torches heralded its + approach, and the tumultuous procession wound round the corner of + the street with all the strange grotesque ceremonies of their + order. Clashing their cymbals, dashing their torches together till + the sparks flew up in showers, tossing their bare arms aloft with + frantic gestures, the smooth-faced priests, having girt their linen + garments tightly round their loins, were dancing to and fro before + the image of the goddess with bacchanalian energy. <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page38">[pg 38]</span><a name="Pg038" id="Pg038" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Some were bareheaded, some crowned with + garlands of the lotus-leaf, and some wore masks representing the + heads of dogs and other animals; but all, though leaping wildly + here and there, danced in the same step, all used the same + mysterious gestures of which the meaning was only known to the + initiated. The figure of the goddess herself was borne aloft on the + shoulders of two sturdy priests, fat, oily, smooth, and sensual, + with the odious look of their kind. It represented a stately woman + crowned with the lotus, holding a four-barred lyre in her hand. + Gold and silver tinsel was freely scattered over her flowing + garments, and jewels of considerable value, the gifts of unusually + fervent devotees, might be observed upon her bosom and around her + neck and arms. Behind her were carried the different symbols by + which her qualities were supposed to be typified; amongst these an + image of the sacred cow, wrought in frosted silver with horns and + hoofs of gold, showed the most conspicuous, borne aloft as it was + by an acolyte in the wildest stage of inebriety, and wavering, with + the uncertain movements of its bearer, over the heads of the + throng. In the van moved the priests, bloated eunuchs clad in + white; behind these came the sacred images carried by younger + votaries, who, aspiring to the sacerdotal office, and already + prepared for its functions, devoted themselves assiduously in the + meantime to the orgies with which it was their custom to celebrate + the worship of their deity. Maddened with wine, bare-limbed and + with dishevelled locks, they danced frantically to and fro, darting + at intervals from their ranks, and compelling the passengers whom + they met to turn behind them, and help to swell the rear of the + procession. This was formed of a motley crew. Rich and poor, old + and young, the proud patrician and the squalid slave, were mingled + together in turbulent confusion; it was difficult to distinguish + those who formed a part of the original pageant from the idlers who + had attached themselves to it, and, having caught the contagious + excitement, vociferated as loudly, and leaped about as wildly, as + the initiated themselves. Amongst these might be seen some of the + fairest and proudest faces in Rome. Noble matrons reared in luxury, + under the very busts of those illustrious ancestors who had been + counsellors of kings, defenders of the commonwealth, senators of + the empire, thought it no shame to be seen reeling about the public + streets, unveiled and flushed with wine, in the company of the most + notorious and profligate of their sex. A multitude of torches shed + their glare on the upturned faces of the throng, and on one that + looked, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page39">[pg 39]</span><a name= + "Pg039" id="Pg039" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with its scornful + lips and defiant brow, to have no business there.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Amongst the + wildest of these revellers, Valeria’s haughty head moved on, + towering above the companions, with whom she seemed to have nothing + in common, save a fierce determination to set modesty and propriety + at defiance. Esca caught her glance as she swept by. She blushed + crimson, he observed even in the torchlight, and seemed for an + instant to shrink behind the portly form of a priest who marched at + her side; but, immediately recovering herself, moved on with a + gradually paling cheek, and a haughtier step than before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had little + leisure, however, to observe the scornful beauty, whose charms, to + tell the truth, had made no slight impression on his imagination; + for a disturbance at its head, which had now passed him some + distance, had stopped the progress of the whole procession, and no + small confusion was the result. The torch-bearers were hurrying to + the front. The silver cow had fallen and been replaced in an + upright position more than once. The goddess herself had nearly + shared the same fate. The sacred chant had ceased, and instead a + hundred tongues were vociferating at once, some in anger, some in + expostulation, some in maudlin ribaldry and mirth. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let her go!”</span> cried one. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold her fast!”</span> shouted another. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bring her along with you!”</span> reasoned a drunken + acolyte. <span class="tei tei-q">“If she be worthy she will conform + to the worship of the goddess. If she be unworthy she shall + experience the divine wrath of Isis!”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mind what you are about,”</span> interposed a more + cautious votary. <span class="tei tei-q">“She is a Roman + maiden,”</span> said one. <span class="tei tei-q">“She’s a + barbarian!”</span> shrieked another. <span class="tei tei-q">“A + Mede!”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“A Spaniard!”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“A Persian!”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“A Jewess! A Jewess!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the meantime + the unfortunate cause of all this turmoil, a young girl closely + veiled and dressed in black, was struggling in the arms of a large + unwieldy eunuch, who had seized her as a hawk pounces on a pigeon, + and despite her agonised entreaties, for the poor thing was in + mortal fear, held her ruthlessly in his grasp. She had been + surrounded by the lawless band, ere she was aware, as she glided + quietly round the street corner, on her homeward way, had shrunk up + against the wall in the desperate hope that she might remain + unobserved or unmolested, and found herself, as was to be expected, + an immediate object of insult to the dissolute and licentious crew. + Though her dress was torn and her arms bruised from the unmanly + violence to which she was subjected, with true feminine modesty she + kept her veil closely <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page40">[pg + 40]</span><a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>drawn round her face, and resisted every + effort for its removal, with a firm strength of which those slender + wrists seemed hardly capable. As the eunuch grasped her with + drunken violence, bending his huge body and bloated face over the + shrinking figure of the girl, she could not suppress one piercing + shriek for help, though, even while it left her lips, she felt how + futile it must be, and how utterly hopeless was her situation. It + was echoed by a hundred voices in tones of mockery and + derision.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Little did + Spado, for such was the eunuch’s name, little did Spado think how + near was the aid for which his victim called; how sudden would be + the reprisals that should astonish himself with their prompt and + complete redress, reminding him of what he had long forgotten, the + strength of a man’s blow, and the weight of a man’s arm. At the + first sound of the girl’s voice, Esca had forced his way through + the crowd to her assistance. In three strides he had come up with + her assailant, and laid his heavy grasp on Spado’s fat shoulder, + while he bade him in low determined accents to release his prey. + The eunuch smiled insolently, and replied with a brutal jest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria, + interested in spite of herself, could not resist an impulse to + press forward and see what was going on. Long afterwards she + delighted to recall the scene she now beheld with far more of + exultation and excitement than alarm. It had, indeed, especial + attraction for an imagination like hers. Standing out in the red + glare of the torches, like the bronze statue of some demigod + starting into life, towered the tall figure of Esca, defiance in + his attitude, anger on his brow, and resistless strength in the + quivering outline of each sculptured limb. Within arm’s length of + him, the obese, ungraceful shape of Spado, with his broad fat face, + expressive chiefly of gluttony and sensual enjoyment, but wearing + now an ugly look of malice and apprehension. Starting back from his + odious embrace to the utmost length of her outstretched arms, the + veiled form of the frightened girl, her head turned from the + eunuch, her hands pressed against his chest, every line of her + figure denoting the extreme of horror, and aversion, and disgust. + Round the three, a shifting mass of grinning faces, and tossing + arms, and wild bacchanalian gestures; the whole rendered more + grotesque and unnatural by the lurid, flickering light. With an + unaccountable fascination Valeria watched for the result.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let her go!”</span> repeated Esca, in the distinct + accents with which a man speaks who is about to strike, tightening + at the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page41">[pg 41]</span><a name= + "Pg041" id="Pg041" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>same time a gripe + which went into the eunuch’s soft flesh like iron.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Spado howled in + mingled rage and fear, but released the girl nevertheless, who + cowered instinctively close to her protector.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Help!”</span> shouted the eunuch, looking round for + assistance from his comrades. <span class="tei tei-q">“Help! I say. + Will ye see the priest mishandled and the goddess reviled? Down + with him! down with him, comrades, and keep him down!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is little + doubt that had Esca’s head once touched the ground it had never + risen again, for the priests were crowding about him with wild + yells and savage eyes, and the fierce revelry of a while ago was + fast warming into a thirst for blood. Valeria thrust her way into + the circle, though she never feared for the Briton—not for an + instant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was getting + dangerous, though, to remain any longer amongst this frantic crew. + Esca wound one arm round the girl’s waist and opposed the other + shoulder to the throng. Spado, encouraged by his comrades, struck + wildly at the Briton, and made a furious effort to recover his + prey. Esca drew himself together like a panther about to spring, + then his long sinewy arm flew out with the force and impulse of a + catapult, and the eunuch, reeling backwards, fell heavily to the + ground, with a gash upon his cheek like the wound inflicted by a + sword.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "grc"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span>”</span> + exclaimed Valeria, in a thrill of admiration and delight. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Well struck, by Hercules! Ah! these + barbarians have at least the free use of their limbs. Why, the + priest went down like a white ox at the Mucian Gate. Is he much + hurt, think ye? Will he rise again?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The last + sentence was addressed to the throng who now crowded round the + prostrate Spado, and was but the result of that pity which is never + quite dormant in a woman’s breast. The fallen eunuch seemed indeed + in no hurry to get upon his legs again. He rolled about in hideous + discomfiture, and gave vent to his feelings in loud and pitiful + moans and lamentations.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After such an + example of the Briton’s prowess, none of her other votaries seemed + to think it incumbent on them to vindicate the majesty of the + goddess by further interference with the maiden and her protector. + Supporting and almost carrying her drooping form, Esca hurried her + away with swift firm strides, pausing and looking back at + intervals, as though loth to leave his work half finished, and by + no means unwilling to renew the contest. The last Valeria saw of + him <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page42">[pg 42]</span><a name= + "Pg042" id="Pg042" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was the turn of his + noble head bending down with a courteous and protecting gesture, to + console and reassure his frightened charge. All her womanly + instincts revolted at that moment from the odious throng with whom + she was involved. She could have found it in her heart to envy that + obscure and unknown girl hurrying away yonder through the darkening + streets on the arm of her powerful protector—could have wished + herself a peasant or a slave, with some one being in the world to + look up to, and to love.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria’s life + had been that of a spoiled child from the day she left her + cradle—that gilded cradle over which the nurses had repeated their + customary Roman blessing with an emphasis that in her case seemed + to be prophetic—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “May monarchs woo thee, darling! to their bed, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And roses blossom where thy footsteps tread!” + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The metaphorical + flowers of wealth, prosperity, and admiration, did indeed seem to + spring up beneath her feet, and her stately beauty would have done + no discredit to an imperial bride; but it must have been something + more than outward pomp and show—something nobler than the purple + and the diadem—that could have won its way to Valeria’s heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was + habituated to the beautiful, the costly, the refined, till she had + learned to consider such qualities as the mere essentials of life. + It seemed to her a simple matter of course that houses should be + noble, and chariots luxurious, and horses swift, and men brave. The + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">nil admirari</span></span> was the maxim of + the class in which she lived; and whilst their standard was thus + placed at the superlative, that which came up to it received no + credit for excellence, that which fell short was treated with + disapproval and contempt. Valeria’s life had been one constant + round of pleasure and amusement; yet she was not happy, not even + contented. Day by day she felt the want of some fresh interest, + some fresh excitement; and it was this craving probably, more than + innate depravity, which drove her, in common with many of her + companions, into such disgraceful scenes as were enacted at the + worship of Juno, Isis, and the other gods and goddesses of + mythology.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lovers, it is + needless to say, Valeria had won in plenty. Each new face possessed + for her but the attraction of its novelty. The favourite of the + hour had small cause to plume himself on his position. For the + first week he interested her curiosity, for the second he pleased + her fancy, after which, if he was wise, he took his leave + gracefully, ere he was bidden <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page43">[pg 43]</span><a name="Pg043" id="Pg043" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>to do so with a frankness that admitted of no + misconception. Perhaps the only person in the world whom she + respected was her kinsman Licinius; and this, none the less, that + she possessed no kind of influence over his feelings or his + opinions; that she well knew he viewed her proceedings often with + disapprobation, and entertained for her character a kindly pity not + far removed from contempt. Even Julius Placidus, who was the most + persevering, as he was the craftiest, of her adorers, had made no + impression on her heart. She appreciated his intellect, she was + amused with his conversation, she approved of his deep schemes, his + lavish extravagance, his unprincipled recklessness; but she never + thought of him for an instant after he was out of her sight, and + there was something in the cold-blooded ferocity of his character + from which, even in his presence, she unconsciously recoiled. + Perhaps she admired the person of Hippias, her fencing-master, a + retired gladiator, who combined handsome regularity of features + with a certain worn and warlike air, not without its charm, more + than that of any man whom she had yet seen, and with all her pride + and her cold exterior, Valeria was a woman to be captivated by the + eye; but Hippias, from his professional reputation, was the darling + of half the matrons in Rome, and it may be that she only followed + the example of her friends, with whom, at this period of the + Empire, it was considered a proof of the highest fashion, and the + best taste, to be in love with a gladiator.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Strong in her + passions, as in her physical organisation, the former were only + bridled by an unbending pride, and an intensity of will more than + masculine in its resolution. As under that smooth skin the muscles + of the round white arm were firm and hard like marble, so beneath + that fair and tranquil bosom there beat a heart that for good or + evil could dare, endure, and defy the worst. Valeria was a woman + whom none but a very bold or very ignorant suitor would have taken + to his breast; yet it may be that the right man could have tamed, + and made her gentle and patient as the dove. And now something + seemed to tell her that the void in her heart was filled at last. + Esca’s manly beauty had made a strong impression on her senses; the + anomaly of his position had captivated her imagination; there was + something very attractive in the mystery that surrounded him; there + was even a wild thrill of pleasure in the shame of loving a slave. + Then, when he stood forth, the champion of that poor helpless girl, + brave, handsome, and victorious, the charm was complete; and + Valeria’s eyes followed him as he dis<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page44">[pg 44]</span><a name="Pg044" id="Pg044" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>appeared with a longing loving look, that had + never glistened in them in her life before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Briton + hurried away with his arm round the drooping figure of his + companion, and for a time forbore to speak a word even of + encouragement or consolation. At first the reaction of her feelings + turned her sick and faint, then a burst of weeping came to her + relief; ere long the tears were flowing silently; and the girl, who + indeed showed no lack of courage, had recovered herself + sufficiently to look up in her protector’s face, and pour out her + thanks with a quiet earnestness that showed they came direct from + the heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can trust you,”</span> she said, in a voice of + peculiar sweetness, though her Latin, like his own, was touched + with a slightly foreign accent. <span class="tei tei-q">“I can read + a brave man’s face—none better. We have not far to go now. You will + take me safe home?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will guard you to your very door,”</span> said he, + in tones of the deepest respect. <span class="tei tei-q">“But you + need fear nothing now; the drunken priests and their mysterious + deity are far enough off by this time. ’Tis a noble worship, truly, + for such a city as this—the mistress of the world!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“False gods! false gods!”</span> replied the girl, very + earnestly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! how can men be so blind, so + degraded?”</span> Here she stopped suddenly, and clung closer to + her companion’s arm, drawing her veil tighter round her face the + while. Her quick ear had caught the sound of hurrying footsteps, + and she dreaded pursuit.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“’Tis nothing,”</span> said Esca, encouraging her; + <span class="tei tei-q">“the most we have to dread now is some + drunken freedman or client reeling home from his patron’s + supper-table. They are a weakly race, these Roman citizens,”</span> + he added good-humouredly; <span class="tei tei-q">“I think I can + promise to stave them off if they come not more than a dozen at a + time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The cheerful + tone reassured her no less than the strong arm to which she clung. + It was delightful to feel so safe after the fright she had + undergone. The footsteps were indeed those of a few dissolute + idlers loitering home after a debauch. They had hastened forward on + espying a female figure; but there was something in the air of her + protector that forbade a near approach, and they shrank to the + other side of the way rather than come in contact with so powerful + an opponent. The girl felt proud of her escort, and safer every + minute. By this time she had guided him into a dark and narrow + street, at the end of which the Tiber might be seen gleaming under + the starlit sky. She stopped at a mean-looking door, let into a + dead-wall, and applying her <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page45">[pg 45]</span><a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>hand to a secret spring, it opened noiselessly + to her touch. Then she turned to face her companion, and said + frankly, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have not thanked you half + enough. Will you not enter our poor dwelling, and share with us a + morsel of food and a cup of wine, ere you depart upon your + way?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca was neither + hungry nor thirsty, yet he bowed his head, and followed her into + the house.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page46">[pg 46]</span><a name="Pg046" + id="Pg046" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc19" id= + "toc19"></a> <a name="pdf20" id="pdf20"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">TRUTH</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The dwelling in + which the Briton now found himself presented a strange contrast of + simplicity and splendour, of wealth and frugality, of obscure + poverty and costly refinement. The wall was bare and + weather-stained; but a silver lamp, burning perfumed oil, was fixed + against its surface on a bracket of common deal. Though the stone + floor was damp and broken, it was partially covered by a soft thick + carpet of brilliant colours, while shawls from the richest looms of + Asia hung over the mutilated wooden seats and the crazy couch, + which appeared to be the congenial furniture of the apartment. Esca + could not but remark on the same inconsistency throughout all the + minor details of the household. A measure of rich wine from the + Lebanon was cooling in a pitcher of coarse earthenware, a draught + of fair water sparkled in a cup of gold. A bundle of Eastern + javelins, inlaid with ivory and of beautiful finish and + workmanship, kept guard, as it were, over a plain two-edged sword + devoid of ornament, and with a handle frayed and worn as though + from constant use, that looked like a weapon born for work not + show, some rough soldier’s rude but trusty friend. The room of + which Esca thus caught a hasty glance as he passed through, opened + on an inner apartment, which seemed to have been originally equally + bare and dilapidated, but of which the furniture was even more rich + and incongruous. It was flooded by a soft warm light, shed from a + lamp burning some rare Syrian oil, that was scarcely to be procured + for money in Rome. It dazzled Esca’s eyes as he followed the girl + through the outer apartment into this retreat, and it was a few + seconds ere he recovered his sight sufficiently to take note of the + objects that surrounded him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A venerable man + with bald head and long silvery beard was sitting at the table when + they entered, reading from a roll of parchment filled to the very + margin with characters in the Syriac language, then generally + spoken over the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page47">[pg + 47]</span><a name="Pg047" id="Pg047" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>whole of Asia Minor, and sufficiently familiar + at Rome. So immersed was he in his studies, that he did not seem to + notice her arrival, till the girl rushed up to him, and, without + unveiling, threw herself into his arms with many expressions of + endearment and delight at her own return. The language in which she + spoke was unknown to the Briton; but he gathered from her gestures, + and the agitation which again overcame her for an instant, that she + was relating her own troubles, and the part he had himself borne in + the adventures of the night. Presently she turned, and drew him + forward, while she said in Latin, with a little sob of agitation + between every sentence—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Behold my preserver—the youth who came in like a lion + to save me from those wicked men! Thank him in my father’s name, + and yours, and all my kindred and all my tribe. Bid him welcome to + the best our house affords. It is not every day a daughter of Judah + meets with an arm and a heart like his, when she falls into the + grasp of the heathen and the oppressor!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old man + stretched his hand to Esca with cordiality and goodwill; as he did + so, the Briton could not but observe how kindly was the smile that + mantled over his serene and gentle face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My brother will be home ere long,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and will himself thank you for preserving + his daughter from insult and worse. Meantime Calchas bids you + heartily welcome to Eleazar’s house. Mariamne,”</span> he added, + turning to the girl, <span class="tei tei-q">“prepare us a morsel + of food that we may eat. It is not the custom of our nation to send + a stranger fasting from the door.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl + departed on her hospitable mission, and Esca, making light of his + prowess, and of the danger incurred, gave his own version of the + night’s occurrence, to which Calchas listened with grave interest + and approval. When he had concluded, the old man pointed to the + scroll he had been reading, which now lay rolled up on the table at + his hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The time will come,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“when the words that are written here shall be in the + mouths of all men on the surface of the known earth. Then shall + there be no more strife, nor oppression, nor suffering, nor sorrow. + Then shall men love each other like brothers, and live only in + kindliness and goodwill. The day may seem far distant, and the + means may seem poor and inadequate now, yet so it is written here, + and so will it be at last.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page48">[pg 48]</span><a name="Pg048" id="Pg048" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You think that Rome will extend her dominions farther + and farther? That she will conquer all known nations, as she has + conquered us? That she means to be in fact what she proudly styles + herself, the Mistress of the World? In truth, the eagle’s wings are + wide and strong. His beak is very sharp, and where his talons have + once fastened themselves, they never again let go their + hold!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas smiled + and shook his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The dove will prevail against the eagle, as love is a + stronger power than hate. But it is not of Rome I speak as the + future influence that shall establish the great good on earth. The + legions are indeed well trained, and brave even to the death; but I + know of soldiers in a better service than Cæsar’s, whose warfare is + harder, whose watches are longer, whose adversaries are more + numerous, but whose triumph is more certain, and more glorious at + the last.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca looked as + if he understood him not. The Briton’s thoughts were wandering back + to the tramp of columns and the clash of steel, and the gallant + stand made against the invader by the white-robed warriors with + their long swords, amongst whom he had been one of the boldest and + the best.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is hard to strive against Rome,”</span> said he, + with a glowing cheek and sparkling eye. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yet I cannot but think, if we had never been provoked + to an attack, if we had kept steadily on the defensive, if we had + moved inland as he approached, harassing and cutting him off + whenever we saw an opportunity, but never suffering him to make one + for himself—trusting more to our woods and rivers, and less to our + own right hands—we might have tamed the eagle and clipped his + wings, and beat him back across the sea at last. But what have I to + do with such matters now?”</span> he added, while his whole + countenance fell in bitter humiliation. <span class="tei tei-q">“I, + a poor barbarian captive, and a slave here in Rome!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas studied + his face with a keen scrutinising glance, then he laid his hand on + the young man’s shoulder, and said inquiringly—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is not a grey hair in your clustering locks, nor + a wrinkle on your brow, yet you have known sorrow?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who has not?”</span> replied the other cheerfully; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and yet I never thought to have come to + this.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are a slave, and you would be free?”</span> asked + Calchas, slowly and impressively.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am a slave,”</span> repeated the Briton, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and I shall be free. But not till + death.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page49">[pg + 49]</span><a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And after death?”</span> proceeded the old man, in the + same gentle inquiring tone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“After death,”</span> answered the other, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I shall be free as the elements I have been taught to + worship, and into which they tell me I shall be resolved. What need + I know or care more than that in death there will be neither + pleasure nor pain?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And is not life with all its changes too sweet to lose + on such terms as these?”</span> asked the older man. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are you content to believe that, like one walking + through a quicksand, the footsteps you leave are filled up and + obliterated behind you as you pass on? Can you bear to think that + yesterday is indeed banished and gone for ever? That a to-morrow + must come of black and endless night? Death should be really + terrible if this is your conviction and your creed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Death is never terrible to a brave man,”</span> + answered Esca. <span class="tei tei-q">“A Briton need not be taught + how to die sword in hand.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You think you are brave,”</span> said Calchas, looking + wistfully on the other’s rising colour and kindling eyes. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ah! you have not seen my comrades die, or + you would know that something better than courage is required for + the service to which we belong. What think ye of weak women, tender + shrinking maidens, worn with fatigue, emaciated with hunger, + fainting with heat and thirst, brought out to be devoured by + beasts, or to suffer long and agonising tortures, yet smiling the + while in quiet calm contentment, as seeing the home to which they + are hastening, the triumph but a few short hours off? What think ye + of the captains under whom I served, who here at Rome, in the face + of Cæsar and his power, vindicated the honour of their Lord and + died without a murmur for His cause? I was with Peter, I tell you, + Peter the Galilean, of whom men talk to this day, of whom men shall + never cease to talk in after ages, when he opposed to Simon’s magic + arts his simple faith in the Master whom he served, and I saw the + magician hurled like a stricken vulture to the ground. I was + present when the fiercest and the wickedest of the Cæsars, + returning from the expedition to Greece, wherein his buffooneries + had earned the contempt even of that subtle nation of flatterers, + sentenced him to death upon the cross for that he had dared to + oppose Nero’s vices, and to tell Nero the truth. I heard him + petition that he might be crucified with his head downward, as not + worthy to suffer in the same posture as his Lord—and I can see him + now, the pale face, the noble head, the dark keen eye, the slender + sinewy form, and, above all, the self-sustaining con<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page50">[pg 50]</span><a name="Pg050" id="Pg050" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fidence, the triumphant daring of the + man as he walked fearlessly to death. I was with Paul, the noble + Pharisee, the naturalised Roman citizen, when he, alone amongst a + crowd of passengers and a century of soldiers, quailed not to look + on the black waves raging round our broken ship, and bade us all be + of good cheer, for that every soul, to the number of two hundred + and seventy-five, should come safe to shore. I remember how + trustfully we looked on that low spare form, that grave and + gracious face with its kindly eyes, its bushy brows and thick beard + sprinkled here and there with grey. It was the soul, we knew, that + sustained and strengthened the weakly body of the man. The very + barbarians where we landed acknowledged its influence, and would + fain have worshipped him for a god. Nero might well fear that + quiet, humble, trusting, yet energetic nature; and where the + imperial monster feared, as where he admired, loved, hated, envied, + or despised, the sentiment must be quenched in blood.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And did he too fall a victim?”</span> inquired Esca, + whose interest, notwithstanding occasional glances at the door + through which Mariamne had gone out, seemed thoroughly awakened by + the old man’s narrative.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They might not crucify him,”</span> answered Calchas, + <span class="tei tei-q">“for he was of noble lineage and a Roman + citizen born; but they took him from amongst us, and they let him + languish in a prison, till they released him at last and brought + him out to be beheaded. Ay, Rome was a fearful sight that day; the + foot was scorched as it trod the ashes of the devastated city, the + eye smarted in the lurid smoke that hung like a pall upon the heavy + air and would not pass away. Palaces were crumbling in ruins, the + shrivelled spoils of an empire were blackening around, the dead + were lying in the choked-up highways half-festering, + half-consumed—orphan children were wandering about starved and + shivering, with sallow faces and large shining eyes, or, worse + still, playing thoughtlessly, unconscious of their doom. They said + the Christians had set fire to the city, and many an innocent + victim suffered for this foul and groundless slander. The + Christians, forsooth! oppressed, persecuted, reviled; whose only + desire was to live in brotherhood with all men, whose very creed is + peace and goodwill on earth. I counted twenty of them, men, women, + and children, neighbours with whom I had held kindly fellowship, + friends with whom I had broken bread, lying stiff and cold in the + Flaminian Way on the morning Paul was led out to die. But there was + peace on the dead faces, and the rigid hands were clasped in + prayer; and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page51">[pg + 51]</span><a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>though the lacerated emaciated body, the mere + shell, was grovelling there in the dust, the spirit had gone home + to God who made it, to the other world of which you have not so + much as heard, yet which you too must some day visit, to remain for + ever. Do you understand me? not for ages, but <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for + ever</span></span>—without end!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where is it?”</span> asked Esca, on whom the idea of a + spiritual existence, innate from its very organisation in every + intelligent being, did not now dawn for the first time. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is it here, or there? below, or above? in + the stars, or the elements? I know the world in which I live; I can + see it, can hear it, can feel it; but that other world, where is + it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where is it?”</span> repeated Calchas. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where are the dearest wishes of your heart, the + noblest thoughts of your mind? Where are your loves, your hopes, + your affections, above all, your memories? Where is the whole + better part of your nature? your remorse for evil, your aspirations + after good, your speculations on the future, your convictions of + the reality of the past? Where these are, there is that other + world. You cannot see it, you cannot hear it, yet you <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">know</span></span> + that it must be. Is any man’s happiness complete? is any man’s + misery when it reaches him so overwhelming as it seemed at a + distance? And why is it not? Because something tells him that the + present life is but a small segment in the complete circle of a + soul’s existence. And the circle, you have not lived in Rome + without learning, is the symbol of infinity.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca pondered + and was silent. There are convictions which men hold unconsciously, + and to which they are so accustomed that their attention can only + be directed to them from without, just as they wear their skins and + scarcely know it, till the familiar covering has been lacerated by + injury or disease. At last he looked up with a brightening + countenance, and exclaimed, <span class="tei tei-q">“In that world, + surely, all men will be free!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All men will be equal,”</span> replied Calchas, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but no mortal or immortal ever can be + free. Suppose a being totally divested of all necessity for effort, + all responsibility to his fellows or himself, all participation in + the great scheme of which government is the essential condition in + its every part, and you suppose one whose own feelings would be an + intolerable burden, whose own wishes would be an unendurable + torture. Man is made to bear a yoke; but the Captain whom I serve + has told me that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. How easy + and how light, I experience every moment of my + life.”</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">“And yet you said but now that death and degradation + were the lot of those who bore arms by your side in the + ranks,”</span> observed the Briton, still intently regarding his + companion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A ray of + triumphant courage and exultation flashed up into the old man’s + face. For an instant Esca recognised the fierce daring of a nature + essentially bold, reckless, and defiant; but it faded as it came, + and was succeeded by an expression of meek, chastened humility, + whilst he replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Death welcome and long looked-for! Degradation that + confers the highest honours in this world and the next!—at least to + those who are held worthy of the great glory of martyrdom. Oh! that + I might be esteemed one of that noble band! But my work will be + laid to my hand, and it is enough for me to be the lowest of the + low in the service of my Master.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And that master? Tell me of that master,”</span> + exclaimed Esca, whose interest was excited, as his feelings were + roused, by converse with one who seemed so thoroughly impressed + with the truth of what he spoke, who was at once so earnest, so + gentle, and so brave. The old man bowed his head with unspeakable + reverence, but in his face shone the deep and fervent joy of one + who looks back with intense love and gratitude to the great epoch + of his existence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I saw Him once,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“on the shore of the Sea of Galilee—I that speak to you + now saw Him with my own eyes—there were little children at His + feet. But we will talk of this again, for you are weary and + exhausted. Meat and drink are even now prepared for you. It is good + to refresh the body if the mind is to be vigorous and discerning. + You have done for us to-night the act of a true friend. You will + henceforth be always welcome in Eleazar’s house.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While he spoke, + the girl whom Esca had rescued so opportunely entered the + apartment, bearing in some food on a coarse and common trencher, + with a wineskin, of which she poured the contents into a jewelled + cup, and presented it to her preserver with an embarrassed but very + graceful gesture, and a soft shy smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne had + unveiled; and, if Esca’s expectations during their homeward walk + had been raised by her gentle feminine manners, and the sweet tones + of her voice, they were not now disappointed with what he saw. The + dark eyes that looked up so timidly into his own, were full and + lustrous as those of a deer. They had, moreover, the mournful + pleading expression peculiar to that animal, and, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page53">[pg 53]</span><a name="Pg053" id="Pg053" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>through all their softness and + intelligence, betrayed the watchful anxiety of one whose life is + passed in constant vicissitudes and occasional danger. The girl’s + face was habitually pale, though the warm blood mantled in her + cheek as she drooped beneath Esca’s gaze of honest admiration, and + her regular features were sharpened, a little more than was natural + to them, by daily care and apprehension. This was especially + apparent in the delicate aquiline of the nose, and a slight + prominency of the cheek-bones. It was a face that in prosperity + would have been rich and sparkling as a jewel, that in adversity + preserved its charms from the rare and chastened beauty in which it + was modelled. Her dress betrayed the same incongruity that was so + remarkable in the furniture of her home. Like her veil it was + black, and of a coarse and common material, but where it was looped + up, the folds were fastened by one single gem of considerable + value; and two or three links of a heavy gold chain were visible + round her white and well-turned neck.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Moving through + the room, busied with the arrangements of the meal which she must + herself have prepared, Esca could not but observe the pliant grace + of her form, enhanced by a certain modest dignity, very different + from the vivacious gestures of the Roman maidens to whom he was + accustomed, and especially pleasing to the eye of the Briton.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas seemed + to love the girl as a daughter; and his kind face grew kinder and + gentler still, while he followed her about in her different + movements, with eyes of the deepest and fondest affection.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca could not + but observe that the board was laid for three persons, and that by + one of the wooden platters stood a drinking-cup of great beauty and + value. Mariamne’s glance followed his as it rested on the spare + place. <span class="tei tei-q">“For my father,”</span> said she + gently, in answer to the inquiry she read on his face. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is later than usual to-night, and, I fear—I fear; + my father is so bold, so prompt to draw steel when he is angered. + To-night he has left his sword at home; and I know not whether to + be most frightened or reassured at his being alone in this wicked + town, unarmed.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is in God’s hand, my child,”</span> said Calchas + reverently. <span class="tei tei-q">“But I should not fear for + Eleazar,”</span> he added, with a proud and martial air, + <span class="tei tei-q">“were he surrounded by a score of such as + we see prowling nightly in the streets of Rome, though they were + armed to the teeth, and he with only a shepherd’s staff to keep his + head.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is he, then, so redoubtable a warrior?”</span> asked + Esca, on <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page54">[pg + 54]</span><a name="Pg054" id="Pg054" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>whom good manhood seldom failed to produce a + favourable impression. While he spoke he looked from one to the + other with increasing curiosity and interest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You shall judge for yourself,”</span> answered + Calchas, <span class="tei tei-q">“for it cannot now be long ere he + return. Nevertheless, the man who could leap down from the walls of + a beleaguered city, as my brother did, naked and unarmed; who could + break the head off a Roman battering-ram by main force, and render + that engine useless; who could reach the wall again with his prize, + covered with wounds, having fought his way through a whole maniple + of Roman soldiers, and could ask but for a draught of water, ere he + donned his armour, and took his place once more upon the rampart, + is not likely to fear aught that can befall him from a few idlers + in a common street-broil. Nevertheless, as I said before, you shall + judge for yourself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And here he is!”</span> exclaimed Mariamne, while the + outer door shut to, and a man’s step was heard advancing through + the adjoining apartment, with a firm and measured footfall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had been + pale enough all night in the eyes of Esca, who was watching her + intently; but he thought now she seemed to turn a shade paler than + before.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page55">[pg 55]</span><a name="Pg055" + id="Pg055" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc21" id= + "toc21"></a> <a name="pdf22" id="pdf22"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE JEW</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man who + entered the apartment with the air of one to whom every nook and + corner was familiar, must have been fully three-score years of age, + yet his dark eye still glittered with the fire of youth, his thick + curling beard and hair were but slightly sprinkled with grey, and + the muscles of his square powerful frame seemed but to have + acquired solidity and consistency with age. His appearance was that + of a warrior, toughened, and, as it were, forged into iron, by + years of strife, hardship, and unremitting toil.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If something in + the line of his aquiline features resembled Calchas, no two faces + could have been more different in their character and expression + than those of Eleazar and his brother. The latter was all + gentleness, kindliness, and peace; on the former, fiery passions, + deep schemes, continual peril, and contention, had set their + indelible marks. The one was that of the spectator, who is seated + securely on the cliff, and marks the seething waters below with + interest, indeed, and sympathy, but with feelings neither of + agitation nor alarm; the other was the strong swimmer, breasting + the waves fiercely, and battling with their might, striving for his + life inch by inch, and stroke by stroke, conscious of his peril, + confident in his strength, and never despairing for an instant of + the result. At times, indeed, the influence of opposite feelings, + softening the one and kindling the other, would bring out the + family likeness clear and apparent upon each; but in repose no two + faces could be more dissimilar, no two types of character more + utterly at variance, than those of the Christian and the Jew.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As Eleazar’s + warlike figure came into the light, Esca could not but remark with + what a glance of mistrust his quick eye took in the presence of a + stranger, how the strong fingers closed instinctively round the + staff he was in the act of laying down, and the whole form seemed + to gather itself in an instant as though ready for the promptest + measures <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page56">[pg + 56]</span><a name="Pg056" id="Pg056" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + resistance or attack. Such trifling gestures spoke volumes of the + character and habits of the man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless + Calchas rapidly explained to his brother the cause of this addition + to their supper-party; and Mariamne, who seemed in considerable awe + of her father, busied herself in placing food and wine before him, + with even more alacrity than she had shown when serving their + guest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Jew thanked + his new friend for the kindness he had rendered his daughter, with + a few brief cordial words, as one brave man expresses his gratitude + to another, then fell to on the meat and drink provided, with a + voracity that argued well for his physical powers, and denoted a + strong constitution and a long fast. As he took breath after a deep + draught of wine in which, though he pledged him not, he challenged + his guest to join, Calchas asked his brother how he had sped in the + affairs that kept him from home all day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ill,”</span> answered the other, shooting from under + his thick eyebrows a penetrating glance at the Briton. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ill and slowly, yet not so ill but that something has + been gained, another step taken in the direction at which I aim. + Yet I have been to-day in high places, have seen those bloated + gluttons and drunkards who are the ministers of Cæsar’s will, have + spoken with that spotted panther, Vespasian’s scheming agent + forsooth! who thinks he hath the cunning, as he can doubtless boast + of the treachery and the gaudy colours, of the beast of prey. Let + him take care! Weaker hands than mine have ere this strangled a + fiercer animal for the worth of his shining skin. Let him beware! + Eleazar-Ben-Manahem is a match, and more than a match, for Julius + Placidus the tribune!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca glanced + quickly at the speaker, as his ear caught the familiar name. The + look was not lost upon his host.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You know him?”</span> said he, with a fierce smile + that showed the strong white teeth gleaming through his bushy + beard. <span class="tei tei-q">“Then you know as cool and + well-taught a soldier as ever buckled on a sword. I wish I had a + few like him to officer the Sicarii<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> at + home. But you know, also, a man who would not scruple to slay his + own father for the worth of the clasp that fastens his gown. I have + seen him in the field, and I have seen him in the council. He is + bold, skilful, and he can be treacherous in both! Where met you him + last?”</span> he added, with a searching glance at Esca, while at + the same <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page57">[pg + 57]</span><a name="Pg057" id="Pg057" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>time he desired Mariamne to fill the + stranger’s cup and his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter + proceeding engrossed the Briton’s whole attention. It was with the + utmost carelessness that he replied to the question, by relating + his interview, that very morning, with the tribune at Valeria’s + door. He scarcely marked how precisely the father noted down the + name in his tablets, for the daughter’s white arm was reaching over + his shoulder, so close that it almost touched his cheek.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was indeed + well worth Eleazar’s while to obtain information, from whatever + source, of any influence that might affect those in authority with + whom he was in daily contact at Rome. His position was one which + called for courage, tact, skill, and even cunning, to a great + extent. Charged by the Supreme Council at Jerusalem, then in the + last stage of perplexity and sorely beset by Vespasian and his + legions, with a private mission to Vitellius, who much mistrusted + the successful general, he represented the hopes and fears, the + temporal and political prosperity, nay, the very existence of the + Chosen People. Nor to all appearance could a better instrument have + been selected for the purpose. Eleazar, though a bigoted and + fanatical Jew of the strictest sect, was a man of keen and powerful + intellect, whose obstinacy was open to no conviction, whose + perseverance was to be deterred by no obstacle. A distinguished and + fearless soldier, he possessed the confidence of the large and + fighting portion of the nation, who looked on Roman supremacy with + abhorrence, and who clung dearly to the notion of earthly dominion, + wrested from the heathen with the sword. His rigid observance of + its fasts, its duties, and its ceremonials, had gained him the + affections of the priesthood, and the more enthusiastic followers + of that religion in which outward forms were so strictly enjoined + and so faithfully observed; while a certain fierce, defiant, and + unbending demeanour towards all classes of men, had won for him a + character of frankness which did him good service in the schemes of + intrigue and dissimulation with which he was continually + engaged.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet perhaps the + man was honest too, as far as his own convictions went. He esteemed + all means lawful for the furtherance of a lawful object. He was one + of those who deem it the most contemptible of weakness to shrink + from doing evil that good may come. Like Jephthah he would have + sacrificed his daughter unflinchingly in performance of a vow; nay, + had Mariamne stood between him and the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page58">[pg 58]</span><a name="Pg058" id="Pg058" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>attainment of his ambition, or even the + accomplishment of his revenge, he would have walked ruthlessly over + the body of his child. Versed in the traditions of his family and + the history of his nation, he was steeped to the lips in that pride + of pedigree which was so essential a feature of the Jewish + character: he was convinced that the eventual destiny of his people + was to lord it over the whole earth. He possessed more than his + share of that haughty self-sufficiency which bade the Pharisee hold + aloof from those of lower pretensions and humbler demeanour than + himself; while he had all the fierce courage and energy of the Lion + of Judah, so terrible when roused, so difficult to be appeased when + victorious. In his secret heart he anticipated the time when + Jerusalem should again become a sovereign city, when the Roman + eagles should be scared away from Syria, and a hierarchy + established once more as the government of the people chosen by + Heaven. That he should be a second Judas Maccabæus, a chief + commander of the armies of the faithful in the new order of things, + was an ambition naturally enough entertained by the bold and + skilful soldier; but, to do Eleazar justice, individual + aggrandisement had but little share in his schemes, and personal + interest never crossed those visions for the future, on which his + dark and dangerous enthusiasm so loved to dwell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a + delicate matter to intrigue with Vitellius in Rome against the very + general who held supreme authority, at least ostensibly, from the + Emperor. It was playing a hazardous game, to receive power and + instructions from the Council at Jerusalem, and to use or suppress + them according to the bearer’s own political views and future + intentions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was no easy + task to hold his own against such men as Placidus, in the contest + of <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">finesse</span></span>, + subtlety, and double-dealing; yet the Jew entered upon his perilous + career with a strenuous energy, a cool calculating audacity, that + was engraved in the very character of the man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another draught + of the rich Lebanon wine served to improve their acquaintance, and + Eleazar, with considerable tact, drew from the Briton all the + information he could obtain as to the habits and movements of his + antagonist the tribune, while he seemed but to be carrying on the + courteous conversation of a host with his guest. Esca’s answers, + notwithstanding that thoughts and eyes wandered frequently towards + Mariamne, were frank and open like his disposition. He, too, + entertained no very cordial liking for Placidus, and experienced + towards the tribune that unconscious antipathy which the honest man + so often feels for the knave.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page59">[pg 59]</span><a name="Pg059" id="Pg059" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas, + meanwhile, had returned to the perusal of his scroll, on which his + brother cast occasional glances of unfeigned contempt, + notwithstanding that the reader was the person whom he most loved + and respected on earth. Mariamne, moving about the apartment, + looked covertly on the fair face and stately form of her preserver, + approving much of what she saw; once their eyes met, and the Jewess + blushed to her temples for very shame. So the time passed quickly; + the night stole on, the Lebanon was nearly finished, and Esca rose + to bid his entertainers farewell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have done me a rare service,”</span> said Eleazar, + feeling in his breast while he spoke, and producing, from under his + coarse garment, a jewel of considerable value, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“a service neither thanks nor guerdon can requite; yet, + I pray you, keep this trinket in remembrance of the Jew and the + Jew’s daughter, who come of a people that forgive not an injury, + and forget not a benefit.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The colour + mounted to Esca’s forehead, and an expression of pain, almost of + anger, came into his face, while he replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have done nothing to merit either thanks or reward. + It is no such matter to put a fat eunuch on his back, or to defend + an unprotected woman in a town like this. Take back your jewel, I + pray you. Any other man would have done as much.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is not every man who could have interposed so + effectually,”</span> replied Eleazar, with a glance of hearty + approval at the thews and sinews of his friend, replacing the jewel + meanwhile in his vestment, without the least sign of displeasure at + its being declined. He would have bestowed it freely, no doubt, but + if Esca did not want it, it would serve some other purpose: + precious stones and gold would always fetch their value at Rome. + <span class="tei tei-q">“At least you will let me give you a + safe-conduct home,”</span> he added; <span class="tei tei-q">“the + night is far advanced, and I should be loth that you should suffer + wrong for your interposition in our behalf.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca burst out + laughing now. In the pride of his strength, it seemed so impossible + that he should require protection or assistance from anyone. He + squared his large shoulders and drew himself to his full + height.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I should wish no better pastime,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“than a bout with a dozen of them! I, too, + was brought up a warrior, in a land you have never heard of, many a + long mile from Rome; a land fairer far than this, of green valleys + and wooded hills, and noble rivers winding calmly towards the sea; + a land where the oaks are lofty and the flowers are <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page60">[pg 60]</span><a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sweet, where the men are strong and the + women fair. I have followed the chase afoot from sunrise to sunset + through many a summer’s day. I have fronted the invader, sword in + hand, ever since my arm was long enough to draw blade from sheath, + or I had not been here now. You too are a soldier, I see it in your + eye—you can believe that my limbs grow stiff, my spirits droop for + lack of martial exercise. In faith, it seems to me that even a + vulgar broil in the street makes my blood dance in my veins once + more!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne was + listening with parted lips and shining eyes. She drank in all he + said of his distant home with its woodland scenery, its forest + trees, its fragrant flowers, and, above all, its lovely women. She + felt so kindly towards this bold young stranger, exiled from kin + and country, she attributed her interest to pity and gratitude, nor + could she help wondering to find these sentiments so strong.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas looked + up from his studies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fare thee well!”</span> said he. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take an old man’s warning, and strike not unless it be + in self-defence. Mark well the turning from the main street to the + Tiber, so shalt thou find thy way to our poor home + again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca promised + faithfully to return, and fully intended to redeem his promise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Another cup of wine,”</span> said Eleazar, emptying + the leathern bottle into a golden vessel; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the sun of Italy cannot ripen such a vintage as + this.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the rich + produce of the Lebanon was all too cloying for the healthy palate + and the thirst of youth. Esca prayed for a draught of fair water, + and Mariamne brought him the pitcher and gave him to drink with her + own hand. For the second time to-night their eyes met, and although + they were instantly averted, the Briton felt that he was drinking + from a cup more intoxicating than all the wine-presses of Syria + could produce—a cup that made him unconscious of the past as of the + future, and only too keenly sensible of the present by its joy. He + forgot that he was a barbarian, he forgot that he was a slave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He forgot + everything but Mariamne and her dark imploring trustful eyes.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page61">[pg 61]</span><a name="Pg061" + id="Pg061" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc23" id= + "toc23"></a> <a name="pdf24" id="pdf24"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE ROMAN</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_080.png"><img src="images/i_080.png" alt= + "Initial I" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is time to + give some account of Esca’s anomalous position in the capital of + the world—to explain how the young British noble (for that was + indeed the rank he held in his own country) found himself a slave + in the streets of Rome. In order to do so it is necessary to take a + glimpse at the interior of a patrician’s house about the hour of + supper; perhaps also to intrude upon the reflections of its owner, + as he paces up and down the colonnade in the cool air of sunset, + absorbed in his own thoughts, and deep in the memories of the + past.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His mansion is + of stately proportion, and large size, but all its ornaments and + accessories are chastened by a severe simplicity of taste. An + observer might identify the man by the very nature of the objects + that surround him. In his vestibule the columns are of the Ionic + order, and their elaborate capitals have been wrought into the + utmost degree of finish which that style will allow. In the smaller + entrance-hall or lobby, which leads to the principal apartments, + and which is guarded by an image of a dog, let into the pavement in + mosaic, there are no florid sculptures nor carvings, nor any + attempt at decoration beyond the actual beauty of the stonework and + the scrupulous care with which it is kept clean. The doors + themselves are of bronze, so well burnished as to need no mixture + of gold or silver inlaid to enhance its brightness; whilst in the + principal hall itself, the room in which friends are welcomed, + clients received, and business transacted, the walls, instead of + frescoes and such gaudy ornaments, are simply overlaid with + entablatures of white and polished marble. The dome is very lofty, + rising majestically towards the circular opening at the top, + through which <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page62">[pg + 62]</span><a name="Pg062" id="Pg062" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + sky is visible; and round the fountain or cistern immediately below + this are ranged four colossal statues, representing the elements. + These, with the busts of a long line of illustrious ancestors, are + the only efforts of the sculptor’s art throughout the apartment. A + large banqueting-hall, somewhat more luxuriously furnished, opens + from one side of the central room, and as much as can be seen of it + displays considerable attention to convenience and personal + comfort. Frescoes, representing scenes of military life, adorn the + walls, and at one end stands a trophy, composed of deadly weapons + and defensive armour, arranged so as to form a glittering and + conspicuous ornament. Large flagons and chalices of burnished gold, + some of them adorned with valuable jewels, are ranged upon a + sideboard; but it is evident that no guests are expected to-night, + for near the couch against the wall has been drawn a small table, + laid for one person only, with a clean napkin, and a cup and + platter of plain silver thereon. That person is none other than the + master of the house, bodily pacing up and down his own colonnade in + Rome, mentally gazing on a fair expanse of wood and vale and + shining river, drinking in the cool breezes, the fragrant odours, + and the wild luxuriant beauty of distant Britain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Five-and-twenty + years! and yet it seems but yesterday. The brow wrinkles, the hair + turns grey, strength wastes, energy fails, the brain gets torpid, + and the senses dull, but the heart never grows old. Business, + ambition, pleasure, dangers, duties, difficulties, and successes + have filled that quarter of a century, and passed away like a + dream; but the touch of a hand, the memory of a face, have outlived + them all. Caius Lucius Licinius, Roman patrician, general, prætor, + consul, and procurator of the Empire, is the young commander of a + legion once more, with the world before him, and the woman he loves + by his side. This is what he sees now, as he has seen it so often + in his dreams by night, and his waking visions by day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An old oak-tree, + a mossy sward soft and level as velvet, delicate fern bending and + whispering in the summer breeze, fleecy clouds drifting across the + blue sky, and a graceful form, in its white robes, coming shyly up + the glade, with faltering step, and sidelong glance, and timid + gesture, to keep her tryst with her Roman lover. She is in his arms + now. The rich brown curls are scattered over his breastplate, and + the blue eyes are looking up into his own, liquid with the + love-light that thrills to a man’s heart but from one pair of eyes + in a lifetime. She is, indeed, no contemptible prize, in the glory + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page63">[pg 63]</span><a name="Pg063" + id="Pg063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of her beauty and the pride + of her blooming womanhood. With the rounded form, the noble + features, and the dazzling colour of her nation, she possesses the + courage and constancy of a highborn race, and a witchery half + imperious, half playful, peculiarly her own. There are women who + find their way to the core of a man’s heart, who pervade it all, + and saturate it, so to speak, with their influence.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Quo semel est imbuta recens, servabit odorem<a id="noteref_4" + name="noteref_4" href="#note_4"><span class="tei tei-noteref" + style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">4</span></span></a> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Testa diu”—— + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vessel that + has once held this rich and rare liquid is ever after impregnated + with its fragrance, and even when it has been spilt every drop, and + a fresh infusion poured in, the new wine smacks strangely and + wildly of the old. She is one of them; he knows it too well.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They should have + nothing in common, these two, the British chieftain’s daughter and + the Roman conqueror. But there is a truce between the nations; a + truce in which the elements of discord are nevertheless + smouldering, ready to blaze out afresh at the first opportunity, + and they have seen each other accidentally, and been thrown + together by circumstances, till curiosity has become interest, and + interest grown into liking, and liking ripened into love. The + British maiden might not be won lightly, and many a tear she wept + in secret, and sore she strove against her own heart; but when it + conquered her at last she gave it, as such women will, wholly and + unreservedly. She would have lived for him, died for him, followed + him to the end of the world. And Licinius worshipped her as a man + worships the one woman who is the destiny of his life. Most men + have at some time or other experienced this folly, infatuation, + madness, call it what you will. They are not likely to forget it. + Possibly—alas! probably—the bud they then watched opening has never + expanded into bloom, at least for <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">them</span></span>. + The worm may have destroyed it, or the cold wind cut it to the + earth, or another’s hand may have borne it away in triumph to + gladden another’s breast; but there is something in the May + mornings that reminds them of the sweet flower still, and they + wander round the fairest gardens of earth rather drearily to-day, + because of the memory that has never faded, and the blank where + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">she</span></span> is not.</p><a name="i_082" + id="i_082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_082.png"><img src="images/i_082.png" alt= + "Illustration: ‘Licinius holds the British maiden to his breast’" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + ‘Licinius holds the British maiden to his breast’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius holds + the British maiden to his breast, and they discourse of their own + happiness and revel in the sunny hour, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page64">[pg 64]</span><a name="Pg064" id="Pg064" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and plan schemes for the future—schemes in + which each is to the other all in all, and dream not that when + to-day is past for them there will be no to-morrow. The woman, + indeed, heaves a gentle sigh at intervals, as though in the midst + of her happiness some foreboding warned her of the brooding + tempest; but the man is hopeful, buoyant, and impetuous, playful in + his tenderness, and joyous in his own triumphant love. They parted + that evening more reluctantly than usual. They lingered round the + oak, they found excuse after excuse for another loving word, + another fond caress. When at last they went their several ways, how + often Licinius turned to look after the receding form that carried + with it all his hope and all his happiness! Little did he think + how, and when, and where, he would see Guenebra again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ten years went + heavily by. The commander of a legion was the chief of an army now. + Licinius had served Rome in Gaul, in Spain, in Syria. Men said he + bore a charmed life; and, indeed, while his counsels showed the + forethought, the caution, and the patience of a skilful officer, + his personal conduct was remarkable for a reckless disregard of + danger, which would have been esteemed foolhardy in the meanest + soldier. It was observed, too, that a deep and abiding melancholy + had taken possession of the once light-hearted patrician. He only + seemed to brighten up into his former self under the pressure of + imminent danger, in the confusion of a repulse, or the excitement + of a charge. At other times he was silent, depressed, preoccupied; + never morose, for his kindly heart was open to the griefs of + others, and the legionaries knew that their daring general was the + friend of all who were in sorrow or distress. But the men talked + him over, too, by their watch-fires; they marvelled, those honest + old campaigners, how one who was so ready in the field could be so + sparing of the winecup; how the leader who could stoop to fill his + helmet from the running stream under a storm of javelins, and drink + composedly with a jest and a smile, should be so backward in the + revel, should show such a disinclination to those material + pleasures which they esteemed the keenest joys of life.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One old + centurion, who had followed his fortunes from the Thames to the + Euphrates, from the confines of Pannonia to the Pillars of + Hercules, averred that he had never seen his chief discomfited but + once, and that was on the day when he had been accorded a triumph + for his services in the streets of Rome. The veteran used to swear + he never could forget the dejected look upon those brows, encircled + with their laurel <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page65">[pg + 65]</span><a name="Pg065" id="Pg065" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>garland, nor the weary listlessness of that + figure, to which all eyes were directed in its gilded chariot; the + object of admiration to the whole city, and, for that day, scarcely + second even to Cæsar himself. It was a goodly triumph, no doubt; + the spoils were rich, the car was lofty, the people shouted, and + the victims fell. But what was glory without Guenebra? and the + hero’s eye could not rest in peace on one of all those gazing + thousands, for lack of the loving face framed in its rich brown + hair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the very + night Licinius and Guenebra parted, a long-meditated rising had + broken out among the islanders—conquered, but not subdued. Nothing + but the cool courage of its young commander, and the immovable + discipline of the legionaries, saved the Roman camp. Ere morning, + Guenebra had been forced away by her tribe many miles from the + scene of action; the Britons, too, retired into their strongholds, + those natural fastnesses impregnable by regular troops. The whole + country was once more in a state of open warfare. Prompt and + decisive measures were taken; Publius Ostorius, the Roman general, + in execution of a manœuvre by which he preserved his line of + operation, despatched Licinius and his legion to a different part + of the island, and with all his exertions and all his influence, + the young officer could never obtain tidings of Guenebra again. It + was after this event that the change came over Licinius which was + so commented on by the soldiers under his command.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ten years of + brilliant and successful services had elapsed when he returned to + Britain. Nero had but lately succeeded to the purple, nor had he + then degenerated into the monster of iniquity which he afterwards + became. Until sapped by his ungovernable passions, the Emperor’s + administrative abilities were of no mean order; and he selected + Licinius for the important post assigned to him, as being a + consummate soldier, and experienced in the country with which he + had to deal. The latter accepted the appointment with alacrity; + through all change of time and fortune, he had never forgotten his + British love. Under the burning skies of Syria, by the frozen + shores of the Danube, at home or abroad, in peace or war, + Guenebra’s face was ever present to him, fond and trustful as when + they last parted under the old oak-tree. He longed but to see it + once more. And so he did. Thus—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A partial + insurrection had been quelled beyond the Trent. The Roman vanguard + had surprised the Britons, and forced them to fly in great + confusion, leaving their baggage, their valuables, in some cases + even their arms, behind. When <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page66">[pg 66]</span><a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Licinius came up with the main body of his + forces, he found, indeed, no prisoners taken, for everything + animate had fled, but a goodly amount of spoil, over which Roman + discipline had placed a strong guard. One of his tribunes + approached him with a list of the captured articles; and when his + general had perused it, the officer hesitated as though there was + still some further report to make. At last he spoke out—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is a hut left standing within the lines of the + enemy. I would not order it to be destroyed till I had provided for + the burial of a dead body that lies beneath its + shelter.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius was + counting the arms taken.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A dead body!”</span> said he carelessly; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“is it an officer of rank?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“’Tis a woman’s corpse,”</span> answered the tribune; + <span class="tei tei-q">“a fair and stately woman, apparently the + wife of some prince or chieftain at the least.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For Guenebra’s + sake, every woman, much more every British woman, was an object of + respect and interest to Licinius.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lead on,”</span> said he. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + will give directions when I have seen it;”</span> and the general + followed his officer to the place already indicated.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was but a + rude hut made of a few planks and branches hastily thrown together. + It seemed to have been erected at a moment’s notice, probably to + shelter an inmate in the last stage of dissolution. Through a wide + rent in the roof the summer sun streamed in brilliantly, throwing a + sheet of light on the dead face below. The prostrate form was + swathed in its white robe, the bridal garment of the destroyer. A + band of white encircled the head and chin, and the brown hair was + parted modestly on the smooth forehead calm and womanly as of old. + It was Guenebra’s face that lay there so strangely still. + Guenebra’s face, how like and yet how changed! As he stooped over + it, and looked on the closed eyes beneath their arching brows, the + fair and noble features chiseled by the hand of death—the sweet + lips wreathed even now with a chastened loving smile—he could not + but mark that there were lines of thought upon the forehead, + streaks of silver in the hair, the result it might be of regrets, + and memories, and sorrows, and care for <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the warm + tears gushed up into the soldier’s eyes, the pressure on his heart + and brain seemed to be relieved. As when the spear is drawn out of + a wound and the red stream spouts freely forth, the previous agony + was succeeded by a dull hopeless resignation, that in comparison + seemed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page67">[pg 67]</span><a name= + "Pg067" id="Pg067" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>almost akin to peace. + He pressed his lips hard upon the cold dead forehead, and turned + away—a man for whom from henceforth there was neither good to + covet, nor evil to be feared.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And thus it was + that here, on earth, Licinius looked once more upon his love.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Fresh victories + crowned his arms in Britain—a fresh triumph awaited his return to + Rome; but still as of old with Licinius, the glory seemed to count + for nothing, the service seemed to be all-in-all. Only, now, the + restless, eager look had left his face. He was always calm and + unmoved, even in the uncertainty of conflict or the triumph of + success. Still kindly in his actions, his outward demeanour was + very stern and cold. He kept aloof from the intrigues, as from the + pleasures, of the Court; but was ever ready to serve Rome with his + sword, and on many occasions by his coolness and conduct redeemed + the errors and incapacity of his colleagues or predecessors. + Fortune smiled upon the man who was insensible to her frowns. + Honours poured in on the soldier who seemed so careless of their + attainment; and Caius Lucius Licinius was perhaps the object of + more respect and less envy than any other person of his rank in + Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It fell out that + shortly before the death of Nero, the general, in traversing the + slave-market on the way from the Forum, felt his sleeve plucked by + a notorious dealer in human wares, named Gargilianus, who begged + him earnestly to come and examine a fresh importation of captives + lately arrived from Britain. To mention their country was at once + to excite the interest of Licinius, who readily acceded to the + request, and spoke a few kind words in their native language to the + unhappy barbarians as he passed through their ranks. His attention + was, however, especially arrested by the appearance of one of the + conquered, a fine young man of great strength and stature, who + seemed to feel painfully the indignity of his position, placed as + he was on a huge stone block, whereon his own towering height + rendered him a conspicuous object in the throng. He had been + severely wounded, too, in several places, as was apparent from the + scars scarce yet healed over. Indeed, had it not been so, he would + never probably have been here. There was something in his face, and + the expression of his large blue eyes, that roused a painful thrill + in the Roman general’s breast. He felt a strange and undefinable + attraction towards the captive, for which he could not account, + and, pausing in his walk, scanned him with a wistful searching + gaze, which was not lost on the practised perceptions of the + dealer.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page68">[pg + 68]</span><a name="Pg068" id="Pg068" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He should have been shown in private,”</span> + whispered Gargilianus, with an important and mysterious air. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Indeed, my man was just taking him away, + when I saw you coming, my honoured patron, and I called to him to + stop. Ay! you may examine him all over—tall, young, and healthy. + Sound, wind and limb, and stronger than any gladiator in the + amphitheatre. They are men of iron, these barbarians, that’s the + truth, and he has only just come over. There! look for yourself, + noble general; you will see the chalk-marks<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> on his + feet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But he is badly wounded,”</span> observed Licinius, + beginning to scan him, as the other instinctively felt, with the + eye of a purchaser.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That is nothing!”</span> exclaimed Gargilianus. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mere scratches, skin deep, and healed over + now. You will not be able to run your nail against them in a week. + Eyesores, I grant you, to-day, otherwise I would ask two thousand + sesterces at least for him. These islanders are cheap at any + price.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will give you a thousand,”</span> said Licinius + quietly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Impossible!”</span> burst out the dealer, with a + quiver of his fingers, that expressed a most emphatic negative. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I should lose money by him, generous + patron! What! A man must live. Cæsar would give more for him to die + in the circus. Look at his muscles! He would stand up for a good + five minutes against the tiger!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This last + consideration was probably not without its influence. After a + little more haggling, the British captive became the property of + Licinius at the cost of fifteen hundred sesterces;<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> and + Esca found the most indulgent and the kindest-hearted master in + Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We must return + to that master, pacing thoughtfully up and down the colonnade, in + the cool and pleasant evening air.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is, perhaps, + one of the most consoling and merciful dispensations of Providence + that the human mind is so constituted as to dwell on past + pleasures, rather than past pain. The sorrow that is done with, + returns indeed at intervals vividly and bitterly enough; but every + fresh recurrence is less cruel than the last, and we can look back + to our sufferings at length with a calm and chastened humility + which is the first step towards resignation and eventual peace. But + the memory of a great happiness seems so interwoven with the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page69">[pg 69]</span><a name="Pg069" + id="Pg069" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>imperishable part of our + being, that it loses none of its reality by the lapse of time, none + of its brightness from the effect of distance. Anger, sorrow, + hatred, contentions, fleet away like a dream; but the smile that + gladdened us long ago, has passed into the very sunlight of + noonday; the whisper that softened our sternest moods, steals with + the breeze of evening to our heart, gently and tenderly as of yore, + and we know, we feel, that while crime, and misery, and remorse, + are the temporary afflictions of humanity, pardon, and hope, and + love are its inheritance for evermore.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius, pacing + his long shadowy colonnade, dwells not on the anxieties, and the + separation, and the sorrows of years; on the loss of his dearest + treasure and its possession by another; not even on the calm dead + face bound with its linen band. No; he is back in Britain once more + with his living love, in the green glade where the bending ferns + are whispering under the old oak-tree.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A step in the + hall rouses him from his meditations, and a kind grave smile steals + over the general’s face at the approach of his favourite slave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Roman + patrician looks what he is—a war-worn veteran, bronzed and hardened + by the influence of many campaigns in many climates. He is not yet + past the prime of his bodily vigour, and there is a severe beauty + about his noble features, and beard and hair already touched with + grey, that possesses considerable attraction still. Valeria, no + mean judge, asserts that he is, and always will be, a handsome man, + but that he does not know it. She respects him much, likes him a + good deal, and he is the only person on earth for whose good + opinion she has the slightest value. In truth, though she would not + confess it even to herself, she is a little afraid of her + good-hearted, brave, and thoughtful kinsman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A man who has + reached mature age without forming family ties is always to a + certain extent in a false position. No amount of public interest + will stop up the little chinks and corners, so to speak, which are + intended by Nature to contain the petty cares and pleasures and + vexations of domestic life. Without the constant association—the + daily friction—of wife and children, a cynical disposition becomes + selfish and morose; a kind one, melancholy and forlorn. Licinius + feels a blank in his existence, which nothing he has yet found + serves to fill; and he often wonders in himself why the barbarian + slave should be almost the only creature in Rome for whom he + entertains a feeling of interest and regard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he takes his + place on the couch by the supper-table, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page70">[pg 70]</span><a name="Pg070" id="Pg070" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Esca gives him to drink; and the patrician + cannot help thinking the while, how he would like to have such a + son, tall and handsome, with so warlike an air; a son whom he could + instruct in all the intricacies of his glorious profession, whose + mind he could educate, whose genius he could foster, and whose + happiness he could watch over and ensure. They converse freely + enough during the general’s temperate meal—an egg, a morsel of kid, + a few grapes, and a flask of common Sabine wine. Esca tells his + master the encounter of the previous evening, and the friendship he + had made in consequence, after nightfall. Licinius laughs at his + account of the skirmish, and the eunuch’s discomfiture.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nevertheless,”</span> says he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I trust he did not recognise you. It can have been + none other than Spado, whom you treated so unceremoniously; and + Spado is just now a prime favourite with Cæsar. I might find it + difficult to protect you if he knew where to find you, for charms + and philtres are deadlier weapons in such hands as his, than sword + and spear in yours and mine. Did he take note of your person, think + you, Esca, ere he went down?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can hardly believe it,”</span> answered Esca. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The evening was dark, and the confusion + great. Moreover, I fled with the poor girl they had surrounded, the + very instant I could snatch her out of the throng.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And you saw these Jews in their home, you say?”</span> + pursued Licinius gravely. <span class="tei tei-q">“I have heard + much of that people, and, indeed, served against them in Syria. Are + they not morose, cruel, bloodthirsty? Slayers of men, devourers of + children? Have they not fearful orgies in which they feast upon + human flesh? And one day in the week that they devote to solitude + and silence, and schemes of hatred against all mankind? Are you + sure that your entertainers belonged to this detestable + nation?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Christians and Jews,”</span> replied Esca, who had + caught the sound of the former title in the course of his + conversation with Calchas.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are they not the same?”</span> returned Licinius, and + to this question the barbarian was unable to furnish a reply.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page71">[pg 71]</span><a name="Pg071" + id="Pg071" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc25" id= + "toc25"></a> <a name="pdf26" id="pdf26"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER X</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A TRIBUNE OF THE LEGIONS</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Under the porch + of one of the most luxurious houses in Rome, two men jostled in the + dubious light of early morning. Exclamations of impatience were + succeeded by a mutual recognition, and a hearty laugh, as + Damasippus and Oarses, freedmen and staunch clients of Julius + Placidus, recognised each other’s eagerness to pay court to their + joint patron. They had risen from their beds while it was yet dark, + and hurried hither in order to be the first to salute the tribune + at his morning levée. Yet they found the great hall filling already + with a bustling crowd of friends, retainers, clients, and + dependants. Damasippus was a short, square, beetle-browed man, with + a villainous leer; Oarses, a pale, sedate, and somewhat precise + personage. But with this marked difference of exterior, an + expression of unscrupulous and thorough-paced knavery was common to + both. Said Damasippus to Oarses, with a shrug of affected + disgust—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It may be hours yet ere he will see us! Look at this + wretched crowd of parasites and flatterers! They will follow the + patron to his bath! They will besiege him in his very bed! Oh, my + friend! Rome is no longer the place for an honest man.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To which Oarses + replied, in subdued and humble tones—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The flies gather round the honey, though it is only + for what they can get. But the sincerest gratitude and affection + draw you and me, my dear companion, to the side of the illustrious + tribune.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You speak truth,”</span> returned Damasippus. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is sad to see how few clients are + uninfluenced by mean and sordid thoughts. An honest man is becoming + as rare at Rome as at Athens. It was not so in the days of the + republic—in the golden age—in the good old times!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh for the good old times!”</span> exclaimed Oarses, + still in the same low and unmoved voice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh for the good old times!”</span> echoed Damasippus; + and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page72">[pg 72]</span><a name= + "Pg072" id="Pg072" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the two knaves, with + their arms on each other’s shoulders, fell to pacing the extremity + of the hall, and exchanging spiteful remarks on the concourse with + which it was filled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune’s + house was the most perfect of its kind in the whole city. Standing + apart and surrounded by a wall and garden of its own, it combined + the luxurious splendour of a palace with the comfort and seclusion + of a private residence. Everything of ornament that was most costly + and gorgeous, had been procured by Placidus to decorate his + mansion. Everything of art that was most conspicuous and effective + hung on his walls, stood in picturesque groups about his + apartments, or lay scattered in rich profusion on his floor. The + hangings that veiled his own sleeping-room from the public eye, + were of embroidered crimson silk, woven in the looms of Asia, and + probably taken by the strong hand of the successful soldier as + spoils of war. The very pavement of the hall was of the richest + mosaic, traced in fanciful patterns and inlaid with gold. As the + morning drew on, it was trodden by a multitude of feet. No one of + his rank held so numerous a levée as Julius Placidus. In the + concourse that thronged it now, might be seen men of all countries, + classes, characters, professions, and denominations. Unlike + Licinius, who, indeed, owed his influence solely to the firm + consistency and unbending rectitude of his character, the tribune + let no opportunity pass of binding an additional partisan to his + cause by the ties of self-interest and expectation. They were + crowding in now through the wide open doors; and while the spacious + hall was nearly filled, the approach to it, and the street itself + outside, were choked with applicants, who had one and all, directly + or indirectly, something to get, or ask, or hope for, from the + tribune. Here, an artist brought his picture carefully draped in + the remains of an old garment; yet not so entirely concealed but + that a varnished corner might be visible, and the painter, nothing + loth, might be prevailed on by earnest solicitations to reveal, bit + by bit, all the beauties of his production. There, a sculptor was + diligently preserving the outlines of his model, wrapped in its wet + cloth, from collision with the bystanders, and assuming credit for + the mysterious beauties of a work, which, perhaps, if uncovered, + would have grievously disappointed the eyes that scanned it so + curiously. In one corner stood a jeweller, holding in his hand a + gorgeous collar of pearls and rubies, prepared by the patrician’s + orders, and testifying at once to the ingenuity of the tradesman, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page73">[pg 73]</span><a name="Pg073" + id="Pg073" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and the munificence of his + employer. In another, waited a common-looking slave, with a + downcast eye and a bloated unwholesome face; who, nevertheless, + assumed an important air that seemed to say he was sure of an early + audience, as, indeed, was more than probable in consideration of + his tidings, a message from venal beauty to the admirer who paid + his welcome tribute in gold. Parasites and flatterers elbowed their + way insolently in the midst, as though they had a right to be + there, whilst honest men, brown with toil, and sighing wistfully + for the fresh breezes of Tibur or Præneste, kept aloof, abashed and + shrinking, though they had but come to ask for their due. Nearest + the hangings that concealed the bedroom, stood a dirty slave, + bespattered with the filth of the fish-market, and exhaling an + odour of garlic that cleared for him an ample breathing-space even + in a Roman crowd; but the knave knew the value of his intelligence, + and how it would obtain him favour in the tribune’s eyes. No less + important a communication than this, that a mullet had been taken + the night before of nearly six pounds weight, and that so lavish a + patron as Placidus should have the first offer to purchase at a + thousand sesterces<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> a + pound. He waited with his eyes intently fastened on the curtains, + and took no notice of the jabber and confusion that pervaded the + hall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Presently the + crowd gave way a little, ebbing backward on either side, and + forming a lane as it were for three men, who were regarded as they + passed with glances of great awe and admiration. There was no + mistaking the deep chest and broad shoulders of one of these, even + apart from the loud frank voice in which Hirpinus the gladiator was + wont to convey his observations, without much respect for persons. + He was accompanied, on the present occasion, by two individuals, + obviously of the same profession as himself—Hippias the + fencing-master, and Euchenor the boxer. All three conversed and + laughed boisterously. It was obvious that even at that early hour + they had not broken their fast without a generous draught of + wine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Talk not to me,”</span> said Hirpinus, rolling his + strong shoulders, and observing with great complacency the + attention he excited—<span class="tei tei-q">“talk not to me: I + have seen them all—Dacians, Gauls, Cimbrians, Ethiopians, every + barbarian that ever put on a breastplate. By Hercules, they were + fools to this lad. Why, the big yellow-haired German, whom Cæsar + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page74">[pg 74]</span><a name="Pg074" + id="Pg074" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gave us for the lion last + summer, would not have stood up to him for a quarter of an hour. He + was taller, maybe, a little, but he hadn’t the shape, man—he hadn’t + the shape! You’ll hardly call <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></span> a kid that hasn’t put his + horns out, will ye? Well, he gave me so much to do with the + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cestus</span></span>, that I wouldn’t have + taken it off for a flagon of cheap wine, I tell ye. What think ye + of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></span>, my little Greek? You don’t + call it so bad for a beginner, I hope?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He turned to + Euchenor as he spoke, a beautifully-made young man, of + extraordinary strength and symmetry, with the regular chiseled + features of his country, and as evil an expression as ever lowered + on a fair face. The Greek pondered awhile before he answered. Then + he made the apposite inquiry—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Were you sober, Hirpinus, when you stood up to him? or + had you sucked down a skinful of wine, before you took your + bellyful of boxing?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other burst + into a loud laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Drunk or sober,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you know the stuff I am made of, just as well as I + know your weight to an ounce, and your reach to an inch. Ay, and + your mettle too, my lad! though it don’t take a six-foot rod to get + to the bottom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></span>. Harkye, this Briton of + mine would <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">eat</span></span> such a man as you, body and + bones and all, just as I would eat a thrush, and be ready for + another directly, without so much as washing his mouth + out.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A very sinister + scowl passed across Euchenor’s face, who did not quite relish this + low valuation of his prowess, and, above all, his courage; but he + was a professional boxer, and, as such, necessarily possessed + thorough command of temper, so he only glanced a little scornfully + over the other’s frame, which was getting somewhat into flesh, and + observed—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There will be money to be made out of him then in the + arena, if he falls into good hands, and is properly + trained.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hitherto, the + fencing-master had joined but carelessly in the conversation, and, + indeed, scarcely seemed aware of its purport; but the concluding + sentence arrested his attention, and turning upon Hirpinus rather + angrily, and with the air of one accustomed to command, he said + abruptly—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why did you not bring him to me at once? If you have + let him slip through those great fingers of yours, it will be the + worst job you have been concerned in for many a day. Have a care, + Hirpinus! Better men than you have been under the net ere now, and + the great games are not so far off. It needs but a word from me to + send you into the arena to-morrow, a <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page75">[pg 75]</span><a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>fair prey for a clumsy trident and a fathom or + two of twine. You know that as well as I do.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias spoke + truth. A retired gladiator, celebrated for his deadly swordsmanship + and the number of his victories, he had been long ago invested by + Nero with the wooden foil, which represented a free discharge and + immunity from future services in the amphitheatre. Habituated, + however, to the excitement of the fatal sport, and rejoicing in + that spurious fame which so distinguished men of his class at Rome, + he had set up a school for the express purpose of training + swordsmen for the arena; and had won such favour, under two + successive emperors, by the proficiency to which he brought his + pupils, and his talent for arranging the deadly pageants in which + they figured, that he had gradually become an incontrovertible + authority on such matters, and the principal manager of the games + in the amphitheatre. Of his reputation for gallantry, and the + strange fascination such men possessed for the Roman ladies, we + have already spoken; but if his smiles were courted amongst the + fair spectators of their contests, his word was law with the + gladiators themselves. He it was who paired the combatants, + supplied them with weapons, adjusted their disputes, and, in most + cases, held the balance on which their very lives depended. A + threat from Hippias was more dreaded by these ruffians than the + home-thrust of spear and sword.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now, Hirpinus, + although a fearless and skilful fighter, had his assailable point. + On one occasion, when he had entered the circus as a <span lang= + "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">secutor</span></span>, that is to say, a + combatant armed with sword and helmet, against the <span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">retiarius</span></span>, who bore nothing but + a trident and net, he had the misfortune to find himself involved + in the meshes of the latter, and at the mercy of his antagonistic. + The Roman crowd, though fickle in its approval, and uncertain in + its antipathies, spared him in consideration of the gallant fight + he had made; but Hirpinus never forgot his sensations at that + moment. Bold and fierce as he was, it completely <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">cowed</span></span> + him; and the boisterous, boastful prize-fighter would turn pale at + the mention of a trident and a net. There was something ludicrous + in the manner in which he now quailed before Hippias, eyeing him + with the same sort of imploring glance that a dog casts at his + master, and obviously persuaded of the speedy fulfilment of his + threat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Patience, patron!”</span> he growled apologetically. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I know where the lad is to be found. I can + lay my hand on him at any time. I can bring him with me to the + school. Why I <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page76">[pg + 76]</span><a name="Pg076" id="Pg076" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>talked myself well-nigh hoarse, and stayed out + the drinking of two flagons of sour Sabine to boot, while I + canvassed him to become one of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">us</span></span> and + join the Family forthwith. Why, you don’t think, patron, I would be + so thick-witted as to let him go without finding out where he + lives? He is either a freedman, or a slave of”</span>—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hush, fool!”</span> interrupted Hippias angrily, + observing that Damasippus and Oarses were hovering near, and + listening intently for a piece of intelligence which he had + resolved should be conveyed by himself, and none other, to the + tribune’s ear. <span class="tei tei-q">“There is no occasion to + publish it by the crier. Hadst thou but brains, man, in any sort of + proportion to those great muscles of thine, I could tell thee why, + with some hope of being understood. Enough! lose not sight of the + lad; and, above all, keep thy tongue within thy teeth!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The big + gladiator nodded a sulky affirmative, puzzled, but obedient; and + the two freedmen, with many courteous bows and gestures, accosted + the champions with all the humility and deference to which such + public characters were entitled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They say there will be two hundred pairs of swordsmen, + matched at the same moment,”</span> observed Damasippus, in + allusion to the coming games; <span class="tei tei-q">“and not a + plate of steel allowed in the circus, save sword and helmet. But of + course, my Hippias, you know best if this is true.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And three new lions from Libya, loose at once,”</span> + added Oarses, <span class="tei tei-q">“with a scene representing + shepherds surprised over their watch-fires; real rocks, I have been + told, and a stream of running water in the amphitheatre, with a + thicket of live shrubs, from which the beasts are to emerge. Your + taste, illustrious Hippias, the people say, is perfect. It has + obviously been consulted here.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias smiled + mysteriously, and a little scornfully.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">is</span></span> a lion from Libya,”</span> + said he; <span class="tei tei-q">“I can tell you thus much. I, + myself, saw him fed only yesterday at sunset.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is he large? is he strong? is he fierce?”</span> + questioned the two almost in a breath. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“When did he come? is he quite full-grown? will they + keep him without flesh? Of course the shepherds are not to be + armed? Will they be condemned criminals, or only paid gladiators? + Not that it matters much, if the lion is a pretty good one. We had + a tiger, you know, last year, that killed five Ethiopian slaves, + though they all set on him at once.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But they were unarmed,”</span> interrupted Euchenor, + whose cheek had turned a shade paler during the discussion. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Give <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page77">[pg 77]</span><a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>me the proper weapons, and I fear no beast + that walks the earth.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Unarmed, of course!”</span> repeated Damasippus, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and so was the tiger. A more beautiful + creature was never seen. Do you not remember, Oarses, how he waved + his long tail and stroked his face with his paws, like a kitten + before it begins to play? And then, when he made his spring, the + first black was rolled up like a ball? I was in the fifth row, my + friends, yet I heard his bones crack, distinctly, even + there.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He was a great loss, that tiger,”</span> observed + Oarses, more sadly than usual; <span class="tei tei-q">“they should + never have pitted him against a tusked elephant. The moment I saw + the ivory, I knew how the fight must end, and I wagered against the + smaller animal directly. I would have lost my sesterces, I think, + willingly, for it to have won; but the beautiful beast never had a + chance.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was the weight that did it, patrons—the + weight,”</span> observed Hirpinus. <span class="tei tei-q">“Man or + beast, I will explain to you that weight must always”</span>—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But here the + gladiator’s dissertation was broken off by the movement of the + crimson hangings, and the appearance of Placidus emerging on his + levée of expectants, bright and handsome, ready dressed for the + day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune + owned one advantage at least, which is of no small service to a man + who embarks on a career demanding constant energy and watchfulness; + he possessed that good digestion which is proverbially held to + accompany an elastic conscience and a hard heart. Though supper the + previous evening had been a luxurious and protracted meal—though + the winecup had passed round very often, and the guests with + singing brains had shown themselves in their own characters to + their cool-headed and designing host—the latter, refreshed by a + night’s rest, now appeared with the glow of health on his cheek, + and its lustre in his eye. As he looked about him on the throng of + clients and dependants, his snow-white gown fastened and looped up + with gold, his mantle adorned with a broad violet hem, his hair and + beard carefully perfumed and arranged, a murmur of applause went + round the circle which, perhaps, for once was really sincere, and + even the rough gladiators could not withhold their approbation from + a figure that was at once so richly attired, so manly, and so + refined.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hail, my friends!”</span> said the tribune, pausing in + the entrance, and looking graciously around him on the + crowd.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page78">[pg + 78]</span><a name="Pg078" id="Pg078" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hail, patron!”</span> answered a multitude of voices, + in every key, from the subdued and polished treble of Oarses to the + deep hoarse voice of the gladiators.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus moved + from one to the other, with an easy though dignified cordiality of + manner which he well knew how to assume when disposed to cultivate + the favour of his inferiors. Clear-headed and discerning, in a + wonderfully short space of time he had despatched the various + matters which constituted the business of his morning levée. He had + admired the model, declined the painting, ordered the statue, + bought the jewels, answered the fair suppliant’s message, and + secured the mullet by sending to the market for it at once. The + honest countrymen, too, he dismissed sufficiently well pleased, + considering they had received nothing more substantial than smiles; + and he now turned leisurely to Hippias, as if life had no duty so + engrossing as the pursuit of pleasure, and asked him eagerly after + the training of his gladiators, and the prospects of the + amphitheatre.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias knew his + own value; he conversed with the patrician as an equal; but + Hirpinus and Euchenor, appreciating the worth of a rich patron, + gazed on Placidus with intense respect and admiration. The latter, + especially, watched the tribune with his bright cunning eye, as if + prepared to plant a blow on the first unguarded place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But your swordsmen are all too well known,”</span> + urged the patrician on the fencing-master. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here is old Hirpinus covers his whole body with two + feet of steel as if it were a complete suit of armour, and never + takes his point off his adversary’s heart the while. The others are + nearly as wary; if they encounter ordinary fencers they are sure to + conquer; if we match them against each other and the people would + see blood drawn, they must fight blindfolded,<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> and it + becomes a matter of mere chance. No, what we want is a new man—one + whom we can train without his being discovered, and bring out as an + unknown competitor to try for the Emperor’s prize. What say you, + Hippias? ’Tis the only chance for a winning game now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have heard of such a one,”</span> answered Hippias. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I think I can lay my hand on an untried + blade, that a few weeks’ training will polish up into the keenest + weapon we have sharpened yet; at least, so Hirpinus informs me. + What say’st thou, old Trojan? Tell the patron how thou camest to + light on thy match at last.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus adjured, + the veteran gladiator related at considerable <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page79">[pg 79]</span><a name="Pg079" id="Pg079" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>length, interrupted by many exclamations + of wonder from Damasippus and Oarses, his chance meeting with Esca + in the Forum, and subsequent trial of strength and skill at the + gymnasium. Somewhat verbose, as we have seen, when he could secure + an audience, Hirpinus waxed eloquent on so congenial a theme as the + beauty and stature of his new friend. <span class="tei tei-q">“As + strong as an ox, patron,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and as lithe as a panther! Hand, and foot, and eye, + all keeping time together like a dancing girl’s. The spring of a + wild-cat, and the light footfall of a deer. Then he would look so + well in the arena, with his fair young face, set on his towering + neck, like that of the son of Peleus. Indeed, if he should be + vanquished, the women would save him every time. Why, one of the + fairest and the noblest ladies in Rome stopped her litter in the + crowded street while we walked together, and bade him come and + speak to her from sheer goodwill. In faith, he was as tall, and + twice as handsome, as the very Liburnians who carried her on their + shoulders.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune was + laughing heartily at the athlete’s eloquence; but Damasippus, who + never took his eyes off his patron’s face, thought the evil laugh + was more malicious than usual at the mention of the Liburnians, and + there was a false ring in the mirthful tones with which he asked + for more information as to this young Apollo, and the dame on whom + his appearance seemed to have made such an impression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know most of the great ladies pretty well by + sight,”</span> answered the honest swordsman. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Faith, a man does not easily forget the faces he sees + turned on him in the arena, when he has his point at his + adversary’s throat, and they bid him drive it merrily home, and + never spare. But of all the faces I see under the awning, there’s + not one looks down so calm and beautiful on a death-struggle as + that of the noble Valeria.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Like the moon on the torrent of Anio,”</span> observed + Damasippus.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Like the stars on the stormy Egean,”</span> echoed + Oarses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Like nothing but herself,”</span> continued Hirpinus, + who esteemed his own judgment incontrovertible on all matters + relating to physical beauty, whether male or female. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The handsomest face and the finest form in Rome. It + was not likely I could be mistaken, though I only caught a glimpse + of her neck and arm for a moment, as she drew back the curtains of + her litter, like”</span>—and here Hirpinus paused for a simile, + concluding with infinite relish,—<span class="tei tei-q">“like a + blade half drawn, and returned with a clash into the + sheath.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page80">[pg + 80]</span><a name="Pg080" id="Pg080" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again Damasippus + thought he perceived a quiver on his patron’s face. Again there was + something jarring in the tribune’s voice, as he said to + Hippias—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We must not let this new Achilles escape us! See to + it, Hippias. Who knows? He may make a worthy successor, even for + thee, thou artist in slaughter, when he has worked his way up, step + by step, and victory by victory, to the topmost branch of the + tree.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias laughed + good-humouredly, turning at the same time his right thumb outward, + and pointing with it to the roof. It was the gesture with which the + Roman crowd in the amphitheatre refused quarter to the combatant + who was down.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page81">[pg 81]</span><a name="Pg081" + id="Pg081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc27" id= + "toc27"></a> <a name="pdf28" id="pdf28"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">STOLEN WATERS</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The broken + column of one of the buildings destroyed in the great fire of Rome, + and not yet restored, was glowing crimson in the setting sun. + Beneath its base, the Tiber was gliding gently on towards the sea. + There was a subdued hum even in the streets of the Imperial City + that denoted how the burden and heat of the day were now past; and + the languor of the hour seemed to pervade even those who were + compelled to toil on in the struggle for bread, and who could only + in imagination abandon themselves to repose. On a fragment of the + ruin sat Esca, gazing intently on the water as it stole by. To all + appearance his listless and dreamy mood was unconscious of + surrounding objects, yet his attitude was that of one prepared to + start into action at a moment’s notice; and though his arms were + folded and his head bent down, his ear was watching eagerly to + catch the faintest sound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is a + patience-wearing process, that same waiting for a woman; and under + the most favourable circumstances is productive of much irritation, + disappointment, and disgust. In the first place a man is invariably + too soon, and this knowingly and as it were with <span lang="fr" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">malice prepense</span></span>. Taking time + thus by the forelock, delays his flight considerably, and indeed + reduces his pace to the slowest possible crawl; so that when the + appointed moment does arrive, it seems to the watcher that it has + been past a considerable period, and that his vigil should be + already over, when in reality it is only just begun. Then, as the + minutes steal on, come the different misgivings and suspicions + which only arise on such occasions, and which in his right senses + the self-torturer would be incapable of harbouring. Circumstances + which, when the appointment was made, seemed expressly adapted to + further his designs, now change to insurmountable difficulties, or + take their place as links in a chain of deception which he + persuades himself has been forged with unheard-of duplicity, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page82">[pg 82]</span><a name="Pg082" + id="Pg082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>expressly for his + discomfiture. He thinks badly of everyone, worst of all of her, + whose unpardonable fault is that she is now some fifty seconds + late. Then comes a revulsion of feeling, and his heart leaps to his + mouth, for yonder, emerging on the long perspective, is a female + figure obviously advancing this way. The expected object is tall, + slim, pliant, and walks with the firm free step of a deer on the + heather. The advancing shape is short, fat, awkward, and waddles in + its gait; nevertheless, it is not till it has reached within arm’s + length that he will allow himself to be convinced of his + disappointment. If its ears are pretty quick, the unoffending + figure may well be shocked at the deep and startling execration + which its presence calls forth. Then begins another phase of + despondency, humiliation, and bitter self-contempt, through all + which pleasant changes of feeling the old feverish longing remains + as strong as ever. At last she comes round the corner in good + earnest, with the well-known smile in her eyes, the well-known + greeting on her lips, and he forgets in an instant, as if they had + never been, his anxiety, his anger, his reproaches, all but the + presence that brings light to his life and gladness to his heart + once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca rose + impatiently at intervals, walked a few paces to and fro, sat down + again, and threw small fragments of the ruin into the water. + Presently a figure, draped in black and closely veiled, moved down + to the river’s side near where the Briton sat, and began filling a + pitcher from the stream. It could hardly have passed the column + without seeing him, yet did it seem unconscious of his presence; + and who could tell how the heart might be beating within the bosom, + or the cheek blushing behind the veil? That veil was lifted, + however, with an exclamation of surprise, when Esca stooped over + her to take the pitcher from her hand, and Mariamne’s cheek turned + paler now than it had been even on the memorable night when he + rescued her from the grasp of Spado and his fellow-bacchanals. He, + too, murmured some vague words of astonishment at finding her here. + If they were honest, for whom could he have been waiting so + impatiently? and it is possible, besides, Mariamne might have been + a little disappointed had she been allowed to fill her pitcher from + the Tiber for herself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Jewess had + been thinking about him a good deal more than she intended, a good + deal more than she knew, for the last two days. It is strange how + very insensibly such thoughts gain growth and strength without care + or culture. There are plants we prune and water every day which + never <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page83">[pg 83]</span><a name= + "Pg083" id="Pg083" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>reach more than a + sickly and stunted vitality after all, and there are others that we + trample down, cut over, tear up by the very roots, which + nevertheless attain such vigour and luxuriance that our walls are + covered by their tendrils, and our dwellings pervaded by their + fragrance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne was no + bigoted daughter of Judah, for whom the stranger was an outcast + because a heathen. Her constant intercourse with Calchas had taught + her nobler truths than she had derived from the traditions of her + fathers. And with all her pride of race and national predilections, + she had imbibed those principles of charity and toleration which + formed the groundwork of a new religion, destined to shed its light + upon all the nations of the earth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not + precisely as a brother, though, that Mariamne had yet brought + herself to regard the handsome British slave. They were soon + conversing happily together. The embarrassment of meeting had + disappeared with the first affectation of surprise. It was not long + before he told her how tired he had been of watching by the broken + column at the riverside.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How could you know I should come here?”</span> asked + the girl with a look of infinite simplicity and candour, though she + must have remembered all the time, that she had not scrupled to + hint at the daily practice in course of conversation with Calchas, + on the night when Esca brought her safely home.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I hoped it,”</span> he replied, with a smile. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have been a hunter, you know, and have + learned that the shyest and wildest of animals seek the waterside + at sunset. I was here yesterday, and waited two long hours in + vain.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She glanced + quickly at him, but withdrew her eyes immediately, while the blood + mounted to her pale face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did you expect to see me?”</span> she asked in a + trembling voice; <span class="tei tei-q">“and I never left the + house the whole of yesterday! Oh, how I wish I had known + it!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she stopped + in painful embarrassment, as having said too much. He appeared not + to notice her confusion. He seemed to have some confession to make + on his own part—something he hardly dared to tell her, yet which + his honest nature could not consent should be withheld. At last he + said with an effort—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You know what I am! My time is not my own, my very + limbs belong to another. It matters not that the master is kind, + good, and considerate. Mariamne, I am a + slave!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page84">[pg + 84]</span><a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know it,”</span> she answered, very gently, with a + loving pity beaming in her dark eyes. <span class="tei tei-q">“My + kinsman Calchas told me as much after you went away.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He drew a long + breath as if relieved.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And yet you wished to see me again?”</span> he asked, + while a gleam of happiness brightened his face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why not?”</span> she replied, with a kind smile. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Though that hand is a slave’s, it struck + my enemy down with the force of a hundred warriors; though that arm + is a slave’s, it bore me home with the care and tenderness of a + woman. Ah! tell me not of slavery when the limbs are strong, and + the heart is brave and pure. Though the body be chained with iron + fetters, what matter so long as the spirit is free? Esca, you do + not believe I think the worse of you because you are a heathen and + a slave?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her voice was + very soft and low while she spoke his name. No voice had ever + sounded so sweetly in his ears before. A new, strange sense of + happiness seemed to pervade his whole being, yet he had never felt + his situation so galling and unendurable as now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would not have you think the worse of me,”</span> he + answered eagerly, <span class="tei tei-q">“upon any account. + Listen, Mariamne. I was taken captive in war and brought here with + a hundred others to Rome. We were set up like cattle in the + slave-market. Like cattle also we were purchased, one by one, by + those who esteemed themselves practised judges of such human wares. + I was bought by Caius Lucius Licinius at the price of a yoke of + oxen, or a couple of chariot-horses. Bought and sold like a beast + of the field, and driven home to my new master!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He spoke with a + scorn all the more bitter from having been repressed so long. Yet + he kept back and smothered the indignation rising within him. This + was the first ear that had ever been open to his wrongs, and the + temptation was strong to pour them freely forth to so interested + and partial a listener. To do him justice, he refrained from the + indulgence. He had been taught from childhood that it was weak and + womanish to complain; and the man had not forgotten the lessons of + the boy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her gentle voice + again interposed in soothing and consoling accents.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But he is kind,”</span> she said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“kind and considerate—you told me so yourself. I could + not bear to think him otherwise. Indeed, Esca, it would make me + very unhappy to know that you”</span>—</p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page85">[pg 85]</span><a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here she broke + off suddenly, and snatched up the pitcher he had been filling for + her with such haste as to spill half its contents over his dress + and her own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is someone watching us! Farewell!”</span> she + whispered in a breathless, frightened voice, and hurried away, + turning her head once, however, to cast a glance over her shoulder, + and then hastened home faster than before. Esca looked after her + while she continued in sight, either unconscious of their vicinity, + or at all events not noticing a pair of bold black eyes that were + fixed upon him with an expression of arch and ludicrous surprise. + He turned angrily, however, upon the intruder, when the black eyes + had gazed their fill, and their owner burst out into a loud, merry, + and mocking laugh.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page86">[pg 86]</span><a name="Pg086" + id="Pg086" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc29" id= + "toc29"></a> <a name="pdf30" id="pdf30"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">MYRRHINA</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina’s voice + was at all times pitched in a high key; her accents were very + distinct and shrill, admirably adapted for the expression of + derision or the conveyance of sarcastic remarks.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So I have run you into a corner at last,”</span> she + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“and a pretty hunt you have given me. + ’Tis to draw water, of course, that you come down to the + Tiber-side, just at sunset; and you met her quite by accident, I + daresay, that slip of a girl in her wisp of black clothes, who + flitted away just now like a ghost going back again to Proserpine. + Ah! you gape like a calf when they put the garland on him for + sacrifice, and the poor thing munches the very flower-buds that + deck him for destruction. Well, you at least are reserved for a + nobler altar, and a worthier fate than to give your last gasp to a + sorceress in the suburbs. Jupiter! how you stare, and how handsome + you look, you great, strong barbarian, when you are thoroughly + surprised!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She put her face + so close up to his, to laugh at him, that the gesture almost + amounted to a caress. Myrrhina had no slight inclination to make + love to the stalwart Briton on her own account, pending the + conclusion of certain negotiations she felt bound to carry out on + her mistress’s. These were the result of a conversation held that + morning while the maid was as usual combing out her lady’s long and + beautiful hair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria’s sleep + had been broken and restless. She tossed and turned upon her + pillow, and put back the hair from her fevered cheeks and throbbing + temples in vain. It was weary work to lie gazing with eyes wide + open at the flickering shadows cast by the night-lamp on the + opposite wall. It was still less productive of sleep to shut them + tight and abandon herself to the vision thus created, which stood + out in life-like colours and refused to be dispelled. Do what she + would to forget him, and conjure up some other object, there was + the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page87">[pg 87]</span><a name= + "Pg087" id="Pg087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>young barbarian, + towering like a demigod over the mean effeminate throng; there were + the waving linen garments, and the reeling symbols, and the tossing + hands, and the scowling faces of the priests of Isis; there was the + dark-clad girl with her graceful pliant form; and there, yes, + always there, in his maddening beauty, was the tall brave figure, + gathering itself in act to strike. She could not analyse her + feelings; she believed herself bewitched. Valeria had not reached + the prime of her womanhood, without having sounded, as she thought, + every chord of feeling, tasted of every cup that promised + gratification or excitement. She had been flattered by brave, + courted by handsome, and admired by clever men. Some she fancied, + some she liked, some she laughed at, and some she told herself she + loved. But this was a new sensation altogether. This intense and + passionate longing she had never felt before. But for its novelty + it would have been absolutely painful. A timid girl might have been + frightened at it; but Valeria was no timid girl. She was a woman, + on the contrary, who, with all the eagerness and impetuosity of her + sex, possessed the tenacity of purpose and the resolution of a man. + Obviously, as she could not conquer the sentiment, it was her + nature to indulge it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have a message to Licinius,”</span> said she, + turning at the same time from the mirror, and suffering her long + brown hair to fall over her face like a veil; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“a message that I do not care to write, lest it should + be seen by other eyes. Tell me, Myrrhina, how can I best convey it + to my kinsman?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The waiting-maid + was far too astute to suggest the obvious arrangement of a private + interview, than which nothing could have been easier, or to offer + her own services, as an emissary who had already proved herself + trustworthy in many a well-conducted intrigue; for Myrrhina knew + her business too well to hesitate in playing into the hands of her + mistress. So she assumed a look of perplexity and deep reflection + while, finger on forehead, as the result of profound thought, she + made the following reply—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It would be safest, madam, would it not, to trust the + matter to some confidential slave?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria’s heart + was beating fast, and the fair cheek was pale again now, while she + answered, with studied carelessness—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Perhaps it would, if I could think of one. You know + his household, Myrrhina. Can I safely confide in any of + them?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Those barbarians are generally faithful,”</span> + observed the maid, with the most unconscious air. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know Licinius has <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page88">[pg 88]</span><a name="Pg088" id="Pg088" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>a British slave in whom he places considerable + trust. You have seen him yourself, madam.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Have I?”</span> answered Valeria, moving restlessly + into a more comfortable attitude. <span class="tei tei-q">“Should I + know him again? What is he like?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The blood had + once more mounted to her forehead, beneath the long hair. Myrrhina, + who was behind her, saw the crimson mantling even on her neck. She + was a slave, and a waiting-maid, but she was also a woman, and she + could not resist the temptation; so she answered maliciously—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is a big awkward-looking youth, of lofty stature, + madam, and with light curly hair. Stupid doubtless, and as trusty, + probably, as he is thick-witted.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is not safe + to jest with a tigress unless you are outside the bars of her cage. + Valeria made a quick impatient movement that warned the speaker she + had gone too far. The latter was not wanting in readiness of + resource.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I could bring him here, madam,”</span> she added + demurely, <span class="tei tei-q">“within six hours.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her lady smiled + pleasantly enough.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This evening, Myrrhina,”</span> she said; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I shall scarcely be ready before. By the way, I am + tired of those plain gold bracelets. Take them away, and don’t let + me see them again. This evening, you said. I suppose I had better + leave it entirely to you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Both maid and + mistress knew what this meant well. It implied full powers and + handsome remuneration on one side, successful manœuvring and + judicious blindness on the other. Valeria disposed herself for a + long day’s dreaming: stretched indeed in bodily repose, but + agitating her mind with all the harassing alternations of + anticipation, and hope, and doubt, and fear—not without a + considerable leavening of triumph, and a slight tinge of shame: + while Myrrhina set herself energetically to work on the task she + had undertaken; which, indeed, appeared to possess its + difficulties, when she had ascertained at the first place she + sought, namely, the house of Licinius, that Esca was abroad, and no + one knew in what direction he was likely to be found.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A woman’s wit, + however, usually derives fresh stimulus from opposition. Myrrhina + was not without a large circle of acquaintances; and amongst others + owned a staunch friend, and occasional admirer, in the person of + Hirpinus, the gladiator. That worthy took a sufficient interest in + the athletic Briton to observe his movements, and was aware that + Esca had spent some two or three hours by the Tiber-side on the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page89">[pg 89]</span><a name="Pg089" + id="Pg089" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>previous evening—a fact which + he imparted to Myrrhina, on cross-examination by the latter, + readily enough, professing at the same time his own inability to + account for it, inasmuch as there was neither wineshop nor + quoit-ground in the vicinity. Not so his intriguing little + questioner. <span class="tei tei-q">“A man does not wait two or + three hours in one spot,”</span> thought Myrrhina, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“for anything but a woman. Also, the woman, if she + comes at all, is never so far behind her time. The probability then + is, that she disappointed him; and the conclusion, that he will be + there again about sunset the following day.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus arguing, + she resolved to attend at the trysting-place, and make a third in + the interview, whether welcome or not; killing the intervening + time, which might otherwise have hung heavily on her hands, by a + series of experiments on the susceptibility of Hirpinus—an amusing + pastime, but wanting in excitement from its harmlessness; for the + gladiator had arrived at that period of life when outward charms, + at least, are esteemed at their real value, and a woman must + possess something more than a merry eye and a saucy lip if she + would hope to rival the attraction of an easy couch and a flagon of + old wine. Nevertheless, she laughed, and jested, and ogled, keeping + her hand in, as it were, for practice against worthier occasions, + till it was time to depart on her errand, when she made her escape + from her sluggish admirer, with an excuse as false and as plausible + as the smile on her lip.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hirpinus looked + after her as she flitted away, laughed, shook his head, and strode + heavily off to the wineshop, with an arch expression of amusement + on his brave, good-humoured, and somewhat stupid face. Myrrhina, + drawing a veil about her head and shoulders so as effectually to + conceal her features, proceeded to thread her way through the + labyrinth of impoverished streets that led to the riverside, as if + familiar with their intricacies. When she reached her destination + at last, she easily hid herself in a convenient lurking-place, from + which she took care not to emerge till she had learned all she + wished to know about Esca and his companion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you want with me?”</span> asked the Briton, a + little disturbed by this saucy apparition, and not much pleased + with the waiting-maid’s familiar and malicious air.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am unwelcome, doubtless,”</span> answered the girl, + with another peal of laughter; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“nevertheless you must come with me whether you will or + no. We Roman maidens take no denial, young man; we are not like + your tall, pale, frozen women of the north.”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page90">[pg 90]</span><a name="Pg090" id="Pg090" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Subscribing + readily to this opinion, Esca felt indignant at the same time to be + so completely taken possession of. <span class="tei tei-q">“I have + no leisure,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“to attend + upon your fancies. I must homeward; it is already nearly supper + time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And you are a slave, I know,”</span> retorted Myrrhina + with a gesture of supreme and provoking contempt. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">A slave!</span></span> You, with your + strength, and stature, and courage, cannot call an hour of this + fine cool evening your own.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know it,”</span> said he, bowing his head to conceal + the flush of indignation that had risen to his brow. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know it. A slave must clean his master’s platter, + and fill his cup to drink.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She could see + that her thrust had pierced home; but with all her predilections + for his handsome person, she cared not how she wounded the manly + heart within.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And being a slave,”</span> she resumed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you may be loaded and goaded like a mule! You may be + kicked and beaten like a dog! You cannot even resent it with hoofs + and fangs as the dumb animal does when his treatment is harsher + than he deserves! You are a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">man</span></span>, you know, though a + barbarian! You must cringe, and whine, and bite your lips, and be + patient!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every syllable + from that sharp tongue seemed to sting him like a wasp: his whole + frame quivered with anger at her taunts; but he scorned to show it, + and putting a strong constraint upon his feelings, he only asked + quietly—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What would you with me? It was not to tell me this + that you watched and tracked me here.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina thought + she had now brought the metal to a sufficiently high temperature + for fusion. She proceeded to mould it accordingly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I tracked you here,”</span> she said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“because I wanted you. I wanted you, because it is in + my power to render you a great service. Listen, Esca; you must come + with me. It is not every man in Rome would require so much + persuasion to follow the steps of a pretty girl.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked very + arch and tempting while she spoke, but her attractions were sadly + wasted on the preoccupied Briton; and if she expected to win from + him any overt act of admiration or encouragement, she was wofully + disappointed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I cannot follow yours,”</span> said he; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“my way lies in another direction. You have yourself + reminded me that I am not my own master.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That is the very reason,”</span> she exclaimed, + clapping her hands exultingly. <span class="tei tei-q">“I can show + you the way to freedom. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page91">[pg + 91]</span><a name="Pg091" id="Pg091" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>No + one else can help you but Myrrhina; and if you attend to her + directions you can obtain your liberty without delay.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And why should <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></span> be disposed to confer on me + such a benefit?”</span> he asked, with instinctive caution, for the + impulsive nature that jumps so hastily to conclusions, and walks + open-eyed into a trap, is rarely born north of the Alps. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am a barbarian, a stranger, almost an + enemy. What have you and I in common?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Perhaps I have fallen in love with you myself,”</span> + she laughed out; <span class="tei tei-q">“perhaps you may be able + to serve me in return. Come, you are as cold as the icy climate in + which you were bred. You shall take your choice of the two reasons; + only waste no more time, but gird yourself and follow + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though it had + never been dormant, the desire for liberty had, within the last two + days, acquired a painful intensity in Esca’s breast. He had not + indeed yet confessed to himself that he cherished an ardent + attachment for Mariamne; but he was conscious that her society + possessed for him an undefinable attraction, and that without her + neither liberty nor anything else would be worth having. This new + sensation made his position more galling than it had ever been + before. He could not ignore the fact, that it was absurd for one + whose existence was not his own, to devote that existence to + another; and the degradation of slavery, which his lord’s kindness + had veiled from him as much as possible while in his household, now + appeared in all its naked deformity. He felt that no effort would + be too desperate, no sacrifice too costly, to make for liberty; and + that he would readily risk life itself, and lose it, to be free, if + only for a week.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have seen my mistress,”</span> resumed Myrrhina, + as they hurried on through the now darkening streets; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the fairest lady and the most powerful in Rome; a near + kinswoman, too, of your master. It needs but a word from her to + make of you what she pleases. But she is wilful, you must know, and + imperious, and cannot bear to be contradicted. Few women + can.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca had yet to + learn this peculiarity of the sex; but he heard Myrrhina mention + her mistress with vague misgivings, and forebodings of evil far + different from the unmixed feelings of interest such a + communication would have called forth a while ago.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did she send for me expressly?”</span> he asked, with + some anxiety of tone. <span class="tei tei-q">“And how did you know + where to find me in such a town as this?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know a great many things,”</span> replied the + laughing <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page92">[pg + 92]</span><a name="Pg092" id="Pg092" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>damsel; <span class="tei tei-q">“but I do not + choose everyone to be as wise as myself. I will answer both your + questions, though, if you will answer one of mine in return. + Valeria did not mention you by name, and yet I think there is no + other man in Rome would serve her turn but yourself; and I knew + that I should find you by Tiber-side, because you cannot keep a + goose from the water, nor a fool from his fate. Will you answer my + question as frankly? Do you love the dark pale girl that fled away + so hastily when I discovered you together?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was exactly + what he had been asking himself the whole evening, with no very + conclusive result; it was not likely, therefore, that Myrrhina + should elicit a satisfactory reply. The Briton coloured a little, + hesitated, and gave an evasive answer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Like tends to like,”</span> said he. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is there in common between two strangers, from + the two farthest extremities of the empire?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina clapped + her hands in triumph.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Like tends to like, say you?”</span> she exclaimed + exultingly. <span class="tei tei-q">“You will tell another tale ere + an hour be past. Hush! be silent now, and step softly; but follow + close behind me. It is very dark in here, under the + trees.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus cautioning + him, she led Esca through a narrow door out of the by-street, into + which they had diverged, and stepped briskly on, with a confidence + born of local knowledge that he imitated with difficulty. They were + now in a thickly planted shrubbery which effectually excluded the + rays of a rising moon, and in which it was scarce possible to + distinguish even Myrrhina’s white dress. Presently they emerged + upon a smooth and level lawn, shut in by a black group of cedars, + through the lower branches of which peeped the crescent moon that + had not long left the horizon, and turning the corner of a + colonnade, under a ghostly-looking statue, traversed another door, + which opened softly to Myrrhina’s touch, and admitted them into a + long carpeted passage, with a lamp at the farther end.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Stay here while I fetch a light,”</span> whispered the + damsel; and, gliding away for that purpose, returned presently to + conduct Esca through a large dark hall into another passage; where + she stopped abruptly, and lifting some silken hangings, that served + for the door of an apartment, simply observed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“You will find food and wine there,”</span> and pushed + him in.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Floods of soft + and mellow light dazzled his eyes at first; but he soon realised + the luxurious beauty of the retreat into which he had been forced. + It was obvious that all the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page93">[pg 93]</span><a name="Pg093" id="Pg093" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>resources of wealth had been applied to its + decoration with a lavish hand, guided by a woman’s sensibility and + a woman’s taste. The walls were painted in frescoes of the richest + colouring, and represented the most alluring scenes. Here the three + jealous goddesses flashed upon bewildered Paris, in all the lustre + of their immortal charms. A living envy sat on Juno’s brow; a + living scorn was stamped on Minerva’s pale, proud face; and the + living smile that won her the golden apple, shone in Aphrodité’s + winning eyes. There glowed imperial Circé in her magic splendour; + and the very victims of her spell seemed yet to crave, with fiery + glances and with thirsty lips, for one more draught from the + tempting, luscious, and degrading cup. A shapely Endymion lay + stretched in dreams of love. A frightened Leda shrank while she + caressed. Here fair Adonis bled to death, ripped by the monster in + the forest glade; there, where the broad-leaved lilies lay sleeping + on the shady pool, bent fond Narcissus, to look and long his life + away; an infant Bacchus rolled amongst the grapes, in bronze; a + little Cupid mourned his broken bow, in marble. Around the cornices + a circle of nymphs and satyrs, in bas-relief, danced + hand-in-hand—wild woodland creatures, exulting in all the + luxuriance of beauty, all the redundancy of strength; and yonder, + just where the lamp cast its softest light on her attractions, + stood the likeness of Valeria herself, depicted by the cunning + painter in a loose flowing robe that enhanced, without concealing, + the stately proportions of her figure, and in an attitude + essentially her own—an attitude expressive of dormant passion, + lulled by the languid insolence of power, and tinged with an + imperious coquetry that she had found to be the most alluring of + her charms.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was bad + enough to sit in that voluptuous room, under that mellow light, + drinking the daintiest produce of Falernian vineyards, and gazing + on such an image as Valeria’s—an image of one who, beyond all + women, was calculated to madden a heated brain, whose beauty could + scarcely fail to captivate the outward senses, and take the heart + by storm. It was bad enough to press the very couch of which the + cushions still retained the print of her form—to see the shawl + thrown across it, and trailing on the floor as though but now flung + off—to touch the open bracelet hastily unclasped, yet warm from its + contact with her arm. All this was bad enough, but worse was still + to come.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca was in the + act of setting down the goblet he had drained, and his eye was + resting with an expression of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page94">[pg 94]</span><a name="Pg094" id="Pg094" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>admiration, not to be mistaken, on the picture + opposite, when the rustling of the hangings caused him to turn his + head. There was no more attraction now in bounding nymph or + brilliant enchantress; haughty Juno, wise Minerva, and laughing + Venus with her sparkling girdle, had passed into the shade. + Valeria’s likeness was no longer the masterpiece of the apartment, + for there in the doorway appeared the figure of Valeria herself. + Esca sprang to his feet, and thus they stood, that noble pair, + confronting each other in the radiant light. The hostess and her + guest—the lady and the slave—the assailant and the assailed.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page95">[pg 95]</span><a name="Pg095" + id="Pg095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc31" id= + "toc31"></a> <a name="pdf32" id="pdf32"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">NOLENS—VOLENS</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_116.png"><img src="images/i_116.png" alt= + "Initial V" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria trembled + in every limb; yet should she have remained the calmer of the two, + inasmuch as hers could scarcely have been the agitation of + surprise. Such a step, indeed, as that on which she now ventured, + had not been taken without much hesitation and many changes of + mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No woman, we + believe, ever becomes utterly unsexed; and the process by which + even the boldest lose their instinctive modesty, is gradual in the + extreme. The power, too, of self-persuasion, which is so finely + developed in the whole human race, loses none of its efficacy in + the reasonings of the less logical and more impulsive half. People + do not usually plunge headlong into vice. The shades are almost + imperceptible by which the love of admiration deepens into vanity, + and vanity into imprudence, and imprudence, especially if thwarted + by advice and encouraged by opportunity, into crime. Nevertheless, + the stone that has once been set in motion, is pretty sure to reach + the bottom of the hill at last; and <span class="tei tei-q">“I + might”</span> grows to <span class="tei tei-q">“I will,”</span> and + <span class="tei tei-q">“I will,”</span> ere long, becomes + <span class="tei tei-q">“I must.”</span> Valeria’s first thought + had only been to look again upon an exterior that pleased her eye; + then she argued that having sent for her kinsman’s slave, there + could be no harm in speaking to him—indeed, it would seem strange + if she did not; and under any circumstances, of course there was no + occasion that her colloquy should be overheard by all the maidens + of her establishment, or even by Myrrhina, who, trusty as she might + be, had a tongue of surpassing activity, and a love of gossip not + to be controlled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She ignored, + naturally enough, that any unusual interest <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page96">[pg 96]</span><a name="Pg096" id="Pg096" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in the Briton should have caused her + thus to summon him into her own private and peculiar retreat; thus + to surround him with all that was dazzling to the eye, and alluring + to the senses; thus to appear before him in the full glow of her + personal beauty, set off by all the accessories of dress, jewels, + lights, flowers, and perfumes, that she could command. If she sent + for him, it was but natural that he should find her encircled by + the usual advantages of her station. It was no fault of hers, that + these were gorgeous, picturesque, and overpowering. He might as + well blame the old Falernian for its seduction of the palate, and + its confusion of the brain. Let him take care of himself! she would + see him, speak to him, smile on him, perhaps, and be <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">guided by + circumstances</span></span>. A wise resolution this last in all + cases, and by no means difficult to keep when the circumstances are + under our own control.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria, + womanlike, was the first to speak, though she scarcely knew what to + say. With a very becoming air of hesitation she kept clasping and + unclasping a bracelet, the fellow of the one on the couch. She was + doubtless conscious that her round white arm looked rounder and + whiter in the process.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have sent for you,”</span> she began, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“because I am informed I can rely implicitly on your + truth and secrecy. You are one, they tell me, who is incapable of + betraying a trust. Is it not so?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is needless + to say that Esca was already somewhat bewildered with the events of + the evening, and in a mood not to be surprised at anything. + Nevertheless, he could only bow his head in acknowledgment of this + tribute to his honesty, and murmur a few indistinct syllables of + assent. She seemed to gain confidence now the ice was broken, and + went on more fluently.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have a secret to confide—a secret that none but + yourself must know. Honour, reputation, the fame of a noble family, + depend on its never being divulged. And yet I am going to impart + this secret to you. Am I not rash, foolish, and impulsive, thus to + place myself in the power of one whom I know so little? What must + you think of me? What <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">do</span></span> you think of me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter + question, propounded with a deepening colour and a glance that + conveyed volumes, was somewhat difficult to answer. He might have + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“Think of you? Why, that you are the + most alluring mermaiden who ever tempted a mariner to shipwreck on + the rocks!”</span> But what he did say was this—</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page97">[pg 97]</span><a name="Pg097" id="Pg097" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have never feared man, nor deceived woman yet. I am + not going to begin now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was a little + disappointed at the coldness of his answer; yet her critical eye + could not but approve the proud attitude he assumed, the stern look + that came over his face, while he spoke. She edged a little nearer + him and went on in a softened tone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A woman is always somewhat lonely and helpless, + whatever may be her station, and oh! how liable we are to be + deceived, and how we weep and wring our hands in vain when it is + so! But I knew <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></span> from the first. I can read + characters at a glance. Do you remember when I called you to my + litter in the street while you were walking with Hirpinus, the + gladiator?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again that warm + crimson in the cheek—again that speaking flash from those dangerous + eyes. Esca’s head was beginning to turn, and his heart to beat with + a strange sensation of excitement and surprise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am not likely to forget it,”</span> said he, with a + sort of proud humility. <span class="tei tei-q">“It was such an + honour as is seldom paid to one in my station.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She smiled on + him more kindly than ever.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I looked for you again,”</span> she murmured, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and saw you not. I wanted one in whom I + could confide. I have no counsellor, no champion, no friend. I said + what has become of him? who else will do my bidding, and keep my + secret? Then Myrrhina told me that you would be here + to-night.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She seemed to + have something more to say that would not out. She looked at the + Briton with expectant, almost imploring eyes; but Esca was young + and frank and simple, so he waited for her to go on, and Valeria, + discouraged and intimidated for the first time, proceeded in a + colder and more becoming tone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The packet with which I intrust you must be delivered + by yourself into the hands of Licinius. Not another creature must + set eyes on it. No one must know that you have received it from me, + nor, indeed, that you have been here to-night. If necessary you + must guard it with your life! Can I depend upon you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was beginning + to feel that he could not depend upon himself much longer. The + lights, the perfumes, the locality, the seductive beauty near him, + so lovely and so kind, were making wild work with his senses and + his reason. Nevertheless, the whole position seemed so strange, so + impossible, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page98">[pg + 98]</span><a name="Pg098" id="Pg098" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that he could hardly believe he was awake. + There was plenty of pride in his character, but no leavening of + vanity; and, like many another gentle and inexperienced nature, he + shrank from offending a woman’s delicacy, with a repugnance that in + some cases is exceedingly puzzling and provoking to the woman + herself. So he put a strong constraint upon his feelings, and + undertook the delivery of the missive with incredible simplicity + and composure. The statue of Hermes at the door could not have + looked colder and more impenetrable. She was a little at a loss. + She must detain him at all hazards, for she felt that when once + gone he would be gone for ever. She determined to lead him into + conversation; and she chose the topic which, originating, perhaps, + in the instinctive jealousy of a woman, was of all others the most + subversive of her <a name="corr098" id="corr098" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">plans.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I saw you once again,”</span> she said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but it was in the hurry and confusion of that sudden + broil. It was no fault of mine that the priests committed so gross + an outrage on the poor thing you rescued. I would have helped you + myself had you required assistance, but you carried her off as an + eagle takes a kid. What became of the girl?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The question was + accompanied by a sharp inquisitive glance, and a forced smile of + very perceptible annoyance wreathed her lip when she perceived + Esca’s embarrassed manner and reddening brow; but she had + unwittingly called up the Briton’s good genius, and for all women + on earth, save one, he was a man of marble once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I placed her in safety with her father,”</span> he + replied; adding, with an assumption of deep humility, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will you please to give me your commands and let me + depart?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria was so + totally unused to opposition in any of her whims or caprices that + she could scarcely believe this obvious indifference was real. She + persuaded herself that the Briton was so overpowered by her + condescension, as to be only afraid of trespassing too far on such + unexpected kindness, and she resolved that it should be no fault of + hers if he were not quickly undeceived. She sank upon the couch in + her most bewitching attitude, and, looking fondly up in his face, + bade him fetch her tablets from the writing-stand. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“For,”</span> said she, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have + not yet even prepared my communication to Licinius. Shall you be + very weary of me, if I keep you my prisoner so long?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Was it accident + or design that entangled those rosy fingers with Esca’s, as she + took the tablets from his hand? Was it accident or design that + shook the hair off her face, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page99">[pg 99]</span><a name="Pg099" id="Pg099" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and loosed the rich brown clusters to fall + across her glowing neck and bosom? It was surely strange that when + she bent over the tablets her cheek turned pale, and her hand shook + so that she could not form a letter on the yielding wax. She + beckoned him nearer and bent her head towards him till the drooping + curls trailed across his arm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I cannot write,”</span> said she, in trembling + accents. <span class="tei tei-q">“Something seems to oppress me—I + am faint—I can scarcely breathe—Myrrhina shall give you the missive + to-morrow. In the meantime, we are alone. Esca, you will not betray + me. I can depend upon you. You are my slave, is it not so? This + shall be your manacle!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While she yet + spoke, she took the bracelet from her arm and tried to clasp it + round his wrist; but the glittering fetter was too narrow for the + large-boned Briton, and she could not make it meet. Pressing it + hard with both hands, she looked up in his face and laughed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One responsive + glance, the faintest shadow of yielding on those impassible + features, and she would have told him all. But it came not. He + shook the bracelet from his arm; and while he did so, she recovered + herself, with the instantaneous self-command women seem to gather + from an emergency.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was but to try your honesty!”</span> she said, very + haughtily, and rising to her feet. <span class="tei tei-q">“A man + who is not to be tempted, even by gold, can be safely trusted in + such an affair as mine. You may go now,”</span> she added, with the + slightest bend of her head. <span class="tei tei-q">“To-morrow, if + I require you, I shall take care that you hear from me through + Myrrhina.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked after + him as he disappeared under the silken hangings of the portal, her + face quivered, her bosom heaved, and she clenched both hands till + the round white arms grew hard as marble. Then she bit her lip + once, savagely, and so seemed to regain her accustomed composure, + and the usual dignity of her bearing. Nevertheless, when the + despised bracelet caught her eye, lying neglected on the couch, she + dashed it fiercely down, and stamped upon it, and crushed and + ground the jewel beneath her heel against the floor.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page100">[pg 100]</span><a name= + "Pg100" id="Pg100" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc33" id= + "toc33"></a> <a name="pdf34" id="pdf34"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">CÆSAR</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When a woman + feels herself scorned, her first impulse seems to be revenge at any + price. Some morbid sentiment, which the other sex can hardly + fathom, usually prompts her in such cases to select for her + instrument the man whom in her heart she loathes and despises, + whose society is an insult, and whose attentions are a disgrace. + Thus lowering herself in her own esteem, she knows that she + inflicts a poisoned wound on the offender.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With all + Valeria’s self-command, her feelings had nearly got the better of + her before Esca left the house. Had it been so, she would never + have forgiven herself. But she managed to restrain them, and + preserved an outward composure even while Myrrhina prepared her for + repose. That damsel was much puzzled by the upshot of her + manœuvres. From a method of her own, which long practice rendered + familiar, she had made herself acquainted with all that occurred + between her mistress and the handsome slave. Why their interview + should have had no more definite result, she was at a loss to + conceive. Altogether, Myrrhina was inclined to think that Esca had + been so captivated by her own charms, as to be insensible to those + of Valeria. This flattering supposition opened up a perspective of + hazard, intrigue, and cross-purposes, that it was delicious to + contemplate. The maid retired to her couch exulting. The mistress + writhed in an agony of wounded pride and shame.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Morning, + however, brought its unfailing accession of clear-sightedness and + practical resolve. There are hours of the night in which we can + abandon ourselves to love, hatred, despair, or sorrow with a + helplessness that possesses in it some of the elements of repose; + but with dawn reality resumes her sway, and the sufferer is indeed + to be pitied, who can turn away from daylight without an impulse to + be up and doing, who wishes only, in the lethargy of utter + desolation, that it was evening once more.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page101">[pg 101]</span><a name="Pg101" id="Pg101" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria was not + a woman to pass over the slight she had sustained. Few of them but + will forgive an injury more readily than an insult. Long before she + rose she had made up her mind where, and when, and how to strike; + nothing remained but to select the weapon, and put a keener edge + upon the steel. Now Valeria had long been aware, that, as far as + was compatible with his disposition, Julius Placidus was devoted to + her service. Indeed, he had told her so many a time, with an + assumption of off-hand gallantry which, perhaps, she estimated at + less than its proper value. Nevertheless, the compliments she + received from the tribune were scarcely so well turned as might be + expected from a man of his outward polish, refined manners, and + general bad character. The woman’s ear could detect the ring of + truth, amidst all the jingle that accompanied it; and Valeria felt + that the tribune loved her as much as it was possible for him to + love anything but himself. To do her justice, she liked him none + the better on that account. He was a man whom she must have hated + under any circumstances, but perhaps she despised him a little less + for this one redeeming quality of good taste. Here was a weapon, + however, keen, and strong, and pliant, placed moreover, so to + speak, within reach of her hand. She rose and dressed, languid, + haughty, and composed as usual; but Myrrhina, who knew her, + remarked a red spot burning on either cheek, and once a shudder, as + of intense cold, passed over her, though it was a sunny morning in + Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Julius Placidus + received a letter ere noon that seemed to afford him infinite + satisfaction. The gilded chariot flashed brighter than ever in the + sun, the white horses whirled it like lightning through the + streets. Automedon’s curls floated on the breeze, and the boy was + even more insolent than usual without rebuke. Lolling on his velvet + cushions the tribune’s smile seemed to have lost something of its + malice; and though the tiger-look was on him still, it was that of + the sleek and satisfied tiger who has been fed. That look never + left him all day, while he transacted business in the Forum, while + he showed his grace and agility at ball in the Fives’ Court, while + he reposed after his exertions at the bath; but it was more + apparent still when the hour of supper arrived, and he took his + place in the banqueting-hall of Cæsar, with some of the bravest + soldiers, the noblest senators, the greatest statesmen, wits, + gluttons, and profligates in the empire.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A banquet with + Vitellius was no light and simple repast. Leagues of sea and miles + of forest had been swept to furnish <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page102">[pg 102]</span><a name="Pg102" id="Pg102" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the mere groundwork of the entertainment. + Hardy fishermen had spent their nights on the heaving wave, that + the giant turbot might flap its snowy flakes on the Emperor’s table + broader than its broad dish of gold. Many a swelling hill, clad in + the dark oak coppice, had echoed to ringing shout of hunter, and + deep-mouthed bay of hound, ere the wild boar yielded his grim life + by the morass, and the dark grisly carcass was drawn off to provide + a standing-dish that was only meant to gratify the eye. Even the + peacock roasted in its feathers was too gross a dainty for epicures + who studied the art of gastronomy under Cæsar; and that taste would + have been considered rustic in the extreme, which could partake of + more than the mere fumes and savour of so substantial a dish. A + thousand nightingales had been trapped and killed, indeed, for this + one supper, but brains and tongues were all they contributed to the + banquet, while even the wing of a roasted hare would have been + considered far too coarse and common food for the imperial + board.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There were a + dozen of guests reaching round the ivory table, and so disposed + that the head of each was turned towards the giver of the feast. + Cæsar was, indeed, in his glory. A garland of white roses crowned + his pale and bloated face, enhancing the unhealthiness of its + aspect. His features had originally been well-formed and delicate, + expressive of wit, energy, and great versatility of character. Now + the eyes were sunken, and the vessels beneath them so puffed and + swollen as to discolour the skin; the jowl, too, had become large + and heavy, imparting an air of sensual stupidity to the whole + countenance, which brightened up, however, at the appearance of a + favourite dish, or the smack of some rich luscious wine. He was + busy at present with the eager, guzzling avidity of a pig; and he + propped his unwieldy body, clad in its loose white gown, on one + flabby arm, while with the other he fed himself on sharp-biting + salads, salted herrings, pickled anchovies, and such stimulants as + were served in the first course of a Roman entertainment, to + provoke the hunger that the rest of the meal should satisfy. Now + and then his eye wandered for an instant through the long shining + vistas of the hall, amongst its marble pillars, its crimson + hangings, its vases crowned with blushing fruit and flowers, its + sideboards blazing with chalices, and flagons, and plates of + burnished gold, as though he expected and winced from a blow; but + the restless glance was sure to return to the table, and quench + itself once more in the satisfaction of his favourite + employment.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page103">[pg + 103]</span><a name="Pg103" id="Pg103" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next to the + Emperor was placed Paris, the graceful pantomimist, whose girlish + face was already flushed with wine, and who turned his dark + laughing eyes from one to another of the guests with the + good-humoured insolence of incipient intoxication. The young + actor’s dress was extravagant in the extreme, and he wore a collar + of pearls, the gift of an empress, that would have purchased a + province. He was talking volubly to a fat, coarse-featured man, his + neighbour, who answered him at intervals with a grunt of + acquiescence, but in whose twinkling eye lurked a world of wit and + sarcasm, and from whose thick sensual lips, engrossed as they were + with the business of the moment, would drop ever and anon some + pungent jest, that was sure to be repeated to-morrow at every + supper-table in Rome. Montanus was a crafty statesman and a + practised diplomatist, whose society was sought for at the Court, + whose opinions carried weight in the Senate; but the old voluptuary + had long discovered that there was no safety under the Empire for + those who took a leading part in the council, but that certain + distinction awaited proficiency at the banquet—so he devoted his + powerful intellect to the study of gastronomy and the fabrication + of witty sayings; nor did he ever permit the outward expression of + his countenance to betray a consciousness of the good things that + went into and came out of his mouth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Beyond him again + reclined Licinius; his manly face and noble bearing presenting a + vivid contrast to those who surrounded him, and who treated him, + one and all, including Cæsar himself, with marked deference and + respect. The old soldier, however, appeared somewhat weary, and out + of his element. He loathed these long entertainments, so opposed to + his own simple habits; and regarded the company in his secret heart + with a good-humoured, yet very decided, contempt. So he sat through + the banquet as he would have kept watch on an outpost. It was + tedious, it was disagreeable. There was nothing to be gained by it; + but it was duty, and it must be done.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Far different, + in the frank joyous expression he knew so well how to put on, was + the mien of Julius Placidus, as he replied to a brief, indistinct + question from the Emperor (murmured with his mouth full), by a + sally that set everyone near him laughing, and even raised a smile + on the pale face of Vitellius himself. It was the tribune’s cue to + make his society universally popular—to be all things to all men, + especially to win the confidence of his imperial host. There is an + art in social success, no less than in any other triumph + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page104">[pg 104]</span><a name= + "Pg104" id="Pg104" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of natural ability. + The rein must never be completely loosed, the bow never stretched + to its full compass. Latent power ready to be called forth, is the + secret of all grace; and while the observed does well, it must be + apparent to the observer that he could do better if he chose. Also, + to be really popular, a man, though a good deal liked, should be a + little feared. Julius Placidus excelled in the retort courteous, + which he could deliver without the slightest hesitation or change + of countenance; and a nickname or a sarcasm once inflicted by the + ready-witted tribune clung afterwards to its object like a burr. + Then he possessed besides the invaluable qualification of a + discriminating taste in seasonings, the result of a healthy palate, + refined, but not destroyed by the culture bestowed on it; and could + drink every man of them, except Montanus, under the table, without + his stomach or his brain being affected by the debauch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Our acquaintance + Spado was also of the party. Generally a buffoon of no mean + calibre, and one whose special talent lay in such coarse and + practical jests as served to amuse Vitellius when his intellects + had become too torpid to appreciate the nicer delicacies of wit, + the eunuch was to-night peculiarly dull and silent. He reclined, + with his head resting on his hand, and seemed to conceal as much as + he could of his face, one side of which was swollen and discoloured + as from a blow. His fat unwieldy form looked more disgusting than + usual in its sumptuous dress, fastened and looped up at every fold + with clasps of emeralds and pearls; and though he ate slowly and + with difficulty, he seemed determined to lose none of the + gratifications of the meal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There were a few + more guests—one or two senators—who, with the caution, but not the + genius of Montanus, were conspicuous for nothing but their fulsome + adulation of the Emperor. A tall sullen-looking man, commander of + the Prætorian Guard, who never laid aside the golden breastplate in + which he was encased, and who seemed only anxious for the + conclusion of the entertainment. Three or four unknown and + undistinguished persons, called in Roman society by the expressive + term <span class="tei tei-q">“Shades,”</span> whose social + position, and, indeed, whose very existence, depended on the + patrons they followed. Amongst these were two freedmen of the + Emperor, pale anxious-looking beings, with haggard eyes and + careworn faces. It was their especial duty to guard against poison, + by tasting of every dish served to their employer. It might be + supposed that, as in previous reigns, one such functionary would + have been enough; but the great variety of dainties in <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page105">[pg 105]</span><a name="Pg105" id="Pg105" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which the enormous appetite of Vitellius + enabled him to indulge, rendered it impossible for any one stomach + to keep pace with him throughout the whole of a meal, and these + devoted champions took it by turns to guard their master with their + lives. Keen appetites and jovial looks were not to be expected from + men engaged on such a duty.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The first + course, though long protracted, came to an end at last. Its + greatest delicacy, consisting of dormice sprinkled with poppy-seed + and honey, had completely disappeared. The tables were cleared by a + band of Asiatic youths, richly habited, who entered to the sounds + of wild Eastern music, and bore off the fragments that remained. As + they emerged at one door, a troop of handsome fair-haired + maidens—barbarian captives—simply clad in white muslin, and + garlanded with flowers, entered at another, carrying the golden + dishes and vessels that contained the second course. In the + meantime, hanging curtains parted slowly from before a recess in + the middle of the hall, and disclosed three Syrian dancing-girls, + grouped like a picture, in different attitudes of voluptuous grace. + Shaded lamps were so disposed as to throw a rosy light upon their + limbs and faces; while soft thin vapours curled about them, rising + from braziers burning perfumed incense at their feet. + Simultaneously they clashed their cymbals, and bounded wildly out + upon the floor. Then began a measure of alternate languor and + activity, now swelling into frantic bacchanalian gestures, now + sinking into tender lassitude or picturesque repose. The warm blood + glowed in the dark faces of these daughters of the sun, the black + eyes flashed under their long eyelashes, and their white teeth + showed like pearls between the rich red lips; while the beautifully + turned limbs, and the flexible, undulating forms, writhed + themselves into attitudes suggestive of imperious conquest, coy + reluctance, or yielding love.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The dance was + soon over; wilder and faster flitted the glancing feet, and tossed + the shapely hands, encircled with bracelets and anklets of tiny + silver bells. When the measure was whirling at its speediest, the + three stopped short, and at once, as if struck into stone, formed a + group of rare fantastic beauty at the very feet of Cæsar’s guests; + who one and all broke into a murmur of unfeigned applause. As, + touching their mouths and foreheads with their hands in Eastern + obeisance, they retired, Placidus flung after them a collar of + pearls, to be picked up by her who was apparently the leader of the + three. One of the Emperor’s freedmen seemed about to follow his + example, for he buried his hand in his bosom, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page106">[pg 106]</span><a name="Pg106" id="Pg106" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>but either changed his mind or else + found nothing there, since he drew it forth again empty; while + Vitellius himself, plucking a bracelet from his arm, threw it after + the retreating dancers, remarking that it was intended as a bribe + to go away, for they only distracted attention from matters of real + importance, now that the second course had come in; to which + Montanus gave his cordial approval, fixing his eyes at the same + time on the breast of a flamingo in which the skilful carver had + just inserted the point of his long knife.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It would be + endless to go into the details of such a banquet as that which was + placed before the guests of Cæsar. Wild boar, pasties, goats, every + kind of shellfish, thrushes, beccaficoes, vegetables of all + descriptions, and poultry, were removed to make way for the + pheasant, the guinea-hen, the turkey, the capon, venison, ducks, + woodcocks, and turtledoves. Everything that could creep, or fly, or + swim, and could boast a delicate flavour when cooked, was pressed + into the service of the Emperor; and when appetite was appeased and + could do no more, the strongest condiments and other remedies were + used to stimulate fresh hunger and consume a fresh supply of + superfluous dainties. But the great business of the evening was not + yet half finished. Excess of eating was indeed the object; but it + was to excess of drinking that the gluttons of that period looked + as the especial relief of every entertainment, since the hope of + each seemed to be, that when thoroughly flooded, and, so to speak, + washed out with wine, he might begin eating again. The Roman was no + drunkard like the barbarian, for the sake of that wild excitement + of the brain which is purchased by intoxication. No, he ate to + repletion that he might drink with gratification. He drank to + excess that he might eat again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another train of + slaves now cleared the table. These were Nubian eunuchs, clad in + white turbans and scarlet tunics, embroidered with seed pearls and + gold. They brought in the dessert—choice fruits heaped upon vases + of the rarest porcelain, sweetmeats in baskets of silver filigree, + Syrian dates borne by miniature golden camels of exquisite + workmanship—masses of flowers in the centre, and perfumes burning + at the corners of the table. Behind each couch containing its three + guests stood a sable cup-bearer, deaf and dumb, whose only business + it was to fill for his especial charge. These mutes were procured + at vast expense from every corner of the empire; but Cæsar + especially prided himself on their similarity in face and figure. + To-day he would be served by <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page107">[pg 107]</span><a name="Pg107" id="Pg107" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Germans, to-morrow by Gauls, the next by + Ethiopians, and so on; nor, though deprived of the organs of speech + and hearing, were these ministers of Bacchus unobservant of what + took place amongst the votaries on whom they waited; and it was + said that the mutes in the palace heard more confidences, and told + more secrets, than all the old women in Rome put together.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, taking + his cue from the Emperor, each man loosened the belt of his tunic, + shifted the garland of flowers off his brows, disposed himself in + an easier attitude on his couch, and proffered his cup to be filled + by the attendant. The great business of eating was for the present + concluded, and deep drinking about to commence. When marvelling, + however, at the quantity of wine consumed by the Romans in their + entertainments, we must remember that it was the pure and + unadulterated juice of the grape, that it was in general freely + mixed with water, and that they thus imbibed but a very small + portion of alcohol, which is in reality the destructive quality of + all stimulants, to the welfare of the stomach and the brain.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page108">[pg 108]</span><a name= + "Pg108" id="Pg108" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc35" id= + "toc35"></a> <a name="pdf36" id="pdf36"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">RED FALERNIAN</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cæsar’s eye, + though dim and sunken, flashed up for a moment with a spark of + enthusiasm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The beccaficoes,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“were a thought over-seasoned, but the capon’s liver + stewed in milk was perfection. Varus, see that it is served again + at the imperial table within the week.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The freedman + took out his tablets and made a note of the royal commands with a + somewhat unsteady hand, while Vitellius, draining his cup to the + dregs, smacked his lips, and let his great chin sink on his breast + once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other guests + conversed freely. Licinius and one of the senators were involved in + an argument on military matters, with which the man of peace seemed + almost as conversant as the man of war, and on which he laid down + the law with far more confidence. Placidus was describing certain + incidents of the campaign in Judæa, with an air of unassuming + modesty and a deference to the opinions of others, which won him no + little favour from those who sat near and listened, throwing in, + every now and then, a chance expression or trifling anecdote, + derogatory, by implication, to Vespasian’s military skill, and + eulogistic of Vitellius; for this reason doubly sweet in the ears + of him at whose board the tribune sat. Montanus, whose cup was + filled and emptied with startling rapidity, looked about him for a + subject on which to vent some of the sarcasm with which he was + charged, and found it in the woebegone appearance of Spado, who, + despite the influence of food and wine, seemed unusually depressed + and ill at ease. The eunuch on ordinary occasions was a prince of + boon-companions, skilled in all the niceties of gastronomy, versed + in the laws of drinking, overflowing with mirth and jollity, an + adroit flatterer where flattery was acceptable, and a joyous + buffoon who could give and take with equal readiness and + good-humour, when banter was the order of the day. Now, less + thirsty than usual, the feast <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page109">[pg 109]</span><a name="Pg109" id="Pg109" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>seemed to have no enlivening effect on his + disposition. He was silent, preoccupied, and, to all appearance, + intent only on concealing his bruised cheek from the observation of + those about him. He had never been struck in anger, never even + stood face to face with a man before, and it had cowed him. The + soft self-indulgent voluptuary could neither forget nor overcome + his feelings of combined wrath, dismay, and shame. Montanus turned + round and emptied a brimming goblet to his health.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are cheerless to-night, man!”</span> quoth the + senator; <span class="tei tei-q">“you drink not, neither do you + speak. What, has the red Falernian lost its flavour? or has some + Canidia bewitched you with her evil eye? You used to be a prince of + boon-companions, Spado, thirsty as a camel in the Libyan desert, + insatiate as the sand on which he travels, and now your eye is + dull, your face dejected, and your cup stands untasted, unnoticed, + though bubbling to the brim. By the spear of Bacchus, ’tis not the + fault of the liquor!”</span> and Montanus emptied his own goblet + with the air of a man who thoroughly appreciated the vintage he + extolled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Vitellius looked + up for an instant, roused by the congenial theme.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is nothing the matter with the wine,”</span> + said Cæsar. <span class="tei tei-q">“Fill round.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The imperial + hint was not to be disregarded, and Spado, with a forced smile, put + his goblet to his lips and drained it to the last drop. In doing so + the discoloration of his face was very apparent; and the guests, + who had now arrived at that stage of conviviality where candour + takes the place of politeness, proceeded to make their remarks + without reserve.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have painted too thick,”</span> said one of the + freedmen, alluding to an effeminacy of the times which the male sex + were not ashamed to practise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have taken off the paste and the skin with + it,”</span> continued the other, whose own mistress was in the + daily habit of spreading a kind of poultice over her whole + countenance, and who might therefore be a good judge of the process + and its results.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have been in the wars!”</span> sneered one guest. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Or the amphitheatre!”</span> echoed + another. <span class="tei tei-q">“’Tis a love-token from + Chloe!”</span> laughed a third. <span class="tei tei-q">“Or a + remembrance from Lydia!”</span> added a fourth. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> interposed Montanus, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“our friend is too experienced a campaigner to come off + second-best with a foe of that description. There must have been a + warm <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page110">[pg 110]</span><a name= + "Pg110" id="Pg110" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>encounter to leave + such traces as those. She must have been a very Amazon, Spado, that + could maul thee thus.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The eunuch + looked from one to another of his tormentors with rather an evil + smile. He well knew, however, that any appearance of annoyance + would add tenfold to the ridicule which he must make up his mind to + undergo, and that the best way for a man to turn a jest, even when + to his own disadvantage, is to join in it himself; so he glanced at + the Emperor, took a long draught of red Falernian, and assumed a + face of quaint and good-humoured self-commiseration.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Talk not to me of Amazons,”</span> said he, whereat + there was a general laugh. <span class="tei tei-q">“Tell me not of + Chloes, and Lydias, and Lalages, and the rest. What’s a Helen of + Troy compared to a flask of this red Falernian? Why good wine gets + better the longer you keep it, while woman loses her flavour year + by year. ’Faith, if you only wait till she is old enough, she + becomes very sour vinegar indeed. Even in the first flush of her + beauty, I doubt whether any of you in your hearts think she is + worth the trouble of catching. Still, you know, a man likes to look + at a pretty face. Mine had not otherwise been so disfigured now. I + had an adventure on that score but two nights ago. Would Cæsar like + to hear it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cæsar gave a nod + and a grunt that signified acquiescence. Thus encouraged, Spado + went on—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was the feast of Isis. I was coming from the + worship of the goddess, and the celebration of those sacred rites, + which may not be disclosed to the vulgar and the profane—mysteries + too holy to be mentioned, save to pure and virgin ears.”</span> + Here the countenance of Montanus assumed an expression that made + even Cæsar smile, and caused the rest to laugh outright. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The procession was returning filled with + inspiration from the goddess. The acolytes leaping and dancing in + the van, the priests marching majestically under her symbols, and + some of the noblest matrons in Rome bringing up the rear. The + noblest and the fairest,”</span> repeated Spado, glancing round him + complacently. <span class="tei tei-q">“I name no names; but you all + know that ours is not a vulgar worship, nor an illiberal + creed.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here Placidus + stirred somewhat uneasily on his couch, and buried his face in his + cup.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Roman people have ever paid the highest honours to + our Egyptian goddess,”</span> proceeded the eunuch; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we lack the support of the plebeian no more than the + worship of the patrician. Thus we flourish and drain draughts of + plenty from the silver udders of our sacred cow. Well, they made + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page111">[pg 111]</span><a name= + "Pg111" id="Pg111" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>way for us in the + streets, both men and women—all but one slender girl dressed in + black, who, coming quickly round a corner, found herself in the + midst of us, and seemed too frightened to move. In another minute + she would have been trampled to death by the crowd, when I seized + hold of her in order to draw her into a place of safety while they + passed.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Or to see what sort of a face she hid under her black + hood?”</span> interrupted Montanus.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not so,”</span> replied the narrator, though obviously + gratified by the impeachment. <span class="tei tei-q">“Such follies + I leave to senators, and statesmen, and soldiers. My object was + simply to afford her my protection. I had better have plucked a + nettle with my naked hand. The girl screamed and struggled as if + she had never looked in a man’s face before.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She was frightened at your beard,”</span> said one of + the freedmen, looking at Spado’s smooth fat face. The latter + winced, but affected not to hear. <span class="tei tei-q">“Coax a + frightened woman,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“and + frighten an angry one. I flatter myself I know how to deal with + them all. The girl would have been quiet enough had I been let + alone; when just as she began to look kindly in my face, up comes + an enormous barbarian, a hideous giant with waving yellow hair, and + tries to snatch the maiden by main force from my grasp. I am a + strong man, as you may perhaps have observed, my friends, and a + fierce one when my blood is up. I showed fight. I struck him to the + earth. He rose again with redoubled fury, and taking me at a + disadvantage while I was protecting the girl, inflicted this injury + on my face. I was stunned for an instant, and he seized that + opportunity to make his escape. Well for him that he did so. Let + him keep out of the way if he be wise. Should he cross my path + again, he had better be in Euchenor’s hands than mine; I will show + him no mercy;”</span> and Spado quaffed off his wine and squared + his fat shoulders with the air of a gladiator.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what became of the girl?”</span> asked Paris, who + had hitherto listened to the recital with utter indifference.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She was carried off by the barbarian,”</span> replied + Spado. <span class="tei tei-q">“Poor thing! I believe sorely + against her will. Nevertheless, she was borne off by the + Briton.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A Briton!”</span> exclaimed Licinius, whose intense + contempt for Spado had hitherto kept him silent, and who had + already heard the truth of the story from his slave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A Briton,”</span> repeated the eunuch. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was impossible he could be otherwise from his size + and ferocity. The Gaul, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page112">[pg + 112]</span><a name="Pg112" id="Pg112" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>you see, is bigger than the Roman. The German + than the Gaul. The Briton, by the same argument, must be bigger + than the German; and this hideous giant must consequently have been + one of those savage islanders. I take my logic from the + Greeks.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But not your boxing, it seems,”</span> observed + Montanus, <span class="tei tei-q">“We must have Euchenor to give + you some lessons, if you run your head into these street brawls + whenever you come across a woman with a veil.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> answered the eunuch, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“he took me at a disadvantage; nevertheless he was a + large and powerful athlete—there is no denying it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are the finest men we have in the empire,”</span> + said Licinius, thinking in his heart that the women were the + fairest too.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Their oysters are better than ours,”</span> observed + Cæsar, with an air of profound and impartial judgment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I grant the oysters, but I deny the men,”</span> said + Placidus, reflecting that his patriotism would be acceptable to his + audience. <span class="tei tei-q">“The Roman is the natural + conqueror of the world. They cannot stand against our countrymen in + the arena.”</span> The guests all joined in a cordial assent. Had + it not been so, perhaps Licinius would have scarce thought it worth + while to continue the argument. Now, though half ashamed of his + warmth, he took up the matter with energy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is a Briton in my house at this moment,”</span> + said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“who is a stronger and finer man + than you will produce in Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You mean that long-legged lad with the mop of light + hair?”</span> said Placidus contemptuously. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have seen him. I call him a boy, not a + man.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius felt + somewhat irritated. He did not particularly like his company; and + between two such opposite natures as his own and the tribune’s + there existed a certain hidden repugnance, which was sure sooner or + later to break forth. He answered angrily—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will match him against any one you can produce to + run, leap, wrestle, throw the quoit, and swim.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Those are a boy’s accomplishments,”</span> retorted + the other coolly. <span class="tei tei-q">“What I maintain is this, + that, whether from want of courage or skill or both, these + islanders are of no use with the steel. I would wish no better + sport than to fight him myself in the arena, with the permission of + Cæsar”</span>—and the tribune bowed gracefully to his imperial + host, who looked <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page113">[pg + 113]</span><a name="Pg113" id="Pg113" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>from one to the other of the disputants, + without the slightest apparent interest in their discussion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this period + of the Empire, when, although manners had become utterly dissolute, + something was still left of the old audacity that had made the + Roman a conqueror wherever he planted his foot, it was by no means + unusual for men of patrician rank to appear in their own proper + persons, a spectacle for the vulgar, in the amphitheatre. It was, + perhaps, not unnatural that a desire for imitation should at last + be aroused by the excessive fondness for these games of bloodshed, + which pervaded all classes of the community. We have nothing in + modern times that can at all convey to us the passion of the Roman + citizen for the amusements of his circus. They were as necessary to + his existence as daily bread. <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Panem et Circenses</span></span> had passed + into a familiar proverb. He would leave his home, neglect his + business, forfeit his bath, to sit for hours on the benches of the + amphitheatre, exposed to heat and crowding, and every sort of + inconvenience, and would bring his food with him rather than run + the risk of losing his place. And all this to see trained + gladiators shedding each other’s blood, wild beasts tearing foreign + captives limb from limb, and imitation battles which differed in no + respect from real, save that the wounded were not spared, and the + slaughter consequently far greater in proportion to the number of + combatants engaged. If a statesman wished to court popularity, if + an emperor desired to blot out a whole page of enormities and + crimes, he had but to give the people one of these free + entertainments of blood—the more victims the better—and they were + ready to approve of any measure, and to pardon any atrocity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ere long some + fierce spirits panted to take part in the sports they so loved to + contemplate; and the disgraceful exhibition ceased to be confined + to hireling gladiators or condemned slaves. Knights and patricians + entered the arena, to contend for the praises of the vulgar; and + the noblest blood in Rome was shed for the gratification of + plebeian spectators, who, sitting at ease munching cakes and + sausages, could contemplate with placid interest the death-agonies + of the Cornelii or the Gracchi.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Julius Placidus, + like many other fashionable youths of the period, prided himself on + his skill in the deadly exercises of the circus. He had appeared + before the Roman public at different times, armed with all the + various weapons of the gladiator; but the exercise in which he + considered himself most perfect was that of the trident and the + net. The <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page114">[pg + 114]</span><a name="Pg114" id="Pg114" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>contest between the <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">retiarius</span></span> and the <span lang= + "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">secutor</span></span> was always a favourite + spectacle with the public. The former carried an ample casting-net + upon his shoulders, a three-pronged spear in his hand; beyond this + he was totally unarmed either for attack or defence. The latter + with a short sword, vizored helmet, and oblong shield, would at + first sight appear to have fought at great advantage over his + opponent. Nevertheless the arts of the <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">retiarius</span></span> in entangling his + adversary had arrived at such perfection that he was constantly the + conqueror. Once down, and involved in the fatal meshes, there was + no escape for the swordsman; and from some whimsical reason the + populace seldom granted him quarter when vanquished. Great activity + and speed of foot were the principal qualities required by the + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">retiarius</span></span>, for if he failed in + his cast he was compelled to fly from his adversary while preparing + his net for a fresh attempt, and if overtaken his fate was sealed. + Placidus possessed extraordinary personal activity. His eye was + very correct, and his throw generally deadly. It may be, too, that + there was something pleasing to the natural cruelty of his + disposition in the contemplation of an antagonist writhing and + helpless on the sand. It was his delight to figure in the arena + with the deadly net laid in careful festoons upon his shoulder, and + the long barbed trident quivering in his grasp, Licinius fell into + the snare, if snare it was, readily enough.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would wager a province on Esca,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“against anyone but a trained gladiator; + and I think he could hold his own with the best of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">them</span></span>, + after a month’s practice.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then you accept my challenge?”</span> exclaimed + Placidus, with a studied carelessness of manner that dissembled an + eagerness he could scarcely control.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let us hear the terms over a fresh flask of + Falernian,”</span> observed the Emperor, glad of such a stimulant + with his wine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I ask for no weapons but the trident and the + net,”</span> said Placidus, looking fixedly at Licinius. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Esca, if you so call him, may be armed as + usual with sword and helmet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And shield,”</span> interrupted the other; too old a + soldier, even in the excitement of the moment, to throw a chance + away.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus + affected to demur.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> said he, <a name="corr114" id="corr114" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">after</span> + a few moments’ hesitation, <span class="tei tei-q">“’tis but a + young swordsman, and a barbarian; I give you the shield + in.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A vision crossed + the brain of Licinius, that already made <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page115">[pg 115]</span><a name="Pg115" id="Pg115" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>him repent of his rashness. He saw the fine + form writhing in those pitiless meshes, like a beast taken in the + toils. He saw the frank blue eyes, looking upward, brave and kindly + even in their despair. He saw the unsparing arm raised to strike, + and the bright curling locks dabbled all in blood. But then he + remembered the Briton’s extraordinary strength and activity, his + natural courage and warlike education—he was irritated, too, by the + insolent malice that gleamed in the tribune’s eyes; and he + persuaded himself that nothing but renown and triumph could accrue + to his favourite from such a contest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be it so,”</span> said he; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">retiarius</span></span> and + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">secutor</span></span>. You will have no + child’s play, I can tell you; and now for the terms of the wager. I + stake no man’s life against a morsel of tinsel or a few polished + pebbles, I warn you at once.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He glanced while + he spoke, somewhat contemptuously, over the costly ornaments that + decorated the tribune’s dress. The latter laughed + good-humouredly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A dozen slaves would scarce fetch the value of my + sleeve-clasps. At least, a dozen of these islanders, whom you may + capture by scores every time a legion moves its camp. Listen, I + will wager two of my white horses against your picture of Daphne, + or the bust of Euphrosyne that stands in your bath-room. Nay, I + will give you more advantage still. I will stake the whole team, + and the chariot into the bargain, against the British slave + himself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again had the + other been watching him narrowly; he must have perceived a strange + suppressed eagerness on the tribune’s face, but he was preoccupied + and annoyed; he had gone too far to retract, and a murmur from the + listening guests denoted their opinion of the generosity displayed + in this last proposal. When a man has placed himself in a false + position, his efforts at extrication generally plunge him deeper + than before. Quick as lightning, Licinius bethought him that the + present bargain might probably save Esca’s life, in the unlikely + event of his being conquered, so he closed with it unhesitatingly, + though he regretted doing so a moment afterwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The match was + accordingly made upon the following terms: That Esca should enter + the amphitheatre during the approaching games of Ceres, armed with + sword, shield, and helmet, to oppose Placidus, whose only weapons + were to be the trident and the net. That in the event of the latter + being worsted, his four white horses and gilded chariot should + become the property of Licinius; but that if he obtained + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span><a name= + "Pg116" id="Pg116" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the victory, and the + populace permitted him to spare the vanquished, then his late + antagonist should become his slave; and how enviable would be that + position could only be known to the tribune himself and one other + person from whom he had that day received kinder looks and smiles + than she had ever before granted to an unwelcome suitor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The business of + drinking, which had been somewhat interrupted by these complicated + discussions, was now resumed with greater energy than before; + Placidus emptying his goblet with the triumphant air of one who has + successfully accomplished a difficult task; Licinius like a man who + seeks to drown anxiety and self-reproach in wine. The Emperor + quaffed and quaffed again with his habitual greediness; and the + remainder of the guests acted studiously in imitation of the + Emperor.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page117">[pg 117]</span><a name= + "Pg117" id="Pg117" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc37" id= + "toc37"></a> <a name="pdf38" id="pdf38"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE TRAINING-SCHOOL</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Licinius had + an ordeal to go through on the following day, which was especially + painful to the kind heart of the Roman general. When the terms of + the combat were explained to the person chiefly interested, that + young warrior eagerly accepted the challenge as affording an + opportunity for indulgence in those feats of arms which early + education had rendered so pleasing to his martial disposition. He + could vanquish two such men as the tribune, he thought, at any + exercise and with any weapons; but his face sank when he learned + the penalty of failure, and a shudder passed through his whole + frame at the bare possibility of becoming a slave to anyone but his + present master. It nerved him, however, all the more in his + resolution to conquer; and when Licinius, reproaching himself + bitterly the while, promised him his liberty in the event of + victory, Esca’s heart beat fast with joy and hope and exultation + once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A thousand vague + possibilities danced through his brain; a thousand wild and + visionary schemes, of which Mariamne formed the centre figure. Life + that had seemed so dull but one short week ago, now shone again in + the rosy light with which youth—and youth alone—can tinge the long + perspective of the future. Alas for Licinius! he marked the glowing + cheek and the kindling eye with a sensation of despondency weighing + at his heart. Nevertheless the lot was cast, the offer was + accepted. It was too late for looking back. Nothing remained but to + strain every nerve to win.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In all bodily + contests, in all mental labours, in everything which human nature + attempts, systematic and continuous training is the essential + element of success. The palm, as Horace says, can only flourish + where the dust is plentiful; and he who would attain a triumph + either as an athlete or a scholar, must cultivate his natural + abilities with the utmost attention, and the most rigid + self-denial, ere he enters for the prize. It is curious, too, how + the mind, like the body, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page118">[pg + 118]</span><a name="Pg118" id="Pg118" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>acquires vigour and elasticity by graduated + exertion. The task that was an impossibility yesterday, is but a + penance to-day, and will become a pleasure to-morrow. Let us follow + Esca into the training-school, where his muscles are to be + toughened, and his skill perfected for the deadly exercises of the + arena.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is a large + square building, something like a modern riding-house, lighted and + ventilated at the top, and is laid down three inches deep in sand, + an arrangement which increases, indeed, the labour of all + pedestrian exertion, but renders a fall comparatively harmless, and + accustoms the pupil, moreover, to the yielding surface on which + hereafter he will have to struggle for his life. Quoits, + dumb-bells, ponderous weights, and massive clubs are scattered in + the corners, or propped against the walls of the edifice, and a + horizontal leaping-bar, placed at the height of a man’s breast, + denotes that activity is not neglected in the acquisition of + strength. Beside these insignia of peaceful gymnastics, the + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cestus</span></span> hangs conspicuous, and + racks are placed at intervals supporting the deadly weapons and + defensive armour with which the gladiator plies his formidable + trade. There are also pointless spears, and blunted swords for + practice, and a wooden figure, hacked and hewed out of all + similitude to an enemy, on which the cuts and thrusts most in + request have been dealt over and over again with increasing skill + and severity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At one end of + the building paces the master to and fro; now glancing with wary + eye at the movements of his pupils; now pausing to adjust some + implement of instruction; now encouraging or chiding with a + gesture; and anon catching up, as though in sheer absence of mind, + one of the idle weapons, and whirling it round his head with a + flourish that displays all the power and skill of the practised + professional. Hippias, the retired gladiator, is a man of middle + age, and of somewhat lofty stature, rendered more commanding by its + lengthy proportions, and the peculiar setting on of the head. + Constant exercise, pushed, indeed, to the verge of toil, and + continued for many years, has toughened each shapely limb into the + hardness and consistency of wire, and has rendered his large frame + lean and sinewy, like a greyhound’s. All his gestures have the + graceful pliant ease which results from muscular strength, and his + very walk—light, smooth, and noiseless—is like that of a panther + traversing the floor of its cage. His swarthy complexion has been + deeply tanned by exposure to heat and toil, but the blood courses + healthfully <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page119">[pg + 119]</span><a name="Pg119" id="Pg119" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>beneath, and imparts a warm mellow tint to the + skin. The fleshless face, in spite of a worn eager look, and a dash + of grey in the hair and beard, is not without a wild defiant beauty + of its own; and though its expression is somewhat dissolute and + reckless, there is a bold keen flash in the eye, and the man is + obviously enterprising, courageous, and steel to the backbone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Roman + ladies, with that depravity of taste which marks a general + deterioration of manners and morality, delighted at this period to + choose their favourites from the ranks of the amphitheatre. There + was a rage for warlike exercises, Amazonian dresses, imitations of + the deadly sports, played out with considerable skill and ferocity, + nay, for the very persons of the gladiators themselves. It was no + wonder then, that the handsome fencing-master, with his reputation + for strength and courage, should have been a marked man with the + proud capricious matrons of the Imperial City. The favour of each, + too, was doubtless his best recommendation to the good graces of + the rest; and Hippias might have sunned himself in the smiles of + the noblest ladies in Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He made but + little account, however, of his good fortune. The peaches fallen on + the ground are doubtless the ripest, yet they never seem so + tempting as those which sun themselves against the wall, a + hand’s-breadth above our reach. Nor can a man pay implicit + obedience to more than one dominion (at a time); and unless the + yoke be <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">very</span></span> heavy, it is scarce worth + while to carry it at all. Hippias was neither dazzled nor flattered + by the bright eyes that looked so kindly into his war-worn face. He + loved a flask of wine nearly as well as a woman’s beauty—two feet + of pliant steel and a leathern buckler far better than either; + nevertheless, amongst all the dainty dames of his acquaintance, he + was least disposed to undervalue Valeria’s notice, the more so, + that she rarely condescended to bestow it on him; and he took more + pains with her fencing lessons, than those of any other female + pupil, and stayed longer in her house than in that of any lady in + Rome. He approved of her strength, her resolution, her quickness, + above all her cold manner and her pride, besides admiring her + personal charms exceedingly, in his own practical way. There is a + gleam of interest, almost of tenderness in his eyes, as he pauses + every now and then in his walk, and reads a line or two from a + scroll he carries in his hand, which Myrrhina brought him not an + hour ago.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The scroll is + from Valeria. She has heard of Esca’s peril<span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page120">[pg 120]</span><a name="Pg120" id="Pg120" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>—nay, she has herself brought it on his head; + and who knows the price it cost her haughty wilful heart? Yet in + all her bitter anger, vexation, shame, she cannot bear to think of + the noble Briton down on the sand, writhing and helpless at the + mercy of his enemy. It is the weapon now she hates, and not the + victim. It would give her intense pleasure, she feels, to see + Placidus humbled, defeated, slain. Such is the sense of justice in + a woman’s breast; such are the advantages gained by submission at + any sacrifice to do her bidding. We need not pity the tribune, + however, in his dealings with either sex; he is well able to take + care of himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria + accordingly sat her down and wrote a few friendly lines to the + fencing-master, who had always stood high in her favour, and whose + frank bold nature she felt she could trust. Womanlike, she thought + it necessary to fabricate an excuse for her interest in the Briton, + by affirming that she had staked heavily on his success in the + coming contest. She adjured Hippias to spare no pains in counsel or + instruction, and bade him come to see her without delay, and report + the progress of his pupil. He raised his eyes from the scroll, and + watched the said pupil holding his own gallantly at sword and + buckler with Lutorius.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“One, two—Disengage the blade! A feint at the head, a + cut at the legs, and come in over the shield with a lunge! Good! + but scarce quick enough. Try that again—the elbow turned outwards, + the wrist a little higher. So—once more. Now, look at me. + Thus.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The combatants + paused for breath, Hippias seized a wooden foil, and, beckoning to + Hirpinus, engaged him in the required position, for Esca’s especial + benefit. Trained and wary, the old gladiator knew every feint and + parry in the game. Yet had those blades been steel, Hirpinus would + have been gasping his life out, at the master’s feet, ere the close + of their second encounter. Hippias never shifted his ground, never + seemed to exert himself much, yet the quickest eye in Rome was + puzzled to follow the movements of his point, the readiest hand to + intercept it where it fell. Again he pitted Esca and Lutorius in + the mimic strife, and stood with well-pleased countenance to watch + the result. The Briton had, indeed, lost no time in beginning a + course of instruction which he hoped was to ensure him victory and + its reward—his much desired freedom. That morning Hirpinus had + brought him to the school; and the veteran gladiator watched, with + an interest that was almost touching, the preparations which were + to fit his young friend for a career that at best must end + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page121">[pg 121]</span><a name= + "Pg121" id="Pg121" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ere long in a violent + death. Hippias was delighted with the stature and strength of his + new pupil. He had matched him at once with Lutorius, a wiry Gaul, + who was supposed to be the most scientific swordsman of + <span class="tei tei-q">“the Family,”</span> and smiled to observe + how completely, with an occasional hint from himself, the Briton + was a match for his antagonist, who had expected an easy victory, + and was even more disgusted than surprised. As the encounter was + prolonged, and the combatants, warming to their work, advanced, + retreated, struck, lunged and parried; now traversing warily at + full distance—now dashing boldly in to close, the other gladiators + gathered round, excited to unusual interest by the excellence of + the play, and the dexterity of the barbarian.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is the best we’ve seen here for a lustre at + least,”</span> exclaimed Rufus, a gigantic champion from Northern + Italy, proud of his stature, proud of his swordsmanship, but above + all, proud that he was a Roman citizen, though a gladiator; + <span class="tei tei-q">“those thrusts come home like lightning, + and when he misses his parry, see, he jumps away like a wild-cat. + Faith, Manlius, if they match him against thee at the games, thou + wilt have a handful. I would stake my rights as a Roman citizen on + him, toga and all, barbarian though he be. What, man! he would have + thee down and disarmed in a couple of passes!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Manlius seemed + to think so too, though he was loth to confess it. He turned the + subject by vowing that Lutorius must be masking his play, and not + fighting his best, or he never could be thus worsted by a + novice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Masking his play!”</span> exclaimed Hirpinus + indignantly, <span class="tei tei-q">“let him unmask, then, as soon + as he will! I tell thee this lad of mine hath not his match in the + empire. I shall see him champion of the amphitheatre, and first + swordsman in Rome, ere they give me the wooden foil with the silver + guard,<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> and lay + old Hirpinus on the shelf. I shall be satisfied to retire then, for + I shall leave some good manhood to take my place.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well crowed!”</span> replied Manlius, not quite + pleased at the value placed on his own prowess in comparison. + <span class="tei tei-q">“To hear thee, a man would say there never + was but one gladiator in Rome, and that this young mastiff must + pull us all down by the throat, because he fences like thyself, + wild and wide, and by main strength.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is no swordsmanship to run in like a bull and take + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page122">[pg 122]</span><a name= + "Pg122" id="Pg122" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>more than you + give,”</span> observed Euchenor, listening with his arms folded, + and an expression of supreme contempt on his handsome features.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nevertheless his blows fall thick and fast, like a + hailstorm, and Lutorius shifts his ground every time the young one + makes the attack,”</span> argued honest Rufus, who had not a grain + of either fear or jealousy in his disposition; and who considered + his profession as a mere trade by which he could obtain a + livelihood for wife and children in the meantime, and a remote + chance of independence with a vineyard of his own beyond the + Apennines, should he escape a violent death in the amphitheatre at + last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He thrusts too often overhand,”</span> observed + Manlius, <span class="tei tei-q">“and his guard is always open for + the wrist.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is a strong fencer, but he has no style,”</span> + added Euchenor; and the boxer looked around him with the air of a + man who closes a controversy by an unanswerable argument.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hirpinus was + boiling over with indignation; but his eloquence was by no means in + proportion to his corporeal gifts, and he could not readily find + words to express his dissent and his disdain. Banter, too, and a + coarse, good-humoured sort of wrangling, was the usual form by + which difference of opinion found expression in the + training-school. Quarrelling, amongst men whose very trade it was + to fight to the death, seemed simply absurd; and to come to blows + except in public and for money, a mere childish waste of time. + Indeed, with all their contempt for death, and their extraordinary + courage when pitted against each other to amuse the populace, these + gladiators, perhaps from the very nature of their profession, seem + to have been unsuited for any sustained efforts of energy and + endurance. When banded together under the eagles, they were often + so undisciplined in camp, as by no means to be relied on before an + enemy. Perhaps there was something of bravado in the flourish with + which they entered the circus, and hailed Cæsar with their + greetings from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">those about to die</span></span>!<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> + Moreover, they had to fight in a corner, and with the impossibility + of escape. Courage is of many different kinds. Men are brave from + various motives—from ambition, from emulation, from the habit of + confronting danger; some from a naturally chivalrous disposition, + backed by strong physical nerves. The last alone are to be trusted + in an emergency; and a really courageous man faces an unexpected + and unaccustomed peril, if not with <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page123">[pg 123]</span><a name="Pg123" id="Pg123" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>confidence, at least with an unflinching + determination to do his best.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hirpinus turned + upon Euchenor, for whom he had no great liking at any time.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You talk of your science,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and your Greek skill, against which even + our Roman thews and sinews are of no avail. Dare you stand up to + this barbarian with the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">cestus</span></span> + on? Only to exchange half a dozen friendly buffets, you know, in + sheer sport.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Euchenor + excused himself with great disdain. Like many another successful + professor, he owed no inconsiderable share of his fame to his own + assumption of superiority, and the judgment with which, when + practicable, he matched himself against inferior performers. + Champions who exist on their reputation, such as it is, are not to + peril it lightly against the first tyro that comes, who has + everything to gain and nothing to lose by an encounter with the + celebrity; whereas the celebrity derives no additional laurels from + a triumph, and a defeat tends to take the very bread out of his + mouth. Euchenor said as much; but Hirpinus was not satisfied, till + the subtle Greek, who had learned the terms of the match in which + Esca was engaged, observed carelessly, that all the time the Briton + had to spare should be devoted to practice in the part he was about + to play before the Emperor. The suggestion took effect upon + Hirpinus at once. He sprang across the school to where the master + had resumed his walk. The old gladiator positively turned pale + while he entreated Hippias to instruct his pupil in all the + scientific devices by which those deadly meshes could be + foiled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nothing but art can save him,”</span> said he, in + imploring accents, which seemed almost ludicrous from one of his + Herculean exterior. <span class="tei tei-q">“Courage and strength, + ay, and the activity of a wild-cat, are all paralysed when that + accursed twine is round your limbs. I know it! I have felt it! I + was down under the net myself once. If a man is to die, he should + die <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">like</span></span> a man, not like a thrush + caught in a springe. He must learn, Hippias, he must practise day + by day, and hour by hour; he must study every movement of the + caster. Pit him against Manlius, he is the best netsman in the + Family. If he learns to foil <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></span>, he will take the conceit + out of Placidus readily enough. I tell you I shall not be easy till + I see him with his foot on the gay tribune’s breast!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Patience, man,”</span> replied Hippias, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“thou fearest but one thing in the world, and that is a + fathom of twine. Thinkest thou all others are scared at the same + bugbear? Mind thine <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page124">[pg + 124]</span><a name="Pg124" id="Pg124" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>own training,—thou art yet too lusty by half + to go into the circus,—and leave this young barbarian to + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The master kept + up his influence amongst these lawless pupils, partly by a reserved + demeanour and a silent tongue, partly by never suffering his + authority to be disputed for a moment. To have said as much as he + now did was tantamount to a confession of interest in the Briton’s + success; and Hirpinus resumed his own labours with a lightened + heart, whilst Esca, in all the delightful flush of youth and + health, and muscular strength developing itself by scientific + practice, plied his antagonist with redoubled vigour, and enjoyed + his pastime to the utmost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was like + taking an old friend by the hand to grasp a sword once more.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page125">[pg 125]</span><a name= + "Pg125" id="Pg125" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc39" id= + "toc39"></a> <a name="pdf40" id="pdf40"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A VEILED HEART</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_146.png"><img src="images/i_146.png" alt= + "Initial F" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For three whole + days Mariamne had not set eyes on the Briton, so she felt listless + and dispirited. Not that she acknowledged, even to herself, the + necessity of Esca’s presence, nor that she was indeed aware how + much it had influenced her thoughts and actions ever since she had + known him—a period that seemed now of indefinite length. She found + herself perpetually recalling the origin and growth of their + acquaintance; she dwelt with a strange pleasure on the gross insult + offered her by Spado, which scarce seemed an agreeable subject of + contemplation; nor, be sure, did she forget its prompt and + satisfactory redress. She remembered every step of her subsequent + walk home, and every syllable of their conversation in that hasty + and agitated progress; nay, every look and gesture of her + companion’s and of her own. It pleased her to think of the + favourable impression made on her father and his brother by their + guest; and the earthen pitcher, from which she gave the latter to + drink, assumed a new and unaccountable value in her eyes. Also she + strolled to Tiber-side, whenever she had a spare half-hour, and sat + her down under the shadow of a broken column, with a strange + persistency, and a vague expectation of something, she knew not + what. For the first day this dreamy imaginative existence was + delightful. Then came a feeling of want; a consciousness that there + was a void, which it would be a great happiness to fill. Soon this + grew to a thirst—a craving for a repetition of those hours which + had glided by so sweetly and so fast. At rare intervals arose the + startling thought, <span class="tei tei-q">“suppose she should + never see him again,”</span> and her heart stopped beating, and her + cheek paled with the bare possibility; <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page126">[pg 126]</span><a name="Pg126" id="Pg126" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>yet was there something not wholly painful in + a consciousness of the sorrow such a privation would create.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though young, + Mariamne was no foolish and inexperienced girl. Her life had been + calculated to elicit and bring to perfection some of woman’s + loftiest qualities. She had early learned the nobility of + self-sacrifice, the necessity of self-reliance and self-denial. + Like the generality of her nation she possessed considerable pride + of race; suppressed, indeed, and kept down by the exigencies in + which the Jews had so often found themselves, but none the weaker + nor the less cherished on that account. Notwithstanding his many + chastisements and reverses,—from his pilgrimage through the + wilderness to his different captivities by the great Oriental + powers, and final subjection under Rome,—the Jew never forgot that + he sprang from a stem more especially planted by the hand of the + Almighty; that he could trace his lineage back, unbroken and + unstained, to those who held converse with Moses under the shadow + of Mount Sinai; nay, to the Patriarch himself, who held his + authority direct from Heaven, and who was thought worthy to + entertain angels at his tent door on the plains of Mamre. Such a + conviction imparted a secret pride to every one of his descendants. + Man, woman, and child, were persuaded that to them belonged of + right the dominion of the earth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It may be + supposed that one of Eleazar’s disposition was not likely to bring + up his family in any humble notions of their privileges and their + importance. Mariamne had been early taught to consider her + nationality as the first and dearest of her advantages; and, + womanlike, she clung to it all the closer that her people had been + forced to submit to the Roman yoke. Habits of patience, of + reflection and endurance, had been engendered by the everyday life + of the Jewish maiden, witnessing her father’s continued impatience + of the existing state of things, and his energetic, though secret, + efforts to change the destinies of his countrymen; whilst all that + such an education might have created of hard, cunning, and + unfeminine in his daughter’s mind, the society and counsels of + Calchas were eminently qualified to counteract. Losing no + opportunity of sowing the good seed; of teaching, both by precept + and example, the lessons he had learned from those who had them + direct from the Fountain-head; it was impossible to remain long + uninfluenced by the constant kindliness and gentle bearing of one + who understood Christianity to signify, not only faith, and purity, + and devotion even to the death, but also that peace and goodwill + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page127">[pg 127]</span><a name= + "Pg127" id="Pg127" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>amongst men, which + its first teachers inculcated as its fundamental principle and + essential element. Calchas, indeed, lacked not the fiery energy and + the tameless instincts of his race. His nature, perhaps, was + originally fierce and warlike as his brother’s, but it had been + subdued, softened, exalted by his religion; and, while his heart + was pitiful and kindly, nothing remained of the warrior but his + loyalty, his courage, and his zeal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cherishing a + true attachment for that brother, it was doubtless a cause of daily + sorrow to observe how totally Eleazar’s principles and conduct were + opposed to the meek and holy precepts of the new faith. It seemed + to human reasoning impossible to convert the Jew from his grand and + simple creed, to modify or to explain it, to add to it, or to take + away from it, in the slightest degree to alter his belief in that + direct thearchy, to which he was bound by the ties of gratitude, of + tradition, of national isolation and characteristic pride of race. + A religion which accepts the first great principles of truth, the + omnipotence and eternity of the Deity, the immortality of souls, + and the rewards and punishments of a life to come, stands already + upon a solid basis from which it has little inclination to be + removed; and in all ages, the Jew, as in a somewhat less degree the + Mahometan, has been most unwilling to add to his own stern tenets + the mild and loving doctrines of our revealed religion. Eleazar’s + was a character to which the outward and tangible ceremonials of + his worship were essentially acceptable. To him the law, in its + severest and most literal sense, was the only true guide for + political measures as for private conduct; and where its burdens + were multiplied or its severities enhanced by tradition, he upheld + the latter gladly and inflexibly. To offer the sacrifices ordained + by Divine command; to exact and rigidly fulfil the minutest points + of observance which the priests enjoined; to keep the Sabbath + inviolate by word and deed; also, when opportunity offered, to + smite the heathen hip-and-thigh with the edge of the sword; these + were the points of faith and practice on which Eleazar took his + stand, and from which no consideration of affection, no temptation + of ambition, no exigency of the times, would have induced him to + waver one hair’s-breadth. The fiercest soldier, the wildest + barbarian, the most frivolous and dissolute patrician of the + Imperial Court, would have been a more promising convert than such + a man as this. Yet did not Calchas despair: well he knew that there + is a season of seed-time and a season of harvest, that the soil + once choked with weeds, or sown <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page128">[pg 128]</span><a name="Pg128" id="Pg128" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>with tares, may thereafter produce a good + crop; that waters have been known to flow freely from the bare + rock, and that nothing is impossible under heaven. So he loved his + brother and prayed for him, and took that brother’s daughter to his + heart as though she had been his own child.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It must have + required no small patience, no small amount of self-control and + humility, to engraft in Mariamne the good fruit, which her father + held in such hatred and disdain. These, too, were difficulties with + which the early Christians had to contend, and of which we now make + small account. We read of their privations, their persecutions, + their imprisonments, and their martyrdoms, with a thrill of mingled + horror and indignation—we pity and admire, we even glorify them as + the heroic leaders of that forlorn hope which was destined to head + the armies of the only true conqueror, but we never consider the + daily and harassing warfare in which they must have been engaged, + the domestic dissensions, the insults of equals, the alienation of + friends; above all, the cold looks and estranged affections of + those whom they loved best on earth; whom they must give up here, + and whom, with the new light that had broken in on them, they could + scarce hope to see hereafter. So-called heroic deeds are not always + deserving of that superiority which they claim over mortal + weakness, when emblazoned on the glowing page of history. Many a + man is capable, so to speak, of winding himself up for one great + effort, even though it be to perish on the scaffold or the breach; + but day after day, and year after year, to wage unceasing war + against our nearest and dearest, our own comforts, our own + prosperity, nay, our own weaknesses and inclinations, requires the + aid of a sustaining power that is neither without nor within, nor + anywhere below on earth, but must reach the suppliant directly and + continuously from above.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless the + example of a true Christian, in the real acceptation of the word, + is never without its effect on those who live under its constant + influence. Even Eleazar loved and respected his brother more than + anything on earth, save his ambition and his creed; while Mariamne, + whose trusting and gentle disposition rendered her a willing + recipient of those truths which Calchas lost no opportunity of + imparting, gradually, and almost insensibly, imbibed the opinions + and the belief of one whose everyday practice was so pure, so + elevated, and so kindly; to whom, moreover, she was accustomed to + look as her counsellor in difficulty, and her refuge in + distress.</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">It was Calchas, + then, whose studies she interrupted as he sat with the scroll + before him, that was seldom out of his hand, perusing those Syriac + characters again and again, as a mariner consults his chart, never + weary of storing information for his future course, and verifying + the progress he has already made. It was to Calchas she had + determined to apply for comfort because Esca came not, and for + assistance to see him again—not that she admitted, even to herself, + that this was her intention or her wish. Nevertheless, she hovered + about the old man’s seat, more caressingly than usual, and finding + his attention still riveted on his employment, she laid one hand + lightly on his shoulder, and with the other parted the thin grey + hair that strayed across his forehead. He looked up with a pleasant + smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it, little one?”</span> said he, with the + endearing diminutive he had used in addressing her from her + childhood. <span class="tei tei-q">“You seem unusually busy with + your household affairs to-day. Is this room to be decorated for a + guest? My brother makes no acquaintances here in Rome; and we have + given no stranger so much as a mouthful of food since we arrived, + save that goodly barbarian you brought home with you the other + evening. Is he coming again to-night?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A bright blush + swept over her face, yet when it faded, Calchas could not but + remark that she was paler than her wont; and her manner, usually so + gentle and composed, was now restless, anxious, and ill at + ease.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> she replied, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“what should I know of the barbarian’s movements? It + was but a chance meeting that led him to our quiet dwelling in the + first instance; and save by the merest accident we are never likely + to see him more.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She turned away + while she spoke, trying to steady her voice and give it a tone of + cold indifference, but failing utterly in the attempt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is no such power as chance,”</span> said + Calchas, looking her keenly in the face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know it,”</span> replied Mariamne, smiling sadly; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and I know, too, that whatever befalls us + is for the best. Yet some things are hard to bear, nevertheless. + Not that I have aught to complain of,”</span> she added, shrinking + instinctively from the very topic she wanted to bring on, + <span class="tei tei-q">“save my constant anxiety for my father in + these tumultuous times.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is in God’s hand,”</span> said Calchas, + <span class="tei tei-q">“who will bring him safe through all his + perils, though they seem now to environ him as the breakers boil + round a stranded galley, when the wild Adriatic is leaping and + dashing for its prey. Take <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page130">[pg 130]</span><a name="Pg130" id="Pg130" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>comfort, little one; I cannot bear to see your + step so listless and your cheek so pale.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How can they be otherwise?”</span> returned the girl, + not very candidly. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is a weary lot to be + a soldier’s daughter. I could even find it in my heart to wish we + had never left Judæa; never come to Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He tried his + best to soothe and comfort her—his best such as it was, for the + good old man knew but little of a woman’s heart—its wild hopes, its + indefinite aims, its wayward feelings, and its inexplicable + tendency to self-torture. He thought in his simplicity the real + grievance was that which she avowed, and he strove to remove it in + his own kind hopeful way.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My child,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the evils that are raging in Italy, the horrors that + we hear of every day, cannot but make Eleazar’s position more + important and less hazardous, as they increase the difficulties of + the imperial councils. It is, indeed, no child’s play to bridle + such a nation as ours with one hand, and to grasp at the imperial + diadem with the other. It takes a bold heart to draw the sword + against Judah, and a long arm to buffet Cæsar across the seas. + Vespasian will have little leisure to persecute our race; and the + Emperor, sore beset as he is, will surely lend a favourable ear to + my brother’s proposals for peace. Even now the legions are + declaring, far and wide, against Vitellius; and civil war, the most + dreadful of all scourges, is desolating the provinces and entering + Italy herself. It was but yesterday that news reached Rome of the + revolt of the whole fleet at Ravenna—and ere this Cremona has + perhaps fallen into the power of Antonius, that soldier-orator, + with the iron arm and the silver tongue. Well we know, for we have + been told by One whose words shall never be forgotten, that a house + divided against itself cannot stand; and is this a time, think you, + my child, for the worn-out sensualist who wears the purple here, to + make conditions with such a man as your father? It is all in God’s + hand, as I never cease to insist; yet I cannot but feel that a + better day must at last be dawning upon Judæa, that her enemies + will be confounded, her armies victorious, and her chiefs—but what + have we to do with the sword?”</span> he broke off abruptly, while + his kindling eye and animated gestures bore witness to the ardent + spirit that would flash out here and there even now. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Our weapon is the Cross, our warfare is not of this + world, our triumph is in our humility, and when most we are brought + low, then are we most exalted. Oh, that the time were come, as come + it surely will, when Cæsar <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page131">[pg 131]</span><a name="Pg131" id="Pg131" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>shall be content to take only that which is + Cæsar’s, and men shall be gathered under one banner, and in one + brotherhood, from all corners of the world!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was no + exaggerated account Calchas thus gave of the dilemma in which the + empire was placed at this juncture. Vespasian, with great political + talents, with coolness, patience, and audacity, was playing a game + against which the besotted brains of Vitellius were powerless to + compete. The former, adored by the army, who saw in him a + successful general, an intrepid soldier, and a man of simple + virtuous habits, contrasting nobly with the luxurious gluttony and + sensuality of his rival, lost none of his influence by the + moderation he displayed, and the modesty, real or affected, with + which he declined the purple. Not afraid to wait till advantage + ripened into opportunity, he could seize it when the time came with + a bold and tenacious grasp, could turn it deftly to his own profit + and guide those circumstances of which he seemed to be the mere + puppet, with a master-hand. Though at a distance from the scene of + warfare, and to all appearance little more than an unwilling + observer of the disturbances carried on in his name, he directed as + it were from behind a curtain the operations of his generals, and + pulled the strings that set in motion his numerous partisans with a + clear head, a delicate touch, and that tenacity of purpose which is + the essential element of success. Vitellius, on the other hand, + whose natural abilities had been weakened, nay destroyed, by an + unceasing course of sensual gratification, wavered in council and + hesitated in action; now determined to abdicate the diadem and + retire into obscurity; anon persuaded to fight for dominion to the + death; and ever paralysing the energies of his warmest partisans by + the distrust he entertained for honest advisers, and the reliance + he placed on the counsels of those traitors who surrounded him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The empire was, + perhaps, at this period in a more disheartening position than even + under the ferocious sway of Nero. Monster as the latter was, he at + least held the reins with a firm hand; and tyranny, however + oppressive, is doubtless one degree better than anarchy and + confusion. Now, the mighty fabric, of which Romulus laid the first + stone and Augustus completed the pinnacle—the work of seven + centuries, to which every generation had added its labours and its + enterprise, till it embraced the confines of the known world—was + beginning perceptibly to sink and crumble from its own enormous + size and weight. The legions (and it must never be forgotten that + the dominion of Rome was essentially <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page132">[pg 132]</span><a name="Pg132" id="Pg132" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that of the sword) were now recruited from + natives of her distant colonies. The Syrian and the Ethiop guarded + the eagles as well as the tall turbulent sons of Germany, and the + ever-changing, ever-faithless Gaul. Armies thus gathered under one + standard from such various climates could have but little in common + save a certain professional ferocity, and an ardent liking for + plunder, no less than pay. Mercenaries have in all ages been easily + bought by the one and seduced by the other. Each legion gradually + came to consider itself a separate and independent power, to be + sold to the highest bidder. Perhaps the fairest vision of all was a + march upon Rome, and a ten hours’ sack of the city they were sworn + to defend. A great and good man, backed by the glory of name, race, + and illustrious actions, could alone have ruled such discordant + elements, and united these conflicting interests for the common + good; but fate ordained that the weak, worn-out, besotted Vitellius + should be seated on the throne of the Cæsars, and that the cool, + unflinching, and far-seeing Vespasian should be watching with + sleepless eye and ready hand to snatch the diadem from his + bewildered predecessor, and place it firmly on his own head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While the + destinies of the world were thus trembling in the balance, while + her own nation was fighting for its very existence, and the storm + gathering all around, obviously to burst in its greatest fury on + the Imperial City, the care that weighed heaviest at Mariamne’s + heart was that she had that day noticed a barbarian slave walk into + the training-school of a Roman gladiator.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is it true, then,”</span> asked the girl, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that civil war is indeed raging here, as we have seen + it at home? That we shall have an enemy ere long at the very gates + of the city?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Too true, my child,”</span> replied Calchas; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and the Roman people seem, as usual, to + make light of the emergency, to eat, drink, buy, sell, and feast + their eyes on bloodshed in the circus, as though their idolatrous + temple, where Janus overlooks the usurers and money-changers of the + city, were shut up once for all, never to be opened + again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She turned pale + and shuddered at the mention of the circus.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are they making no preparations?”</span> she asked + timidly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Did I not hear my father say they + were collecting the gladiators, and—and—some of the nobles had + enrolled their German and British slaves, and were arming them + against an attack?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It may be so,”</span> answered Calchas; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but a slave can <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page133">[pg 133]</span><a name="Pg133" id="Pg133" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>scarcely be expected to fight very stoutly for + a cause which only serves to rivet his chains. As for the + gladiators, those tigers in human form, it were surely better for + them to perish in open warfare, than to tear one another to pieces + in the arena, like the very beasts against which I have seen them + pitted. Yet these, too, have souls to be saved.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely have they,”</span> exclaimed Mariamne, with + kindling eyes, <span class="tei tei-q">“and none to help them; none + to show them so much as a glimpse of the true light. These men go + out to die as the citizen goes to his business or his bath; and who + is answerable to man for their blood? who is answerable to God for + their souls?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His eye + brightened while she spoke, and he raised his head like a soldier + who hears the trumpet summoning him to the front.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If I have a well in my court,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and a man fall down and die of thirst at + my gate, who is answerable? Surely I am guilty of my brother’s + blood, that I never so much as reached him the pitcher to drink. + Shall these men go down daily to death, and shall I not stretch out + a finger lest they perish everlastingly? Mariamne, it seems there + is a task set to my hand, and I must accomplish it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was far from + wishing to hinder him. Actuated as human nature too often is by + mixed motives, she could yet respond, in her womanly generosity of + heart, to that noble self-sacrifice which was so distinguishing a + characteristic of the new religion; and could appreciate the + devotion of Calchas, while she hoped through his intervention to + obtain some alleviation of her anxiety on Esca’s behalf. She had + caught a glimpse of the slave’s figure that very day as it entered + the portals of the training-school; and this rapid glance had not + served to quiet her misgivings on his account.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If Calchas + should now think it right to interest himself about a class of men + the most reckless and desperate of the whole Roman population, it + was probable that he would at the same time learn something of + Esca’s movements; perhaps be able to dissuade him from joining the + fierce band in which she now feared he was about to be enrolled. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It may be that he has some wild hope of + thus obtaining his liberty,”</span> thought the girl; and her heart + throbbed while she reflected that it was for her sake liberty had + now become so dear to the barbarian. <span class="tei tei-q">“It + may be that he has extorted some vague promise from his lord, and, + in his pride of strength and courage, he never dreams of danger or + defeat; but oh! if he <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page134">[pg + 134]</span><a name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>should come to harm for my sake, what will + become of me? I would rather die a thousand times than that his + white skin should be disfigured with a scratch!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are practising for their deadly pastime in the + next street,”</span> said she; <span class="tei tei-q">“I can hear + the blows as I go down to draw water. Blows dealt, as it were, in + sport; what must they be in earnest?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is no time to be lost,”</span> said Calchas. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The games of Ceres are to be soon + celebrated, and the Roman crowd will think it but a poor show if + some hundreds of gladiators are not slaughtered at the least. + Child, I will visit these men to-morrow; they will revile me, but + after a time they will listen. If I can even gain over one, be he + the lowest and most degraded of the band, it will be a triumph + greater than a thousand victories; a gain infinitely more precious + than all the treasures of Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To-morrow may be too late,”</span> she returned, + moving across the room at the same time so as to hide her face. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The school is full to-day. I—I think I saw + that barbarian who was here lately go into it an hour or two + ago.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Briton!”</span> exclaimed Calchas, starting from + his seat. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why did you not tell me so + before? Quick, girl, fetch me my gown and sandals. I will go there + without delay.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She helped him, + nothing loth. In a few minutes Calchas was ready to go forth, and + as she watched him from the door, and saw him turn the corner of + the street, Mariamne clasped her hands and muttered a thanksgiving + for the success of her well-meant artifice; while the old man + strode boldly to his destination, confident in the integrity of his + purpose, and rejoicing in the breastplate of proof which covers a + good heart bound on a pious mission. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is + no business of mine,”</span> was a maxim unknown to the early + Christian. Fresh in his memory was the parable of the Good + Samaritan; and it never occurred to him that, like the Pharisee, he + might pass by on the other side. The world is some centuries older, + yet is that tale of the friendless wounded wayfarer less suggestive + now than it was then?</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page135">[pg 135]</span><a name= + "Pg135" id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc41" id= + "toc41"></a> <a name="pdf42" id="pdf42"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">WINGED WORDS</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiators + were pausing from their toil. Brawny chests heaved and panted, deep + voices laughed and swore with returning breath; strong arms looked + heavier and stronger as the athlete rested his wide hands upon his + hips, and not unconsciously brought his huge muscles into full + relief in the attitude. Esca and his late antagonist were wiping + the sweat from their brows, and looking at one another with wistful + eyes, as if by no means loth to renew the contest, so equally had + the last bout been waged. Hirpinus laid down the weighty clubs he + had been wielding, with a grunt of relief. No unpractised arm could + have lifted those cumbrous instruments from the ground, yet they + were but as reeds in the hands of the gladiator; nevertheless, he + lamented piteously the tendency of his mighty frame to increasing + bulk, which rendered such heavy and uninteresting work necessary to + fit him for the arena.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“By the body of Hercules!”</span> complained the giant, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I would I were but such a half-starved ape + as thou, my Lutorius! See what the master calls training for a man + of some solidity, and thank the gods that an hour’s girls’-play + with sword and buckler is enough to keep that slender waist of + thine within the compass of a knight’s finger-ring.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Girls’-play, call you it?”</span> answered Lutorius. + <span class="tei tei-q">“In faith ’tis a game that would put thy + fat carcass on the sand, from sheer want of breath, in a quarter of + the time. No more girls’-play for us, my lads, till after the feast + of Ceres. The school will be thinner then, or I am mistaken. How + many pairs are promised by the Consul for this coming bout? I heard + the crier tell us in the street, but I have forgotten.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“One hundred at least, for sword and buckler alone. And + twenty of them out of the Family!”</span> answered Euchenor + readily, and with a malicious smile. His profession as a boxer + freed him from any fatal apprehensions; but he took none the less + pleasure in recalling to his comrades the more <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page136">[pg 136]</span><a name="Pg136" id="Pg136" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>deadly nature of their encounters. Rufus + alone looked grave; perhaps he was thinking of his wife and + children while he listened; perhaps that humble cottage in the + Apennines seemed farther off than ever, and the more desirable on + that account. The others smiled grimly, and a wolfish expression + gleamed for an instant from their eyes—all but Esca, whose glowing + young face displayed only courage, excitement, and hope.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bird of ill-omen!”</span> said Hippias sternly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“What do you know of the clash of steel? + Keep to your own boys’-play, and do not meddle with the game that + draws blood at every stroke. I think I am master here!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Euchenor would + have answered sullenly, but a knock at the door arrested his + attention. As it swung open, to the surprise of all, and of none + more than Esca, Calchas stood before them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Salve!</span></span>”</span> + said the old man kindly, as he looked around, his venerable head + and calm dignified bearing contrasting nobly with the brute + strength and coarser faces of the gladiators. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Salve!</span></span>”</span> + he repeated, smiling at the astonishment his appearance seemed to + call forth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias was not + lacking in a certain rough courtesy of the camp. He advanced to the + new-comer, bade him welcome as a stranger, and inquired the cause + of his visit; <span class="tei tei-q">“for,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“judging by your looks, O my father! it can + scarcely be a mission connected either with me or my disciples + here, whose trade, you may observe, is war.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I too am a soldier,”</span> answered Calchas quietly, + looking the astonished fencing-master full in the face. The + gladiators had by this time gathered round; like schoolboys at play + they were ripe for mischief, and, like schoolboys, it needed but + the merest trifle to urge them into any extreme, either of good or + evil.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A soldier!”</span> exclaimed Euchenor, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“then you fear not steel!”</span>—at the same moment he + snatched a short two-edged sword from the wall, and delivered a + thrust with it full at the old man’s breast. Calchas moved not a + muscle; his colour neither rose nor fell; his eyelash never + quivered as he looked steadily at the Greek, who probably only + intended a brutal jest, and cared but little how dangerous might be + its result. The point had reached the folds of the visitor’s gown, + when Rufus dashed it aside with his hand, while Hippias dealt the + offender a buffet, which sent him reeling to the opposite wall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What now?”</span> exclaimed the professor, in a tone + with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page137">[pg 137]</span><a name= + "Pg137" id="Pg137" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which a man rates a + disobedient hound. <span class="tei tei-q">“What now? Am I not + master here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The others + looked on approvingly. The jest was <a name="corr137" id="corr137" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">well</span> + suited to their habits. They were amused at the discomfiture of the + Greek, and pleased with the coolness shown by an old man of such + unwarlike exterior. Esca, however, strode up to his friend’s side, + and glared about him in a manner that boded no good to the + originator of any more such aggressions, either in sport or + earnest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou hast hurt the youth,”</span> remarked Calchas, in + as unmoved a tone as would have become the fiercest gladiator of + the school. <span class="tei tei-q">“Thou hast hurt him, and he was + but in jest after all. In truth, Hippias, I have not seen so goodly + a buffet dealt since I came to Rome. That arm of thine can strike + to some purpose, and thy pupils are, like their master, brave, and + strong, and skilful. I have heard of the legion called Invincible, + surely I have found it here. My sons, are you not the + Invincibles?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He spoke so + quietly they knew not whether he was jesting with them; but the + flattering title tickled their ears pleasantly enough, and the + gladiators crowded round him, with shouts of encouragement and + mirth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Invincibles!”</span> they laughed. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Invincibles! Well said, old man! yes, we are the + Invincibles. Who can stand against the Family? Hast come to join + us? We shall have plenty of space in the ranks ere another moon be + old.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Give him a sword, one of you!”</span> exclaimed Rufus; + <span class="tei tei-q">“let us see what he can do with Lutorius. + The Gaul has had a bellyful already; press him, old man, and he + must go down!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, let him have a bout with the wooden + foils,”</span> laughed Hirpinus. <span class="tei tei-q">“He is but + young and tender. He would sicken at the sight of + blood.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Or a cast with the net and trident,”</span> continued + Manlius.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Or a round with the <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cestus</span></span>,”</span> observed + Euchenor; adding with a sneer, <span class="tei tei-q">“I myself am + ready to exchange a buffet or two with him, for sheer + goodwill.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold! my new comrades,”</span> interposed Esca, with + rising colour. <span class="tei tei-q">“In my country we are taught + to venerate grey hairs. If ye are so keen for <span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cestus</span></span>, lance, and sword-play, + here am I, untried and inexperienced, willing to stand against the + best of you, from now till sundown.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiators + gathered round the last speaker somewhat angrily; the challenge was + indeed a bold one in such company, and a contest begun in play + amongst those <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page138">[pg + 138]</span><a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>turbulent spirits, might end, not improbably, + in too fatal earnest; but Hippias cut the matter short by + commanding silence, in loud imperious tones, and, turning to the + new-comer, bade him state at once the business that had brought him + there and have done with it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I came here,”</span> said the old man, looking round + with a glance of mingled pity and admiration; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I came here to see, with my own eyes, the band of + Invincibles. I have already told you that I too am a soldier, whose + duty it is to go down, if need be, daily unto death.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was + something so quiet and earnest in the speaker’s manner, such an + absence of self-consciousness or apprehension, a sincerity and + goodwill so frank and evident, that the rude fierce men whom he + addressed could not but give him their attention. There was all the + interest of novelty in beholding one whose appearance and habits + were so at variance with their own, thus throwing himself + fearlessly on their forbearance, and trusting, as it were, to that + higher nature, which, dormant though it might be, each man felt to + exist within himself. Even Hippias acknowledged the influence of + his visitor’s confidence, and answered graciously enough—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If you are a soldier, I need not tell you that we are + but on the drill-ground here. You will see my band to better + advantage when they defile by Cæsar at the games of + Ceres.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas looked + inquiringly round.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the chorus,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that I have heard ring out in such a warlike tone, as + your ranks marched past the imperial chair; are you perfect in it, + my friends? Do you practise the chant as you do your sword-play and + your wrestling?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had fixed + their attention now. Half-interested, half-amused at his strange + persistency, they looked laughingly at each other, and their deep + voices burst out into the wild and thrilling cadence of their fatal + dirge—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Ave, Cæsar! Morituri te + salutant!</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As the last + notes died away, silence pervaded the school; to the rudest and + most reckless, there was something suggestive in the sounds they + knew too well would be the last music they should hear on earth. + Calchas turned suddenly upon Hippias.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the wages Cæsar gives your men?”</span> said he; + <span class="tei tei-q">“since he buys them body and bones, they + must be very costly. How many thousand sesterces doth he pay for + each?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A brutal laugh + echoed round him at the question.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page139">[pg 139]</span><a name="Pg139" id="Pg139" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sesterces!”</span> answered Hippias. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay; Cæsar’s generosity provides handsomely for the + training and nourishment of his swordsmen.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“True enough!”</span> added Rufus, at which there was + another laugh. <span class="tei tei-q">“He finds us in meat, and + drink, and burial!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No more?”</span> said Calchas. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yet I have been told that in Rome everything fetches + its price; but little did I think such men as these could be bought + for less money than a Syrian dancing-girl, or a senator’s white + horses. So you are willing to toil day after day, harder than the + peasant on the hillside, or the oarsman in the galley, to live + simply, temperately, ay, virtuously, for months together, and then + to face certain death, often in its ghastliest form, for the wages + a Roman citizen gives his meanest slave—a morsel of meat and a + draught of wine! If you conquer in the struggle, a branch of palm + may be added to a handful of silver, and you deem your reward is + more than enough. Truly, I am old and feeble, these hands are + little worth to strike or parry, yet would I grudge to sell this + worn-out body of mine at so mean a price.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You told us you were a soldier,”</span> observed + Rufus, on whom the argument of relative value seemed to make no + slight impression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So I am,”</span> replied Calchas; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but not at such a low rate of pay as yours. My duties + are not heavy. I am not forced to toil all day, nor to watch all + night. My head aches with no weighty helmet; breastplate and + greaves of steel do not gall my body nor cumber my limbs. I have + neither trench to dig, nor mound to raise, nor eagles to guard. I + need not stand, like you, against my comrade and my friend, with my + point at his throat, and slay the man who has been to me even as a + brother, lest he slay me. Yet, though my labours be so easy, and my + service be so deficient and inadequate, all the gold and jewels you + have seen glistening in a triumph, all the treasures of Cæsar and + of Rome, would not equal the reward I hope to earn.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiators + looked from one to the other with glances of astonishment and + curiosity. This was a subject that spoke to their personal + interest, and roused their feelings accordingly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are there vacancies in your ranks, comrade?”</span> + asked Hirpinus, using the military form of speech habitually + affected by his profession. <span class="tei tei-q">“Will you enrol + a man of muscle like myself, who has been looking all his life for + a <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page140">[pg 140]</span><a name= + "Pg140" id="Pg140" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>service in which + there is little to do and plenty to get? Take my word for it, you + will not long want for recruits.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is room for all, and to spare,”</span> answered + Calchas, raising his voice till it rung through every corner of the + building. <span class="tei tei-q">“My Captain will enlist you + freely, and without reserve. Only you come to Him and range + yourselves under His banner, and stand by Him for a few short + watches, a week, a month, a decade or two of years at the most, and + He will stand by you when Cæsar and his legions are scattered to + the four winds of heaven; ay, and long after that, for ages and + ages rolling on in a circle that has no end! Will you come, brave + hearts? I have authority to receive you, man by man.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where is your Captain?”</span> asked Hirpinus. + <span class="tei tei-q">“He must needs have a large following. Is + he here in Rome? Can we see him ere we take the oaths and raise the + standard? Comrades!”</span> he added, looking round, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“this old man speaks as though he were in earnest. Nay, + he would scarcely dare to laugh in our very beards!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You might have seen Him,”</span> answered Calchas, + <span class="tei tei-q">“not forty years ago, as I myself did, on + the sunny plains of Syria. You will not see Him now, till a pinch + of dust has been sprinkled on your brow, and the death-penny put + into your mouth. Then, when you have crossed the dark river, He + will be waiting for you on the other side.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiators + looked at one another. <span class="tei tei-q">“What means + he?”</span> said they. <span class="tei tei-q">“Is he mad?”</span> + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is he an augur?”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Doth he deal in magic?”</span> Rufus reared his tall + head above the throng. <span class="tei tei-q">“Would you have us + believe in what we cannot see?”</span> was the apposite question of + that practical swordsman. The old man drew his mantle round his + shoulders with the air of one who prepares for argument. All he + wanted was a fair hearing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Which is the nobler gift,”</span> he asked, + <span class="tei tei-q">“a strong body, or a gallant heart? Ye have + fought many times, most of you, in the arena. Answer me truly—which + is the conqueror, courage or strength?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Courage,”</span> they exclaimed, with one voice; all + except Euchenor, who muttered something about skill and good + fortune being preferable to either.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And yet you cannot see it,”</span> resumed Calchas. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Will you therefore argue that it cannot + exist? Is there one of you here that doth not feel a something + wanting to complete his daily existence? Why do you long for the + smiles of women, and the bubble of the winecup? Why can you + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page141">[pg 141]</span><a name= + "Pg141" id="Pg141" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>not rest when the + training of to-day is over, for thinking of the labours of + to-morrow? Why are you always anxious, always anticipating, always + dissatisfied? Because a man consists of two parts, the body and the + spirit; because his life is made up of two phases, the present and + the future. Your bodies belong to Cæsar, let him have them to do + with them what he likes, to-day, to-morrow, at the games of Ceres, + at the feast of Neptune, what matter? But the spirit, the man + within you, is your own. He it is who doth not wince when the + javelin pierces to the quick, or the wild beast rends to the + marrow. He it is who quails not when the level sweep of sand seems + to rock beneath him, and heave up against his face; when the white + garments and eager faces of the crowd spin round him faster and + faster as they fade upon his darkening eye. He is the better man of + the two, and he will live for ever. Shall you not provide for + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></span>? What is your present? Much + trouble, many hours of toil. A foot or two of steel in the hand, + and a dash at a comrade’s throat, then a back-fall below the + equestrian benches, and so the future begins. Do you think there is + nothing better there than old Charon’s ferry-boat, and the pale + misty banks of the uncertain river? I know the way to a golden land + far brighter and fairer than the fabled islands of the West. There + is a high wall round it, and the gate is low and narrow; but the + key stands in the lock, and you need no death-penny to purchase + entrance for the poorest of you. Go to the door in rags, with no + other possession but the hope and trust that you may crawl in upon + your knees, and it opens ere you have knocked.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Something in + each man’s heart told him, as he listened, that if he could but + believe this, the conviction was worth more than all the treasures + of the empire put together. Liable as were these gladiators to + stand in the jaws of death at a day’s notice, there was something + inexpressibly elevating in the idea that the supreme moment which + the most careless of them could not but sometimes picture to + himself, was the mere passage to a nobler state of existence. The + words of a man who is telling what he himself implicitly believes + to be the truth, carry with them no small amount of persuasion; and + when Calchas paused, the swordsmen looked doubtingly at him with + eyes in which incredulity and admiration were strangely mingled; + not without a certain wistful gleam of hope. Hippias, indeed, whose + tastes inclined him to materialism, and his reflections to utter + disbelief in every<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page142">[pg + 142]</span><a name="Pg142" id="Pg142" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>thing save the temper of a blade, seemed + disposed to cut the matter short, as being a waste of valuable + time; but the anxiety of his pupils, and especially of Esca, to + hear more of the glowing promises held out, induced him to fold his + arms and listen, with a smile of conscious superiority, not devoid + of contempt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the Captain who leads us?”</span> asked the Gaul, + after a whisper and a push from Hirpinus. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What of him? Your promises are fair enough, I grant + you, but I would fain know with whom I serve.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not one of them + but noted the gleam on the old man’s face, as he replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Captain went up to death with a patient, calm, and + kindly face, for you, and you, and you, and me—for those who had + never seen Him; for those who mistrusted Him; for those who failed + Him, and turned back from Him at His need. Nay, for those who + tortured and slew Him, and whom He forgave with the free full + forgiveness of a God!—ay, of a God! Which of your gods has done as + much for you? When did one of them leave their Mount Olympus, save + for some human need, or some human mission of bloodshed and crime? + Where is the king who would give up an earthly throne, and go + voluntarily to a shameful death for the sake of his people? You are + men, my friends—brave, resolute, hearty men; what would you have in + him whom you serve? courage, patience, mercy, goodwill to all? What + think ye of Him who left the rulership of the whole universe, and + went so willingly to die, that He might buy you to be His own here + and hereafter? Come and range yourselves under His standard. I will + tell you of Him day by day. There is no jealousy amongst His + soldiers. The service is easy; He has told us so Himself; and + neither mine nor any mortal tongue can calculate the + reward.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Enough of this!”</span> interrupted Hippias, noting + the eager looks and excited gestures of the swordsmen; + interpreting, as he did, the words of Calchas in their literal + sense, and fearing lest he might, indeed, lose the services of the + daring band, on whose blood it was his trade to live. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Enough of this, old man! We have heard you patiently, + and now begone! My gladiators have enlisted under Cæsar, and they + will not desert their standard for any inducement you can offer. I + know not why I have listened to you so long; but trespass not + further on my forbearance. This building is no Athenian school of + rhetoric; and the only arguments acknowledged by Hippias, are those + which may be parried <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page143">[pg + 143]</span><a name="Pg143" id="Pg143" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>with two foot of steel. Nevertheless, go in + peace, old man, and fare you well.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So Calchas went + out from amongst these fierce and turbulent spirits, unharmed and + well satisfied. He had sown a handful of the good seed, and knew + that somewhere it would take root. More than one of the gladiators + was already pondering on his words; and the young Briton, with his + ardent nature, his kind heart, and his predisposition in favour of + Mariamne’s kinsman, had resolved that he would hear more of these + new doctrines, which seemed to dawn upon him like light from + another world.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page144">[pg 144]</span><a name= + "Pg144" id="Pg144" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc43" id= + "toc43"></a> <a name="pdf44" id="pdf44"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE ARENA</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A hundred + thousand tongues, whispering and murmuring with Italian volubility, + send up a busy hum like that of an enormous beehive into the sunny + air. The Flavian amphitheatre, Vespasian’s gigantic concession to + the odious tastes of his people, has not yet been constructed; and + Rome must crowd and jostle in the great circus, if she would behold + that slaughter of beasts, and those mortal combats of men, in which + she now takes far more delight than in the innocent trials of speed + and skill for which the enclosure was originally designed. That her + luxurious citizens are dissatisfied even with this roomy edifice, + is sufficiently obvious from the many complaints that accompany the + struggling and pushing of those who are anxious to obtain a good + place. To-day’s bill-of-fare is indeed tempting to the morbid + appetites of high and low. A rhinoceros and tiger are to be pitted + against each other; and it is hoped that, notwithstanding many + recent failures in such combats, these two beasts may be savage + enough to afford the desired sport. Several pairs of gladiators, at + least, are to fight to the death, besides those on whom the + populace may show mercy, or from whom they may withhold it at will. + In addition to all this, it has been whispered that one well-known + patrician intends to exhibit his prowess on the deadly stage. Much + curiosity is expressed, and many a wager has been already laid, on + his name, his skill, the nature of his conflict, and the chances of + his success. Though the circus be large enough to contain the + population of a thriving city, no wonder that it is to-day full to + the very brim. As usual in such assemblages, the hours of waiting + are lightened by eating and drinking, by jests, practical and + otherwise, by remarks, complimentary, sarcastic, or derisive, on + the several notabilities who enter at short intervals, and take + their places with no small stir and assumption of importance. The + nobility and distinguished <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page145">[pg 145]</span><a name="Pg145" id="Pg145" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>characters of this dissolute age are better + known than respected by their plebeian fellow-citizens.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is, + however, one exception. Though Valeria’s Liburnians lay themselves + open to no small amount of insolence, by the emphatic manner in + which they make way for their mistress, as she proceeds with her + usual haughty bearing to her place near the patrician benches—an + insolence of which some of the more pointed missiles do not spare + the scornful beauty herself—it is no sooner observed that she is + accompanied by her kinsman, Licinius, than a change comes over the + demeanour even of those who feel themselves most aggrieved, by + being elbowed out of their places, and pushed violently against + their neighbours, while admiring glances and a respectful silence + denote the esteem in which the Roman general is held by high and + low.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It wants a few + minutes yet of noon. The southern sun, though his intensity is + modified by canvas awnings stretched over the spectators wherever + it is possible to afford them shade, lights and warms up every nook + and cranny of the amphitheatre; gleams in the raven hair of the + Campanian matron, and the black eyes of the astonished urchin in + her arms; flashes off the golden bosses that stud the white + garments on the equestrian benches; bleaches the level sweep of + sand so soon to bear the prints of mortal struggle, and flooding + the lofty throne where Cæsar sits in state, deepens the broad + crimson hem that skirts his imperial garment, and sheds a deathlike + hue over the pale bloated face, which betrays even now no sign of + interest, or animation, or delight. Vitellius attends these brutal + exhibitions with the same immobility that characterises his + demeanour in almost all the avocations of life. The same + listlessness, the same weary vacancy of expression, pervades his + countenance here, as in the senate or the council. His eye never + glistens but at the appearance of a favourite dish; and the emperor + of the world can only be said to <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">live</span></span> + once in the twenty-four hours, when seated at the banquet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Insensibility + seems, however, in all ages to be an affectation of the higher + classes; and here, while the plebeians wrangle, and laugh, and + chatter, and gesticulate, the patricians are apparently bent on + proving that amusement is for them a simple impossibility, and + suffering or slaughter matters of the most profound indifference. + And on common occasions who so impassible, so cold, so unmoved by + all that takes place around her, as the haughty Valeria? but to-day + there <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page146">[pg 146]</span><a name= + "Pg146" id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>is an unusual gleam + in the grey eyes, a quiver of the lip, a fixed red spot on either + cheek; adding new charms to her beauty, not lost upon the observers + who surround her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Quoth Damasippus + to Oarses (for the congenial rogues stand, as usual, shoulder to + shoulder)—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would not that the patron saw her now. I never knew + her look so fair as this. Locusta must have left her the secret of + her love philtres.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, innocent!”</span> replies the other. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Knowest thou not that the patron fights to-day? Seest + thou her restless hands, and that fixed smile, like the mask of an + old Greek player? She loves him; trust me, therefore, she has lost + her power, were she subtle as Arachne. Dost not know the patron? To + do him justice, he never prizes the stakes when he has won the + game.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And the two fall + to discussing the dinner they have brought with them, and think + they are perfectly familiar with the intricacies of a woman’s + feelings. Meantime Valeria seems to cling to Licinius as though + there were some spell in her kinsman’s presence to calm that + beating heart of which she is but now beginning to learn the + wayward and indomitable nature. For the twentieth time she asks: + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is he prepared at all points? Does he know + every feint of the deadly game? Are his health and strength as + perfect as training can make them? And oh, my kinsman! is he + confident in himself? Does he feel sure that he will + win?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To which + questions, Licinius, though wondering at the interest she betrays + in such a matter, answers as before—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All that skill, and science, and Hippias can do, has + been done. He has the advantage in strength, speed, and height. + Above all, he has the courage of his nation. As they get fiercer + they get cooler, and they are never so formidable as when you deem + them vanquished. I could not sit here if I thought he would be + worsted.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Valeria + took comfort for a while, but soon she moved restlessly on her + cushions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How I wish they would begin!”</span> said she; yet + every moment of delay seemed at the same time to be a respite of + priceless value, even while it added to the torture of + suspense.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many hearts were + beating in that crowd with love, hope, fear, and anxiety; but + perhaps none so wildly as those of two women, separated but by a + few paces, and whose eyes some indefinable attraction seemed to + draw irresistibly towards each other. While Valeria, in common with + many ladies of distinction, had encroached upon the space + originally <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page147">[pg + 147]</span><a name="Pg147" id="Pg147" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>allotted to the vestal virgins, and + established, by constant attendance in the amphitheatre, a + prescriptive right to a cushioned seat for herself and her friends, + women of lower rank were compelled to station themselves in an + upper gallery allotted to them, or to mingle on sufferance with the + crowd in the lower tier of places, where the presence of a male + companion was indispensable for protection from annoyance, and even + insult. Nevertheless, within speaking distance of the haughty Roman + lady stood Mariamne, accompanied by Calchas, trembling with fear + and excitement in every limb, yet turning her large dark eyes upon + Valeria, with an expression of curiosity and interest that could + only have been aroused by an instinctive consciousness of feelings + common to both. The latter, too, seemed fascinated by the gaze of + the Jewish maiden, now bending on her a haughty and inquiring + glance, anon turning away with a gesture of affected disdain; but + never unobservant, for many seconds together, of the dark pale + beauty and her venerable companion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When she was at + last fairly wedged in amongst the crowd, Mariamne could hardly + explain to herself how she came there. It had been with great + difficulty that she persuaded Calchas to accompany her; and, + indeed, nothing but his interest in Esca, and the hope that he + might, even here, find some means of doing good, would have tempted + the old man into such a scene. It was with many a burning blush and + painful thrill that she confessed to herself, she must go mad with + anxiety were she absent from the death-struggle to be waged by the + man whom she now knew she loved so dearly; and it was with a wild + defiant recklessness that she resolved if aught of evil should + befall him to give herself up thenceforth to despair. She felt as + if she was in a dream; the sea of faces, the jabber of tongues, the + strange novelty of the spectacle, confused and wearied her; yet + through it all Valeria’s eye seemed to look down on her with an + ominous boding of ill; and when, with an effort, she forced her + senses back into self-consciousness, she felt so lonely, so + frightened, and so unhappy, that she wished she had never come.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now, with + peal of trumpets and clash of cymbals, a burst of wild martial + music rises above the hum and murmur of the seething crowd. Under a + spacious archway, supported by marble pillars, wide folding-doors + are flung open, and two by two, with stately step and slow, march + in the gladiators, armed with the different weapons of their deadly + trade. Four hundred men are they, in all the pride of perfect + strength and symmetry, and high training, and practised skill. With + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page148">[pg 148]</span><a name= + "Pg148" id="Pg148" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>head erect and + haughty bearing, they defile once round the arena, as though to + give the spectators an opportunity of closely scanning their + appearance, and halt with military precision to range themselves in + line under Cæsar’s throne. For a moment there is a pause and hush + of expectation over the multitude, while the devoted champions + stand motionless as statues in the full glow of noon; then bursting + suddenly into action, they brandish their gleaming weapons over + their heads, and higher, fuller, fiercer, rises the terrible chant + that seems to combine the shout of triumph with the wail of + suffering, and to bid a long and hopeless farewell to upper earth, + even in the very recklessness and defiance of its despair—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ave, Cæsar! Morituri te salutant!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then they wheel + out once more, and range themselves on either side of the arena; + all but a chosen band who occupy the central place of honour, and + of whom every second man at least is doomed to die. These are the + picked pupils of Hippias; the quickest eyes and the readiest hands + in the Family; therefore it is that they have been selected to + fight by pairs to the death, and that it is understood no clemency + will be extended to them from the populace.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With quickened + breath and eager looks, Valeria and Mariamne scan their ranks in + search of a well-known figure: both feel it to be a questionable + relief that he is not there; but the Roman lady tears the edge of + her mantle to the seam, and the Jewish girl offers an incoherent + prayer in her heart, for she knows not what.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca’s part is + not yet to be performed, and he is still in the background, + preparing himself carefully for the struggle. The rest of the + Family, however, muster in force. Tall Rufus stalks to his + appointed station with a calm business-like air that bodes no good + to his adversary, whoever he may be. He has fought too often not to + feel confident in, his own invincible prowess; and when compelled + to despatch a fallen foe, he will do it with sincere regret, but + none the less dexterously and effectually for that. Hirpinus, too, + assumes his usual air of jovial hilarity. There is a smile on his + broad good-humoured face; and though, notwithstanding the severity + of his preparation, his huge muscles are still a trifle too full + and lusty, he will be a formidable antagonist for any fighter whose + proportions are less than those of a Hercules. As the crowd pass + the different combatants in review, none, with the exception + perhaps of Rufus, have more backers than their old favourite. + Lutorius, too, notwithstanding his Gallic origin, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page149">[pg 149]</span><a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which places him but one remove, as it + were, from a barbarian, finds no slight favour with those who pride + themselves on their experience in such matters. His great activity + and endurance, combined with thorough knowledge of his weapon, have + made him the victor in many a public contest. As Damasippus + observes to his friend, <span class="tei tei-q">“Lutorius can + always tire out an adversary and despatch him at leisure;”</span> + to which Oarses replies, <span class="tei tei-q">“If he be pitted + to-day against Manlius, I will wager thee a thousand sesterces + blood is not drawn in the first three assaults.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The pairs had + already been decided by lot; but amongst the score of combatants + who were to fight to the death, these formidable champions were the + most celebrated, and as such the especial favourites of the + populace. Certain individuals in the crowd, who were sufficiently + familiar with the gladiators to exchange a word of greeting, and to + call them by their names, derived, in consequence, no small + increase of importance amongst the bystanders. The swordsmen, + although now ranged in order round the arena, are destined, for a + time at least, to remain inactive. The sports are to commence with + a combat between a lately imported rhinoceros, and a Libyan tiger, + already familiarly known to the public, as having destroyed two or + three Christian victims and a negro slave. It is only in the event + of these animals being unwilling to fight, or becoming dangerous to + the spectators, that Hippias will call in the assistance of his + pupils for their destruction. In the meantime, they have an + excellent view of the conflict, though perhaps it might be seen in + greater comfort from the farther and safer side of the barrier.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Vitellius, with + a feeble inclination of his head, signs to begin, and a portable + wooden building which has been wheeled into the lists, creating no + little curiosity, is now taken to pieces by a few strokes of the + hammer. As the slaves carry away the dismembered boards, with the + rapidity of men in terror of their lives, a huge, unwieldy beast + stands disclosed, and the rhinoceros of which they have been + talking for the last week bursts on the delighted eyes of the Roman + public. These are perhaps a little disappointed at first, for the + animal seems peaceably, not to say indolently, disposed. Taking no + notice of the shouts which greet his appearance, he digs his horned + muzzle into the sand in search of food, as though secure in the + overlapping plates of armour that sway loosely on his enormous + body, with every movement of his huge ungainly limbs. So intent are + the spectators on this rare monster, that their attention is only + directed to the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page150">[pg + 150]</span><a name="Pg150" id="Pg150" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>farther end of the arena by the restlessness + which the rhinoceros at length exhibits. He stamps angrily with his + broad flat feet, his short pointed tail is furiously agitated, and + the gladiators who are near him observe that his little eye is + glowing like a coal. A long, low, dark object lies coiled up under + the barrier as though seeking shelter, nor is it till the second + glance that Valeria, whose interest, in common with that of the + multitude, is fearfully excited, can make out the fawning, cruel + head, the glaring eyes, and the striped sinewy form of the Libyan + tiger.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In vain the + people wait for him to commence the attack. Although he is + sufficiently hungry, having been kept for more than a day without + food, it is not his nature to carry on an open warfare. Damasippus + and Oarses jeer him loudly as he skulks under the barrier; and + Calchas cannot forbear whispering to Mariamne, that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“a curse has been on the monster since he tore the + brethren limb from limb, in that very place, for the glory of the + true faith.”</span> The rhinoceros, however, seems disposed to take + the initiative; with a short labouring trot he moves across the + arena, leaving such deep footprints behind him, as sufficiently + attest his enormous bulk and weight. There is a flash like real + fire from the tiger’s eyes, hitherto only sullen and watchful—his + waving tail describes a semicircle in the sand—and he coils himself + more closely together, with a deep low growl; even now he is not + disposed to fight save at an advantage.</p><a name="i_172" id= + "i_172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_172.png"><img src="images/i_172.png" alt= + "Illustration: ‘with a short labouring trot he moves across the arena.’" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + ‘with a short labouring trot he moves across the arena.’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A hundred + thousand pairs of eyes, straining eagerly on the combatants, could + scarce detect the exact moment at which that spring was made. All + they can now discern is the broad mailed back of the rhinoceros + swaying to and fro, as he kneels upon his enemy, and the grating of + the tiger’s claws against the huge beast’s impenetrable armour can + be heard in the farthest corner of the gallery that surrounds the + amphitheatre. The leap was made as the rhinoceros turned his side + for an instant towards his adversary; but with a quickness + marvellous in a beast of such prodigious size, he moved his head + round in time to receive it on the massive horn that armed his + nose, driving the blunt instrument, from sheer muscular strength, + right through the body of the tiger, and finishing his work by + falling on him with his knees, and pressing his life out under that + enormous weight. Then he rose unhurt, and blew the sand out of his + nostrils, and left, as it seemed, unwillingly, the flattened, + crushed, and mangled carcass, turning back to it once and again, + with a horrible, yet ludicrous, pertinacity, ere he suffered the + Ethiopians who <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page151">[pg + 151]</span><a name="Pg151" id="Pg151" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>attended him to lure him out of the + amphitheatre with a bundle or two of green vegetable food.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The people + shouted and applauded loudly. Blood had been drawn, and their + appetite was sharpened for slaughter. It was with open undisguised + satisfaction that they counted the pairs of gladiators, and looked + forward to the next act of the entertainment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again the + trumpets sound, and the swordsmen range themselves in opposite + bodies, all armed alike with a deep concave buckler, and a short, + stabbing, two-edged blade; but distinguished by the colour of their + scarves. Wagers are rapidly made on the green and the red; so + skilfully has the experienced Hippias selected and matched the + combatants, that the oldest patrons of the sport confess themselves + at a loss which to choose.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The bands + advance against each other, three deep, in imitation of the real + soldiers of the empire. At the first crash of collision, when steel + begins to clink, as thrust and blow and parry are exchanged by + these practised warriors, the approbation of the spectators rises + to enthusiasm; but men’s voices are hushed, and they hold their + breath when the strife begins to waver to and fro, and the ranks + open out and disengage themselves, and blood is to be seen in + patches on those athletic frames, and a few are already down, lying + motionless where they fell. The green is giving way, but their + third rank has been economised, and its combatants are as yet fresh + and untouched; these now advance to fill the gaps made among their + comrades, and the fortunes of the day seem equalised once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the + arena becomes a ghastly and forbidding sight; they die hard, these + men, whose very trade is slaughter; but mortal agony cannot always + suppress a groan, and it is pitiful to see some prostrate giant, + supporting himself painfully on his hands, with drooping head and + fast-closing eye fixed on the ground, while the life-stream is + pouring from his chest into the thirsty sand. It is real sad + earnest, this representation of war, and resembles the battle-field + in all save that no prisoners are taken and quarter is but rarely + given. Occasionally, indeed, some vanquished champion, of more than + common beauty, or who has displayed more than common address and + courage, so wins on the favour of the spectators, that they sign + for his life to be spared. Hands are turned outwards, with the + thumb pointing to the earth, and the victor sheathes his sword, and + retires with his worsted antagonist from the contest; but more + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page152">[pg 152]</span><a name= + "Pg152" id="Pg152" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>generally the fallen + man’s signal for mercy is neglected; ere the shout <span class= + "tei tei-q">“A hit!”</span> has died upon his ears, his despairing + eye marks the thumbs of his judges pointing upwards, and he + disposes himself to welcome the steel with a calm courage, worthy + of a better cause.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The reserve, + consisting of ten pairs of picked gladiators, has not yet been + engaged. The green and the red have fought with nearly equal + success; but when the trumpet has sounded a halt, and the dead have + been dragged away by grappling-hooks, leaving long tracks of + crimson in their wake, a careful enumeration of the survivors gives + the victory by one to the latter colour. Hippias, coming forward in + a suit of burnished armour, declares as much, and is greeted with a + round of applause. In all her preoccupation, Valeria cannot refrain + from a glance of approval at the handsome fencing-master; and + Mariamne, who feels that Esca’s life hangs on the man’s skill and + honesty, gazes at him with mingled awe and horror, as on some being + of another world. But the populace have little inclination to waste + the precious moments in cheering Hippias, or in calculating loss + and gain. Fresh wagers are, indeed, made on the matches about to + take place; but the prevailing feeling over that numerous + assemblage is one of morbid excitement and anticipation. The ten + pairs of men now marching so proudly into the centre of the lists, + are pledged to fight to the death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It would be a + disgusting task to detail the scene of bloodshed; to dwell on the + fierce courage wasted, and the brutal useless slaughter perpetrated + in those Roman shambles; yet, sickening as was the sight, so inured + were the people to such exhibitions, so completely imbued with a + taste for the horrible, and so careless of human life, that + scarcely an eye was turned away, scarcely a cheek grew paler, when + a disabling gash was received, or a mortal blow driven home; and + mothers with babies in their arms would bid the child turn its head + to watch the death-pang on the pale stern face of some prostrate + gladiator.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius had + looked upon carnage in many forms, yet a sad, grave disapproval sat + on the general’s noble features. Once, after a glance at his + kinswoman’s eager face, he turned from her with a gesture of anger + and disgust; but Valeria was too intent upon the scene enacted + within a few short paces to spare attention for anything besides, + except, perhaps, the vague foreboding of evil that was gnawing at + her heart, and to which such a moment of suspense as the present + afforded a temporary relief.</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">Rufus and + Manlius had been pitted against each other by lot. The taller frame + and greater strength of the former were supposed to be balanced by + the latter’s exquisite skill. Collars and bracelets were freely + offered at even value amongst the senators and equestrians on each. + While the other pairs were waging their strife with varying success + in different parts of the amphitheatre, these had found themselves + struggling near the barrier close under the seat occupied by + Valeria. She could hear distinctly their hard-drawn breath; could + read on each man’s face the stern set expression of one who has no + hope save in victory; for whom defeat is inevitable and instant + death. No wonder she sat, so still and spell-bound, with her pale + lips parted and her cold hands clenched.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The blood was + pouring from more than one gash on the giant’s naked body, yet + Rufus seemed to have lost neither coolness nor strength. He + continued to ply his adversary with blow on blow, pressing him, and + following him up, till he drove him nearly against the barrier. It + was obvious that Manlius, though still unwounded, was overmatched + and overpowered. At length Valeria drew in her breath with a gasp, + as if in pain. It seemed as if she, the spectator, winced from that + fatal thrust, which was accepted so calmly by the gladiator whom it + pierced. Rufus could scarcely believe he had succeeded in foiling + his adversary’s defence, and driving it deftly home, so unmoved was + the familiar face looking over its shield into his own—so steady + and skilful was the return which instantaneously succeeded his + attack. But that face was growing paler and paler with every + pulsation. Valeria, gazing with wild fixed eyes, saw it wreathed in + a strange sad smile, and Manlius reeled and fell where he stood, + breaking his sword as he went down, and burying it beneath his body + in the sand. The other strode over him in act to strike. A natural + impulse of habit or self-preservation bade the fallen man half + raise his arm, with the gesture by which a gladiator was accustomed + to implore the clemency of the populace, but he recollected + himself, and let it drop proudly by his side. Then he looked kindly + up in his victor’s face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Through the heart, comrade,”</span> said he quietly, + <span class="tei tei-q">“for old friendship’s sake;”</span> and he + never winced nor quailed when the giant drove the blow home with + all the strength that he could muster.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They had fed at + the same board, and drunk from the same winecup for years; and this + was all he had it in his power to bestow upon his friend. The + people applauded <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page154">[pg + 154]</span><a name="Pg154" id="Pg154" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>loudly, but Valeria, who had heard the dead + man’s last appeal, felt her eyes fill with tears; and Mariamne, who + had raised her head to look, at this unlucky moment, buried it once + more in her kinsman’s cloak, sick and trembling, ready to faint + with pity, and dismay, and fear.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page155">[pg 155]</span><a name= + "Pg155" id="Pg155" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc45" id= + "toc45"></a> <a name="pdf46" id="pdf46"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE TRIDENT AND THE NET</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But a shout was + ringing through the amphitheatre that roused the Jewish maiden + effectually to the business of the day. It had begun in some + far-off corner, with a mere whispered muttering, and had been taken + up by spectator after spectator, till it swelled into a wild and + deafening roar. <span class="tei tei-q">“A Patrician! a + Patrician!”</span> vociferated the crowd, thirsting fiercely for + fresh excitement, and palled with the vulgar carnage, yearning to + see the red blood flow from some scion of an illustrious house. The + tumult soon reached such a height as to compel the attention of + Vitellius, who summoned Hippias to his chair, and whispered a few + sentences in his ear. This somewhat calmed the excitement; and + while the fencing-master’s exertions cleared the arena of the dead + and wounded, with whom it was encumbered, a general stir might have + been observed throughout the assemblage, while each individual + changed his position, and disposed himself more comfortably for + sight-seeing, as is the custom of a crowd when anything of especial + interest is about to take place. Ere long Damasippus and Oarses + were observed to applaud loudly; and their example being followed + by thousands of imitators, the clapping of hands, the stamping of + feet, the cheers, and other vociferations rose with redoubled + vigour, while Julius Placidus stepped gracefully into the centre of + the arena, and made his obeisance to the crowd with his usual easy + and somewhat insolent bearing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune’s + appearance was well calculated to excite the admiration of the + spectators, no mean judges of the human form, accustomed as they + were to scan and criticise it in its highest state of perfection. + His graceful figure was naked and unarmed, save for a white linen + tunic reaching to the knee, and although he wore rings of gold + round his ankles, his feet were bare to ensure the necessary speed + and activity demanded by his mode of attack. His long dark locks, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page156">[pg 156]</span><a name= + "Pg156" id="Pg156" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>carefully curled and + perfumed for the occasion, and bound by a single golden fillet, + floated carelessly over his neck, while his left shoulder was + tastefully draped, as it were, by the folds of the dangling net, + sprinkled and weighted with small leaden beads, and so disposed as + to be whirled away at once without entanglement or delay upon its + deadly errand. His right hand grasped the trident, a three-pronged + lance, some seven feet in length, capable of inflicting a fatal + wound; and the flourish with which he made it quiver round his head + displayed a practised arm and a perfect knowledge of the offensive + weapon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To the shouts + which greeted him—<span class="tei tei-q">“Placidus! + Placidus!”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“Hail to the + tribune!”</span> <span class="tei tei-q">“Well done the patrician + order!”</span> and other such demonstrations of welcome—he replied + by bowing repeatedly, especially directing his courtesies to that + portion of the amphitheatre in which Valeria was placed. With all + his acuteness, little did the tribune guess how hateful he was at + this moment to the very woman on whose behalf he was pledged to + engage in mortal strife—little did he dream how earnest were her + vows for his speedy humiliation and defeat. Valeria, sitting there + with the red spots burning a deeper crimson in her cheeks, and her + noble features set in a mask of stone, would have asked nothing + better than to have leapt down from her seat, snatched up sword and + buckler, of which she well knew the use, and done battle with him, + then and there to the death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune now + walked proudly round the arena, nodding familiarly to his friends, + a proceeding which called forth raptures of applause from + Damasippus, Oarses, and other of his clients and freedmen. He + halted under the chair of Cæsar, and saluted the Emperor with + marked deference; then, taking up a conspicuous position in the + centre, and leaning on his trident, seemed to await the arrival of + his antagonist. He was not kept long in suspense. With his eyes + riveted on Valeria, he observed the fixed colour of her cheeks + gradually suffusing face, neck, and bosom, to leave her as pale as + marble when it faded, and turning round he beheld his enemy, + marshalled into the lists by Hippias and Hirpinus—the latter, who + had slain his man, thus finding himself at liberty to afford + counsel and countenance to his young friend. The shouts which + greeted the new-comer were neither so long nor so lasting as those + that did honour to the tribune; nevertheless, if the interest + excited by each were to be calculated by intensity rather than + amount, the slave’s suffrages would have far exceeded those of his + adversary.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page157">[pg + 157]</span><a name="Pg157" id="Pg157" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne’s whole + heart was in her eyes as she welcomed the glance of recognition he + directed exclusively to her; and Valeria, turning from one to the + other, felt a bitter pang shoot to her very marrow, as she + instinctively acknowledged the existence of a rival. Even at that + moment of hideous suspense, a host of maddening feelings rushed + through the Roman lady’s brain. Many a sunburnt peasant woman, + jostled and bewildered in the crowd, envied that sumptuous dame + with her place apart, her stately beauty, her rich apparel, and her + blazing jewels; but the peasant woman would have rued the exchange + had she been forced to take, with these advantages, the passions + that were laying waste Valeria’s heart. Wounded pride, slighted + love, doubt, fear, vacillation, and remorse, are none the more + endurable for being clothed in costly raiment, and trapped out with + gems and gold. While Mariamne, in her singleness of heart, had but + one great and deadly fear—that he should fail—Valeria found room + for a thousand anxieties and misgivings, of conflicting tendencies, + and chafed under a distressing consciousness that she could not + satisfy herself what it was she most dreaded or desired.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Unprejudiced and + uninterested spectators, however, had but one opinion as to the + chances of the Briton’s success. If anything could have added to + the enthusiasm called forth by the appearance of Placidus, it was + the patrician’s selection of so formidable an antagonist. Esca, + making his obeisance to Cæsar, in the pride of his powerful form, + and the bloom of his youth and beauty, armed, moreover, with + helmet, shield, and sword, which he carried with the ease of one + habituated to their use, appeared as invincible a champion as could + have been chosen from the whole Roman Empire. Even Hirpinus, albeit + a man experienced in the uncertainties of such contests, and + cautious, if not in giving, at least in backing his opinion, + whispered to Hippias that the patrician looked like a mere child by + the side of their pupil, and offered to wager a flagon of the best + Falernian <span class="tei tei-q">“that he was carried out of the + arena feet foremost within five minutes after the first attack, if + he missed his throw!”</span> To which the fencing-master, true to + his habits of reticence and assumed superiority, vouchsafed no + reply save a contemptuous smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The adversaries + took up their ground with exceeding caution. No advantage of sun or + wind was allowed to either, and having been placed by Hippias at a + distance of ten yards apart in the middle of the arena, neither + moved a limb for several seconds, as they stood intently watching + each other, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page158">[pg + 158]</span><a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>themselves the centre on which all eyes were + fixed. It was remarked that while Esca’s open brow bore only a look + of calm resolute attention, there was an evil smile of malice + stamped, as it were, upon the tribune’s face—the one seemed an apt + representation of Courage and Strength—the other of Hatred and + Skill.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He carries the front of a conqueror,”</span> whispered + Licinius to his kinswoman, regarding his slave with looks of + anxious approval. <span class="tei tei-q">“Trust me, Valeria, we + shall win the day. Esca will gain his freedom; the gilded chariot + and the white horses shall bring him and me to your door to-morrow + morning, and that gaudy tribune will have had a lesson, that I for + one shall not be sorry to have been the means of bestowing on + him.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A bright smile + lighted up Valeria’s face, but she looked from the speaker to a + dark-haired girl in the crowd below, and the expression of her + countenance changed till it grew as forbidding as the tribune’s, + while she replied with a careless laugh——</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I care not who wins now, Licinius, since they are both + in the lists. To tell the truth, I did but fear the courage of this + Titan of yours might fail him at the last moment, and the match + would not be fought out after all. Hippias tells me the tribune is + the best netsman he ever trained.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He looked at her + with a vague surprise; but following the direction of his + kinswoman’s eyes, he could not but remark the obvious distress and + agitation of the cloaked figure on which they were bent. Mariamne, + when she saw the Briton fairly placed, front to front with his + adversary, had neither strength nor courage for more. Leaning + against Calchas, the poor girl hid her face in her hands and wept + as if her heart would break.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina, who no + more than her mistress could have borne to be absent from such a + spectacle, had forced her way into the crowd, accompanied by a few + of Valeria’s favourite slaves. Standing within three paces of the + Jewess, that voluble damsel expatiated loudly on the appearance of + the combatants, and her careless jests and sarcasms cut Mariamne to + the quick. It was painful to hear her lover’s personal qualities + canvassed as though he were some handsome beast of prey, and his + chance of life and death balanced with heartless nicety by the + flippant tongue of a waiting-maid; but there was yet a deeper sting + in store for her even than this. Myrrhina, having got an audience, + was nothing loth to profit by their attention.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I’m sure,”</span> said she, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“whichever way the match goes I <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page159">[pg 159]</span><a name="Pg159" id="Pg159" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>don’t know what my mistress will do. As + for the tribune, he would get out of his chariot any day on the + bare stones to kiss the very ground she walks on; and yet, if he + dare so much as to leave a scratch upon that handsome youth’s skin, + he need never come to our doors again. Why, time after time have I + hunted that boy all over the city to bring him home with me. And + it’s no light matter for a slave and a barbarian to have won the + favour of the proudest lady in Rome. See how he looks up at her + now, before they begin!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The light words + wounded very sore; and Mariamne raised her head for one glance at + the Briton, half in fond appeal, half to protest, as it were, + against the slander she had heard. What she saw, however, left no + room in her loving heart for any feeling save intense horror and + suspense.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With his eye + fixed on his adversary, Esca was advancing, inch by inch, like a + tiger about to spring. Covering the lower part of his face and most + of his body with his buckler, and holding his short two-edged sword + with bended arm and threatening point, he crouched to at least a + foot lower than his natural stature, and seemed to have every + muscle and sinew braced, to dash in like lightning when the + opportunity offered. A false movement, he well knew, would be + fatal, and the difficulty was to come to close quarters, as, + directly he was within a certain distance, the deadly cast was sure + to be made. Placidus, on the other hand, stood perfectly + motionless. His eye was unusually accurate, and he could trust his + practised arm to whirl the net abroad at the exact moment when its + sweep would be irresistible. So he remained in the same collected + attitude, his trident shifted into the left hand, his right foot + advanced, his right arm wrapped in the gathered folds of the net + which hung across his body, and covered the whole of his left side + and shoulder. Once he tried a scornful gibe and smile to draw his + enemy from his guard, but in vain; and though Esca, in return, made + a feint with the same object, the former’s attitude remained + immovable, and the latter’s snake-like advance continued with + increasing caution and vigilance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An inch beyond + the fatal distance, Esca halted once more. For several seconds the + combatants thus stood at bay, and the hundred thousand spectators + crowded into that spacious amphitheatre held their breath, and + watched them like one man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length the + Briton made a false attack, prepared to spring back immediately and + foil the netsman’s throw, but <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page160">[pg 160]</span><a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the wily tribune was not to be deceived, and + the only result was that, without appearing to shift his ground, he + moved an arm’s length nearer his adversary. Then the Briton dashed + in, and this time in fierce earnest. Foot, hand, and eye, all + together, and so rapidly, that the tribune’s throw flew harmless + over his assailant’s head, Placidus only avoiding his deadly thrust + by the cat-like activity with which he leaped aside; then, turning + round, he scoured across the arena for life, gathering his net for + a fresh cast as he flew. <span class="tei tei-q">“Coward!”</span> + hissed Valeria, between her set teeth; while Mariamne breathed once + more—nay, her bosom panted, and her eye sparkled with something + like triumph at the approaching climax.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was + premature, however, in her satisfaction, and Valeria’s disdain was + also undeserved. Though apparently flying for his life, Placidus + was as cool and brave at that moment as when he entered the arena. + Ear and eye were alike on the watch for the slightest false + movement on the part of his pursuer; and ere he had half crossed + the lists, his net was gathered up, and folded with deadly + precision once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune + especially prided himself on his speed of foot. It was on this + quality that he chiefly depended for safety in a contest which at + first sight appeared so unequal. He argued from the great strength + of his adversary, that the latter would not be so pre-eminent in + activity as himself; but he omitted to calculate the effects of a + youth spent in the daily labours of the chase amongst the woods and + mountains of Britain. Those following feet had many a time run down + the wild goat over its native rocks. Faster and faster fly the + combatants, to the intense delight of the crowd, who specially + affect this kind of combat for the pastime it thus affords. Speedy + as is the tribune, his foe draws nearer and nearer, and now, close + to where Mariamne stands with Calchas, he is within a stride of his + antagonist. His arm is up to strike! when a woman’s shriek rings + through the amphitheatre, startling Vitellius on his throne, and + the sword flies aimlessly from the Briton’s grasp as he falls + forward on his face, and the impetus rolls him over and over in the + sand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is no + chance for him now. He is scarcely down ere the net whirls round + him, and he is fatally and helplessly entangled in its folds. + Mariamne gazes stupefied on the prostrate form, with stony face and + a fixed unmeaning stare. Valeria springs to her feet in a sudden + impulse, forgetting for the moment where she is.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span><a name="Pg161" id="Pg161" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus, + striding over his fallen enemy with his trident raised, and the old + sneering smile deepening and hardening on his face, observed the + cause of his downfall, and inwardly congratulated himself on the + lucky chance which had alone prevented their positions being + reversed. The blood was streaming from a wound in Esca’s foot. It + will be remembered that where Manlius fell, his sword was buried + under him in the sand. On removing his dead body the weapon escaped + observation, and the Briton, treading in hot haste on the very spot + where it lay concealed, had not only been severely lacerated, but + tripped up and brought to the ground by the snare.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All this flashed + through the conqueror’s mind, as he stood erect, prepared to deal a + blow that should close all accounts, and looked up to Valeria for + the fatal sign.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maddened with + rage and jealousy; sick, bewildered, and scarcely conscious of her + actions, the Roman lady was about to give it, when Licinius seized + her arms and held them down by force. Then, with a numerous party + of friends and clients, he made a strong demonstration in favour of + mercy. The speed of foot, too, displayed by the vanquished, and the + obvious cause of his discomfiture, acted favourably on the majority + of spectators. Such an array of hands turned outwards and pointing + to the earth met the tribune’s eye, that he could not but forbear + his cruel purpose, so he gave his weapon to one of the attendants + who had now entered the arena, took his cloak from the hands of + another, and, with a graceful bow to the spectators, turned + scornfully away from his fallen foe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca, expecting + nothing less than immediate death, had his eyes fixed on the + drooping figure of Mariamne; but the poor girl had seen nothing + since his fall. Her last moment of consciousness showed her a cloud + of dust, a confused mass of twine, and an ominous figure with arm + raised in act to strike; then barriers and arena, and eager faces + and white garments, and the whole amphitheatre, pillars, sand, and + sky, reeled ere they faded into darkness; sense and sight failed + her at the same moment, and she fainted helplessly in her kinsman’s + arms.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page162">[pg + 162]</span><a name="Pg162" id="Pg162" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page163">[pg 163]</span><a name= + "Pg163" id="Pg163" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc47" id="toc47"></a> <a name="pdf48" id="pdf48"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%; font-weight: 700">Anteros</span></span></h1> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <a name="toc49" id="toc49"></a> <a name="pdf50" id="pdf50"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER I</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE LISTENING SLAVE</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_186.png"><img src="images/i_186.png" alt= + "Initial W" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Wounded, + vanquished, transferred from his kind master, and farther from + liberty than ever, Esca’s was now indeed a pitiable lot. The + tribune, entitled by the very terms of his wager to the life and + person of his antagonist, was not the man to forego this advantage + by any act of uncalled-for generosity. In the Briton he believed he + now possessed a tool to use with effect, in furtherance of a work + which the seductive image of Valeria rendered every day more + engrossing; an auxiliary by whose aid he might eventually stand + first in the good graces of the only woman who had ever obtained a + mastery over his unyielding disposition and selfish heart. None the + more on this account did he cherish the captive, nor alleviate his + condition as a slave. From the effects of his injury, Esca could + not be put to any harder kinds of labour, but in all menial + offices, however degrading, he was compelled to take his share. + Different, indeed, was his condition here from what it had been in + the service of the high-minded Licinius, and bitterly did he feel + the exchange.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Submitting to + sarcasm, insult, continued ill-treatment, and annoyance, the noble + barbarian would have failed under the trial, had it not been for a + few well-remembered words, on the truth of which Calchas had so + often insisted, and in which (for when were human thoughts without + an earthly leavening?) Mariamne seemed to cherish an implicit + belief. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page164">[pg + 164]</span><a name="Pg164" id="Pg164" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Those words breathed hope and consolation + under the very worst misfortunes that life could offer; and Esca + suffered on, very silent, and tolerably patient, although, perhaps, + there was a fiercer fire smouldering in his breast than would have + been approved by his venerable monitor—a fire that only waited + occasion to blaze out all the more dangerously for being thus + forcibly suppressed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With a malicious + pleasure, natural to his disposition, Placidus compelled the + <a name="corr164" id="corr164" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">Briton</span> to + perform several domestic offices which brought him about his + person. It flattered the tribune’s vanity to have continually + before his eyes the athletic frame he was so proud to have + overcome; and it pleased him that his friends, guests, and clients + should be thus led to converse upon his late encounter, which had + created no small gossip in the fashionable world of Rome. It + happened, then, that Esca, while preparing his master’s bath, was + startled to hear the name that was never long out of his own + thoughts spoken in accents of caution and secrecy by the tribune + himself, who was in the adjoining apartment, holding close + consultation with Hippias the fencing-master and the two freedmen, + Damasippus and Oarses. All were obviously interested in the subject + under discussion, and, believing themselves safe from + eaves-droppers, spoke energetically, though in tones somewhat lower + than their wont.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He started, and + the blood ebbed painfully from his heart. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mariamne!”</span> yes, the word was again repeated, + and while Oarses said something in a whisper, he could clearly + distinguish the tribune’s low mocking laugh. It was plain they were + unaware of his presence; and, indeed, it was at an earlier hour + than usual that he had made ready the unguents, perfumes, strigil, + and other appliances indispensable to the luxurious ablutions of a + Roman patrician. The bathroom was inside the favourite apartment of + Placidus, where he was now holding counsel, and could only be + entered through the latter, from which it was separated by a heavy + velvet curtain. Esca, surrounded by the materials of the toilet, + had been sitting for a longer time than he knew, lost in thought, + until aroused by the mention of Mariamne’s name. Thus it was that + the four others believed the bathroom empty, and their conversation + unheard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Anxious and + excited, the Briton scarcely dared to draw his breath, but crept + cautiously behind the folds of the heavy curtain, and listened + attentively. The tribune was walking to and fro with the restless + motions and stealthy gait of a tiger in its cage. Hippias, seated + at his ease upon a couch, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page165">[pg + 165]</span><a name="Pg165" id="Pg165" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>was examining the device of a breastplate, + with his usual air of good-humoured superiority; and Damasippus, + appealing with admiring looks to Oarses, who responded in kind, + seemed to endorse, as it were, with a dependant’s mute approval, + the opinions and observations of his patron.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Two-thirds of the legions have already come + over,”</span> said Placidus, rapidly enumerating the forces on + which Vespasian’s party could count. <span class="tei tei-q">“In + Spain, in Gaul, in Britain, the soldiers have declared openly + against Vitellius. The surrender of Cremona can no longer be + concealed from the meanest populace. Alexandria, the granary of the + empire, has fallen into the hands of Vespasian. Those dusky knaves, + thy countrymen, Oarses, will see us starve, ere they send us + supplies under the present dynasty; and think ye our greasy + plebeians here will endure the girdle of famine, thus drawn + tighter, day by day, round their luxurious paunches? The fleet at + Misenum was secured long ago, but the news that Cæsar could not + count upon a single galley in blue water only reached the capital + to-day. Then the old Prætorians are ripe for mischief; you may + trust them never to forget nor to forgive the disgrace of last + year, when the chosen band was broke, dismissed, and, worst of all, + deprived of rations and pay; I tell thee, Hippias, those angry + veterans are ready to take the town without assistance, and put old + and young to the sword. Fail! it is impossible we can fail; the new + party outnumbers the old by ten to one!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have told off a formidable list,”</span> replied + Hippias quietly; <span class="tei tei-q">“I cannot see that you are + in need of any further help from me or mine.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus shot a + sharp questioning glance at the fencing-master, and resumed—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Half the numbers that have given in their adhesion to + Vespasian would serve to put my chariot-boy on the throne; + Automedon’s long curls might be bound by a diadem to-morrow, were + he the favourite of the hour, so far as Rome is concerned. You know + what the masses are, my Hippias, for it is your trade to pander to + their tastes, and rouse their enthusiasm. It is true that the great + general is, at this moment, virtually ruler of the empire, but a + pebble might turn the tide in the capital. I would not trust + Vespasian’s own son, young and dissipated as he is, could he but + make a snatch at the reins with any hope of holding them firmly + when once within his grasp. Titus Flavius Domitian might be emperor + to-morrow, if he would be satisfied to wear the purple but for a + week, and then make room for someone <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page166">[pg 166]</span><a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>else. Nay, the people are fickle enough to be + capable of turning round at any moment, and retaining our present + admirable ruler on the throne. Rome must be coerced, my Hippias; + the barbers, and cobblers, and water-carriers must be kept down and + intimidated; if need be, we must cut a few garlic-breathing + throats. It may be necessary to remove Cæsar himself, lest the + reactionary feeling should burst out again, and we should find + ourselves left with nothing for our pains, but the choice of a cup + of poison, a gasp in a halter, or three inches of steel. We + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></span> succeed this time, for not + a man need hope for pardon if Cæsar is thoroughly frightened. + Hippias, there must be no half-measures now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well said!”</span> exclaimed the freedmen in a breath, + with very pale faces, nevertheless, and an enthusiasm obviously + somewhat against the grain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias looked + quietly up from the breastplate resting on his lap.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There will be shows,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and blood flowing like water in the circus, whoever + wears the purple. While Rome stands, the gladiator need never want + for bread.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now you speak like a man of sense,”</span> replied the + tribune, in the same tone; <span class="tei tei-q">“for after all, + the whole matter resolves itself into a mere question of money. The + shows are tolerably lucrative, at least to their contriver, but it + takes many a festival ere the sesterces count by tens of thousands; + and Hippias loves luxury and wine, and women too—nay, deny it not, + my comely hero; and if the Family and their trainer could be hired + at a fair price, for an hour’s work or so, why they need never + enter the arena again, save as spectators; nay, poorer men than + their chief might be have sat in the equestrian rows, ere + now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You want to hire my chickens and myself for a forlorn + hope,”</span> retorted Hippias impatiently. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Better say so at once, and be plain with + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is even so,”</span> resumed Placidus, with an + assumption of extreme candour. <span class="tei tei-q">“For real + work I have few I can depend upon but the old Prætorians; and + though they stick at nothing, there are hardly enough of them for + my purpose. With a chosen two hundred of thine, my dealer in + heroes, I could command Rome for twenty-four hours; and when + Placidus soars into the sky, he carries Hippias on his wings. Speak + out; thy terms are high, but such a game as ours is not played for + a handful of pebbles or a few brass farthings. What is the price, + man by man?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You would require two hundred of them,”</span> + observed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page167">[pg + 167]</span><a name="Pg167" id="Pg167" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the other reflectively. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Five thousand sesterces<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> a man, + and his freedom, which would come to nearly as much + more.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The killed not to count, of course,”</span> bargained + the tribune.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course not,”</span> repeated Hippias. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen, most illustrious; I will take all chances, and + supply the best men I have, for eight thousand a-head. Two hundred + swordsmen who would take Pluto by the beard without a scruple, if I + only lifted my hand. Lads who can hold their own against thrice + their number of any legion that was ever drilled. They are ready at + two hours’ notice.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was speaking + truth, for Hippias was honest enough in his own particular line. + Amongst the thousands who owed their professional standing, and the + very bread they ate, to the celebrated fencing-master, it was no + hard task to select a company of dare-devils, such as he described, + who would desire no better sport than to see their native city in + flames, with the streets knee-deep in blood and wine, while they + put men, women, and children indiscriminately to the sword. The + tribune’s eye brightened, as he thought of the fierce work he could + accomplish with such tools as these ready to his hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Keep them for me, from to-day,”</span> he answered, + looking round the apartment, as though to assure himself that he + was only heard by those in his confidence. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“My plan cannot but succeed if we only observe common + secrecy and caution. Ten picked men, and thyself, my Hippias, I bid + to sup with me here, the rest of the band shall be distributed by + twenties amongst the different streets opening on the palace, + preserving their communication thus: one man at a time must + continually pass from each post to the next, until every twenty has + been changed. This secures us from treachery, and will keep our + cut-throats on the alert. At a given signal, all are to converge on + the middle garden-gate, which will be found open. Then they may + lead the old Prætorians to the attack, and take the palace itself + by assault, in defiance of any resistance, however desperate, that + can be made. The German guard are stubborn dogs, and must be put to + the sword directly the outer hall is gained. I would not have them + burn down the palace if they can help it; but when they have done + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">my</span></span> work, they are welcome to all + they can carry out of it on their backs, and you may tell them + so.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias noted in + his own mind this additional incentive <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page168">[pg 168]</span><a name="Pg168" id="Pg168" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>with considerable satisfaction. After a + moment’s pause, he looked fixedly in the tribune’s face, and + inquired—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How would you wish your guests armed for the + supper-party? Shall we bring our knives with us, kind + host?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus flushed + a dark red, and then grew pale. He averted his eyes from Hippias, + while he answered—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There are few weapons so true as the short two-edged + sword. There will be work for our brave little party inside the + palace, of which we must make no bungling. Is it such a grave + matter, my Hippias, to slay a fat old man?”</span> he added + inquiringly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other’s face + assumed an expression of intense disgust.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“I will + have no murder done in cold blood. As much fighting as you please, + in the way of business, but we are no hired assassins, my men and + I. To put one Cæsar off the throne, and another on, is a pretty + night’s amusement enough, and I have no objection to it; but to + take an old man out of his bed, even though he be an emperor, and + slay him as you slay a fat sheep, I’ll none of it. Send for a + butcher, tribune; this is no trade of ours!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus bit his + lip, and seemed to think profoundly for a moment, then his brow + cleared, and he resumed with a light laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Far be it from me to offend a gladiator’s scruples. I + know the morals of the Family, and respect their prejudices. Half + the money shall be in your hands within an hour; the rest shall be + paid when the job is done. I think we understand each other well + enough. Is it a bargain, Hippias? Can I depend upon + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The + fencing-master was not yet satisfied.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“About the guests,”</span> he asked sternly; + <span class="tei tei-q">“how are we to pay for our + supper?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus clapped + him on the shoulder, with a jovial laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will be frank with thee,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“old comrade. Why should there be secrets + between thee and me? We go from my supper-table to the palace. We + enter with the storming-party. I know the private apartments of the + Emperor. I can lead our little band direct to the royal presence. + Here we will rally round Vitellius, and take his sacred person into + our charge. Hippias, I will make it ten thousand sesterces a man, + for each of the ten, and thou shalt name thine own price for thine + own services. But the Emperor must not escape. Dost thou understand + me now?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page169">[pg + 169]</span><a name="Pg169" id="Pg169" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I like it not,”</span> replied the other; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but the price is fair enough, and my men must live. I + would it could be so arranged that some resistance might be made in + the palace; you slay a man so much easier with his helmet on and + his sword in his hand!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pooh! prejudice!”</span> laughed the tribune. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Professional fancies that spring from thy + coarse material trade. Blood leaves no more stain than wine. You + and I have spilt enough of both in our time. What matter, a throat + cut or a cracked flagon of Falernian? Dash a pitcher of water over + a marble floor like this, and you wash away the signs of both at + once. Said I not well, Damasippus? Why, what ails thee, man? Thy + face has turned as white as thy gown!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Damasippus, + indeed, whose eyes were fixed upon the floor to which his patron + had just alluded, presented, at this juncture, an appearance of + intense terror and amazement. The freedman’s mouth was open, his + cheeks were deadly pale, and his very hair seemed to bristle with + dismay. Pointing a shaking finger to the slabs of marble at his + feet, he could only stammer out in broken accents: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“May the gods avert the omen!”</span> over and over + again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The others, + following the direction of his gaze, were no less astonished to see + a narrow stream of crimson winding over the smooth white floor, as + though the very stones protested against the tribune’s reckless and + inhuman sentiments. For an instant all stood motionless, then + Placidus, leaping at the velvet curtain, tore it fiercely open, and + discovered the cause of the phenomenon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Listening + attentively for some further mention of the name that had roused + his whole being, not a syllable of the foregoing conversation had + been lost upon Esca, who, kneeling on one knee, with his wounded + foot bent under him, and his ear applied close to the heavy folds + of the curtain, had never moved a hair’s-breadth from his attitude + of fixed and absorbing attention. In this constrained position, the + wound in his foot, which was not yet healed over, had opened + afresh, and though he was himself unconscious of all but the cruel + and treacherous scheme he overheard, it bled so freely that a dark + stream stole gradually beneath the curtains, and crept gently along + the marble to the very feet of the horror-stricken Damasippus.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca sprang to + his full height; in that moment his blood curdled, as it had done + when he was down upon the sand, with his enemy’s eye glaring on him + through the cruel net. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page170">[pg + 170]</span><a name="Pg170" id="Pg170" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>He + knew the tribune, and he felt there was no hope. The latter laughed + loud and long. It was his way of covering all disagreeable + emotions, but it boded no good to the object of his mirth. When + Esca heard that laugh he looked anxiously about him as though to + seek a weapon. What was the use? He stood wounded and defenceless + in the power of four reckless men, of whom two were armed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold him!”</span> exclaimed Placidus to his freedmen, + drawing at the same time a short two-edged sword from its sheath. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is unfortunate for the barbarian that + he has learned our language. The necessity is disagreeable, but + there is only one way of ensuring silence. My bath, too, is + prepared, so I can spare him for to-day, and my freedmen will see + that his place is supplied by to-morrow. Hold him, cowards! I say; + do you fear that he will bite you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Neither + Damasippus nor Oarses, however, seemed much inclined to grapple + with the stalwart Briton. Wounded and outnumbered as he was, + without a chance of rescue or escape, there was yet a defiant + carriage of the head, a fierce glare in the eye, that warned the + freedmen to keep hands off him as long as they could. They looked + at each other irresolutely, and shrank from the patron’s glance. + That moment’s hesitation saved him. Hippias, who regarded every six + feet of manhood with a brave heart inside it as his own peculiar + property, had besides a kindly feeling for his old pupil. He put + his muscular frame between the master and the slave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Give him a day or two, tribune,”</span> said he + carelessly. <span class="tei tei-q">“I can find a better use for + him than to cut his throat here on this clean white floor, and an + equally safe one in the end, you may be sure.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Impossible, fool!”</span> answered Placidus angrily. + <span class="tei tei-q">“He has heard enough to destroy every hair + on the head of each of us. He must never leave this room + alive!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Only twenty-four hours,”</span> pleaded the + fencing-master, who well knew how much at that time in Rome a day + might bring forth. <span class="tei tei-q">“Put him in ward as + close as you will, but let him live till to-morrow. Hippias asks it + as a favour to himself, and you may not like to be refused by him, + when it is <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">your</span></span> turn. What if I should say + <span class="tei tei-q">‘No’</span> in the private apartments of + the palace? Come, let us make a compromise.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune + reflected for a moment. Then striking his right hand into that of + Hippias—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Agreed,”</span> said he. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Twenty-four hours’ grace on one <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page171">[pg 171]</span><a name="Pg171" id="Pg171" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>side, and the sharpest blade in Rome at + my disposal on the other. Ho! Damasippus, call some of my people + in. Bid them put the new collar on the slave, and chain him to the + middle pillar in the inner court.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The order was + punctually obeyed, and Esca found himself a helpless prisoner, + burdened with a secret that might save the empire, and with + maddening apprehensions on behalf of Mariamne tearing at his + heart.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page172">[pg 172]</span><a name= + "Pg172" id="Pg172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc51" id= + "toc51"></a> <a name="pdf52" id="pdf52"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER II</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">ATTACK AND DEFENCE</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such beauty as + the Jewess’s, although she seldom went abroad, and led as + sequestered a life as was compatible with the domestic duties she + had to perform, could not pass unnoticed in a place like Rome. + Notwithstanding the utter contempt in which her nation was held by + its proud conquerors, she had been observed going to market in the + morning for the few necessaries of her household, or filling her + pitcher from the Tiber at sunset; and amongst other evil eyes that + had rested on her fair young face were those of Damasippus, + freedman to Julius Placidus the tribune. He had lost no time in + reporting to his patron the jewel he had discovered, so to speak, + in its humble setting; for, like the jackal, Damasippus never dared + to hunt for himself, and followed after evil, not for its own sake, + but for the lust of gold.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His patron, too, + though he had only seen the girl once, and then closely veiled, was + so inflamed by the description of her charms, on which the client + dwelt at great length, that he resolved to possess himself of her, + in the sheer insolence of a great man’s whim, promising the + freedman that after the lion was served he should have the jackal’s + reward. It was in consequence of this agreement that a plot was + laid of which Esca overheard but half a dozen syllables, and yet + enough to render him very uneasy when he reflected on the + recklessness and cruelty of him with whom it originated, and the + slavish obedience with which it was sure to be carried out. It + would have broken the spirit of a brave man to be chained to a + pillar, fasting and wounded, with only twenty-four hours to live; + and a keen suspicion that the woman he loved was even then all + unconsciously walking into the toils, added a pang to bodily + suffering which might have turned the stoutest heart to water, but + Esca never lost hope altogether. Something he could not analyse + seemed to give him comfort and support, nor was he aware that the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page173">[pg 173]</span><a name= + "Pg173" id="Pg173" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>blind vague trust he + was beginning to entertain in some power above and beyond himself, + yet on which he felt he could implicitly rely, was the first + glimmer of the true faith dawning on his soul.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Perhaps the + slave in his chain, under sentence of death, bore a lighter heart + than his luxurious master, washed, perfumed, and tricked out in all + the glitter of dress and ornament, rolling in his gilded chariot to + do homage to the woman who had really mastered his selfish heart. + Automedon, whose eyes were of the sharpest, remarked that his lord + was nervous and restless, that his cheek paled, and his lip shook + more and more as they proceeded on their well-known way, and that + when they neared the portals of Valeria’s house the tribune’s hand + trembled so that he could scarcely fasten the brooch upon his + shoulder. How white against the crimson mantle, dyed twice and + thrice till it had deepened almost into purple, looked those + uncertain fingers, quivering about the clasp of gold!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However + reckless, unprincipled, and cunning a man may be, he is inevitably + disarmed by the woman he really loves. This is even the case when + his affection is returned; but when he has fallen into the hands of + one who, disliking him personally, has resolved to make him her + tool, his situation is pitiable indeed. These hopeless passions, + too, have in all ages been of the fiercest and the most enduring. + Ill-usage on the one side or the other has not produced the effect + that might be expected, and the figurative shirt of Nessus, instead + of being torn off in shreds and cast away, has been far oftener + hugged closer and closer to the skin, burning and blistering into + the very marrow. It generally happens, too, that the suitor, whose + whole existence seems to hang upon his success, blunders into the + course that leads him in a direction exactly contrary to his goal. + He is pretty sure to say and do the wrong thing at the wrong time. + He offers his attentions with a pertinacity that wearies and + offends, or withdraws them with a precipitation so transparent as + to compel remark. When he should be firm, he is plaintive; when he + is expected to be cheerful, he turns sulky. To enhance his own + value he becomes boastful to the extreme verge, and sometimes + beyond it, of the truth; or in order to prove his devotion, he + makes himself ridiculous, and thereby deals the final and suicidal + blow, if such indeed be necessary, that is to shatter like glass + the fabric of his hopes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune knew + women thoroughly. He could plead no lack of experience, for + ignorance of that intricate and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page174">[pg 174]</span><a name="Pg174" id="Pg174" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>puzzling labyrinth, a woman’s heart. He had, + indeed, broken more than one in the process of examination, and yet + the boy Automedon, sitting by his side in the chariot, with the + wind lifting his golden curls, would hardly have been guilty of so + many false movements, such mistakes both of tactics and strategy, + as disgraced his lord’s conduct of the unequal warfare he waged + with Valeria. Yet this engrossing affection, stained and selfish as + it was, constituted perhaps the one redeeming quality of the + tribune’s character; afforded the only incentive by which his + better and manlier feelings could be aroused.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Possibly Valeria + expected him. Women have strange instincts on such matters, which + seldom deceive. She was dressed with the utmost magnificence, as + though conscious that simplicity could have no charms for Placidus, + and sat in a splendour nearly regal, keeping Myrrhina and the rest + of her maidens within call. Lovers are acute observers; as he + walked up the cool spacious court to greet her, he saw that she was + gentler, and more languid than her wont; she looked wearied and + unhappy, as though she, too, acknowledged the sorrows and the + weaknesses of her sex. Lover-like, he thought this unusual shade of + softness became her well.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For days she had + been fighting with her own heart, and she had suffered as such + undisciplined natures must. The strife had left its traces on her + pale proud face, and she felt a vague unacknowledged yearning for + repose. The wild-bird had beat her wings and ruffled her plumage + till she was tired, and a skilful fowler would have taken advantage + of the reaction to lure her into his net. Perhaps she had been + thinking what happiness it must be to have one in the world in whom + she could confide, on whom she could rely; one loyal manly nature + on which to rest her woman’s heart, with all its caprices, and + weaknesses, and capacity for love; perhaps she may have been even + touched by the tribune’s unshaken devotion to herself, by the + constancy which could withstand the allurements of vice, and even + the distractions of political intrigue; perhaps to-day she disliked + him less than on any former occasion, though it could hardly have + been for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">his</span></span> sake that her eye was heavy, + and her bosom heaved. If so, whatever favour he had unconsciously + gained, was as unconsciously destroyed by his own hand. He + approached her with an air of assumed confidence, that masked only + too well the agitation of his real feelings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fair Valeria,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have obeyed your commands, and I come like a + faithful servant to claim my reward.”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page175">[pg 175]</span><a name="Pg175" id="Pg175" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now a woman’s + commands are not always intended to be literally obeyed. Under any + circumstances she seldom likes to be reminded of them; and as for + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">claiming</span></span> anything from Valeria, + why the very word roused all the rebellion that was dormant in her + nature. At that instant rose on her mind’s eye the scene in the + amphitheatre, the level sand, the tossing sea of faces, the hoarse + roar of the crowd, the strong white limbs and the yellow locks + lying helpless beneath a dark vindictive face, and a glitter of + uplifted steel. How she hated the conqueror then! How she hated him + now! She was clasping a bracelet carelessly on her arm, the fair + round arm he admired so much, and that never looked so fair and + round as in this gesture. It was part of his torture to make + herself as attractive as she could. Her cold eyes chilled him at + once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I had forgotten all about it,”</span> said she. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am obliged to you for reminding me that + I am in your debt.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though somewhat + hurt, he answered courteously, <span class="tei tei-q">“There can + be no debt from a mistress to her slave. You know, Valeria, that + all of mine, even to my life, is at your disposal.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well?”</span> she asked, with a provoking persistency + of misapprehension.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He began to lose + his head; he, ordinarily so calm, and cunning, and + self-reliant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You bade me enter on a difficult and dangerous + undertaking. It was perhaps a lady’s caprice, the merest possible + whim. But you expressed a wish, and I never rested till I had + accomplished it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You mean about that wretched slave?”</span> said she, + and the colour rose faintly to her cheek. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you never killed him after all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">How little he + knew her! This, then, he thought, was the cause of her coldness, of + her displeasure. Esca had in some way incurred her ill-will, and + she was angry with the conqueror who had spared him so foolishly + when in his power. What a heart must this be of hers that could + only quench its resentment in blood! Yet he loved her none the + less. How the fair round arm, and the stately head, and the turn of + the white shoulder maddened him with a longing that was almost akin + to rage. He caught her hand, and pressed it fervently to his + lips.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How can I please you?”</span> he exclaimed, and his + voice trembled with the only <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">real</span></span> emotion he perhaps had ever + felt. <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! Valeria, you know that I love + the very ground you tread on.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page176">[pg 176]</span><a name="Pg176" id="Pg176" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She bade + Myrrhina bring her some embroidery on which the girl was busied, + and thus effectually checked any further outpouring of sentiments + which are not conveniently expressed within earshot of a third + person. The waiting-maid took her seat at her mistress’s elbow, her + black eyes dancing in malicious mirth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is that all you have to tell me?”</span> resumed + Valeria, with a smile in which coquetry, indifference, and + conscious power were admirably blended. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Words are but empty air. My favour is reserved for + those who win it by deeds.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He shall die! I pledge you my word he shall + die!”</span> exclaimed the tribune, still misunderstanding the + beautiful enigma on which he had set his heart. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have but spared him till I should know your + pleasure, and now his fate is sealed. Ere this time to-morrow he + will have crossed the Styx, and Valeria will repay me with one of + her brightest smiles.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A shudder she + could not suppress swept over the smooth white skin, but she + suffered no trace of emotion to appear upon her countenance. She + had a game to play now, and it must be played steadily and craftily + to ensure success. She bade Myrrhina fetch wine and fruit to place + before her guest, and while the waiting-maid crossed the hall on + her errand, she suffered the tribune to take her hand once + more—nay, even returned its caressing clasp, with an almost + imperceptible pressure. He was intoxicated with his success, he + felt he was winning at last; and the jewelled cup that Myrrhina + brought him, as he thought all too soon, remained for a while + suspended in his hand, while he uttered fervent protestations of + love, which were received with an equanimity that ought to have + convinced him they were hopelessly wasted on his idol.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You profess much,”</span> said she, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but it costs men little to promise. We have but one + faithful lover in the empire, and he is enslaved by a barbarian + princess and another man’s wife. Would <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></span> + have turned back from all the pleasures of Rome, to fight one more + campaign against those dreadful Jews, for the sake of Berenice’s + sunburnt face?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Titus had consulted the oracle of Venus,”</span> + replied the tribune, with a meaning smile; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and doubtless the goddess had promised him a double + victory. Valeria, you know there is nothing a man will not dare to + win the woman he loves.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Could you be as true?”</span> she asked, throwing all + the sweetness of her mellow voice, all the power of her winning + eyes, into the question.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Try me,”</span> answered he, and for one moment the + man’s nature was changed, and he felt capable of devotion, + self-<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page177">[pg 177]</span><a name= + "Pg177" id="Pg177" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sacrifice, fidelity, + all that constitutes the heroism of love. The next, nature + reasserted her sway, and he was counting the cost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have a fancy for your barbarian,”</span> said + Valeria carelessly, after a pause. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Myrrhina loves him, and—and if you will give him to me + I will take him into my household.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus shot a + piercing glance at the waiting-maid, and that well-tutored damsel + cast down her eyes and tried to blush. There was something, too, in + Valeria’s manner that did not satisfy him, and yet he was willing + to believe more than he hoped, and nearly all he wished.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I seldom <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ask</span></span> for anything,”</span> + resumed Valeria, raising her head with a proud petulant gesture of + which she knew the full effect. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is far + easier for me to grant a favour than to implore one. And yet, I + know not why, but I do not feel it painful to beg anything to-day + from you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A soft smile + broke over the haughty face while she spoke, and she raised her + eyes and looked full into his for an instant, ere she lowered them + to toy with the bracelet once more. It was the deadliest thrust she + had in all her cunning of fence, the antagonist could seldom parry + or withstand it; would it foil him in their present encounter? He + loved her as much as such a nature can love, but the question was + one of life and death, and it was no time for child’s play now, as + Esca was in possession of a secret that might annihilate his lord + in an hour. The tribune was not a man to sacrifice his very + existence for a woman, even though that woman was Valeria. He + hesitated, and she, marking his hesitation, turned pale, and shook + with rage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You refuse me!”</span> said she, in accents that + trembled either with suppressed fury or lacerated feelings. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You refuse me. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">You</span></span>, + the only man living for whom I would have so lowered myself. The + only man I ever stooped to entreat. Oh! it is too much, too + much.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She bowed her + head in her hands, and as the wealth of brown hair showered over + her white shoulders, they heaved as if she wept. Myrrhina looked + reproachfully at the tribune, and muttered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! if he knew, if he only <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">knew</span></span>!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In his dealings + with the other sex Placidus had always been of opinion that it is + better to untie a knot than to cut it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fair Valeria,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“ask me anything but this. I am pledged to slay this + man within twenty-four hours; will not that content + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The exigency of + the situation, the danger of him for whom she had conceived so wild + and foolish a passion, sharpened her powers of deception, and made + her reckless of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page178">[pg + 178]</span><a name="Pg178" id="Pg178" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>her own feelings, her own degradation. Shaking + the hair back from her temples, beautiful in her disorder and her + tears, she looked with wet eyes in the tribune’s face, while she + replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you think I care for the barbarian? What difference + can it make to Valeria if such as this Briton were slain by + hecatombs? It is for Myrrhina’s sake I grieve; and more, far more + than this, to think that you can refuse me anything in the whole + world!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Duplicity was no + new effort for the tribune. He had often, ere now, betaken himself + to this mode of defence when driven to his last ward. He raised her + hands respectfully to his lips.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be it as you will,”</span> said he; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I make him over to you to do with him what you please. + Esca is your property, beautiful Valeria, from this + hour.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A dark thought + had flitted through his brain, that it would be no such difficult + matter to destroy an inconvenient witness, and retain the favour of + an exacting mistress at the same time. It was but a grain or two of + poison in the slave’s last meal, and he might depart in peace, a + doomed man, to Valeria’s mansion. He would take the chance of his + silence for the few hours that intervened, and after all, the + ravings of one whose brow was already stamped with death would + arouse little suspicion. Afterwards it would be easy to pacify + Valeria, and shift the blame on some over-zealous freedman, or + officious client. He did not calculate on the haste with which + women jump to conclusions. Valeria clapped her hands with unusual + glee. <span class="tei tei-q">“Quick! Myrrhina,”</span> said she, + <span class="tei tei-q">“my tablets to the tribune. He shall write + the order here, and my people can go for the slave and bring him + back, before Placidus departs.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> interposed the latter in some confusion, + <span class="tei tei-q">“it is indispensable that I go home at + once. I have already lingered here too long. Farewell, Valeria. Ere + the sun goes down you shall see that Placidus is proud and happy to + obey your lightest whim.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With these + words, he made a low obeisance, and, ere his hostess could stop + him, had traversed the outer hall, and mounted in his chariot. + Valeria seemed half stupefied by this sudden departure, but ere the + rolls of his wheels had died away, a light gleamed in her eyes, and + summoning the little negro, who had lain unnoticed and coiled up + within call during the interview, she bade him run out and see + which direction the chariot took, then she stared wildly in + Myrrhina’s face, and burst into a strange, half-choking laugh.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page179">[pg 179]</span><a name= + "Pg179" id="Pg179" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc53" id= + "toc53"></a> <a name="pdf54" id="pdf54"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER III</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">“</span><span style="font-size: 100%">FURENS QUID + FŒMINA</span><span style= + "font-size: 100%">”</span></span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The chariot has turned into the Flaminian Way,”</span> + said the urchin, running breathlessly back to his mistress. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! so fast! so fast!”</span> and he + clapped his little black hands with the indescribable delight all + children take in rapidity of movement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Flaminian Way!”</span> repeated Valeria. + <span class="tei tei-q">“He must go round by the Great Gate and the + Triumphal Arches to get home. Myrrhina, if we make haste, we shall + yet be in time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In less than ten + minutes the two women had crossed the wide pleasure-grounds which + skirted Valeria’s mansion, and had let themselves out by a pass-key + into the street. So complete, however, was their transformation + that the most intimate friend would have failed to recognise in + these shrouded, hurrying figures, the fashionable Roman lady and + her attendant. A wig of curling yellow hair covered Valeria’s + nut-brown tresses, and the lower part of her face was concealed by + a mask, whilst Myrrhina, closely-veiled and wrapped in a + dark-coloured mantle, stained and threadbare with many a winter’s + storm, looked like some honest child of poverty, bound on one of + the humble errands of daily plebeian life. As they tripped rapidly + along a narrow and little frequented street,—one of the many + inconvenient thoroughfares which Nero’s great fire had spared, and + which still intersected the magnificence of the Imperial City,—they + had to pass a miserable-looking house, with a low shabby doorway, + which was yet secured by strong fastenings of bolts and bars, as + though its tenant had sufficient motives for affecting privacy and + retirement. The women looked meaningly at each other while they + approached it, for the dwelling of Petosiris the Egyptian was too + well known to all who led a life of pleasure or intrigue in Rome. + He it was who provided potions, love philtres, charms of every + description, and whom the superstitious of all classes, no trifling + majority, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page180">[pg + 180]</span><a name="Pg180" id="Pg180" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>young and old, rich and poor, male and female, + consulted in matters of interest and affection; the supplanting of + a rival, the acquisition of a heart, and the removal of those who + stood in the way either of a fortune or a conquest. It is needless + to observe that the Egyptian’s wealth increased rapidly; and that + humbler visitors had to turn from his door disappointed, day after + day, waiting the leisure of the celebrated magician.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But if Valeria + hurried breathlessly through the dirty and ill-conditioned street, + she stopped transfixed when she reached its farthest extremity, and + beheld the tribune’s chariot, standing empty in the shade, as + though waiting for its master. The white horses beguiled their + period of inaction in the heat, by stamping, snorting, and tossing + their heads, while Automedon, now nodding drowsily, now staring + vacantly about him, scarcely noticed the figures of the two women, + so well were they disguised.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What can he be doing there?”</span> whispered Valeria + anxiously; and Myrrhina replied in the same cautious tones, + <span class="tei tei-q">“If Placidus be trafficking for philtres + with the Egyptian, take my word for it, madam, there will be less + of love than murder in the draught!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then they + hurried on faster than before, as if life and death hung upon the + rapidity of their footsteps.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Far back, up a + narrow staircase, in a dark and secluded chamber, sat Petosiris, + surrounded by the implements of his art. Enormous as his wealth was + supposed to be, he suffered no symptoms of it to appear, either in + his dwelling or his apparel. The walls of his chamber were bare and + weather-stained, totally devoid of ornament, save for a mystic + figure traced here and there on their surface, while the floor was + scorched, and the ceiling blackened, with the burning liquids that + had fallen on the one, and the heavy aromatic vapours that clung + about the other. The magician’s own robe, though once of costly + materials, and surrounded with a broad border, on which cabalistic + signs and numerals were worked in golden thread, now sadly frayed, + was worn to the last degree of tenuity, and his linen head-dress, + wound in a multiplicity of folds, till it rose into a peak some two + feet high, was yellow with dirt and neglect. Under this grotesque + covering peered forth a pair of shrewd black eyes, set in a grave + emaciated face. They denoted cunning, audacity, and that restless + vigilance which argued some deficiency or warping of the brain, a + tendency, however remote, to insanity, from which, with all their + mental powers, these impostors are seldom free. There was nothing + else remarkable about the man. He had <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page181">[pg 181]</span><a name="Pg181" id="Pg181" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the deep yellow tint with the supple figure + and peculiar nostril of the Egyptian, and when he rose in + compliment to his visitor, his low stature afforded a quaint + contrast to his trailing robes and real dignity of bearing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune—for + he it was whose entrance disturbed the calculations on which the + magician was engaged—accosted the latter with an air of abrupt and + almost contemptuous familiarity. It was evident that Placidus was a + good customer, one who bought largely while he paid freely; and + Petosiris, throwing aside all assumption of mystery or + preoccupation, laughed pleasantly as he returned the greeting. Yet + was there something jarring in his laugh, something startling in + his abrupt transition to the profoundest gravity; and though his + small glittering eyes betrayed a schoolboy’s love of mischief, + gleams shot from them at intervals which expressed a diabolical + malice, and love of evil for evil’s sake.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Despatch, my man of science!”</span> said the tribune, + scarcely noticing the obeisance and expressions of regard lavished + on him by his host. <span class="tei tei-q">“As usual I have little + time to spare, and less inclination to enter into particulars. Give + me what I want—you have it here in abundance—and let me begone out + of this atmosphere, which is enough to stifle the lungs of an + honest man!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My lord! my illustrious patron! my worthiest + friend!”</span> replied the other, with evident enjoyment of his + customer’s impatience, <span class="tei tei-q">“you have but to + command, you know it well, and I obey. Have I not served you + faithfully in all my dealings? Was not the horoscope right to a + minute? Did not the charm protect from evil? and the love philtre + ensure success? Have I ever failed, my noble employer? Speak, + mighty tribune; thy slave listens to obey.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Words! words!”</span> replied the other impatiently. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You know what I require. Produce it, there + is the price!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the same time + he threw a bag of gold on the floor, the weight of which inferred + that secrecy must constitute no small portion of the bargain it was + to purchase. Though he affected utter unconsciousness, the + Egyptian’s eyes flashed at the welcome chink of the metal against + the boards; none the more, however, would he abstain from + tantalising the donor by assuming a misapprehension of his + meaning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The hour,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“is + not propitious for casting a horoscope. Evil planets are in the + ascendant, and the influence of the good genius is counteracted by + antagonistic spells. Thus much I can tell you, noble tribune, they + are of barbarian <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page182">[pg + 182]</span><a name="Pg182" id="Pg182" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>origin. Come again an hour later to-morrow, + and I will do your bidding.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fool!”</span> exclaimed Placidus impatiently, at the + same time raising his foot as though to spurn the magician like a + dog. <span class="tei tei-q">“Does a man give half a helmetful of + gold for a few syllables of jargon scrawled on a bit of scorched + parchment? You keep but one sort of wares that fetch a price like + this. Let me have the strongest of them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Neither the + gesture, nor the insult it implied, was lost on the Egyptian. Yet + he preserved a calm and imperturbable demeanour, while he continued + his irritating inquiries.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A philtre, noble patron? A love philtre? They are + indeed worth any amount of gold. Maid or matron, vestal virgin or + Athenian courtesan, three drops of that clear tasteless fluid, and + she is your own!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune’s + evil smile was deepening round his mouth—it was not safe to jest + with him any further; he stooped over the magician and whispered + two words in his ear; the latter looked up with an expression in + which curiosity, horror, and a perverted kind of admiration, were + strangely blended. Then his eyes twinkled once more with the + schoolboy’s mirth and malice, while he ransacked a massive ebony + cabinet, and drew forth a tiny phial from its secret drawer. + Wrapping this in a thin scroll, on which was written the word + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cave</span></span> (beware!) to denote the + fatal nature of its contents, he hurried it into the tribune’s + hands, hid away the bag of gold, and in a voice trembling with + emotion, bade his visitor begone, an injunction which Placidus + obeyed with his usual easy carelessness of demeanour, stepping + daintily into his chariot, as though his errand had been of the + most benevolent and harmless kind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the meantime, + Valeria, accompanied by her attendant, had reached the tribune’s + house, which she entered with a bold front indeed, but with shaking + limbs. Despite her undaunted nature, all the fears and weaknesses + of her sex were aroused by the task she had set herself to fulfil, + and her woman’s instinct told her that, whatever might be her + motives, the crossing of this notorious threshold was an act she + would bitterly repent at some future time. Myrrhina entertained no + such misgivings; she looked on the whole proceeding as an + opportunity to display her own talents for intrigue, and make + herself, if possible, more necessary than ever to the mistress with + whose secrets she was so dangerously familiar.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the outer + hall were lounging a few slaves and freedmen, who welcomed the + entrance of the two women with consider<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page183">[pg 183]</span><a name="Pg183" id="Pg183" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>ably less respect than one of them at least + was accustomed to consider her due. Damasippus, indeed, with a + coarse jest, strove to snatch away the mask that concealed the + lower part of Valeria’s face, but she released herself from his + hold so energetically as to send him reeling back half a dozen + paces, not a little discomfited by the unexpected strength of that + shapely white arm. Then drawing herself to her full height, and + throwing her disguise upon the floor, she confronted the astonished + freedman in her own person, and bade him stand out of her way.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am Valeria!”</span> said she, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and here by your master’s invitation, slave! for what + are you better than a mere slave after all? If I were to hint at + your insolence, he would have you tied to that doorpost, in despite + of your citizenship, and scourged to death, like a disobedient + hound. Pick up those things,”</span> she added loftily, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and show me, some of you, to the private + apartment of your lord. Myrrhina, you may remain outside, but + within call.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Completely cowed + by her demeanour, and no whit relishing the tone in which she + threatened him, Damasippus did as he was commanded; while a couple + of slaves, who had remained till now in the background, ushered the + visitor into another apartment, where they left her with many + obsequious assurances that their lord was expected home every + moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every moment! + Then there was no time to lose. How her heart beat, and what a + strange instinct it was that made her feel she was in the vicinity + of the man she loved! As yet she had formed no plan, she had made + no determination, she only knew he was in danger, he was to die, + and come what might, at any risk, at any sacrifice, her place was + by his side. Imminent as was the peril, critical as was the moment, + through all the tumult of her feelings, she was conscious of a + vague wild happiness to be near him; and as she walked up and down + the polished floor, counting its tesselated squares mechanically, + in her strong mental excitement, she pressed both hands hard + against her bosom, as though to keep the heart within from beating + so fiercely, and to collect all its energies by sheer strength and + force of will.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus pacing to + and fro, running over in her mind every possible and impossible + scheme for the discovery and release of the slave, whose very + prison she had yet to search out, her quick ear caught the dull and + distant clank of a chain. The sound reached her from an opposite + direction to that of the principal entrance; and as all Roman + houses were constructed on nearly the same plan, Valeria had no + fear of losing her <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page184">[pg + 184]</span><a name="Pg184" id="Pg184" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>way among the roomy halls and long corridors + of her admirer’s mansion. She held her breath as she hurried on, + fortunately without meeting a human being, for the household slaves + of both sexes had disposed themselves in shady nooks and corners to + sleep away the sultriest hours of the day; nor did she stop till + she reached a heavy crimson curtain, screening an inner court, + paved and walled by slabs of white stone that refracted the sun’s + rays with painful intensity. Here she stood still and listened, + while her very lips grew white with emotion, then she drew the + curtain, and looked into the court.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had dragged + himself as far as his chain would permit, to get the benefit of + some two feet of shade close under the stifling wall. A water-jar, + long since emptied, stood on the floor beside him, accompanied by a + crust of black mouldy bread. A heavy iron collar, which defied + alike strength and ingenuity, was round his throat, while the + massive links that connected it with an iron staple let into the + pavement would have held an elephant. It was obvious the prisoner + could neither stand nor even sit upright without constraint; and + the white skin of his neck and shoulders was already galled and + blistered in his efforts to obtain relief by occasional change of + posture. Without the key of the heavy padlock that fastened chain + and collar, Vulcan himself could scarcely have released the Briton; + and Valeria’s heart sank within her as she gazed helplessly round, + and thought of what little avail were her own delicate fingers for + such a task. There seemed no nearer prospect of help even now that + she had reached him; and she clenched her hand with anger while she + reflected how he must have suffered from heat, and thirst, and + physical pain, besides the sense of his degradation and the + certainty of his doom.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless, + extended there upon the hard glowing stones, Esca was sleeping as + sound and peacefully as an infant. His head was pillowed on one + massive arm, half hidden in the clustering yellow locks that + showered across it, and his large shoulders rose and fell regularly + with the measured breathing of a deep and dreamless slumber. She + stole nearer softly, as afraid to wake him, and for a moment came + upon Valeria’s face something of the deep and holy tenderness with + which a mother looks upon a child. Yet light as was that dainty + footstep it disturbed, without actually rousing, the watchful + instincts of the sleeper. He stirred and turned his face upwards + with a movement of impatience, while she, hanging over him and + drinking in the beauty that <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page185">[pg 185]</span><a name="Pg185" id="Pg185" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>had made such wild work with her tranquillity, + as if her life had neither hope nor fear beyond the ecstasy of the + moment, gazed on his fair features and his closed eyes, till she + forgot time and place and hazard, the emergency of the occasion, + and the errand on which she had herself come. Deeper and deeper + sank into her being the dangerous influence of the hour and the + situation. The summer sky above, the hot dreamy solitude around, + and there, down at her feet—nay, so near, that, while she bent over + him, his warm breath stirred the very hair upon her brow—the only + face of man that had ever thrilled her heart, sleeping so calmly + close to her own, and now made doubly dear by all it had suffered, + all it was fated to undergo. Lower and lower, nearer and nearer, + bent her dainty head to meet the slave’s; and as he stirred once + more in his sleep, and a quiet smile stole over his unconscious + countenance, her lips clung to his in one long, loving, and + impassioned kiss.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page186">[pg 186]</span><a name= + "Pg186" id="Pg186" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc55" id= + "toc55"></a> <a name="pdf56" id="pdf56"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE LOVING CUP</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he opened his + dreamy eyes she started to her feet, for voices now broke in on the + silence that had hitherto reigned throughout the household, and the + tread of slaves bustling to and fro announced the return of their + lord, a master who brooked no neglect, as well they knew, from + those who were in his service. She had scarcely risen from her + posture of soothing and devoted affection; scarcely had time to + shake the long hair off her face, when Julius Placidus entered the + court and stood before her with that inscrutable expression of + countenance which most she hated, and which left her in complete + ignorance as to whether or not he had been in time to witness the + caresses she had lavished on the captive. And now Valeria + vindicated the woman’s nature of which, with all her faults, she + partook so largely. At this critical moment her courage and + presence of mind rose with the occasion; and though, womanlike, she + had recourse to dissimulation, that refuge of the weak, there was + something on her brow that argued, if need were, she would not + shrink from the last desperate resources of the strong. Turning to + the tribune with the quiet dignity and the playful smile that she + knew became her so well, she pointed to the recumbent figure of the + Briton, and said gently—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You gave him to me, and I am here to fetch him. Why is + it that of late I value your lightest gift so much? Placidus, what + must you think of me, to have come unbidden to your + house?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she cast + down her eyes and drooped her stately head, as though ready to sink + in an agony of love and shame. Deceiver, intriguer, as he had been + ever since the down was on his chin, he was no match for her. He + shot, indeed, one sharp inquisitive glance at Esca, but the slave’s + bewildered gaze reassured him. The latter, worn out with trouble + and privation, was only half awake, and almost <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page187">[pg 187]</span><a name="Pg187" id="Pg187" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>imagined himself in a dream. Then the + tribune’s looks softened as they rested on his mistress; and, + although there was a gleam of malicious triumph on his brow, the + hard unmeaning expression left his face, which brightened with more + of kindness and cordiality than was its wont.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is no longer house of mine,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but of yours, beautiful Valeria! Here you + are ever welcome, and here you will remain, will you not, with him + who loves you better than all the world besides?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even while he + spoke she had run over in her mind the exigencies and difficulties + of her position. In that instant of time she could think of Esca’s + danger—of the necessity that she should herself be present to save + him from the fate with which, for some special reason that she was + also determined to find out, he was obviously threatened—of the + tribune’s infamous character, and her own fair fame; for Cornelia + might not have left such a house as that with her reputation + unscathed, and Valeria could far less afford to tamper with so + fragile and shadowy a possession than the severe mother of the + Gracchi. Yet her brow was unclouded, and there was nothing but + frank good-humour in her tone while she replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, Placidus. You know that even we of the patrician + order cannot do always as we would. Surely I have risked enough + already; because—because I fancied you left me in anger, and I + could not bear the thought even for an hour. I will but ask you for + a cup of wine and begone. Myrrhina accompanied me here, and we can + return, unknown and unsuspected, as we came.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He wished + nothing better. A cup of wine, a sumptuous feast spread on the + moment, garlands of flowers, heavy perfumes loading the sultry air; + soft music stealing on the senses gently as the faint breeze that + whispered through the drowsy shade. All the voluptuous accessories + so adapted to a pleading tongue and so dangerous to a willing ear. + He had never known them fail; it should not be the fault of master + or household if they proved useless now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He took Valeria + respectfully by the hand, and led her to the large banqueting-hall + with as much deference as though she had been Cæsar’s wife. None + knew better than the tribune how scrupulously all the honours of + war must be paid to a fortress about to capitulate. As he bent + before her, the phial he had purchased from Petosiris peeped forth + in the bosom of his tunic, and her quick eye did not fail to detect + it. In an instant she turned back as though <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page188">[pg 188]</span><a name="Pg188" id="Pg188" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>stumbling on the skirt of her robe, and + in the action made a rapid sign to Esca by raising her hand to her + mouth, accompanied by a warning shake of the head and a glance from + her eloquent eyes, that she trusted he would understand as + forbidding him to taste either food or drink till her return. Once + more, whilst she made this covert signal, the set and passionless + look came over the tribune’s face. Cunning, cautious as she might + think herself, his snake-like eye had seen enough. At that moment + Placidus had resolved Esca should die within the hour. Then those + two walked gracefully into the adjoining hall, and seated + themselves at the banquet with a scrupulous courtesy and strict + observance of the outward forms of good breeding; while the slaves + who waited believed that the whole proceeding was but one of their + lord’s usual affairs of gallantry, and that the noble pair before + them loved each other well.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune, + like the rest of his sex, was no large eater when making love; and + an appetite that could accompany Vitellius through the most + elaborate banquets of the gluttonous Cæsar was satisfied with a + handful of dates and a bunch or two of grapes in the presence of + Valeria. She, too, in her anxiety and agitation, felt as if every + morsel would choke her; but she pledged her host willingly in a + goblet of red Falernian, with a vague idea that every moment she + could keep his attention employed was of priceless value, + clingingly almost hopelessly to the chance of obtaining by some + means the possession of the fatal phial before it was too late.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was in high + spirits,—voluble, witty, eloquent, sarcastic, but devoted to her. + In the moment, as he hoped, of his triumph he could afford to show, + or rather to affect, more of delicacy and generosity than she had + believed him to possess, and she loathed and hated him all the + more. Once, when, after enunciating a sentiment of the warmest + regard and attachment, she caught the expression of his eyes as + they looked into her own, she glanced wildly round the room, and + clenched her hand with rage to observe that the walls were bare of + weapons. He was no stately, high-spirited Agamemnon, this supple + intriguer, yet had there been sword, axe, or dagger within reach of + that white arm, she would have asked nothing better than to enact + the part of Clytemnestra. How she wished to be a man for the + moment—ay, and a strong one! She felt she could have strangled him + there, hateful and smiling on the couch! Oh! for Esca’s thews and + sinews! Esca—so fair, and brave, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page189">[pg 189]</span><a name="Pg189" id="Pg189" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and honest! Her brain swam when she thought of + him chained, like a beast, within ten paces of her. An effort must + be made to save him at any risk and at any sacrifice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus talked + gaily on, broaching in turn those topics of luxury, dissipation, + and even vice, which constituted the everyday life of the patrician + order at Rome, and she forced herself to reply with an affected + levity and indifference that nearly drove her mad. Cæsar’s + banquets; Galeria’s yellow head-gear, and the bad taste in which + her jewels were set, so inexcusable in an emperor’s wife; the war + in Judæa; the last chariot race; and the rival merits of the Red + and Green factions, were canvassed and dismissed with a light word + and a happy jest. Such subjects inevitably led to a discussion on + the arena and its combatants, the magnificence of the late + exhibition, and the tribune’s own prowess in the deadly game. + Placidus turned suddenly, as if recollecting himself, called for a + slave, whispered an order in his ear, and bade him begone. The man + hastened from the room, leaving lover and mistress once more + alone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The presence of + mind and self-command on which she prided herself now completely + deserted Valeria. In an agony of alarm for Esca, she jumped at once + to the conclusion that his doom was gone forth. The tribune, + turning to her with some choice phrase, half-jest, half-compliment, + was startled to observe her face colourless to the very lips, while + her large eyes shone with a fierce, unnatural light. Uttering a low + stifled cry, like that of some wild animal in its death-pang, she + fell at his feet, clasping him round the knees, and gasped out—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Spare him! spare him! Placidus—beloved Placidus! spare + him—for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">my</span></span> sake!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her host, whose + whole mind at that moment was occupied with thoughts very foreign + to bloodshed, and whose whispered mandate had reference to nothing + more deadly than orders for a strain of unexpected music, gazed in + astonishment at the proud woman thus humbled before him to the + dust. He had, indeed, intended to despatch Esca quietly by poison + before nightfall, and so get rid at once of an inconvenient witness + and a possible rival; but for the present he had dismissed the + slave completely from his mind. If, an hour ago, he had allowed + himself to harbour such a wild fancy, as that a mere barbarian + should have captivated the woman on whom he had set his affections, + her voluntary acceptance of his hospitality and her cordial + demeanour since, had dispelled so foolish and unjust a suspicion, + which he <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page190">[pg + 190]</span><a name="Pg190" id="Pg190" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>wondered he could have entertained even for a + moment. Now, however, a chill seemed to curdle the blood about his + heart. Very quietly he raised her from the floor; but, though he + was not conscious of it, his grasp left a mark upon her wrist. Very + distinct and steady were the tones in which he soothed her, asking + courteously—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Whom do you wish me to spare? What is it, Valeria? + Surely you are not still dwelling on that barbarian slave? What is + he, to come between you and me? It is too late—too + late!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Never! never!”</span> she gasped out, seizing his hand + in both her own, and folding it to her breast. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is no time now for concealment; no time for choice + phrases, and mock reserve, and false shame! I love him, Placidus! I + love him!—do you hear? Grant me but his life, and ask me for + everything I have in return!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked + beautiful as she knelt before him once more, so dishevelled and + disordered, with upturned face and streaming hair. It seemed to the + tribune as though a knife had been driven home to his heart; but he + collected all his energies for a revenge commensurate to the hurt, + as he threw himself indolently on the couch, a worse man by a whole + age of malice than he had risen from it a few seconds before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why did you not tell me sooner?”</span> said he, in + accents of the calmest courtesy and self-command. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fair Valeria! not more bargains are driven every day + in the Forum than in the courts of Love! You offer liberal terms. + It seems to me we have nothing left to do but to settle the + remainder of the agreement.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What a price was + she paying for her interference! Not a woman in Rome could have + felt more deeply the degradation she was accepting, the insult to + which she was submitting; and through it all she was miserably + conscious of a false move in the game she had the temerity to play + against this formidable adversary. Still she had resolved that she + would shrink from no humiliation to save Esca, and she blushed + blood-red with anger and shame as she rose from her knees, hid her + face in her hands, while she summoned her woman’s wit and her + woman’s powers of endurance to help her in the emergency.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He, too, had + bethought him of an appropriate revenge. The tribune never forgave; + for such an offence as the present it was his nature to seek + reprisals, exceeding, in their subtle cruelty, the injury they were + to atone. There is no venom so deadly as a bad man’s love turned to + gall. It would be <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page191">[pg + 191]</span><a name="Pg191" id="Pg191" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>fine sport, thought Placidus, to make her slay + this yellow-haired darling of hers with her own hand. The triumph + would be complete, when he had outwitted her at every point, and + could sneer politely over the dead body of the man, and the + passionate reproaches of the woman. The first step to so tempting a + consummation was, of course, to put her off her guard, and for this + it would be necessary to assume some natural displeasure and pique; + too open a brow would surely arouse suspicions, so he spoke + angrily, in the harsh excited tones of a generous man who has been + wronged.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have been deceived,”</span> said he, striking his + hand against the board; <span class="tei tei-q">“deceived, duped, + scorned, and by you, Valeria, from whom I did not deserve it. Shame + on the woman who could thus wring an honest heart for the mere + triumph of her vanity! And yet,”</span> he added, with an admirable + appearance of wounded feeling in his lowered voice and relenting + accents, <span class="tei tei-q">“I can forgive, because I would + not others should suffer as I do now. Yes, Valeria’s wishes are + still laws to me; I <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">will</span></span> spare him for your sake, + and you shall bear the news to him yourself. But he must be half + dead ere this, of thirst and exhaustion; take him a cup of wine + with your own fair hands, and tell him he will be a free man before + sunset!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While he spoke, + he turned from her to a sideboard, on which stood a tall jar of + Falernian, flanked by a pair of silver goblets. She had sunk from + the couch beside him, and was resting her head upon the table; but + she looked up quickly for a moment, and saw his back reflected in + the burnished surface of a gold vase that stood before her. By the + motion of his shoulders she was aware that he had taken something + from his bosom while he filled the wine. The whole danger of the + situation flashed upon her at once; she felt intuitively that one + of the cups was poisoned; she could risk her life to find out + which. Her tears were dried, her nerves were strung, as if by + magic; like a different being she rose to her feet now, pale and + beautiful, but perfectly calm and composed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You do love me, Placidus,”</span> said she, raising + one of the goblets from the salver on which they stood. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Such truth as yours might win any woman. I + pledge you, to show that we are friends again at least, if nothing + more!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was in the + act of putting it to her lips, when he interposed, somewhat + hurriedly, and with a voice not so steady as usual—</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">“One moment!”</span> he exclaimed, taking it from her + hand, and setting it down again in its place, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we have not made our terms yet; the treaty must be + signed and sealed; a libation must be poured to the gods. It is a + strong rough wine, that Falernian: I have some Coan here you would + like better. You see I have not forgotten your tastes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He laughed + nervously, and his lip twitched; she knew now that it was the + right-hand goblet which held the poison. Both were equally full, + and they stood close together on the salver.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And this man could not slay me after all,”</span> was + the thought that for a moment softened her heart, and bade her + acknowledge some shadow of compunction for her admirer. Bad as he + was, she could not help reflecting that to her influence he owed + the only real feeling his life had ever known, and it made her + waver, but not for long. Soon the image of Esca, chained and + prostrate, passed before her, and the remembrance of her odious + bargain goaded her into the bitterest hatred once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She placed her + hand in the tribune’s with the abandonment of a woman who really + loves, she turned her eyes on his with the swimming glance of which + she had not miscalculated the power.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Forgive me,”</span> she murmured. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have never valued you, never known you till now. I + was heartless, unfeeling, mad; but I have learned a lesson to-day + that neither of us will ever forget. No, we will never quarrel + again!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He clasped her + in his arms, he took her to his heart, his brain reeled, his senses + failed him, that bewitching beauty seemed to pervade his being, to + surround him with its fragrance like some intoxicating vapour; and + whilst his frame thrilled, and his lips murmured out broken words + of fondness, the white hand thrown so confidingly across his + shoulder had shifted the position of the goblets, and the heart + that beat so wildly against his own had doomed him remorselessly to + die.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She extricated + herself from his embrace, she put her hair back from her brow; love + is blind, indeed, or it must have struck him that instead of + blushing with conscious fondness, her cheek was as white and cold + as marble, though she kept her eyes cast down as if they dared not + meet his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pledge me,”</span> said she, in a tone of the utmost + softness, and forcing a playful smile that remained, carved as it + were, in fixed lines round her mouth; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“drink to me in token of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page193">[pg 193]</span><a name="Pg193" id="Pg193" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>forgiveness; it will be the sweetest draught I + have ever tasted when your lips have kissed the cup.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He reached his + hand out gaily to the salver. Her heart stood still in the agony of + her suspense, lest he should mark the change she had made so + warily; but the goblets were exactly alike, and he seized the + nearest without hesitation, and half-emptied it ere he set it down. + Laughing, he was in the act of handing to her what remained, when + his eye grew dull, his jaw dropped, and, stammering some broken + syllables, he sank back senseless upon the couch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She would have + almost given Esca’s life now to undo the deed. But it was no time + for repentance or indecision; keeping her eyes off the white vacant + face, which yet seemed ever before her, she felt resolutely in the + bosom of the tribune’s tunic for the precious key, and having found + it, walked steadily to the door and listened. It was well she did + so, for a slave’s step was heard rapidly approaching, and she had + but time to return, on tiptoe, and take her place upon the couch + ere the domestic entered; disposing of the tribune’s powerless head + upon her lap as though he had sunk to sleep in her embrace. The + slave discreetly retired, but short as was its duration, the + torture of those few seconds was hardly inadequate to the guilt + that had preceded them. Then she hurried through the well-known + passages, and reached the court in which Esca was confined. Not a + word of explanation, not a syllable of fondness escaped her lips as + she calmly liberated the man for whom she had risked so much. + Mechanically, and like a sleep-walker, she unlocked the collar + round his neck, signing to him at the same time, for she seemed + incapable of speech, to rise and follow her. He obeyed, scarce + knowing what he did, astonished at the apparition of his deliverer, + and almost scared by her ghastly looks and strange imperious + gestures. Thus they threaded, without interruption, the passages of + the house, and emerged from the private entrance into the now + silent and deserted street. Then came the reaction; Valeria could + bear up no longer, and trembling all over while she clung to Esca, + but for whose arm she must have fallen, she burst into a passion of + sobs upon his breast.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page194">[pg 194]</span><a name= + "Pg194" id="Pg194" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc57" id= + "toc57"></a> <a name="pdf58" id="pdf58"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER V</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">SURGIT AMARI</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_217.png"><img src="images/i_217.png" alt= + "Initial S" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had known + but few moments of happiness, that proud unbending woman, in the + course of her artificial life. Now, though remorse was gnawing at + her heart, there was such a wild delight in the Briton’s presence, + such ecstasy in the consciousness of having saved him, though at + the price of a hateful crime, that the pleasure kept down and + stifled the pain. It was a new sensation to cling to that stalwart + form and acknowledge him for her lord whom others deemed a mere + barbarian and a slave. It was intense joy to think that she had + penetrated his noble character; that she had given him her love + unasked, when such a gift could alone have saved him from + destruction; and that she had grudged no price at which to ransom + him for herself. It was the first time in Valeria’s whole existence + that she had vindicated her woman’s birthright of merging her own + existence in another’s, and for the moment this engrossing + consciousness completely altered the whole character and training + of the patrician lady. Myrrhina, walking discreetly some ten paces + behind, could hardly believe in the identity of that drooping form, + faltering in step, and timid in gesture, with her imperious and + wilful mistress. This vigilant damsel, who was never flurried nor + surprised, had effected her escape from the domestics of the + tribune’s household, at the moment her practised ear caught the + light footstep of Valeria making its way to the door; and although + she scarcely expected to see the latter pacing home with the + captive at her side, as oblivious of her waiting-maid’s existence, + as of everything else in the world, she was quite satisfied to + observe that this preoccupation was the result of interest in her + companion. So long as an intrigue was on foot, it mattered little + to Myrrhina who might be its originators or its + victims.</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">They had not + proceeded far before Esca stopped, waking up like a man from a + dream.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I owe you my life,”</span> he said, in his calm voice + and foreign accent, that made such music to her ear. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“How shall I ever repay you, noble lady? I have nothing + to give but the strength of my right arm, and of what service can + such as I be to such as you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She blushed + deeply, and cast down her eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We are not safe yet,”</span> she answered. + <span class="tei tei-q">“We will talk of this when we get + home.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He looked before + him down the stately street, with its majestic porticoes, its + towering palaces, and its rows of lofty pillars, stretching on in + grand perspective till they met the dusky crimson of the evening + sky; and perhaps he was thinking of a free upland, and blue hills, + and laughing sunshine glittering on the mere and trembling in the + green wood far away at home, for he only answered by repeating her + last word with a sigh, and adding: <span class="tei tei-q">“There + is none for me; a wanderer, an outcast, and a degraded + man.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She seemed to + check the outburst that was rising to her lips, and she kept her + eyes off his face, while she whispered—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have determined to save you. Do you not know that + there is nothing you can ask me which I will not grant?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He raised her + hand to his lips, but the gesture partook more of the dependant’s + homage than the lover’s rapture. She felt instinctively that it was + a tribute of gratitude and loyalty, not an impassioned caress. For + the second time, something seemed to warn her she had better have + left that day’s work undone. Then she began to talk rapidly of the + dangers they might undergo from pursuit, of the necessity for + immediate flight to her house, and close concealment when there; + wandering wildly on from one subject to another, and apparently but + half-conscious of anything she said. At last he asked her eagerly, + even sternly—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the tribune? What of him? How could you release me + from his power? I tell you, I had the life of Placidus in my hand, + as completely as if I had been standing over him in the + amphitheatre with my foot on his neck. Would any price have + purchased me from him, with all I knew?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The crimson rose + to her brow as she answered hurriedly, <span class="tei tei-q">“No + price! Believe me, no price that man could offer, or woman either! + Esca, do not think worse of me than I deserve!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then why am I here?”</span> he continued, with a + softened <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page196">[pg + 196]</span><a name="Pg196" id="Pg196" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>look; <span class="tei tei-q">“I would like + well to discover the secret by which Valeria can charm such a man + as Placidus to her will.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was very + pale now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The tribune will claim you no more,”</span> said she; + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have settled that account for + ever.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He did not + understand her, yet he dropped the hand he held and walked on a + little farther from her side. She felt her punishment had already + commenced, and when she spoke again it was in hard cold accents + quite unlike her own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He crossed my path, Esca, and he met the fate of all + who are rash enough to oppose Valeria. What motives of pity, or + love, or honour, would avail with Placidus? When did he ever swerve + a hair’s-breadth from his goal for any consideration but self? I + knew him, ah! too well. There was but one invincible argument for + the tribune, and I used it. I slew him—slew him there, upon his + couch; but it was to save you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Perhaps he felt + he was ungrateful. Perhaps he tried to think that he, at least, had + no right to judge her harshly; that such devotion for his sake + should have made him look with indulgent eye, even on so foul a + crime as murder; but he could not control the repugnance and horror + that now rose in him for this beautiful, reckless, and unscrupulous + woman: but while he strove to conceal his feelings, and to mask + them with an air of deference and gratitude, she knew by the + instinct of love all that was passing in his breast, and suffered, + as those only can suffer, who have thrown honour, virtue, + conscience, everything to the winds, to purchase but the conviction + that their shameful sacrifice has been in vain. She determined to + put a period to the tortures she was enduring. Ere this, they had + reached the street, from which opened the private entrance into her + own grounds. Myrrhina, though within sight, still kept discreetly + in the rear. This was the situation, this was the moment that + Valeria had pictured to herself in many a rapturous day-dream, that + seemed too impossibly happy ever to come to pass. To have ransomed + him from some great danger at some equivalent price; to have led + him off with her in triumph; those two pacing by themselves through + the deserted streets at the witching sunset hour; to have brought + him home her own, her very own, to this identical gate exactly in + this manner; to have none between them, none to watch them, except + faithful Myrrhina, and to see before her a long future of + uninterrupted sunshine, this it had been ecstasy to dream of—and + now it had come, and brought with it a dull sickening <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page197">[pg 197]</span><a name="Pg197" id="Pg197" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sensation that was worse than pain. She + had a brave rebellious nature, in keeping with the haughty head and + stately form hereditary in her line. No scion of that noble old + house would shrink or quiver under mental, any more than under + bodily, torture. Among the ancestral busts that graced her + cornices, was that of one who endured with a calm set face to watch + his own hand shrivelled up and crackling in the glowing coals. His + descendants, male and female, partook of that unflinching + character; and not Mutius Scævola himself, erect and stern before + the Tuscan king, had more of the desperate tenacity which sets fate + itself at defiance, than lurked under the soft white skin, and the + ready smile, and the voluptuous beauty of proud Valeria.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked + prouder and fairer than ever now, as she stopped at her own gate + and confronted the Briton.</p><a name="i_220" id="i_220" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_220.png"><img src="images/i_220.png" alt= + "Illustration: ‘You are safe she said’" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; text-align: center; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ‘You are safe she said’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are safe,”</span> she said, and what it cost her + to say it none knew but herself. <span class="tei tei-q">“You are + free besides, and at liberty to go where you will.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The rapture with + which he kissed her hand while she spoke, the gleam of delight that + lit up his whole face, the intense gratitude with which he bowed + himself to the ground before her, smote like repeated strokes of a + dagger to her heart. She continued in accents of well-acted + indifference, though a less preoccupied observer might have marked + the quivering eyelid and dilated nostril—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You may have friends whom you long to see—friends who + have been anxious about your safety. Though it seems,”</span> she + added, ironically, <span class="tei tei-q">“they have taken but + little pains to set you out of danger.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca was always + frank and honest; this was, perhaps, the charm that, combined with + his yellow locks and broad shoulders, so endeared him to the Roman + lady. She was unaccustomed to these qualities in the men she + usually met.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have no friends,”</span> he answered, rather sadly; + <span class="tei tei-q">“none in the whole of this great city, + except perhaps yourself, noble lady, who care whether I am alive or + dead. Yet I have one mission, for the power of performing which + this very night I thank you far more than for saving my life. + To-morrow, it would be too late.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tone was + less that of a question than an assertion, in which she forced out + the words—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It concerns that dark-eyed girl! Esca, do not fear to + tell me the truth.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A faint red + stole over the young man’s brow. They were <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page198">[pg 198]</span><a name="Pg198" id="Pg198" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>standing together within the garden-wall on + the smooth lawn that sloped towards the house. The black cedars cut + clear and distinct against the pure serene opal of the fading sky. + A star or two were dimly visible, and not a breath stirred the + silent foliage of the holm-oaks, folded as it were in sleep, or the + drooping flowers, drowsy with the very weight of fragrance they + exhaled. It was the time and place for a confession of love. What a + mockery it seemed to Valeria to stand there and watch his rising + colour, and listen to the faltering voice in which he betrayed his + secret!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I must save her, noble lady,”</span> said he; + <span class="tei tei-q">“I must save her this very night, whatever + else be left undone. Be he dead or alive, she shall not enter the + tribune’s house, whilst I can strike a blow or grasp an enemy by + the throat. Lady, you have earned my eternal gratitude, my eternal + service; give me but this one night, and I return to-morrow to be + the humblest and most willing of your slaves for ever + after.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And see her no more?”</span> asked Valeria, with a + choking throat and a strong tendency to burst into tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And see her no more,”</span> repeated Esca, sadly and + resignedly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was no + mistaking the tone of manly, unselfish, and utterly hopeless love. + Valeria passed her hand across her face, and tried more than once + to speak. At last she muttered in a hoarse hard voice—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You love her then very dearly?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He raised his + head proudly, and a smile came on his lips, a light into his blue + eyes. She remembered how he had looked so in the arena, when he + gave his salute before the imperial chair. She remembered, too, a + pair of dark eyes and a pale face that followed his every + movement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So dearly,”</span> was his answer, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that can I but rescue her I will gladly bargain to + give her up and never even look on her again. How can I think of + myself when the question is of her happiness and her + safety?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria with all + her faults was a woman. She had indeed dreamed of an affection such + as this, an affection purified from the dross and alloy that + combine to form so much of what men call love. She might not be + capable of feeling it, but, womanlike, she could admire and + appreciate the nobility of its aspirations, and the ideal standard + to which it stretched. Womanlike, too, she was not to be outdone in + generosity, and Esca’s proposal of returning to her household, and + submitting to her will directly he had accomplished his errand, + disarmed her completely. She was not accustomed <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page199">[pg 199]</span><a name="Pg199" id="Pg199" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to analyse her feelings, or to check the + reckless impulse which always bade her act on the spur of the + moment. She did not stop to consider to-morrow’s repentance, nor + the grudging regrets which would goad her when the excitement of + her self-denial had died out, and the blank that had hitherto + rendered existence so dreary would be even less tolerable than + before. If a shadowy misgiving that she would repent her concession + hereafter passed for a moment across her mind, she hastened to + repress it, ere it should warp her better intentions; and she could + urge him to leave her now, with all the more importunity, that she + dared not trust her heart to waver for an instant in the + sacrifice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are alone,”</span> said she, calming herself with + a great effort, and speaking very quick. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Alone in this great city, but you are loyal and brave. + Such men are rare here and are worth a legion. Still, you must have + gold in your bosom and steel at your belt, if you would succeed. + You shall take both from me, and you will tell the dark-eyed girl + that it was Valeria who saved her and you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His blue eyes + turned upon her with looks of the deepest, the most fervent + gratitude, and again the wild love surged up in her heart, and + threatened to swamp every consideration but its own irresistible + longing. His answer, however, sent it ebbing coldly back again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We shall be ever grateful; oh! that either of us could + prove it! We shall not forget Valeria.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina thought + her mistress had never looked so queenly, as when she called her up + at this juncture, and bade her fetch a purse of gold from her own + cabinet, and one of the swords that hung in the vestibule, and + deliver them to Esca. Then, very erect and pale, Valeria walked + towards the house, apparently insensible to his thanks and + protestations, but turned round ere she had reached the threshold, + and gave him her hand to kiss. Myrrhina returning from her errand, + saw the face that was bent over him as he stooped in act of homage, + and even that hollow-hearted girl was touched by its wild, tender, + and mournful expression, but ere he could look up, it was cold and + passionless as marble once more. Then she disappeared slowly + through the porch, and Myrrhina with all her daring had not the + courage to follow her into the privacy of her own chamber.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page200">[pg 200]</span><a name= + "Pg200" id="Pg200" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc59" id= + "toc59"></a> <a name="pdf60" id="pdf60"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">DEAD LEAVES</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The stars shone + brilliantly down on the roofs of the great city—roofs that covered + in how various a multitude of hopes, fears, wishes, crimes, joys, + study, debaucheries, toil, and repose. What enormities were veiled + by a tile some half an inch thick! What contrasts separated by a + partition of a deal plank, and a crevice stopped with mortar! Here, + a poor worn son of toil, working with bleared eyes and hollow + cheeks to complete the pittance that a whole day’s labour was + insufficient to attain; there, a sleek pampered slave, snoring + greasily on his pallet, drenched with pilfered wine, and gorged + with the fat leavings of his master’s meal. On this side the + street, a whole family penned helplessly together in a stifling + garret; on that, a spacious palace, with marble floors, and airy + halls, and lofty corridors, devoted to the occasional convenience + and the shameful pleasures of one man—a patrician in rank, a + senator in office; yet, notwithstanding, a profligate, a coward, a + traitor, and a debauchee. Could those roofs have been taken off; + could those chambers have been bared to the million eyes of night + that seemed to be watching her so intently, what a mass of + corruption would Imperial Rome have laid bare! There were + plague-spots under her purple, festering and spreading and eating + into the very marrow of the mistress of the world. Up six storeys, + under the slanting roof, in a miserable garret, a scene was being + enacted, bad as it was, far below the nightly average of vice and + treachery in Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dismissed from + their patron’s house when he had no further need of their + attendance, and, so to speak, off duty for the day, Damasippus and + Oarses had betaken themselves to their home in order to prepare for + the exploits of the night. That home was of the cheapest and most + wretched among the many cheap and wretched lodgings to be found in + the overgrown yet crowded city. Four bare walls bulging and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page201">[pg 201]</span><a name= + "Pg201" id="Pg201" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>blistered with the + heat, supported the naked rafters on which rested the tiles, yet + glowing from an afternoon sun. A wooden bedstead, rickety and + creaking, with a coarse pallet, through the rents of which the + straw peeped and rustled, occupied one corner, and a broken jar of + common earthenware, but of a sightly design copied from the Greek, + half-full of tepid water, stood in another. These constituted the + only furniture of the apartment, except a few irregular shelves + filled with unguents, cosmetics, and the inevitable pumice-stone, + by which the fashionable Roman studied to eradicate every + superfluous hair from his unmanly cheek and limbs. A broken Chiron, + in common plaster, yet showing marks of undoubted genius where the + shoulders and hoofs of the Centaur had escaped mutilation, kept + guard over these treasures, and filled a place that in the pious + days of the old Republic, however humble the dwelling, would have + been occupied by the Lares and Penates of the hearth. A mouldy + crust of bread, slipped from the lid of an open trunk full of + clothing, lay on the floor, and a wine-jar emptied to the dregs + stood by its side. The two inhabitants, however, of this squalid + apartment betrayed in their persons none of the misery in keeping + with their dwelling-place. They were tolerably well fed, because + their meals were usually furnished at their patron’s expense; they + contrived to be well dressed, because a decent and even wealthy + appearance was creditable to their patron’s generosity, and + indispensable to many of the duties he called upon them to + perform—dirty work indeed, but only to be done, nevertheless, with + clean clothes and an assured countenance; so that the exterior both + of Damasippus and Oarses would have offered no discredit to the + ante-room of Cæsar himself. But they were men of pleasure as the + word is understood in great cities—men who lived solely for the + sensual indulgences of the body; and it was their nature to spend + their gains, chiefly ill-gotten, in those debasing luxuries which + an insatiable demand enabled Rome to supply to her public at the + lowest possible cost, to sun themselves, as it were, in the glare + of that gaudy vice which walks abroad in the streets, and then + creep back into their loathsome hole, like reptiles as they + were.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Damasippus, + whose plump well-rounded form and clear colour afforded a + remarkable contrast to the lithe shape and sallow tint of Oarses, + was the first to speak. He had been watching the Egyptian intently, + while the latter went through the painful and elaborate ceremonies + of a protracted toilet, rasping his chin with pumice-stone, + smoothing and greasing <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page202">[pg + 202]</span><a name="Pg202" id="Pg202" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>his dark locks with a preparation of lard and + perfumed oil, and finally drawing a needle charged with lampblack + carefully and painfully through his closed eyelids, in order to + lengthen the line of the eye, and give it that soft languishing + expression so prized by Orientals of either sex. Damasippus, waxing + impatient, then, at the evident satisfaction with which his friend + pursued the task of adornment, broke out irritably—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And of course it is to be the old story again! As + usual, mine the trouble, and, by Hercules! no small share of the + danger, now that the town is swarming with soldiers, all + discontented and ill-paid. While yours, the credit, and very likely + the reward, and nothing to do but to whine out a few coaxing + syllables, and make yourself as like an old woman as you can. No + difficult task either,”</span> he added, with a half-sarcastic, + half-good-humoured laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other + lingered before a few inches of cracked mirror, which seemed to + rivet his attention, and put the finishing touches to either eyelid + with infinite care, ere he replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Every tool to its own work; and every man to his + special trade. The wooden-headed mallet to drive home the sharp + wedge. The brute force of Damasippus to support the fine skill of + Oarses.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the sword of a Roman,”</span> retorted the other, + who, like many untried men, was somewhat boastful of his mettle, + <span class="tei tei-q">“to hew a path for the needlework of an + Egyptian. Well, at least the needle is in appropriate hands. By all + the fountains of Caria thou hast the true feminine leer in thine + eye, the very swing of thy draperies seems to say, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Follow me, but not too near.’</span> The clasp of + Salmacis herself could not have effected a more perfect + transformation. Oarses, thou lookest an ugly old woman to the + life!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In truth the + Egyptian’s disguise was now nearly complete. The dark locks, + smoothed and flattened, were laid in modest bands about his head; + the matronly stole, or gown, gathered at the breast by a broad + girdle, and fastened with a handsome clasp high on the shoulder, + descended in long sweeping lines to his feet, where it was + ornamented by a broad and elaborate flounce of embroidery. Over the + whole was disposed in graceful folds a large square shawl of the + finest texture, dark-coloured but woven through with glistening + golden threads, and further set off by a wide golden fringe. It + formed a veil and cloak in one, and might easily be arranged to + conceal the figure as well as the face of the wearer. Oarses was + not a little proud of the dainty feminine grace with which he wore + the head-gear, and as he tripped to and fro across the narrow + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page203">[pg 203]</span><a name= + "Pg203" id="Pg203" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>floor of his garret, + it would have taken a sharper eye than that of keen Damasippus + himself to detect the disguise of his wily confederate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A woman, my friend,”</span> he replied, somewhat + testily, <span class="tei tei-q">“but not such an ugly one, after + all; as thou wilt find to thy cost when we betake ourselves to the + streets. I look to thee, my Damasippus,”</span> he added + maliciously, <span class="tei tei-q">“to protect thy fair companion + from annoyance and insult.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Damasippus was a + coward, and he knew it, so he answered stoutly—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let them come, let them come! a dozen at a time if + they will. What! a good blade and a light helmet is enough for me, + though you put me at half-sword with a whole maniple of gladiators! + The patron knows what manhood is, none better. Why should he have + selected Damasippus for this enterprise, but that he judges my arm + is iron, and my heart is oak?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And thy forehead brass,”</span> added the Egyptian, + scarcely concealing a contemptuous smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And my forehead brass,”</span> repeated the other, + obviously gratified by the compliment. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, friend, the shrinking heart, and the failing arm, + and the womanly bearing, are no disgrace, perhaps, to a man born by + the tepid Nile; but we who drink from the Tiber here (and very foul + it is)—we of the blood of Romulus, the she-wolf’s litter, and the + war-god’s line—are never so happy as when our feet are reeling in + the press of battle, our hearts leaping to the clash of shields, + and our ears deafened by the shout of victory. Hark! what is + that?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The boaster’s + face turned very pale, and he hastily unbuckled the sword he had + been girding on while he spoke; for a wild, ominous cry came + sweeping over the roofs of the adjoining houses, rising and + falling, as it seemed, with the sway of deadly strife, and boding, + in its fierce fluctuations, to some a cruel triumph, to others a + merciless defeat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Oarses heard it + too. His dark face scarce looked like a woman’s now, with its gleam + of malicious glee and exulting cunning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The old Prætorians are up,”</span> said he quietly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have been expecting this for a week. + Brave soldier, there will be a fill of fighting for thee this night + in the streets; and goodly spoils, too, for the ready hand, and + love and wine, and all the rest of it, without the outlay of a + farthing.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But it will not be safe to be seen in arms + now,”</span> gasped Damasippus, sitting down on the tester-bed, + with a white <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page204">[pg + 204]</span><a name="Pg204" id="Pg204" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>flabby face, and a general appearance of being + totally unstrung. <span class="tei tei-q">“Besides,”</span> he + added, with a ludicrous attempt at reasserting his dignity, + <span class="tei tei-q">“a brave Roman should not engage in civil + war.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Oarses reflected + for a moment, undisturbed by a second shout, that made his + frightened companion tremble in every limb; then he smoothed his + brows, and spoke in soothing and persuasive tones.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dost thou not see, my friend, how all is in favour of + our undertaking? Had the city been quiet, we might have aroused + attention, and a dozen chance passengers half as brave as thyself + might have foiled us at the very moment of success. Now, the + streets will be clear of small parties, and it is easy for us to + avoid a large body before it approaches. One act of violence + amongst the hundreds sure to be committed to-night, will never + again be heard of. The three or four resolute slaves under thine + orders, will be taken to belong to one or other of the fighting + factions, and thus even the patron’s spotless character will escape + without a blemish. Besides, in such a turmoil as we are like to + have by sundown, a woman might scream her heart out, and nobody + would think of noticing her. On with that sword again, my hero, and + let us go softly down into the street.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But if the old Prætorians succeed,”</span> urged the + other, evincing a great disinclination for the adventure, + <span class="tei tei-q">“what will become of Cæsar? and with + Cæsar’s fall down goes the patron too, and then who is to bear us + harmless from the effects of our expedition to-night?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! thick-witted Ajax!”</span> answered the Egyptian, + laughing; <span class="tei tei-q">“bold and strong in action as the + lion; but in council innocent as the lamb. Knowest thou the tribune + so little as to think he will be on the losing side? If there is + tumult in Rome, and revolt, and the city boils and seethes like a + huge flesh-pot casting up its choicest morsels to the surface, dost + thou suppose that Placidus is not stirring the fire underneath? I + tell thee that, come what may of Cæsar to-night, to-morrow will + behold the tribune more popular and more powerful than ever; and I + for one will beware of disobeying his behests.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The last + argument was not without its effect. Damasippus, though much + against the grain, was persuaded that of two perils he had better + choose the lesser; and it speaks well for the ascendency gained by + Placidus over his followers, that the cleverer and more daring + knave should have obeyed him unhesitatingly from self-interest, the + ruffian and the coward <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page205">[pg + 205]</span><a name="Pg205" id="Pg205" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>from fear. Damasippus, then, girding on his + sword once more, and assuming as warlike a port as was compatible + with his sinking heart, marched down into the street to accompany + his disguised companion on their nefarious undertaking, with many + personal fears and misgivings for the result.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">How different, + save in its disquietude, was the noble nature at the same moment + seeking repose and finding none, within half a bow-shot of the + garret in which these two knaves were plotting. Despite his + blameless life, despite his distinguished career, Caius L. Licinius + sat and brooded, lonely and sorrowful, in his stately home. In that + noble palace, long ranges of galleries and chambers were filled + with objects of art and taste, beautiful, and costly, and refined. + If a yard of the wall had looked bare, it would have been adorned + forthwith by some trophy of barbaric arms taken in warfare. If a + corner had seemed empty, it would have been at once filled with an + exquisite group of marble, wrought into still life by some Greek + artist’s chisel. Not a recess in that pile of building, but spoke + of comfort, complete in every respect, and the only empty chamber + in the whole was its owner’s heart. Nay, more than empty, for it + was haunted by the ghost of a beloved memory, and the happiness + that was never to come again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Cold and dreary + is the air of that mysterious tenement where we buried our + treasures long ago. Cold and dreary, like the atmosphere of the + tomb, but a perfume hangs about it still, because love, being + divine, is therefore eternal; and though the turf be laid damp and + heavy over the beloved head, our tears fall like the blessed rain + from heaven, and water the very barrenness of the grave, till at + length, through weary patience and humble resignation, the flowers + of hope begin to spring, and faith tells us they shall bloom + hereafter, in another and a better world.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius was + very lonely, and at a time of life when, perhaps, loneliness is + most oppressive to the mind. Youth has so much to anticipate, is so + full of hope, is so sanguine, so daring, that its own dreams are + sufficient for its sustenance; but in middle age, men have already + found out that the mirage is but sand and sunshine after all; they + look forward, indeed, still, yet only from habit, and because the + excitement that was once such intoxicating rapture, is now but a + necessary stimulant. If they have no ties of family, no affections + to take them out of themselves, they become pompous triflers, or + despondent recluses, according as their temperaments lead them to + inordinate self-importance or excessive humility. <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page206">[pg 206]</span><a name="Pg206" id="Pg206" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Not so when the quiver is full, and the + hearth is merry with the patter of little feet, and the ring of + childish laughter. There is a charm to dispel all the evil, and + call up all the good, even of the worst man’s nature, in the soft + white brow, pure from the stamp of sin and care, in the bold bright + eyes that look up so trustingly to his own. There is a sense of + protection and responsibility, that few natures are so depraved as + to repudiate, in the household relationship which acknowledges and + obeys the father as its head; and there is no man so callous or so + reckless, but he would wish to appear nobler and better than he is + in the eyes of his child. Licinius had none of these incentives to + virtue; but the lofty nature and the loving heart that could + worship a memory, and feel that it was a reality still, had kept + him pure from vice. He had never of late attached himself much to + anything, till Esca became an inmate of his household; but since he + had been in habits of daily intercourse with the Briton, a feeling + of content and well-being, he would have found it difficult to + analyse, had gradually crept over him. Perhaps he would have + remained unconscious of his slave’s influence, had it not been for + the blank occasioned by his departure. He missed him sadly now, and + wondered why, at every moment of the day, he found himself thinking + of the pleasant familiar face and frank cordial smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So much alone, + he had acquired grave habits of reflection, even of that + self-examination which is so beneficial an exercise when + impartially performed, but which men so rarely practise without a + self-deception that obviates all its good effects. This evening he + was in a more thoughtful mood than common; this evening, more than + ever, it seemed to him that his was an aimless, fruitless life; + that he had let the material pleasures of existence slip through + his fingers, and taken nothing in exchange. Of what availed his + toils, his enterprise, his love of country, his self-denial, his + endurance of hardship and privation? What was he the better now, + that he had marched, and watched, and bled, and preserved whole + colonies for the empire; and sat glorious, crowned with laurels in + the triumphal car? He looked round on his stately walls, and the + trophies that adorned them, thinking the while that even such a + home as this might be purchased too dear at the expense of a + lifetime. Gold and marble, corridors and columns, ivory couches and + Tyrian carpets, were these equivalents for youth’s toil and + manhood’s care, and at last a desolate old age? What was this + ambition that led men so irresistibly up the steepest paths, by the + brink of such fatal precipices? <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page207">[pg 207]</span><a name="Pg207" id="Pg207" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Had he ever experienced its temptations? He + scarcely knew; he could not realise them now. Had Guenebra lived, + indeed, and had she been his own, he might have prized honour and + renown, and a name that was on all men’s lips, for her dear sake. + To see the kind eyes brighten; to call up a smile into the beloved + face, that would surely have been reward enough, and that would + never be. Then he fell to thinking of the bright days when they + were all in all to each other, when the very sky seemed fairer, + while he watched for her white dress under the oak-tree. Was he not + perfectly happy then? Would he not at least have been perfectly + happy could he have called her, as he hoped to do, his own? Honesty + answered, No. At the very best there was a vague longing, a + something wanting, a sense of insufficiency, of insecurity, and + even discontent. If it was so then, how had it been since? Passing + over the sharp sudden stroke, so numbing his senses at the time + that a long interval had to elapse ere he awoke to its full + agony—passing over the subsequent days of yearning, and nights of + vain regret, the desolation that laid waste a heart which would + bear fruit no more, he reviewed the long years in which he had + striven to make duty and the love of country fill the void, and was + forced to confess that here, too, all was barren. There was a + something ever wanting, even to complete the dull torpor of that + resignation which philosophy inculcated, and common sense enjoined. + What was it? Licinius could not answer his own question, though he + felt that it must have some solution, at which man’s destiny + intended him to arrive.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All the Roman + knew, all he could realise, was that the spring was gone long ago, + with her buds of promise, and her laughing morning skies; that the + glory of summer had passed away, with its lustrous beauty and its + burnished plains, and its deep dark foliage quivering in the heat; + that the blast of autumn had strewn the cold earth now with faded + flowers and withered leaves, and all the wreck of all the hopes + that blossomed so tenderly, and bloomed so bright and fair. The + heaven was cold and grey, and between him and heaven the bare + branches waved and nodded, mocking, pointing with spectral fingers + to the dull cheerless sky. Could he but have believed, could he but + have vaguely imaged to himself that there would come another + spring; that belief, that vague imagining, had been to Licinius the + one inestimable treasure for which he would have bartered all else + in the world.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In vain he + sought, and looked about him for something <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page208">[pg 208]</span><a name="Pg208" id="Pg208" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>on which to lean; for something out of, and + superior to himself, inspiring him with that sense of being + protected, for which humanity feels so keen, yet so indefinite, a + desire. What is the bravest and wisest of mankind, but a child in + the dark, groping for the parental hand that shall guide its + uncertain steps? Where was he to find the ideal that he could + honestly worship, on the superiority of which he could heartily + depend? The mythology of Rome, degraded as it had become, was not + yet stripped of all the graceful attributes it owed to its Hellenic + origin. That which was Greek, might indeed be evil, yet it could + scarce fail to be fair; but what rational man could ground his + faith on the theocracy of Olympus, or contemplate with any feeling + save disgust that material Pantheism, in which the lowest even of + human vices was exalted into a divinity? As well become a + worshipper of Isis at once, and prostitute, to the utter + degradation of the body, all the noblest and fairest imagery of the + mind. No, the deities that Homer sang were fit subjects for the + march of those Greek hexameters, sonorous and majestic as the roll + of the Ægean sea; fit types of sensuous perfection, to be wrought + by the Greek chisel, from out the veined blocks of smooth, white + Parian stone; but for man, intellectual man, to bow down before the + crafty Hermes, or the thick-witted god of forges, or the ambrosial + front of father Jove himself, the least ideal of all, was a simple + absurdity, that could scarce impose upon a woman or a child.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius had + served in the East, and he bethought him now of a nation against + whom he had stood in arms, brave fierce soldiers, men instinct with + public virtue and patriotism; whose rites, different from those of + all other races, were observed with scrupulous fidelity and + self-denial. This people, he had heard, worshipped a God of whom + there was no material type, whose being was omnipresent and + spiritual, on whom they implicitly depended when all else failed, + and trusting in whom they never feared to die. But they admitted + none to partake with them in their advantages, and their faith + seemed to inculcate hatred of the stranger no less than dissensions + and strife amongst themselves.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is there nothing, alas! but duty, stern cold duty, to + fill this void?”</span> thought Licinius. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be it so, then; my sword shall be once more at the + service of my country, and I will die in my harness like a Roman + and a soldier at the last!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page209">[pg 209]</span><a name= + "Pg209" id="Pg209" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc61" id= + "toc61"></a> <a name="pdf62" id="pdf62"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">“</span><span style= + "font-size: 100%">HABET!</span><span style= + "font-size: 100%">”</span></span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias, the + fencing-master, had completed his preparations for the night. With + a certain military instinct, as necessary to his profession as to + that of the legitimate soldier, he could rely upon his own + dispositions, when they were once made, with perfect confidence, + and a total absence of anxiety for the result. Like all men + habituated to constant strife, he was never so completely in his + element as when surrounded by perils, only to be warded off by + cool, vigilant courage; and though he may have had moments in which + he longed for the softer joys of affection and repose, it needed + but the clang of a buckler, or the gleam of a sword, to rouse him + into his fiercer self once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It had been his + habit to attend Valeria, for the purpose of instructing her in + swordsmanship, by an hour’s practice on certain appointed days. + Everything connected with the amphitheatre possessed at this period + such a morbid fascination for all classes of the Roman people, that + even ladies of rank esteemed it a desirable accomplishment to + understand the use of the sword; and it is said that on more than + one occasion women of noble birth had been known to take part in + the deadly games themselves. These, however, were rare instances of + such complete defiance of all modesty and even natural feeling; but + to thrust, and shout, and stamp, in the conflict of mimic warfare, + was simply esteemed the regular exercise and the healthy excitement + of every patrician dame who aspired to a fashionable reputation. + Such sudorifics, accompanied by excessive use of the bath and a + free indulgence in slaking the thirst, arising from so severe a + course of treatment, must have been highly detrimental to female + beauty; but even this consideration was postponed to the absorbing + claims of fashion, and then, as now, a woman was content and + pleased to disfigure herself by any process, however painful and + inconvenient, providing other women did the same.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page210">[pg 210]</span><a name="Pg210" id="Pg210" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is possible, + too, that the manly symmetry of form, the tough thews and sinews of + their instructors, were not without effect on pupils, whose hearts + softened in proportion as their muscles became hard, and whose + whole habits and education tended to interest them in the person + and profession of the gladiator. Be this as it may, the + fencing-masters of Rome had but little time left on their hands, + and, of these, Hippias was doubtless the most sought after by the + fair. It was his custom to neglect nothing, however trifling, + connected with his calling. No details were too small to be + attended to by one whose daily profession taught him that life and + victory might depend on the mere quiver of an eyelid, the + accidental slip of a buckle; and, besides, he took a strange pride + in his deadly trade, and especially in the methodical regularity + with which he carried it out. Though bound to-night for the + desperate enterprise which should make or mar him; though confident + that, in either event, he would to-morrow be far beyond the + necessities of a gladiator, it was part of his character to play + out his part thoroughly to-day. Valeria would expect him, as usual, + before the bathing-hour on the following morning. It was but decent + he should leave a message at her house that he might be detained. + The very wording of his excuse brought to his mind the + possibilities of the next few hours—the many chances of failure in + the enterprise, failure which, to him at least, the leader of + desperate men, was synonymous with certain death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To-day, for the + first time, as he turned his steps towards her mansion, a soft, + half-sorrowful, yet not unpleasing sensation stole into his heart + as the image of its mistress rose before him in all the pride of + her stately beauty. He had often admired the regularity of her + haughty features—had scanned, in his own critical way, with + unqualified approval the lines of her noble figure, and the + symmetry of her firm, well-turned limbs; had even longed to touch + that wealth of silken hair when it shook loose in her exertions, + and yet—a strange sensation for such a man—had flinched and felt + oppressed when, placing her once in a position of defence, a tress + of it had fallen across his hand. Now, it seemed to him that he + would give much to live those few moments over again; that he would + like to see her once more, if, indeed, as was probable, it would be + for the last time; that there was no other woman to be compared + with her in Rome; and that, with all her glowing beauty and all her + physical attractions, her pride was her greatest charm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was a + desperate man, about to play a desperate <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page211">[pg 211]</span><a name="Pg211" id="Pg211" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>game for life. Such thoughts in such a heart + and at such a time quicken with fearful rapidity into evil. + Admiration, untempered by the holier leavening of that affection + which can only exist in the breast that has kept itself pure, soon + grows to cruelty and selfishness. The love of beauty, poisoned by + the love of strife, seethes into a fierce passionate longing, less + that of the lover for his mistress than of the tiger for its prey. + Valeria was a proud woman, the proudest and the fairest in Rome. He + drew his breath hard as he thought what a wild triumph it would be + to bend that stately neck, and humble that pride to his very feet. + Methodical and soldierlike, he had seen to everything with his own + eyes. The plot was laid, the conspirators were armed and + instructed, there was yet an hour or two to spare before the + appointed gathering at the tribune’s house, and that time he + resolved should be devoted to Valeria; at least, he would feast his + eyes once more on that glorious beauty, of which he now seemed to + acknowledge the full power. He would see her, would bid her + farewell. She had always welcomed him cordially and kindly; perhaps + she would be sorry to lose him altogether. He smiled a very evil + smile, though his heart beat faster than it had done since he was a + boy, as he halted under the statue of Hermes in her porch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And Valeria was + sitting in her chamber, with her head buried in her hands, and her + long brown hair sweeping like a mantle to her feet. All the + feelings that could most goad and madden a woman were tearing at + her heart. She dared not—for the sake of tottering reason she dared + not—think of the tribune’s white face and dropping jaw, and limbs + strewed helpless on the couch. She suffered the vision, indeed, to + weigh upon her like some oppressive nightmare; but she abstained, + with an effort of which she was yet fully conscious, from analysing + its meaning or recalling its details, above all, from considering + its origin and its effect. No! the image of Esca still filled her + brain and her heart. Esca in the amphitheatre; Esca chained and + sleeping on the hard hot pavement; Esca walking by her side through + the shady streets; and Esca turning away with his noble figure and + his manly step, exulting in the liberty that set him free from + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">her</span></span>!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then came a rush + of those softer feelings, that were required to render her torture + unbearable: the sting of what might have been; the picture of + herself (she could see herself in her mind’s eye—beautiful and + fascinating, in all the advantages of dress and jewels) leaning on + that strong <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page212">[pg + 212]</span><a name="Pg212" id="Pg212" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>arm, and the kind brave face looking down into + hers with the protective air that became it so well. To give him + all; to tell him all she had risked, all she had done for his sake, + and to hear his loving accents in reply! She almost fancied in her + dream that this had actually come to pass, so vividly did her heart + imagine to itself its dearest longings. Then she saw another figure + in the place that ought to be her own—another face into which he + was looking as he had never looked in hers. It was the dark-eyed + girl’s! The dark-eyed girl, who had been her rival throughout! + Would she have done as much for him with her pale face and her + frightened, shrinking ways? And now, ere this, he had reached her + home, was whispering in her ear, with his arm round her waist. + Perhaps he was boasting of the conquest he had made over the + haughty Roman lady, and telling her that he had scorned Valeria for + her dear sake. Then all that was evil in her nature gained the + ascendant, and with the bitter recklessness that has ruined so many + an undisciplined heart, she said to herself—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is no reality but evil. Life is an illusion, and + hope a lie. It matters little what becomes of me now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Myrrhina + entered she found her lady busied in rearranging the folds of her + robe and her disordered tresses. It was no part of Valeria’s + character to show by her outward bearing what was passing in her + mind, and least of all would she have permitted her attendant to + guess at the humiliation she had undergone. The waiting-maid, + indeed, was a little puzzled; but she had gained so much knowledge, + both by observation and experience, of the strange effects produced + by over-excitement on her sex, that she never suffered herself to + be surprised at a feminine vagary of any description. Now, though + she wondered why Esca was gone, and why her mistress was so + reserved and haughty, she refrained discreetly from question or + remark, contenting herself with a silent offer of her services, and + arranging the brown hair into a plaited coronet on Valeria’s brows, + without betraying by her manner that she was conscious anything + unusual had taken place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a few + moments’ silence, her mistress’s voice was sufficiently steadied + for her to speak.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I did not send for you,”</span> said she. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you want here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Myrrhina’s hands + were busied with the long silken tresses, and she held a comb + between her teeth. Nevertheless, she answered + volubly.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page213">[pg + 213]</span><a name="Pg213" id="Pg213" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would not have disturbed you, madam, this warm, + sultry evening—and I rebuked the porter soundly for letting him in; + only as he said, to be sure, he never was denied before, and I + thought, perhaps, you would not be displeased to see him, if it was + only for a few minutes, and he seemed so anxious and hurried—and, + indeed, he never has much time to spare, so I bade him wait in the + inner hall while I came to let you know.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hoping even + against hope! She knew it was impossible, yet her heart leapt as + she thought—<span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! if it were only Esca who + had turned back!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will see him,”</span> said she quietly, prolonging + the illusion by purposely avoiding to ask who this untimely visitor + might be.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In another + minute Hippias stood before her—Hippias, the fencing-master, a man + in whose dangerous career she had always taken a vague interest; + whose personal prowess she admired, and whose reputation, such as + it was, possessed for her a wild fascination of its own. He was + reckless, too, from the very nature of his profession; and she, in + her present mood, more reckless, more desperate than any gladiator + of them all. It would have done her good to stand, with naked + steel, against some fierce wild beast or deadly foe. There was + nothing, she felt, that she could not dare to-day. Nerve and brain + wound up to the highest pitch of excitement—heart and feelings + crushed, and wounded, and sore. When the reaction came, it would + necessarily be fatal; when the tide ebbed, it would leave a + wearied, helpless sufferer on the shore.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such was the + frame of mind in which Valeria received the gladiator; outwardly + impassive—for her colour did not even deepen, nor her breath come + quicker at his unexpected appearance—inwardly vexed by a conflict + of tumultuous feelings, and longing for any change—any anodyne that + could deaden or alleviate her pain. How could she but respond to + his manly, respectful farewell? How could she but listen to the few + burning words in which he spoke of long-suppressed and hopeless + adoration, or pretend not to be interested in the desperate + enterprise which he hinted might prevent his ever looking on her + fair face again. He soothed her self-love; he roused her curiosity; + he set her pride on its broken pedestal again, and propped it with + a strong, yet gentle hand; and so the two thunder-clouds drew + nearer still and nearer, ere they met, to be destroyed and riven by + the lightning their own contact had engendered.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page214">[pg 214]</span><a name= + "Pg214" id="Pg214" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc63" id= + "toc63"></a> <a name="pdf64" id="pdf64"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">TOO LATE!</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca, treading + on air, hastened from Valeria’s house with the common selfishness + of love, ignoring all the pain and disappointment he had left + behind him. The young blood coursed merrily through his veins, and, + in spite of his anxiety, he exulted in the sense of being at + liberty once more. He was alive, doubtless, to the generosity and + devotion of the woman who had set him free, nor was he so blind as + to be unaware of the affection that had driven her to such + desperate measures for his sake; and in the first glow of a + gratitude, that had in it no vestige of tenderer feelings, he had + resolved, when his mission was accomplished and Mariamne placed in + safety, he would return and throw himself at the Roman lady’s feet + once more. But the farther he left her stately porch behind, the + weaker became this generous resolution, and ere long he had little + difficulty in persuading himself that his first duty was to the + Jewess, and that in his future actions he must be guided by + circumstances, or, in other words, follow the bent of his own + inclinations. Meanwhile, in spite of his wounded foot, he sped on + towards the Tiber as fast as, in years gone by, he had followed the + lean wolf, or the foam-flecked boar, over the green hills of + Britain. The sun had not been down an hour when he entered the + well-known street that was now enchanted ground; yet, while he + looked up into the darkening sky, his heart turned sick within him + at the thought that he might be too late, after all.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The garden-door + was open, as she must have left it. She was not, therefore, in the + house. He might find her at the riverside, and have the happiness + of a few minutes alone with her, ere he brought her back and placed + her, for the second time, in safety within her father’s walls. The + more prudent course, he confessed to himself at the time, would + have been to alarm Eleazar, and put him on the defensive at once; + but he had been so long without seeing Mariamne, the peril in which + she was placed had so endeared her to him, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page215">[pg 215]</span><a name="Pg215" id="Pg215" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and his own near approach to death had stamped + her image so vividly on his heart, that he could not resist the + temptation of seeking her at the water-side, and telling her, + unwatched by other ears or eyes, all he had felt and endured since + they last parted, and how, for both their sakes, they must never + part again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Full of such + thoughts, he ran down to the water’s edge, and sought the broken + column where she was accustomed to descend and fill her pitcher + from the stream. In vain his eager eye watched for the dark-clad + figure and the dear pale face. Once in the deepening twilight his + heart leapt as he thought he saw her crouching low beneath the + bank, and sank again to find he had been deceived by a fallen slab + of stone. Then he turned for one more searching look ere he + departed, and his glance rested on a pitcher, broken into a dozen + fragments, at his feet. He did not know that it was Mariamne’s. How + should he, when a thousand pitchers carried by a thousand women to + the Tiber every evening were precisely alike? Yet his blood ran + cold through his veins and his fears hurried him back, almost + insensibly, to Eleazar’s door, which he burst open without going + through the ceremony of knocking.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her father and + his brother were in the house. The former leapt to his feet and + snatched a javelin from the wall ere he recognised his visitor. The + latter, less prone to do battle at a moment’s notice, laid his hand + on Eleazar’s arm, and calmly said—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is the friend who is always welcome, and whom we + have expected day by day in vain.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Everything + looked so much as usual that for a moment Esca felt almost + reassured. It was possible Mariamne might be even now busied with + household affairs, safe in the inner chamber. A lover’s bashfulness + brought the blood to his cheeks, as he reflected if it were so it + would be difficult to account for his unceremonious entrance; but + the recollection of her danger soon stifled all such trivial + considerations, and he confronted her father impetuously, and asked + him, almost in a threatening tone—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where is Mariamne?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar looked + first simply astonished, then somewhat offended. He answered, + however, with more command of temper than was his wont.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My daughter has but now left the house with her + pitcher. She will be home again almost immediately; but what is + this to thee?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page216">[pg + 216]</span><a name="Pg216" id="Pg216" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it to me?”</span> repeated Esca in a voice of + thunder, catching hold of his questioner’s arm at the same time + with an iron grasp for which the fierce old Jew liked him none the + worse—<span class="tei tei-q">“What is it to thee, to him, to all + of us? I tell thee, old man, whilst we are drivelling here, they + are bearing her off into captivity ten thousand times worse than + death! I heard the plot—I heard it with my own ears, lying chained + like a dog on the hard stones. The wicked tribune was to make her + his own this very night, and though he has met his reward, the + villains that do his bidding have got her in their power ere this. + The pure—the loved—the beautiful—Mariamne—Mariamne!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He hid his face + in his hands, and his strong frame shook with agony from head to + heel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the turn + of Calchas now to start to his feet, and look about him as if in + search of a weapon. His first impulse was resistance to oppression, + even by the strong hand. With Eleazar, on the contrary, the + instincts of the soldier predominated, and the very magnitude of + the emergency seemed to endow him with preternatural coolness and + composure. He knit his thick brows indeed, and there was a + smothered glare in his eye that boded no good to an enemy when the + time for an outbreak should arrive, but his voice was low and + distinct, as in a few sharp eager questions he gathered the outline + of the plot that was to rob him of his daughter. Then he thought + for a few seconds ere he spoke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The men that were to take her? What were they like? I + would fain know them if I came across them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His white teeth + gleamed like a wild beast’s with a smile ominous of his intentions + on their behalf.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Damasippus and Oarses,”</span> replied the Briton. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The former stout, sleek, heavy, and + beetle-browed. The latter pale, dark, and thin. An Egyptian with an + Egyptian’s false face, and more than an Egyptian’s cruelty and + cunning.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where live they?”</span> asked the Jew, buckling at + the same time a formidable two-edged sword to his side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the Flaminian Way,”</span> replied the other. + <span class="tei tei-q">“High up in some garret where we should + never find them. But they will not take her there. She is by this + time at the other end of the city in the tribune’s house.”</span> + And again he groaned in anguish of spirit at the thought.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And that house?”</span> asked Eleazar, still busied + with his warlike preparations. <span class="tei tei-q">“How is it + defended? I know its outside well, and an easy entrance from the + wall to the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page217">[pg + 217]</span><a name="Pg217" id="Pg217" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>inner court; but what resistance shall we + encounter within? what force can the tribune’s people raise at a + moment’s outcry?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Alas!”</span> answered Esca. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“To-night of all nights, the house of Placidus is + garrisoned like a fortress. A chosen band of gladiators are to sup + with the tribune, and afterwards to take possession of the palace + and drag Cæsar from the throne. When they find the banquet prepared + for them, I know them too well to think they will separate without + partaking of it, even though their host be lying dead on the festal + couch. She will become the prey of men like Hippias, Lutorius, and + Euchenor. But if we cannot rescue her, at least we may die in the + attempt.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even in his + anxiety for his daughter, such news as this could not but startle + the emissary of the Jewish nation. In an instant’s time he had run + over its importance, as it regarded his own mission and the + probable influence on the destinies of his country. Should the + conspiracy succeed, Vitellius might already be numbered with the + dead, and instead of that easy self-indulgent glutton, over whom he + had already obtained considerable influence, he would have to do + with the bold, sagacious, far-seeing general, the remorseless enemy + of his nation, whom neither he nor any of his countrymen had ever + succeeded in deceiving by stratagem or worsting by force of arms. + When the purple descended on Vespasian the doom of Jerusalem was + sealed. Nevertheless, Eleazar concentrated his mind on the present + emergency. In a few words he laid out his plan for the rescue of + his daughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The freedmen’s garret must be our first point of + attack,”</span> said he. <span class="tei tei-q">“The tribune would + scarce have ordered them to bring their prize to his house + to-night, where there would be so many to dispute it with him, and + where dissension would be fatal to his great enterprise. Calchas + and I will proceed immediately to the dwelling of this Damasippus + and his fellow-villain. Your directions will enable us to find it. + You, Esca, speed off at once to the tribune’s house. You will soon + learn whether she has been brought there. If so, come to us without + delay in the Flaminian Way. I am not entirely without friends even + here, and I will call on two or three of my people to help as I go + along. Young man, you are bold and true. We will have her out of + the tribune’s house if we pull the walls down with our naked hands; + and let me but come within reach of the villains who take shelter + there”</span>—here his face darkened and his frame quivered in a + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page218">[pg 218]</span><a name= + "Pg218" id="Pg218" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>paroxysm of + suppressed fury—<span class="tei tei-q">“may my father’s tomb be + dishonoured, and the name of my mother defiled, if I dip not my + hands to the very elbows in their hearts’ blood!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To be told he + was brave and true by her father added fuel to Esca’s enthusiasm. + It was indeed much for Eleazar to confess on behalf of a stranger + and a heathen, but the fierce old warrior’s heart warmed to a + kindred nature that seemed incapable of selfish fear, and he + approved hugely, moreover, of the implicit attention with which the + Briton listened to his directions, and his readiness for + instantaneous action, however desperate. Calchas, too, clasped the + young man warmly by the hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We are but three,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“three against a host. Yet I have no fear. I trust in + One who never failed His servants yet. One to whom emperors and + legions are as a handful of dust before the wind, or a few dried + thorns on the beacon-fire. And so do you, my son, so do you, though + you know it not. But the time shall come when His very benefits + shall compel you to confess your Master, and when in sheer + gratitude you shall enrol yourself amongst those who serve Him + faithfully even unto death.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many a time + during that eventful and anxious night had Esca occasion to + remember the old man’s solemn words. Its horrors, its catastrophes, + its alternations of hope and fear, might have driven one mad, who + had nothing to depend upon but his own unaided strength and + resolution. Few great actions have been performed, few tasks + exacting the noble heroism of endurance fulfilled successfully, + without extraneous aid, without the help of some leading principle + out of, and superior to, the man. Honour, patriotism, love, + loyalty, all have supported their votaries through superhuman + exertions and difficulties that seemed insurmountable, teaching + them to despise dangers and hardships with a courage sterner than + mortals are expected to possess; but none of these can impart that + confidence which is born of faith in the believer’s breast;—that + confidence which enables him to take good and evil with an equal + mind, to look back on the past without a sigh, forward on the + future without a fear; and though the present may be all a turmoil + of peril, uncertainty, and confusion, to stand calmly in the midst, + doing the best he can with a stout heart and an unruffled brow, + while he leaves the result fearlessly and trustfully in the hand of + God.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar and + Calchas were already equipped for the pursuit. The one armed to the + teeth, and looking indeed a formidable enemy; the other mild and + hopeful as usual, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page219">[pg + 219]</span><a name="Pg219" id="Pg219" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>venerable with his white hair and beard, and + carrying but a simple staff for his weapon. In grave silence, but + with a grasp of the hand more emphatic than any spoken words, the + three parted on their search; Esca threading his way at once + through the narrow and devious streets that led towards the + tribune’s house—that house which he had left so gladly but a few + short hours ago when, rescued by Valeria, he bade her farewell, + exulting in the liberty that enabled him to seek Mariamne’s side + once more. He soon reached the hated dwelling. All there seemed + quiet as the grave. From other quarters of the city indeed there + came, now and again, the roar of distant voices which rose and fell + at intervals as the tide of tumult ebbed and flowed, but, + preoccupied as he was, Esca took little heed of these ominous + sounds, for they bore him no intelligence of Mariamne. All was + silent in the porch, all was silent in the vestibule and outer + hall, but as he ventured across its marble pavement, he heard the + bustle of preparation, and the din of flagons within.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was at the + risk of liberty and life, that he crept noiselessly forward, and + peeped into the banqueting-hall, which was already partially + lighted up for the feast. Shrinking behind a column, he observed + the slaves, many of whom he knew well by sight, laying covers, + burnishing vases, and otherwise making ready for a sumptuous + entertainment. He listened for a few moments, hoping to gather from + their conversation some news of the Jewess and her captors. All at + once he started and trembled violently. Bold as he was, in common + with his northern countrymen a vein of superstition ran through his + nature, and though he feared nothing tangible or corporeal, he held + in considerable dread all that touched upon the confines of the + spiritual and the unknown. There within ten paces of him, ghastly + pale, with dark circles round his eyes, and clad in white, stood + the figure of the tribune, pointing, as it seemed to him, with + shadowy hand at the different couches, and giving directions in a + low sepulchral voice for the order of the banquet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not yet!”</span> he heard the apparition exclaim in + tones of languid, fretful impatience. <span class="tei tei-q">“Not + come yet! the idle loiterers! Well, she must preside there at the + supper-table and take her place at once as mistress here. Ho! + slaves! bring more flowers! Fill the tall golden cup with Falernian + and set it next to mine!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Well did Esca + know to whom these directions must refer. Though his blood had been + chilled for an instant by this reappearance, as he believed it, of + his enemy from the grave, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page220">[pg + 220]</span><a name="Pg220" id="Pg220" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>he + soon collected his scattered energies and summoned his courage + back, with the hateful conviction that, alive or dead, the tribune + was resolved to possess himself of Mariamne. And this he vowed to + prevent, ay, though he should slay his dark-eyed love with his own + hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was obvious + now that Damasippus and Oarses would bring the captive straight to + their patron’s house, that Eleazar and Calchas had gone upon a + fool’s errand to the freedmen’s garret in the Flaminian Way. What + would he have given to be cheered by the wise counsels of the one, + and backed by the strong arm of the other! Would there be time for + him to slip from here unobserved, and to summon them to his aid? + Three desperate men might cut their way through all the slaves that + Placidus could muster, and if they had any chance of success at all + it must be before the arrival of the gladiators. But then she was + obviously expected every minute. She might arrive—horrible + thought!—while he was gone for help, and once in the tribune’s + power it would be too late. In his despair the words of Calchas + recurred forcibly to his mind. <span class="tei tei-q">“We are but + three,”</span> said the old man, <span class="tei tei-q">“three + against a host, yet I have no fear.”</span> And Esca resolved that + though he was but one, he too would have no fear, but would trust + implicitly in the award of eternal justice, which would surely + interfere to prevent this unholy sacrifice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Feeling that his + sword was loose in its sheath and ready to his hand, holding his + breath, and nerving himself for the desperate effort he might be + called upon at any moment to make, the Briton stole softly back + through the vestibule, and concealed himself behind a marble group + in the darkest corner of the porch. Here, with the dogged courage + of his race, he made up his mind that he would await the arrival of + Mariamne, and rescue her at all hazards, against any odds, or die + with her in the attempt.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page221">[pg 221]</span><a name= + "Pg221" id="Pg221" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc65" id= + "toc65"></a> <a name="pdf66" id="pdf66"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE LURE</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_248.png"><img src="images/i_248.png" alt= + "Initial L" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Like other great + cities, the poorer quarters of Rome were densely crowded. The + patricians, and indeed all the wealthier class, affected rural + tastes even in the midst of the capital, and much space was devoted + to the gardens and pleasure-grounds which surrounded their + dwellings. The humbler inhabitants were consequently driven to herd + together in great numbers, with little regard to health or + convenience, and the streets leading to and adjoining the Tiber + were perhaps the most thickly populated of all. That in which + Eleazar’s house stood, was seldom empty of passengers at any hour + of the twenty-four, and least of all about sunset when the women + thronged out of their dwellings to draw water for the household + consumption of the following day. Oarses was well aware of this, + and therefore it was that the cunning Egyptian had protested + against an abduction of the Jewish maiden by open force from her + father’s door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Leave it to me,”</span> said this finished villain, in + discussing their infamous project with his patron. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know a lure to wile such birds as these off the + bough into my open hand. Stratagem first, force afterwards. There + is no need to waken the tongues of all the women in the quarter. It + was the cackling of a goose, my patron, that foiled the attack on + the Capitol.”</span></p><a name="i_246" id="i_246" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_246.png"><img src="images/i_246.png" alt= + "Illustration: ‘she was accosted by a dark sallow old woman’" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + ‘she was accosted by a dark sallow old woman’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne, + anxious and sad, was carrying her pitcher listlessly down to the + Tiber and letting her thoughts wander far from her occupation, into + a few sweet memories, and a thousand dreary apprehensions, when she + was accosted by a dark sallow old woman, whose speech and manners, + as well as her dress, betrayed an Eastern origin. The stranger + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page222">[pg 222]</span><a name= + "Pg222" id="Pg222" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>asked some trifling + questions about her way, and prayed for a draught of cold water + when the pitcher should be filled. Mariamne, whose heart + unconsciously warmed to the homely Syriac, entered freely into + conversation with one of her own sex, and whose language denoted, + moreover, that she was familiar with her nation. Willingly she drew + her a measure from the stream, which the other quaffed with the + moderation of one whose thirst is habitually quenched with wine + rather than water.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is somewhat muddy, I fear,”</span> said the girl + kindly, reverting in her own mind to the sparkling fountains of her + native land, and yet acknowledging how she loved this turbid stream + better than them all. <span class="tei tei-q">“If you will come + back with me to my father’s house I can offer you a draught of wine + and a morsel of bread to cheer you on your way.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other, + though with no great avidity, took a second pull at the + pitcher.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> said she, <span class="tei tei-q">“my + daughter, I will not tax your hospitality so far. Nor have I need. + There is lore enough left under these faded locks of mine, to turn + the foulest cesspool in Rome as clear as crystal. Ay, to change + this tasteless draught to wine of Lebanon, and the pitcher that + contains it to a vase of gold.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne shrank + from her with a gesture of dismay. Believing implicitly in their + power, her religion forbade her to hold any intercourse with those + who professed the black art. The other marked her repugnance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My child,”</span> she continued, in soothing tones, + <span class="tei tei-q">“be not afraid of the old woman’s secret + gifts. Mine is but a harmless knowledge, gained by study of the + ancient Chaldæan scrolls, such as your own wise king possessed of + old. It is but white magic, such as your high-priest himself would + not scruple to employ. Fear not, I say—I, who have pored over those + mystic characters till mine eyes grew dim, can read your sweet pale + face as plain as the brazen tablets in the Forum, and I can see in + it sorrow, and care, and anxiety for him you love.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne + started. It was true enough, but how could the wise woman have + found it out? The girl looked wistfully at her companion, and the + latter, satisfied she was on the right track, proceeded to answer + that questioning glance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> she said, <span class="tei tei-q">“you + think he is in danger or in grief. You wonder why you do not see + him oftener. Sometimes you fear he may be false. What would you not + give, my poor child, to look on the golden locks, and the white + brow, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page223">[pg 223]</span><a name= + "Pg223" id="Pg223" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>now, at this very + moment? And I can show them to you if you will. The old woman is + not ungrateful even for a draught of the Tiber’s muddy + stream.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The blood + mounted to Mariamne’s brow, but the light kindled at the same time + in her eyes, and the soft gleam swept over her face that comes into + every human countenance when the heart vibrates with an allusion to + its treasure as though the silver cord thrilled to the touch of an + angel’s wing. It was no clumsy guess of the wise woman, to infer + that this dark-eyed damsel cherished some fair-haired lover.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What mean you?”</span> asked the girl eagerly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“How can you show him to me? What do you + know of him? Is he safe? Is he happy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wise woman + smiled. Here was a bird flying blindfold into the net. Take her by + her affections, and there would be little difficulty in the + capture.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is in danger,”</span> she replied. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you could save him if you only knew how. He might + be happy too, if he would. But with another!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To do Mariamne + justice she heard only the first sentence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In danger!”</span> she repeated, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and I could save him! Oh, tell me where he is, and + what I can do for his sake!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wise woman + pulled a small mirror from her bosom.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I cannot tell you,”</span> she answered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but I can show him to you in this. Only not here, + where the shadow of a passer-by might destroy the charm. Let us + turn aside to that vacant space by the broken column, and you shall + look without interruption on the face you love.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was but a + short way off, though the ruins which surrounded it made the place + lonely and secluded; had it been twice the distance, however, + Mariamne would have accompanied her new acquaintance without + hesitation in her eagerness for tidings of Esca’s fate. As she + neared the broken column, so endeared to her by associations, she + could not repress a faint sigh, which was not lost on her + companion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was here you met him before,”</span> whispered the + wise woman. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is here you shall see his + face again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was + scarcely a random shaft, for it required little penetration to + discover that Mariamne had some tender associations connected with + a spot thus adapted for the meeting of a pair of lovers; + nevertheless the apparent familiarity with her previous actions was + sufficient to convince the Jewess of her companion’s supernatural + knowledge, and though it roused alarm, it excited curiosity in a + still greater degree.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page224">[pg + 224]</span><a name="Pg224" id="Pg224" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take the mirror in your hand,”</span> whispered the + wise woman, when they had reached the column, casting, at the same + time, a searching glance around. <span class="tei tei-q">“Shut your + eyes whilst I speak the charm that calls him, three times over, and + then look steadily on its surface till I have counted a + hundred.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne obeyed + these directions implicitly. Standing in the vacant space with the + mirror in her hand, she shut her eyes and listened intently to the + solemn tones of the wise woman chanting in a low monotonous voice + some unintelligible stanzas, while from the deep shadow behind the + broken column, there stole out the portly figure of Damasippus, + and, at the same moment, half a dozen strong well-armed slaves rose + from the different hiding-places in which they lay concealed + amongst the ruins. Ere the incantation had been twice repeated, + Damasippus threw a shawl over the girl’s head, muffling her so + completely, while he caught her in his strong arms, that an outcry + was impossible. The others snatched her up ere she could make a + movement, and bore her swiftly off to a chariot with four white + horses waiting in the next street, whilst the wise woman, following + at a rapid pace, and disencumbering herself of her female attire as + she sped along, disclosed the cunning features and the thin wiry + form of Oarses the Egyptian. Coming up with Damasippus, who was + panting behind the slaves and their burden, he laughed a low + noiseless laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My plan was the best,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“after all. What fools these women are, O my friend! Is + there any other creature that can be taken with a bait so simple? + Three inches of mirror and the ghost of an absent face!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Damasippus + had not breath to reply. Hurrying onward, he was chiefly anxious to + dispose of his prize in the chariot without interruption; and when + he reached it he mounted by her side, and bidding Oarses and the + slaves follow as near as was practicable, he drove off at great + speed in the direction of the tribune’s house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But this was an + eventful night in Rome, and although for that reason well adapted + to a deed of violence, its tumult and confusion exacted great + caution from those who wished to proceed without interruption along + the streets. The shouts that had disturbed the two freedmen in + their garret whilst preparing the enterprise they had since so + successfully carried out, gave no false warning of the coming + storm. That storm had burst, and was now raging in its fury + throughout a wide portion of the city. Like all such outbreaks it + gathered <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page225">[pg + 225]</span><a name="Pg225" id="Pg225" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>force and violence in many quarters at once, + and from many sources unconnected with its original cause.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Rome was the + theatre that night of a furious civil war, consequent on the + intrigues of various parties which had now grown to a head. The old + Prætorian guard had been broken up by Vitellius, and dismissed + without any of the honours and gratuities to which they considered + themselves entitled, in order to make way for another body of + troops on whose fidelity the Emperor believed he could rely, and + who were now called, in contradistinction to their predecessors, + the New Prætorians. Two such conflicting interests carried in them + the elements of the direst hatred and strife. The original + body-guard hoping to be restored by Vespasian, should he attain the + purple, had everything to gain by a change of dynasty, and were + easily won over by the partisans of that successful general to any + enterprise, however desperate, which would place him on the throne. + Trusting to this powerful aid, these partisans, of whom Julius + Placidus, the tribune, though he had wormed himself into the + confidence of Vitellius, was one of the most active and + unscrupulous, were ready enough to raise the standard of revolt and + had no fear for the result. The train was laid, and to-night it had + been decided that the match should be applied. In regular order of + battle, in three ranks with spears advanced and eagles in the + centre, the Old Prætorians marched at sundown to attack the camp of + their successors. It was a bloody and obstinate contest. The new + body-guard, proud of their promotion, and loyal to the hand that + had bought them, defended themselves to the death. Again and again + was the camp almost carried. Again and again were the assailants + obstinately repulsed. It was only when slain, man by man, falling + in their ranks as they stood, with all their wounds <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in + front</span></span>, that a victory was obtained—a victory which so + crippled the conquerors as to render them but inefficient + auxiliaries in the other conflicts of that eventful night. But this + was only one of the many pitched battles, so to speak, of which + Rome was the unhappy theatre. The Capitol after an obstinate + defence had been taken by the partisans of the present Emperor and + burned to the ground.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This stronghold + having been previously seized and occupied by Sabinus, who declared + himself Governor of Rome in the name of Vespasian, and who even + received in state several of the principal nobility and a + deputation from the harassed and vacillating senate, had been + alternately the object of attack and defence to either party. Its + possession <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page226">[pg + 226]</span><a name="Pg226" id="Pg226" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>seemed to confer a spurious sovereignty over + the whole city, and it was held as obstinately as it was vigorously + and desperately attacked.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An hour or two + before sunset, an undisciplined body of soldiers, armed only with + their swords, and formidable chiefly from the wild fury with which + they seemed inspired, marched through the Forum and ascended the + Capitoline Hill. The assailants having no engines of war either for + protection or offence, suffered severely from the missiles showered + upon them by the besieged, till the thought struck them of throwing + flaming torches into the place from the roofs of the houses which + surrounded it, and which, erected in time of peace, had been + suffered to overtop the Roman citadel. In vain, after the flames + had consumed the gate, did they endeavour to force an entrance; for + Sabinus, with the unscrupulous resource of a Roman soldier, had + blocked the way by a hundred prostrate statues of gods and men, + pulled down from the sacred pedestals on which they had stood for + ages; but the contiguous houses catching fire, and all the woodwork + of the Capitol being old and dry, the flames soon spread, and in a + few hours the stronghold of Roman pride and Roman history was + levelled with the ground. Callous to the memories around him, + forgetful of the Tarquins, and the Scipios, and the many hallowed + names that shed their lustre on this monument of his country’s + greatness, Sabinus lost his presence of mind in proportion as the + necessity for preserving it became more urgent. He was no longer + able to control his troops, and the latter, panic-stricken with the + entrance of their enemies, disbanded, and betook themselves to + flight. The majority, including one woman of noble birth, were put + ruthlessly to the sword, but a few, resembling their assailants, as + they did, in arms, appearance, and language, were fortunate enough + to catch the password by which they recognised each other, and so + escaped.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In another + quarter of the mighty city, a large body of troops who had hoisted + the standard of Vespasian, and had already suffered one repulse + which rather excited their animosity than quelled their ardour, + were advancing in good order, and, according to sound warlike + tactics, in three divisions. The gardens of Sallust, laid out by + that elegant and intellectual sensualist, with a view to pursuits + far removed from strife and bloodshed, were the scene of an + obstinate combat, in which, however, one of these columns succeeded + in establishing itself within the walls; and now the struggle that + had heretofore been carried on in its outskirts, penetrated + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page227">[pg 227]</span><a name= + "Pg227" id="Pg227" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to the heart of the + Roman capital. The citizens beheld war brought into their very + homes and hearths—the familiar street slippery with blood—the + wounded soldier reeling on the doorsill, where the children were + wont to play—the dead man’s limbs strewed helpless by the fountain, + where the girls assembled with shrill laughing voices on the calm + summer evenings,—and worse than all, instead of the kindly grasp of + friends and fellow-countrymen, the brother’s hand clutching at the + brother’s throat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such horrors, + however, did but more demoralise a population already steeped to + the very lips in cruelty, vice, and foul iniquity. Trained to + bloodshed by the ghastly entertainments of the amphitheatre, the + Roman citizen gloated on no spectacle with so keen a pleasure as on + the throes of a fellow-creature in the agony of violent death. The + populace seemed now to consider the contest waged at their doors as + a goodly show got up for their especial amusement. Loud shouts + encouraged the combatants as either party swayed and wavered in the + mortal press, and <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span>—<span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bene!</span></span> were cried as loudly for + their encouragement, as if they had been paid gladiators, earning + their awful livelihood on the sand. Nay, worse, when some wounded + soldier dragged himself into a house for safety, instead of + succour, he was received with yells of reprobation, and thrust out + into the street that he might be despatched by his conquerors + according to the merciless regulations of the amphitheatre.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor was man the + only demon on the scene. Unsexed women with bare bosoms, wild eyes, + streaming hair, and white feet stained with blood, flew to and fro + amongst the soldiers, stimulating them to fresh atrocities with + wine and caresses and odious ribald mirth. It was a festival of + Death and Sin. She had wreathed her fair arms around the spectral + king, and crowned his fleshless brows with her gaudy garlands, and + wrapped him in her mantle of flame, and pressed the blood-red + goblet to his lips, maddening him with her shrieks of wild, mocking + laughter, the while their mutual feet trampled out the lives and + souls of their victims on the stones of Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Through a town + in such a state of turmoil and confusion, Damasippus took upon + himself to conduct in safety the prize he had succeeded in + capturing, not, it must be confessed, without many hearty regrets + that he had ever embarked in the undertaking. Devoutly did he now + wish that he could shift the whole business on to the shoulders of + Oarses; but of late he had been concerned to observe in the + patron’s manner a certain sense of his own inutility as compared + with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page228">[pg 228]</span><a name= + "Pg228" id="Pg228" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the astute Egyptian; + and if the latter were now permitted to conclude, as he had + undoubtedly inaugurated, the adventure, Placidus might be satisfied + that there was little use in entertaining two rogues to do the work + of one. He knew his patron well enough to be aware of the effect + such a conviction would have on his own prospects. The tribune + would no more scruple to bid him go starve or hang, than he would + to pull out a superfluous hair from his beard. Therefore, at all + risks, thought Damasippus, he must be the man to bring Mariamne + into his lord’s house. It was a difficult and a dangerous task. + There was only room for himself and one stout slave besides the + charioteer and the prisoner. The latter had struggled violently, + and required to be held down by main force, nor in muffling her + screams was it easy to observe the happy medium between silence and + suffocation. Also, it was indispensable, in the present lawless + state of affairs, to avoid observation; and the spectacle of a + handsomely gilded chariot with a female figure in it, held down and + closely veiled, the whole drawn by four beautiful white horses, was + not calculated to traverse the streets of a crowded city without + remark. Oarses, indeed, had suggested a litter, but this had been + overruled by his comrade on the score of speed, and now the state + of the streets made speed impossible. To be sure this enabled the + escort to keep up with him, and Damasippus, who was no fighter at + heart, derived some comfort from their presence. The darkness, + however, which should have favoured him, was dispelled by the + numerous conflagrations in various parts of the city; and when the + chariot was stopped and forced to turn into a by-street to avoid a + crowd rushing towards the blazing Capitol, Damasippus felt his + heart sink within him in an access of terror, such as even he had + never felt before.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page229">[pg 229]</span><a name= + "Pg229" id="Pg229" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc67" id= + "toc67"></a> <a name="pdf68" id="pdf68"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER X</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">FROM SCYLLA TO CHARYBDIS</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Up one street, + down another, avoiding the main thoroughfares, now rendered + impassable by the tumult, his anxious freedmen threaded their way + with difficulty in the direction of the tribune’s house. Mariamne + seemed either to have fainted, or to have resigned herself to her + fate, for she had ceased to struggle, and cowered down on the floor + of the chariot, silent and motionless. Damasippus trusted his + difficulties were nearly over, and resolved never again to be + concerned in such an enterprise. Already he imagined himself safe + in his patron’s porch, claiming the reward of his dexterity, when + he was once more arrested by a stoppage which promised a hazardous + and protracted delay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Winding its slow + length along, in all the pomp and dignity affected by the maiden + order, a procession of Vestals crossed in front of the white + horses, and not a man in Rome but would have trembled with + superstitious awe at the bare notion of breaking in on the solemn + march of these sacred virgins, dedicated to the service of a + goddess, whose peculiar attributes were mystery, antiquity, and + remorseless vengeance for offence. Dressed in their long white + garments, simple and severe, with no relief save a narrow purple + border round the veil, they swept on in slow majestic column, like + a vision from the other world, led by a stately priestess, pale and + calm, of lofty stature and majestic bearing. They believed that to + them was confided the welfare of the State, the safety of the city; + nay, that with the mysterious symbols in their temple, they guarded + the very existence of the nation; therefore on all public occasions + of strife or disorder, the Vestal Virgins were accustomed to show + themselves confidently in the streets, and use their influence for + the restoration of peace. Nor had they need to fear either injury + or insult. To touch the person of a Vestal, even to obstruct the + litter in which she was carried, was punishable with death, and + public opinion in such a case was even more exacting than the law. + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page230">[pg 230]</span><a name= + "Pg230" id="Pg230" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Immunities and + privileges of many kinds were granted to the order by different + enactments. When the Vestal went abroad, she was preceded and + followed by the lictors of the State; and if she met a criminal + under sentence of death, honestly by accident, during her progress, + he was pardoned and set free for her sake, on the spot.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It may be that + Mariamne had some vague recollection of this custom, for no sooner + were the horses stopped to let the procession pass, than she + uttered a loud shriek, which brought it to a halt at once, and + caused her own guards to gather round the chariot and prepare for + resistance, Oarses wisely keeping aloof, and Damasippus, while he + strove to wear a bold front, quaking in every limb. At a signal + from the superior priestess, the long white line stood still, while + her lictors seized the horses, and surrounded the chariot. Already + a crowd of curious bystanders was gathering, and the glare of the + burning Capitol shed its light even here, on their dark, eager + faces, contrasting strangely with the veiled figures that occupied + the middle of the street, cold and motionless as marble.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two lictors + seized on Damasippus, each by a shoulder, and brought him + unceremoniously to within a few paces of the priestess. Here he + dropped upon his knees, and began wringing his hands in ludicrous + dismay, whilst the populace, gathering round, laughed and jeered at + him, only refraining from violence on account of the Vestal’s + presence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She is a slave, our slave, bought with our own money + in the market, sacred virgin. I can swear it. I can prove it. Here + is the man who paid for her. O accursed Oarses, hast thou left me + in the lurch at last?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The wily + Egyptian now came up, composed and sedate, with the air of a man + confident in the justice of his cause. Mariamne, meanwhile, could + but strive to release herself in vain. So effectually had she been + bound and muffled, that she could scarcely move, and was unable to + articulate. She struggled on, nevertheless, in the wild hope of + succour, writhing her whole body to set her lips free from the + bandages that stifled them. With the quiet dignity which was an + especial attribute of her office, the priestess pointed to the + chariot containing the prisoner, and from beneath her veil, in + clear, low tones, while the bystanders listened with respectful + awe, came the question—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What crime has she committed?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No crime, sacred virgin, no crime whatsoever,”</span> + replied the wily Oarses, well knowing that the privilege of pardon, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page231">[pg 231]</span><a name= + "Pg231" id="Pg231" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which the Vestals + loved to exercise, was less likely to be exerted for a refractory + bondswoman than a condemned criminal. <span class="tei tei-q">“She + is but a runaway slave, a mere dancing-girl. How shall I tell it in + your august presence? I bought her scarce a week ago, as my friend + here knows, and can swear. Canst thou not, Damasippus, worthy + citizen? I gave but two thousand sesterces, nevertheless it was a + large sum for me, who am a poor man; and I borrowed the half of it + from my friend here. I bought her in the open market, and I took + her home with me to my wife and children, that she might beat flax + and card wool, and so gain an honest livelihood—an honest + livelihood, sacred virgin; and that is why she ran away from me; so + I informed the ædile, and I sought her diligently, and to-day I + found her with her cheeks painted, and her bosom gilt, in her old + haunts, drunk with wine. Then I bound her, and placed her in a + litter, and the litter breaking down, for I am poor, sacred virgin, + and of humble birth, though a Roman citizen—the litter, I say, + breaking down, and my patron’s chariot passing by, I placed her + within it, that I might take her home, for she is insensible still. + All this I swear, and here is my friend who will swear it too. + Damasippus, wilt thou not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter + worthy had indeed been accompanying every syllable of his + confederate’s statement with those eager Italian gestures which + signify so much of argument and expostulation. These were not + without effect on the bystanders, predisposed as such generally are + to believe the worst, and prone to be influenced by the last + speaker, especially when supported by testimony, however unworthy + of reliance. They crowded in as near as their awe of the priestess + would allow, and angry looks were shot at the poor, dark figure + lying helpless in the chariot.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Under the + Vestal’s long white veil, there might have been a gleam of pity or + a flash of scorn on the unseen face, according as she felt a kindly + sympathy or womanly indignation for the sins of an erring sister. + But whatever was her private opinion, with a priestess of her + order, such an appeal as that of Oarses could have but one result. + The pale slender hand made a gesture of contempt and impatience. + The tall ghostly figure moved on with a prouder, sterner step, and + the procession swept by, carrying away with it the last fragile + hope of succour that had comforted Mariamne’s heart. Like a poor + hunted hind caught in a net, when the sharp muzzle of the deerhound + touches her flank, the Jewess made one convulsive effort that + loosened <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page232">[pg + 232]</span><a name="Pg232" id="Pg232" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the shawl about her mouth. In her agony, the + beloved name flew instinctively to her lips, and hopelessly, + unconsciously, she called out, <span class="tei tei-q">“Esca! + Esca!”</span> in loud piercing tones of terror and despair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Vestals had + indeed passed by, and the chariot was again set in motion, but the + Briton’s name seemed to act as a talisman on the crowd, for no + sooner had she pronounced it, than the bystanders were seen to give + way on each side to the pressure of a huge pair of shoulders, + surmounted by the fearless, honest face of Hirpinus the gladiator. + That professional, in common with a few chosen comrades, had found + the last few hours hang exceedingly heavy on his hands. Bound by + oath to keep sober, and, what was perhaps even a more galling + restriction, to abstain from fighting, this little party had seen + themselves deprived at once of their two principal resources, the + favourite occupations which gave a zest to their existence. But the + saying that there is <span class="tei tei-q">“Honour among + thieves”</span> dates farther back than the institution of an + amphitheatre; and as soon as the gladiator had made his bargain, he + considered himself, body and soul, the property of his purchaser. + So, when Hippias gave his final orders, insisting on the appearance + of his myrmidons at a given place and a given time, fresh, sober, + and without a scratch, he had no fear but that they would be + punctually and honestly obeyed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Accordingly, + Hirpinus, Rufus, Lutorius, and a few of the surest blades in the + Family, had been whiling away their leisure with a stroll through + the principal streets of Rome, and had met with not a few incidents + peculiarly pleasing to men of their profession. They had been good + enough to express their approval of the soldierlike manner in which + the gardens of Sallust were attacked and carried; they had also + marked, with a certain grim satisfaction, the assault on the + Capitol, though they complained that when it was fired the thick + volumes of smoke that swept downwards from its walls obstructed + their view of the fighting, which was to them the chief attraction + of the entertainment, and which they criticised with many + instructive and professional remarks; it was difficult, doubtless, + to abstain from taking part in any of these skirmishes, more + particularly as each man was armed with the short, two-edged Roman + sword; but, as they reminded one another, it was only a temporary + abstinence, and for a very short period, since, from all they could + gather, before midnight they might be up to their necks in wine, + and over their ankles in blood. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page233">[pg 233]</span><a name="Pg233" id="Pg233" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Now, supper-time was approaching, and the + athletes were getting fierce, hungry, and weary of inaction. They + had stood still to watch the procession of Vestals pass by, and + even these wild, unscrupulous men had refrained from word or + gesture that could be construed into disrespect for the maiden + order; but they had shown little interest in the cause of stoppage, + and scarce condescended to notice a discussion that arose from so + mean a subject as a runaway slave. Suddenly, however, to the + amazement of his comrades and the discomfiture of the bystanders, + Hirpinus burst hastily through the crowd, unceremoniously thrusting + aside those who stood in his way, and lifting one inquisitive + little barber clean off his legs, to hurl him like a plaything into + a knot of chattering citizens, much to their indignation and the + poor man’s own physical detriment. Hands were clenched, indeed, and + brows bent, as the strong square form forged through the press, + like some bluff galley through the surf, but <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Cave! cave!</span></span> was whispered by the + more cautious, and in such dread was a gladiator held by his + peaceful fellow-citizens, that the boldest preferred submission + under insult to a quarrel with a man whose very trade was strife. + The chariot was already in motion, when a strong hand forced the + two centre horses back upon their haunches, and the bold, frank + voice of Hirpinus was heard above the trampling hoofs and general + confusion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Easy, my little fellow, for a moment,”</span> said he + to the indignant Automedon. <span class="tei tei-q">“I heard a + comrade’s name spoken just now, from within that gilded shell of + thine. Halt! I tell thee, lad, and keep that whip quiet, lest I + brain thee with my open hand!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Automedon, + little relishing the business from the beginning, pulled his horses + together, and looked very much disposed to cry. Damasippus, + however, confident in the support of his companion, and the + presence of half a dozen armed slaves, stepped boldly forward, and + bade the gladiator <span class="tei tei-q">“make way there”</span> + in a high, authoritative voice. Hirpinus recognised the freedman at + once, and laughed loud and long.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What now?”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“my + old convive and boon-companion. By Pollux! I knew thee not in thy + warlike array of steel. In faith, a garland of roses becomes that + red nose of thine better than the bosses of a helmet, and the stem + of a goblet would fit thy hand more deftly than the haft of that + gaudy sword. What stolen goods are these, old parasite? I’ll wager + now that the jackal is but taking home a lump of carrion to the + lion’s den.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page234">[pg + 234]</span><a name="Pg234" id="Pg234" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Stay me not, good friend,”</span> replied the other, + with importance. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is even as you say, + and I am about the business of your employer and mine, Julius + Placidus the tribune.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hirpinus, in + high good-humour, would have bade him pass on, but Mariamne, whose + mouth was now released, gathered her exhausted energies for a last + appeal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are his comrade! you said so even now. Save me, + save me, for Esca’s sake!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again at that + name the gladiator’s eye glistened. He loved the young Briton like + a son—he who had so little to love in the world. He had brought him + out, as he boasted twenty times a day. He had made a man—more, a + swords-man—of him. Now he had lost sight of him, and, as far as his + nature permitted, had been anxious and unhappy ever since. If a dog + had belonged to Esca, he would have dashed in to rescue it from + danger at any risk.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Stand back, fool!”</span> he shouted to Damasippus, as + the latter interposed his person between the gladiator and the + chariot. <span class="tei tei-q">“Have a care, I tell thee! I want + the woman out into the street. What! you will, will + you?—One—two.—Take it then, idiot! Here! comrades, close in, and + keep off this accursed crowd!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Damasippus, + confident in the numbers of his escort, and believing, too, that + his adversary was alone, had, indeed, drawn his sword, and called + up the slaves to his assistance, when the gladiator moved towards + the chariot containing his charge. To dash the blade from his + unaccustomed grasp, to deal him a straight, swift, crushing blow, + that sent him down senseless on the pavement, and then, drawing his + own weapon, to turn upon the shrinking escort a point that seemed + to threaten all at once, was for Hirpinus a mere matter of + professional business, so simple as to be almost a relaxation. His + comrades, laughing boisterously, made a ring round the combatants. + The slaves hesitated, gave ground, turned and fled; Hirpinus + dragged the helpless form of Mariamne from the chariot, and Oarses, + who had remained in the background till now, leaped nimbly in, to + assume the vacant place, and, whispering Automedon, went off at a + gallop.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poor girl, + terrified by the danger she had escaped, and scarcely reassured by + the mode of her rescue, or the appearance of her deliverers, clung, + half-fainting, to the person of her supporter, and the old + swordsman, with a delicacy almost ludicrous in one of his rough + exterior, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page235">[pg + 235]</span><a name="Pg235" id="Pg235" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>soothed her with such terms of encouragement + as he could summon at the moment: now like a nurse hushing a child + off to sleep, anon like a charioteer quieting a frightened or + fretful horse.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the meantime, + the crowd, gathering confidence from the sheathed swords and + obvious good-humour of the gladiators, pressed round with many rude + gestures and insulting remarks, regardless of the fallen man, who, + on recovering his senses, wisely remained for a while where he was, + and chiefly bent on examining the features of the cloaked and + hooded prize, that had created this pretty little skirmish for + their diversion. Such unmannerly curiosity soon aroused the + indignation of Hirpinus.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Keep them off, comrades!”</span> said he angrily; + <span class="tei tei-q">“these miserable citizens. Keep them off, I + say! Have they never seen a veiled woman before, that they gape and + stare, and pass their rancid jests, as they do on you and me when + we are down on our backs for their amusement in the arena? Let her + have air, my lads, and she will soon come to. Pollux! She looks + like the lily thy wife was watering at home, when we stopped there + this morning, Rufus, for a draught of the five-year-old wine, and a + gambol with those bright-haired kids of thine.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tall + champion to whom this remark was addressed, and who had that very + morning, in company with his friend, bidden a farewell, that might + be eternal, to wife and children, as indeed it was nothing unusual + for him to do, softened doubtless by the remembrance, now exerted + himself strenuously to give the fainting woman room. Without the + use of any but nature’s weapons, and from sheer weight, strength, + and resolution, the gladiators soon cleared an ample space in the + middle of the street for their comrade and his charge; nor did they + seem at all indisposed to a task which afforded opportunities of + evincing their own physical superiority, and the supreme contempt + in which they held the mass of their fellow-citizens. Perhaps it + was pleasant to feel how completely they could domineer over the + crowd by the use of those very qualities which made their dying + struggles a spectacle for the vulgar; perhaps they enjoyed the + repayment in advance of some of the ribaldry and insult that would + too surely accompany their end. At anyrate they shouldered the mob + back with unnecessary violence, drove their spiked sandals into the + feet of such as came under their tread, and scrupled not to strike + with open hand or clenched fist any adventurous citizen who was + fool enough to put <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page236">[pg + 236]</span><a name="Pg236" id="Pg236" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>himself forward for appeal or resistance. + These, too, seemed terror-stricken by this handful of resolute men. + Accustomed to look on them from a safe distance in the + amphitheatre, like the wild beasts with whom they often saw them + fight, they were nearly as unwilling to beard the one as the other; + and to come into collision with a gladiator in the street, was like + meeting a tiger on the wrong side of his bars. So Hirpinus had + plenty of room to undo the girl’s bands, and remove the stifling + folds that muffled her head and throat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where am I?”</span> she murmured, as she began to + breathe more freely, looking round bewildered and confused. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are Esca’s friend. Surely I heard you + say so. You will take care of me, then, for Esca’s + sake.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instinctively + she addressed herself to Hirpinus, instinctively she seemed to + appeal to him for protection and encouragement. The veil had been + taken from her head, and the beauty of the sweet pale face was not + lost on the surrounding gladiators. Old Hirpinus looked at her with + a comical expression, in which admiration and pity were blended + with astonishment and a proud sense of personal appropriation in + the defenceless girl who seemed utterly dependent on him. He had + never seen anything so beautiful in his life. He had never known + the happiness of a home; never had wife nor child: but at that + moment his heart warmed to her as a father’s to a daughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where are you,”</span> he repeated, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“pretty flower? You are within a hundred paces of the + Flaminian Way. How came you here? Ay, that is more than I can tell + you. Yonder knave lying there.—What? he is gone, is he? Ay! I could + not hit hard enough at a man with whom I have emptied so many skins + of Sabine.—Well, Damasippus brought thee here, he best knows why, + in his master’s gaudy chariot. I heard thee speak, my pretty one, + and who loves Esca, loves me, and I love him, or her, or whoever it + may be. So I knocked him over, that fat freedman, and took thee + from the chariot, and pulled off these wraps that were stifling + thee, and indeed I think it was about time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had raised + her while he spoke, and supported her on his strong arm, walking + slowly on, while the gladiators, closing round them, moved steadily + along the street, followed, though at a safe distance, by much + verbal insult and abuse. At intervals, two or three of the + rear-guard would turn and confront the mob, who immediately gave + back and were silent. Thus the party proceeded on its way, more, it + would <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page237">[pg 237]</span><a name= + "Pg237" id="Pg237" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>seem, with the view + of leaving the crowd than of reaching any definite place of + shelter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where are we going? and who are those who guard + us?”</span> whispered Mariamne, clinging close to her protector. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You will take care of me, will you + not?”</span> she added, in a confiding tone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are my comrades,”</span> he answered soothingly; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and old Hirpinus will guard you, pretty + one, like the apple of his eye. We will take you straight home, or + wherever you wish to go, and not one of these will molest you while + I am by—never fear!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Just then, + Euchenor, who was one of the band, and had overheard this + reassuring sentence, clapped the old swordsman on the shoulder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You seem to forget our compact,”</span> said he, with + his evil, mocking laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The face of + Hirpinus fell, and his brow lowered, for he remembered then that + Mariamne was not much better off here than in the captivity from + which he had rescued her.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page238">[pg 238]</span><a name= + "Pg238" id="Pg238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc69" id= + "toc69"></a> <a name="pdf70" id="pdf70"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE RULES OF THE FAMILY</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Jewess had + indeed but escaped one danger to fall into another. Bold and + lawless as were these professional swordsmen, they acknowledged + certain rules of their own, which they were never known to + infringe. When a band of gladiators had been mustered, and told off + for a particular service, it was their custom to bind themselves by + oath, as forming one body, unanimous and indivisible, until that + service was completed. They swore to stand by each other to the + death, to obey their chief implicitly, and to take orders from him + alone—to make common cause with their fellows, in defiance of all + personal feelings of interest or danger, even to the cheerful + sacrifice of life itself; and to consider all booty of arms, gold, + jewels, captives, or otherwise, however obtained, as the property + of the band; subject to its disposal, according to the established + code of their profession. Therefore it was that Hirpinus felt his + heart sink at Euchenor’s malicious observation. Therefore it was + that though he strove to put on an appearance of good-humour and + confidence, a perceptible tremor shook his voice while he + replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I found her first. I dragged her from the chariot. I + put that foolish citizen on his back to make sport for you all. I + am the oldest swordsman in the band. I think you might leave her to + me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Euchenor’s eye + was on the frightened girl, and, meeting its glance, she shrank yet + closer to her protector, while the Greek observed, with a + sneer—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You had better make a new set of rules for us then, + since you seem inclined to break through the old. Comrades, I + appeal to you; doth not the booty belong to us all, share and share + alike?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The others were + crowding in now, having reached a narrower street, and left the + populace behind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, of course!”</span> was re-echoed on all + sides; <span class="tei tei-q">“who doubts it? who disputes + it?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page239">[pg + 239]</span><a name="Pg239" id="Pg239" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What would you have, man?”</span> exclaimed Hirpinus, + waxing wroth. <span class="tei tei-q">“You cannot cut a captive + into twenty pieces and give every man a portion! I tell you, she is + mine. Let her alone!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You cannot cut a wineskin into twenty pieces, nor need + you,”</span> replied the Greek; <span class="tei tei-q">“but you + pass it round amongst your comrades, till every man’s thirst be + slaked. ’Faith, after that, you may keep the empty skin for your + own share, if you like!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He spoke in a + cold derisive tone, and although Mariamne could not understand half + he said, garnished as his speech was with the cant terms of his + calling, she gathered enough of its import to be terrified at the + prospect before her. Old Hirpinus lost patience at last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will you take her from me?”</span> he burst out, + knitting his bushy brows, and putting his face close to the + Greek’s. <span class="tei tei-q">“Stand up then like a man and + try!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Euchenor turned + very pale. It was no part of his scheme to provoke his robust old + comrade to a personal encounter; and, indeed, the pugilist was a + coward at heart, owing his reputation chiefly to the skill with + which he had always matched himself against those whom he was sure + to conquer. Now he fell back a step or two from his glaring + adversary, and appealed once more to their companions. These + gathered round, speaking all at once, Hirpinus turning from one to + the other, and ever shielding his charge with his body, as an + animal shields its young. He was determined to save the girl, + because he understood dimly that she belonged in some way to Esca, + and the loyal old swordsman would not have hesitated one moment in + flinging his life down, then and there, to purchase her safety.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold, comrades!”</span> shouted he, in a stentorian + voice that made itself heard above the din. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will ye bay me altogether like a pack of Molossian + wolf-hounds? Hounds, forsooth! nay, the Molossians are true-bred, + and there is one cur amongst us here at least, to my knowledge. + Rather, like a knot of jabbering old women in a market-place! Talk + of rules! Of course we abide by our rules, ay, and stick to our + oath. Rufus, old friend, we have stood with our swords at each + other’s throats for hours together, many a time during the last ten + years, and never had an angry word or an unkindly thought. Thou + wilt not fail me now? Thou wilt not see old Hirpinus + wronged?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The champion + thus appealed to by such tender associations, thrust his tall + person forward in the throng. Slow of speech, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page240">[pg 240]</span><a name="Pg240" id="Pg240" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>calm, calculating, and reflective, Rufus + was held an oracle of good sense amongst his fellow-swordsmen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are both wrong,”</span> said he sententiously. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The girl belongs to neither of you. If + this had happened yesterday, Hirpinus would have had a right to + carry her where he chose. But we have taken the oath since then, + old comrade, and she is the joint property of the band by all our + laws.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I said so!”</span> exclaimed Euchenor triumphantly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“The prize belongs to us all. Every man his + turn. The apple seems fair and ripe enough. Mine shall be the hand + to pare its rind.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he spoke, he + pulled aside the veil which Mariamne had modestly drawn once more + about her head, and the girl, flushing scarlet at the insult, + stamped passionately with her foot, and then, as if acknowledging + her helplessness, burst into tears, and hid her face in her hands. + Hirpinus caught the aggressor by the shoulder, and sent him reeling + back amongst the rest. His beard bristled with anger, and the foam + stood on his lip like some old boar at bay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hands off!”</span> roared the veteran. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Rules or no rules, another such jest as that and I + drive a foot of steel through the jester’s brisket! What! Rufus, I + came not into the Family yesterday. I was eating raw flesh and + lentil porridge when most of these were sucking their mothers’ + milk. I tell thee, man, the old law was this: When gladiators + disputed on any subject whatever—pay, plunder, or precedence—they + were to take short swords, throw away their shields, and fight it + out by pairs, till they were agreed. Stand round, comrades! Put the + little Greek up at half-sword distance; clear a space of seven feet + square, not an inch more, and I’ll show you how we used to settle + these matters when Nero wore the purple!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, nay!”</span> interposed Mariamne, wringing her + hands in an agony of terror and dismay. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shed not blood on my account. I am a poor, helpless + girl. I have done no one any harm. Let me go, for pity’s sake! Let + me go!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But to this + solution of the difficulty objections were offered on all sides. + Rufus indeed, and one or two of the older swordsmen, moved by the + youth and tears of the captive, would willingly have permitted her + to escape; but Euchenor, Lutorius, and the rest, objected violently + to the loss of so beautiful a prize. Rufus, too, when appealed to, + though he would fain have supported his old comrade, was obliged to + confess that justice, according to gladiator’s law, was on + Euchenor’s side. Even the proposal to fight for her possession + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page241">[pg 241]</span><a name= + "Pg241" id="Pg241" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by pairs, popular as + it was likely to be in such a company, was rendered inadmissible by + the terms of the late oath. The band, indeed, when purchased as + they had been by Hippias for a special duty to be performed that + night, had become pledged, according to custom, not only to the + usual brotherhood and community of interests, but also to refrain + from baring steel upon any pretence or provocation either amongst + themselves or against a common foe, until ordered to do so by their + employer. Hirpinus, though he chafed and swore vehemently, and kept + Mariamne close under his wing through it all, was obliged to + acknowledge the force of his comrade’s arguments; and the puzzled + athlete racked his unaccustomed brains till his head ached to find + some means of escape for the girl he had resolved to save. In the + meantime, delay was dangerous. These men were not used to hesitate + or refrain, and already the hour was approaching at which they were + to muster for their night’s work, whatever it might be, in the + tribune’s house. The old swordsman felt he must dissemble, were it + but to gain time; so he smoothed his brows, and, much against the + grain, assumed an appearance of good-humour and satisfaction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be it as you will,”</span> said he; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“old Hirpinus is the last man to turn round upon his + comrades, or to break the laws of the Family, for the sake of a + cream-coloured face and a wisp of black hair. I will abide by the + decision of Hippias. We shall find him at the tribune’s house, and + it is time we were there now. Forward, my lads! Nay, hands off! I + tell thee once more, Euchenor, till we have brought her to the + master’s she belongs to me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Euchenor + grumbled, but was compelled to submit; for the other’s influence + amongst the gladiators was far greater than his own. And the little + party, with Mariamne in the centre, still clinging fast to + Hirpinus, moved on in the direction of the tribune’s house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca, crouching + in his place of concealment, silent and wary, as he had ofttimes + crouched long ago, when watching for the dun deer on the hillside, + was aware of the tramp of disciplined men approaching the porch in + which he lay in ambush. Every faculty was keenly, painfully on the + stretch. Once, at the sound of wheels, he had started from his + lair, ready to make one desperate attempt for the rescue of his + love; but greatly to his consternation, the gilded chariot returned + empty, save of Automedon, looking much scared and bewildered. The + wily Oarses, indeed, having made his escape from the gladiators, + had betaken himself to his lodging, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page242">[pg 242]</span><a name="Pg242" id="Pg242" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and there determined to remain, either till + his patron’s wrath should be exhausted, or till the events which he + foresaw the night would bring forth should have diverted it into + another channel. So Automedon went home in fear and trembling by + himself. As the Briton revolved matters in his mind, he knew not + whether to be most alarmed or reassured by this unforeseen + contingency. Though the chariot had returned without Mariamne, the + freedmen and armed slaves were still absent. Could they have missed + their prey, and were they still searching for her? or had they + carried her elsewhere?—to the freedmen’s garret, perhaps, there to + remain concealed till the night was further advanced. Yet the words + of Placidus, or of his ghost, which he had overheard, seemed to + infer that the Jewess was expected every minute. Every minute + indeed! and those racking minutes seemed to stretch themselves to + hours. With the natural impatience of inaction, which accompanies + uncertainty, he had almost made up his mind to return in search of + Eleazar, when the steady footfall of the approaching party arrested + his attention.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a + bright moon shining above, and the open space into which the + gladiators advanced was clear as day. With a keen feeling of + confidence he recognised the square frame of Hirpinus, and then, as + he caught sight of the dark-robed figure at the swordsman’s side, + for one exulting moment, doubt, fear, anxiety, all were merged in + the delight of seeing Mariamne once more. With the bound of a wild + deer, he was in the midst of them, clasping her in his arms, and + the girl sobbing on his breast felt safe and happy, because she was + with him. Hirpinus gave a shout that startled the slaves laying the + tables in the inner hall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Safe, my lad!”</span> he exclaimed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and in a whole skin. Sound and hearty, and fit to join + us in to-night’s work. Better late than never. Swear him, comrades! + swear him on the spot! Send in for a morsel of bread and a pinch of + salt. Here, Rufus, cross thy blade with mine! Thou art in the nick + of time, lad, to take thy share with the rest, of peril, and + pleasure, and profit to boot!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This speech he + eked out with many winks and signs to his young friend, for + Hirpinus, guessing how matters stood between the pair, could think + of no better plan by which Esca should at least claim a share in + the prey they had so recently acquired. His artifice was, however, + lost upon the Briton, who seemed wholly occupied with Mariamne, and + to whom the girl was whispering her fears and distresses, and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page243">[pg 243]</span><a name= + "Pg243" id="Pg243" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>entreaties that he + would save her from the band. The young man drew her to his + side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Give way,”</span> said he haughtily, as Euchenor and + Lutorius closed in upon him. <span class="tei tei-q">“She has made + her choice, she goes with me. I take her home to her father’s + house.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The others set + up a shout of derision.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hear him!”</span> they cried. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is the prætor who speaks! It is the voice of Cæsar + himself! Yes, yes, go in peace, if thou wilt. We have had enough + and to spare of your yellow-haired barbarians, but the girl remains + with us.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was not + trembling now. She was past all fear in such a crisis as this. + Erect and defiant she stood beside her champion—pale indeed as the + dead, but with eyes in which flashed the courage of despair. His + lips were white with the effort of self-command as he strove to + keep cool and to use fair words.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am one of yourselves,”</span> said he. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“You will not turn against me all at once. Let me but + take the maiden home, and I will come back and join you, true as + the blade to the haft.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ay, let them go!”</span> put in Hirpinus. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“He speaks fairly, and these barbarians never fail + their word!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no,”</span> interposed Euchenor. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“He has nothing to do with us. Why, he was beaten in + the open circus by a mere patrician. Besides, he is not engaged for + to-night. He has no interest in the job. Who is he, this barbarian, + that we should give up to him the fairest prize we are like to take + in the whole business?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Will you fight for her?”</span> thundered Esca, + hitching his swordbelt to the front.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Euchenor shrank + back amongst his comrades. <span class="tei tei-q">“Our oath + forbids me,”</span> said he; and the others, though they could not + refrain from jeering at the unwilling Greek, confirmed his + decision.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca’s mind was + made up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pass your hands under my girdle,”</span> he whispered + to Mariamne. <span class="tei tei-q">“Hold fast, and we shall break + through!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His sword was + out like lightning, and he dashed amongst the gladiators, but he + had to do with men thoroughly skilled in arms and trained to every + kind of personal contest. A dozen blades were gleaming in the + moonlight as ready as his own. A dozen points were threatening him, + backed by fearless hearts, and strong supple practised hands. He + was at bay; a desperate man penned in by a circle of steel. He + glanced fiercely round, defiant yet bewildered, then down at + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page244">[pg 244]</span><a name= + "Pg244" id="Pg244" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the pale face at his + breast, and his heart sank within him. He was at his wits’ end. She + looked up—loving, resolute, and courageous.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear one,”</span> she said softly, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“let me rather die by your hand. See, I do not fear. + Strike! You only have the right, for I am yours!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even then a + faint blush came into her cheek, while the pale hands busied + themselves with her dress to bare her bosom for the blow. He turned + his point upon her, and she smiled up in his face. Old Hirpinus + dashed the tears from his shaggy eyelashes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold! hold!”</span> said he, in a broken voice; + <span class="tei tei-q">“not till I am down and out of the game for + one! Enough of this!”</span> he added in an altered tone, and with + a ludicrous assumption of his usual careless manner. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here comes the master—no more wrangling, lads! we will + refer the matter to him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While he spoke, + Hippias entered the open space in front of the tribune’s house, and + the gladiators gathered eagerly around him, Euchenor alone + remaining somewhat in the background.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page245">[pg 245]</span><a name= + "Pg245" id="Pg245" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc71" id= + "toc71"></a> <a name="pdf72" id="pdf72"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A MASTER OF FENCE</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias knew + well how to maintain discipline amongst his followers. While he + interested himself keenly in their training and personal welfare, + he permitted no approach to familiarity, and above all never + suffered a syllable of discussion on a command, or a moment’s + hesitation in its fulfilment. He came now to put himself at their + head for the carrying out of a hazardous and important enterprise. + The consciousness of coming danger, especially when it is of a kind + with which habit has rendered him familiar, and which practice has + taught him to baffle by his own skill and courage, has a good moral + effect on a brave man’s character. It cheers his spirits, it exalts + his imagination, it sharpens his intellects, and, above all, it + softens his heart. Hippias felt that to-night he would need all the + qualities he most prized to carry him safely through his task—that + while failure must be inevitable destruction, success would open + out to him a career of which the ultimate goal might be a + procuratorship or even a kingdom. How quickly past, present, and + possible future, flitted through his brain! It was not so long + since his first victory in the amphitheatre! He remembered, as if + it were but yesterday, the canvas awnings, the blue sky, and the + confused mass of faces, framing that dazzling sweep of sand, all of + which his sight took in at once, though his eyes were fixed on + those of the watchful Gaul, whom he disarmed in a couple of passes, + and slew without the slightest remorse. He could feel again, even + now, the hot breath of the Libyan tiger, as he fell beneath it, + choked with sand and covered by his buckler, stabbing desperately + at that sinewy chest in which the life seemed to lie so deep. The + tiger’s claws had left their marks upon his brawny shoulder, but he + had risen from the contest victorious, and Red and Green through + the whole crowded building, from the senators’ cushions to the + slaves’ six inches of standing-room, cheered him to a man. After + this triumph, who such a favourite with the Roman people as + handsome Hippias? Again, he was the centre of <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page246">[pg 246]</span><a name="Pg246" id="Pg246" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>all observation, as, confessedly the + head of his profession, he set in order Nero’s cruel shows, and + catered with profuse splendour for the tastes of Imperial Rome. + Yes, he had reached the pinnacle of a gladiator’s fame, and from + that elevation a prospect opened itself that he had scarcely even + dreamed of till now. A handful of determined men, a torch or two + for every score of blades, a palace in flames, a night of blood (he + only hoped and longed that there might be resistance enough to + distinguish strife from murder), another dynasty, a grateful + patron, and a brave man’s services worthily acknowledged and + repaid. Then the future would indeed smile in gorgeous hues. Which + of Rome’s dominions in the East would most fully satisfy the thirst + for royal luxury that he now experienced for the first time? In + which of his manlier qualities was he so inferior to the Jew, that + Hippias the gladiator should make a lowlier monarch than Herod the + Great? and men had not done talking of that warlike king, even + now!—his wisdom, his cruelty, his courage, his splendour, and his + crimes. A Roman province was but another name for an independent + government. Hippias saw himself enthroned in the blaze of majesty + under a glowing Eastern sky. Life offering all it had to give of + pomp and pageantry and rich material enjoyment. Slaves, horses, + jewels, banquets, dark-eyed women, silken eunuchs, and gaudy guards + with burnished helmets and flashing shields of gold. Nothing + wanting, not even one with whom to share the glittering vision. + Valeria would be his. Valeria was born to be a queen. It would, + indeed, be a triumph to offer the half of a throne to the woman who + had hitherto condescended by listening to his suit. There was a + leavening of generosity in Hippias that caused him to reflect with + intense pleasure on the far deeper homage he would pay her after so + romantic a consummation of his hopes. He felt as if he could almost + love her then, with the love he had experienced in his boyhood—that + boyhood which seemed now to have been another’s rather than his + own. He had put it away long since, and it had not come back to him + for years till to-day; but gratified vanity, the pleasure which + most hearts experience in grasping an object that has been dangling + out of reach, beyond all, the power exerted by a woman, over one + who has been accustomed to consider himself either above or below + such pleasing influences, had softened him strangely, and he hardly + felt like the same man who made his bargain with the tribune for a + certain quantity of flesh and blood and mettle, so short a time + ago.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page247">[pg + 247]</span><a name="Pg247" id="Pg247" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is not to be + thought, however, that in his dreams of the future, the + fencing-master neglected the means by which that future was to be + attained. He had mustered and prepared his band with more than + common care; had seen with his own eyes that their arms were bright + and sharp and fit for work; had placed them at their appointed + posts and visited them repeatedly, enjoining, above all things, + extreme vigilance and sobriety. Not one of those men saw beneath + his unruffled brow and quiet stern demeanour anything unusual in + the conduct of their leader; not one could have guessed that + schemes of ambition far beyond any he had ever cherished before, + were working in his brain—that a strange, soft, kindly feeling was + nestling at his heart. He stood in the moonlight amongst his + followers, calm, abrupt, severe as usual; and when Hirpinus looked + into his stern set face, the hopes of the old gladiator fell as did + his countenance, but Mariamne perceived at once with a woman’s eye + something that taught her an appeal to his pity on this occasion + would not be made in vain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With habitual + caution, his first proceeding was to count the band ere he took + note of the two figures in their centre. Then he cast a + scrutinising glance at their arms to satisfy himself all were ready + for immediate action. After that he turned with a displeased air to + Hirpinus, and asked—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What doth the woman amongst us? You heard my orders + this morning? Who brought her here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Half a dozen + voices were raised at once to answer the master’s question; only he + to whom it was especially addressed kept silence, knowing the + nature with which he had to do. Hippias raised but his sheathed + sword and the clamour ceased. Not a maniple in all Rome’s + well-drilled legions seemed in better discipline than this handful + of desperate men. Then he turned to Esca, still speaking in short + incisive tones.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Briton!”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“you + are not one of us to-night. Go your ways in peace!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well said!”</span> shouted the gladiators. + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is no comrade of ours! He hath no share + in our spoil!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Hippias only + wished to save the Briton from the perils of the coming night, and + this from some vague feeling he could hardly explain to himself, + that Valeria was interested in the stalwart barbarian. It was not + in the fencing-master’s nature to entertain sentiments of jealousy + upon uncertain grounds. And he was just fond enough of Valeria to + value anyone she liked for her sake. Moreover Esca knew their + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page248">[pg 248]</span><a name= + "Pg248" id="Pg248" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>plans. He would alarm + the palace, and there would be a fight. He wished nothing + better.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca was about + to make his appeal, but Mariamne interposed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where he goeth I will go,”</span> said she, almost in + the words of her own sacred writings. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + have to-night lost father, and home, and people. This is the second + time he hath saved me from captivity worse than death. Part us not + now, I beseech thee, part us not!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias looked + kindly on the sweet face with its large imploring eager eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You love him,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“foolish girl. Begone then, and take him with + you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But again a + fierce murmur rose amongst the gladiators. Not even the master’s + authority was sufficient to carry out such a breach of all laws and + customs as this. Euchenor, ever prone to wrangle, stepped forward + from the background, where he had remained so as to appear an + impartial and uninterested observer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The oath!”</span> exclaimed the Greek. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The oath—we swore it when the sun was up—shall we + break it ere the moon goes down? She is ours, Hippias, by all the + laws of the Family, and we will not give her up.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Silence!”</span> thundered the master, with a look + that made Euchenor shrink back once more. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who asked for your vote? Hirpinus, Rufus, once again, + how came this woman here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She was bound hand and foot in a chariot,”</span> + answered the former, ignoring, however, with less than his usual + frankness, to whom that chariot belonged. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“She was carried away by force. I protected her from + ill-usage,”</span> he added stoutly, <span class="tei tei-q">“as I + would protect her again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The girl gave + him a grateful look, which sank into the old swordsman’s heart. + Esca, too, muttered warm broken words of thanks, while the band + assented to the truth of this statement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Even so!”</span> they exclaimed. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hirpinus speaks well. That is why she belongs to us, + and we claim every man his share.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias was too + experienced a commander not to know that there are times when it is + necessary to yield with a good grace, and to use artifice if force + will not avail. It is thus the skilful rider rules his steed, and + the judicious wife her husband—the governing power in either case + inducing the governed to believe that it obeys entirely of its own + free will. He <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page249">[pg + 249]</span><a name="Pg249" id="Pg249" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>smiled, therefore, pleasantly on his + followers, and addressed them in careless good-humoured tones.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She belongs to us all without doubt,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and, by the sandals of Aphrodité, she is + so fair that I shall put in my claim with the rest! Nevertheless + there is no time to be wasted now, for the sake of the brightest + eyes that ever flashed beneath a veil. Put her aside for a few + hours or so. You, Hirpinus, as you captured her, shall take care + that she does not escape. For the Briton, we may as well keep him + safe too—we may find a use for those long arms of his when + to-night’s business is accomplished. In the meantime, fall in, my + heroes, and make ready for your work. Supper first (and it’s laid + even now) with the noblest patrician and the deepest drinker in + Rome, Julius Placidus the tribune!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span lang="grc" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> exclaimed the gladiators + in a breath, forgetful at the moment of their recent + dissatisfaction, and eager to hear more of the night’s enterprise, + about which they entertained the wildest and most various + anticipations; nothing loth, besides, to share the orgies of a man + whose table was celebrated for its luxuries amongst all classes in + Rome. Hippias looked round on their well-pleased faces, and + continued—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then what say you, my children, to a walk through the + palace gardens? We will take our swords, by Hercules, for the + German guards are stubborn dogs, and best convinced by the argument + each of us carries at his belt. It may be dark, too, ere we get + there, for the moon is early to-night, and we have no need to stir + till we have tasted the tribune’s wine, so we must not forget a few + torches to light us on our way. There are a score at least lying + ready in the corner of that porch. So we will join our comrades in + a fair midnight frolic under Cæsar’s roof. Cæsar’s, forsooth! my + children, there will be a smouldering palace and another Cæsar by + to-morrow!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span lang="grc" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> exclaimed the gladiators + once more. <span class="tei tei-q">“Hail, Cæsar! Long live + Cæsar!”</span> they repeated with shouts of fierce mocking + laughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is well,”</span> remarked Rufus sagaciously, when + silence was restored. <span class="tei tei-q">“The pay is good and + the work no heavier than an ordinary prætor’s show. But I remember + a fiercer lion than common, that Nero turned loose upon us once in + the arena, and we called him Cæsar amongst ourselves, because he + was dangerous to meddle with. If the old man’s purple is to be + rent, we should have something over the regular pay. They have not + lasted long of late; but still, Hippias, ’tis somewhat <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page250">[pg 250]</span><a name="Pg250" id="Pg250" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>out of the usual business. We don’t + change an emperor every night, even now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“True enough,”</span> answered the master + good-humouredly. <span class="tei tei-q">“And you have never been + within the walls of a palace in your life. Something beyond your + pay, said you? Why, man, the pay is but a pretext, a mere matter of + form. Once in Cæsar’s chambers, a large-fisted fellow like Rufus + here, may carry away a king’s ransom in either hand. Then think of + the old wine! Fifty-year-old Cæcuban, in six-quart cups of solid + gold, and welcome to take the goblet away with you, besides, if you + care to be encumbered with it. Shawls from Persia, lying about for + mere coverings to the couches. Mother-of-pearl and ivory gleaming + in every corner. Jewels scattered in heaps upon the floor. Only get + the work done first, and every man here shall help himself + unquestioned, and walk home with whatever pleases him + best.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not often + Hippias treated his followers to so long a speech, or one, in their + estimation, so much to the purpose. They marked their approval with + vehement and repeated shouts. They ceased to think of Esca, and + forgot all about Mariamne and their late dissatisfaction; nay, they + seemed now but to be impatient of every subject unconnected with + their enterprise, and to grudge every minute that delayed them from + their promised spoil. At a signal from Hippias and his intimation + that supper was ready, and their host awaiting them, they rushed + tumultuously through the porch, leaving behind them Mariamne and + Esca, guarded only by old Hirpinus and Euchenor, the latter + appearing alone to be unmoved by the glowing prospects of plunder + held out, and obstinately standing on his rights, determined not to + lose sight of the captured girl, the more so that she was now + overlooked by the rest of his comrades.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This man, though + deficient in the dashing physical daring which is so popular a + quality amongst those of his profession, possessed, nevertheless, a + dogged tenacity of purpose, totally unqualified by any moral + scruples or feelings of shame, which rendered him formidable as an + antagonist, and generally successful in any villany he attempted. + As in the combats he waged with or without the heavy lacerating + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cestus</span></span>, his object was to tire + out his adversary by protracted and scientific defence, taking as + little punishment as possible, and never hazarding a blow save when + it could not be returned, so in everything he undertook, it was his + study to reach the goal by unrelaxing vigilance, and unremitting + recourse to the means which experience and common sense pointed out + for <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page251">[pg 251]</span><a name= + "Pg251" id="Pg251" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>its attainment. + Slinking behind the broad back of Hirpinus, he concealed himself in + the darkest corner of the porch, and watched the result of + Mariamne’s appeal to the fencing-master.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias pushed + the gladiators on before him, with boisterous good-humour and + considerable violence; as they crowded through the narrow entrance, + he remained behind for a moment, and whispered to Esca—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You will take the girl home, comrade. Can I trust + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Trust me!”</span> was all the Briton answered, but the + tone in which he spoke, and the glance he exchanged with Mariamne, + might have satisfied a more exacting inquirer than the captain of + gladiators.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fare thee well, lad,”</span> said Hirpinus, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and thee, too, my pretty flower. I would + go with you myself, but it is a long way from here to Tiber-side, + and I must not be missing to-night, come what may.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Begone, both of you!”</span> added Hippias hurriedly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Had it not been for the plunder, I should + scarce have found my lambs so reasonable to-night; were you to fall + in with them again, the Vestals themselves could not save you. + Begone, and farewell.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They obeyed and + hastened off, while the fencing-master, with a well-pleased smile, + clapped Hirpinus on the shoulder, and accompanied him into the + house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Old comrade,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“we will drink a measure of the tribune’s Cæcuban + to-night, come what may. To-morrow we shall either be on our backs + gaping for the death-fee, or pressing our lips to nothing meaner + than a chalice of burnished gold. Who knows? Who cares?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not I for one,”</span> replied Hirpinus; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but I am strangely thirsty in the meantime, and the + tribune’s wine, they tell me, is the best in Rome.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page252">[pg 252]</span><a name= + "Pg252" id="Pg252" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc73" id= + "toc73"></a> <a name="pdf74" id="pdf74"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE ESQUILINE</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_279.png"><img src="images/i_279.png" alt= + "Initial W" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With attentive + ears, and faculties keenly on the stretch, Euchenor, lurking in the + corner of the porch, listened to the foregoing conversation. When + he gathered that Tiber-side was the direction the fugitives meant + to take, his quick Greek intellect formed its plan of operation at + once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a post + of his comrades, consisting of some of the gladiators purchased by + Placidus, and placed there a few hours since by the orders of + Hippias, in the direct road for that locality. He would follow the + pair, noiseless and unsuspected, for he had no mind to provoke an + encounter with the Briton till within reach of assistance, then + give the alarm, seize the wayfarers, and appeal to the club-law + they all held sacred, for his rights. Esca would be sure to defend + the girl with his life, but he would be overpowered by numbers, and + it would be strange if he could not be quieted for ever in the + struggle. There would still be time enough, thought Euchenor, after + his victory to join his comrades at the tribune’s table, leaving + the girl to the tender mercies of the band. He could make some + excuse for his absence to satisfy his companions, heated as they + would by that time be with wine. Indeed, for his own part, he had + no great fancy for the night’s adventure, promising as it did more + hard knocks than he cared to exchange in a fight with the German + guard, fierce blue-eyed giants, who would give and take no quarter. + He did not wish, indeed, to lose his share of the plunder, for no + one was more alive to the advantages of a full purse, but he + trusted to his own dexterity for securing <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page253">[pg 253]</span><a name="Pg253" id="Pg253" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>this, without running unnecessary risk. + Meanwhile, it was his method to attend to one thing at a time; he + waited impatiently, therefore, till Hippias entered the house, and + left him at liberty to emerge from his hiding-place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner was + the master’s back turned than the Greek sped into the street, + glancing eagerly down its long vista, lying white in the moonlight, + for the two dark figures he sought. Agile and noiseless as a + panther, he skulked swiftly along under the shadow of the houses, + till he reached the corner which a passenger would turn who was + bound for Tiber-side. Here he made sure that he must sight his + prey; but no, amongst the few wayfarers who dotted this less + solitary district he looked in vain for Esca’s towering shoulders + or the shrinking figure of the Jewess. In vain, like a hound, he + quested to and fro, now casting forward upon a vague speculation, + now trying back with untiring perseverance and determination. Like + a hound, too, whose game has foiled him, he was obliged to slink + home at length, ashamed and baffled, to the porch of the tribune’s + house, inventing as he went a plausible excuse to host and comrades + for his tardy appearance at the banquet. He had passed, + nevertheless, within twenty paces of those he hunted, but he knew + it not.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With the first + rapture of intense joy for their escape, it was in the nature of + Mariamne that her predominant feeling should be one of gratitude to + Heaven for thus preserving both herself and him whose life was + dearer to her than her own. In common with her nation, she believed + in the constant and immediate interposition of the Almighty in + favour of His servants; and the new faith, which was rapidly + gaining ground in her heart, had tempered the awe in which His + worshipper regards the Deity, with the implicit trust, and love, + and confidence, entertained for its father by a child. Such + feelings can but find an outlet in thanksgiving and prayer. Before + Mariamne had gone ten paces from the tribune’s house, she stopped + short, looked up in Esca’s face, and said: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let us kneel together, and thank God for our + deliverance.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not here at least!”</span> exclaimed the Briton, whose + nerves, good as they were, had been somewhat unstrung by the + vicissitudes of the night, and the apprehensions that had racked + him for his beloved companion. <span class="tei tei-q">“They may + return at any moment. You are not safe even now. If you are so + exhausted you cannot go on (for she was leaning heavily on his arm, + and her head drooped), I will carry you in my <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page254">[pg 254]</span><a name="Pg254" id="Pg254" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>arms from here to your father’s house. + My love, I would carry you through the world.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She smiled + sweetly on him, though her face was very pale. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let us turn in at this ruined gateway,”</span> said + she; <span class="tei tei-q">“a few moments’ rest will restore me; + and, Esca, I must give thanks to the God of Israel, who has saved + both thee and me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They were near a + crumbling archway, with a broken iron gate that had fallen in. It + was on the opposite side of the street to the tribune’s house; and + as they passed beneath its mouldering span, they saw that it formed + an entrance into one of those wildernesses, which, after the great + fire of Nero, existed here and there, not only in the suburbs, but + at the very heart of Rome. They were, in truth, in that desolate + waste which had once been the famous Esquiline Gardens, originally + a burial-ground, and granted by Augustus to his favourite, the + illustrious Mæcenas, to plant and decorate according to his + prolific fancy and unimpeachable taste. That learned nobleman had + taken advantage of his emperor’s liberality to build here a stately + palace, which had not, however, escaped the great fire, and to lay + out extensive pleasure-grounds, which had been devastated by the + same calamity. Little, indeed, now remained, save the trees that + had originally shadowed the Roman’s grave in the days of the old + Republic. The <span class="tei tei-q">“unwelcome cypresses”</span> + so touchingly described in his most reflective ode, by him whose + genius Mæcenas fostered, and whose gratitude paid his princely + patron back by rendering him immortal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many a time had + Horace lounged in these pleasant shades, musing with quaint and + varied fancies, half pathetic, half grotesque, on the business and + the pleasures, the sunshine and the shadows, the aim and the end, + of that to him inexplicable problem, a man’s short life. Here, too, + perhaps, he speculated on the mythology, to the beauty of which his + poetic imagination was so keenly alive, while his strong common + sense and somewhat material character must have been so utterly + incredulous of its truth. Nay, on this very spot did he not + ridicule certain superstitions of his countrymen, with a coarseness + that is only redeemed by its wit? and preserve, in pungent sarcasm, + for coming ages, the memory of an indecent statue on the Esquiline, + as he has preserved in sweet and glowing lines the glades of cool + Præneste, or the terraced vineyards basking in the glare and + glitter of noonday on Tibur’s sunny slopes? Here, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page255">[pg 255]</span><a name="Pg255" id="Pg255" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>perhaps, many a time may have been seen + the stout sleek form, so round and well-cared for, with its clean + white gown, and dainty shining head, crowned with a garland of + festive roses, and not wanting, be sure, a festive goblet in its + hand. Here may the poet have sat out many a joyous hour in the + shade, with mirth, and song, and frequent sips of old Falernian, + and a vague dreary fancy the while ever present, though + unacknowledged—like a death’s-head at the banquet—that feast, and + jest, and song could not last for ever, but that the time must come + at length, when the empty jar would not be filled again, when the + faded roses could be bound together no longer in a chaplet for the + unconscious brows, and the string of the lyre, once snapped, must + be silent henceforward for evermore. The very waterfall that had + soothed its master to his noonday slumber in the drowsy shade, was + now dried up, and in the cavity above, a heap of dusty rubbish + alone remained, where erst the cool translucent surface shone, fair + and smooth as glass. Weeds were growing rank and tall, where once + the myrtle quivered and the roses bloomed. Where Chloe gambolled + and where Lydia sang, the raven croaked and fluttered, and the + night-owl screamed. Instead of velvet turf and trim exotic shrubs, + and shapely statues framed in bowers of green, the nettle spread + its festering carpet, and the dock put out its pointed leaf; and + here and there a tombstone showed its slab of marble, smooth and + grim, like a bone that has been laid bare. All was ruin or decay—a + few short years had done the work of ages; and whether they waked + or whether they slept, poet and patron had gone hence, never to + return.</p><a name="i_282" id="i_282" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_282.png"><img src="images/i_282.png" alt= + "Illustration: ‘Her eyes grew dim, her senses seemed failing’" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + ‘Her eyes grew dim, her senses seemed failing’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Under the + branches of a spectral holm-oak, blackened, withered, and destroyed + by fire, Mariamne paused, and clung with both hands to her + companion’s arm. Bravely had the girl borne up for hours against + terrible mental anxiety, as well as actual bodily pain, but with + relief and comparative safety came the reaction. Her eyes grew dim, + her senses seemed failing, and her limbs trembled so that she was + unable to proceed. He hung over her in positive fear. The pale face + looked so deathlike that his bold heart quailed, as the possibility + presented itself of life without her. Propped in his strong grasp + she soon recovered, and he told her as much, in a few frank simple + words.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And yet it must come at last,”</span> said she gently. + <span class="tei tei-q">“What is the short span of a man’s life, + Esca, for such love as ours? Even had we everything we can wish, + all the world can <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page256">[pg + 256]</span><a name="Pg256" id="Pg256" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>give, there would be a sting in each moment of + happiness at the thought that it must end so soon.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Happiness!”</span> repeated Esca. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it? Why is there so little of it on earth? + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">My</span></span> happiness is to be with you; + and see, I win it but for an hour at a time, at a cost to yourself + I cannot bear to think of.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked + lovingly in his face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you suppose <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></span> would count the cost?”</span> + said she. <span class="tei tei-q">“Ever since the night you took me + from those fearful revellers, and brought me so gently and so + courteously to my father’s house, I—I have never forgotten what I + owe you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He raised her + hand to his lips, with the action of an inferior doing homage. + Alone with the woman he loved, the very depth and generosity of his + young affection made him look on her as something sacred and apart + She hesitated, for she had yet more to say, which maiden shame + repressed, lest it should disclose her feelings too openly; but she + loved him well: she could not keep silence on so vital a subject, + and after a pause, she took courage and asked—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Esca, could you bear to think we were never to meet + again?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would rather die at once!”</span> he exclaimed + fervently.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She shook her + head, and smiled rather sadly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">after</span></span> death,”</span> she + insisted; <span class="tei tei-q">“after death do you believe you + will see me no more?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He looked blank + and confused. The same question had been present almost + unconsciously in his mind, but had never taken so definite a shape + before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You would make me a coward, Mariamne,”</span> said he; + <span class="tei tei-q">“when I think of you, I almost fear to + die.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They were + standing under the holm-oak, where the moonlight streamed down + clear and cold through the bare branches. It shone on a slab of + marble, half defaced, half overgrown with moss. Nevertheless, on + that surface was distinctly carved the horse’s head with which the + Roman loved to decorate the stone that marked his last + resting-place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you know what that means?”</span> said she, + pointing to this quaint and yet suggestive symbol. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Even the proud Roman feels that death and departure + are the same,—that he is going on a journey he knows not where, but + one from which he never shall return. It is a journey we must all + take, none can tell how soon; for you and me the horse may be + harnessed this very night. But I know where I am <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page257">[pg 257]</span><a name="Pg257" id="Pg257" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>going, Esca. If you had slain me an hour + ago with your sword, I should have been there even now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I?”</span> he exclaimed. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Should I have been with you? for I would have died + amongst the gladiators as I have seen a wolf die in my own country, + overmatched by hounds. Mariamne, you would not have left me for + ever? What would have become of me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again she shook + her head with the same pitiful plaintive smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You do not know the way,”</span> said she. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You have no guide to take you by the hand; + you would be lost in the darkness; and I—I should see you no more. + Oh! Esca, I can teach you, I can show it you. Let us travel it + together, and, come what may, we need never part again!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the girl + knelt down under that dead tree, with the moonbeams shining on her + pale face, and her lips moved in whispered thanksgiving for the + late escape, and prayer for him who now stood by her side, and who + watched her with wistful looks, as a child watches a piece of + mechanism of which he sees plainly the effect, while he strives in + vain to comprehend the cause. It seemed to Esca that the woman he + loved must have found the talisman that all his youth he had felt a + vague consciousness he wanted—something beyond manly courage, or + burning patriotism, or the dogged obstinacy that fortifies itself + by defying the worst. Moreover, the course of his past life, above + all, the trials he had lately undergone, could not but have + prepared the ground for the reception of that good seed which + brings forth such good fruit,—could not but have shown him the + necessity for a strength superior to the bravest endurance of mere + humanity, for a hope that was fixed beyond the grave. A few minutes + she remained on her knees, praying fervently for herself,—for him. + He felt that it was so, and while his eyes were riveted on the dear + face, so pure and peaceful, turned upward to the sky, he knew that + his own being was elevated by her holy influence, that the earthly + affection of a lover for his mistress, was in his breast refined by + the adoration of a worshipper for a saint.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she rose, + and taking him by the arm, walked leisurely on her way, + discoursing, as she went, on certain truths which she had learnt + from Calchas, and which she believed with the faith of those who + have been taught by one, himself an eye-witness of the wonders he + relates. There were no dogmas in those early days of the Christian + Church to distract the minds of its votaries from the simple tenets + of their creed. The grain of mustard-seed had not yet shot up + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page258">[pg 258]</span><a name= + "Pg258" id="Pg258" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>into that goodly tree + which has since borne so many branches, and the pruning-knife, + hereafter to lop away so many redundant heresies, was not as yet + unsheathed. The Christian of the first century held to a very + simple exposition of his faith as handed down to him from his + Divine Master. Trust and love were the fundamental rules of his + order. Trust that in the extremity of mortal agony could penetrate + beyond the gates of death, and brighten the martyr’s face with a + ray of splendour <span class="tei tei-q">“like the face of an + angel.”</span> Love that embraced all things, downward from the + Creator to the lowest of the created, that opened its heart freely + and ungrudgingly to each, the sinner, the prodigal, and the + traveller who fell among thieves. Other faiths, indeed, and other + motives have fortified men to march proudly to the stake, to bear + without wincing tortures that forced the sickening spectator to + turn shuddering away. A heathen or a Jew could front the lion’s + sullen scowl, or the grin and glare of the cruel tiger, in the + amphitheatre, with the dignified composure that brave men borrow + from despair; could behold unmoved the straight-cut furrow in the + sand that marked the arena of his sufferings, soon to run crimson + with his blood. Even athwart the dun smoke, amidst the leaping + yellow flames, pale faces have been seen to move, majestic and + serene as spectres, with no sustaining power beyond that of a lofty + courage, the offspring of education and of pride. But it was the + Christian alone who could submit to the vilest degradations and the + fiercest sufferings with a humble and even cheerful thankfulness; + who could drink from the bitter cup and accept the draught without + a murmur, save of regret for his own unworthiness; nay, who could + forgive and bless the very tyranny that extorted, the very hand + that ministered to, the tortures he endured.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In its early + days, fresh from the fountain-head, the Christian’s was, indeed, + essentially and emphatically, a religion of love. To feed the + hungry, to clothe the naked, to stretch a hand to the fallen, to + think no evil, to judge not, nor to condemn, in short, to love + <span class="tei tei-q">“the brother whom he <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">had</span></span> + seen,”</span> were the direct commands of that Great Example who + had so recently been here on earth. His first disciples strove, + hard as fallible humanity can, to imitate Him, and in so striving, + failed not to attain a certain peaceful composure and contentment + of mind, that no other code of morality, no other system of + philosophy, had ever yet produced. Perhaps this was the quality + that, in his dealings with his victim, the Roman executioner found + most mysterious and inexplicable. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page259">[pg 259]</span><a name="Pg259" id="Pg259" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Fortitude, resolution, defiance, these he + could understand: but the childlike simplicity that accepted good + and evil with equal confidence; that was thankful and cheerful + under both, and that entertained neither care for to-day nor + anxiety for to-morrow, was a moral elevation, at which, with all + their pretensions, his own countrymen had never yet been able to + arrive. Neither Stoic nor Epicurean, Sophist nor Philosopher, could + look upon life, and death also, with the calm assurance of these + unlearned men, leaning on a hand the Roman could not see, convinced + of an immortality the Roman was unable to conceive.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With this happy + conviction beaming in her face, Mariamne inculcated on Esca the + tenets of her noble faith; explaining, not logically, indeed, but + with woman’s persuasive reasonings of the heart, how fair was the + prospect thus open to him, how glorious the reward, which, though + mortal eye could not behold it, mortal hand could not take away. + Promises of future happiness are none the less glowing that they + fall on a man’s ear from the lips he loves. Conviction goes the + straighter to his heart when it pervades another’s that beats in + unison with his own. Under that moonlit sky, reddened in the + horizon with the glare of a distant quarter of the city already set + on fire by the insurgents; in that dreary waste of the Esquiline, + with its blasted trees, its shrieking night-birds, and its + scattered grave-stones, the Briton <a name="corr259" id="corr259" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">imbibed</span> the first principles of Christianity + from the daughter of Judah, whom he loved; and the girl’s face + beamed with a holy tenderness more than mortal, while she showed + the way of everlasting happiness, and life, and light, to him whose + soul was dearer to her than her own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And meanwhile + around them on all sides, murder, rapine, and violence were + stalking abroad unchecked. Riotous parties of Vespasian’s + supporters met, here and there, detached companies of Cæsar’s + broken legions; and when such collisions took place, the combatants + fought madly, as it would seem from mere wanton love of bloodshed, + to the death; whichever conquered, neither spared the dissolute + citizens, who indeed, when safe out of reach, from roofs or windows + encouraged the strife heartily with word and gesture. Sparks fell + in showers through the streets of Rome, and blood and wine ran in + streams along the pavement; nor were the deserted gardens of the + Esquiline undisturbed by the tumult and devastation that pervaded + the rest of the unhappy city.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page260">[pg 260]</span><a name= + "Pg260" id="Pg260" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc75" id= + "toc75"></a> <a name="pdf76" id="pdf76"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE CHURCH</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When they sought + to leave their place of refuge, Esca and Mariamne found themselves + hemmed in and drawn back by the continued tumult that was raging + through the surrounding quarters. On all sides were heard the + shouts of victory, the shrieks of despair, and the mad riot of + drunken mirth. Occasionally, flying parties of pursuers or pursued + swept through the very outskirts of the gardens themselves, + compelling the Briton and his charge to plunge deeper into its + gloomy solitudes for concealment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length they + reached a place of comparative safety, under a knot of dark + cypresses that had escaped the general conflagration, and here they + paused to take breath and listen, Mariamne becoming every moment + more composed and tranquil, while Esca, with a beating heart, + calculated the many chances that must still be risked ere they + could reach her home beyond the Tiber, and he could place the + daughter in safety under her father’s roof once more. It was very + dark where they were, for the cypresses grew thick and black + between them and the sky. The place had probably in former times + been a favourite resort in the noonday heat. There were the remains + of a grotto or summer-house not yet wholly destroyed, and the + fragments of a wide stone basin, from which a fountain had once + shot its sparkling drops into the summer air. Several alleys, too, + cut in the young plantations, had apparently converged at this + spot; and although these were much overgrown and neglected, one + still formed, so to speak, a broad white street of turf, hemmed in + by walls of quivering foliage, dark and massive, but sprinkled here + and there with points of silver in the moonlight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne crept + closer to her companion’s side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I feel so safe and so happy with you,”</span> said she + caressingly. <span class="tei tei-q">“We seem to have changed + places. You are the one who is now anxious and—no, not + frightened—but ill at ease. Esca! what is it?”</span> she asked + with a start, as, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page261">[pg + 261]</span><a name="Pg261" id="Pg261" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>looking fondly up in his face, she caught its + expression of actual terror and dismay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His blue eyes + were fixed like stone. With parted lips and rigid features, his + whole being seemed concentrated into the one effort of seeing, and + backed by the dark shadows of the cypress, his face, usually so + frank and fearless, was paler even than her own. Following with her + eyes the direction of his glance, she, too, was something more than + startled at what she saw. Two black figures, clad in long and + trailing garments, moved slowly into sight, and crossed the sheet + of moonlight which flooded the wide avenue, with solemn step and + slow. These again were followed by two in white, looking none the + less ghostly that their outlines were so indistinctly defined, the + head and feet being alone visible, and the rest of the figure + wrapped, as it were, in mist. Then came two more in black, and thus + in alternate pairs the unearthly procession glided by; only, ere + the half of it had passed, a something, not unlike the human form, + draped in a white robe, seemed to float horizontally, at a cubit’s + height, above the line. A low and wailing chant, too, rose and fell + fitfully on the listeners’ ears. It was the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Kyrie Eleison,”</span> the humble plaintive dirge in + which the Christian mourned, not without hope, for his dead.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Fear was no + familiar sentiment in Esca’s breast. It could not remain there + long. He drew himself up, and the colour rushed back redly to his + brow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are spirits!”</span> said he; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“spirits of the wood, on whose domains we have + trespassed. Good or evil, we will resist them to the last. They + will sacrifice us to their vengeance if we show the least signs of + fear.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was proud of + his courage even then—the courage that could defy, though it had + not been able to shake off, the superstitions of his northern + birthplace. It was sweet, too, to think that from her lips he must + learn what was truth, both of this world and of the next.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are no spirits!”</span> she answered. + <span class="tei tei-q">“They are Christians burying their dead. + Esca, we shall be safe with them, and they will show us how to + leave this place unobserved.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Christians?”</span> he replied doubtfully; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and we, too, are Christians, are we not? I + would they were armed, though,”</span> he added reflectively. + <span class="tei tei-q">“With twenty good swordsmen, I would engage + to take you unmolested from one end of Rome to the other; but + these, I fear, are only priests. Priests! and the legions are loose + even now all over the city!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page262">[pg 262]</span><a name="Pg262" id="Pg262" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was but a + young disciple, thought his loving teacher, and many a defeat must + be experienced, many a rebuff sustained, ere dependence on his own + courage is rooted out of a brave man’s heart, to be replaced by + that nobler fortitude which relies solely on the will of Heaven. + Yet a brave man is no bad material out of which to form a good + one.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They left their + hiding-place, and hastened down the alley after the departing + Christians. In a secluded place, where the remaining trees grew + thickest and most luxuriant—where the noontide ray had least power + to penetrate, the procession had halted. The grave was already + being dug. As spadeful after spadeful of loose earth fell with a + dull grating sound on the sward, or trickled back into the cavity, + the dirge wailed on, now lowered and repressed like the stifled sob + of one who weeps in secret, now rising into notes of chastened + triumph, that were almost akin to joy. And here, where Mæcenas, and + his poets and his parasites, had met, with garland and goblet, to + while away the summer’s day in frivolous disputations, arguing on + the endless topics of here and hereafter, life and death, body and + soul; groping blindly and in vain throughout the labyrinth for a + clue—sneering at Pythagoras, refuting Plato, and maligning + Socrates—the body of the dead Christian was laid humbly and + trustfully in the earth, and already the departed spirit had + learned the efficacy of those truths it had imbibed through scorn + and suffering in its lifetime—truths that the heathen sages would + have given goblets and garlands, and riches and empire, and all the + world besides, but to know and believe in that supreme moment, when + all around the dying fades and fails as though it had never been, + and there is but one reality from which is no escape.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Jewess and + her champion waited a few paces off while the spade threw its last + handfuls to the surface. Then the Christians gathered solemnly and + silently round the open grave, and the corpse was lowered gently + into its resting-place, and the faces that watched it sink, and + stop, and waver, and sink again out of sight, even like the life of + the departed, beamed with a holy triumph, for they knew that with + this wayfarer, at least, the journey was over and the home + attained. Two mourners, somewhat conspicuous from the rest, stood + at either end of the grave. The one was a woman, still in the + meridian of her beauty; the other a strong warlike man, scarcely of + middle age. The woman’s face was turned to heaven, rapt, as it + seemed in an ecstasy of prayer. She was not thinking of the poor + remains, the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page263">[pg + 263]</span><a name="Pg263" id="Pg263" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>empty shell, consigned beneath her feet to its + kindred dust; but with the eye of faith she watched the spirit in + its upward flight, and for her the heavens were opened, and her + child was even now disappearing through the golden gate. But on the + man’s contracted features might be read the pain of him who is too + weak to bear, and yet too strong to weep. His eye followed with sad + wistful glances clod after clod, as they fell in to cover up the + loved and lost. When the earth was flattened down above her head, + and not till then, he seemed to look inquiringly at the vacant + space amongst the bystanders, and to know that she was gone. He + clenched his strong hands tight, and raised his eyes at last. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is hard to bear,”</span> he muttered; + <span class="tei tei-q">“it is very hard to say, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Thy will be done.’</span> ”</span> Then he thought of + the empty place at home, and hid his face and wept.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A young girl, on + the verge of womanhood, had been called away—called suddenly + away—the pride and the flower and the darling of her father’s + house. He was a good man and a brave, and a believer, yet every + time his child’s face rose up before him, with its bright hair and + its loving eyes, something smote him, sharp and cold, like the + thrust of a knife.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the grave + was finally closed, the Christians gathered round it in prayer. + Mariamne, taking Esca by the hand, came silently among them, and + joined in their devotions. It was a strange and solemn sight to the + barbarian. A circle of cloaked figures kneeling round an empty + space, to worship an unseen power. On either hand a wilderness of + ruin and devastation in the heart of a great city; above, an angry + glare on the midnight sky, and the shouts of maddened combatants + rising and falling on the breeze. By his side, the woman he loved + so dearly, and whom he had thought he should never look on again. + He knelt with the others, to offer his tribute from a grateful + heart. Their prayers were short and fervent, nor did they omit the + form their Master had given them expressly for their use. When they + rose to their feet, one figure stood forth amongst the rest, and + signed for silence with uplifted hand. This man was obviously a + Roman by birth, and spoke his language with the ease, but at the + same time with the accent and phrases of the lowest plebeian class. + He seemed a handicraftsman by trade, and his palm, when he raised + it impressively to bespeak attention, was hardened and scarred with + toil. Low of stature, mean in appearance, coarsely clothed, with + bare head and feet, there was little in his exterior to command + interest or respect; <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page264">[pg + 264]</span><a name="Pg264" id="Pg264" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>but his frame, square and strongly built, + seemed capable of sustaining a vast amount of toil or hardship, + while his face, notwithstanding its plain features, denoted + repressed enthusiasm, earnest purpose, and honest singleness of + heart. He was indeed one of the pioneers of a religion, destined + hereafter to cover the surface of the earth. Such were the men who + went forth in their master’s name, without scrip or sandals, or + change of raiment, to overrun and conquer the world—who took no + thought what they should say when brought before the kings, and + governors, and great ones of the earth, trusting only in the + sanctity of their mission, and the inspiration under which they + spoke. Having little learning, they could refute the wisest + philosophers. Having neither rank nor lineage, they could beard the + Proconsul on his judgment-seat or the Cæsar on his throne. Homely + and ignorant, they feared not to wander far and wide through + strange countries, and hostile nations, spreading the good tidings + with a simple ungrudging faith that forced men to believe. Weak by + nature it may be, and timid by education, they descended into the + arena to meet their martyrdom from the hungry lion, with a quiet + fortitude such as neither soldier nor gladiator had courage to + display. It was a moral their Master never ceased to inculcate, + that His was a message sent not to the noble, and the prosperous, + and the distinguished, for these, if they wished to find Him, might + make their own opportunities to seek Him out; but to the poor and + lowly, the humble and forlorn, especially to those who were in + distress and sorrow, who, having none to help them here, might rely + all the more implicitly on His protection, who is emphatically the + friend of the friendless.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Therefore, the + men who did His work seem to have been chosen principally from the + humbler classes of society, from such as could speak to the + multitude in homely phrases and with familiar imagery; whose + authority the most careless and unthinking might perceive + originated in no aid of extraneous circumstances, but came directly + from above.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As the speaker + warmed to his subject, Esca could not but observe the change that + came over the bearing and appearance of his outward man. At first + the eye was dull, the speech hesitating, the manner diffident. + Gradually a light seemed to steal over his whole countenance, his + form towered erect as though it had actually increased in stature, + his words flowed freely in a torrent of glowing and appropriate + language, his action became dignified, and the whole man + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page265">[pg 265]</span><a name= + "Pg265" id="Pg265" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>clothed himself, as + it were, in the majesty of the subject on which he spoke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That subject was + indeed simple enough, sad, it may be, from an earthly point of + view, and yet how comforting to the mourners gathered round him + beside the new-made grave! At first he contented himself with a + short and earnest tribute, clothed in the plainest form of speech, + to the worth and endearing qualities of that young girl whom they + had just laid in the earth. <span class="tei tei-q">“She was + precious to us all,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“yet + words like these seem but a mockery to some present here, for whom + she was the hope and the joy, and the very light of an earthly + home. Grieve, I say, and weep, and wring your hands, for such is + man’s weak nature, and He who took our nature upon Him sympathises + with our sorrows, and, like the good physician, pities while He + heals. To-day your wounds are fresh, your hearts are full, your + eyes are blind with tears, you cannot see the truth. To-morrow you + will wonder why you mourn so bitterly; to-morrow you will say, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘It is well; we are labouring in the sun, + she is resting in the shade; we are hungry and thirsty in a barren + land, she is eating the bread and drinking the waters of life, in + the garden of Paradise; we are weary and footsore, wayfarers still + upon the road, but she has reached her home.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yea, now at this very hour, standing here where the + earth has just closed over the young face, tender and delicate even + in death, would you have her back to you if you could? Those who + have considered but the troubles that surround us now, and to whom + there is no hereafter, who call themselves philosophers, and whose + wisdom is as the wisdom of a blind man walking on the brink of a + precipice, have themselves said <span class="tei tei-q">‘whom the + gods love die young’</span>; and will you grudge that your beloved + one should have been called out of the vineyard, to take her wages + and go to her rest, before the burden and heat of the day? Think + what her end might have been. Think that you might have offered her + up to bear witness to the truth, tied to a stake in the foul arena, + face to face with the crouching wild beast gathered for his spring. + Ay! and worse even than this might have befallen the child, whom + you remember, as it were but yesterday, nestling to her mother’s + bosom, or clinging round her father’s knees! <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘The Christians to the panther, and the maidens to the + pandar!’</span><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> You + have heard the brutal shouts and shuddered with fear and anger + while you heard. And <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page266">[pg + 266]</span><a name="Pg266" id="Pg266" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>you would have offered her, as Abraham offered + Isaac, beating your breasts, and holding your breath for very agony + the while. But is it not better thus? She has earned the day’s + wages, labouring but for an hour at sunrise; she has escaped the + cross, and yet has won the crown!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you who hear me, envy not this young maiden, + though she be now arrived where all so long to go. Rather be proud + and happy, that your Master cannot spare you, that He has yet work + for you to do. To every man’s hand is set his appointed task, and + every man shall find strength given him to fulfil it when the time + arrives. Some of you will bear witness before Cæsar, and for such + the scourges are already knotted and the cross is reared; but to + these I need scarcely speak of loyalty, for to them the very + suffering brings with it its own fortitude, and they are indeed + blessed who are esteemed worthy of the glory of martyrdom! Some + must go forth to preach the gospel in wild and distant lands; and + well I know that neither toil, nor hardship, nor peril, will cause + them to waver an hair’s-breadth from their path, yet have they + difficulties to meet, and foes to contend with, that they know not + of. Let them beware of pride and self-sufficiency, lest, in raising + the altar, they make the sacrifice of more account than the spirit + in which it is offered; lest in building the church they take note + of every stone in the edifice, and lose sight of the purpose for + which it was reared. But ye cannot all be martyrs, nor preachers, + nor prophets, nor chief-priests, yet every one of you, even the + weakest and the lowest here present—woman, child, slave, or + barbarian—is none the less a soldier and a servant of the cross! + Every one has his duty to do, his watch to keep, his enemy to + conquer. It is not much that is required of you—little indeed in + comparison with all you have received—but that little must be given + without reserve, and with the whole heart. Has any one of you left + a duty unfulfilled? when he departs from hence let him go home and + accomplish it. Has any one an enemy? let him be reconciled. Has he + done his brother a wrong? let him make amends. Has he sustained an + injury? let him forgive it. Even as you have laid in the grave the + perishable body of the departed, so lay down here every earthly + weakness, every unholy wish, and every evil thought. Nay, as these + chief mourners have to-night parted and weaned themselves from that + which they loved best on earth, so must you tear out and cast away + from you the truest and dearest affections that stand between you + and your service, ay, even though you rend <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page267">[pg 267]</span><a name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>them from the very inner chambers of your + heart. And then, with constant effort and never-ceasing prayer, + striving, step by step, and winning, inch by inch, now slipping + back it may be where the path is treacherous, and the hill is + steep, to rise from your knees, humbled and therefore stronger, + gaining more than you have lost, you shall arrive at last, where + there is no strife, and no failing, where she for whom you weep + to-night is even now in glory, where He whom you follow has already + prepared a place for you, and where you who have loved and trusted, + shall be happy for evermore!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ceasing, he + spread his hands abroad, and implored a blessing on those who heard + him, after which the Christians breaking up their circle, gathered + round the bereaved parents with a few quiet words and gestures of + sympathy, such as those offer who have themselves experienced the + sorrows they are fain to assuage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am in safety here,”</span> whispered Mariamne to the + Briton, as she pointed out a dark figure, with white flowing locks, + whom he now recognised as Calchas. In another moment she was in the + old man’s arms, who raised his eyes to heaven, and thanked God with + heartfelt gratitude for her deliverance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your father and I,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“have sought you with fearful anxiety, and even now he + is raising some of his countrymen to storm the tribune’s house, and + take you from it with the strong hand. Mariamne, you hardly know + how much your father loves his child. And I too was disturbed for + your safety, but I trusted—trusted in that Heaven which never fails + the innocent. Nevertheless, I sought for aid among my brethren, and + they have raised, even the poorest of them, such a sum as would + have tempted the prætor to interfere, even against a man like + Placidus. I did but remain with them to say a prayer while they + buried their dead. But now you are safe, and you will come back + with me to your father’s house, and one of these whom I can trust + shall go to tell him at the place where his friends were to + assemble; and Esca, thy preserver for the second time, who is to me + as a son, shall accompany us home—though we shall not need a guard, + for thy father’s friends, tried warriors every man, and armed, will + meet us ere we leave the wilderness for the streets.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a strong + temptation to the Briton, but the words he had so lately heard had + sunk deep into his heart. He, too, would fain cast in his lot + amongst these earnest men. He, too, he thought, had a task to + perform—a cherished <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page268">[pg + 268]</span><a name="Pg268" id="Pg268" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>happiness to forego. With a timely warning, it + might be in his power to save the Emperor’s life, and his very + eagerness to accompany Mariamne but impressed him the more with the + conviction that it was his duty to leave her, now she was in + comparative safety, and hasten on his errand of mercy. Calchas, + too, insisted strongly on this view, and though Mariamne was + silent, and even pleaded with her eyes against the risk, he turned + stoutly from their influence, and ere she was clasped in her + father’s arms, the new Christian was already half-way between the + Esquiline and the palace of Cæsar.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page269">[pg 269]</span><a name= + "Pg269" id="Pg269" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc77" id= + "toc77"></a> <a name="pdf78" id="pdf78"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">REDIVIVUS</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many had been + the debauch at which, himself its chief originator and promoter, + the tribune had assisted; nor had he escaped the penalties that + Nature exacts even from the healthiest constitutions, when her laws + are habitually outraged in the high-tide of revelry and mirth; but + never, after his longest sittings with the Emperor, had he + experienced anything to compare with the utter prostration of mind + and body in which he came to himself, waking from the deathlike + sleep that followed his pledge to Valeria. With returning + consciousness came a sense of painful giddiness, which, as the + velvet cushions of the couch rose and heaved beneath his sight, + confused him utterly as to where he was, or how he got there; then, + sitting up with an effort that seemed to roll a ball of lead across + his brain, he was aware that every vein throbbed at fever-heat, + that his hands were numbed and swollen, that his mouth was parched, + his lips cracked, and that he had a racking headache—the latter + symptom was sufficiently familiar to be reassuring; he sprang to + his feet, regardless of the pang so sudden a movement shot through + his frame, then seizing a goblet from the table, filled it to the + brim with Falernian, and in defiance of the nausea with which its + very fragrance overpowered him, emptied it to the dregs. The + effect, as he expected, was instantaneous; it enabled him to stand + erect, and, passing his hand across his brow, by a strong effort of + the will, he forced himself to connect and comprehend the events + that had led to this horrible and bewildering trance. By degrees, + one after another, like links in a chain, he traced the doings of + the day, beginning a long way back, somewhere about noon, till the + immediate past, so to speak, came more and more tangibly within his + grasp. It was with a thrill of triumphant pleasure that he + remembered Valeria’s visit, and his own arm winding round her + handsome form on that very couch. Where was she <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page270">[pg 270]</span><a name="Pg270" id="Pg270" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>now? He looked about him vacantly, + almost expecting to find her in the room; as he did so, his eye + lighted on the two goblets, one of them half-emptied, still + standing on their salver.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To say that + Placidus had a conscience would be simply a perversion of terms; + for that monitor, never very troublesome, had since his manhood + been so stifled and silenced as to have become a mere negative + quality, yet in his present unhinged state, a shudder of horror did + come over him, as he recalled the visit to Petosiris, and the + poison with which he had resolved to ensure the silence of his + slave. But ere that shudder passed away, the dark secret Esca knew, + the plot from which it was now too late to draw back, the desperate + adventure that every hour brought nearer, and that must be + attempted to-night—all these considerations came flooding in on his + memory at once, and for a moment he felt paralysed by the height of + the precipice on the brink of which he stood. With the emergency, + however, as was always the case in the tribune’s character, came + the energy required to encounter it. <span class="tei tei-q">“At + least,”</span> he muttered, steadying himself by the table with one + hand, <span class="tei tei-q">“the cup is nearly empty; the drug + cannot but have done its work. First, I must make sure of the + carrion, and then it will be time enough to find Valeria.”</span> + Had he suffered less in body, he would have laughed his own low + malicious laugh, to think how deftly he had outwitted the woman he + professed to love. The laugh, however, died away in a grin that + betrayed more pain than mirth; and the tribune, with chattering + teeth and shaking frame, and wavering uncertain steps, betook + himself to the outer court to make sure with his own eyes that the + stalwart frame of him whom he feared was stiff and cold in + death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His first + feeling would have been one of acute apprehension, had not anger so + completely mastered that sensation, when he perceived the slave’s + chain and collar lying coiled on the pavement. Obviously, Esca had + escaped; and was gone, moreover, with his late master’s life + completely in his power; but Placidus possessed a keen intellect + and one familiar with sudden combinations; it flashed upon him at + once, that he had been outwitted by Valeria, and the two had fled + together.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sting was + very sharp, but it roused and sobered him. Pacing swiftly back + through the corridors, and stopping for a few minutes to immerse + his head and face in cold water, he returned to the + banqueting-hall, and eagerly scrutinised with <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page271">[pg 271]</span><a name="Pg271" id="Pg271" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>look and smell, and, notwithstanding all + that had happened, even with a sparing taste, the cup from which he + had last drunk. The opiate, however, had been so skilfully prepared + that nothing suspicious could be detected in the flavour of the + wine; nevertheless, reflecting on all the circumstances with a + clearer head, as the strength of his constitution gradually + asserted itself, he arrived at the true conclusion, and was + satisfied that Valeria had changed the cups while his attention was + distracted by her charms; that he had purchased a poison he never + doubted for a moment, nor suspected that Petosiris could have + dared, from sheer love of trickery, to substitute an opiate for the + deadlier draught; but he exulted to think that his powerful + organisation must have resisted its effects, and that he who had so + often narrowly escaped death in the field must indeed bear a + charmed life. If a suspicion haunted him that the venom might still + be lurking in his system, to do its work more completely after a + short respite, the vague horror of such a thought did but goad him + to make use of the intervening time all the more ardently for + business and pleasure, not forgetting the sacred duty of revenge. + <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dum vivimus vivamus!</span></span> was the + tribune’s motto, and if he had been granted but one hour to live, + he would have divided that hour systematically, between the + delights of love, wine, and mischief.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Rapidly, though + coolly, he reviewed his position, as though he had been commanding + a cohort hemmed in by the Jewish army. To-night would make or mar + him. The gladiators would be here within an hour. Esca must, ere + this, have reached the palace and given the alarm. Why had a + centurion of Cæsar not yet arrived with a sufficient guard to + arrest him in his own house? They might be expected at any moment. + Should he fly while there was yet time? What! and lose the + brilliant future so nearly within his reach? No—he would weather + this as he had weathered other storms, by skilful and judicious + steering. A man who has no scruples need never be deficient in + resource. To leave his house now, would be a tacit admission of + guilt. To be found alone, undefended, unsuspicious, a strong + presumption of innocence. He would at least have sufficient + interest to be taken into the presence of Cæsar. There, what so + easy as to accuse the slave of treachery, to persuade the Emperor + the barbarian had but hatched a plot against his master’s life; to + make the good-humoured old glutton laugh with an account of the + drugged goblet, and finish the night by a debauch with his imperial + host?</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page272">[pg + 272]</span><a name="Pg272" id="Pg272" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, he must be + guided by the preparations for defence which he observed in the + palace. If they were weak, he must find some means of communicating + with Hippias, and the attack would be facilitated by his own + presence inside. If, on the contrary, there was an obvious + intention of firm resistance, the conspirators must be warned to + postpone their enterprise. If worst came to the worst, he could + always save his own head by informing against his confederates, and + so handing over Hippias and the gladiators to death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some slight + compunction visited him at the thought of such an alternative, but + he soon stifled it with the arguments of his characteristic + philosophy. Should he be found, indeed, presiding at a supper-party + composed of these desperate men, they might defend the gate whilst + he fled directly to Cæsar, and sacrificed them at once. Under any + circumstances, he argued, he had bought them, and had a right to + make use of them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the meantime, + Mariamne would be here directly. She ought to have been here long + ago. Whatever the future threatened, an hour, half an hour, a + quarter, should be devoted to her society, and after that, come + what might, at least he would not have been foiled in every event + of the day. It was when he had arrived at this conclusion, that + Esca from his hiding-place saw the figure of the tribune, pale, + wan, and ghostly, giving directions for the preparation of the + supper-table.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The evening + stole on, the sun-dial no longer showed the hour, and the slave + whose duty it was to keep count of time by the water-clock<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> then + in vogue, announced that the first watch of the night was already + advanced. He was followed by Automedon, who came into the presence + of his master, with hanging head and sheepish looks, sadly + mistrusting how far his own favour would bear him harmless in the + delivery of the tidings he had to impart. It was always a perilous + duty to inform Placidus of the failure of any of his schemes. He + listened, indeed, with a calm demeanour and an unmoved countenance, + but sooner or later he surely contrived to visit on the unfortunate + messenger the annoyance he himself experienced from the + message.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune’s + face brightened as the boy came into the <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page273">[pg 273]</span><a name="Pg273" id="Pg273" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>hall; with characteristic duplicity, however, + he veiled even from his charioteer the impatience in which he had + waited his return.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Have you brought the horses in cool?”</span> said he, + with an affectation of extreme indifference.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Automedon looked + greatly relieved.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite cool,”</span> he answered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“most illustrious! and Oarses came part of the way + home, but he got down near the Sacred Gate, and I had no one with + me in the chariot the whole length of the Flaminian Way; and the + slaves will be back presently; and Damasippus—Oh! my lord, do not + be angry!—Damasippus—I fear I have left him dead in the + street.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here the lad’s + courage failed him completely; he had indeed been thoroughly + frightened by the events of the night; and making a piteous face, + he twined his fingers in his long curls and wept aloud.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, fool!”</span> thundered the tribune, his brow + turning black with rage. <span class="tei tei-q">“You have not + brought her after all! Silly child,”</span> he added, controlling + himself with a strong effort. <span class="tei tei-q">“Where is + the—the passenger—I charged Damasippus to bring here with him + to-night?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will tell you the truth,”</span> exclaimed the boy, + flinging himself down on his knees, and snatching at the hem of his + master’s garment. <span class="tei tei-q">“By the Temple of Vesta, + I will tell you the truth. I drove from here across Tiber, and I + waited in the shadow by Tiber-side; and Jugurtha wouldn’t stand + still, and presently Damasippus brought a—a passenger in his arms, + and put it into the chariot, and bade me go on fast; and we went on + at a gallop till we tried to cross the Appian Way, and then we had + to turn aside, for the houses were burning and the people fighting + in the street, and Scipio was frightened and pulled, and Jugurtha + wouldn’t face the crowd, and I drove on to cross a little farther + down, but we were stopped again by the Vestals, and I couldn’t + drive through <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">them</span></span>! So we halted to let them + pass, and then a fierce terrible giant caught the horses and + stopped them once more, and a thousand soldiers, nay, a legion at + least, surrounded the chariot, and they killed Damasippus, and they + tore the passenger out, and killed it too, and Scipio kicked, and I + was frightened, and drove home as fast as I could—and indeed it + wasn’t my fault!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Automedon’s + fears had magnified both the number of the assailants and the + dangers undergone. He had not recognised the gladiators, and was + altogether in too confused a state, as the tribune perceived at a + glance, to afford his master any <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page274">[pg 274]</span><a name="Pg274" id="Pg274" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>more coherent information than the foregoing. + Placidus bit his lip in baffled anger, for he could not see his + way; nevertheless the boy-charioteer was a favourite, and he would + not visit the failure of the enterprise on him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am glad the horses are safe,”</span> said he + good-humouredly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Go, get some supper and a + cup of wine. I will send for you again presently.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Automedon, + agreeably surprised, glanced up at his master’s face ere he + departed, and observed that, although deadly pale, it had assumed + the fixed resolute expression his dependants knew so well.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus had + indeed occasion to summon all the presence of mind on which he + prided himself, for even while he spoke, his quick ear caught the + tramp of feet, and the familiar clink of steel. The blood gathered + round his heart as he contemplated the possibility that a maniple + of Cæsar’s guards might even now be occupying the court. It was + with a sigh of intense relief that, instead of the centurion’s + eagle crest, he recognised the tall form of Rufus, accompanied by + his comrades, advancing respectfully, and even with awkward + diffidence, through the outer hall. The tribune could assume—none + better—any character it suited him to play at a moment’s notice; + nevertheless there was a ring of real cordiality in his greeting, + for the visitors were more welcome than they guessed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hail! Rufus, Lutorius, Eumolpus!”</span> he shouted + boisterously. <span class="tei tei-q">“Gallant swordsmen and deep + drinkers all! What! old Hirpinus, do I not see thy broad shoulders + yonder in the rear? and Hippias too, the king of the arena! + Welcome, every man of you! Even now the feast is spread, and the + Chian cooling yonder amongst the flowers. Once again, a hearty + welcome to you all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiators, + still somewhat abashed by the unaccustomed splendour which met + their eyes on every side, responded with less than their usual + confidence to their entertainer. Rufus nudged Lutorius to reply in + polite language, and the Gaul, in a fit of unusual modesty, passed + the signal on to Eumolpus of Ravenna—a beetle-browed, bow-legged + warrior, with huge muscles and a heavy, sullen face. This champion + looked helplessly about him and seemed inclined to turn tail and + fly, when, to his great relief, Hippias advanced from the rear of + his comrades, and created a diversion in his favour, of which he + availed himself by slinking incontinently into the background. + Placidus clapped his hands, an Asiatic fashion affected by the more + luxurious <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page275">[pg + 275]</span><a name="Pg275" id="Pg275" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Romans; and two or three slaves appeared in + obedience to the summons. The gladiators looked on in awe at the + sumptuous dresses and personal beauty of these domestics.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hand round wine here amongst my friends. I will but + say three words to your captain, and we will go to supper + forthwith.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So speaking, the + tribune led Hippias apart, having resolved that in the present + critical state of affairs it would be better to take him entirely + into his confidence, and trust to the scrupulous notions of + fidelity to their bargains, which such men entertained, for the + result.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is no time to lose,”</span> observed he + anxiously, when he had led Hippias apart from his followers. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Something has occurred which was out of + all our calculations. Can they overhear us, think ye?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The + fencing-master glanced carelessly at his band. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Whilst they are at <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that</span></span> + game,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“they would not hear + the assembly sounding from all four quarters of the camp. Never + fear, illustrious! it will keep them busy till supper + time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The band had + broken up into pairs, and were hard at work with their favourite + pastime, old as the Alban hills, and handed down to the Roman + Empire from the dynasty of the Pharaohs. It consisted in gambling + for small coins at the following trial of skill:—the players sat or + stood, face to face; each held the left hand erect, on which he + marked the progress of his game. With the right he shot out any one + or more of his four fingers and thumb, or all together, with + immense rapidity, guessing aloud at the same time the sum-total of + the fingers thus brandished by himself and his adversary, who was + employed in the same manner. Whoever guessed right won a point, + which was immediately marked on the left, held immovable at + shoulder-height for the purpose, and when five of these had been + won the game began again. Nothing could be more simple, nothing + apparently less interesting, and yet it seemed to engross the + attention of the gladiators to the exclusion of all other subjects, + even the prospect of supper and the flavour of the Falernian.<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></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are children now,”</span> said Placidus + contemptuously. <span class="tei tei-q">“They will be men + presently, and tigers to-night. Hippias, the slave has escaped. We + must attack the palace forthwith.”</span></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"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know it,”</span> replied the other quietly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“But the Germans are relieving guard at + this hour. My own people are hardly ready, and it is not dark + enough yet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You know it,”</span> repeated Placidus, even more + irritated than astonished by his companion’s coolness, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">know</span></span> it, and yet you have not + hastened your preparations? Do you know, too, that this + yellow-haired barbarian has got your head, and mine, and all the + empty skulls of our intelligent friends who are amusing themselves + yonder, under his belt? Do you know that Cæsar, true to his swinish + propensities, will turn like a hunted boar, when he suspects the + least shadow of danger? Do you know that not one of us may live to + eat the very supper waiting for us in the next room? What are you + made of, man, that you can thus look me so coolly in the face with + the sword at both our throats?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can keep my own throat with my hand,”</span> replied + the other, totally unmoved by his host’s agitation. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I am certainly not accustomed to fear danger + before it comes. But that the barbarian has escaped I saw with my + own eyes, for I left him ten minutes since within a hundred paces + of your own gate.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune’s + eyebrows went up in unfeigned surprise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then he has not reached the palace!”</span> he + exclaimed, speaking rather to himself than his informant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not reached the palace certainly,”</span> replied the + latter calmly, <span class="tei tei-q">“since I tell you I saw him + here. And in very good company too,”</span> he added with a + smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune’s + astonishment had for once deprived him of his self-command.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“With Valeria?”</span> he asked unguardedly; and + directly he had spoken, a vague suspicion made him wish that he had + held his tongue.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The + fencing-master started and knit his brows. His head was more erect + and his voice sterner when he answered—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have seen the lady Valeria too, within the last + hour. She had no slaves with her beyond her usual + attendants.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Anger, + curiosity, uncertainty, jealousy, a hundred conflicting emotions + were rankling at the tribune’s heart. What had this handsome + gladiator to do at Valeria’s house? and was it possible that she + did not care for the slave after all? Then what could have been her + object throughout? He marked too the alteration in manner betrayed + by Hippias at the mention of this fair and flighty dame; nor did it + seem <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page277">[pg 277]</span><a name= + "Pg277" id="Pg277" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>improbable under all + the circumstances that he entertained a kindly feeling, if nothing + more, for his pupil. Judging men and women by his own evil nature, + and knowing well the favour with which their female admirers + regarded these votaries of the sword, the tribune did not hesitate + to put its true construction on such kindly feelings, and their + probable result. From that moment he hated Hippias—hated him all + the more that in the tumult and confusion of the coming night he + might find an opportunity of gratifying his hatred by the + destruction of the gladiator. Many a bold leader has been struck + down from behind by the very followers he was encouraging; and who + would ask how a conspirator met his death, in the attack on a + palace and the murder of an emperor? Even while the thought crossed + his mind he took the other by the hand, and laughed frankly in his + face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou art at home in the private apartments of every + lady in Rome, I believe, my warlike Apollo,”</span> said he. + <span class="tei tei-q">“But, indeed, it is no question now of such + trifling; the business of to-night must be determined on—ay, and + disposed of—without delay. If my slave had reached the palace our + whole plan must have been altered. I wish, as you did come across + him, you had treated him to that deadly thrust of yours under the + short-ribs, and brought him in here dead or alive.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He will not trouble us,”</span> observed the other + coolly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Take my word for it, tribune, he + is disposed of for the present.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What mean you?”</span> asked Placidus, a devilish joy + lighting up his sallow face. <span class="tei tei-q">“Did you bribe + him to secrecy then and there with the metal you are accustomed to + lavish so freely? Gold will buy silence for a time, but steel + ensures it for ever.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, tribune,”</span> answered Hippias, with a frank + laugh. <span class="tei tei-q">“We have been fencing too long in + the dark. I will tell you the whole truth. This young giant of + yours is safe enough for the present. I saw him depart with a + pale-faced girl, in a black hood, whom he promised to take care of + as far as Tiber-side. Depend upon it, he will think of nothing else + to-night. For all his broad shoulders the down is yet upon his + chin. And a man’s beard must be grey before he leaves such a fair + young lass as that to knock his head against a wall, even though it + be the wall of a palace. No, no, tribune, he is safe enough, I tell + you, for the next twelve hours, at least!”</span></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">“A pale-faced girl?”</span> repeated Placidus, still + harping on Valeria. <span class="tei tei-q">“What and who was she? + Did you know her? did you speak to her?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My people had some wild tale,”</span> replied the + fencing-master, <span class="tei tei-q">“about a chariot with white + horses, that had been upset in the street, and a girl all gagged + and muffled, whom they pulled out of it, and for whom, of course, + they quarrelled amongst themselves. In faith, had it not been for + to-night’s business and the oath, you might have seen some sweet + practice in your own porch, for I have two or three here that can + make as close and even work with a sword as a tailor does with his + needle. They said something about her being a Jewess. Very likely + she may be, for they swam across Tiber since we have lost Nero. And + the lad might as well be a Jew as a Briton for that matter. Are you + satisfied now, tribune? By the belly of Bacchus, I must wash my + mouth out with Falernian! All this talking makes a man as thirsty + as a camel.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Satisfied! and + after what he had just learnt! Chariot! White horses! Jewess! There + could be no doubt of it. These gladiators must have blundered on + her, thought the tribune, and slain my freedman, and rescued her + from my people, and handed her over to the man whom most I hate and + fear on earth. Satisfied! Perhaps I shall be better satisfied when + I have captured her, and humbled Valeria, and put you out of the + way, my gallant cut-throat, and seen the slave scourged to death at + my own doorpost! Then, and not till then, shall I be able to drink + my wine without a heartburn, and lay my head on the pillow with + some chance of sleep. In the meantime, to-night’s work must be + done. To-night’s work, that puts Vespasian virtually on the throne + (for this boy<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> of his + shall only keep the cushion warm till his father takes his seat), + that makes Placidus the first man in the empire. Nay, that might + even open a path to the purple itself. The general is well advanced + in years; already somewhat broken and worn with his campaigns. + Titus, indeed, is the darling of the legions, but all the heart + black-browed Berenice has left him, is wrapped up in war. He loves + it, I verily believe—the daring fool!—for the mere braying of + trumpets, and the clash of steel. Not a centurion exposes himself + half so freely, nor so often. Well, a Zealot’s javelin, or a stone + from the ramparts of some nameless town in Judæa, may dispose of + him at any time. Then there is but Domitian—a clever youth indeed, + and an unscrupulous. So <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page279">[pg + 279]</span><a name="Pg279" id="Pg279" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>much the worse for him! A mushroom is not the + only dish that may be fatal to an emperor, and if the knot be so + secure as to baffle all dexterity, why, it must be cut with steel. + Ay, the Macedonian knew well how the great game should be played. + Satisfied! Like him, I shall never be satisfied while there is + anything more to win! These being the tribune’s thoughts, it is + needless to say that he assumed a manner of the utmost frankness + and carelessness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thirsty!”</span> he repeated, in a loud voice, + clapping Hippias on the shoulder. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thirsty—I could empty an aqueduct! Welcome again, and + heartily, my heroes all! See, the supper waits. Let us go in and + drink out the old Falernian!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page280">[pg 280]</span><a name= + "Pg280" id="Pg280" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc79" id= + "toc79"></a> <a name="pdf80" id="pdf80"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">“</span><span style= + "font-size: 100%">MORITURI</span><span style= + "font-size: 100%">”</span></span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Knowing well + with whom he was to deal, Placidus had ordered a repast to be + prepared for his guests on a scale of magnificence unusual even in + his luxurious dwelling. It was advisable, not only to impose on + these rude natures with unaccustomed pomp and parade, but also to + excite their cupidity by the display of gold and jewels while their + fiercer passions were inflamed with wine. The more reckless and + desperate they could be rendered, the more fit would they be for + his purpose. There were the tools, sharp and ready for use, but he + thought they would admit of a yet finer edge, and prepared to put + it on accordingly. Therefore, he had ordered the supper to be laid + in an inner apartment, reserved for occasions of especial state, + and in which it was whispered that Vitellius himself had more than + once partaken of his subject’s hospitality; nay, had even expressed + gratification with his entertainment; and which, while blazing with + as much of ornament and decoration as could be crowded into a + supper-room, was of such moderate dimensions as to bring all the + costly objects it contained within notice of the guests. The + tesselated pavement was of the richest and gaudiest squares, laid + together as smooth and bright as glass. The walls were of polished + citron-wood, heavily gilded round the skirting and edges, while the + panels were covered in the florid and gradually deteriorating taste + of the period, with paintings, brilliant in colour, and beautiful + in execution. These represented mythological subjects not of the + purest nature, but fauns, nymphs, and satyrs were to be found in + the majority, while Bacchus himself was more than once repeated in + all the glory of his swaying paunch; his garland of vine-leaves, + his ivy-covered wand, and surrounding clusters of rich, ripe, + purple grapes. To fill the niches between these panels, the goat—an + animal always associated in the Roman mind with wine, perhaps + because he drinks no water—was imitated in precious metals, and in + every attitude. Here they butted, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page281">[pg 281]</span><a name="Pg281" id="Pg281" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>there they browsed, in another corner a pair + of them frisked and gambolled in living kid-like glee, while + yonder, horned and bearded, a venerable sage in silver gazed upon + the guests with a wise Arcadian simplicity that was almost + ludicrous. The tables, which were removed with every change of + dishes, were of cedar, supported on grotesque claws of bronze, + heavily gilt; the couches, framed of ivory and gold, were draped in + various coloured shawls of the softest Asiatic texture, and strewed + with cushions of so rich a crimson as to border nearly on imperial + purple. No dish was of a meaner metal than gold, and the + drinking-cups, in which Falernian blushed, or Chian sparkled, were + studded with rubies, emeralds, pearls, and other precious stones. + The sharp nail of a gladiator might at any moment have picked out, + unobserved, that which would have purchased his freedom and his + life, but the men were honest, as they understood the term, and the + gems were as safe here, and indeed a good deal safer, than they + would have been in the temple of Vesta, or of the Capitoline Jove + himself. In a recess at one end of the apartment, reared like an + altar upon three wide low carpeted steps, from each of which + censers exhaled aromatic odours, stood the sideboard of polished + walnut, carved in exquisite imitation of birds, insects, reptiles, + flowers, and fruit. This was covered by a snowy cloth, and on it + glittered, richly chased and burnished, the tribune’s store of + golden cups and vases, which men quoted at every supper-table in + Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lutorius, + reclining opposite this blaze of magnificence, shaded his eyes with + his hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it, my bold Gaul?”</span> asked his host, + raising himself on his elbow to pledge him, and signing to a slave + to fill the swordsman’s cup. <span class="tei tei-q">“Hast thou got + thy guard up already to save thy face?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They dazzle me, most illustrious!”</span> answered the + ready Gaul. <span class="tei tei-q">“I had rather blink at the + sunrise flashing on the blue waters from Ostia. I did not think + there had been so much gold in Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He has not seen the palace yet,”</span> said Placidus, + laughing, as he emptied his cup and turned to the other guests. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Some of us will indeed be dazzled + to-night, if I mistake not. What think ye, my friends, must be the + plates and drinking-vessels where the very shields and helmets of + the guards are solid gold? Meantime, let us wash our eyes with + Falernian, lest we mistake our way and intrude on the privacy of + Cæsar in the dark.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So appropriate a + sentiment met with universal approval. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page282">[pg 282]</span><a name="Pg282" id="Pg282" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>The gladiators laughed loudly, and proffered + their cups to be filled. There was no question now of secrecy or + disguise; there was even no further affectation of ignoring the + purpose for which they had met, or the probable result of the + night’s enterprise. Eumolpus, indeed, and one or two more of the + thicker-witted, satisfied to know that the present moment brought a + magnificent reception and an abundance of good cheer, were willing + to remain in uncertainty about the future, resolving simply to obey + the orders of their captain, and to ask no questions; but even + these could not help learning by degrees that they had before them + no work of ordinary bloodshed, but that they were involved in a + conspiracy which was to determine the empire of the world. It did + not destroy their appetite, though it may have increased their + thirst.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In proportion as + the wine flowed faster the guests lost their diffidence and found + their tongues. Their host exerted himself to win golden opinions + from all, and entered with ready tact into the characteristics and + peculiarities of each.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Eumolpus!”</span> said he, as a slave entered bearing + an enormous turbot on a yet larger dish, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“fear not to encounter him. He is a worthy foe, and a + countryman of thine own. He left Ravenna but yesterday. In truth, + that fair-built town sends us the widest turbots and the broadest + shoulders in the empire. Taste him, man, with a cup of Chian, and + say if the trainer’s rations have spoiled thy palate for native + food.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Half-brutalised + as he was by nature and education, the gladiator had still a kindly + feeling for his birthplace. Even now a memory of his boyhood would + sometimes steal across him like a dream. The stretch of sand, the + breezy Adriatic, the waves dashing against the harbour-walls, and a + vision of curly-headed, black-eyed children, of whom he was one, + tumbling and playing on the shore. He felt more human when he + thought of such things. While the tribune spoke he rose in his own + esteem; for his host treated him like a man rather than a beast; + and those few careless words gained a champion for Placidus who was + ready to follow him to the death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So was it with + the rest. To Rufus he enlarged on the happiness of a country life, + and the liberty—none the less dear for being imaginary—enjoyed by a + Roman citizen, who, within easy distance of the capital, could sit + beneath his own porch to watch the sunset crimsoning the Apennines, + and tread into home-made wine the grapes of his own vineyard. He + talked of pruning the elms and training the vines, of shearing + sheep and goading oxen, as though he had been a <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page283">[pg 283]</span><a name="Pg283" id="Pg283" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>rustic all his life, seasoning such + glowing descriptions, to suit his listener’s palate, with the + charms even of winter in the snow amongst the hills—the boar driven + through the leafless copse, the wild-fowl lured from the + half-frozen lake, the snug and homely roof, the crackling fire, and + the children playing on the hearth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“’Tis but another night-watch,”</span> said he + cordially, <span class="tei tei-q">“and it will be my turn to sup + with thee in thy mountain-home. Half a dozen such strokes as I have + seen thee deal in mere sport, my hero! and thou wilt never need to + meddle with steel again, save in the form of a ploughshare or a + hunting-spear. By the fillet of Ceres! my friends, there is a + golden harvest to-night, only waiting for the sickle!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And Rufus, for + whom a few acres of Italian soil, and liberty to cultivate them in + peace, with his wife and children, comprised all of happiness that + life could give, contemplated the prospect thus offered with an + imagination heated by wine, and a determination, truly formidable + in a man of his quiet, dogged resolution, if hard fighting was to + count for anything, not to fail in at least deserving his + reward.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hirpinus!”</span> exclaimed the host, turning to the + veteran, who was a sworn lover of good cheer, and had already + consumed supper enough for two ordinary men, washed down by + proportionate draughts of wine, <span class="tei tei-q">“thy + favourite morsel is even now leaving the spit. Pledge me in + Falernian ere it comes. Nay, spoil it not with honey, which I hold + to be a mistake unworthy of a gladiator. We will pour a libation to + Diana down our throats, in her capacity of huntress only, my + friend; I care not for the goddess in any other. Ho! slaves! bring + here some wild boars!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he spoke the + domestics reappeared, in pairs, carrying between them as many wild + boars, roasted whole, as there were guests. One of these huge + dishes was set aside for each man, and the carvers proceeded to + their duty, unmoved by the ejaculations of amazement that broke + from the gladiators at such prodigal magnificence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Their attention + was, however, somewhat distracted at this stage of the feast by the + entrance of Euchenor, who slunk to the place reserved for him with + a shade of sullen disappointment lowering on his brow. The host, + however, had resolved that nothing should occur to mar the success + of his entertainment, so refrained from asking any questions as to + his absence, and motioned him courteously to a couch, with as frank + a greeting as though he had been aware of its cause. He suspected + treachery notwithstanding, none the less that <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page284">[pg 284]</span><a name="Pg284" id="Pg284" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Euchenor hastened to explain his tardy + arrival. <span class="tei tei-q">“He had heard a tumult in the + neighbourhood,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“whilst the + guests were entering the house, and had visited the nearest post of + his comrades to ascertain that they had not been attacked. It was + some distance to the palace-gardens, and he could not avoid missing + the earlier stages of the banquet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You must make up for lost time,”</span> observed + Placidus, signing to the slaves to heap the new-comer’s plate and + fill his cup to the brim. <span class="tei tei-q">“The later, the + warmer welcome; the earlier, the better cheer;”</span> and whilst + he spoke the friendly words he was resolving that the Greek should + be placed in front that whole night, under his immediate + supervision. At the slightest symptom of treachery or wavering he + would slay him with his own hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the + gigantic hunger of these champions seemed to be appeased at last. + Dish had succeeded dish in endless variety, and they had applied + themselves to each as it came with an undiminished energy that + astonished the domestics accustomed to the palled appetites of + jaded men of pleasure like their lord. Even the latter—though he + tried hard, for he especially prided himself on his capacity of + eating and drinking—found it impossible to keep pace with his + guests. Their great bodily powers, indeed, increased by severe and + habitual training, enabled them to consume vast quantities of food, + without experiencing those sensations of lassitude and repletion + which overcome weaker frames. It seemed as though most of what they + ate went at once to supply the waste created by years of toil, and + as soon as swallowed, fed the muscles instead of burdening the + stomach. It was equally so with wine. Such men can drink draught + after draught, and partake freely in the questionable pleasures of + intoxication, whilst they pay none of its penalties. A breath of + fresh air, a few minutes’ exercise, and their brains are cool, + their eyes clear, their whole system strengthened for the time, and + stimulated, rather than stupefied, by their excess.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiators + lay back on their couches in extreme bodily content. The cups were + still quickly filled and emptied, but more in compliance with the + customs of conviviality than the demands of thirst. They were all + talking at once, and every man saw both present and future through + the rosy medium of the wine he had imbibed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There were two, + however, of the party who had not suffered their real inmost + attention to stray for an instant from the actual business of the + night, who calculated the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page285">[pg + 285]</span><a name="Pg285" id="Pg285" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>time exactly as it passed—who watched the men + through the succeeding phases of satisfaction, good-humour, + conviviality, and recklessness, stopping just short of inebriety, + and seized the very moment at which the iron was hot enough to + strike. The same thought was in the brain of each, when their eyes + met; the same words were springing to their lips, but Hippias spoke + first.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No more wine to-night, tribune, if work is to be done! + The circus is full; the arena swept; the show paid for. When the + prætor takes his seat we are ready to begin.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus glanced + significantly in his face, and rose, holding a brimming goblet in + his hand. The suddenness of the movement arrested immediate + attention. The men were all silent, and looking towards their + host.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good friends!”</span> said he. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Trusty swordsmen! Welcome guests! Listen to me. + To-night we burn the palace—we overthrow the empire—we hurl Cæsar + from his throne. All this you know, but there is something more you + do not know. One has escaped who is acquainted with the plot. In an + hour it may be too late. We are fast friends; we are in the same + galley—the land is not a bowshot off. But the wind is rising—the + water rushing in beneath her keel. Will you bend your backs + forthwith and row the galley safe home with me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The project was + a favourite one, the metaphor suited to their tastes. As the + tribune paused, acclamations greeted him on all sides, and + <span class="tei tei-q">“We will! We will!”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Through storm and sunshine!”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Against wind and weather!”</span> sprang from many an + eager lip. It was obvious the men were ready for anything. + <span class="tei tei-q">“One libation to Pluto!”</span> added the + host, emptying his cup, and the guests leaping to their feet + followed his example with a mad cheer. Then they formed in pairs, + as they were accustomed in the amphitheatre, and Euchenor with a + malicious laugh exclaimed—<span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">Morituri te + salutant</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was enough! + The ominous words were caught up and repeated in wild defiance and + derision, boding small scruples of mercy or remorse. Twice they + marched round the supper-room to the burden of that ghastly chant, + and when shaking off the fumes of wine they snatched eagerly at + their arms, Placidus put himself at their head with a triumphant + conviction that, come what might, they would not fail him in his + last desperate throw for the great game.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page286">[pg 286]</span><a name= + "Pg286" id="Pg286" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc81" id= + "toc81"></a> <a name="pdf82" id="pdf82"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE GERMAN GUARD</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_315.png"><img src="images/i_315.png" alt= + "Initial A" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All was in + confusion at the palace of the Cæsars. The civil war that had now + been raging for several hours in the capital, the tumults that + pervaded every quarter of the city, had roused the alarm, and to a + certain extent the vigilance of such troops as still owned + allegiance to Vitellius. But late events had much slackened the + discipline for which Roman soldiers were so famous, and that could + be but a spurious loyalty which depended on amount of pay and + opportunities for plunder, which was accustomed moreover to see the + diadem transferred from one successful general to another at a few + months’ interval. Perhaps his German guards were the only soldiers + of Vitellius on whom he could place any reliance; but even these + had been reduced to a mere handful by slaughter and desertion, + while the few who remained, though unimpeachable in their fidelity, + were wanting in every quality that constitutes military efficiency, + except the physical strength and desperate courage they brought + with them from the north.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They were, + however, the Emperor’s last hope. They occupied palace-gardens + to-night, feeding their bivouac-fires with branches from its + stately cedars, or uprooting its exotic shrubs to hurl them + crackling in the blaze. The Roman citizens looking on their + gigantic forms moving to and fro in the glare, shuddered and + whispered, and pointed them out to each other as being half men, + half demons, while a passing soldier would raise his eagle crest + more proudly, relating how those were the foes over whom the + legions had triumphed, and would turn forthwith into a wineshop to + celebrate his prowess at the expense of some admiring citizen in + the crowd.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page287">[pg + 287]</span><a name="Pg287" id="Pg287" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of these + German mercenaries may be taken as a sample of the rest. He was + standing sentry over a narrow wicket that afforded entrance to the + palace-gardens, and was the first obstacle encountered by Esca, + after the latter had hastened from the Esquiline to give + intelligence of the design against Cæsar’s life. Leaning on his + spear, with his tall frame and large muscles thrown into strong + relief by the light of the bivouac-fire behind him, he brought to + the Briton’s mind many a stirring memory of his own warlike + boyhood, when by the side of just such champions, armed in such a + manner, he had struggled, though in vain, against the discipline + and the strategy of the invader. Scarcely older than himself, the + sentry possessed the comely features and the bright colouring of + youth, with a depth of chest and squareness of shoulder that + denoted all the power of mature manhood. He seemed indeed a + formidable antagonist for any single foe, and able to keep at bay + half a score of the finest men who stood in the front rank of the + legions. He was clad in a long white garment of linen, reaching + below the knee, and fastened at the neck by a single clasp of gold; + his shield and helmet too, although this was no state occasion, but + one on which he would probably be massacred before morning, were of + the same metal, his spear-head and sword of the finest-tempered + steel. The latter, especially, was a formidable weapon. + Considerably longer than the Roman’s, which was only used for the + thrust at close quarters, it could deal sweeping blows that would + cleave a headpiece or lop a limb, and managed lightly as a + riding-wand by the German’s powerful arm, would hew fearful gaps in + the ranks of an enemy, if their line wavered, or their order was in + any degree destroyed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Notwithstanding + the warlike nature of his arms and bearing, the sentry’s face was + fair and smooth as a woman’s; the flaxen down was scarcely + springing on his chin, and the golden locks escaped beneath his + helmet, and clustered in curls upon his neck. His light blue eye, + too, had a mild and rather vacant expression as it roved carelessly + around; but the Romans had long ago learned that those light blue + eyes could kindle into sparks of fire when steel was crossed, could + glare with invincible hatred and defiance even when fixed in + death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca’s heart + warmed to the barbarian guardsman with a feeling of sympathy and + kindred. The latter sentiment may have suggested the plan by which + he obtained entrance to the palace, for the difficulty of so doing + had presented itself <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page288">[pg + 288]</span><a name="Pg288" id="Pg288" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to + him in brighter colours every moment as he approached. Pausing, + therefore, at a few paces from the sentry, who levelled his spear + and challenged when he heard footsteps, the Briton unbuckled his + sword and cast it down between them, to indicate that he claimed + protection and had no intention of offence. The other muttered some + unintelligible words in his own language. It was obvious that he + knew no Latin and that their conversation must be carried on by + signs. This, however, rather smoothed than enhanced the difficulty; + and it was a relief to Esca that the first impulse of the German + had not been to alarm his comrades and resort to violence. The + latter seemed to entertain no apprehension from any single + individual, whether friend or foe, and looked, moreover, with + favourable eyes on Esca’s appearance, which bore a certain family + likeness to that of his own countrymen. He suffered him therefore + to approach his post, questioning him by signs, to which the Briton + replied in the same manner, perfectly ignorant of their meaning, + but with a fervent hope that the result of these mysterious + gestures might be his admission within the wall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Under such + circumstances the two were not likely to arrive at a clear + understanding. After a while the German looked completely puzzled, + and passed the word in his own language to a comrade within + hearing, apparently for assistance. Esca heard the sound repeated + in more than one voice, till it died away under the trees; there + was obviously a strong chain of sentries round Cæsar’s palace. In + the meantime the German would not permit Esca to approach within + spear’s-length of his post, though he kept him back good-humouredly + with the butt-end of that weapon, nor would he suffer him to pick + his sword up and gird it round his waist again—making nevertheless, + all the while, signs of cordiality and friendship; but though Esca + responded to these with equal warmth, he was no nearer the inside + than at first.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Presently the + heavy tramp of armed men smote his ear, and a centurion, + accompanied by half a dozen soldiers, approached the wicket. These + bore a strong resemblance, both in form and features, to the sentry + who had summoned them; but their officer spoke Latin, and Esca, who + had gained a little time to mature his plan, answered the German + centurion’s questions without hesitation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I belong to your own division,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“though I come from farther north than your + troop, and speak a different dialect. We were disbanded but + yesterday, by a <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page289">[pg + 289]</span><a name="Pg289" id="Pg289" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>written order from Cæsar. It has turned out to + be a forgery. We have been scattered through half the wineshops in + Rome, and a herald came round and found me drinking, and bade me + return to my duty without delay. He said we were to muster + somewhere hereabouts, that we should find a post at the palace, and + could join it till our own officers came back. I am but a + barbarian, I know little of Rome, but this is the palace, is it + not? and you are a centurion of the German guard?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He drew himself + up as he spoke with military respect, and the officer had no + hesitation in believing his tale, the more so that certain of + Cæsar’s troops had lately been disbanded at a time when their + services seemed to be most in requisition. Taking charge of Esca’s + weapon, he spoke a few words in his own language to the sentry, and + then addressed the Briton.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You may come to the main-guard,”</span> said he. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I should not mind a few more of the same + maniple. We are likely to want all we can get to-night.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he conducted + him through the gardens, he asked several questions concerning the + strength of the opposing party, the state of the town, and the + general feeling of the citizens towards Vitellius, all which Esca + parried to the best of his abilities, hazarding a guess where he + could, and accounting for his ignorance where he could not, on the + plea that he had spent his whole time since his dismissal in the + wineshops—an excuse which the centurion’s knowledge of the tastes + and habits of his division caused him to accept without suspicion + of its truth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Arrived at the + watch-fire, Esca’s military experience, slight as it had been, was + enough to apprise him of the imminent dangers that threatened the + palace in the event of an attack. The huge Germans lounged and lay + about in the glare of the burning logs, as though feast, and song, + and revelry were the objects for which they were mustered. Wine was + flowing freely in large flagons, commensurate to the noble thirst + of these Scandinavian warriors; and even the sentries leaving their + posts at intervals, as caprice or indolence prompted, strode up to + the watch-fire, laughed a loud laugh, drained a full beaker, and + walked quietly back again, none the worse, to their beat. All + hailed a new comrade with the utmost glee, as a further incentive + to drink; and although Esca was pleased to find that none but their + centurion was familiar with Latin, and that he was consequently + free from much inconvenient cross-<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page290">[pg 290]</span><a name="Pg290" id="Pg290" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>examination, it was obvious that there was no + intention of letting him depart without pledging them in deep + draughts of the rough and potent Sabine wine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With youth, + health, and a fixed resolve to keep his wits about him, the Briton + managed to perform this part of a soldier’s duty to the + satisfaction of his entertainers. The moments seemed very long, but + whilst the Germans were singing, drinking, and making their remarks + upon him in their own language, he had time to think of his plans. + To have declared at once that he knew of a plot against Cæsar, and + to call upon the centurion to obtain his admittance to the person + of the Emperor, would, he was well aware, only defeat his own + object, by throwing suspicion on himself as a probable assassin and + confederate of the conspirators. To put the officer on the alert, + would cause him, perhaps, to double his sentries, and to stop the + allowance of wine in course of consumption; but Esca saw plainly + that no resistance from within the palace could be made to the + large force his late master would bring to bear upon it. The only + chance for the Emperor was to escape. If he could himself reach his + presence, and warn him personally, he thought he could prevail upon + him to fly. This was the difficulty. A monarch in his palace is not + visible to everyone who may wish to see him, even when his own + safety is concerned; but Esca had already gained the interior of + the gardens, and that success encouraged him to proceed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Germans, + though believing themselves more vigilant than usual (to such a low + state the boasted discipline of Cæsar’s body-guard had fallen), + were confused and careless under the influence of wine, and their + attention to the new-comer was soon distracted by a fresh chorus + and a fresh flagon. Esca, under pretence that he required repose, + managed to withdraw himself from the glare of the firelight, and + borrowing a cloak from a ruddy comrade with a stentorian voice, lay + down in the shadow of an arbutus, and affected profound repose. By + degrees, coiling himself along the sward like a snake, he slipped + out of sight, leaving his cloak so arranged as to resemble a + sleeping form, and sped off in the direction of the palace, to + which he was guided by numerous distant lights.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some alarm had + evidently preceded him even here. Crowds of slaves, both male and + female, chiefly Greeks and Asiatics, were pouring from its egresses + and hurrying through the gardens in obvious dismay. The Briton + could not but remark that none were empty-handed, and the value of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page291">[pg 291]</span><a name= + "Pg291" id="Pg291" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>their burdens denoted + that those who now fled had no intention ever to return. They took + little notice of him when they passed, save that a few of the more + timid, glancing at his stalwart figure, turned aside and ran the + swifter; while others, perceiving that he was unarmed, for he had + left his sword with the Germans, shot at him some contemptuous + gesture or ribald jest, which they thought the barbarian would not + understand in time to resent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus he reached + the spacious front of the palace, and here, indeed, the trumpets + were sounding, and the German guard forming, evidently for + resistance to an attack. There was no mistaking the expression of + the men’s faces, nor the clang of their heavy weapons. Though they + filled the main court, however, a stream of fugitives still poured + from the side-doors, and through one of these, the Briton + determined he would find no difficulty in effecting an entrance. + Glancing at the fine men getting under arms with such business-like + rapidity, he thought how even that handful might make such a + defence as would give Cæsar time to escape, either at the back of + the palace, or, if that were invested, disguised as one of the + slaves who were still hurrying off in motley crowds; and + notwithstanding his new-born feelings, he could not help, from old + association, wishing that he might strike a blow by the side of + these stalwart guardsmen, even for such a cause as theirs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Observing a door + opening on a terrace which had been left completely undefended, + Esca entered the palace unopposed, and roamed through hall after + hall without meeting a living creature. Much of value had already + been cleared away, but enough remained to have excited the cupidity + of the richest subject in Rome. Shawls, arms, jewels, vases, + statues, caskets, and drinking-cups were scattered about in a waste + of magnificent confusion, while in many instances rapacious + ignorance had carried off that which was comparatively the dross, + and left the more precious articles behind. Esca had never even + dreamed of such gorgeous luxury as he now beheld. For a few minutes + his mind was no less stupefied than his eye was dazzled, and he + almost forgot his object in sheer wonder and admiration; but there + was no time to be lost, and he looked about in vain for some clue + to guide him through this glittering wilderness to the presence of + the Emperor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The rooms seemed + endless, opening one into another, and each more splendid than the + last. At length he heard the sound of voices, and darting eagerly + forward, found <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page292">[pg + 292]</span><a name="Pg292" id="Pg292" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>himself in the midst of half a dozen persons + clad in robes of state, with garlands on their heads, reclining + round the fragments of a feast, a flagon or two of wine, and a + golden cornucopia of fruit and flowers. As he entered, these + started to their feet, exclaiming, <span class="tei tei-q">“They + are upon us!”</span> and huddled together in a corner, like a flock + of sheep when terrified by a dog. Observing, however, that the + Briton was alone and unarmed, they seemed to take courage, and a + fat figure thrusting itself forward, exclaimed in one breath, + <span class="tei tei-q">“He is not to be disturbed! Cæsar is busy. + Are the Germans firm?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His voice shook + and his whole frame quivered with fear, nevertheless Esca + recognised the speaker. It was his old antagonist Spado, a + favourite eunuch of the household, in dire terror for his life, yet + showing the one redeeming quality of fidelity to the hand that fed + him. His comrades kept behind him, taking their cue from his + conduct as the bellwether of the flock, yet trusting fervently his + wisdom would counsel immediate flight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know you,”</span> said Esca hurriedly. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I struck you that night in anger. It is all over now. + I have come to save your lives, all of you, and to rescue + Cæsar.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How?”</span> said Spado, ignoring his previous + injuries in the alarm of the hour. <span class="tei tei-q">“You can + save us? You can rescue Cæsar? Then it <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">is</span></span> + true. The tumult is grown to a rebellion! The Germans are driven + in, and the game is lost!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The others + caught up their mantles, girded themselves, and prepared for + instant flight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The guard can hold the palace for half an hour + yet,”</span> replied Esca coolly. <span class="tei tei-q">“But the + Emperor must escape. Julius Placidus will be here forthwith, at the + head of two hundred gladiators, and the tribune means to murder his + master as surely as you stand trembling there.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ere he had done + speaking, he was left alone in the room with Spado. The tribune’s + character was correctly appreciated, even by the eunuchs of the + palace, and they stayed to hear no more; but Spado only looked + blankly in the Briton’s face, wringing his fat hands, and answered + to the other’s urgent appeals, <span class="tei tei-q">“His orders + were explicit. Cæsar is busy. He must not be disturbed. He said so + himself. Cæsar is busy!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page293">[pg 293]</span><a name= + "Pg293" id="Pg293" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc83" id= + "toc83"></a> <a name="pdf84" id="pdf84"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE BUSINESS OF CÆSAR</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thrusting Spado + aside without ceremony, and disregarding the eunuch’s + expostulations in obedience to the orders he had received, Esca + burst through a narrow door, tore down a velvet curtain, and found + himself in the private apartment of the Emperor. Cæsar’s business + was at that moment scarcely of an urgency to weigh against the + consideration of Cæsar’s life. Vitellius was reclining on a couch, + his dress disordered and ungirt, a garland of roses at his feet, + his heavy face, of which the swollen features had lost all their + early comeliness, expressing nothing but sullen torpid calm; his + eye fixed on vacancy, his weak nerveless hands crossed in front of + his unwieldy person, and his whole attitude that of one who had + little to occupy his attention, save his own personal indulgence + and comfort. Yet for all this, the mind was busy within that + bloated form. There are moments in existence, when the past comes + back to us day by day, and incident by incident, shining out in + colours vivid and lifelike as the present. On the eve of an + important crisis, during the crisis itself if we are not permitted + to take an active part in it but compelled to remain passive, the + mere sport of its contingencies, for the few minutes that succeed a + complete demolition of the fabric we have been building all our + lives, we become possessed of this faculty, and seem, in a strange + dream-like sense, to live our time over again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For the last few + days, even Vitellius had awoke to the conviction that his diadem + was in danger, for the last few hours he had seen cause to tremble + for his life; nevertheless, none of the usual habits of the palace + had been altered; and even when Primus, the successful general of + his dangerous rival, Vespasian, occupied the suburbs, his reverses + did but elicit from the Emperor a call for more wine and a + heartless jest. To-day he must have seen clearly that all was lost, + yet the supper to which he sat down with half a dozen favourite + eunuchs, was no less elaborate than usual, the wine flowed as + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page294">[pg 294]</span><a name= + "Pg294" id="Pg294" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>freely, the Emperor + ate as enormously, and when he could eat no more, retired to pass + his customary half-hour in perfect silence and repose, nor suffered + the important process of digestion to be disturbed by the fact that + his very gates must ere midnight be in possession of the enemy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless, as + if in warning of what was to come, the pageant of his life seemed + to move past his half-closed eyes; and who shall say how vain and + empty such a pageant may have appeared even to the besotted + glutton, who, though he had the address to catch the diadem of the + Cæsars, when it was thrown to him by chance, knew but too well that + he had no power to retain it on his head when wrested by the grasp + of force. Though feeble and worn out, he was not old, far short of + threescore years, yet what a life of change and turmoil and + vicissitudes his had been! Proconsul of Africa, favourite of four + emperors, it must have been a certain versatility of talent that + enabled him to rule such an important province with tolerable + credit, and yet retain the good graces of successive tyrants, + resembling each other in nothing save incessant caprice. An + informer with Tiberius; a pander to the crimes, and a proselyte to + the divinity of mad Caligula; a screen for Messalina’s vices, and + an easy adviser to her easy and timid lord; lastly, everything in + turn with Nero—chariot-driver, singer, parasite, buffoon, and in + all these various parts, preserving the one unfailing + characteristic of a consummate and systematic debauchee. It seemed + but yesterday that he had thrown the dice with Claudius, staking + land and villas as freely as jewels and gold, losing heavily to his + imperial master; and, though he had to borrow the money at high + usury, quick-witted enough to perceive the noble reversion he had + thus a chance of purchasing. It seemed but yesterday that he flew + round the dusky circus, grazing the goal with practised skill, and, + by a happy dexterity, suffering Caligula to win the race so + narrowly, as to enchance the pleasure of imperial triumph. It + seemed but yesterday that he sang with Nero, and flattered the + monster by comparing him with the sirens, whose voices charmed + mariners to their destruction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now was it + all over? Must he indeed give up the imperial purple and the throne + of blazing gold?—the luxurious banquets and the luscious wines? He + shuddered and sickened while he thought of a crust of brown bread + and a pitcher of water. Nay, worse than this, was he sure his life + was safe? He had seen death often—what Roman had not? But at his + best, in the field, clad in corselet and head<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page295">[pg 295]</span><a name="Pg295" id="Pg295" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>piece, and covered with a buckler, he + had thought him an ugly and unwelcome visitor. Even at Bedriacum, + when he told his generals as he rode over the slain, putrefying on + the ground, that <span class="tei tei-q">“a dead enemy smelt sweet, + and the sweeter for being a citizen,”</span> he remembered now that + his gorge had risen while he spoke. He remembered, too, the German + body-guard that had accompanied him, and the faithful courage with + which his German levies fought. There were a few of them in the + palace yet. It gave him confidence to recollect this. For a moment + the soldier-spirit kindled up within, and he felt as though he + could put himself at the head of those blue-eyed giants, lead them + into the very centre of the enemy, and die there like a man. He + rose to his feet, and snatched at one of the weapons hanging for + ornament against the wall, but the weak limbs failed, the pampered + body asserted itself, and he sank back helpless on the couch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was at this + moment that Esca burst so unceremoniously into the Emperor’s + presence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Vitellius did + not rise again, less alarmed, perhaps, than astonished. The Briton + threw himself upon his knees, and touched the broad crimson binding + of the imperial gown.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is not a moment to lose!”</span> said he. + <span class="tei tei-q">“They are forcing the gates. The guard has + been driven back. It is too late for resistance; but Cæsar may yet + escape if he will trust himself to me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Vitellius looked + about him, bewildered. At that moment a shout was heard from the + palace-gardens, accompanied by a rush of many feet, and the ominous + clash of steel. Esca knew that the assailants were gladiators. If + they came in with their blood up, they would give no quarter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Cæsar must disguise himself,”</span> he insisted + earnestly. <span class="tei tei-q">“The slaves have been leaving + the palace in hundreds. If the Emperor would put on a coarse + garment and come with me, I can show him the way to safety; and + Placidus, hastening to this apartment, will find it + empty.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With all his + sensual vices, there was yet something left of the old Roman spirit + in Vitellius, which sparkled out in an emergency. After the first + sudden surprise of Esca’s entrance, he became cooler every moment. + At the mention of the tribune’s name he seemed to reflect.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who are you?”</span> said he, after a pause; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and how came you here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Short as had + been his reign he had acquired the tone of royalty; and could even + assume a certain dignity, notwith<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page296">[pg 296]</span><a name="Pg296" id="Pg296" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>standing the urgency of his present distress. + In a few words Esca explained to him his danger, and his + enemies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Placidus,”</span> repeated the Emperor thoughtfully, + and as if more concerned than surprised; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“then there is no chance of the design failing; no hope + of mercy when it has succeeded. Good friend! I will take your + advice. I will trust you, and go with you, where you will. If I am + an Emperor to-morrow, you will be the greatest man in + Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hitherto he had + been leaning indolently back on the couch. Now he seemed to rouse + himself for action, and stripped the crimson-bordered gown from his + shoulders, the signet-ring from his hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They will make a gallant defence,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but if I know Julius Placidus, he will + outnumber them ten to one. Nevertheless they may hold him at bay + with their long swords till we get clear of the palace. The gardens + are dark and spacious; we can hide there for a time, and take an + opportunity of reaching my wife’s house on Mount Aventine; Galeria + will not betray me, and they will never think of looking for me + there.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Speaking thus + coolly and deliberately, but more to himself than his companion, + Cæsar, divested of all marks of splendour in his dress and + ornaments, stripped to a plain linen garment, turning up his + sleeves and girding himself the while, like a slave busied in some + household work requiring activity and despatch, suffered the Briton + to lead him into the next apartment, where, deserted by his + comrades, and sorely perplexed between a vague sense of duty and a + strong inclination to run away, Spado was pacing to and fro in a + ludicrous state of perturbation and dismay. Already the noise of + fighting was plainly distinguished in the outer court. The + gladiators, commanded by Hippias and guided by the treacherous + tribune, had overpowered the main body of the Germans who occupied + the imperial gardens, and were now engaged with the remnant of + these faithful barbarians at the very doors of the palace.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter, + though outnumbered, fought with the desperate courage of their + race. The Roman soldier in his cool methodical discipline, was + sometimes puzzled to account for that frantic energy, which + acknowledged no superiority either of position or numbers, which + seemed to gather a fresher and more stubborn courage from defeat; + and even the gladiators, men whose very livelihood was slaughter, + and whose weapons were never out of their hands, found themselves + no match for these large savage warriors in the struggle + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page297">[pg 297]</span><a name= + "Pg297" id="Pg297" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of a hand-to-hand + combat, recoiled more than once in baffled rage and astonishment + from the long swords, and the blue eyes, and the tall forms that + seemed to tower and dilate in the fierce revelry of battle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The military + skill of Placidus, exercised before many a Jewish rampart, and on + many a Syrian plain, had worsted the main body of the Germans by + taking them in flank. Favoured by the darkness of the shrubberies, + he had contrived to throw a hundred practised swordsmen + unexpectedly on their most defenceless point. Surprised and + outnumbered, they retreated nevertheless in good order, though + sadly diminished, upon their comrades at the gate. Here the + remaining handful made a desperate stand, and here Placidus, wiping + his bloody sword upon his tunic, whispered to Hippias—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We must put Hirpinus and the supper-party in front! If + we can but carry the gate, there are a score of entrances into the + palace. Remember! we give no quarter, and we recognise no + one.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whilst the + chosen band who had left the tribune’s table were held in check by + the guard, there was a moment’s respite, during which Cæsar might + possibly escape. Esca, rapidly calculating the difficulties in his + own mind, had resolved to hurry him through the most secluded part + of the gardens into the streets, and so running the chance of + recognition which in the darkness of night, and under the coarse + garb of a household slave, was but a remote contingency, to convey + him by a circuitous route to Galeria’s house, of which he knew the + situation, and where he might be concealed for a time without + danger of detection. The great obstacle was to get him out of the + palace without being seen. The private door by which he had himself + entered, he knew must be defended, or the assailants would have + taken advantage of it ere this, and he dared not risk recognition, + to say nothing of the chances of war, by endeavouring to escape + through the midst of the conflict at the main gate. He appealed to + Spado for assistance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is a terrace at the back here,”</span> stammered + the eunuch; <span class="tei tei-q">“if Cæsar can reach it, a + pathway leads directly down to the summer-house in the thickest + part of the gardens; thence he can go between the fish-ponds + straight to the wicket that opens on the Appian Way.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Idiot!”</span> exclaimed the Emperor angrily, + <span class="tei tei-q">“how am I to reach the terrace? There is no + door, and the window must be a man’s height at least from the + ground.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page298">[pg + 298]</span><a name="Pg298" id="Pg298" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is your only chance of life, illustrious!”</span> + observed Esca impatiently. <span class="tei tei-q">“Guide us to the + window, friend,”</span> he added, turning to Spado, who looked from + one to the other in helpless astonishment, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and tear that shawl from the couch; we may want it for + a rope to let the Emperor down.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A fresh shout + from the combatants at the gate, while it completely paralysed the + eunuch, seemed to determine Vitellius. He moved resolutely forward, + followed by his two companions, Spado whispering to the Briton, + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are a brave young man. We will all + escape together, I—I will stand by you to the last!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They needed but + to cross a passage and traverse another room. Cæsar peered over the + window-sill into the darkness below, and drew back.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is a long way down,”</span> said he. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What if I were to break a limb?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca produced + the shawl he had brought with him from the adjoining apartment, and + offered to place it under his arms and round his body.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shall I go first?”</span> said Spado. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is not five cubits from the ground.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the Emperor + thought of his brother Lucius and the cohorts at Terracina. Could + he but gain the camp there he would be safe, nay more, he could + make head against his rival; he would return to Rome with a + victorious army; he would retrieve the diadem and the purple, and + the suppers at the palace once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Stay where you are!”</span> he commanded Spado, who + was looking with an eager eye at the window. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will risk it. One draught of Falernian, and I will + risk it and be gone.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He turned back + towards the banqueting-room, and while he did so another shout + warned him that the gate was carried, and the palace in possession + of the conspirators.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca followed + the Emperor, vainly imploring him to fly. Spado, taking one more + look from the window ere he risked his bones, heard the ring of + armour and the tramp of feet coming round the corner of the palace, + on the very terrace he desired to reach. White and trembling, he + tore the garland from his head and gnawed its roses with his teeth + in the inpotence of his despair. He knew the last chance was gone + now, and they must die.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Emperor + returned to the room where he had supped; seized a flagon of + Falernian, filled himself a large goblet which he half-emptied at a + draught, and set it down on the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page299">[pg 299]</span><a name="Pg299" id="Pg299" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>board with a deep sigh of satisfaction. The + courtyard had been taken at last, and the palace surrounded. + Resistance was hopeless, and escape impossible. The Germans were + still fighting, indeed, within the rooms, disputing inch by inch + the glittering corridors, and the carved doorways, and the shining + polished floors, now more slippery than ever with blood. Pictures + and statues seemed to look down in calm amazement at thrust and + blow and death-grapple, and all the reeling confusion of mortal + strife. But the noise came nearer and nearer; the Germans, falling + man by man, were rapidly giving ground. Esca knew the game was lost + at last, and he turned to his companions in peril with a grave and + clouded brow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is nothing for it left,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“but to die like men. Yet if there be any + corner in which Cæsar can hide,”</span> he added, with something of + contempt in his tone, <span class="tei tei-q">“I will gain him five + minutes more of life, if this glittering toy holds together so + long.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he snatched + from the wall an Asiatic javelin, all lacquered and ornamented with + gold, cast one look at the others, as if to bid them farewell, and + hurried from the room. Spado, a mass of shaking flesh, and tumbled + garments and festive ornaments strangely out of keeping with his + attitude, cowered down against the wall, hiding his face in his + hands; but Vitellius, with something akin even to gratification on + his countenance, returned to the half-emptied cup, and raising it + to his lips, deliberately finished his Falernian.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page300">[pg 300]</span><a name= + "Pg300" id="Pg300" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc85" id= + "toc85"></a> <a name="pdf86" id="pdf86"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">AT BAY</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not in + Esca’s nature to be within hearing of shrewd blows and yet abstain + from taking part in the fray. His recent sentiments had indeed + undergone a change that would produce timely fruit; and neither the + words of the preacher in the Esquiline, nor the example of Calchas, + nor the sweet influence of Mariamne, had been without their effect. + But it was engrained in his very character to love the stir and + tumult of a fight. From a boy his blood leaped and tingled at the + clash of steel. His was the courage which is scarcely exercised in + the tide of personal conflict, and must be proved rather in + endurance than in action—so naturally does it force itself to the + front when men are dealing blow for blow. His youth, too, had been + spent in warfare, and in that most ennobling of all warfare which + defends home from the aggression of an invader. He had long ago + learned to love danger for its own sake, and now he experienced + besides a morbid desire to have his hand on the tribune’s throat, + so he felt the point and tried the shaft of his javelin with a + thrill of savage joy, while, guided by the sounds of combat he + hurried along the corridor to join the remnant of the faithful + German guard. Not a score of them were left, and of these scarce + one but bled from some grievous wound. Their white garments were + stained with crimson, their gaudy golden armour was hacked and + dinted, their strength was nearly spent, and every hope of safety + gone; but their courage was still unquenched, and as man after man + went down, the survivors closed in and fought on, striking + desperately with their faces to the foe. The tribune and his chosen + band, supported by a numerous body of inferior gladiators, were + pressing them sore. Placidus, an expert swordsman, and in no way + wanting physical courage, was conspicuous in the front. Hippias + alone seemed to vie with the tribune in reckless daring, though + Hirpinus, Eumolpus, Lutorius, and the others, were all earning + their wages with scrupulous <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page301">[pg 301]</span><a name="Pg301" id="Pg301" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>fidelity, and bearing themselves according to + custom, as if fighting were the one business of their lives.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Esca + reached the scene of conflict the tribune had just closed with a + gigantic adversary. For a minute they reeled in the death-grapple, + then parted as suddenly as they met, the German falling backward + with a groan, the tribune’s blade as he brandished it aloft + dripping with blood to the very hilt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "grc"><span style="font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span>”</span> + shouted Hippias, who was at his side, parrying at the same moment, + with consummate address, a sweeping sword-cut dealt at him from the + dead man’s comrade. <span class="tei tei-q">“That was prettily + done, tribune, and like an artist!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca, catching + sight of his enemy’s hated face, dashed in with the bound of a + tiger, and taking him unawares, delivered at him so fierce and + rapid a thrust as would have settled accounts between them, had + Placidus possessed no other means of defence than his own skilful + swordsmanship; but the fencing-master, whose eye seemed to take in + all the combatants at once, cut through the curved shaft of the + Briton’s weapon with one turn of his short sword, and its head fell + harmless on the floor. His hand was up for a deadly thrust when + Esca found himself felled to the ground by some powerful fist, + while a ponderous form holding him down with its whole weight, made + it impossible for him to rise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Keep quiet, lad,”</span> whispered a friendly voice in + his ear; <span class="tei tei-q">“I was forced to strike hard to + get thee down in time. Faith! the master gives short warning with + his thrusts. Here thou’rt safe, and here I’ll take care thou shalt + remain till the tide has rolled over us, and I can pass thee out + unseen. Keep quiet! I tell thee, lest I have to strike thee + senseless for thine own good.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In vain the + Briton struggled to regain his feet; Hirpinus kept him down by main + force. No sooner had the gladiator caught sight of his friend, than + he resolved to save him from the fate which too surely threatened + all who were found in the palace, and with characteristic + promptitude, used the only means at his disposal for the fulfilment + of his object. A moment’s reflection satisfied Esca of his old + comrade’s good faith. Life is sweet, and with the hope of its + preservation came back the thought of Mariamne. He lay still for a + few minutes, and by that time the tide of fight had rolled on, and + they were left alone. Hirpinus rose first with a jovial laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, you went down, man,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“like an ox at an <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page302">[pg 302]</span><a name="Pg302" id="Pg302" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>altar. I would have held my hand a little—in + faith I would—had there been time. Well, I must help thee up, I + suppose, seeing that I put thee down. Take my advice, lad, get + outside as quick as thou canst. Keep the first turning to the right + of the great gate, stick to the darkest part of the gardens, and + run for thy life!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So speaking, the + gladiator helped Esca to his feet, and pointed down the corridor + where the way was now clear. The Briton would have made one more + effort to save the Emperor, but Hirpinus interposed his burly form, + and finding his friend so refractory, half-led, half-pushed him to + the door of the palace. Here he bade him farewell, looking + wistfully out into the night, as though he would fain accompany + him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have little taste for the job here, and that’s the + truth,”</span> said he, in the tone of a man who has been unfairly + deprived of some expected pleasure. <span class="tei tei-q">“The + Germans made a pretty good stand for a time, but I thought there + were more of them, and that the fight would have lasted twice as + long. Good luck go with thee, lad; I shall perhaps never see thee + again. Well, well, it can’t be helped. I have been bought and paid + for, and must go back to my work.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So, while Esca, + hopeless of doing any more good, went his way into the gardens, + Hirpinus re-entered the palace to follow his comrades, and assist + in the search for the Emperor. He was somewhat surprised to hear + loud shouts of laughter echoing from the end of the corridor. + Hastening on to learn the cause of such strangely-timed mirth, he + came upon Rufus lying across the prostrate body of a German, and + trying hard to stanch the blood that welled from a fatal gash + inflicted by his dead enemy, ere he went down. Hirpinus raised his + friend’s head, and knew it was all over.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have got it,”</span> said Rufus, in a faint voice; + <span class="tei tei-q">“my foot slipped and the clumsy barbarian + lunged in over my guard. Farewell, old comrade! Bid the wife keep + heart. There is a home for her at Picenum, and—the boys—keep them + out of the Family. When you close with these Germans—disengage—at + half distance, and turn your wrist down with the—old—thrust, so as + to”</span>—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Weaker and + weaker came the gladiator’s last syllables, his head sank, his jaw + dropped, and Hirpinus, turning for a farewell look at the comrade + with whom he had trained, and toiled, and drank, and fought, for + half a score of years, dashed his hand angrily to his shaggy + eyelashes, for he saw him through a mist of tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another shout of + laughter, louder still and nearer, roused <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page303">[pg 303]</span><a name="Pg303" id="Pg303" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>him to action. Turning into the room whence it + proceeded, he came upon a scene of combat, nearly as ludicrous as + the last was pitiful. Surrounded by a circle of gladiators, roaring + out their applause and holding their sides with mirth, two most + unwilling adversaries were pitted against each other. They seemed, + indeed, very loth to come to close quarters, and stood face to face + with excessive watchfulness and caution.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In searching for + the Emperor, Placidus and his myrmidons had scoured several + apartments without success. Finding the palace thus unoccupied, and + now in their own hands, the men had commenced loading themselves + with valuables, and prepared to decamp with their plunder, each to + his home, as having fulfilled their engagement, and earned their + reward. But the tribune well knew that if Vitellius survived the + night, his own head would be no longer safe on his shoulders, and + that it was indispensable to find the Emperor at all hazards; so + gathering a handful of gladiators round him, persuading some and + threatening others, he instituted a strict search in one apartment + after another, leaving no hole nor corner untried, persuaded that + Cæsar must be still inside the palace, and consequently within his + grasp. He entertained, nevertheless, a lurking mistrust of + treachery roused by the late appearance of Euchenor at supper, + which was rather strengthened than destroyed by the Greek’s + unwillingness to engage in personal combat with the Germans. Whilst + he was able to do so, the tribune had kept a wary eye upon the + pugilist, and had indeed prevented him more than once from slipping + out of the conflict altogether. Now that the Germans were finally + disposed of, and the palace in his power, he kept the Greek close + at hand with less difficulty, jeering him, half in jest and half in + earnest, on the great care he had taken of his own person in the + fray. Thus, with Euchenor at his side, followed by Hippias, and + some half-dozen gladiators, the tribune entered the room in which + the Emperor had supped, and from which a door, concealed by a heavy + curtain, led into a dark recess originally intended for a bath. At + the foot of this curtain, half-lying, half-sitting, grovelled an + obese unwieldy figure, clad in white, which moaned and shook and + rocked itself to and fro, in a paroxysm of abject fear. The tribune + leapt forward with a gleam of diabolical triumph in his eyes. The + next instant his face fell, as the figure, looking up, presented + the scared features of the bewildered Spado. But even in his wrath + and disappointment Placidus could indulge himself with a brutal + jest.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page304">[pg + 304]</span><a name="Pg304" id="Pg304" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Euchenor,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“thou hast hardly been well blooded to-night. Drive thy + sword through this carrion, and draw it out of our way.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Greek was + only averse to cruelty when it involved personal danger. He rushed + in willingly enough, his blade up, and his eyes glaring like a + tiger’s; but the action roused whatever was left of manhood in the + victim, and Spado sprang to his feet with the desperate courage of + one who has no escape left. Close at his hand lay a Parthian bow, + one of the many curiosities in arms that were scattered about the + room, together with a sandal-wood quiver of puny painted + arrows.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Their points are poisoned,”</span> he shouted; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and a touch is death!”</span></p><a name= + "i_334" id="i_334" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_334.png"><img src="images/i_334.png" alt= + "Illustration: “‘Their points are poisoned’, he shouted”" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em; text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“’Their + points are poisoned’, he shouted”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he drew the + bow to its full compass, and glared about him like some hunted + beast brought to bay. Euchenor, checked in his spring, stood rigid + as if turned to stone. His beautiful form indeed, motionless in + that lifelike attitude, would have been a fit study for one of his + own country’s sculptors; but the surrounding gladiators, influenced + only by the ludicrous points of the situation, laughed till their + sides shook, at the two cowards thus confronting each other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To him, Euchenor!”</span> said they, with the voice + and action by which a man encourages his dog at its prey. + <span class="tei tei-q">“To him, lad! Here’s old Hirpinus come to + back thee. He always voted thee a cur. Show him some of thy mettle + now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Goaded by their + taunts, Euchenor made a rapid feint, and crouched for another dash. + Terrified and confused, the eunuch let the bowstring escape from + his nerveless fingers, and the light gaudy arrow, grazing the + Greek’s arm and scarcely drawing blood, fell, as it seemed, + harmless to the floor between his feet. Again there was a loud + shout of derision, for Euchenor, dropping his weapon, applied this + trifling scratch to his mouth; ere the laugh subsided, however, the + Greek’s face contracted and turned pale. With a wild yell he sprang + bolt upright, raising his arms above his head, and fell forward on + his breast, dead.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The gladiators + leaping in, passed half a dozen swords through the eunuch’s body, + almost ere their comrade touched the floor. Then Lutorius and + Eumolpus tearing down the curtain disappeared in the dark recess + behind. There was an exclamation of surprise, a cry for mercy, a + scuffling of feet, the fall of some heavy piece of furniture, and + the two <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page305">[pg + 305]</span><a name="Pg305" id="Pg305" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>emerged again, dragging between them, pale and + gasping, a bloated and infirm old man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Cæsar is fled!”</span> said he, looking wildly round. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You seek Cæsar?”</span> then perceiving + the dark smile on the tribune’s face, and abandoning all hope of + disguise, he folded his arms with a certain dignity that his coarse + garments and disordered state could not wholly neutralise, and + added—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am Cæsar! Strike! since there is no mercy and no + escape!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune + paused an instant and pondered. Already the dawn was stealing + through the palace, and the dead upturned face of Spado looked grey + and ghastly in the pale cold light. Master of the situation, he did + but deliberate whether he should slay Cæsar with his own hand, thus + bidding high for the gratitude of his successor, or whether, by + delivering him over to an infuriated soldiery, who would surely + massacre him on the spot, he should make his death appear an act of + popular justice, in the furtherance of which he was himself a mere + dutiful instrument. A few moments’ reflection on the character of + Vespasian, decided him to pursue the latter course. He turned to + the gladiators, and bade them secure their prisoner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Loud shouts and + the tramp of many thousand armed feet announced that the + disaffected legions were converging on the palace, and had already + filled its courtyard with masses of disciplined men, ranged under + their eagles in all the imposing precision and the glittering pomp + of war. The increasing daylight showed their serried files, + extending far beyond the gate, over the spacious gardens of the + palace, and the cold morning breeze unfurled a banner here and + there, on which were already emblazoned the initials of the new + emperor, <span class="tei tei-q">“Titus Flavius Vespasian + Cæsar.”</span> As Vitellius with his hands bound, led between two + gladiators, passed out of the gate which at midnight had been his + own, one of these gaudy devices glittered in the rising sun before + his eyes. Then his whole frame seemed to collapse, and his head + sank upon his breast, for he knew that the bitterness of death had + indeed come at last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But it was no + part of the tribune’s scheme that his victim’s lineaments should + escape observation. He put his own sword beneath the Emperor’s + chin, and forced him to hold his head up while the soldiers hooted + and reviled, and ridiculed their former lord.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let them see thy face,”</span> said the tribune + brutally. <span class="tei tei-q">“Even now thou art still the most + notorious man in Rome.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page306">[pg 306]</span><a name="Pg306" id="Pg306" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Obese in person, + lame in gait, pale, bloated, dishevelled, and a captive, there was + yet a certain dignity about the fallen emperor, while he drew + himself up, and thus answered his enemy—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou hast eaten of my bread and drunk from my cup. I + have loaded thee with riches and honours. Yesterday I was thine + emperor and thy host. To-day I am thy captive and thy victim. But + here, in the jaws of death, I tell thee that not to have my life + and mine empire back again, would I change places with Julius + Placidus the tribune!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They were the + last words he ever spoke, for while they paraded him along the + Sacred Way, the legions gathered in and struck him down, and hewed + him in pieces, casting the fragments of his body into the stream of + Father Tiber, stealing calm and noiseless by the walls of Rome. And + though the faithful Galeria collected them for decent interment, + few cared to mourn the memory of Vitellius the glutton; for the + good and temperate Vespasian reigned in his stead.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page307">[pg 307]</span><a name= + "Pg307" id="Pg307" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc87" id= + "toc87"></a> <a name="pdf88" id="pdf88"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE FAIR HAVEN</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a land-locked + bay sheltered by wooded hills, under a calm cloudless sky, and + motionless as some sleeping seabird, a galley lay at anchor on the + glistening surface of the Mediterranean. Far out at sea, against a + clear horizon the breeze just stirred the waters to a purer deeper + blue, but here, behind the sharp black point, that shot boldly from + the shore, long sheets of light, unshadowed by a single ripple + traversed the bay, basking warm and still in the glaring sunshine. + The very gulls that usually flit so restless to and fro, had folded + their wings for an interval of repose, and the hush of the hot + southern noon lay drowsily on the burnished surface of the + deep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The galley had + obviously encountered her share of wind and weather. Spars were + broken and tackle strained. Her large square sail, rent and + patched, was under process of repair; heaped up, neglected for the + present, and half unfurled upon the deck, while the double-banked + seats of her rowers were unoccupied, and the long oars shipped idly + in her sides. Like the seabird she resembled, and whose destiny she + shared, it seemed as though she also had folded her wings, and gone + peacefully to sleep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two figures were + on the deck of the galley, drinking in the beauty that surrounded + them, with the avidity of youth, and health, and love. They thought + not of the dangers they had so narrowly escaped—of the perils by + sea and perils by land that were in store for them yet, of the + sorrows they must undergo, the difficulties they must encounter, + the frail thread on which their present happiness depended. It was + enough for them that they were gazing on the loveliness of one of + the fairest isles in the Ægean, and that they were together.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Surely there is + a Fair Haven in the voyage of each of us, to which we reach perhaps + once in a lifetime, where we pause and furl the sail and ship the + oar, not that we are weary <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page308">[pg 308]</span><a name="Pg308" id="Pg308" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>indeed, nor unseaworthy, but that we cannot + resist, even the strongest and bravest of us, the longing of poor + humanity for rest. Such seasons as these come to remind us of our + noble destiny, and our inherent unworthiness—of our capacity for + happiness, and our failure in attaining it—of the sordid casket, + and the priceless jewel we are sure that it contains. At such + seasons shall we not rejoice and revel in the happiness they bring? + Shall we not bathe in the glorious sunshine, and snatch at the + glowing fruit, and empty the golden cup, ay to the very dregs? What + though there be a cloud behind the hill, a bitter morsel at the + fruit’s core, a drop of wormwood in the sparkling draught?—a + consciousness of insecurity, a foresight of sorrow, a craving for + the infinite and the eternal, which goads and guides us at once on + the upward way? Would we be without it if we could? We cannot be + more than human; we would not willingly be less. Is not failure the + teacher of humility? Is not humility the first step to wisdom? + Where is least of self-dependence, there is surely most of faith; + and are not pain and sorrow the title-deeds of our inheritance + hereafter?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is a false + moral, it is a morbid and unreal sentiment, beautifully as it is + expressed, which teaches us that <span class="tei tei-q">“a + sorrow’s crown of sorrows, is remembering happier things.”</span> + All true happiness is of spiritual origin. When we have been + brushed, though never so lightly by the angel’s wing, we cannot + afterwards entirely divest ourselves of the fragrance breathed by + that celestial presence. Even in those blissful moments, something + warned us they would pass away; now that they have faded here, + something assures us that they will come again, hereafter. Hope is + the birthright of immortality. Without winter there would be no + spring. In decay is the very germ of life, and while suffering is + transitory, mercy is infinite, and joy eternal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sailors were + taking their noonday rest below, to escape the heat. Eleazar, the + Jew, sat at the stern of the vessel, deep in meditation, pondering + on his country’s resources and his nation’s wrongs—the dissensions + that paralysed the Lion of Judah, and the formidable qualities of + the princely hunter who was bringing him warily and gradually to + bay. It would be hard enough to resist Titus with both hands free, + how hopeless a task when one neutralised the efforts of the other! + Eleazar’s outward eye, indeed, took in the groves of olives, and + the dazzling porches, the jagged rocks and the glancing water; but + his spirit was gazing the while upon a very different scene. He saw + his tumultuous countrymen <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page309">[pg + 309]</span><a name="Pg309" id="Pg309" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>armed with sword and spear, brave, impetuous, + full of the headlong courage which made their race irresistible for + attack, but lacking the cool methodical discipline, the stern + habitual self-reliance so indispensable for a wearing and + protracted defence; and he saw also the long even lines under the + eagles, the impregnable array of the legions; their fortified camp, + their mechanical discipline, their exact manœuvres, and the calm + confident strength that was converging day by day for the downfall + and destruction of his people. Then he moved restlessly, like a man + impatient of actual fetters about his limbs, for he would fain be + amongst them again, with his armour on and his spear in his hand. + Calchas, too, was on board the anchored galley. He looked on the + fair scene around as those look who see good in everything. And + then his eye wandered from the glowing land, and the cloudless + heaven, and the sparkling sea, to the stately form of Esca, and + Mariamne with her gentle loving face, ere it sought his task again, + the perusal of his treasured Syriac scroll; for the old man, who + took his share of all the labours and hardships incidental to a + sea-voyage, spent in sacred study many of the hours devoted by + others to rest; his lips moved in prayer, and he called down a + blessing on the head of the proselyte he had gained over, and the + kinsman he loved.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After the + success of the tribune’s plot, and the escape of Esca from the + imperial palace, Rome was no longer a place in which the Briton + might remain in safety. Julius Placidus, although, from the + prominent part taken by Domitian in public affairs, he had not + attained such power as he anticipated, was yet sufficiently + formidable to be a fatal enemy, and it was obvious that the only + chance of life was immediately to leave the neighbourhood of so + implacable an adversary. The murder, too, of Vitellius, and the + accession of Vespasian, rendered Eleazar’s further stay at Rome + unnecessary, and even impolitic, while the services rendered to + Mariamne by her champion and lover, had given him a claim to the + protection of the Jewish household, and the intimacy of its + members. On condition of his conforming to certain fasts and + observances, Eleazar therefore willingly gave Esca the shelter of + his roof, concealed him whilst he himself made preparations for a + hasty departure, and suffered him to accompany the other two + members that constituted his family, on their voyage home to + Jerusalem. After many storms and casualties, half of that voyage + was completed, and the attachment between Esca and Mariamne + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page310">[pg 310]</span><a name= + "Pg310" id="Pg310" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which sprang up so + unexpectedly at the corner of a street in Rome, had now grown to + the engrossing and abiding affection which lasts for life, perhaps + for eternity. Floating in that fair haven, with the glow of love + enhancing the beauty of an earthly paradise, they quaffed at the + cup of happiness without remorse or misgiving, thankful for the + present and trusting for the future. As shipwreck had threatened + them but yesterday, as to-morrow they might again be destined to + weather stormy skies, and ride through raging seas, so, although + they had suffered great dangers and hardships in life, greater were + yet probably in store. Nevertheless, to-day all was calm and + sunshine, contentment, security, and repose. They took it as it + came, and standing together on the galley’s deck, the beauty of + those two young creatures seemed god-like, in the halo of their + great joy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We shall never be parted here,”</span> whispered Esca, + while they stooped over the bulwark, and his hand stealing to his + companion’s, pressed it in a gentle timid clasp.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With her large + loving eyes full of tears, she leaned towards him, nearer, nearer, + till her cheek touched his shoulder, and, pointing upward, she + answered in the low earnest tones that acknowledge neither doubt + nor fear: <span class="tei tei-q">“Esca, we shall never be parted + hereafter.”</span></p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page311">[pg 311]</span><a name="Pg311" + id="Pg311" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc89" id= + "toc89"></a> <a name="pdf90" id="pdf90"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 3.46em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%; font-weight: 700">Moira</span></span></h1> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <a name="toc91" id="toc91"></a> <a name="pdf92" id="pdf92"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER I</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_342.png"><img src="images/i_342.png" alt= + "Initial T" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Feast of the + Passover was at hand; the feast that was wont to call the children + of Israel out of all parts of Syria to worship in the Holy City; + the feast that had celebrated their deliverance from the relentless + grasp of Pharaoh: that was ordained to mark the fulfilment of + prophecy in the downfall of the chosen people, and their national + extinction under the imperial might of Rome. Nevertheless, even + this, the last Passover held in that Temple of which Solomon was + the founder, and in the destruction of which, notwithstanding its + sacred character, not one stone was permitted to remain upon + another, had collected vast multitudes of the descendants of + Abraham from all parts of Judæa, Samaria, Galilee, Perea, and other + regions, to increase the sufferings of famine, and enhance the + horrors of a siege. True to the character of their religion, + rigidly observant of outward ceremonies, and admitting no + exemptions from the requirements of the law, they swarmed in + thousands and tens of thousands to their devoted city, round which + even now Titus was drawing closer and closer the iron band of + blockade, over which the Roman eagles were hovering, ere they + swooped down irresistible on their prey.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was the + hush of coming destruction in the very stillness of the Syrian + noon, as it glowed on the white carved pinnacles of the temple, and + flashed from its golden roof. There was a menace in the tall black + cypresses, pointing as it were with warning gesture towards the + sky. There was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page312">[pg + 312]</span><a name="Pg312" id="Pg312" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a + loathsome reality of carnage about the frequent vulture, poised on + his wide wings over every open space, or flapping heavily away with + loaded gorge and dripping beak, from his hideous meal. Jerusalem + lay like some royal lady in her death-pang; the fair face changed + and livid in its ghastly beauty, the queenly brow warped beneath + its diadem, and the wasted limbs quivering with agony under their + robe of scarlet and gold.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Inside the + walls, splendour and misery, unholy mirth and abject despair, the + pomp of war and the pressure of starvation, were mingled in + frightful contrast. Beneath the shadow of princely edifices dead + bodies lay unburied and uncared-for in the streets. Wherever was a + foot or two of shelter from the sun, there some poor wretch seemed + to have dragged himself to die. Marble pillars, lofty porches, + white terraces, and luxuriant gardens denoted the wealth of the + city, and the pride of its inhabitants; yet squalid figures + crawling about, bent low towards the ground, sought eagerly here + and there for every substance that could be converted into + nourishment, and the absence of all offal and refuse on the + pavement denoted the sad scarcity even of such loathsome food.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The city of + Jerusalem, built upon two opposite hills, of which the plan of the + streets running from top to bottom in each, and separated only by a + narrow valley, exactly corresponded, was admirably adapted to + purposes of defence. The higher hill, on which was situated the + upper town and the holy Temple, might, from the very nature of its + position, be considered impregnable; and even the lower offered on + its outside so steep and precipitous an ascent as to be almost + inaccessible by regular troops. In addition to its natural + strength, the city was further defended by walls of enormous height + and solidity, protected by large square towers, each capable of + containing a formidable garrison, and supplied with reservoirs of + water and all other necessaries of war. Herod the Great, who, + notwithstanding his vices, his crimes, and his occasional fits of + passion amounting to madness, possessed the qualities both of a + statesman and a soldier, had not neglected the means at his + disposal for the security of his capital. He had himself + superintended the raising of one of these walls at great care and + expense, and had added to it three lofty towers, which he named + after his friend, his brother, and his ill-fated wife.<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> These + were constructed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page313">[pg + 313]</span><a name="Pg313" id="Pg313" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + huge blocks of marble, fitted to each other with such nicety, and + afterwards wrought out by the workman’s hand with such skill, that + the whole edifice appeared to be cut from one gigantic mass of + stone. In the days, too, of that magnificent monarch, these towers + were nothing less than palaces within, containing guest-chambers, + banqueting-rooms, porticoes, nay, even fountains, gardens, and + cisterns, with great store of precious stones, gold and silver + vessels, and all the barbaric wealth of Judæa’s fierce and powerful + king. Defended by Herod, even a Roman army might have turned away + discomfited from before Jerusalem.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Agrippa, too, + the first of that name, who was afterwards stricken with a + loathsome disease, and <span class="tei tei-q">“eaten of + worms,”</span> like a mere mortal, while he affected the attributes + of a god, commenced a system of fortification to surround the city, + which would have laughed to scorn the efforts of an enemy; but the + Jewish monarch was too dependent on his imperial master at Rome to + brave his suspicion by proceeding with it; and although a wall of + magnificent design was begun, and even raised to a considerable + height, it was never finished in the stupendous proportions + originally intended. The Jews, indeed, after the death of its + founder, strengthened it considerably, and completed it for + purposes of defence, but not to the extent by which Agrippa + proposed to render the town impregnable.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And even had + Jerusalem been entered and invested by an enemy, the Temple, which + was also the citadel of the place, had yet to be taken. This + magnificent building, the very stronghold of the wealth and + devotion of Judæa, the very symbol of that nationality which was + still so prized by the posterity of Jacob, was situated on the + summit of the higher hill, from which it looked down and commanded + both the upper and lower cities. On three sides it was artificially + fortified with extreme caution, while on the fourth, it was so + precipitous as to defy even the chances of a surprise. To possess + the Temple was to hold the whole town as it were in hand; nor was + its position less a matter of importance to the assailed than its + splendour rendered it an object of cupidity to the assailants. + Every ornament of architecture was lavished upon its cloisters, its + pillars, its porticoes, and its walls. Its outward gates even, + according to their respective positions, were brass, silver, and + gold; its beams were of cedar, and other choice woods inlaid with + the precious metal, which was also thickly spread over doorposts, + candlesticks, cornices—everything that would admit of such costly + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page314">[pg 314]</span><a name= + "Pg314" id="Pg314" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>decoration. The + fifteen steps that led from the Court of the Women to the great + Corinthian gate, with its double doors of forty cubits high, were + worth as many talents of gold as they numbered.<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">To those who + entered far enough to behold what was termed the Inner Temple, a + sight was presented which dazzled eyes accustomed to the splendour + of the greatest monarchs on earth. Its whole front was covered with + plates of beaten gold; vines bearing clusters of grapes the size of + a man’s finger, all of solid gold, were twined about and around its + gates, of which the spikes were pointed sharp, that birds might not + pollute them by perching there. Within were golden doors of + fifty-five cubits in height; and before this entrance hung the + celebrated veil of the Temple. It consisted of a curtain + embroidered with blue, fine linen, scarlet and purple, signifying + by mystical interpretation, a figure of the universe, wherein the + flax typified earth; the blue, air; the scarlet, fire; and the + purple, water. Within this sumptuous shrine were contained the + candlestick, the table of shew-bread, and the altar of incense: the + seven lamps of the first denoting the seven planets of heaven; the + twelve loaves on the second representing the circle of the zodiac + and the year; while the thirteen sweet-smelling spices on the + third, reminded men of the Great Giver of all good things in the + whole world. In the inmost part, again, of this Inner Temple was + that sacred space, into which mortal eye might not look, nor mortal + step enter. Secluded, awful, invisible, divested of all material + object, it typified forcibly to the Jew the nature of that + spiritual worship which was taught him through Abraham and the + Patriarchs, direct from heaven.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All men, + however, of all creeds and nations, might gaze upon the outward + front of the Temple, and judge by the magnificence of the covering + the costly splendour of the shrine it contained. While a dome of + pure white marble rose above it like a mountain of snow, the front + itself of the Temple was overlaid with massive plates of gold, so + that when it flashed in the sunrise men could no more look upon it + than on the god of day himself. Far off in his camp, watching the + beleaguered city, how often may the Roman soldier have pondered in + covetous admiration, speculating on the strength of its defenders + and the value of his prey!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Temple of + Jerusalem then was celebrated through all the known earth for its + size, its splendour, and its untold wealth. The town, strong in its + natural position and its <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page315">[pg + 315]</span><a name="Pg315" id="Pg315" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>artificial defences, garrisoned, moreover, by + a fierce and warlike people, whose impetuous valour could be gauged + by no calculations of military experience, was justly esteemed so + impregnable a fortress, as might mock the attack of a Roman army + even under such a leader as the son of Vespasian. Had it been + assailed by none other than the enemy outside the walls, the Holy + Place need never have been desecrated and despoiled by the legions, + the baffled eagles would have been driven westward, balked of their + glorious prey. But here was a <span class="tei tei-q">“house + divided against itself.”</span> The dissension within the walls was + far more terrible than the foe without. Blood flowed faster in the + streets than on the ramparts. Many causes originating in his past + history, had combined to shake the loyalty and undermine the + nationality of the Jew. Perhaps, for the wisest purposes, it seems + ordained that true religion should be especially prone to schism. + Humanity, however high its aspirations, cannot be wholly refined + from its earthly dross; and those who are the most in earnest are + sometimes the most captious and unforgiving. While worship for his + Maker appears to be a natural instinct of man, it needed a teacher + direct from heaven to inculcate forbearance and brotherly love. The + Jews were sufficiently ill-disposed to those of their own faith, + who differed with them on unimportant points of doctrine, or minute + observance of outward ceremonies; but where the heresy extended to + fundamental tenets of their creed, they seemed to have hated each + other honestly, rancorously, and mercilessly, as only brethren + can.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now for many + generations they have been divided into three principal sects, + differing widely in belief, principle, and practice. These were + distinguished by the names of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. + The first, as is well known, were rigid observers of the + traditional law, handed down to them from their fathers, attaching + fully as much importance to its letter as to its spirit. With a + vague belief in what is understood by the term predestination, they + yet allowed to mankind the choice between good and evil, + confounding, perhaps, the foreknowledge of the Creator with the + freewill of the creature, and believed in the immortality of souls, + and the doctrine of eternal punishment. Their failings seem to have + been inordinate religious pride, and undue exaltation of outward + forms to the neglect of that which they symbolised; a grasping + ambition of priestly power, and an utter want of charity for those + who differed in opinion with themselves.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Sadducees, + though professing belief in the Deity, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page316">[pg 316]</span><a name="Pg316" id="Pg316" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>argued an entire absence of influence from + above on the conduct of the human race. Limiting the dispensation + of reward and punishment to this world, they esteemed it a matter + of choice with mankind to earn the one or incur the other; and as + they utterly ignored the life to come, were content to enjoy + temporal blessings, and to deprecate physical evil alone. Though + wanting a certain genial philosophy on which the heathen prided + himself, the Sadducee, both in principles and practice, seems + closely to have resembled the Epicurean of ancient Greece and + Rome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But there was + also a third sect which numbered many votaries throughout Judæa, in + whose tenets we discover several points of similarity with our own, + and whose ranks, it is not unfair to suppose, furnished numbers of + the early converts to Christianity. These were the Essenes, a + persuasion that rejected pleasure as a positive evil, and with whom + a community of goods was the prevailing and fundamental rule of the + order. These men, while they affected celibacy, chose out the + children of others to provide for and educate. While they neither + bought nor sold, they never wanted the necessaries of life, for + each gave and received ungrudgingly, according to his own and his + neighbour’s need. While they despised riches, they practised a + strict economy, appointing stewards to care for and dispense that + common patrimony which was raised by the joint subscription of all. + Scattered over the whole country, in every city they were sure of + finding a home, and none took on a journey either money, food, or + raiment, because he was provided by his brethren with all he + required wherever he stopped to rest. Their piety, too, was + exemplary. Before sunrise not a word was spoken referring to + earthly concerns, but public prayer was offered, imploring the + blessing of light day by day before it came. Then they dispersed to + their different handicrafts, by which they earned wages for the + general purse. Meeting together once more, they bathed in cold + water and sat down in white garments to their temperate meal, in + which a sufficiency and no more was provided for each person, and + again separated to labour till the evening, when they assembled for + supper in the same manner before going to rest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vows taken + by all who were admitted into their society, and that only after a + two years’ probation, sufficiently indicated the purity and + benevolence of their code. These swore to observe piety towards + God, and justice towards men; to do no one an injury, either + voluntarily or by command of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page317">[pg 317]</span><a name="Pg317" id="Pg317" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>others; to avoid the evil, and to aid the + good; to obey legal authority as coming from above; to love truth, + and openly reprove a lie; to keep the hands clean from theft, and + the heart from unfair gain; neither to conceal anything from their + own sect, nor to discover their secrets to others, but to guard + them with life; also to impart these doctrines to a proselyte + literally and exactly as each had received them himself. If one of + the order committed any grievous sin, he was cast out of their + society for a time; a sentence which implied starvation, as he had + previously sworn never to eat save in the presence of his brethren. + When in the last stage of exhaustion he was received again, as + having suffered a punishment commensurate with his crime, and + which, by the maceration of the body, should purify and save the + soul.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With such tenets + and such training, the Essenes were conspicuous for their + confidence in danger, their endurance of privation, and their + contempt for death. The flesh they despised as the mere corruptible + covering of the spirit, that imperishable essence, of which the + aspiration was ever upwards, and which, when released from prison, + in obedience to the dictates of its very nature, flew direct to + heaven. Undoubtedly such doctrines as these, scattered here and + there throughout the land, partially redeemed the Jewish character + from the fierce unnatural stage of fanaticism, to which it had + arrived at the period of the Christian era—afforded, it may be, a + leavening which preserved the whole people from utter reprobation; + and helped, perhaps, to smooth the way for those pioneers, who + carried the good tidings first heard beneath the star of Bethlehem, + westward through the world.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But at the + period when Jerusalem lay beleaguered by Titus and his legions, + three political parties raged within her walls, to whose furious + fanaticism her three religious sects could offer no comparison. The + first and most moderate of these, though men who scrupled not to + enforce their opinions with violence, had considerable influence + with the great bulk of the populace, and were, indeed, more than + either of the others, free from selfish motives, and sincere in + their desire for the common good. They affected a great concern for + the safety and credit of their religion, making no small outcry at + the fact that certain stones and timber, provided formerly by + Agrippa for the decoration of the Temple, had been desecrated by + being applied to the repair of the defences and the construction of + engines of war. They observed, also, how the rivalry of faction, in + which, nevertheless, they took a prominent part, devastated the + city more than any efforts of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page318">[pg 318]</span><a name="Pg318" id="Pg318" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the enemy; and they did not scruple to + paralyse the energies of the besieged, by averring that the + military rule of the Romans, wise and temperate, though despotic, + was preferable to the alternations of tyranny and anarchy under + which they lived.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This numerous + party was especially displeasing to Eleazar, whose restless force + of character and fanatical courage were impatient of any attempt at + capitulation, who was determined on resistance to the death, and + the utter destruction of the Holy City rather than its surrender. + He was now living in the element of storm and strife, which seemed + most congenial to his nature. No longer a foreign intriguer, + disguised in poor attire, and hiding his head in a back street of + Rome, the Jew seemed to put on fresh valour every day with his + breastplate, and walked abroad in the streets or directed + operations from the ramparts; a mark for friend and foe, in his + splendid armour, with the port of a warrior, a patriarch and a + king. He was avowedly at the head of a numerous section of the + seditious, who had adopted the title of Zealots; and who, affecting + the warmest enthusiasm in the cause of patriotism and religion, + were utterly unscrupulous as to the means by which they furthered + their own objects and aggrandisement. Their practice was indeed + much opposed to the principles they professed, and to that zeal for + religion from which they took their name. They had not scrupled to + cast lots for the priesthood, and to confer the highest and holiest + office of the nation on an illiterate rustic, whose only claim to + the sacerdotal dignity consisted in his relationship with one of + the pontifical tribes. Oppression, insult, and rapine inflicted on + their countrymen, had rendered the very name of Zealot hateful to + the mass of the people; but they numbered in their ranks many + desperate and determined men, skilled in the use of arms, and ready + to perpetrate any act of violence on friend or foe. In the hands of + a bold unscrupulous leader, they were sharp and efficient weapons. + As such Eleazar considered them, keeping them under his own control + and fit for immediate use.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The third of + these factions, which was also perhaps the most numerous, excited + the apprehensions of the more peaceably disposed no less than the + hatred of the last-mentioned party who had put Eleazar at their + head. It was led by a man distinguished alike for consummate + duplicity and reckless daring—John of Gischala, so called from a + small town in Judæa, the inhabitants of which he had influenced to + hold out against the Romans, and whence he had himself escaped + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page319">[pg 319]</span><a name= + "Pg319" id="Pg319" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by a stratagem, + redounding as much to the clemency of Titus as to his own + dishonour.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gischala being + inhabited by a rural and unwarlike population, unprovided besides + with defences against regular troops, would have fallen an easy + prey to the prince with his handful of horsemen, had it not been + for that disposition to clemency which Titus, in common with other + great warriors, seems to have indulged when occasion offered. + Knowing that if the place were carried by storm it would be + impossible to restrain his soldiers from putting the inhabitants to + the sword, he rode in person within earshot of the wall, and + exhorted the defenders to open their gates and trust to his + forbearance, a proposal to which John, who with his adherents + completely overmastered and dominated the population, took upon + himself to reply. He reminded the Roman commander that it was the + Sabbath, a day on which not only was it unlawful for the Jews to + undertake any matters of war, policy, or business, but even to + treat of such, and therefore they could not so much as entertain + the present proposals of peace; but that if the Romans would give + them four-and-twenty hours’ respite, during which period they could + surround the city with their camp, so that none could escape from + it, the keys of the gate should be given up to him on the following + day, when he might enter in triumph and take possession of the + place. Titus withdrew accordingly, probably for want of forage, to + a village at some distance, and John with his followers, + accompanied by a multitude of women and children, whom he + afterwards abandoned, made his escape in the night and fled to + Jerusalem.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After such a + breach of faith, he could expect nothing from the clemency of the + Roman general; so that John of Gischala, like many others of the + besieged, might be said to fight with a rope round his neck.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Within the city + there had now been a fierce struggle for power between the Zealots + under Eleazar, and the reckless party called by different + opprobrious terms, of which <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Robbers”</span> was the mildest, who followed the + fortunes of John. The peaceful section, unable to make head against + these two, looked anxiously for the entrance of the eagles, many + indeed of the wealthier deserting when practicable to the camp of + the enemy. Meanwhile the Romans pushed the siege vigorously. Their + army now consisted of Vespasian’s choicest legions, commanded by + his son in person. Their engines of war were numerous and powerful. + Skilful, scientific, exact in discipline, and unimpeachable in + courage, they <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page320">[pg + 320]</span><a name="Pg320" id="Pg320" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>were gradually but surely converging, in all + their strength, for one conclusive effort on the devoted city. + Already the second wall had been taken, retaken in a desperate + struggle by the besieged, and once more stormed and carried by the + legions. Famine, too, with her cruel hand, was withering the + strongest arms and chilling the bravest hearts in the city. It was + time to forget self-interest, faction, fanaticism, everything but + the nationality of Judæa, and the enemy at the gate.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page321">[pg 321]</span><a name= + "Pg321" id="Pg321" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc93" id= + "toc93"></a> <a name="pdf94" id="pdf94"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER II</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE LION OF JUDAH</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar had + resolved to obtain supreme command. In a crisis like the present, + no divided authority could be expected to offer a successful + resistance. John of Gischala must be ruined by any means and at any + sacrifice. His unscrupulous rival, regardless of honour, truth, + every consideration but the rescue of his country, laid his plans + accordingly. With a plausible pretence of being reconciled, and + thus amalgamating two formidable armies for the common good, he + proposed to hold a conference with John in the Outer Court of the + Temple, where, in presence of the elders and chief men of the city, + they should arrange their past differences and enter into a compact + of alliance for the future. The Great Council of the nation, + ostensibly the rulers of public affairs, and influenced alternately + by the two antagonists, were to be present. Eleazar thought it + would go hard, but that, with his own persuasive powers and public + services, he should gain some signal advantage over his adversary + ere they separated.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He appeared, + accordingly, at the place of conference, splendidly armed indeed in + his own person, but accompanied by a small retinue of adherents all + attired in long peaceful robes, as though inviting the confidence + of his enemy. Observant eyes, it is true, and attentive ears, + caught the occasional clank and glitter of steel under these + innocent linen mantles, and the friends, if few in number, were of + tried valour and fidelity, while a mob of warlike men outside, who + had gathered ostensibly to look idly on, belonged obviously to the + party of the Zealots. Nevertheless, Eleazar had so contrived + matters that, while he guarded against surprise, he should appear + before the Council as a suppliant imploring justice rather than a + leader dictating terms. He took up his position, accordingly, at + the lower end of the court, and after a deep obeisance to the + assembled elders, stood, as it were, in the background, assuming an + air of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page322">[pg + 322]</span><a name="Pg322" id="Pg322" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>humility somewhat at variance with his noble + and warlike exterior.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His rival, on + the contrary, whose followers completely blocked up the entrance + from the Temple, through which he had thought it becoming to + arrive, strode into the midst with a proud and insolent bearing, + scarcely deigning to acknowledge the salutations he received, and + glancing from time to time back amongst his adherents, with + scornful smiles, that seemed to express a fierce contempt for the + whole proceeding. He was a man who, though scarcely past his youth, + wore in his face the traces of his vicious and disorderly career. + His features were flushed and swollen with intemperance; and the + deep lines about his mouth, only half concealed by the long + moustache and beard, denoted the existence of violent passions, + indulged habitually to excess. His large stature and powerful frame + set off the magnificence of his dress and armour, nor was his eye + without a flash of daring and defiance that boded evil to an enemy; + but his bearing, bold as it was, smacked rather of the outlaw than + the soldier, and his rude, abrupt gestures contrasted + disadvantageously with the cool self-possession of his rival. The + latter, asking permission, as it were, of the Senate by another + respectful obeisance, walked frankly into the middle of the court + to meet his foe. John changed colour visibly, and his hand stole to + the dagger at his belt. He seemed to expect the treachery of which + he felt himself capable; but Eleazar, halting a full pace off, + looked him steadily in the face, and held out his right hand in + token of amity and reconciliation. A murmur of approval ran through + the Senate, which increased John’s uncertainty how to act; but + after a moment’s hesitation, unwillingly and with a bad grace, he + gave his own in return.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar’s + action, though apparently so frank and spontaneous, was the result + of calculation. He had now made the impression he desired on the + Senate, and secured the favourable hearing which he believed was + alone necessary for his triumph.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We have been enemies,”</span> said he, releasing the + other’s hand and turning to the assembly, while his full voice rang + through the whole court, and every syllable reached the listeners + outside. <span class="tei tei-q">“We have been fair and open + enemies, in the belief that each was opposed to the interests of + his country; but the privations we have now undergone in the same + cause, the perils we have confronted side by side on the same + ramparts, must have convinced us that however we may differ in our + political tenets, nay, in our religious practices, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page323">[pg 323]</span><a name="Pg323" id="Pg323" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>we are equally sincere in a + determination to shed our last drop of blood in the defence of the + Holy City from the pollution of the heathen. This is no time for + any consideration but one—Jerusalem is invested, the Temple is + threatened, and the enemy at the gate. I give up all claim to + authority, save as a leader of armed men. I yield precedence in + rank, in council, in everything but danger. I devote my sword and + my life to the salvation of Judæa! Who is on my side?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Loud + acclamations followed this generous avowal; and it was obvious that + Eleazar’s influence was more than ever in the ascendant. It was no + time for John to stem the torrent of popular feeling, and he wisely + floated with the stream. Putting a strong control upon his wrath, + he expressed to the Senate in a few hesitating words, his consent + to act in unison with his rival, under their orders as Supreme + Council of the nation; a concession which elicited groans and + murmurs from his own partisans, many of whom forced their way with + insolent threats and angry gestures into the court. Eleazar did not + suffer the opportunity to escape without a fresh effort for the + downfall of his adversary.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There are men,”</span> said he, pointing to the + disaffected, and raising his voice in full clear tones, + <span class="tei tei-q">“who had better have swelled the ranks of + the enemy than stood side by side with Judah on the ramparts of + Agrippa’s wall. They may be brave in battle, but it is with a + fierce undisciplined courage more dangerous to friend than foe. + Their very leader, bold and skilful soldier as he is, cannot + restrain such mutineers even in the august presence of the Council. + Their excesses are laid to his charge; and a worthy and patriotic + commander becomes the scapegoat of a few ruffians whose crimes he + is powerless to prevent. John of Gischala, we have this day + exchanged the right hand of fellowship. We are friends, nay, we are + brothers-in-arms once more. I call upon thee, as a brother, to + dismiss these robbers, these paid cut-throats, whom our very + enemies stigmatise as <span class="tei tei-q">‘Sicarii,’</span> and + to cast in thy lot with thine own people, and with thy father’s + house!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">John shot an + eager glance from his rival to his followers. The latter were + bending angry brows upon the speaker, and seemed sufficiently + discontented with their own leader that he should listen tamely to + such a proposal. Swords, too, were drawn by those in the rear, and + brandished fiercely over the heads of the seething mass. For an + instant the thought crossed his mind, that he had force enough to + put the opposing assemblage, Senate and all, to the sword; but his + quick practised glance taught him at the same time, that + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page324">[pg 324]</span><a name= + "Pg324" id="Pg324" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Eleazar’s party + gathered quietly towards their chief, with a confidence unusual in + men really without arms, and a methodical precision that denoted + previous arrangement; also that certain signals passed from them to + the crowd, and that the court was filling rapidly from the + multitude without. He determined then to dissemble for a time, and + turned to the Senate with a far more deferential air than he had + yet assumed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I appeal to the elders of Judah,”</span> said he, + repressing at the same time by a gesture the turbulence of his + followers—<span class="tei tei-q">“I am content to abide by the + decision of the National Council. Is to-day a fitting season for + the reduction of our armament? Shall I choose the present occasion + to disband a body of disciplined soldiers, and turn a host of + outraged and revengeful men loose into the city with swords in + their hands? Have we not already enough idle mouths to feed, or can + we spare a single javelin from the walls? My <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">brother</span></span>”</span>—he laid great + stress upon the word, and gripped the haft of his dagger under his + mantle while he spoke it—<span class="tei tei-q">“My brother gives + strange counsel, but I am willing to believe it sincere. I too, + though the words drop not like honey from my beard as from his, + have a right to be heard. Did I not leave Gischala and my father’s + vineyard for a prey to the enemy? Did I not fool the whole Roman + army, and mock Titus to his face, that I might join in the defence + of Jerusalem? and shall I be schooled like an infant, or impeached + for a traitor to-day? Judge me by the result. I was on the walls + this morning; I saw not my brother there. The enemy were preparing + for an assault. The engine they call Victory had been moved yet + nearer by a hundred cubits. While we prate here the eagles are + advancing. To the walls! To the walls, I say! Every man who calls + himself a Jew; be he Priest or Levite, Pharisee or Sadducee, Zealot + or Essene. Let us see whether John and his Sicarii are not as + forward in the ranks of the enemy as this <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">brother</span></span> + of mine, Eleazar, and the bravest he can bring!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus speaking, + and regardless of the presence in which he stood, John drew his + sword and placed himself at the head of his adherents, who with + loud shouts demanded to be led instantly to the ramparts. The + enthusiasm spread like wildfire, and even communicated itself to + the Council. Eleazar’s own friends caught the contagion, and the + whole mass poured out of the Temple, and, forming into bands in the + streets, hurried tumultuously to the walls.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What John had + stated to the Council was indeed true. <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page325">[pg 325]</span><a name="Pg325" id="Pg325" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>The Romans, who had previously demolished the + outer wall and a considerable portion of the suburbs, had now for + the second time obtained possession of the second wall, and of the + high flanking tower called Antonia, which John, to do him justice, + had defended with great gallantry after he had retaken it once from + the assailants. It was from this point of vantage that an attack + was now organised by the flower of the Roman army, having for its + object the overthrow of her last defences and complete reduction of + the city. When Eleazar and his rival appeared with their respective + bands they proved a welcome reinforcement to the defenders, who, + despite of their stubborn resistance, were hardly pressed by the + enemy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every + able-bodied Jew was a soldier on occasion. Troops thus composed are + invariably more formidable in attack than defence. They have + usually undaunted courage and a blind headlong valour that + sometimes defies the calculations of military science or + experience; but they are also susceptible of panic under reverses, + and lack the cohesion and solidity which is only found in those who + make warfare the profession of a lifetime. The Jew armed with spear + and sword, uttering wild cries as he leaped to the assault, was + nearly irresistible; but once repulsed, his final discomfiture was + imminent. The Roman, on the contrary, never suffered himself to be + drawn out of his ranks by unforeseen successes, and preserved the + same methodical order in the advance as the retreat. He was not, + therefore, to be lured into an ambush however well disguised; and + even when outnumbered by a superior force, could retire without + defeat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The constitution + of the legion, too, was especially adapted to enhance the + self-reliance of well-drilled troops. Every Roman legion was a + small army in itself, containing its proportion of infantry, + cavalry, engines of war, and means for conveyance of baggage. A + legion finding itself never so unexpectedly detached from the main + body, was at no loss for those necessaries without which an army + melts away like snow in the sunshine, and was capable of + independent action, in any country and under any circumstances. + Each man too had perfect confidence in himself and his comrades; + and while it was esteemed so high a disgrace to be taken prisoner + that many soldiers have been known rather to die by their own hands + than submit to such dishonour, it is not surprising that the + imperial armies were often found to extricate themselves with + credit from positions which would have ensured the destruction of + any other troops in the world.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page326">[pg 326]</span><a name="Pg326" id="Pg326" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The internal + arrangement, too, of every cohort, a title perhaps answering to the + modern word regiment, as does the legion to that of division, was + calculated to promote individual intelligence and energy in the + ranks. Every soldier not only fought, but fed, slept, marched, and + toiled, under the immediate eye of his <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">decurion</span></span> or captain of ten, who + again was directly responsible for those under his orders to his + centurion, or captain of a hundred. A certain number of these + centuries or companies, varying according to circumstances, + constituted a maniple, two of which made up the cohort. Every + legion consisted of ten cohorts, under the charge of but six + tribunes, who seem to have entered on their onerous office in + rotation. These were again subservient to the general, who, under + the different titles of prætor, consul, etc., commanded the whole + legion. The private soldiers were armed with shield, breastplate, + helmet, spear, sword, and dagger; but in addition to his weapons + every man carried a set of intrenching tools, and on occasion two + or more strong stakes, for the rapid erection of palisades. All + were, indeed, robust labourers and skilful mechanics, as well as + invincible combatants.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Jews, + therefore, though a fierce and warlike nation, had but little + chance against the conquerors of the world. It was but their + characteristic self-devotion that enabled them to hold Titus and + his legions so long in check. Their desperate sallies were + occasionally crowned with success, and the generous Roman seems to + have respected the valour and the misfortunes of his foe; but it + must have been obvious to so skilful a leader, that his reduction + of Jerusalem and eventual possession of all Judæa was a question + only of time.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At an earlier + period of the siege the Romans had made a wide and shallow cutting + capable of sheltering infantry, for the purpose of advancing their + engines closer to the wall, but from the nature of the soil this + work had been afterwards discontinued. It now formed a + moderately-secure covered-way, enabling the besieged to reach + within a short distance of the Tower of Antonia, the retaking of + which was of the last importance—none the less that from its summit + Titus himself was directing the operations of his army. There was a + breach in this tower on its inner side, which the Romans strove in + vain to repair, harassed as they were by showers of darts and + javelins from the enemy on the wall. More than once, in attempting + to make it good at night, their materials had been burnt and + themselves driven back upon their works with great loss, by the + valour of the besieged. The Tower of Antonia was indeed the key to + the possession of the second <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page327">[pg 327]</span><a name="Pg327" id="Pg327" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>wall. Could it but be retaken, as it had + already been, the Jews might find themselves once more with two + strong lines of defence between the upper city and the foe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Eleazar and + John, at the head of their respective parties, now mingled + indiscriminately together, reached the summit of the inner wall, + they witnessed a fierce and desperate struggle in the open space + below.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca, no longer + in the position of a mere household slave, but the friend and + client of the most influential man in Jerusalem, who had admitted + him, men said, as a proselyte to his faith, and was about to bestow + on him his daughter in marriage, had already so distinguished + himself by various feats of arms in the defence of the city, as to + be esteemed one of the boldest leaders in the Jewish army. Panting + to achieve a high reputation, which he sometimes dared to hope + might gain him all he wished for on earth—the hand of Mariamne—and + sharing to a great extent with the besieged their veneration for + the Temple and abhorrence of a foreign yoke, the Briton lost no + opportunity of adding a leaf to the laurels he had gained, and + thrust himself prominently forward in every enterprise demanding an + unusual amount of strength and courage. His lofty stature and + waving golden hair, so conspicuous amongst the swarthy warriors who + surrounded him, were soon well known in the ranks of the Romans, + who bestowed on him the title of the Yellow Hostage, as inferring + from his appearance that he must have lately been a stranger in + Jerusalem; and many a stout legionary closed in more firmly on his + comrade, and raised his shield more warily to the level of his + eyes, when he saw those bright locks waving above the press of + battle, and the long sword flashing with deadly strokes around that + fair young head. He was now leading a party of chosen warriors, + along the covered-way that has been mentioned, to attack the Tower + of Antonia. For this purpose, the trench had been deepened during + the night by the Jews themselves, who had for some days meditated a + bold stroke of this nature; and the chosen band had good reason to + believe that their movements were unseen and unsuspected by the + enemy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As they deployed + into the open space, but a few furlongs from the base of the tower, + the Jews caught sight of Titus on the summit, his golden armour + flashing in the sun, and, with a wild yell of triumph, they made + one of their fierce, rushing, disorderly charges to the attack. + They had reached within twenty paces of the breach, when swooping + round the angle of the tower, like a falcon on his prey, came + Placidus, at the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page328">[pg + 328]</span><a name="Pg328" id="Pg328" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>head of a thousand horsemen, dashing forward + with lifted shields and levelled spears amongst the disorganised + mass of the Jews, broken by the very impetus of their own + advance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune had + but lately joined the Roman army, having been employed in the + subjugation of a remote province of Judæa—a task for which his + character made him a peculiarly fit instrument. Enriched by a few + months of extortion and rapine, he had taken care to rejoin his + commander in time to share with him the crowning triumphs of the + siege. Julius Placidus was a consummate soldier. His vigilance had + detected the meditated attack, and his science was prepared to meet + it in the most effectual manner. Titus, from the summit of his + tower, could not but admire the boldness and rapidity with which + the tribune dashed from his concealment, and launched his cavalry + on the astonished foe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But he had to do + with one, who, though his inferior in skill and experience, was his + equal in that cool hardihood which can accept and baffle a + surprise. Esca had divided his force into two bodies, so that the + second might advance in a dense mass to the support of the first, + whether its disorderly attack should be attended by failure or + success. This body, though clear of the trench, yet remaining firm + in its ranks, now became a rallying point for its comrades, and + although a vast number of the Jews were ridden down and speared by + the attacking horsemen, there were enough left to form a bristling + phalanx, presenting two converging fronts of level steel impervious + to the enemy. Placidus observed the manœuvre and ground his teeth + in despite; but though his brow lowered for one instant, the evil + smile lit up his face the next, for he espied Esca, detached from + his band and engaged in rallying its stragglers; nor did he fail to + recognise at a glance the man he most hated on earth. Urging his + horse to speed, and even at that moment of gratified fury glancing + towards the tower to see whether Titus was looking on, he levelled + his spear and bore down upon the Briton in a desperate and + irresistible charge. Esca stepped nimbly aside, and receiving the + weapon on his buckler, dealt a sweeping sword-cut at the tribune’s + head, which stooping to avoid, the latter pulled at his horse’s + reins so vigorously as to check the animal’s career and bring it + suddenly on its haunches. The Briton, watching his opportunity, + seized the bit in his powerful grasp, and with the aid of his + massive weight and strength, rolled man and horse to the ground in + a crashing fall. The tribune was undermost, and for the moment at + the mercy of his adversary. Looking <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page329">[pg 329]</span><a name="Pg329" id="Pg329" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>upward with a livid face and deep bitter + hatred glaring in his eye, he did but hiss out <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, mine enemy!”</span> from between his clenched + teeth, and prepared to receive his deathblow; but the hand that was + raised to strike, fell quietly to Esca’s side, and he turned back + through the press of horsemen, buffeting them from him as a swimmer + buffets the waves, till he reached his own men. Placidus, rising + from the ground, shook his clenched fist at the retreating figure; + but he never knew that he owed his preservation to the first-fruits + of that religion which had now taken root in the breast of his + former slave. When he groaned out in his despair <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, mine enemy!”</span> the Briton remembered that + this man had, indeed, shown himself the bitterest and most + implacable of his foes. It was no mere impulse, but the influence + of a deep abiding principle that bade him now forgive and spare for + the sake of One whose lessons he was beginning to learn, and in + whose service he had resolved to enter. Amongst all the triumphs + and the exploits of that day, there was none more noble than + Esca’s, when he lowered his sword and turned away, unwilling, + indeed, but resolute, from his fallen foe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fight raged + fiercely still. Eleazar with his Zealots—John of Gischala with his + Robbers—rushed from the walls to the assistance of their + countrymen. The Roman force was in its turn outnumbered and + surrounded, though Placidus, again on horseback, did all in the + power of man to make head against the mass of his assailants. Titus + at length ordered the Tenth Legion, called by his own name and + constituting the very flower of the Roman army, to the rescue of + their countrymen. Commanded by Licinius, in whose cool and steady + valour they had perfect confidence, these soon turned the tide of + combat, and forced the Jews back to their defences; not, however, + until their general had recognised in the Yellow Hostage the person + of his favourite slave, and thought, with a pang, that the fate of + war would forbid his ever seeing him face to face again, except as + a captive or a corpse.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page330">[pg 330]</span><a name= + "Pg330" id="Pg330" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc95" id= + "toc95"></a> <a name="pdf96" id="pdf96"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER III</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE WISDOM OF THE SERPENT</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ever since the + night which changed the imperial master of Rome, Esca had dwelt + with Eleazar as if he were a member of the same family and the same + creed. Though Mariamne, according to the custom of her nation, + confined herself chiefly to the women’s apartments, it was + impossible that two who loved each other so well as the Jewess and + the Briton should reside under the same roof without an occasional + interview. These usually took place when the latter returned to + unarm after his military duties; and though but a short greeting + was interchanged, a hurried inquiry, a few words of thanksgiving + for his safety, and assurances of her continued affection, these + moments were prized and looked forward to by both, as being the + only occasions on which they could enjoy each other’s society + uninterrupted and alone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After the + repulse of the tribune’s attack beneath the Tower of Antonia, Esca + returned in triumph to Eleazar’s house. He was escorted to the very + door by the chief men of the city, and a band of those chosen + warriors who had witnessed and shared in his exploits. Mariamne, + from the gallery which surrounded it, saw him enter her father’s + court at the head of her father’s friends, heard that father + address him before them all in a few soldierlike words of thanks + and commendation—nay, even observed him lead the successful + combatant away with him as though for some communication of unusual + confidence. The girl’s heart leaped within her; and vague hopes, of + which she could not have explained the grounds, took possession of + her mind. She loved him very dearly: they slept under the same + roof, they ate at the same board; notwithstanding the perils of + warfare to which she was now habituated, they met every day: but + this was not enough; something was wanting still; so she watched + him depart with her father, and grudged not the loss of her own + short interview with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page331">[pg + 331]</span><a name="Pg331" id="Pg331" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>its congratulations that she so longed to pour + into his ear, because the indefinite hopes that dawned on her, + seemed to promise more happiness than she could bear.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar took the + helmet from his brow, and signed to Esca to do the same. Then he + filled a measure of wine, and draining the half of it eagerly, + handed the rest to his companion. For a few minutes he paced up and + down the room, still wearing his breastplate, and with his sword + girded to his side, deep in thought, ere turning abruptly to his + companion he placed his hand on his shoulder, and said—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have eaten my bread—you have drunk from my cup. + Esca, you are to me as a son; will you do my bidding?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Even as a son,”</span> replied the Briton; to whom + such an address seemed at once to open the way for the fulfilment + of his dearest wishes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar ignored + the emphasis on the word. It may be that his mind was too entirely + engrossed with public interests to admit a thought upon private + affairs; it may be that he considered Esca, like the sword upon his + thigh, as a strong and serviceable weapon, to be laid aside when no + longer wanted for conflict; or it may be that his purpose was + honest, and that, after the salvation of his country, he would have + been actuated by the kindlier motives of a father and a friend; but + in the meantime he had a purpose in view, and no considerations of + affection or partiality would have led him to swerve from it by a + hair’s-breadth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look around you,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and behold the type of Judæa, and especially of + Jerusalem, in this very building. See how fair and stately are the + walls of my house, how rich its ornaments, how costly its hangings + and decorations. Here are ivory, and sandal-wood, and cedar; webs + of divers colours; robes of purple, stores of fine linen, vessels + of silver, and drinking-cups of gold; frankincense and wine are + here in plenty, but of barley we have scarce a few handfuls; and if + the same visitors that my father Abraham entertained on the plains + of Mamre were at my door to-day, where should I find a kid that I + might slay it, and set it before them to eat? I have everything + here in the house, save that alone without which everything else is + of no avail—the daily bread that gives man strength for his daily + task. And so is it with my country: we have men, we have weapons, + we have wealth; but we lack that which alone renders those + advantages efficient for defence—the constant <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page332">[pg 332]</span><a name="Pg332" id="Pg332" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>unshrinking reliance on itself and its + faith, from which a nation derives its daily resources as from its + daily bread. There are men here in the city now who would hand + Jerusalem over to the heathen without striking another blow in her + defence.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shame on them!”</span> answered the other warmly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Barbarian, stranger as I am, I pledge + myself to die there, ere a Roman soldier’s foot shall pollute the + threshold of the Temple.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are a warrior,”</span> answered Eleazar; + <span class="tei tei-q">“you have proved it to-day. As a warrior I + consult with you on the possibility of our defence. You saw the + result of the conflict under the Tower of Antonia, and the bravery + of the Tenth Legion; we cannot resist another such attack till our + defences are repaired. We must gain time; at all hazards, and at + any sacrifice, we must gain time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In two days the breach might be strengthened,”</span> + replied the other; <span class="tei tei-q">“but Titus is an + experienced soldier; he was watching us to-day from the summit of + his tower. He will hardly delay the assault beyond + to-morrow.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He must!”</span> answered Eleazar vehemently. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have my preparations for defence, and in + less than two days the city shall be again impregnable. Listen, + Esca; you little know the opposition I have met with, or the hatred + I have incurred in overcoming it. I have sought means to preserve + the city from all quarters, and have thus given a handle to my + enemies that they will not fail to use for my destruction. Have I + not taken the holy oil from the sacrifice, to pour boiling on the + heads of the besiegers? and will not John of Gischala and the + Robbers fling this sacrilege in my teeth when it becomes known? + Even at this moment I have seized the small quantity of chaff there + is yet remaining in the city, to fill the sacks with which we may + neutralise the iron strokes of that heavy battering-ram, which the + soldiers themselves call Victory. There is scarce a grain of wheat + left, and many a hungry stomach must sleep to-night without even + the miserable meal it had promised itself, for want of this poor + measure of chaff. Men will curse Eleazar in their prayers. It is + cruel work,—cruel work. But, no! I will never abandon my post, and + the seed of Jacob shall eat one another for very hunger in the + streets, ere I deliver the Holy City into the keeping of the + heathen.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Something almost + like a tear shone in the eye of this iron-hearted fanatic while he + spoke, but his resolution was not to be shaken; and he only spoke + the truth when he <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page333">[pg + 333]</span><a name="Pg333" id="Pg333" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>avowed that famine, stalking abroad in its + most horrible form, would be a less hateful sight to him than the + crest of a Roman soldier within the walls of Jerusalem. His brain + had been hard at work on his return from the conflict of the day; + and he had woven a plan by which he hoped to gain such a short + respite from attack as would enable him to bid defiance to Titus + once more. This could only be done, however, with the aid of + others, and by means of a perfidy that even he could scarcely + reconcile to himself—that he could not but fear must be repugnant + to his agent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The well-known + clemency of the Roman commander, and his earnest wish to spare, if + it were possible, the beautiful and sacred city from destruction, + had caused him to listen patiently at all times to any overtures + made by the Jews for the temporary suspension of hostilities. Titus + seemed not only averse to bloodshed, but also extended his goodwill + in an extraordinary degree to an enemy whose religion he respected, + and whose miseries obtained his sincere compassion. On many + occasions he had delayed his orders for a final and probably + irresistible assault, in the hope that the city might be + surrendered; and that he could hand over to his father this + beautiful prize, undefaced by the violence inflicted on a town + taken by storm. The great Roman commander was not only the most + skilful leader of his day, but a wise and far-sighted politician, + as well as a humane and generous man. Eleazar knew the character + with which he had to deal; but he stifled all scruples of honour in + the one consideration, that his first and only duty was to the + cause of Judah; yet in his breast were lying dormant the instincts + of a brave man, and it was not without misgivings of opposition + from his listener, that he disclosed to Esca the scheme by which he + hoped to overreach Titus and gain a few hours’ respite for the + town.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Two days,”</span> said he, resuming his restless walk + up and down the apartment—<span class="tei tei-q">“two days is all + I ask—all I require. Two days I <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></span> + have. Listen, young man. I have proved you, I can trust you; and + yet the safety of Judah hangs on your fidelity. Swear, by the God + of Israel, that you will never reveal the secret I disclose to you + this day. It is but known to my brother, my daughter, and myself. + You are the adopted son of my house. Swear!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I swear!”</span> replied Esca solemnly; and his hopes + grew brighter as he found himself thus admitted, as it were, to a + place in the family of the woman he loved.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar looked + from the casement and through the door, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page334">[pg 334]</span><a name="Pg334" id="Pg334" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>to assure himself against listeners; then he + filled the Briton’s cup once more, and proceeded with his + confidences.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Around that dried-up fountain,”</span> said he, + pointing to the terraces on which his stately house was built, + <span class="tei tei-q">“there lie seven slabs of marble, with + which its basin is paved. If you put the point of your sword under + the left-hand corner of the centre one, you may move it + sufficiently to admit your hand. Lift it, and you find a staircase + leading to a passage; follow that passage, in which a full-grown + man can stand upright, and along which you may grope your way + without fear, and you come to an egress choked up with a few + faggots and briers. Burst through these, and, lo! you emerge beyond + the Tower of Antonia, and within fifty paces of the Roman camp. + Will you risk yourself amongst the enemy for Judah’s + sake?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have been nearer the Romans than fifty + paces,”</span> answered Esca proudly. <span class="tei tei-q">“It + is no great service you ask; and if they seize upon me as an + escaped slave, and condemn me to the cross, what then? It is but a + soldier’s duty I am undertaking after all. When shall I + depart?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar + reflected for a moment. The other’s unscrupulous, unquestioning + fidelity touched even his fierce heart to the quick. It would be, + doubtless, death to the messenger, who, notwithstanding his + character of herald, would be too surely treated as a mere runaway; + but the message must be delivered, and who was there but Esca for + him to send? He bent his brows, and proceeded in a harder tone—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have confided to you the secret way, that is known + to but three besides in Jerusalem. I need keep nothing from you + now. You shall bear my written proposals to Titus for a truce till + the sun has again set twice, on certain terms; but those terms it + will be safer for the messenger not to know. Will you run the risk, + and when?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This instant, if they are ready,”</span> answered the + other boldly; but even while he spoke, Calchas entered the + apartment; and Eleazar, conscious of the certain doom to which he + was devoting his daughter’s preserver and his own guest, shrank + from his brother’s eye, and would have retired to prepare his + missive without further question.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Fierce and + unscrupulous as he was, he could yet feel bitterly for the brave, + honest nature that walked so unsuspiciously into the trap he laid. + It was one thing to overreach a hostile general, and another to + sacrifice a faithful and devoted friend. He had no hesitation in + affecting treason to Titus, and promising the Romans that, if they + would but grant him <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page335">[pg + 335]</span><a name="Pg335" id="Pg335" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that day and the next, to obtain the supremacy + of his own faction and chief power within the walls, he would + deliver over the city, with the simple condition that the Temple + should not be demolished, and the lives of the inhabitants should + be spared. He acknowledged no dishonour in the determination, which + he concealed in his own breast, to employ that interval strenuously + in defensive works, and when it had elapsed to break faith + unhesitatingly with his foe. In the cause of Judah—so thought this + fanatic, half-soldier, half-priest—it was but a fair stratagem of + war, and would, as a means of preserving the true faith, meet with + the direct approval of Heaven. But it seemed hard—very hard—that, + to secure these advantages, he must devote to certain destruction + one who had sat at his board and lived under his roof for months; + and a pang, of which he did not care to trace the origin, smote the + father’s heart when he thought of Mariamne’s face, and her question + to-morrow, <span class="tei tei-q">“Where <a name="corr335" id= + "corr335" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">is</span> Esca? and why is he not come + back?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He took his + brother aside, and told him, shortly, that Esca was going as a + messenger of peace to the Roman camp. Calchas looked him full in + the face, and shook his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Brother,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“thy + ways are tortuous, though thy bearing is warlike and bold. Thou + trustest too much to the sword of steel and the arm of flesh—the + might of man’s strength, which a mere pebble on the pavement can + bring headlong to the ground; and the scheming of man’s brain, + which cannot foresee, even for one instant, the trifle that shall + baffle and confound it in the next. It is better to trust boldly in + the right. This youth is of our own household: he is more to us + than friend and kindred. Wouldst thou send him up with his hands + bound to the sacrifice? Brother, thou shalt not do this great + sin!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What would you?”</span> said Eleazar impatiently. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Every man to his duty. The priest to the + offering; the craftsman to his labour; the soldier to the wall. He + alone knows the secret passage. Whom have I but Esca to + send?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am a man of peace,”</span> replied Calchas, and over + his face stole that ray of triumphant confidence which at seasons + of danger seemed to brighten it like a glory; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“who so fitting to carry a message of peace as myself? + You have said, everyone to his appointed task. I cannot—nay, I + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">would</span></span> not—put a breastplate on + my worthless body, and a helmet on my old grey head, and brandish + spear, or javelin, or deadly weapon in my feeble hands; but do you + think it is because I fear? Remember, brother, the blood of the + sons of Manahem runs in <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page336">[pg + 336]</span><a name="Pg336" id="Pg336" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>my + veins as in yours, and I, too, have a right to risk every drop of + it in the service of my country! Oh! I have sinned! I have + sinned!”</span> added the old man, with a burst of contrition, + after this momentary outburst. <span class="tei tei-q">“What am I + to speak such words? I, the humblest and least worthy of my + master’s servants!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You shall not go!”</span> exclaimed Eleazar, covering + his face with his hands as the horrid results of such a mission + rose before his eyes. Should the Romans keep the herald for a + hostage, as most probably they would, until the time of surrender + had elapsed, what must be his certain fate? Had they not already + crucified more than one such emissary in face of the walls? and + could they be expected to show mercy in a case like this? His love + for his brother had been the one humanising influence of Eleazar’s + life. It tore his heart now with a grief that was something akin to + rage, when he reflected that even that brother, if requisite, must + be sacrificed to the cause of Jerusalem.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca looked from + one to the other, apparently unmoved. To him the whole affair + seemed simply a matter of duty, in the fulfilment of which he would + himself certainly run considerable risk, that did not extend to + Calchas. He was perfectly willing to go; but could not, at the same + time, refrain from thinking that the latter was the fitter person + to undertake such a mission at such a time. He could not guess at + the perfidy which Eleazar meditated, and which brought with it its + own punishment in his present sufferings for his brother. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am ready,”</span> said he quietly, + resting his hand on his helmet, as though prepared to depart + forthwith.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You shall not go,”</span> repeated Calchas, looking + fixedly at his brother the while. <span class="tei tei-q">“I tell + thee, Eleazar,”</span> he added, with kindling eye and heightened + tone, <span class="tei tei-q">“that I will not stand by and see + this murder done. As an escaped slave, Esca will be condemned to + death unheard. It may be that they will even subject him to the + scourge, and worse. As the bearer of terms for a truce, our enemies + will treat me as an honoured guest. If thou art determined to + persevere, I will frustrate thine intention by force. I need but + whisper to the Sanhedrim that Eleazar is trafficking with those + outside the walls, and where would be the house of Ben-Manahem? and + how long would the Zealots own allegiance to their chief? Nay, + brother, such discord and such measures can never be between thee + and me. When have we differed in our lives, since we clung together + to our mother’s knees? Prepare thy missive. I will take it to the + Roman camp forthwith, and return in <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page337">[pg 337]</span><a name="Pg337" id="Pg337" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>safety as I went. What have I to fear? Am I + not protected by Him whom I serve?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Eleazar + withdrew his hands from his face it was deadly pale, and large + drops stood upon his forehead. The struggle had been cruel indeed, + but it was over. <span class="tei tei-q">“Jerusalem before + all,”</span> was the principle from which he had never been known + to swerve, and now he must sacrifice to it that life so much dearer + than his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be it as you will,”</span> said he, commanding himself + with a strong effort; <span class="tei tei-q">“you can only leave + the city by our secret passage. The scroll shall be ready at + midnight. It must be in the hand of Titus by dawn!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page338">[pg 338]</span><a name= + "Pg338" id="Pg338" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc97" id= + "toc97"></a> <a name="pdf98" id="pdf98"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE MASTERS OF THE WORLD</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An hour before + sunrise Calchas was stopped by one of the sentinels on the verge of + the Roman camp. He had made his escape from the city, as he hoped, + without arousing the suspicions of the besieged. The outskirts of + Jerusalem were, indeed, watched almost as narrowly by its defenders + as its assailants, for so many of the peaceful inhabitants had + already taken refuge with the latter, and so many more were waiting + their opportunity to fly from the horrors within the walls, and + trust to the mercy of the conquerors without, that a strict guard + had been placed by the national party on the different gates of the + city, and all communication with the enemy forbidden and made + punishable with death. It was no light risk, therefore, that + Calchas took upon himself in carrying his brother’s proposals to + the Roman general.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Following the + high-crested centurion, who, summoned by the first sentinel that + had challenged, offered to conduct him at once to the presence of + Titus; the emissary, man of peace though he was, could not but + admire the regularity of the encampment in which he found himself, + and the discipline observed by those who occupied it. The line of + tents was arranged with mathematical order and precision, forming a + complete city of canvas, of which the principal street, so to + speak, stretching in front of the tents occupied by the tribunes + and other chief officers, was not less than a hundred feet wide. + From this great thoroughfare all the others struck off at right + angles, completing a simple figure, in which communication was + unimpeded and confusion impossible, whilst an open space of some + two hundred feet was preserved between the camp and the ramparts + that encircled the whole. In this interval troops might parade, + spoil and baggage be stored, or beasts of burden tethered, whilst + its width afforded comparative security to those within from darts, + firebrands, or other missiles of offence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If Calchas had + ever dreamed of the possibility that his <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page339">[pg 339]</span><a name="Pg339" id="Pg339" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>countrymen would be able to make head against + the Romans, he abandoned the idea now. As he followed his conductor + through the long white streets in which the legions lay at rest, he + could not but observe the efficient state of that army which no foe + had ever yet been able to resist—he could not fail to be struck by + the brightness of the arms, piled in exact symmetry before each + tent; by the ready obedience and cheerful respect paid by the men + to their officers, and by the abundant supplies of food and water, + contrasting painfully with the hunger and thirst of the besieged. + Line after line he traversed in silent wonder, and seemed no nearer + the pavilion of the general than at first; and he could not conceal + from himself that the enemy were no less formidable to the Jews in + their numerical superiority than in discipline, organisation, and + all the advantages of war.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His conductor + halted at length in front of a large canvas dome, opposite to which + a strong guard of the Tenth Legion were resting on their arms. At a + sign from the centurion, two of these advanced like machines, and + stood motionless one on each side of Calchas. Then the centurion + disappeared, to return presently with a tribune, who, after a short + investigation of the emissary, bade him follow, and, lifting a + curtain, Calchas found himself at once in the presence of the Roman + conqueror and his generals. As the latter gave way on each side, + the hero advanced a step and confronted the ambassador from the + besieged. Titus, according to custom, was fully armed, and with his + helmet on his head. The only luxury the hardy soldier allowed + himself was in the adornment of his weapons, which were richly + inlaid with gold. Many a time had he nearly paid the penalty of + this warlike fancy with his life; for, in the thick of battle, who + so conspicuous as the bold prince in his golden armour? Who such a + prize, alive or dead, as the son of Vespasian, and heir to the + sovereignty of the world? He stood now, erect and dignified, a + fitting representative of the mighty engine he wielded with such + skill. His firm and well-knit frame wore its steel covering lightly + and easily as a linen tunic. His noble features and manly bearing + bore witness to the generous disposition and the fearless heart + within; and his gestures denoted that self-reliance and + self-respect which spring from integrity and conscious power + combined. He looked every inch a soldier and a prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But there was a + peculiarity in the countenance of Titus which added a nameless + charm to his frank and handsome <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page340">[pg 340]</span><a name="Pg340" id="Pg340" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>features. With all its manly daring, there was + yet in the depths of those keen eyes a gleam of womanly compassion + and tenderness, that emboldened a suppliant and reassured a + prisoner. There was a softness in the unfrequent smile that could + but belong to a kindly guileless nature. It was the face of a man + capable, not only of lofty deeds and daring exploits, but of gentle + memories, loving thoughts, home affections, generosity, + commiseration, and self-sacrifice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Close behind the + general, affording a striking contrast in every respect to his + chief, stood the least-trusted, but by no means the least + efficient, of his officers. Almost the first eye that Calchas met + when he entered the tent was that of Julius Placidus, whose + services to Vespasian, though never thoroughly understood, had been + rewarded by a high command in the Roman army. The most + right-thinking of Cæsars could not neglect the man whose energies + had helped him to the throne; and Titus, though he saw through the + character he thoroughly despised, was compelled to do justice to + the ready courage and soldierlike qualities of the tribune. So + Julius Placidus found himself placed in a position from which he + could play his favourite game to advantage, and was still courting + ambition as zealously as when he intrigued at Rome against + Vitellius, and bargained with Hippias over a cup of wine for the + murder of his emperor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That retired + swordsman, too, was present in the tent; no longer the mere trainer + of professional gladiators, but commanding a band that had made + itself a name for daring at which the besieged grew pale, and which + the Tenth Legion itself could hardly hope to emulate. After the + assassination of the last Cæsar, this host of gladiators had formed + themselves into a body of mercenaries, with Hippias at their head, + and offered their services to the new emperor. Under the ominous + title of <span class="tei tei-q">“The Lost Legion,”</span> these + desperate men had distinguished themselves by entering on all such + enterprises as promised an amount of danger to which it was hardly + thought prudent to expose regular troops, and had gained unheard-of + credit during the siege, which from its nature afforded them many + opportunities for the display of wild and reckless courage. Their + leader was conspicuous, even in the general’s tent, by the lavish + splendour of his arms and appointments; but, though his bearing was + proud and martial as ever, his face had grown haggard and careworn, + his beard was thickly sprinkled with grey. Hippias had played for + the heaviest stakes of life boldly, and had <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page341">[pg 341]</span><a name="Pg341" id="Pg341" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>won. He seemed to be little better off, + and little better satisfied, than the losers in the great game.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Near him stood + Licinius,—staid, placid, determined; the commander of the Tenth + Legion; the favoured councillor of Titus; the pride of the whole + army; having all the experiences, all the advantages, all the + triumphs of life at his feet. Alas! knowing too well what they were + worth. It was a crown of parsley men gave the young athlete who + conquered in the Isthmian Games; and round the unwrinkled brows + that parsley was precious as gold. Later in life the converse holds + too true, and long before the hair turns grey, all earthly triumphs + are but empty pageantry; all crowns but withered parsley at the + best.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Titus, standing + forward from amongst his officers, glanced with a look of pity at + the worn hungry face of the messenger. Privation, nay, famine, was + beginning to do its work even on the wealthiest of the besieged, + and Calchas could not hide under his calm, dignified bearing, the + lassitude and depression of physical want.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The proposal is a fair one,”</span> said the prince, + turning to his assembled captains. <span class="tei tei-q">“Two + days’ respite, and a free surrender of the city, with the simple + condition that the holy places shall be respected, and the lives of + the inhabitants spared. These Jews may do me the justice to + remember that my wish throughout the war has ever been to avoid + unnecessary bloodshed, and had they treated me with more + confidence, I would long ago have shown them how truly I respected + their Temple and their faith. It is not too late now. Nevertheless, + illustrious friends, I called you not together so soon after + cock-crow<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> for a + council of war, without intending to avail myself of your advice. I + hold in my hand a proposal from Eleazar, an influential patrician, + as it appears, in the city, to deliver up the keys of the Great + Gate, within forty-eight hours, provided I will pledge him my word + to preserve his Temple from demolition, and his countrymen from + slaughter; provided also, that the Roman army abstain during that + time from all offensive measures, whatever preparations for + resistance they may observe upon the walls. He further states that + the city contains a large party of desperate men, who are opposed + to all terms of capitulation, and that he must labour during these + two days to coerce some and cajole others to his own opinion. It is + a fair proposal enough, I repeat. The Tenth <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page342">[pg 342]</span><a name="Pg342" id="Pg342" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Legion is the first in seniority as in + fame—I call upon its commander for his opinion.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius, thus + appealed to, earnestly advised that any terms which might put an + end to the loss of life on both sides, should be entertained from + motives of policy as well as humanity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I speak not,”</span> said the general, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“for myself or my legion. Our discipline is unshaken, + our supplies are regular, our men have been inured by long + campaigning to a Syrian climate and a Syrian sun. We have lost + comparatively few from hardships or disease. But no commander knows + better than Titus, how an army in the field melts by the mere + influence of time, and the difference that a few weeks can make in + its efficiency and numerical strength is the difference between + victory and defeat. Other divisions have not been so fortunate as + my own. I will put it to the leader of the Lost Legion, how many + men he could march to-day to the assault?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias stroked + his beard gravely, and shook his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Had I been asked the question five days ago,”</span> + said he frankly, <span class="tei tei-q">“I could have answered a + thousand. Had I been asked it yesterday, seven hundred. Great + prince, at noon, to-day, I must be content to muster five hundred + swordsmen. Nevertheless,”</span> he added, with something of his + old abrupt manner, <span class="tei tei-q">“not one of them but + claims his privilege of leading the other cohorts to the + breach!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was too true + that the influence of climate, acting upon men disposed to + intemperance in pleasure, added to the severity of their peculiar + service, had reduced the original number of the gladiators by one + half. The remnant, however, were still actuated, like their + commander, by the fierce reckless spirit of the amphitheatre. + Titus, looking from one to the other, pondered for a few moments in + earnest thought, and Placidus, seizing the opportunity, broke in + with his smooth courteous tones.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is not for me,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“to differ with such illustrious leaders as those who + have just spoken. The empire has long acknowledged Licinius as one + of her bravest commanders; and Hippias the gladiator lives but in + his natural element of war. Still, my first duty is to Cæsar and to + Rome. Great prince, when a short while ago you bade a noble Jewish + captive address his countrymen on the wall, what was the result? + They knew him to be a patrician of their oldest blood, and, I + believe, a priest also of their own superstitions. They had proved + him a skilful general, and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page343">[pg 343]</span><a name="Pg343" id="Pg343" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>I myself speak of him without rancour, though + he foiled me before Jotapata. Till taken prisoner by Vespasian + Cæsar, he had been their staunchest patriot and their boldest + leader. When he addressed them, notwithstanding the length of his + appeal, they had no reason but to believe him sincere. And what, I + say, was the result? A few hours gained for resistance; a fiercer + defiance flung at Rome; a more savage cruelty displayed towards her + troops. I would not trust them, prince. This very proposal may be + but a stratagem to gain time. The attack of yesterday, covered by + my cavalry, must have shaken them shrewdly. Probably their stores + are exhausted. The very phalanx that opposed us so stubbornly + looked gaunt and grim as wolves. Observe this very emissary from + the most powerful man in Jerusalem. Is there not famine in his + hollow cheeks and sunken eyes? Give him to eat. See how his visage + brightens at the very name of food! Give him to eat, now, in + presence of the council of war, and judge by his avidity of the + privations he has endured behind the walls.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold!”</span> exclaimed Titus indignantly; + <span class="tei tei-q">“hold, tribune, and learn, if you have one + generous feeling left, to respect misfortune, most of all when you + behold it in the person of your enemy. This venerable man shall + indeed be supplied with wine and food; but he shall not be insulted + in my camp by feeling that his sufferings are gauged as the test of + his truth. Licinius, my old and trusty counsellor, my very + instructor in the art of war, I confide him to your care. Take him + with you to your tent; see that he wants for nothing. I need not + remind you to treat an enemy with all the kindness and courtesy + compatible with the caution of a soldier. But you must not lose + sight of him for a moment, and you will send him back with my + answer under a strong guard to the chief gate of Jerusalem. I will + have no underhand dealings with this unhappy people; though much, I + fear, my duty to my father and the empire will not permit me to + grant them the interval of repose that they desire. This is for my + consideration. I have taken your opinions, for which I thank you. I + reserve to myself the option of being guided by them. Friends and + comrades, you are dismissed. Let this man be forthcoming in an + hour, to take my answer back to those who sent him. <span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vale!</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Vale!</span></span> repeated each officer, as + he bowed and passed out of the tent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias and + Placidus lingered somewhat behind the rest, and halting when out of + hearing of the sentinel who guarded <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page344">[pg 344]</span><a name="Pg344" id="Pg344" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the eagles planted before the commander’s + quarters, or Prætorium, as it was called, looked in each other’s + faces, and laughed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You put it pointedly,”</span> said the former, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and took an ugly thrust in return. + Nevertheless, the assault will be delayed after all, and my poor + harmless lambs will scarce muster in enough force to be permitted + to lead the attack.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fear not,”</span> replied the tribune; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it will take place to-morrow. It would suit neither + your game nor mine, my Hippias, to make a peaceable entry by the + Great Gate, march in order of battle to the Temple, and satisfy + ourselves with a stare at its flashing golden roof. I can hardly + stave off my creditors. You can scarce pay your men. Had it not + been for the prospect of sacking the Holy Place, neither of us + would have been to-day under a heavy breastplate in this scorching + sun. And we <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">shall</span></span> sack it, I tell you, never + fear.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You think so?”</span> said the other doubtfully; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and yet the prince spoke very sternly, as + if he not only differed with you, but disapproved of your counsel. + I am glad I was not in your place; I should have been tempted to + answer even the son of Vespasian.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune + laughed gaily once more. <span class="tei tei-q">“Trifles,”</span> + said he; <span class="tei tei-q">“I have the hide of a rhinoceros + when it is but a question of looks and words, however stern and + biting they may be. Besides, do you not yet know this cub of the + old lion? The royal beast is always the same; dangerous when his + hair is rubbed the wrong way. Titus was only angry because his + better judgment opposed his inclinations, and agreed with me—me to + whom he pays the compliment of his dislike. I tell you we shall + give the assault before two days are out, with my cohort swarming + on the flanks, and thy Lost Legion, my Hippias, maddening to the + front. So now for a draught of wine and a robe of linen, even + though it be under one of these suffocating tents. I think when + once the siege is over and the place taken, I shall never buckle on + a breastplate again.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page345">[pg 345]</span><a name= + "Pg345" id="Pg345" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc99" id= + "toc99"></a> <a name="pdf100" id="pdf100"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER V</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">GLAD TIDINGS</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_376.png"><img src="images/i_376.png" alt= + "Initial T" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The eye of + Calchas did indeed brighten, and his colour went and came when food + was placed before him in the Roman general’s tent. It was with a + strong effort that he controlled and stifled the cravings of + hunger, never so painful as when the body has been brought down by + slow degrees to exist on the smallest possible quantity of + nourishment. It was long since a full meal had been spread even on + Eleazar’s table; and the sufferings from famine of the poorer + classes in Jerusalem had reached a pitch unheard-of in the history + of nations. Licinius could not but admire the self-control with + which his guest partook of his hospitality. The old man was + resolved not to betray, in his own person, the straits of the + besieged. It was a staunch and soldierlike sentiment to which the + Roman was keenly alive, and Licinius turned his back upon his + charge, affecting to give long directions to some of his centurions + from the tent-door, in order to afford Calchas the opportunity of + satisfying his hunger unobserved.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a while, + the general seated himself inside, courteously desiring his guest + to do the same. A decurion, with his spearmen, stood at the + entrance, under the standard where the eagles of the Tenth Legion + hovered over his shining crest. The sun was blazing fiercely down + on the white lines of canvas that stretched in long perspective on + every side, and flashing back at stated intervals from shield, and + helm, and breastplate, piled in exact array at each tent-door. It + was too early in the year for the crackling locust; and every trace + of life, as of vegetation, had disappeared from the parched surface + of the soil, burnished and slippery with <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page346">[pg 346]</span><a name="Pg346" id="Pg346" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the intense heat. It was an hour of lassitude + and repose even in the beleaguering camp, and scarce a sound broke + the drowsy stillness of noon, save the stamp and snort of a + tethered steed, or the scream of an ill-tempered mule. Scorched + without, and stifled within, even the well-disciplined legionary + loathed his canvas shelter; longing, yearning vainly in his + day-dreams for the breeze of cool Præneste, and the shades of + darkling Tibur, and the north wind blowing through the holm-oaks + off the crest of the snowy Apennines.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the general’s + pavilion the awning had been raised a cubit from the ground, to + admit what little air there was, so faint as scarce to stir the + fringe upon his tunic. Against the pole that propped the soldier’s + home, rested a mule’s pack-saddle, and a spare breastplate. On the + wooden frame which served him for a bed, lay the general’s tablets, + and a sketch of the Tower of Antonia. A simple earthenware dish + contained the food offered to his guest, and, like the coarse clay + vessel into which a wineskin had been poured, was nearly empty. + Licinius sat with his helmet off, but otherwise completely armed. + Calchas, robed in his long dark mantle, fixed his mild eye steadily + on his host.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man of war + and the man of peace seemed to have some engrossing thought, some + all-important interest in common. For a while they conversed on + light and trivial topics, the discipline of the camp, the fertility + of Syria, the distance from Rome, and the different regions in + which her armies fought and conquered. Then Licinius broke through + his reserve, and spoke out freely to his guest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have a hero,”</span> said the Roman, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“in your ranks, of whom I would fain learn something, + loving him as I do like a son. Our men call him the Yellow Hostage; + and there is not a warrior among all the brave champions of + Jerusalem whom they regard with such admiration and dread. I myself + saw him but yesterday save your whole army from destruction beneath + the walls.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is Esca!”</span> exclaimed Calchas. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Esca, once a chief in Britain, and afterwards your + slave in Rome.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The same,”</span> answered Licinius; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and, though a slave, the noblest and the bravest of + men. A chief, you say, in Britain. What know you of him? He never + told me who he was, or whence he came.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know him,”</span> replied Calchas, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“as one who lives with us like a kinsman, who takes his + share of hardship, and far more than his share of danger, as though + he were a very chief in Israel—who is to me, indeed, and those + dearest to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page347">[pg + 347]</span><a name="Pg347" id="Pg347" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>me, far more precious than a son. We escaped + together from Rome—my brother, my brother’s child, and this young + Briton. Many a night on the smooth Ægean has he told me of his + infancy, his youth, his manhood, the defence his people made + against your soldiers, the cruel stratagems by which they were + foiled and overcome, how nobly he himself had braved the legions; + and yet how the first lessons he learned in childhood were to feel + kindly for the invader, how the first accents his mother taught him + were in the Roman tongue.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is strange,”</span> observed Licinius, musing + deeply, and answering, as it seemed, his own thought. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Strange lesson for one of that nation to learn. + Strange, too, that fate seems to have posted him continually in + arms against the conqueror.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They were his mother’s lessons,”</span> resumed + Calchas; <span class="tei tei-q">“and that mother he has not + forgotten even to-day. He loves to speak of her as though she could + see him still. And who shall say she cannot? He loves to tell of + her stately form, her fond eyes, and her gentle brow, with its + lines of thought and care. He says she had some deep sorrow in her + youth, which her child suspected, but of which she never spoke. It + taught her to be kind and patient with all; it made her none the + less loving for her boy. Ay, ’tis the same tale in every nation and + under every sky. The garment has not yet been woven in which the + black hank of sin and sorrow does not cross and recross throughout + the whole web. She had her burden to bear, and so has Esca, and so + hast thou, great Roman commander, one of the conquerors of the + earth; and so have I, but I know where to lay mine down, and rest + in peace.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are a noble race, these women of Britain,”</span> + said Licinius, following out the thread of his own thoughts with a + heavy heart, on which one of them had impressed her image so + deeply, that while it beat, a memory would reign there, as it had + reigned already for years, undisturbed by a living rival. + <span class="tei tei-q">“And so the boy loves to talk of his + childhood, and his lost mother—lost,”</span> he added bitterly, + <span class="tei tei-q">“surely lost, because so loved!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Even so,”</span> replied Calchas; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and deep as was the child’s grief, it carried a + sharper sting from the manner of her death. Too young to bear arms, + he had seen his father hurry away at the head of his tribe to meet + the Roman legions. His father, a fierce, imperious warrior, of whom + he knew but little, and whom he would have dreaded rather than + loved, had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page348">[pg + 348]</span><a name="Pg348" id="Pg348" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the boy dreaded anything on earth. His mother + lay on a bed of sickness; and even the child felt a nameless fear + on her account, that forbade him to leave her side. With pain and + difficulty they moved her on her litter to a fastness in their + deep, tangled forests, where the Britons made a last stand. Then + certain long-bearded priests took him by force from his mother’s + side, and hid him away in a cavern, because he was a chief’s son. + He can recall now the pale face and the loving eyes, turned on him + in a last look, as he was borne off struggling and fighting like a + young wolf-cub. From his cavern he heard plainly the shouts of + battle and the very clash of steel; but he heeded them not, for a + vague and sickening dread had come over him that he should see his + mother no more. It was even so. They hurried the child from his + refuge by night. They never halted till the sun had risen and set + again. Then they spoke to him with kind, soothing words; but when + he turned from them, and called for his mother, they told him she + was dead. They had not even paid her the last tribute of respect. + While they closed her eyes, the legions had already forced their + rude defences; her few attendants fled for their lives, and the + high-born Guenebra was left in the lonely hut wherein she died, to + the mercy of the conquerors.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Calchas + ceased speaking, he saw that his listener had turned ghastly pale, + and that the sweat was standing on his brow. His strong frame, too, + shook till his armour rattled. He rose and crossed to the tent-door + as if for air, then turned to his guest, and spoke in a low but + steady voice—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I knew it,”</span> said he—<span class="tei tei-q">“I + knew it must be so; this Esca is the son of one whom I met in my + youth, and why should I be ashamed to confess it? whose influence + has pervaded my whole life. I am old and grey now. Look at me; what + have such as I to do with the foolish hopes and fears that quicken + the young fresh heart, and flush the unwrinkled cheek? But now, + to-day, I tell thee, warworn and saddened as I am, it seems to me + that the cup of life has been but offered, and dashed cruelly away + ere it had so much as cooled my thirsty lips. Why should I have + known happiness, only to be mocked by its want? What! thou hast a + human heart? Thou art a brave man, too, though thy robes denote a + vocation of peace, else thou hadst not been here to-day in the + heart of an enemy’s camp. Need I tell thee, that when I entered + that rude hut in the Briton’s stronghold, and saw all I loved on + earth stretched cold and inanimate on her litter <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page349">[pg 349]</span><a name="Pg349" id="Pg349" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>at my feet, had I not been a soldier of + Rome my own good sword had been my consolation, and I had fallen by + her there, to be laid in the same grave; and now I shall never see + her more!”</span> He passed his hand across his face, and added, in + a broken whisper, <span class="tei tei-q">“Never more! never + more!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You cannot think so. You cannot believe in such utter + desolation,”</span> exclaimed Calchas, roused like some old + war-horse by the trumpet sound, as he saw the task assigned him, + and recognised yet another traveller on the great road, whom he + could guide home.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you think that you or she, or any one of us, were + made to suffer, and to cause others suffering—to strive and fail, + and long and sorrow, for a little while, only to drop into the + grave at last, like an over-ripe fig from its branch, and be + forgotten? Do you think that life is to end for you, or for me, + when the one falls in his armour, at the head of the Tenth Legion, + pierced by a Jewish javelin, or the other is crucified before the + walls for a spy, by Titus, or stoned in the gate for a traitor, by + his own countrymen? And this is the fate which may await us both + before to-morrow’s sun is set. Believe it not, noble Roman! That + frame of yours is no more Licinius than is the battered breastplate + yonder on the ground, which you have cast aside because it is no + longer proof against sword and spear; the man himself leaves his + worn-out robe behind, and goes rejoicing on his journey—the journey + that is to lead him to his home elsewhere.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And where?”</span> asked the Roman, interested by the + earnestness of his guest, and the evident conviction with which he + spoke. <span class="tei tei-q">“Is it the home to which, as our own + poets have said, good Æneas, and Tullus, and Ancus have gone + before? the home of which some philosophers have dreamed, and at + which others laugh—a phantom-land, a fleeting pageant, impalpable + plains beyond a shadowy river? These are but dreams, the idle + visions of men of thought. What have we, who are the men of action, + to do with aught but reality?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what is reality?”</span> replied Calchas. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is it without or within? Look from your + own tent-door, noble Roman, and behold the glorious array that + meets your eye—the even camp, the crested legionaries, the eagles, + the trophies, and the piles of arms. Beyond, the towers and + pinnacles of Jerusalem, and the white dome of the Temple with its + dazzling roof of gold. Far away, the purple hills of Moab looking + over the plains of the Dead Sea. It is a world of beautiful + reality. There cometh a flash from a thunder-cloud or an arrow off + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page350">[pg 350]</span><a name= + "Pg350" id="Pg350" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the wall, and your + life is spared, but your eyesight is gone: which is the reality + now, the light or the darkness? the wide expanse of glittering + sunshine, or the smarting pain and the black night within? So is it + with life and death. Titus in his golden armour, Vespasian on the + throne of the Cæsars, that stalwart soldier leaning yonder on his + spear, or the wasted captive dying for hunger in the town—are they + beings of the same kind? and why are their shares so unequal in the + common lot? Because it matters so little what may be the different + illusions that deceive us now, when all may attain equally to the + same reality at last.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius + pondered for a few minutes ere he replied. Like many another + thinking heathen, he had often speculated on the great question + which forces itself at times on every reflective being, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why are these things so?”</span> He, too, + had been struck ere now with the obvious discrepancy between man’s + aspirations and his efforts—the unaccountable caprices of fortune, + the apparent injustice of fate. He had begun life in the bold + confidence of an energetic character, believing all things possible + to the resolute strength and courage of manhood. When he failed, he + blamed himself with something of contempt; when he succeeded, he + gathered fresh confidence in his own powers and in the truth of his + theories. But in the pride of youth and happiness, sorrow took him + by the hand, and taught him the bitter lesson that it is good to + learn early rather than late; because, until the plough has passed + over it, there can be no real fertility, no healthy produce on the + untilled soil. The deeper they are scored, the heavier is the + harvest from these furrows of the heart. Licinius, in the prime of + life, and on the pinnacle of success, became a thoughtful, because + a lonely and disappointed, man. He saw the complications around + him; he acknowledged his inability to comprehend them. While others + thought him so strong and self-reliant, he knew his own weakness + and his own need; the broken spirit was humble and docile as a + child’s.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There must be a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">reason</span></span> for everything,”</span> + he exclaimed at last; <span class="tei tei-q">“there must be a clue + in the labyrinth, if a man’s hand could only find it. What is + truth? say our philosophers. Oh, that I did but know!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, in the + warlike tent, in the heart of the conquering army, the Jew imparted + to the Roman that precious wisdom to which all other learning is + but an entrance and a path. Under the very shadow of the eagles + that were gathered to devastate his city, the man to whom all + vicissitudes were alike, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page351">[pg + 351]</span><a name="Pg351" id="Pg351" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to + whom all was good, because he knew <span class="tei tei-q">“what + was truth,”</span> showed to his brother, whose sword was even then + sharpened for the destruction of his people, that talisman which + gave him the mastery over all created things: which made him + superior to hunger and thirst, pain and sorrow, insult, dishonour, + and death. It is something, even in this world, to wear a suit of + impenetrable armour, such as is provided for the weakest and the + lowest who enter the service that requires so little and that + grants so much. Licinius listened eagerly, greedily, as a blind man + would listen to one who taught him how to recover his sight. + Gladdening was the certainty of a future to one who had hitherto + lived so mournfully in the past. Fresh and beautiful was the rising + edifice of hope to one whose eye was dull with looking on the grey + ruins of regret. There was comfort for him, there was + encouragement, there was example. When Calchas told, in simple, + earnest words, all that he himself had heard and seen of glorious + self-sacrifice, of infinite compassion, and of priceless ransom, + the soldier’s knee was bent, and his eyes were wet with tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By the orders of + his commander, Licinius conducted his guest back to the Great Gate + of Jerusalem with all the customary honours paid to an ambassador + from a hostile power. He bore the answer of Titus, granting to the + besieged the respite they desired. Placidus had been so far right + that the prince’s better judgment condemned the ill-timed reprieve; + but in this, as in many other instances, Titus suffered his + clemency to prevail over his experience in Jewish duplicity and his + anxiety to terminate the war.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page352">[pg 352]</span><a name= + "Pg352" id="Pg352" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc101" id= + "toc101"></a> <a name="pdf102" id="pdf102"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">WINE ON THE LEES</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The commander of + the Lost Legion, when he parted with Placidus after the council of + war, retired moodily to his tent. He, too, was disappointed and + dissatisfied, wearied with the length of the siege, harassed and + uneasy about the ravages made by sickness among his men, and + anxious moreover as to his share of the spoil. Hippias, it is + needless to say, was lavish in his expenses, and luxurious in his + personal habits: like the mercenaries he commanded, he looked to + the sacking of Jerusalem as a means of paying his creditors, and + supplying him with money for future excesses. Not a man of the Lost + Legion but had already calculated the worth of that golden roof, to + which they looked so longingly, and his own probable portion when + it was melted into coin. Rumour, too, had not failed to multiply by + tens the amount of wealth stored in the Temple, and the jewels it + contained. The besiegers were persuaded that every soldier who + should be fortunate enough to enter it sword in hand, would be + enriched for life; and the gladiators were the last men to grudge + danger or bloodshed for such an object.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But there is a + foe who smites an army far more surely than the enemy that meets it + face to face in the field. Like the angel who breathed on the host + of the Assyrians in the night, so that when the Jews rose in the + morning, their adversaries were <span class="tei tei-q">“all dead + men,”</span> this foe takes his prey by scores as they sleep in + their tents, or pace to and fro watching under their armour in the + sun. His name is Pestilence; and wherever man meets man for mutual + destruction, he hovers over the opposing multitudes, and secures + the lion’s share of both. Partly from their previous habits, partly + from their looser discipline, he had been busier amongst the + gladiators than in any other quarter of the camp. Dwindling day by + day in numbers and efficiency, Hippias began to fear that they + would be unable to take the prominent part he <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page353">[pg 353]</span><a name="Pg353" id="Pg353" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had promised them in the assault, and + the chance of such a disappointment was irritating enough; but when + to this grievance was added the proposal he had just heard, for the + peaceful surrender of the city—a proposal which Titus seemed to + regard with favourable eyes, and which would entail the + distribution in equal portions of whatever treasure was considered + the spoil of the army, so that the gladiator and legionary should + but share alike—the contingency was nothing less than maddening. He + had given Titus a true report of his legion in council; for Hippias + was not a man to take shelter in falsehood, under any pressure of + necessity, but he repented, nevertheless, of his frankness; and, + cursing the hour when he embarked for Syria, began to think of Rome + with regret, and to believe that he was happier and more prosperous + in the amphitheatre after all. Passing amongst the tents of his + men, he was distressed to meet old Hirpinus, who reported to him + that another score had been stricken by the sickness since + watch-setting the previous night. Every day was of the utmost + importance now, and here were two more to be wasted in + negotiations, even if the assault should be ordered to take place + after all. The reflection did not serve to soothe him, and Hippias + entered his own tent with a fevered frame, and a frown of ill-omen + on his brow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a soldier it + was indeed a luxurious home; adorned with trophies of arms, costly + shawls, gold and silver drinking-vessels, and other valuables + scattered about. There was even a porcelain vase filled with fresh + flowers standing between two wineskins; and a burnished mirror, + with a delicate comb resting against its stand, denoted either an + extraordinary care for his personal appearance in the owner, or a + woman’s presence behind the crimson curtain which served to screen + another compartment of the tent. Kicking the mirror out of his way, + and flinging himself on a couch covered with a dressed + leopard-skin, Hippias set his heavy headpiece on the ground, and + called angrily for a cup of wine. At the second summons, the + curtain was drawn aside, and a woman appeared from behind its + folds.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pale, haughty, + and self-possessed, tameless, and defiant, even in her degradation, + Valeria, though fallen, seemed to rise superior to herself, and + stood before the man whom she had never loved, and yet to whom, in + a moment of madness, she had sacrificed her whole existence, with + the calm, quiet demeanour of a mistress in the presence of her + slave. Her <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page354">[pg + 354]</span><a name="Pg354" id="Pg354" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>beauty had not faded—far from it—though + changed somewhat in its character, growing harder and colder than + of old. If less womanly, it was of a deeper and loftier kind. The + eyes, indeed, had lost the loving, laughing look which had once + been their greatest charm, but they were keen and dazzling still; + while the other features, like the shapely figure, had gained a + severe and majestic dignity in exchange for the flowing outlines + and the round comeliness of youth. She was dressed sumptuously, and + with an affectation of Eastern habits that suited her beauty well. + Alas! that beauty was her only weapon left; and although she had + turned it against herself, a true woman to the end, she had kept it + bright and pointed still.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When Valeria + left her home to follow the fortunes of a gladiator, she had not + even the excuse of blindness for her folly. She knew that she was + abandoning friends, fortune, position—all the advantages of life + for that which she did not care to have. She believed herself to be + utterly desperate, depraved, and unsexed. It was her punishment + that she could not rid herself of her woman’s nature, nor stifle + the voice that no woman ever <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can</span></span> stifle in her heart. For a + time, perhaps, the change of scene, the voyage, the excitement of + the step she had taken, the determination to abide by her choice + and defy everything, served to deaden her mind to her own misery. + It was her whim to assume on occasions the arms and accoutrements + of a gladiator; and it was even said in the Lost Legion, that she + had fought in their ranks more than once in some of their desperate + enterprises against the town. It was certain that she never + appeared abroad in the female dress she wore within her tent: + Titus, indeed, would have scarcely failed to notice such a flagrant + breach of camp-discipline; and many a fierce swordsman whispered to + his comrade, with a thrill of interest, that in a force like theirs + she might mingle unnoticed in their ranks, and be with them at any + time. It was but a whisper, though, after all, for they knew their + commander too well to canvass his conduct openly, or to pry into + matters he chose to keep secret.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These outbreaks, + however, so contrary to all the impulses and instincts of a woman’s + nature, soon palled on the high-born Roman lady; and as the siege, + with its various fortunes, was protracted from day to day, the yoke + under which she had voluntarily placed her proud white neck, became + too galling to endure. She hated the long glistening line of tents; + she hated the scorching Syrian sky, the flash of armour, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page355">[pg 355]</span><a name= + "Pg355" id="Pg355" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the tramp of men, the + constant trumpet-calls, the eternal guard-mounting, the wearisome + and monotonous routine of a camp. She hated the hot tent, with its + stifling atmosphere and its narrow space; above all, she was + learning daily to hate the man with whom she shared its shelter and + its inconveniences.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She handed him + the wine he asked for without a word, and standing there in her + cold scornful beauty, never noticed him by look or gesture. She + seemed miles away in thought, and utterly unconscious of his + presence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He remembered + when it was so different. He remembered how, even when first he + knew her, his arrival used to call a smile of pleasure to her lips, + a glance of welcome to her eye. It might be only on the surface, + but still it was there; and he felt for his own part, that as far + as he had ever cared for any woman, he had cared for her. It was + galling, truly, this indifference, this contempt. He was hurt, and + his fierce undisciplined nature urged him to strike again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He emptied the + cup, and flung it from him with an angry jerk. The golden vessel + rolled out from under the hangings of the tent; she made no offer + to pick it up and fetch it back. He glared fiercely into her eyes, + and they met his own with the steady scornful gaze he almost + feared; for that cold look chilled him to the very heart. The man + was hardened, depraved, steeped to the lips in cruelty and crime; + but there was a defenceless place in him still that she could stab + when she liked, for he would have loved her if she had let him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am very weary of the siege,”</span> said he, + stretching his limbs on the couch with affected indifference, + <span class="tei tei-q">“weary of the daily drudgery, the endless + consultations, the scorching climate, above all, this suffocating + atmosphere, where a man can hardly breathe. Would that I had never + seen this accursed tent, or aught that it contains!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You cannot be more weary of it than I am,”</span> she + replied, in the same contemptuous quiet tone that maddened him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why did you come?”</span> he retorted, with a bitter + laugh. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nobody wanted such a delicate + dainty lady in a soldier’s tent—and certainly nobody ever asked you + to share it with him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She gave a + little gasp, as though something touched her to the quick, but + recovered herself on the instant, and answered calmly and + scornfully, <span class="tei tei-q">“It is kindly said, and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page356">[pg 356]</span><a name= + "Pg356" id="Pg356" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>generously, + considering all things. Just what I might have expected from a + gladiator!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There was a time you liked the Family well + enough!”</span> he exclaimed angrily; and then, softened by his own + recollections of that time, added in a milder tone, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Valeria, why will you thus quarrel with me? It used + not to be so when I brought the foils and dumbbells to your + portico, and spared no pains to make you the deadliest fencer, as + you were the fairest, in Rome. Those were happy days enough, and so + might these be, if you had but a grain of common sense. Can you not + see, when you and I fall out, who must necessarily be the loser? + What have you to depend on now but me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He should have + stopped at his tender recollections. Argument, especially if it has + any show of reason in it, is to an angry woman but as the + <span lang="es" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="es"><span style= + "font-style: italic">bandillero’s</span></span> goad to the Iberian + bull. Its flutter serves to irritate rather than to scare, and the + deeper its pointed steel sinks in, the more actively indeed does + the recipient swerve aside, but returns the more rapidly and the + more obstinately to the charge. Of all considerations, that which + most maddened Valeria, and rendered her utterly reckless, was that + she should be dependent on a gladiator. The cold eyes flashed fire; + but she would not give him the advantage over her of acknowledging + that he could put her in a passion, so she restrained herself, + though her heart was ready to burst. Had she cared for him she + might have stabbed him to death in such a mood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I thank you for reminding me,”</span> she answered + bitterly. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is not strange that one of + the Mutian line should occasionally forget her duty to Hippias, the + retired prize-fighter. A patrician, perhaps, would have brought it + more delicately to her remembrance; but I have no right to blame + the fencing-master for his plebeian birth and bringing + up.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now, by the body of Hercules, this is too + much!”</span> he exclaimed, springing erect on the couch, and + grinding his teeth with rage. <span class="tei tei-q">“What! you + tax me with my birth! You scout me for my want of mincing manners + and white hands, and syllables that drop like slobbered wine from + the close-shaven lip! You, the dainty lady, the celebrated beauty, + the admired, forsooth, of all admirers, whose porch was choked with + gilded chariots, whose litter was thronged with every curly-headed, + white-shouldered, crimson-cloaked, young Narcissus in Rome, and yet + who sought her chosen lovers in the amphitheatre—who scanned with + judicious eye the points <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page357">[pg + 357]</span><a name="Pg357" id="Pg357" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and the vigour and the promise of naked + athletes, and could find at last none to serve her turn, but + war-worn old Hippias, the roughest and the rudest, and the + worst-favoured, but the strongest, nevertheless, amongst them + all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The storm was + gathering apace, but she still tried hard to keep it down. An + experienced mariner might have known by the short-coming breath, + the white cheek, and the dilated nostril, that it was high time to + shorten sail, and run for shelter before the squall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was indeed a strange taste,”</span> she retorted. + <span class="tei tei-q">“None can marvel at it more than + myself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not so strange as you think,”</span> he burst out, + somewhat inconsistently. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do not fancy you + were the only lady in Rome who was proud to be admired by Hippias + the gladiator. I tell you I had my choice amongst a hundred maids + and matrons, nobler born, fairer, ay, and of better repute than + yourself! any one of whom would have been glad to be here to-day in + your place. I was a fool for my pains; but I thought you were the + fittest to bear the toil of campaigning, and the least able to do + without me, so I took you, more out of pity than of + love!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Coward!”</span> she hissed between her clenched teeth. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Traitor and fool, too! Must you know the + truth at last? Must you know what I have spared you this long time? + what alone has kept me from sinking under the weight of these weary + days with their hourly degradation? what has been disease and + remedy, wound and balm, bitterest punishment, and yet dearest + consolation? Take it then, since have it you will! Can you think + that such as I could ever love such as you? Can you believe you + could be more to Valeria than the handle of the blade, the shaft of + the javelin, the cord of the bow, by which she could inflict a + grievous wound in another’s bosom? Listen! When you wooed me, I was + a scorned, an insulted, a desperate woman. I loved one who was + nobler, handsomer, better. Ay, you pride yourself on your fierce + courage and your brutal strength. I tell you who was twice as + strong, and a thousand times as brave as the best of you. I loved + him, do you hear? as men like you never can be loved—with an utter + and entire devotion, that asked but to sacrifice itself without + hope of a return, and he scorned me, not as you would have done, + with a rough brutal frankness that had taken away half the pain, + but so kindly, so delicately, so generously, that even while I + clung to him, and he turned away from me, I felt he was dearer than + ever to my heart. Ay, you may sit there and look at me with your + eyes glaring <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page358">[pg + 358]</span><a name="Pg358" id="Pg358" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and your beard bristling like some savage + beast of prey; but you brought it on yourself, and if you killed me + I would not spare you now. I had never <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">looked</span></span> + at you but for your hired skill, which you imparted to the man I + loved. I took you because he scorned me, as I would have taken one + of my Liburnians, had I thought it would have wounded him deeper, + or made him hate me more. You are a fencer, I believe—one who + prides himself on his skill in feints and parries, in giving and + taking, in judging accurately of the adversary’s strength and + weakness at a glance. Have I foiled you to some purpose? You + thought you were the darling of the high-born lady, the favourite + of her fancy, the minion to whom she could refuse nothing, not even + her fair fame, and she was using you all the time as a mere rod + with which to smite a slave! A <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">slave</span></span>, + do you hear? Yes, the man I preferred, not only to you, but to a + host of your betters, the man I loved so dearly, and love so madly + still, is but your pupil Esca, a barbarian, and a + slave!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her anger had + supported her till now, but with Esca’s name came a flood of tears, + and, thoroughly unstrung, she sat down on the ground and wept + passionately, covering her face with her hands. He could have + almost found it in his heart to strike her, but for her defenceless + attitude, so exasperated was he, so maddened by the torrent of her + words. He could think of nothing, however, more bitter than to + taunt her with her helplessness, whilst under his charge.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your minion,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“is within the walls at this moment. From that tent + door, you might almost see him on the rampart, if he be not + skulking from his duty like a slave as he is. Think, proud lady, + you who are so ready, asked or unasked, for slave or gladiator, you + need but walk five hundred paces to be in his arms. Surely, if they + knew your mission, Roman guards and Jewish sentries would lower + their spears to you as you passed! Enough of this! Remember who and + what you are. Above all, remember <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">where</span></span> + you are, and how you came here. I have forborne too long, my + patience is exhausted at last. You are in a soldier’s tent, and you + must learn a soldier’s duty—unquestioning obedience. Go! pick up + that goblet I let fall just now. Fill it, and bring it me here, + without a word!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Somewhat to his + surprise, she rose at once to do his bidding, leaving the tent with + a perfectly composed step and air. He might have remarked, though, + that when she returned with his wine, the red drops fell profusely + over her white trembling fingers, though she looked in his face as + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page359">[pg 359]</span><a name= + "Pg359" id="Pg359" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>proudly and steadily + as ever. The hand might, indeed, shake, but the heart was fixed and + resolute. In the veins of none of her ancestors did the Mutian + blood, so strong for good and evil, ebb and flow with a fuller, + more resistless tide, than in hers. Valeria had made up her mind in + the space of time it took to lift a goblet from the ground.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page360">[pg 360]</span><a name= + "Pg360" id="Pg360" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc103" id= + "toc103"></a> <a name="pdf104" id="pdf104"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE ATTAINDER</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">John of Gischala + would never have obtained the ascendency he enjoyed in Jerusalem, + had he not been as well versed in the sinuous arts of intrigue, as + in the simpler stratagems of war. After confronting his rival in + the Council, and sustaining in public opinion the worst of the + encounter, he was more than ever impressed with the necessity of + ruining Eleazar at any price; therefore, keeping a wary eye upon + all the movements of the Zealots, he held himself ready at every + moment to take advantage of the first false step on the part of his + adversary.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar, with + the promptitude natural to his character, had commenced a repair of + the defences, almost before his emissary was admitted to the Roman + camp, thinking it needless to await the decision of Titus, either + for or against his proposal. Labouring heart and soul at the works, + with all the available force he could muster, he left John and his + party in charge of the Great Gate, and it happened that his rival + was present there in person, when Calchas was brought back to the + city by the Roman guard of honour Titus had ordered for his + safe-conduct—a compliment his brother never expected, and far less + desired. Eleazar made sure his messenger would be permitted to + return the way he came, and that his own communications with the + enemy would remain a secret from the besieged.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">John saw his + opportunity, and availed himself of it on the instant. No sooner + had Calchas placed his foot once more within the town, than his + head was covered, so that he might not be recognised; and he was + carried off by a guard of John’s adherents, and placed in secure + ward, their chief adroitly arresting him by a false name, for the + information of the populace, lest the rumour should reach Eleazar’s + ears. He knew his rival’s readiness of resource, and determined to + take him by surprise. Then he rent his garment, and ran bareheaded + through the streets towards the Temple, calling <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page361">[pg 361]</span><a name="Pg361" id="Pg361" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with a great voice, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Treason! Treason!”</span> and sending round the + fragments of his gown amongst the senators, to convoke them in + haste upon a matter of life and death, in their usual place of + deliberation. So rapidly did he take his measures that the Outer + Court was already filled and the Council assembled, ere Eleazar, + busied with his labours at the wall far off, opposite the Tower of + Antonia, knew that they had been summoned. Covered with sweat and + dust, he obeyed at once the behest of the Levite who came + breathlessly to require his presence, as an elder of Israel; but it + was not without foreboding of evil that he observed the glances of + suspicion and mistrust shot at him by his colleagues when he joined + them. John of Gischala, with an affectation of extreme fairness, + had declined to enter upon the business of the State, until this, + the latest of her councillors, had arrived; but he had taken good + care, by means of his creatures, to scatter rumours amongst the + Senate, and even amongst the Zealots themselves, deeply affecting + the loyalty of their chief.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner had + Eleazar, still covered with the signs of his toil, taken his + accustomed station, than John stood forth in the hall and spoke out + in a loud, clear voice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Before the late troublous times,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and when every man in Judæa ate of his own + figs from his own fig-tree, and trod out his own grapes in his own + vineyard; when we digged our wells unmolested, and our women drew + water unveiled, and drank it peacefully at sundown; when our + children played about our knees at the door, and ate butter and + honey, and cakes baked in oil; when the cruse was never empty, and + the milk mantled in the milking-vessels, and the kid seethed in the + pot—yea, in the pleasant time, in the days of old, it chanced that + I was taking a prey in the mountain by the hunter’s craft, in the + green mountain, even the mountain of Lebanon. Then at noon I was + wearied and athirst, and I laid me down under a goodly cedar and + slept, and dreamed a dream. Behold, I will discover to the elders + my dream and the interpretation thereof.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now the cedar under which I lay was a goodly cedar, + but in my dream it seemed that it reached far into the heavens, and + spread its roots abroad to the springs of many waters, and + sheltered the birds of the air in its branches, and comforted the + beasts of the field with its shade. Then there came a beast out of + the mountain—a huge beast with a serpent between its eyes and horns + upon its jaws—and leaned against the cedar, but the tree neither + bent nor broke. So there came a great wind against the cedar—a + mighty <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page362">[pg + 362]</span><a name="Pg362" id="Pg362" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>wind that rushed and roared through its + branches, till it rocked to and fro, bending and swaying to the + blast—but the storm passed away, and the goodly tree stood firm and + upright as before. Again the face of heaven was darkened, and the + thunder roared above, and the lightning leaped from the cloud, and + smote upon the cedar, and rent off one of its limbs with a great + and terrible crash; but when the sky cleared once more, the tree + was a fair tree yet. So I said in my dream, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Blessed is the cedar among the trees of the forest, + for destruction shall not prevail against it.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then I looked, and behold, the cedar was already + rotting, and its arms were withered up, and its head was no longer + black, for a little worm, and another, and yet another were + creeping from within the bark, where they had been eating at its + heart. Then one drew near bearing fagots on his shoulders, and he + builded the fagots round the tree, and set a light to them, and + burned them with fire, and the worms fell out by myriads from the + tree, and perished in the smoke.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then said he unto me, <span class="tei tei-q">‘John of + Gischala, arise! The cedar is the Holy City, and the beast is the + might of the Roman Empire, and the storm and the tempest are the + famine and the pestilence, and none of these shall prevail against + it, save by the aid of the enemies from within. Purge them + therefore with fire, and smite them with the sword, and crush them, + even as the worm is crushed beneath thy heel into the + earth!’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And the interpretation of the dream hath remained with + me to this day, for is it not thus even now when the Roman is at + the gate, as it hath ever been with the Holy City in the times of + old? When the Assyrian came up against her, was not his host + greater in number than the sands of the seashore? But he retired in + discomfiture from before her, because she was true to herself. + Would Nebuzaradan have put his chains on our people’s neck, and + Gedaliah scorned to accept honour from the conqueror, and to pay + him tribute? When Pompey pitched his camp at Jericho and surrounded + the Holy City with his legions, did not Aristobulus play the + traitor and offer to open the gate? and when the soldiers mutinied, + and prevented so black a treason, did not Hyrcanus, who was + afterwards high-priest, assist the besiegers from within, and + enable them to gain possession of the town? In later days, Herod, + indeed, who was surnamed the Great, fortified Jerusalem like a + soldier and a patriot; but even Herod, our warrior king, soiled his + hands with Roman gold, and bowed his head to the Roman <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page363">[pg 363]</span><a name="Pg363" id="Pg363" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>yoke. Will you tell me of Agrippa’s + wall, reared by the namesake and successor of the mighty monarch? + Why was it never finished? Can you answer me that? I trow ye know + too well; there was fear of displeasing Cæsar, there was the old + shameful truckling to Rome. This is the leaven that leaveneth all + our leaders; this is the palsy that withereth all our efforts. Is + not the chief who defended Jotapata now a guest in the tent of + Titus? Is not Agrippa the younger a staunch adherent of Vespasian? + Is he not a mere procurator of the Empire, for the province, + forsooth, of Judæa? And shall we learn nothing from our history? + Nothing from the events of our own times, from the scenes we + ourselves witness day by day? Must the cedar fall because we fail + to destroy the worms that are eating at its core? Shall Jerusalem + be desecrated because we fear to denounce the hand that would + deliver her to the foe? We have a plague-spot in the nation. We + have an enemy in the town. We have a traitor in the Council, + Eleazar Ben-Manahem! I bid thee stand forth!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is an + instinct of danger which seems to warn the statesman like the + mariner of coming storms, giving him time to trim his sail, while + they are yet below the horizon. When the assembled Senate turned + their startled looks on Eleazar, they beheld a countenance unmoved + by the suddenness and gravity of the accusation, a bearing that + denoted, if not conscious innocence, at least a fixed resolution to + wear its semblance without a shadow of weakness or fear. Pointing + to his dusty garments, and the stains of toil upon his hands and + person, he looked round frankly among the elders, rather, as it + seemed, appealing to the Senate than answering his accuser, in his + reply.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“These should be sufficient proofs,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“if any were wanting, that Eleazar + Ben-Manahem hath not been an instant absent from his post. I have + but to strip the gown from my breast, and I can show yet deeper + marks to attest my loyalty and patriotism. I have not grudged my + own blood, nor the blood of my kindred, and of my father’s house, + to defend the walls of Jerusalem. John of Gischala hath dealt with + you in parables, but I speak to you in the plain language of truth. + This right hand of mine is hardened with grasping sword and spear + against the enemies of Judah; and I would cut it off with its own + fellow, ere I stretched it forth in amity to the Roman or the + heathen. Talk not to me of thy worms and thy cedars! John of + Gischala, man of blood and rapine—speak out thine accusation + plainly, that I may answer it!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page364">[pg 364]</span><a name="Pg364" id="Pg364" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">John was + stepping angrily forward, when he was arrested by the voice of a + venerable long-bearded senator.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is not meet,”</span> said the sage, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that accuser and accused should bandy words in the + presence of the Council. John of Gischala, we summon thee to lay + the matter at once before the Senate, warning thee that an + accusation without proofs will but recoil upon the head of him who + brings it forward.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">John smiled in + grim triumph.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Elders of Israel,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I accuse Eleazar Ben-Manahem of offering terms to the + enemy.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar started, + but recovered himself instantaneously. It was war to the knife, as + well he knew, between him and John. He must not seem to hesitate + now when his ascendency amongst the people was at such a crisis. He + took the plunge at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I reply,”</span> he exclaimed indignantly, + <span class="tei tei-q">“that rather than make terms with the + Roman, I would plunge the sword into my own body.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A murmur of + applause ran through the assembly at this spirited declaration. The + accused had great weight amongst the nobility and the national + party in Jerusalem, of which the Council chiefly consisted. Could + Eleazar but persevere in his denial of communication with Titus, he + must triumph signally over his adversary; and, to do him justice, + there was now but little personal ambition mingled with his desire + for supremacy. He was a fanatic, but he was a patriot as well. He + believed all things were lawful in the cause of Jerusalem, and + trusting to the secret way by which Calchas had left the city for + the Roman camp, and by which he felt assured he must have returned, + as, thanks to John’s precautions, nothing had been heard of his + arrival at the Great Gate and subsequent arrest, he resolved to + persevere in his denial, and trust to his personal influence to + carry things with a high hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There hath been a communication made from his own + house, and by one of his own family, to the Roman + commander,”</span> urged John, but with a certain air of deference + and hesitation, for he perceived the favourable impression made on + the Council by his adversary, and he was crafty enough to know the + advantage of reserving his convincing proofs for the last, and + taking the tide of opinion at the turn.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I deny it,”</span> said Eleazar firmly. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The children of Ben-Manahem have no dealings with the + heathen!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is one of the seed of Ben-Manahem whom I + accuse,”</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page365">[pg + 365]</span><a name="Pg365" id="Pg365" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>replied John, still addressing himself to the + elders. <span class="tei tei-q">“I can prove he hath been seen + going to and fro, between the camp and the city.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“His blood be on his own head!”</span> answered Eleazar + solemnly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had a vague + hope that after all they might but have intercepted some poor + half-starved wretch whom the pangs of hunger had driven to the + enemy. John looked back amongst his adherents crowding in the gate + that led towards the Temple.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I speak not without proofs,”</span> said he; + <span class="tei tei-q">“bring forward the prisoner!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a + slight scuffle amongst the throng, and a murmur which subsided + almost immediately as two young men appeared in the court, leading + between them a figure, having its hands tied, and a mantle thrown + over its head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Eleazar Ben-Manahem!”</span> said John, in a loud, + clear voice that seemed to ring amongst the porticoes and pinnacles + of the overhanging Temple, <span class="tei tei-q">“stand forth, + and speak the truth! Is not this man thy brother?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the same + moment, the mantle was drawn from the prisoner’s head, revealing + the mild and placid features of Calchas, who looked round upon the + Council, neither intimidated nor surprised. The Senate gazed in + each other’s faces with concern and astonishment: John seemed, + indeed, in a fair way of substantiating his accusation against the + man they most trusted in all Jerusalem. The accuser continued, with + an affectation of calm unprejudiced judgment, in a cool and + dispassionate voice—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This man was brought to the Great Gate to-day, under a + guard of honour, direct from the Roman camp. I happened to be + present, and the captain of the gate handed him over at once to me. + I appeal to the Council whether I exceeded my duty in arresting him + on the spot, permitting him no communication with anyone in the + town until I had brought him before them in this court. I soon + learned that he was the brother of Eleazar, one of our most + distinguished leaders, to whom more than to any other the defence + of the city has been entrusted, who knows better than anyone our + weakness and the extremity of our need. By my orders he was + searched, and on his person was found a scroll, purporting to be + from no less a person than the commander of the Tenth Legion, an + officer second only in authority to Titus himself, and addressed to + one Esca, a Gentile, living in the very house, and I am informed a + member of the very family, of Eleazar Ben-<span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page366">[pg 366]</span><a name="Pg366" id="Pg366" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Manahem, this elder in Judah, this chief of + the Zealots, this member of the Senate, this adviser in Council, + this man whose right hand is hardened with sword and spear, but who + would cut it off with his left, rather than that it should traffic + with the enemy! I demand from the Council an order for the arrest + of Esca, that he too may be brought before it, and confronted with + him whose bread he eats. From the mouth of three offenders, our + wise men may peradventure elicit the truth. If I have erred in my + zeal let the Senate reprove me. If Eleazar can purge himself from + my accusation, let him defile my father’s grave, and call me liar + and villain to my very beard!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Senate, + powerfully affected by John’s appeal, and yet unable to believe in + the treachery of one who had earned their entire confidence, seemed + at a loss how to act. The conduct of the accused, too, afforded no + clue whereby to judge of his probable guilt or innocence. His cheek + was very pale, and once he stepped forward a pace, as if to place + himself at his brother’s side. Then he halted and repeated his + former words, <span class="tei tei-q">“His blood be on his own + head,”</span> in a loud and broken voice, turning away the while, + and glaring round upon the senators like some fierce animal taken + in the toils. Calchas, too, kept his eyes fixed on the ground; and + more than one observer remarked that the brothers studiously + abstained from looking each other in the face. There was a dead + silence for several seconds. Then the senator who had before + spoken, raised his hand to command attention, and thus addressed + the Council—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This is a grave matter, involving as it does not only + the life and death of a son of Judah, but the honour of one of our + noblest houses, and the safety, nay, the very existence of the Holy + City. A grave matter, and one which may not be dealt with, save by + the highest tribunal in the nation. It must be tried before our + Sanhedrim, which will assemble for the purpose without delay. Those + of us here present who are members of that august body, will divest + their minds of all they have heard in this place to-day, and + proceed to a clear and unbiassed judgment of the matters that shall + be then brought before them. Nothing has been yet proved against + Eleazar Ben-Manahem, though his brother, and the Gentile who has to + answer the same accusation, must be kept in secure ward. I move + that the Council, therefore, be now dissolved, holding itself + ready, nevertheless, seeing the imminent peril of the times, to + reassemble at an hour’s notice, for the welfare of Judah, and the + salvation of the Holy City.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page367">[pg 367]</span><a name="Pg367" id="Pg367" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even while he + ceased speaking, and ere the grave senators broke up, preparing to + depart, a wail was heard outside the court that chilled the very + heart of each, as it rose and fell like a voice from the other + world, repeating ever and again, in wild unearthly tones, in solemn + warning—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Woe to Jerusalem! Woe to the Holy City! Sin, and + sorrow, and desolation! Woe to the Holy City! Woe to + Jerusalem!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page368">[pg 368]</span><a name= + "Pg368" id="Pg368" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc105" id= + "toc105"></a> <a name="pdf106" id="pdf106"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER VIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE SANHEDRIM</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The highest + tribunal acknowledged by the Jewish law, taking cognisance of + matters especially affecting the religious and political welfare of + the nation, essentially impartial in its decisions, and admitting + of no appeal from its sentence, was that assembly of Seventy, or + rather of Seventy-three members, which was called the Sanhedrim. + This court of justice was supposed to express and embody the + opinions of the whole nation, consisting as it did of a number + which subdivided would have given six representatives for each + tribe, besides a president to rule the proceedings of the whole. + The latter, who was termed the <span class= + "tei tei-foreign"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Nasi</span></span> or Prince of the Sanhedrim, + was necessarily of illustrious birth, venerable years, and profound + experience in all matters connected with the law—not only the + actual law as laid down by inspiration for the guidance of the + Chosen People, but also the traditional law, with its infinite + variety of customs, precedents, and ceremonious observances, which + had been added to, and as it were overlaid on the other, much to + the detriment of that simpler code, which came direct from heaven. + The members themselves of this supreme council were of noble blood. + In no nation, perhaps, was the pride of birth more cherished than + amongst the Jews; and in such an assemblage as the Sanhedrim, + untainted lineage was the first indispensable qualification. The + majority, indeed, consisted of priests and Levites; but other + families of secular distinction who could count their ancestors + step by step, from generation to generation, through the Great + Captivity, and all the vicissitudes of their history, back to the + magnificence of Solomon and the glories of David’s warlike reign, + had their representatives in this solemn conclave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not only was + nobility a requirement, but also maturity of years, a handsome + person, and a dignified bearing; nor were mental attainments held + in less regard than the adventitious advantages of appearance and + station. Every elder of the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page369">[pg 369]</span><a name="Pg369" id="Pg369" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Sanhedrim was obliged to study physic, to + become an adept in the science of divination in all its branches, + comprising astrology, the casting of nativities and horoscopes, the + prediction of future events, and those mysteries of White Magic, as + it was called, which bordered so narrowly on the forbidden limits + of the Black Art. He was also required to be an excellent linguist; + and was indeed supposed to be proficient in the seventy languages, + believed to comprise all the tongues of the habitable earth. No + eunuch nor deformed person could aspire to hold a place in this + august body, no usurer, no Sabbath-breaker, none who were in the + practice of any unlawful business or overt sin. Those who sat in + the highest place of the Jewish nation, who ruled her councils and + held the right of life and death over her children, must be + prudent, learned, blameless men, decked with the patent of true + nobility both in body and mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Sanhedrim, + in its original constitution, was the only Court which had the + right of judging capital cases; and this right, involving so grave + a responsibility, it was careful to preserve during all the + calamities of the nation, until it fell under the Roman yoke. The + Empire, however, reserved to itself the power of condemning its + criminals to death; but no sooner had the Jews broken out once more + in open resistance to their conquerors, than the Sanhedrim resumed + all its former privileges and sat again in judgment upon its + countrymen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a large + circular chamber, half within and half without the Temple, this + awful Court held its deliberations, the members, ranged in order by + seniority, occupying the outer semicircle, as it was not lawful to + sit down in the sacred precincts. That chamber was now the theatre + of a solemn and imposing scene. The hall itself, which, though wide + and lofty, appeared of yet larger proportions from its circular + form, was hung round with cloth of a dark crimson colour, that + added much to the prevailing sentiments of gloom which its + appearance called forth. Over its entrance was suspended a curtain + of the same hue; and the accused who underwent examination in this + dreaded locality, found themselves encircled by an unbroken wall + the colour of blood. A black carpet was spread on the floor, + bordered with a wide yellow margin, on which were written in black + Hebrew characters certain texts of the law, inculcating punishment + rather than pardon, inflexible justice rather than a leaning + towards mercy and forbearance. The heart of the guilty died within + him as he looked uneasily around; and even the innocent might + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page370">[pg 370]</span><a name= + "Pg370" id="Pg370" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>well quail at these + preparations for a trial over which an exacting severity was so + obviously to hold sway.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Sanhedrim + were accustomed to assemble in an outer chamber, and march in grave + procession to the court of trial. The crimson curtain, drawn by an + unseen hand, rolled slowly from the door, and the members, dressed + in black, came in by pairs and took their places in order. As they + entered, their names were called over by an official concealed + behind the hangings; and each man notified his arrival as he passed + on to his seat, by the solemn answer: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here! In the presence of the Lord!”</span> Last of + all, the president made his appearance, and assumed a higher chair, + set apart a little from the rest. Then the youngest member offered + up a short prayer, to which the whole assembly responded with a + deep and fervent Amen! The Court was now considered to be opened, + and qualified for the trial of all causes that should be brought + before it during its sitting.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the present + occasion the junior member was a Levite, nearly threescore years of + age, of a stately presence, which he had preserved notwithstanding + the hardships of the siege, and who retained much of his youthful + comeliness with the flowing beard and grave countenance of maturer + years. Phineas Ben-Ezra possessed the exterior qualities by which + men are prone to be influenced, with a ready tongue, a scheming + brain, and an unscrupulous heart. He was attached to John’s + faction, and a bitter enemy of the Zealots, by whom he had himself + been formerly accused of treasonable correspondence with Vespasian; + an accusation that he refuted to his own exultation and the utter + confusion of his enemies, but which those who had the best means of + judging believed to be true nevertheless. He took his seat now with + an expression of cold triumph on his handsome features, and + exchanged looks with one or two of the colleagues who seemed + deepest in his confidence, that the latter knew too well boded + considerable danger to the accused whom they were about to try.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Prince of + the Sanhedrim, Matthias the son of Boethus, who had already filled + the office of high-priest, was a stern and conscientious man of the + old Jewish party, whose opinions indeed were in accordance with + those of Eleazar, and who entertained, besides, a personal + friendship for that determined enthusiast, but whose inflexible + obstinacy was to be moved by no earthly consideration from the + narrow path of duty which he believed his sacred character + compelled him to observe. His great age and austere bearing + commanded <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page371">[pg + 371]</span><a name="Pg371" id="Pg371" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>considerable influence among his countrymen, + enhanced by the high office he had previously filled; nor was he + the less esteemed that his severe and even morose disposition, + while it gained him few friends, yielded no confidences and + afforded no opportunity for the display of those human weaknesses + by which a man wins their affections, while he loses the command + over his fellow-creatures. His face was very pale and grave now, as + he moved haughtily to the seat reserved for him; and his dark + flowing robes, decorated, in right of his former priesthood, with + certain mystic symbols, seemed well-fitted to the character of a + stern and inflexible judge. The other members of the assembly, + though varying in form and feature, were distinguished one and all + by a family likeness, originating probably in similarity of habits + and opinions, no less than in a common nationality and the sharing + of a common danger, growing daily to its worst. The dark flashing + eye, the deep sallow tint, the curving nostril and the waving + beard, were no more distinguishing marks of any one individual in + the assembly, than were his long black gown and his expression of + severe and inscrutable gravity; but even these universal + characteristics were not so remarkable as a certain ominous shadow + that cast its gloom upon the face of each. It was the shadow of + that foe against whom sword and spear and shield and javelin, + bodily strength, dauntless courage, and skill in the art of war, + were all powerless to make head—the foe who was irresistible + because he lay at the very heart of the fortress. The weary, + anxious, longing look of hunger was on the faces even of these, the + noblest and the most powerful behind the wall. They had stores of + gold and silver, rich silks, sparkling jewels, costly wines within + their houses; but there was a want of bread, and gaunt uneasy + famine had set his seal, if not as deeply at least as surely, upon + these faces in the Sanhedrim as on that of the meanest soldier, who + girded his sword-belt tighter to stay his pangs, as he stood pale + and wasted in his armour on the ramparts, over against the foe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a hush + for several seconds after the Prince of the Sanhedrim had taken his + seat, and the general prayer had been offered up. It was broken at + length by Matthias, who rose with slow impressive gestures, drew + his robe around him so as to display the sacred symbols and + cabalistic figures with which its hem was garnished, and spoke in + stern and measured tones—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Princes of the House of Judah,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“elders and nobles, and priests and Levites + of the nation, we are met <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page372">[pg + 372]</span><a name="Pg372" id="Pg372" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>once more to-day, in accordance with our + ancient prerogative, for the sifting of a grave and serious matter. + In this, the highest Council of our country, we adhere to the same + forms that have been handed down to us by our fathers from the + earliest times, even from their sojourn in the wilderness, that + have been preserved through the Great Captivity of our nation, that + may have been prohibited by our conquerors, but that we have + resumed with that independence which we have recently asserted, and + which the Ruler to whom alone we owe allegiance will assuredly + enable us to attain. We will not part with one iota of our + privileges, and least of all with our jurisdiction in matters + involving life and death; a jurisdiction as inseparable from our + very existence as the Tabernacle itself, which we have accompanied + through so many vicissitudes, and with which we are so closely + allied. That inferior assemblage from which our chosen body is + selected has already considered the heavy accusation which has + collected us here. They have decided that the matter is of too + grave a character to be dealt with by their own experience—that it + involves the condemnation to death of one if not two members of the + illustrious family of Ben-Manahem—that it may deprive us of a + leader who claims to be among the staunchest of our patriots, who + has proved himself the bravest of our defenders. But what then, + princes of the House of Judah, elders and nobles, and priests and + Levites of the nation? Shall I spare the pruning-hook, because it + is the heaviest branch in my vineyard that is rotting from its + stem? Shall I not rather lop it off with mine own hand, and cast it + from me into the consuming fire? If my brother be guilty shall I + screen him, brother though he be? Shall I not rather hand him over + to the Avenger, and deliver my own soul? We are all assembled in + our places, ready to hear attentively, and to try impartially, + whatsoever accusations may be brought before us. Phineas Ben-Ezra, + youngest member of the Sanhedrim, I call on thee to count over thy + colleagues, and proclaim aloud the sum thereof.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In compliance + with established usage, Phineas, thus adjured, rose from his seat, + and walking gravely through the hall, told off its inmates one by + one, in a loud and solemn voice, then finding the tale to be + correct, stopped before the high chair of the Nasi, and proclaimed + thrice—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Prince of the Sanhedrim, the mystic number is + complete!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The president + addressed him again in the prescribed formula—</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page373">[pg 373]</span><a name="Pg373" id="Pg373" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Phineas Ben-Ezra, are we prepared to try each cause + according to the traditions of our nation, and the strict letter of + the law? Do we abide by the decisions of wisdom without favour, and + justice without mercy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the whole + Sanhedrim repeated as with one voice, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wisdom without favour, and justice without + mercy!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The president + now seated himself, and looked once more to Phineas, who, as the + youngest member present, was entitled to give his opinion first. + The latter, answering his glance, rose at once and addressed his + fellows in a tone of diffidence which would have seemed misplaced + in one of his venerable appearance, had he not been surrounded by + men of far greater age than himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am but as a disciple,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“at the feet of a master, in presence of Matthias the + son of Boethus, and my honoured colleagues. Submitting to their + experience, I do but venture to ask a question, without presuming + to offer my own opinion on its merits. Supposing that the Sanhedrim + should be required to try one of its own number, is it lawful that + he should remain and sit, as it were, in judgment upon + himself?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar, who was + present in his place as a member of the august body, felt that this + attack was specially directed against his own safety. He knew the + virulence of the speaker, and his rancorous enmity to the Zealots, + and recognised the danger to himself of exclusion from the coming + deliberations. He was in the act of rising in indignant protest + against such an assumption, when he was forestalled by Matthias, + who replied in tones of stern displeasure—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He must indeed be a mere disciple, and it will be long + ere he is worthy of the name of master in the Sanhedrim, who has + yet to learn, that our deliberations are uninfluenced by aught we + have heard or seen outside the chamber—that we recognise in our + august office no evidence but the proofs that are actually brought + before us here. Phineas Ben-Ezra, the Court is assembled; admit + accusers and accused. Must I tell thee that we are still ignorant + of the cause we are here to try?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The decision of + the Nasi, which was in accordance with traditional observance and + established custom, afforded Eleazar a moment’s respite, in which + to resolve on the course he should adopt; but though his mind was + working busily, he sat perfectly unmoved, and to all outward + appearance calm and confident; whilst the hangings were again drawn + back, and the tread of feet announced the approach of accuser + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page374">[pg 374]</span><a name= + "Pg374" id="Pg374" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and accused. The + latter were now two in number: for by John’s orders a strong guard + had already proceeded to Eleazar’s house, and laid violent hands on + Esca, who, confident in his own innocence and in the influence of + his host, accompanied them without apprehension of danger into the + presence of the awful assembly. The Briton’s surprise was, however, + great, when he found himself confronted with Calchas, of whose + arrest, so skilfully had John managed it, he was as unconscious as + the rest of the besieged. The two prisoners were not permitted to + communicate with each other; and it was only from a warning glance + shot at him by his fellow-sufferer, that Esca gathered they were + both in a situation of extreme peril.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not + without considerable anxiety that Eleazar remarked, when the + curtains were drawn back, how a large body of armed men filled the + adjoining cloister of the Temple: like the guard who watched the + prisoners, these were partisans of John; and so well aware were the + Sanhedrim of that fierce soldier’s lawless disposition, that they + looked uneasily from one to the other, with the painful reflection + that he was quite capable of massacring the whole conclave then and + there, and taking the supreme government of the city into his own + hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the + influence, however, of no deliberative assembly that was feared by + a man like John of Gischala. Fierce and reckless to the extreme, he + dreaded only the violence of a character bold and unscrupulous as + his own. Could he but pull Eleazar from the pinnacle on which he + had hitherto stood, he apprehended no other rival. The chief of the + Zealots was the only man who could equal him in craft as well as in + courage, whose stratagems were as deep, whose strokes were even + bolder, than his own. The opportunity he had desired so long was + come, he believed, at last. In that circular chamber, thought John, + before that council of stern and cruel dotards, he was about to + throw the winning cast of his game. It behoved him to play it + warily, though courageously. If he could enlist the majority of the + Sanhedrim on his own side, his rival’s downfall was certain. When + he had assumed supreme power in Jerusalem—and he made no doubt that + would be his next step—it would be time enough to consider whether + he too might not ensure his own safety, and make terms with Titus + by delivering up the town to the enemy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Standing apart + from the prisoners, and affecting an air of extreme deference to + his audience, John addressed the Nasi, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page375">[pg 375]</span><a name="Pg375" id="Pg375" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>in the tones rather of an inferior who excused + himself for an excess of zeal in the performance of his duty, than + of an equal denouncing a traitor and demanding justice for an + offence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I leave my case,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“in the hands of the Sanhedrim, appealing to them + whether I have exceeded my authority, or accused any man falsely of + a crime which I am unable to prove. I only ask for the indulgence + due to a mere soldier, who is charged with the defence of the city, + and is jealous of everything that can endanger her safety. From + each member here present without a single exception, from Matthias + the son of Boethus to Phineas Ben-Ezra of the family of Nehemiah, I + implore a favourable hearing. There stands the man whom I secured + at noon this day, coming direct from Titus, with a written scroll + upon his person, of which the superscription was to a certain + Gentile dwelling in the house of Eleazar, who is also present + before you, and purporting to be in the writing of that warrior of + the heathen who commands the Tenth Legion. Was it not my duty to + bring such a matter at once before the Council? and was it not + expedient that the Council should refer so grave a question to the + Sanhedrim?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Matthias bent + his brows sternly upon the speaker, and thus addressed him—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou art concealing thy thoughts from those to whose + favour thou makest appeal. John of Gischala, thou art no + unpractised soldier to draw a bow at a venture, and heed not where + the shaft may strike. Speak out thine accusation, honestly, boldly, + without fear of man, before the assembly, or for ever hold thy + peace!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus adjured, + John of Gischala cast an anxious glance at the surrounding faces + turned towards him, with varying expressions of expectation, anger, + encouragement, and mistrust. Then he looked boldly at the + president, and made his accusation before the Sanhedrim as he had + already made it before the Council—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I charge Eleazar Ben-Manahem,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“with treason, and I charge these two men + as his instruments. Let them clear themselves if they + can!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page376">[pg 376]</span><a name= + "Pg376" id="Pg376" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc107" id= + "toc107"></a> <a name="pdf108" id="pdf108"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER IX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE PAVED HALL</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_407.png"><img src="images/i_407.png" alt= + "Initial A" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All eyes were + now turned on Eleazar, who sat unmoved in his place, affecting a + composure which he was far from feeling. His mind, indeed, was + tortured to agony, by the conflict that went on within. Should he + stand boldly forward and confess that he had sent his own brother + into the Roman camp, with proposals for surrender? Well he knew + that such a confession would be tantamount to placing his neck at + once under John of Gischala’s foot. Who amongst his most devoted + partisans would have courage to profess a belief in his patriotic + motives, or allow that he was satisfied with the explanation + offered for such a flagrant act of treason? The condemnation of the + Sanhedrim would be the signal for his downfall and his death. When + he was gone who would be left to save Jerusalem? This was the + consideration that affected him, far more than any personal + apprehensions of danger or disgrace. On the other hand, should he + altogether renounce his brother, and disavow the authority he had + given him? It has already been said, that as far as he loved any + living being, he loved Calchas; perhaps had it not been so, he + might have shrunk from the disgrace of abandoning one who had acted + under his own immediate orders, and risked so much in obeying them; + but in the depths of his fierce heart, something whispered that + self-sacrifice was essentially akin to duty, and that <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">because</span></span> + he loved him, therefore he must offer up his brother, as a man + offers up a victim at the altar.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless, he + ran his eye hastily over his seventy-two colleagues, as they sat in + grave deliberation, and summed up rapidly the score of friends and + foes. It was nearly balanced, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page377">[pg 377]</span><a name="Pg377" id="Pg377" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>yet he knew there were many who would take + their opinions from the Nasi; and from that stern old man he could + expect nothing but the severity of impartial justice. He dared not + look at Calchas, he dared not cover his face with his hand to gain + a brief respite from the cold grave eyes that were fixed upon him. + It was a bitter moment, but he reflected that, in the cause of + Jerusalem, shame and suffering and sorrow, and even sin, became + sacred, and he resolved to sacrifice all, even his own flesh and + blood, to his ascendency in the town.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was spared + the pain, however, of striking the fatal blow with his own hand. + Matthias, scrupulous in all matters of justice, had decided that + until the accusation against him was supported by some direct + evidence, no member of the Sanhedrim could be placed in the + position of a culprit. He therefore determined to interrogate the + prisoners himself, and ascertain whether anything would be elicited + of so grave a nature as to cause Eleazar’s suspension from his + present office, and the consequent reassembling of the whole + Sanhedrim; a delay that in the present critical state of matters it + was desirable to avoid, the more so that the day was already far + advanced, and the morrow was the Sabbath. He therefore ordered the + two prisoners to be placed in the centre of the hall; and, looking + sternly towards the accused, began his interrogations in the severe + accents of one who is an avenger rather than a judge.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The mild eye and + placid demeanour of Calchas afforded a strong contrast to the + frowning brows and flashing glances of the Nasi.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your name, old man,”</span> said the latter abruptly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Your name, lineage, and + generation?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Calchas the son of Simeon,”</span> was the reply, + <span class="tei tei-q">“the son of Manahem, of the house of + Manahem, and of the tribe of Judah.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Art thou not the brother of Eleazar Ben-Manahem, who + is sitting yonder in his place as a member of the Sanhedrim, before + whom thou hast to plead?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Ere he replied, + Calchas stole a look at Eleazar, who forced himself to return it. + There was something in the elder brother’s face that caused the + younger to turn his eyes away, and bend them on the ground. The + fierce old president, impatient of that momentary delay, broke out + angrily—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay, look up, man! no subterfuges will avail thee + here. Remember the fate of those who dare to lie in the presence of + the Sanhedrim!”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page378">[pg + 378]</span><a name="Pg378" id="Pg378" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas fixed + his eye on the president’s in mild rebuke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am in a higher presence than thine, Matthias son of + Boethus,”</span> said he; <span class="tei tei-q">“neither need the + children of Manahem be adjured to speak truth before God and + man!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hast thou heard the accusation brought against thee by + John of Gischala?”</span> proceeded the Nasi. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Canst thou answer it with an open brow and a clean + heart?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I heard the charge,”</span> replied Calchas, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and I am ready to answer it for myself, + and for him who is in bonds by my side. Have I permission to clear + myself before the Sanhedrim?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou wilt have enough to do to slip thine own neck out + of the yoke,”</span> answered Matthias sternly. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Colleagues,”</span> he added, looking round, + <span class="tei tei-q">“ye have heard the accuser—will ye now + listen to the accused?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Phineas, + speaking for the rest, answered: <span class="tei tei-q">“We will + hear him, Nasi, without favour, we will judge him without + mercy.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus encouraged, + Calchas shook the white hair from his brow, and entered boldly on + his defence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is true,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that I have been outside the walls. It is true that I + have been in the Roman camp, nay, that I have been in the very + presence of Titus himself. Shall I tell the assembly of the + strength of Rome, of the discipline of her armies, of the late + reinforcement of her legions? Shall I tell them that I saw the very + auxiliaries eating wheaten bread and the flesh of kids and sheep, + whilst my countrymen are starving behind the walls? Shall I tell + them that we are outnumbered by our foes, and are ourselves + weakened by dissensions, and wasting our strength and courage day + by day? Shall I tell them that I read on the face of Titus + confidence in himself and reliance on his army, and, even with a + conviction that he should prevail, a wish to show pity and clemency + to the vanquished? All this they already know, all this must make + it needless for me to enter into any defence beyond a simple + statement of my motives. Nay, I have gathered intelligence from the + Roman camp,”</span> he added, now fixing his eyes on his brother, + to whom he had no other means of imparting the answer, which the + prince had confided to him through Licinius by word of + mouth,—<span class="tei tei-q">“intelligence, the importance of + which should well bear me harmless, even had I committed a greater + offence than escaping from a beleaguered town to hold converse with + the enemy. Titus,”</span> he spoke now in a loud clear voice, of + which every syllable rang through the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page379">[pg 379]</span><a name="Pg379" id="Pg379" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>building—<span class="tei tei-q">“Titus bade + me be assured that his determination was unalterable, to grant no + further delay, but, surrender or no surrender, to enter Jerusalem + the day after the Sabbath, and if he encountered resistance, to lay + waste the Holy City with fire and sword!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar started + to his feet, but recollected himself, and resumed his seat + instantaneously. The action might well be interpreted as the mere + outbreak of a soldier’s energy, called, as it were, by the sound of + the trumpet to the wall. This, then, was what he had gained, a + respite, a reprieve of one day, and that one day he had purchased + at the dear price of his brother’s life. Yet even now the fierce + warrior reflected with a grim delight, how judiciously he had used + the time accorded him, and how, when the proud Roman did make his + threatened assault, he would meet with a reception worthy of the + warlike fame so long enjoyed by the Jewish nation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The rest of the + Sanhedrim seemed scared and stupefied. Every man looked in his + neighbour’s face, and read there only dismay and blank despair. The + crisis had been long threatening, and now it was at hand. + Resistance was hopeless, escape impossible, and captivity + insupportable. The prevailing feeling in the assembly was, + nevertheless, one of indignation against the bearer of such + unwelcome tidings. The Nasi was the first to recover himself, yet + even he seemed disturbed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“By whose authority,”</span> said he—and every eye was + turned on Eleazar while he spoke—<span class="tei tei-q">“by whose + authority didst thou dare to enter the camp of the enemy, and + traffic with the Gentile who encompasseth the Holy City with bow + and spear?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chief of the + Zealots knew well that he was the observed of all his colleagues, + many of whom would triumph at his downfall, whilst even his own + partisans would detach themselves from it, each to the best of his + abilities, when his faction ceased to be in the ascendant. He knew, + too, that on his brother’s answer hung not only his life—which + indeed he had risked too often to rate at a high value—but the + stability of the whole fabric he had been building for months—the + authority by which he hoped to save Jerusalem and Judæa, for which + he grudged not to peril his immortal soul; and knowing all this, he + forced his features into a sedate and solemn composure. He kept his + eye away from the accused indeed, but fixed sternly on the + president, and sat in his place the only man in the whole of that + panic-stricken assembly who appeared master of the situation, and + confident <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page380">[pg + 380]</span><a name="Pg380" id="Pg380" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in + himself. Calchas paused before he answered, waiting till the stir + was hushed, and the attention which had been diverted to his + brother settled once more on his own case. Then he addressed the + Nasi in bold sonorous accents, his form dilating, his face + brightening as he spoke—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“By the authority of Him who came to bring peace on + earth—by the authority that is as far greater than that of + Sanhedrim, or priest, or conqueror, as the heavens are higher than + the sordid speck of dust on which, but for that authority, we + should only swarm and grovel and live one little hour, like the + insects dancing in the sunbeams, to die at the close of day—I am a + man of peace! Could I bear to see my country wasted by the armed + hand, and torn by the trampling hoof? I love my neighbour as + myself. Could I bear to know that his grasp was day by day on his + brother’s throat? I have learned from my Master that all are + brethren, besieger and besieged, Roman and barbarian, Jew and + Gentile, bond and free. Are they at variance, and shall I not set + them at one? Are their swords at each other’s breasts, and shall I + not step between and bid them be at peace? By whose authority, dost + thou ask me, Matthias son of Boethus? By His authority who came to + you, and ye knew Him not. Who preached to you, and ye heeded Him + not. Who would have saved you in His own good time from the great + desolation, and ye reviled Him, and judged Him, and put Him to + death on yonder hill!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even the Prince + of the Sanhedrim was staggered at the old man’s boldness. Like + other influential men of his nation, he could not ignore the + existence of a well-known sect, which had already exchanged its + title of Nazarenes for that of Christians, the name in which it was + hereafter to spread itself over the whole earth; but the very + mention of these self-devoted men was an abomination in his ears, + and the last house in which he could have expected to find a votary + of the cross, was that of Eleazar Ben-Manahem, chief of such a + party as the Zealots, and grounding his influence on his exclusive + nationality and strict adhesion to the very bigotry of the Jewish + law. He looked on Calchas for a space, as if scarcely believing his + eyes. Then there came over his features, always stern and harsh, an + expression of pitiless severity, and he addressed his colleagues, + rather than the accused.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This is even a graver matter than I had thought + for,”</span> said he, in a low yet distinct voice, that made itself + heard in the farthest corner of the Court. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Princes of the house of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page381">[pg 381]</span><a name="Pg381" id="Pg381" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Judah, elders and nobles, and priests and + Levites of the nation, I am but the instrument of your will, the + weapon wielded by your collective might. Is it not the duty of mine + office that I smite and spare not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Smite and spare not!”</span> repeated Phineas; and the + whole assembly echoed the merciless verdict.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was not + one dissentient, not even Eleazar, sitting gloomy and resolved in + his place. Then Matthias turned once more to Calchas, and said, + still in the same suppressed tones—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou speakest in parables, and men may not address the + Sanhedrim save in the brief language of fact. Art thou then one of + those accursed Nazarenes who have called themselves Christians of + late?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am indeed a Christian,”</span> answered Calchas, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and I glory in the name. Would that thou, + Matthias son of Boethus, and these the elders of Judah, were + partakers with me in all that name affords.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he looked + kindly and joyfully in Eleazar’s face, for he knew that he had + saved his brother. The corselet of the latter rattled beneath his + long black robe with the shiver that ran through his whole frame. + The tension was taken off his nerves at last, and the relief was + great, but it was purchased at too dear a price. Now that it was + doomed, he felt the value of his brother’s life. He was totally + unmanned, and shifted uneasily in his seat, not knowing what to do + or say. They seemed to have changed places at last—Calchas to have + assumed the bold unyielding nature, and Eleazar the loving tender + heart. He recovered himself, however, before long. The ruling + passion triumphed once more, as he anticipated the discomfiture of + his rival, and the speedy renewal of his own ascendency amongst his + countrymen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Prince of + the Sanhedrim reflected for a few moments ere he turned his severe + frown on Esca, and said—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What doth this Gentile here in the Court of the + Sanhedrim? Let him speak what he knoweth in this matter, ere he + answer his own crime. Thy testimony at least may be valid,”</span> + he added scornfully, <span class="tei tei-q">“for thou surely art + not a Christian?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Briton + raised his head proudly to reply. If there was less of holy + meekness in his demeanour than in that of Calchas, there was the + same bold air of triumph, the same obvious defiance of + consequences, usually displayed by those who sealed their testimony + with their blood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">am</span></span> a Christian,”</span> said he. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I confess it, and I too, like <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page382">[pg 382]</span><a name="Pg382" id="Pg382" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>my teacher there, glory in the name! I + will not deny the banner under which I serve. I will fight under + that banner, even to the death.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Nasi’s very + beard bristled with indignation; he caught up the skirt of his + mantle, and tore it asunder to the hem. Then, raising the pieces + thus rent above his head, he cried out in a loud voice, + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is enough! They have spoken blasphemy + before the Sanhedrim. There is nothing more but to pronounce + immediate sentence of death. Phineas Ben-Ezra, bid thy colleagues + adjourn to the Stone-paved Hall!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the + assembly rose in silence, and, marching gravely two by two, passed + out into an adjoining chamber, which was paved, and roofed, and + faced with stone. Here alone was it lawful to pass sentence of + death on those whom the Sanhedrim had condemned; and here, while + their judges stood round them in a circle, the prisoners with their + guard fronting the Nasi took their position in the midst. The + latter stooping to the ground went through the form of collecting a + handful of dust and throwing it into the air.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thus,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“your + lives are scattered to the winds, and your blood recoils on your + own heads. You, Calchas the son of Simeon, the son of Manahem, of + the house of Manahem, and you, Gentile, called Esca on the scroll + which has been delivered into my hand, shall be kept in secure ward + till to-morrow be past, seeing that it is the Sabbath, and at + morning’s dawn on the first day of the week ye shall be stoned with + stones in the Outer Court adjoining the Temple until ye die; and + thus shall be done, and more also, to those who are found guilty of + blasphemy in the presence of the Sanhedrim!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then turning to + Eleazar, who still retained his forced composure throughout the + hideous scene, he added—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For thee, Eleazar Ben-Manahem, thy name is still + untarnished in the nation, and thy place still knows thee amongst + thy brethren. The testimony of a Nazarene is invalid; and no + accusation hath yet been brought against thee supported by any + witness save these two condemned and accursed men. That thou hast + no portion, my brother, with blasphemers scarcely needs thine own + unsupported word in the ears of the Sanhedrim!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar, with + the same fixed white face, looked wildly round him on the assembled + elders, turning up the sleeves of his gown the while, and moving + his hands over each other as though he were washing + them.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page383">[pg + 383]</span><a name="Pg383" id="Pg383" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Their blood be on their own head,”</span> said he. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I renounce them from my family and my + household—I abjure them, I wash my hands of them—their blood be on + their own head!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And while he + spoke, the warning voice was heard again outside the Temple, + causing even the bold heart of the Nasi to thrill with a wild and + unaccustomed fear—the voice of the wailing prophet crying, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Woe to Jerusalem! Woe to the Holy City! + Sin and sorrow and desolation! Woe to the Holy City! Woe to + Jerusalem!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page384">[pg 384]</span><a name= + "Pg384" id="Pg384" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc109" id= + "toc109"></a> <a name="pdf110" id="pdf110"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER X</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">A ZEALOT OF THE ZEALOTS</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man who has + resolved that he will shake himself free from those human + affections and human weaknesses which, like the corporeal + necessities of hunger and thirst, seem to have been given us for + our enjoyment rather than our discomfort, will find he undertakes a + task too hard for mortal courage and for mortal strength. Without + those pleasant accessories, like water and sunshine, the simple and + universal luxuries of mankind, existence may indeed drag on, but it + can scarcely be called life. The Great Dispenser of all knows best. + His children are not meant to stand alone, independent of each + other and of Him. While they help their fellows, and trust in His + strength, they are strong indeed; but no sooner do they lean on the + staff themselves have fashioned, than they stumble and fall. It + wounds the hand that grasps it, and breaks too surely when it is + most needed at the last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar + believed, when he quitted the Paved Hall in which the Sanhedrim + pronounced their sentence, that the bitterest drop was drained in + the cup he had forced himself to quaff. He had not anticipated the + remorseful misery that awaited him in his own home—the empty seats, + where <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">they</span></span> were not—the tacit reproach + of every familiar object—worst of all, the meeting with Mariamne, + the daughter of his affections, the only child of his house. All + that dreary Sabbath morning the Zealot sat in his desolate home, + fearing—yes, he who seemed to fear nothing; to whom the battle-cry + of shouting thousands on the wall was but as heart-stirring and + inspiring music—fearing the glance of a girl’s dark eye, the tone + of her gentle voice—and that girl his own daughter. There was no + daily sacrifice in the Temple now; that last cherished prerogative + of the Jewish religion had been suspended. His creed forbade him to + busy himself in any further measures of defence which would involve + labour on the Sacred Day. He might not work with lever and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page385">[pg 385]</span><a name= + "Pg385" id="Pg385" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>crowbar at the + breach. All that could be done in so short a space of time had been + done by his directions yesterday. He must sit idle in his stately + dwelling, brooding darkly over his brother’s fate, or traverse his + marble floor in restless strides, with clenched hands, and gnashing + teeth, and a wild despair raging at his heart. Yet he never yielded + nor wavered in his fanatical resolve. Had it all to be done once + more, he would do the same again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One memory there + was that he could not shake off—a vague and dreary memory that + sometimes seemed to soothe, and sometimes to madden him. The image + of Mariamne would come up before his eyes, not as now in her fair + and perfect womanhood, but as a helpless loving little child, + running to him with outstretched arms, and round cheeks wet with + tears, asking him for the precious favourite that had gone with the + rest of the flock to one of those great sacrifices with which the + Jews kept their sacred festivals—the kid that was his child’s + playfellow—that he would have ransomed, had he but known it in + time, with whole hecatombs of sheep and oxen, ere it should have + been destroyed. The child had no mother even then; and he + remembered, with a strange clearness, how he had taken the weeping + little girl on his knee and soothed her with unaccustomed + tenderness, while she put her arms round his neck, and laid her + soft cheek against his own, accepting consolation, and sobbing + herself to sleep upon his breast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After this there + seemed to grow up a tacit confidence—a strong though unspoken + affection—between father and daughter. They seldom exchanged many + words in a day, sometimes scarcely more than a look. No two human + beings could be much less alike, or have less in common. There was + but this one slender link between them, and yet how strong it had + been! After a while it angered him to find this memory softening, + while it oppressed him, whether he would or no. He resolved he + would see Mariamne at once and face the worst. She knew he had + avoided her, and held him in too great awe to risk giving offence + by forcing herself upon him. Ignorant of Esca’s arrest, the + instinctive apprehension of a woman for the man she loves had yet + caused her to suspect some threatened danger from his prolonged + absence. She watched her opportunity, therefore, to enter her + father’s presence and gain tidings, if possible, of his brother and + the Briton.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The hours sped + on, and the fierce Syrian noon was already glaring down upon the + white porches and dazzling <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page386">[pg 386]</span><a name="Pg386" id="Pg386" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>streets of the Holy City. The hush of the + Sabbath was over all; but it seemed more like the brooding, + unnatural hush that precedes earthquake or tempest, than the quiet + of a day devoted to peaceful enjoyment and repose. Her father was + accustomed to drink a cup of wine at this hour, and Mariamne + brought it him, trembling the while to learn the certainty of that + which she could not yet bear to leave in doubt. She entered the + room in which he sat with faltering steps, and stood before him + with a certain graceful timidity that seemed to deprecate his + resentment. His punishment had begun already. She reminded him of + her mother, standing there pale and beautiful in her distress.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father,”</span> she said softly, as he took the cup + from her hand and set it down untasted, without speaking, + <span class="tei tei-q">“where is our kinsman, Calchas? and—and + Esca, the Briton? Father! tell me the worst at once. I am your own + daughter, and I can bear it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The worst, had + she allowed herself to embody her vague fears, would have applied + to the younger of the absent ones. It would have assumed that he + was gravely wounded, even dangerously. Not killed—surely not + killed! He turned his eyes upon her sternly, nay, angrily; but even + then he could not tell her till he had lifted the cup and drained + it every drop. His lip was steady now, and his face was harder, + gloomier, than before, while he spoke—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Daughter of Ben-Manahem!”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“henceforth thou hast no portion with him who was thy + kinsman but yesterday, neither with him the Gentile within my gate, + who has eaten of my bread and drunk from my cup, and stood with me + shoulder to shoulder against the Roman on the wall.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She clasped her + hands in agony, and her very lips turned white; but she said + true—she was his own daughter, and she neither tottered nor gave + way. In measured tones she repeated her former words.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tell me the worst, father. I can bear it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He found it + easier now that he had begun, and he could lash himself into a + spurious anger as he went on, detailing the events of the previous + day; the charges brought forward by John of Gischala, the trial + before the Sanhedrim, his own narrow escape, and the confession of + the two culprits, owning, nay, glorying in their mortal crime. He + fenced himself in with the sophistry of an enthusiast and a + fanatic. He deluded himself into the belief that he had been + injured and aggrieved by the apostasy of the condemned. He poured + forth all the eloquence that might have vindicated him before + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page387">[pg 387]</span><a name= + "Pg387" id="Pg387" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Matthias and his + colleagues, had John’s accusation been ever brought to proof. The + girl stood petrified and overpowered with his violence: at last he + denounced herself, for having listened so eagerly to the gentle + doctrines of her own father’s brother, for having consorted on + terms of friendship with the stranger whom he had been the first to + encourage and welcome beneath his roof. Once she made her appeal on + Esca’s behalf, but he silenced her ere she had half completed + it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father,”</span> she urged, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“though a Gentile, he conformed to the usages of our + people; though a stranger, I have heard yourself declare that not a + warrior in our ranks struck harder for the Holy City than your + guest, the brave and loyal Esca!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He interrupted + her with a curse.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Daughter of Ben-Manahem! in the day in which thou + shalt dare again to speak that forbidden name, may thine eye wax + dim, and thy limbs fail, and thy heart grow cold within thy + breast—that thou be cut off even then, in thy sin—that thou fall + like a rotten branch from the tree of thy generation—that thou go + down into the dust and vanish like water spilt on the sand—that thy + name perish everlastingly from among the maidens of Judah and the + daughters of thy father’s house!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though his fury + terrified it did not master her. Some women would have fled in + dismay from his presence; some would have flung themselves on their + knees and sought to move him to compassion with prayers and tears. + Mariamne looked him fixedly in the face with a quiet sorrow in her + own that touched him to the quick, and maddened him the more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father,”</span> she said softly, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have nothing left to fear in this world. Slay me, + but do not curse me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vision of + her childhood, the memory of her mother, the resigned sadness of + her bearing, and the consciousness of his own injustice, conspired + to infuriate him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Slay thee!”</span> he repeated between his set teeth. + <span class="tei tei-q">“By the bones of Manahem—by the head of the + high-priest—by the veil of the Temple itself, if ever I hear thee + utter that accursed name again, I will slay thee with mine own + hand!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was no empty + threat to a daughter of her nation. Such instances of fanaticism + were neither unknown to the sterner sects of the Jews, nor regarded + with entirely unfavourable eyes by that self-devoted and + enthusiastic people. The tale of Jephthah’s daughter was cherished + rather as an example of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page388">[pg + 388]</span><a name="Pg388" id="Pg388" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>holy and high-minded obedience, than a warning + from rash and inconsiderate vows. The father was more honoured as a + hero than the daughter was pitied for a victim. And in later times, + one Simon of Scythopolis, who had taken up arms against his own + countrymen, and repented of his treachery, regained a high place in + their estimation by putting himself to death, having previously + slain every member of his family with his own hand.<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> It + would have only added one more incident, causing but little + comment, to the horrors of the siege, had the life of Mariamne been + taken by her own father on his very threshold. She looked at him + more in surprise than fear, with a hurt reproachful glance that + pierced him to the heart. <span class="tei tei-q">“Father!”</span> + she exclaimed, <span class="tei tei-q">“you cannot mean it. Unsay + those cruel words. Am I not your daughter? Father! father! you used + to love me, when I was a little girl!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then his savage + mood gave way, and he took her to him and spoke to her in gentle + soothing accents, as of old.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou art a daughter of Manahem,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“a maiden of Judah. It is not fit for thee + to consort with the enemies of thy nation and of thy father’s + house. These men have avowed the pernicious doctrines of the + Nazarenes, who call themselves Christians. Therefore they are + become an abomination in our sight, and are to be cut off from + amongst our people. Mariamne, if I can bear unmoved to see my + brother perish, surely it is no hard task for thee to give up this + stranger guest. It is not that my heart is iron to the core, though + thou seest me ofttimes so stern, even with thee; but the men of + to-day, who have taken upon themselves the defence of Jerusalem + from the heathen, must be weaned from human affections and human + weaknesses, even as the child is weaned from its mother’s milk. I + tell thee, girl, I would not count the lives of all my kindred + against one hour of the safety of Judah; and Mariamne, though I + love thee dearly, ay, better far than thou canst know—for whom have + I now but thee, my daughter?—yet, if I believed that thou, too, + couldst turn traitor to thy country and thy faith—I speak it + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page389">[pg 389]</span><a name= + "Pg389" id="Pg389" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>not in anger—flesh + and blood of mine own though thou be, I would bury my sword in thy + heart!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Had Eleazar’s + looks corresponded with his words, such a threat, in her present + frame of mind, might have caused Mariamne to avow herself a + Christian, and brave the worst at once; but there was a weight of + care on her father’s haggard brow, a mournful tenderness in his + eyes, that stirred the very depths of her being in compassion—that + merged all other feelings in one of intense pity for the misery of + that fierce, resolute, and desolate old man. For the moment she + scarcely realised Esca’s danger in her sympathy for the obvious + sufferings of one usually so self-reliant and unmoved. She came + closer to his side, and placed her hand in his without speaking. He + looked fondly down at her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Abide with me for a space,”</span> said he; + <span class="tei tei-q">“Mariamne, thou and I are left alone in the + world.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he covered + his face with his hands, and remained without speaking, wrapped, as + it seemed, in gloomy reflections that she dare not disturb. So the + two sat on through the weary hours of that long hot Sabbath day. + Whenever she made the slightest movement, he looked up and signed + for her to remain where she was. Though it was torture, she dared + not disobey; and while the time slipped on and the shadows + lengthened, and the breeze began to stir, she knew that every + minute, as it passed, brought her lover nearer and nearer to a + cruel death. Thus much she had learned too surely; but with the + certainty were aroused all the energies of her indomitable race, + and she resolved that he should be saved. Many a scheme passed + through her working brain, as she sat in her father’s presence, + fearing now, above all things, to awake his suspicion of her + intentions by word or motion, and so make it impossible for her to + escape. Of all her plans there was but one that seemed feasible; + and even that one presented difficulties almost insurmountable for + a woman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She knew that he + was safe at least till the morrow. No execution could take place on + the Sabbath; and although the holy day would conclude at sundown, + it was not the custom of her nation to put their criminals to death + till after the dawn, so that she had the whole night before her in + which to act. But, on the other hand, her father would not leave + his home during the Sabbath, and she would be compelled to remain + under his observation till the evening. At night, then, she had + resolved to make her escape, and taking advantage of the private + passage, only known to her father’s <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page390">[pg 390]</span><a name="Pg390" id="Pg390" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>family, by which Calchas had reached the Roman + camp, to seek Titus himself, and offer to conduct his soldiers by + that path into the city, stipulating as the price of her treachery + an immediate assault, and the rescue of her kinsman, Calchas, with + his fellow-sufferer. Girl as she was, it never occurred to her that + Titus might refuse to believe in her good faith towards himself, + and was likely to look upon the whole scheme as a design to lead + his army into an ambush. The only difficulty that presented itself + was her own escape from the city. She never doubted but that, once + in the Roman camp, her tears and entreaties would carry everything + before them, and, whatever became of herself, her lover would be + saved.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not, + however, without a strong conflict of feelings that she came to + this desperate resolve. The blood that flowed in her veins was + loyal enough to tingle with shame ever and anon, as she meditated + such treachery against her nation. Must she, a daughter of Judah, + admit the enemy into the Holy City? Could the child of Eleazar + Ben-Manahem, the boldest warrior of her hosts, the staunchest + defender of her walls, be the traitor to defile Jerusalem with a + foreign yoke? She looked at her father sitting there, in gloomy + meditation, and her heart failed her as she thought of his agony of + shame, if he lived to learn the truth, of the probability that he + would never survive to know it, but perish virtually by her hand, + in an unprepared and desperate resistance. Then she thought of + Esca, tied to the stake, the howling rabble, the cruel mocking + faces, the bare arms and the uplifted stones. There was no further + doubt after that—no more wavering—nothing but the dogged immovable + determination that proved whose daughter she was.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the sun had + set, Eleazar seemed to shake off the fit of despondency that had + oppressed him during the day. The Sabbath was now past, and it was + lawful for him to occupy mind and body in any necessary work. He + bade Mariamne light a lamp, and fetch him certain pieces of armour + that had done him good service, and now stood in need of repair. It + was a task in the skilful fulfilment of which every Jewish warrior + prided himself. Men of the highest rank would unwillingly commit + the renewal of these trusty defences to any fingers but their own; + and Eleazar entered upon it with more of cheerfulness than he had + shown for some time. As he secured one rivet after another, with + the patience and precision required, every stroke of the hammer + seemed to smite upon his daughter’s brain. There she was compelled + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page391">[pg 391]</span><a name= + "Pg391" id="Pg391" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to remain a close + prisoner, and the time was gliding away so fast! At length, when + the night was already far advanced, even Eleazar’s strong frame + began to feel the effects of hunger, agitation, labour, and want of + rest. He nodded two or three times over his employment, worked on + with redoubled vigour, nodded again, let his head sink gradually on + his breast, while the hammer slipped from his relaxing fingers, and + he fell asleep.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page392">[pg 392]</span><a name= + "Pg392" id="Pg392" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc111" id= + "toc111"></a> <a name="pdf112" id="pdf112"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XI</span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE DOOMED CITY</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne watched + her father for a few impatient minutes, that seemed to lengthen + themselves into hours, till she had made sure by his deep + respiration that her movements would not wake him. Then she + extinguished the lamp and stole softly from the room, scarcely + breathing till she found herself safe out of the house. The door + through which she emerged was a private egress, opening on the wide + terrace that overhung the gardens. Its stone balustrades and broad + flight of steps were now white and glistening in the moonlight, + which shone brighter and fairer in those mellow skies than doth + many a noonday in the misty north. While she paused to draw breath, + and concentrate every faculty on the task she had undertaken, she + could not but admire the scene spread out at her very feet. There + lay the gardens in which she had followed many a childish sport, + and dreamed out many a maiden’s dream, sitting in the shade of + those black cypresses, and turning her young face to catch the + breeze that stirred their whispering branches, direct from the + hills of Moab, blending in the far distance with the summer sky. + And lately, too, amid all the horrors and dangers of the siege, had + she not trod these level lawns with Esca, and wondered how she + could be so happy while all about her was strife, and desolation, + and woe? The thought goaded her into action, and she passed rapidly + on; nevertheless, in that one glance around, the fair and gorgeous + picture stamped itself for ever on her brain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Beneath her—here + black as ebony, there glistening like sheets of burnished steel—lay + the clear-cut terraces and level lawns of her father’s stately + home, dotted by tall tapering cypresses pointing to the heavens, + and guarded by the red stems of many a noble cedar, flinging their + twisted branches aloft in the midnight sky. Beyond, the spires and + domes and pinnacles of the Holy City glittered and shone in the + mellow light, or loomed in the alternate shade, fantastic, gloomy, + and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page393">[pg 393]</span><a name= + "Pg393" id="Pg393" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>indistinct. Massive + blocks of building, relieved by rows of marble pillars supporting + their heavy porticoes, denoted the dwellings of her princes and + nobles; while encircling the whole could be traced the dark level + line of her last defensive wall, broken by turrets placed at stated + intervals, and already heightened at the fatal breach opposite the + Tower of Antonia, from the summit of which glowed one angry spot of + fire, a beacon kindled for some hostile purpose by the enemy. High + above all, like a gigantic champion guarding his charge, in + burnished armour and robes of snowy white, rose the Temple, with + its marble dome and roof of beaten gold. It was the champion’s last + watch—it was the last sleep of the fair and holy city. Never again + would she lie in the moonlight, beautiful, and gracious, and + undefaced. Doomed, like the Temple in which she trusted, to be + utterly demolished and destroyed, the plough was already yoked that + should score its furrows deep into her comeliness; the mighty + stones, so hewn and carved and fashioned into her pride of + strength, were even now vibrating to that shock which was about to + hurl them down into such utter ruin, that not one should be left to + rear itself upon the fragments of another!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The moonbeams + shone calm and pleasant on the doomed city, as they shone on the + stunted groves of the Mount of Olives, on the distant crest of the + hills of Moab, and, far away below these, on the desolate plains + that skirt the waters of the Dead Sea. They shone down calm and + pleasant, as though all were in peace and safety, and plenty and + repose; yet even now the arm of the avenger was up to strike, the + eagle’s wing was pruned, his beak whetted; and Mariamne, standing + on the terrace by her father’s door, could count the Roman + watch-fires already established in the heart of the Lower City, + twinkling at regular distances along the summit of Mount + Calvary.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The view of the + enemy’s camp, the thought of Esca’s danger, spurred her to + exertion. She hurried along the terrace, and down into the garden, + following the path which she knew was to lead her to the marble + basin with its hidden entrance to the secret passage. Her only + thought now was one of apprehension that her unassisted strength + might be unable to lift the slab. Full but of this care, she + advanced swiftly and confidently towards the disused fountain, to + stop within ten paces of it, and almost scream aloud in the high + state of tension to which her nerves had been strung—so startled + was she and scared at what she saw. Sitting with its back to her, a + long lean figure stooped and cowered over <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page394">[pg 394]</span><a name="Pg394" id="Pg394" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the empty basin, waving its arms, and rocking + its body to and fro with strange unearthly gestures, and broken, + muttered sentences, varied by gasps and moans. Her nation are not + superstitious, and Mariamne had too many causes for fear in this + world to spare much dread for the denizens of another; nevertheless + she stood for a space almost paralysed with the suddenness of the + alarm, and the unexpected nature of the apparition, quaking in + every limb, and unable either to advance or fly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There are times + when the boldest of human minds become peculiarly susceptible to + supernatural terrors—when the hardest and least impressionable + persons are little stronger than their nervous and susceptible + brethren. A little anxiety, a little privation, the omission of a + meal or two, nay, even the converse of such abstinence in too great + indulgence of the appetites, bring down the boasted reason of + mankind to a sad state of weakness and credulity. The young, too, + are more subject to such fantastic terrors than the old. Children + suffer much from fears of the supernatural, conceiving in their + vivid imaginations forms and phantoms and situations, which they + can never have previously experienced, and of which it is therefore + difficult to account for the origin. But all classes, and all ages, + if they speak truth, must acknowledge, that at one time or another, + they have felt the blood curdle, the skin creep, the breath come + quick, and the heart rise with that desperate courage which springs + from intense fear, at the fancied presence or the dreaded proximity + of some ghostly object which eludes them after all, leaving a vague + uncertainty behind it, that neither satisfies their curiosity nor + ensures them against a second visitation of a similar nature.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne was in + a fit state to become the victim of any such supernatural delusion. + Her frame was weakened by the want of food; for like the rest of + the besieged, she had borne her share of the privations that + created such sufferings in the city for many long weeks before it + was finally reduced. She had gone through much fatigue of late—the + continuous unbroken fatigue that wears the spirits even faster than + the bodily powers; and above all she had been harassed for the last + few hours by the torture of inaction in a state of protracted + suspense. It was no wonder that she should suffer a few moments of + intense and inexplicable fear.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The figure, + still with its back to her, and rocking to and fro, was gathering + handfuls of dust from the disused basin of the fountain, and + scattering them with its long lean arms upon its head and + shoulders, chanting at the same time, in <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page395">[pg 395]</span><a name="Pg395" id="Pg395" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>wild, mournful tones, the words <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wash and be clean,”</span> over and over again. It + obviously imagined itself alone, and pursued its monotonous task + with that dreary earnestness and endless repetition so peculiar to + the actions of the insane.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a while, + Mariamne, perceiving that she was not observed, summoned courage to + consider what was best to be done. The secret of the hidden passage + was one to be preserved inviolate under any circumstances; and + to-night everything she most prized depended on its not being + discovered by the besieged. While the figure remained in its + present position, she could do nothing towards the furtherance of + her scheme. And yet the moments were very precious, and Esca’s life + depended on her speed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was no + doubt, the unfortunate who had thus wandered into her father’s + gardens was a maniac; and those who suffered under this severe + affliction were held in especial horror among her people. Unlike + the Eastern nations of to-day, who believe them to be not only + under its special protection, but even directly inspired by + Providence, the Jews held that these sufferers were subject to the + great principle of evil; that malignant spirits actually entered + into the body of the insane, afflicting, mocking, and torturing + their victim, goading it in its paroxysms to the exertion of that + supernatural strength with which they endowed its body, and leaving + the latter prostrate, exhausted, and helpless when they had + satiated their malice upon its agonies. To be possessed of a devil + was indeed the climax of all mental and corporeal misery. The + casting out of devils by a mere word or sign, was perhaps the most + convincing proof of miraculous power that could be offered to a + people with whom the visitation was as general as it was mysterious + and incomprehensible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne hovered + about the fountain, notwithstanding her great fear, as a bird + hovers about the bush under which a snake lies coiled, but which + shelters nevertheless her nest and her callow young. Standing + there, in long dark robes, beneath a flood of moonlight, her face + and hands white as ivory by the contrast, her eyes dilating, her + head bent forward, her whole attitude that of painful attention and + suspense, she might have been an enchantress composing the spell + that should turn the writhing figure before her into stone, cold + and senseless as the marble over which it bent. She might have been + a fiend, in the form of an angel, directing its convulsions, and + gloating over its agonies; or she might have been a pure and + trusting saint, exorcising the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page396">[pg 396]</span><a name="Pg396" id="Pg396" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>evil spirit, and bidding it come out of a + vexed fellow-creature in that name which fiends and men and angels + must alike obey.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Presently the + night-breeze coming softly over the Roman camp, brought with it the + mellow notes of a trumpet, proclaiming that the watch was changed, + and the centurions, each in his quarter, pacing their vigilant + rounds. Ere it reached Mariamne’s ears, the maniac had caught the + sound, and sprang to his feet, with his head thrown back and his + muscles braced for a spring like some beast of chase alarmed by the + first challenge of the hound. Gazing wildly about him, he saw the + girl’s figure standing clear and distinct in the open moonlight, + and raising a howl of fearful mirth, he leaped his own height from + the ground, and made towards her with the headlong rush of a + madman. Then fear completely overmastered her, and she turned and + fled for her life. It was no longer a curdling horror that weighed + down the limbs like lead, and relaxed the nerves like a palsy, but + the strong and natural instinct of personal safety, that doubled + quickness of perception for escape and speed of foot in flight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Between herself + and her father’s house lay a broad and easy range of steps, leading + upward to the terrace. Instinctively she dared not trust the + ascent, but turned downwards over the level lawn into the gardens, + with the maniac in close pursuit. It was a fearful race. She heard + his quick-drawn breath, as he panted at her very heels. She could + almost fancy that she felt it hot upon her neck. Once the dancing + shadow of her pursuer, in the moonlight, actually reached her own! + Then she bounded forward again in her agony, and eluded the grasp + that had but just missed its prey. Thus she reached a low wall, + dividing her father’s from a neighbour’s ground; feeling only that + she must go straight on, she bounded over it, she scarce knew how, + and made for an open doorway she saw ahead, trusting that it might + lead into the street. She heard his yell of triumph as he rose with + a vigorous leap into the air, the dull stroke of his feet as he + landed on the turf so close behind her, and the horror of that + moment was almost beyond endurance. Besides, she felt her strength + failing, and knew too well that she could not sustain this rate of + speed for many paces farther; but escape was nearer than she hoped, + and reaching the door a few yards before the madman, she gained + slightly on him as she shot through it, and sped on, with weakening + limbs and choking breath, down the street.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page397">[pg 397]</span><a name="Pg397" id="Pg397" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She heard his + yell once again, as he caught sight of her, but two human figures + in front restored her courage, and she rushed on to implore their + protection from her enemy; yet fear had not so completely mastered + her self-possession, as to drive her into an obvious physical + danger, even to escape encounter with a lunatic. Nearing them, and + indeed almost within arm’s-length, she perceived that one was + blasted with the awful curse of leprosy. The moon shone bright and + clear upon the white glistening surface of his scarred and + mortifying flesh. On his brow, on his neck, in the patches of his + wasting beard and hair, on his naked arms and chest, nay, in the + very garment girt around his loins, the plague-spots deepened, and + widened, and festered, and ate them all away. It would be death to + come in contact, even with his garments—nay, worse than death, for + it would entail a separation from the touch of human hand, and the + help of human skill.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet grovelling + there on the bare stones of the street, the leper was struggling + for a bone with a strong active youth, who had nearly overpowered + him, and whom famine had driven to subject himself to the certainty + of a horrible and loathsome fate, rather than endure any longer its + maddening pangs. There was scarcely a meal of offal on the prize, + and yet he tore it from the leper whom he had overpowered, and + gnawed it with a greedy brutish muttering, as a dog mumbles a + bone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gathering her + dress around her to avoid a chance of the fatal contact, Mariamne + scoured past the ghastly pair, even in her own imminent terror and + distress feeling her heart bleed for this flagrant example of the + sufferings endured by her countrymen. The maniac, however, + permitted his attention to be diverted for a few moments, by the + two struggling figures, from his pursuit; and Mariamne, turning + quickly aside into a narrow doorway, cowered down in its darkest + corner, and listened with feelings of relief and thankfulness to + the steps of her pursuer, as, passing this unsuspected refuge, he + sped in his fruitless chase along the street.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page398">[pg 398]</span><a name= + "Pg398" id="Pg398" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc113" id= + "toc113"></a> <a name="pdf114" id="pdf114"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">DESOLATION</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Panting like a + hunted hind, yet true to the generous blood that flowed in her + veins, Mariamne recovered her courage even before her strength. No + sooner was the immediate danger passed, than she cast aside all + thoughts of personal safety, and only considered how she might + still rescue the man she loved. Familiar with the street in which + she had taken refuge, as with every other nook and corner of her + native city—for the Jews permitted their women far more liberty + than did their Eastern neighbours—she bethought her of taking a + devious round in case she should be followed, and then returning by + the way she had come, to her father’s gardens. It was above all + things important that Eleazar should not be made aware of his + daughter’s absence; and she calculated, not without reason, that + the fatigues he had lately gone through, would ensure a few hours + at least of sound unbroken sleep. The domestics, too, of his + household, worn out with watching and hunger, were not likely to be + aroused before morning; she had, therefore, sufficient time before + her to put her plan into execution.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She reflected + that it was impossible to approach her father’s garden unnoticed at + this hour, save by the way she had taken in her flight. To go + through his house from the street was not to be thought of, as the + entrance was probably secured, and she could not gain admittance + without giving an explanation of her absence, and exciting the + observation she most wished to avoid. Then she fell to thinking on + the paths she had followed in her headlong flight, tracing them + backward in her mind with that clear feminine perception, which so + nearly approaches instinct, and is so superior to the more logical + sagacity of man. She knew she could thread them step by step, to + the marble basin of the fountain; and once again at that spot she + felt as if her task would be half accomplished, instead of scarce + begun. Doubtless the exertion of mind served to calm her recent + terrors, and to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page399">[pg + 399]</span><a name="Pg399" id="Pg399" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>distract attention from the dangers of her + present situation—alone in a strange house, with the streets full + of such horrors as those she had lately witnessed, and thronged by + armed parties of lawless and desperate men.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had gathered + her robes about her, and drawn her veil over her head preparatory + to emerging from her hiding-place, when she was driven back by the + sound of footsteps, and the clank of weapons, coming up the street. + To be seen was to accept the certainty of insult, and to run the + risk of ill-usage, and perhaps death. She shrank farther back, + therefore, into the lower part of the house; and becoming more + accustomed to the gloom, looked anxiously about, to ascertain what + further chance she had within for concealment or escape.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a low + irregular building, of which the ground-floor seemed to have been + used but as a space for passage to and from the upper apartments, + and, perhaps, before the famine consumed them, as a shelter for + beasts of burden, and for cattle. Not a particle of their refuse, + however, had been left on the dry earthen floor; and though a + wooden manger was yet standing, not a vestige remained of halter or + tethering ropes, which had been long since eaten in the scarcity of + food.<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> A + boarded staircase, fenced by carved wooden balustrades, led from + this court to the upper chambers, which were carefully closed; but + a glimmer of light proceeding from the chinks of an ill-fitting + door at its head, denoted that the house was not deserted. It was + probably inhabited by some of the middle class of citizens; a rank + of life that had suffered more than the higher, or even the lower + during the siege—lacking the means of the one, and shrinking from + the desperate resources of the other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne, + listening intently to every sound, was aware of a light step + passing to and fro, within the room, and perceived besides a + savoury smell as of roasted flesh, which pervaded the whole house. + She knew by the quiet footfall and the rustle of drapery, that it + was a woman whose motions she overheard, and for an instant the + desire crossed her mind to beg for a mouthful of strengthening + food, ere she departed on her way—a request she had reason to + believe <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page400">[pg + 400]</span><a name="Pg400" id="Pg400" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>would be refused with anger. She blushed as + she thought how a morsel of bread was now grudged, even at her own + father’s gate; and she remembered the time when scores of poor + neighbours thronged it every morning for their daily meal; when + sheep and oxen were slain and roasted at a moment’s notice, on the + arrival of some chance guest with his train of followers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is a judgment!”</span> thought the girl, regarding + the afflictions of her people in the light of her new faith. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It may be, we must be purified by + suffering, and so escape the final doom. Woe is me for my kindred + and for my father’s house! What am I, that I should not take my + share in the sorrows of the rest?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then in a pure + and holy spirit of self-sacrifice, she turned wearily away, + resolving rather to seek the enemy weak and fasting, than shift + from her own shoulders one particle of the burden borne by her + wretched fellow-citizens; and ere long the time came when she was + thankful she had not partaken, even in thought, of the food that + was then being prepared.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Seeking the + street once more, she found, to her dismay, that the armed party + had halted immediately before the door. She was forced again to + shrink back into the gloom of the lower court, and wait in fear and + trembling for the result. These, too, had been arrested before the + house by the smell of food. Wandering up and down the devoted city, + such hungry and desperate men scrupled not to take with the strong + hand anything of which they had need. By gold and silver, and soft + raiment, they set now but little store—of wine they could procure + enough to inflame and madden them, but food was the one passionate + desire of their senses. Besides his own party, John of Gischala had + now attached to his faction numbers of the Sicarii—a band of paid + assassins who had sprung up in the late troubles to make a trade of + murder—and had also seduced into his ranks such of the Zealots as + were weary of Eleazar’s rigid though fervent patriotism, finding + the anarchy within the walls produced by the siege more to their + taste than the disciplined efforts of their chief to resist the + enemy. The party that now prevented Mariamne’s egress consisted of + a few fierce pitiless spirits from these three factions, united in + a common bond of recklessness and crime. It was no troop for a + maiden to meet by night in the house of a lone woman, or on the + stones of a deserted street, and the girl, trembling at the + conversation she was forced to overhear, needed all her + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page401">[pg 401]</span><a name= + "Pg401" id="Pg401" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>courage to seize the + first opportunity for escape. The clang of their arms made her + heart leap, as they halted together at the door; but it was less + suggestive of evil and violence than their words.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have it!”</span> exclaimed one, striking his mailed + hand against the post, with a blow that vibrated through the + building. <span class="tei tei-q">“Not a bloodhound of Molossis + hath a truer nose than mine, or hunts his game more steadily to its + lair. I could bury my muzzle, I warrant ye, in the very entrails of + my prey, had I but the chance. There is food here, comrades, I tell + ye, cooking on purpose for us. ’Tis strange if we go fasting to the + wall to-night!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well said, old dog!”</span> laughed another voice. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Small scruple hast thou, Sosas, what the + prey may be, so long as it hath but the blood in it. Come on; up to + the highest seat with thee! No doubt we are expected, though the + doors be closed and we meet with a cold welcome!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Welcome!”</span> repeated Sosas; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“who talks of welcome? I bid ye all welcome, comrades. + Take what you please, and call for more. Every man what he likes + best, be it sheep or lamb, or delicate young kid, or tender + sweet-mouthed heifer. My guests ye are, and I bid you again walk up + and welcome!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“’Twere strange to find a morsel of food here, + too,”</span> interposed one of the band. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Say, Gyron, is not this the house thou and I have + already stripped these three times? By the beard of old Matthias, + there was but half a barley-cake left when we made our last + visit!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“True,”</span> replied Gyron, with a brutal laugh, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and the woman held on to it like a + wild-cat. I was forced to lend her a wipe over the wrist with my + dagger, ere she let go, and then the she-wolf sucked her own blood + from the wound, and shrieked out that we would not even leave her + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></span>. We might let her alone + this time, I think, and go elsewhere!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go to!”</span> interrupted Sosas. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou speakest like one for whom the banquet is spread + at every street corner. Art turning tender, and delicate even as a + weaned child, with that grizzled beard on thy chin? Go to! I say. + The supper is getting cold. Follow me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With these words + the last speaker entered the house, and proceeded to ascend the + staircase, followed by his comrades, who pushed and shouldered each + other through the door with ribald jest and laughter, that made + their listeners’ blood run cold. Mariamne, in her retreat, was thus + compelled to retire step by step before them to the top of the + stairs, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page402">[pg + 402]</span><a name="Pg402" id="Pg402" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>dreading every moment that their eyes, + gradually accustomed to the gloom, which was rendered more obscure + by the moonlight without, should perceive her figure, and their + relentless grasp seize upon her too surely for a prey. It was well + for her that the stairs were very dark, and that her black dress + offered no contrast in colour to the wall against which she shrank. + The door of the upper chamber opened outwards, and she hid herself + close behind it, hoping to escape when her pursuers had entered one + by one. To her dismay, however, she found that, with more of + military caution than might have been expected, they had left a + scout below to guard against surprise. Mariamne heard the unwilling + sentinel growling and muttering his discontent, as he paced to and + fro on the floor beneath.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Through the + hinges of the open door, the upper apartment was plainly visible, + even by the dim light of a solitary lamp that stood on the board, + and threw its rays over the ghastly banquet there set forth. Sick, + faint, and trembling with the great horror she beheld, Mariamne + could not yet turn her eyes away. A gaunt grim woman was crouching + at the table, holding something with both hands to her mouth, and + glaring sidelong at her visitors, like a wild beast disturbed over + its prey. Her grisly tresses were knotted and tangled on her brow; + dirt, misery, and hunger were in every detail of her dress and + person. The long lean arms and hands, with their knotted joints and + fleshless fingers, like those of a skeleton, the sunken face, the + sallow tight-drawn skin, through which the cheek-bones seemed about + to start, the prominent jaw, and shrivelled neck, denoted too + clearly the tortures she must have undergone in a protracted state + of famine, bordering day by day upon starvation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And what was + that ghastly morsel hanging from those parched thin lips?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne could + have shrieked aloud with mingled wrath and pity and dismay. Often + had she seen a baby’s tiny fingers pressed and mumbled in a + mother’s mouth, with doting downcast looks and gentle soothing + murmurs and muttered phrases, fond and foolish, meaningless to + others, yet every precious syllable a golden link of love between + the woman and her child. But now, the red light of madness glared + in the mother’s eye; she was crouching fierce and startled, like + the wild wolf in its lair, and her teeth were gnashing in her + accursed hunger over the white and dainty limbs of her last-born + child. Its little hand was in her <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page403">[pg 403]</span><a name="Pg403" id="Pg403" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>mouth when the ruffians entered, whose + violence and excesses had brought this abomination of desolation + upon her house. She looked up with scarce a trace of humanity left + in her blighted face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have food here, mother!”</span> shouted Sosas, + rushing in at the head of his comrades. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Savoury food, roasted flesh, dainty morsels. What! + hast got no welcome for thy friends? We have come to sup with thee + unbidden, mother, for we know of old<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 + house of Hyssop is never ill-provided. Ay, Gyron there, watching + down below, misled us sadly. His talk was but of scanty + barley-cakes and grudging welcome, while lo! here is a supper fit + to set before the high-priest, and the mother gives a good example, + though she wastes no breath on words of welcome. Come on, comrades, + I tell you; never wait to wash hands, but out with your knives, and + fall to!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While he spoke, + the ruffian stretched his brawny arm across the table, and darted + his long knife into the smoking dish. Mariamne behind the door, saw + him start, and shiver, and turn pale. The others looked on, + horror-struck, with staring eyes fixed upon the board. One, the + fiercest and strongest of the gang, wiped his brow, and sat down, + sick and gasping, on the floor. Then the woman laughed out, and her + laughter was terrible to hear.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I did it!”</span> she cried, in loud, triumphant + tones. <span class="tei tei-q">“He was my own child, my fair, fat + boy. If I had a hundred sons I would slay them all. All, I tell + you, and set them before you, that you might eat and rejoice, and + depart full and merry from the lonely woman’s house. I slew him at + sundown, my masters, when the Sabbath was past, and I roasted him + with my own hands, for we were alone in the house, I and my boy. + What! will ye not partake? Are you so delicate, ye men of war, that + ye cannot eat the food which keeps life in a poor, weak woman like + me? It is good food, it is wholesome food, I tell ye, and I bid you + hearty welcome. Eat your fill, my masters; spare not, I beseech + you. But we will keep a portion for the child. The child!”</span> + she repeated, like one who speaks in a dream: <span class= + "tei tei-q">“he must be hungry ere now; it is past his bedtime, my + masters, and I have not given him his supper yet!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then she looked + on the dish once more, with a vacant, bewildered stare, rocking + herself the while, and muttering <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page404">[pg 404]</span><a name="Pg404" id="Pg404" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>in strange, unintelligible whispers, glancing + from time to time stealthily at her guests, and then upon the + horrid fragment she held, which, as though fain to hide it, she + turned over and over in her gown. At length she broke out in + another wild shriek of laughter, and laid her head down upon the + table, hiding her face in her hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pale and + horror-struck, with quiet steps, and heads averted from the board, + the gang departed one by one. Gyron, who was already wearied of his + watch, met them on the stairs, to receive a whispered word or two + from Sosas, with a muttered exclamation of dismay, and a frightful + curse. The rest, who had seen what their comrade only heard, were + speechless still, and Mariamne, listening to their clanking, + measured tread as it traversed the lower court and passed out into + the street, heard it die away in the distance, unbroken by a single + exclamation even of disgust or surprise. The boldest of them dared + not have stood another moment face to face with the hideous thing + from which he fled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne, too, + waited not an instant after she had made sure that they were gone. + Not even her womanly pity for suffering could overcome her feelings + of horror at what she had so lately beheld. She seemed stifled + while she remained under the roof where such a scene had been + enacted; and while she panted to quit it, was more than ever + determined to seek the Roman camp, and call in the assistance of + the enemy. It was obvious even to her, girl as she was, that there + was now no hope for Jerusalem within the walls. While her father’s + faction, and that of John, were neutralising each other’s efforts + for the common good—while to the pressure of famine, and the + necessary evils of a siege, were added the horrors of rapine and + violence, and daily bloodshed, and all the worst features of civil + war—it seemed that submission to the fiercest enemy would be a + welcome refuge, that the rule of the sternest conqueror would be + mild and merciful by comparison.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She remembered, + too, much that Calchas had explained in the sacred writings they + had studied together, with the assistance of that Syrian scroll + which proclaimed the good tidings of the new religion, elucidating + and corroborating the old. She had not forgotten the mystical + menaces of the prophets, the fiery denunciations of some, the + distinct statements of others—above all, the loving, merciful + warning of the Master himself. Surely the doom had gone forth at + length. Here, if anywhere, was the carcass. Yonder, where she was + going, was the gathering of the eagles. Was not <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page405">[pg 405]</span><a name="Pg405" id="Pg405" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>she in her mission of to-night an + instrument in the hands of Providence? A means for the fulfilment + of prophecy? If she had felt patriotic scruples before, they + vanished now. If she had shrunk from betraying her country, + dishonouring her father, and disgracing her blood, all such + considerations were as nothing now, compared to the hope of + becoming a divine messenger, that, like the dove with its + olive-branch, should bring back eventual peace and safety in its + return. She had seen to-night madness and leprosy stalking abroad + in the streets. Within a Jewish home she had seen a more awful + sight even than these. It was in her power, at least, to put an end + to such horrors, and she doubted whether the task might not have + been specially appointed her from heaven; but she never asked + herself the question if she would have been equally satisfied of + her celestial mission, had Esca not been lying under the wall of + the Temple, bound and condemned to die with the light of + to-morrow’s sun.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page406">[pg 406]</span><a name= + "Pg406" id="Pg406" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc115" id= + "toc115"></a> <a name="pdf116" id="pdf116"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE LEGION OF THE LOST</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_437.png"><img src="images/i_437.png" alt= + "Initial N" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nerving herself + with every consideration that could steel a woman’s heart, Mariamne + sought her father’s gardens by the way she had already come. They + were deserted now, and the house, at which she could not forbear + taking a look that would probably be her last, was still quiet and + undisturbed. She would fain have seen her father once more, even in + his sleep—would fain have kissed his unconscious brow, and so taken + a fancied pardon for the treason she had resolved to commit—but it + was too great a risk to run, and with a prayer for divine + protection and assistance, she bent down to lift the slab of marble + that concealed the secret way. Having been moved so lately in the + egress of Calchas, it yielded easily to her strength, and she + descended, not without considerable misgivings, a damp, winding + stair, that seemed to lead into the bowels of the earth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As the stone + fell back to its former place, she was enveloped in utter darkness; + and while she groped her way along the slimy arch that roofed-in + the long, mysterious tunnel, she could not forbear shuddering with + dread of what she might encounter, ere she beheld the light of day + once more. It was horrible to think of the reptiles that might be + crawling about her feet; of the unknown shapes with which, at any + moment, she might come in contact; of the chances that might block + her in on both sides, and so consign her, warm and living, to the + grave: worst of all, of the possibility that some demoniac, like + him from whom she had so recently escaped, might have taken up his + abode here, in the strange infatuation of the possessed, and that + she must assuredly become his prey, without the possibility of + escape.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page407">[pg + 407]</span><a name="Pg407" id="Pg407" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such + apprehensions made the way tedious indeed; and it was with no + slight feeling of relief, and no mere formal thanksgiving, that + Mariamne caught a glimpse of light stealing through the black, + oppressive darkness, that seemed to take her breath away, and was + aware that she had reached the other extremity of the passage at + last. A few armfuls of brushwood, skilfully disposed, concealed its + egress. These had been replaced by Calchas, in his late visit to + the Roman camp, and Mariamne, peering through, could see without + being seen, while she considered what step she should take + next.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was somewhat + uneasy, nevertheless, to observe that a Roman sentinel was posted + within twenty paces; she could hear the clank of his armour every + time he stirred; she could even trace the burnished plumage of the + eagle on the crest of his helmet. It was impossible to emerge from + her hiding-place without passing him; and short as his beat might + be, he seemed indisposed to avail himself of it by walking to and + fro. In the bright moonlight there was no chance of slipping by + unseen, and she looked in vain for a coming cloud on the midnight + sky. He would not even turn his head away from the city, on which + his gaze was fastened; and she watched him with a sort of dreary + fascination, pondering what was best to be done.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even in her + extremity she could not but remark the grace of his attitude, and + the beautiful outline of his limbs, as he leaned wearily on his + spear. His arms and accoutrements, too, betrayed more splendour + than seemed suitable to a mere private soldier, while his mantle + was of rich scarlet, looped up and fastened at the shoulder with a + clasp of gold. Such details she took in mechanically and + unconsciously, even as she perceived that, at intervals, he raised + his hand to his eyes, like one who wipes away unbidden tears. Soon + she summoned her presence of mind, and watched him eagerly, for he + stretched his arms towards Jerusalem with a pitiful, yearning + gesture, and, bowing wearily, leant his crested head upon both + arms, resting them against the spear.</p><a name="i_438" id="i_438" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_438.png"><img src="images/i_438.png" alt= + "Illustration: ‘she walked boldly up to him’" /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; text-align: center; margin-top: 1.00em"> + ‘she walked boldly up to him’ + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was her + opportunity, and she seized it; but at the first movement she made + the sentinel’s attention was aroused, and she knew she was + discovered, for he challenged immediately. Even then, Mariamne + could not but observe that his voice was unsteady, and the spear he + levelled trembled like an aspen in his grasp. She thought it wisest + to make no attempt at deception, but walking boldly up to him, + implored his safe-conduct, and besought him to take her to the tent + of the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page408">[pg + 408]</span><a name="Pg408" id="Pg408" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>commander at once. The sentinel seemed + uncertain how to act, and showed, indeed, but little of that + military promptitude and decision for which the Roman army was so + distinguished. After a pause, he answered—and the soft tones, + musical even in their trouble, that rang in Mariamne’s ears, were + unquestionably those of a woman—a woman, too, whose instincts of + jealousy had recognised her even before she spoke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are the girl I saw in the amphitheatre,”</span> + she said, laying a white hand, which trembled violently, on the arm + of the Jewess. <span class="tei tei-q">“You were watching him that + day, when he was down in the sand beneath the net. I know you, I + say! I marked you turned pale when the tribune’s arm was up to + strike. You loved him then. You love him now! Do not deny it, girl! + lest I drive this spear through your body, or send you to the guard + to be treated like a spy taken captive in the act. You look pale, + too, and wretched,”</span> she added, suddenly relenting. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Why are you here? Why have you left him + behind the walls alone? I would not have deserted you in your need, + Esca, my lost Esca!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne + shivered when she heard the beloved name pronounced in such fond + accents by another’s lips. Womanlike, she had not been without + suspicions from the first, that her lover had gained the affections + of some noble Roman lady—suspicions which were confirmed by his own + admission to herself, accompanied by many a sweet assurance of + fidelity and devotion; but yet it galled her even now, at this + moment of supreme peril, to feel the old wound thus probed by the + very hand that dealt it; and, moreover, through all her anxiety and + astonishment, rose a bitter and painful conviction of the + surprising beauty possessed by this shameless woman, clad thus + inexplicably in the garb of a Roman soldier. Nevertheless, the + Jewish maiden was true as steel. Like that mother of her nation who + so readily gave up all claim to her own flesh and blood, to + preserve it from dismemberment under the award of the wisest and + greatest of kings, she would have saved her cherished Briton at any + sacrifice, even that of her own constant and unfathomable love. She + knelt down before the sentinel, and clasped the scarlet mantle in + both hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will not ask you what or who you are,”</span> she + said; <span class="tei tei-q">“I am in your power, and at your + mercy. I rejoice that it is so. But you will help me, will you not? + You will use all your beauty and all your influence to save him + whom—whom we both love?”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page409">[pg 409]</span><a name="Pg409" id="Pg409" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She hesitated + while she spoke the last sentence. It was as if she gave him up + voluntarily, when she thus acknowledged another’s share. But his + very life was at stake; and what was her sore heart, her paltry + jealousy, to stand in the way at such a moment as this? The other + looked scornfully down on the kneeling girl.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You, too, seem to have suffered,”</span> said the + sentinel. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is true then, all I have + heard of the desolation and misery within the walls? But boast not + of your sorrows; think not you alone are to be pitied. There are + weary heads and aching hearts here in the leaguer, as yonder in the + town. Tell me the truth, girl! What of Esca? You know him. You come + from him even now. Where is he, and how fares it with + him?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bound in the Outer Court of the Temple!”</span> gasped + Mariamne, <span class="tei tei-q">“and condemned to die with the + first light of to-morrow’s sun!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His fate seemed + more terrible and more certain, now that she had forced herself to + put it into words. The Roman soldier’s face turned deadly pale. The + golden-crested helmet, laid aside for air, released a shower of + rich brown curls, that fell over the ivory neck, and the smooth + shoulders, and the white bosom panting beneath its breastplate. + There could be no attempt at concealment now. Mariamne was obliged + to confess that, even in her male attire, the woman whom she so + feared, yet whom she must trust implicitly, was as beautiful as she + seemed to be reckless and unsexed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They were a + lawless and a desperate band, that body of gladiators which Hippias + had brought with him to the siege of Jerusalem. None of them but + were deeply stained with blood; most of them were branded with + crime; all were hopeless of good, fearless and defiant of evil. In + many a venturous assault, in many a hand-to-hand encounter, fought + out with enemies as fierce and almost as skilful as themselves, + they had earned their ominous title; and the very legionaries, + though they sneered at their discipline, and denied their + efficiency in long-protracted warfare, could not but admit that to + head a column of attack, to run a battering-ram under the very + ramparts of a citadel, to dash in with a mad cheer over the + shattered ruins of a breach, or to carry out any other hot and + desperate service, there were no soldiers in the army like the + Legion of the Lost. They had dwindled away, indeed, sadly from + slaughter and disease; yet there were still some five or six + hundred left, and this remnant consisted of the strongest and + staunchest in the band. They still con<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page410">[pg 410]</span><a name="Pg410" id="Pg410" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>stituted a separate legion, nor would it have + been judicious to incorporate them with any other force, which, + indeed, might have been as unwilling to receive them as they could + be to enrol themselves in its ranks; and they performed the same + duties, and made it their pride to guard the same posts they had + formerly watched when thrice their present strength. Under these + circumstances a fresh draft would have been highly acceptable to + the Legion of the Lost; and in their daily increasing want of men, + even a single recruit was not to be despised. Occasionally one of + the Syrian auxiliaries, or a member of any of the irregular forces + attached to the Roman army, who had greatly distinguished himself + by his daring, was admitted into their band, and these additions + became less rare as the original number decreased day by day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An appeal to the + good-nature of old Hirpinus, backed by a heavy bribe to one of his + centurions, ensured Valeria’s enrolment into this wild, disorderly, + and dangerous force; nor in their present lax state of discipline, + with the prospect of an immediate assault, had she much to dread + from the curiosity of her new comrades. Even in a Roman camp, money + would purchase wine, and wine would purchase everything else. + Valeria had donned in earnest the arms she had often before borne + for sport. <span class="tei tei-q">“Hippias taught me to use + them,”</span> she thought, with bitter, morbid exultation; + <span class="tei tei-q">“he shall see to-morrow how I have profited + by his lessons!”</span> Then she resolved to feed her fancy by + gazing at the walls of Jerusalem; and she had little difficulty in + persuading a comrade to whom she brought a jar of strong Syrian + wine, that he had better suffer her to relieve him for the last + hour or two of his watch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Amazons of + old, with a courage we might look for in vain amongst the other + sex, were accustomed to amputate their right breast that it might + not hinder the bowstring when they drew the arrow to its head. Did + they never feel, after the shapely bosom was thus mutilated and + defaced, a throb of anguish, or a weight of dull dead pain where + the flesh was now scarred, and hardened, and cicatrised—nay, + something worse than pain beneath the wound, when they beheld a + mother nursing a sucking-child? Valeria, too, had resolved, so to + speak, that she would cut the very heart from out of her + breast—that she would never feel as a woman feels again. She knew + she was miserable, degraded, desperate—she believed she could bear + it nobly now, because she was turned to stone. Yet, as she leaned + on her spear in the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page411">[pg + 411]</span><a name="Pg411" id="Pg411" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>moonlight, and gazed on the city which + contained the prize she had so coveted and lost, she was compelled + to acknowledge that the fibres of that heart she had thought to + tear out and cast away, retained their feelings still. For all that + was come and gone, she loved him, oh! so dearly, yet; and the eyes + of the lost, maddened, desperate woman filled with tears of as deep + and unselfish affection as could have been shed by Mariamne herself + in her pure and stainless youth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria, as + Hippias had learned by painful experience, was resolute for good + and evil. It was this decision of character, joined to the + impulsive disposition which springs from an undisciplined life, + that had given him his prey. But it was this that thwarted all the + efforts he made to obtain the ascendency over her which generally + follows such a link as theirs; and it was this, too, that ere long + caused her to tear the link asunder without a moment’s apprehension + or remorse. With all his energy and habits of command, the + gladiator found he could not control the proud Roman lady, who in a + moment of caprice had bowed her head to the very dust for the sake + of following him. He could neither intimidate her into obedience, + nor crush her into despair, though he tried many a haughty threat, + and many an unmanly taunt at her shame. But all in vain; and as he + would not yield an inch in their disputes, there was but little + peace in the tent of the brave leader who ruled so sternly over the + Legion of the Lost. The pair, indeed, went through the usual phases + that accompany such bonds as those they chose to wear; but the + changes were more rapid than common, as might well be expected, + when their folly had not even the excuse of true affection on both + sides. Valeria indeed tired first; for as far as the gladiator was + capable of loving anything but his profession, he loved her, and + this perhaps only embittered the guilty cup that was already + sufficiently unpalatable to both. Weariness, as usual, followed + fast on the heels of satiety, to be succeeded by irritation, + discontent, and dislike; then came rude words, angry gestures, and + overt aggression from the man, met by the woman with trifling + provocations, mute defiance, and sullen scorn. To love another, + too, so hopelessly and so dearly, made Valeria’s lot even more + difficult to bear, rendering her fretful, intolerant, and + inaccessible to all efforts at reconciliation. Thus the breach + widened hour by hour; and on the day when Hippias returned to his + tent from the council of war before which Calchas had been brought, + Valeria quitted it, vowing never to return. She had but one object + left for which to live. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page412">[pg + 412]</span><a name="Pg412" id="Pg412" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Maddened by shame, infuriated by the insults + of the gladiator, her great love yet surged up in her heart with an + irresistible tide; and she resolved that she would see Esca once + more, ay, though the whole Jewish army stood with levelled spears + between them. After that, she cared not if she died on the spot at + his feet!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To get within + the works was indeed no easy matter; and so close a watch was kept + by the Romans on all movements between the lines of the hostile + forces, now in such dangerous proximity, that it was impossible to + escape from the camp of Titus and join the enemy behind the wall, + though the Jews, notwithstanding the vigilance of their countrymen, + were trooping to the besiegers’ camp by scores, to implore the + protection of the conqueror, and throw themselves on his well-known + clemency and moderation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria, then, + had taken the desperate resolution of entering the city with the + assault on the morrow. For this purpose she had adopted the dress + and array of the Lost Legion. She would at least, she thought in + her despair, be as forward as any of those reckless combatants. She + would, at least, see Esca once more. If he met her under shield, + not knowing her, and hurled her to the ground, the arm that smote + her would be that of her glorious and beloved Briton. There was a + wild, sweet sadness in the thought that she might perhaps die at + last by his hand. Full of such morbid fancies—her imagination + over-excited, her courage kindled, her nerves strung to their + highest pitch—it brought with it a fearful reaction to learn that + even her last consolation might be denied her—that the chance of + meeting her lover once more was no longer in her own hands. What! + had she undergone all these tortures, submitted to all this + degradation, for nothing? And was Esca to die after all, and never + learn that she had loved him to the last? She could not have + believed it, but for the calm, hopeless misery that she read in + Mariamne’s eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a while + Valeria covered her face and remained silent; then she looked down + scornfully on the Jewess, who was still on her knees, holding the + hem of the Roman lady’s garment, and spoke in a cold, contemptuous + tone—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bound and condemned to death, and you are here? You + must indeed love him very dearly to leave him at such a + time!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne’s + despair was insensible to the taunt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am here,”</span> said she, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“to save him. It is the only chance. Oh, lady, help me! + help me if only for his dear sake!”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page413">[pg 413]</span><a name="Pg413" id="Pg413" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What would you have me do?”</span> retorted the other + impatiently. <span class="tei tei-q">“Can I pull down your + fortified wall with my naked hands? Can you and I storm the rampart + at point of spear, and bear him away from the midst of the enemy to + share him afterwards between us, as the legionaries share a + prey?”</span>—and she laughed a strange, choking laugh while she + spoke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nay,”</span> pleaded the kneeling Jewess, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“look not down on me so angrily. I pray—I implore you + only to aid me! Ay! though you slay me afterwards with your hand if + I displease you by word or deed. Listen, noble lady; I can lead the + Roman army within the walls; I can bring the soldiers of Titus into + Jerusalem, maniple by maniple, and cohort by cohort, where they + shall surprise my countrymen and obtain easy possession of the + town; and all I ask in return—the price of my shame, the reward of + my black treachery—is, that they will rescue the two prisoners + bound in the Outer Court of the Temple, and spare their lives for + her sake who has sold honour, and country, and kindred here + to-night!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria + reflected for a few seconds. The plan promised well; her woman’s + intuition read the secret of the other woman’s heart. A thousand + schemes rose rapidly in her brain; schemes of love, of triumph, of + revenge. Was it feasible? She ran over the position of the wall, + the direction from which Mariamne had come, her own knowledge + gained from the charts she had studied in the tent of + Hippias—charts that, obtained partly by treachery and partly by + observation, mapped out every street and terrace in Jerusalem—and + she thought it was. Of her suppliant’s good faith she entertained + no doubt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There is then a secret passage?”</span> she said, + preserving still a stern and haughty manner to mask the anxiety she + really felt. <span class="tei tei-q">“How long is it, and how many + men will it take in abreast?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It cannot be far,”</span> answered the Jewess, + <span class="tei tei-q">“since it extends but from that heap of + brushwood to the terrace of my father’s house. It might hold three + men abreast. I entreat you take me to Titus, that I may prevail on + him to order the attack ere it be too late. I myself will conduct + his soldiers into the city.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria’s + generosity was not proof against her selfishness. Like many other + women, her instincts of possession were strong; and no sooner had + she grasped the possibility of saving Esca, than the old fierce + longing to have him for her very own returned with redoubled + force.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page414">[pg + 414]</span><a name="Pg414" id="Pg414" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That I may rescue the Briton for the Jewess!”</span> + she retorted, with a sneer. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you know to + whom you speak? Listen, girl: I, too, have loved this Esca: loved + him with a love to which yours is but as the glimmer on my helmet + compared to the red glare of that watch-fire below the hill—loved + him as the tigress loves her cubs—nay, sometimes as the tigress + loves her prey! Do you think I will save him for + another?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne’s face + was paler than ever now, but her voice was clear, though very low + and sad, while she replied—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You love him too! I know it, lady, and therefore I ask + you to save him. Not for me; oh! not for me! When he is once set + free, I will never see him more: this is your price, is it not? + Willingly, heartily I pay it; only save him—only save him! You + will, lady; will you not? And so you will take me direct to Titus? + See! the middle watch of the night is already nearly + past.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Valeria’s + plotting brain began now to shape its plans; she saw the obstacles + in her way were she to conduct the girl at once into the presence + of Titus. Her own disguise would be discovered, and the Roman + commander was not likely to permit such a flagrant breach of + discipline and propriety to pass unnoticed. If not punished, she + would probably be at least publicly shamed, and placed under + restraint. Moreover, the prince might hesitate to credit Mariamne’s + story, and suspect the whole scheme was but a plot to lead the + attacking party into an ambush. Besides, she would never yield to + the Jewess the credit and the privilege of saving her lover. No: + she had a better plan than this. She knew that Titus had resolved + the city should fall on the morrow. She knew the assault would take + place at dawn; she would persuade Mariamne to return into the town; + she would mark the secret entrance well. When the gladiators + advanced to the attack, she would lead a chosen band by this path + into the very heart of the city; she would save Esca at the supreme + moment; and surely his better feelings would acknowledge her + sovereignty then, when she came to him as a deliverer and a + conqueror, like some fabulous heroine of his own barbarian nation. + She would revenge on Hippias all the past weary months of discord; + she would laugh Placidus to scorn with his subtle plans and his + venturous courage, and the skill he boasted in the art of war. Nay, + even Licinius himself would be brought to acknowledge her in her + triumph, and be forced to confess that, stained, degraded as she + was, his kinswoman had at last <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page415">[pg 415]</span><a name="Pg415" id="Pg415" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>proved herself a true scion of their noble + line, worthy of the name of Roman! There was a sting, though, in a + certain memory that Mariamne’s words brought back; their very tone + recalled his, when he too had offered to sacrifice his love that he + might save its object—and she thought how different were their + hearts to hers. But the pain only goaded her into action, and she + raised the still kneeling girl with a kindly gesture, and a + reassuring smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You can trust me to save him,”</span> said she; + <span class="tei tei-q">“but it would be unwise to declare your + plan to Titus. He would not believe it, but would simply make you a + prisoner, and prevent me from fulfilling my object till too late. + Show me the secret path, girl; and by all a woman holds most + sacred, by all I have most prized, yet lost, I swear to you that + the eagles shall shake their wings in the Temple by to-morrow’s + sunrise; that I will cut Esca’s bonds with the very sword that + hangs here in my belt! Return the way you came; be careful to avoid + observation; and if you see Valeria again alive, depend upon her + friendship and protection for his sake whom you and I shall have + saved from death before another day be past!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So strangely + constituted are women, that something almost like a caress passed + between these two, as the one gave and the other received the + solemn pledge; although Mariamne yielded but unwillingly to + Valeria’s arguments, and sought the secret way on her return with + slow reluctant steps. But she had no alternative; and the Roman + lady’s certainty of success imparted some of her own confidence to + the weary and desponding Jewess. <span class="tei tei-q">“At + least,”</span> thought Mariamne, <span class="tei tei-q">“if I + cannot save him, I can die with him, and then nothing can separate + us any more!”</span> Sad as it was, she yet felt comforted by the + hopeless reflection, while it urged her to hasten to her lover at + once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was no + time to be lost. As she looked back to the Roman sentinel, once + more motionless on his post, and waved her hand with a gesture that + seemed to implore assistance, while it expressed confidence, ere + she stooped to remove the brushwood for her return, a peal of Roman + trumpets broke on the silence, sounding out the call which was + termed <span class="tei tei-q">“cock-crow,”</span> an hour before + the dawn.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page416">[pg 416]</span><a name= + "Pg416" id="Pg416" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc117" id= + "toc117"></a> <a name="pdf118" id="pdf118"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">FAITH</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is nothing + in the history of ancient or modern times that can at all help us + to realise the feelings with which the Jews regarded their Temple. + To them the sacred building was not only the very type and + embodiment of their religion, but it represented also the + magnificence of their wealth, the pride of their strength, the + glory, the antiquity, and the patriotism of the whole people—noble + in architecture, imposing in dimensions, and glittering with + ornament, it was at once a church, a citadel, and a palace. If a + Jew would express the attributes of strength, symmetry, or + splendour, he compared the object of his admiration with the + Temple. His prophecies continually alluded to the national building + as being identical with the nation itself; and to speak of injury + or contamination to the Temple was tantamount to a threat of defeat + by foreign arms, and invasion by a foreign host—as its demolition + was always considered synonymous with the total destruction of + Judæa; for no Jew could contemplate the possibility of a national + existence apart from this stronghold of his faith. His tendency + thus to identify himself with his place of worship was also much + fostered by the general practice of his people, who annually + flocked to Jerusalem in great multitudes to keep the feast of the + Passover; so that there were few of the posterity of Abraham + throughout the whole of Syria who had not at some time in their + lives been themselves eye-witnesses of the glories in which they + took such pride. At the period when the Roman army invested the + Holy City, an unusually large number of these worshippers had + congregated within its walls, enhancing to a great degree the + scarcity of provisions, and all other miseries inseparable from a + state of siege.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Jews + defended their Temple to the last. While the terrible circle was + contracting day by day, while suburb after suburb was taken, and + tower after tower destroyed, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page417">[pg 417]</span><a name="Pg417" id="Pg417" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>they were driven, and, as it were, condensed + gradually and surely, towards the upper city and the Holy Place + itself. They seemed to cling round the latter and to trust in it + for protection, as though its very stones were animated by the + sublime worship they had been reared to celebrate.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a little + before the dawn, and the Outer Court of the Temple, called the + Court of the Gentiles, was enveloped in the gloom of this, the + darkest hour in the whole twenty-four. Nothing could be + distinguished of its surrounding cloisters, save here and there the + stem of a pillar or the segment of an arch, only visible because + brought into relief by the black recesses behind. A star or two + were faintly twinkling in the open sky overhead; but the morning + was preceded by a light vapoury haze, and the breeze that wafted it + came moist and chill from the distant sea, wailing and moaning + round the unseen pillars and pinnacles of the mighty building + above. Except the sacred precincts themselves, this was perhaps the + only place of security left to the defenders of Jerusalem; and + here, within a spear’s-length of each other, they had bound the two + Christians, doomed by the Sanhedrim to die. Provided with a morsel + of bread, scarce as it was, and a jar of water, supplied by that + spurious mercy which keeps the condemned alive in order to put him + to death, they had seen the Sabbath, with its glowing hours of + fierce pitiless heat, pass slowly and wearily away; they had + dragged through the long watches of the succeeding night, and now + they were on the brink of that day, which was to be their last on + earth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Esca stirred + uneasily where he sat; and the movement seemed to rouse his + companion from a fit of deep abstraction, which, judging by the + cheerful tones of his voice, could have been of no depressing + nature.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It hath been a tedious watch,”</span> said Calchas, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and I am glad it is over. See, Esca, the + sky grows darker and darker, even like our fate on earth. In a + little while day will come, and with it our great and crowning + triumph. How glorious will be the light shining on thee and me, in + another world, an hour after dawn!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Briton + looked admiringly at his comrade, almost envying him the heartfelt + happiness and content betrayed by his very accents. He had not + himself yet arrived at that pinnacle of faith, on which his friend + stood so confidently; and, indeed, Providence seems to have + ordained, that in most cases such piety should be gradually and + insensibly attained, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page418">[pg + 418]</span><a name="Pg418" id="Pg418" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that the ascent should be won slowly step by + step, and that even as a man breasting a mountain scales height + after height, and sees his horizon widening mile by mile as he + strains towards its crest, so the Christian must toil ever upwards, + thankful to gain a ridge at a time, though he finds that it but + leads him to a higher standard and a farther aim; and that, though + his view is extending all around, and increasing knowledge takes in + much of which he never dreamed before, the prospect expands but as + the eye ascends, while every summit gained is an encouragement to + attempt another, nobler, and higher, and nearer yet to heaven.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It will be daylight in an hour,”</span> said Esca, in + a far less cheerful voice, <span class="tei tei-q">“and the cowards + will be here to pound us to death against this pavement with their + cruel stones. I would fain have my bonds cut, and a weapon within + reach at the last moment, Calchas, and so die at bay amongst them, + sword in hand!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be thankful that a man’s death is not at his own + choice,”</span> replied Calchas gently. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“How would poor human nature be perplexed, to take the + happy method and the proper moment! Be thankful, above all things, + for the boon of death itself. It was infinite mercy that bade the + inevitable deliverer wait on sin. What curse could equal an + immortality of evil? Would you live for ever in such a world as + ours if you could? nay, you in your youth, and strength, and + beauty, would you wish to remain till your form was bent, and your + beard grey, and your eyes dim? Think, too, of the many deaths you + might have died,—stricken with leprosy, crouching like a dog in + some hidden corner of the city, or wasted by famine, gnawing a + morsel of offal from which the sustenance had long since been + extracted by some wretch already perished. Or burnt and suffocated + amongst the flaming ramparts, like the maniple of Romans whom you + yourself saw consumed over against the Tower of Antonia but a few + short days ago!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That, at least, was a soldier’s death,”</span> replied + Esca, to whose resolute nature the idea of yielding up his life + without a struggle seemed so hard. <span class="tei tei-q">“Or I + might have fallen by sword-stroke, or spear-thrust, on the wall, + like a man. But to be stoned to death, as the shepherds stone a + jackal in his hole! It is a horrible and an ignoble + fate!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Would you put away from you the great glory that is + offered you?”</span> asked Calchas gravely. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Would you die but as a heathen, or one of our own + miserable Robbers and Zealots, of whom the worst do not hesitate to + give their blood <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page419">[pg + 419]</span><a name="Pg419" id="Pg419" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>for Jerusalem? Are you not better, and braver, + and nobler than any of these? Listen, young man, to him who speaks + to you now words for which he must answer at the great tribunal ere + another hour be past. Proud should you be of His favour whom you + will be permitted to glorify to-day. Ashamed, indeed, as feeling + your own unworthiness, yet exulting that you, a young and + inexperienced disciple, should have been ranked amongst the leaders + and the champions of the true faith. Look upon me, Esca, bound and + waiting here like yourself for death. For two-score years have I + striven to follow my Master, with feeble steps, indeed, and many a + sad misgiving and many a humbling fall. For two-score years have I + prayed night and morning; first, that I might have strength to + persevere in the way that I had been taught, so that I might + continue amongst His servants, even though I were the very lowest + of the low. Secondly, that if ever the time should come when I was + esteemed worthy to suffer for His sake, I might not be too much + exalted with that glory which I have so thirsted to attain. I tell + thee, boy, that in an hour’s time from now, thou and I shall be + received by those good and great men of whom I have so often spoken + to thee, coming forward in shining garments, with outstretched + arms, to welcome our approach, and lead us into the eternal light + of which I dare not speak even now, in the place which eye hath not + seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived. And all this + guerdon is for thee, coming into the vineyard at the eleventh hour, + yet sharing with those who have borne the labour and heat of the + day. Oh, Esca, I have loved thee like a son, yet from my heart, I + cannot wish thee anywhere but bound here by my side this + night.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The other could + not but kindle with his companion’s enthusiasm. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, when they come,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“they shall find me ready. And I too, Calchas, believe + me, would not flinch from thee now if I could. Nay, if it be His + will that I must be stoned to death here in the Outer Court of the + Temple, I have learned from thee, old friend, gratefully and humbly + to accept my lot. Yet I am but human, Calchas. Thou sayest truly, I + lack the long and holy training of thy two-score years. I have a + tie that binds me fast to earth. It is no sin to love Mariamne, and + I would fain see her once again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A tear rose to + the old man’s eye. Chastened, purified, as was his spirit, and + ready to take its flight for home, he could yet feel for human + love. Nay, the very ties of kindred were <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page420">[pg 420]</span><a name="Pg420" id="Pg420" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>strong within him, here in his place of + suffering, as they had been at his brother’s hearth. It was no + small subject of congratulation to him, that his confession of + faith before the Sanhedrim, while it vindicated his master’s + honour, should at the same time have preserved Eleazar’s character + in the eyes of the nation, while his exultation at the prospect of + sharing with his disciple the glory of martyrdom, was damped by the + reflection that Mariamne must grieve bitterly, as the human heart + will, ere her nobler and holier self could become reconciled to her + loss. For a moment he spoke not, though his lips moved in silent + prayer for both, and Esca pursued the subject that occupied most of + his thoughts even at such an hour as this.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I would fain see her,”</span> he repeated dreamily. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I loved her so well; my beautiful + Mariamne. And yet it is a selfish and unworthy wish. She would + suffer so much to look on me lying bound and helpless here. She + will know, too, when it is over, that my last thought was of her, + and it may be she will weep because she was not here to catch my + last look before I died. Tell me, Calchas, I shall surely meet her + in that other world? It can be no sin to love her as I have + loved!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No sin,”</span> repeated Calchas gravely; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“none. The God who bears such love for them has called + nine-tenths of His creatures to His knowledge through their + affections. When these are suffered to become the primary object of + the heart, it may be that He will see fit to crush them in the + dust, and will smite, with the bitterest of all afflictions, yet + only that He may heal. How many men have followed the path to + heaven that was first pointed out by a woman’s hand? That a woman + hath perhaps gone on to tread, beckoning him after her as she + vanished, with a holy hopeful smile. No, Esca, it is not sin to + love as thou hast done; and because thou hast not scrupled to give + up even this, the great and precious treasure of thy heart, for thy + master’s honour, thou shalt not lose thy reward.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I shall see her again,”</span> he insisted, + clinging yet somewhat to earthly feelings and earthly regrets, for + was he not but a young and untrained disciple? <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It seems to me, that it would be unjust to part her + from me for ever. It seems to me that heaven itself would not be + heaven away from her!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I fear thou art not fit to die,”</span> replied + Calchas, in a low and sorrowful voice. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pray, my son, pray fervently, unceasingly, that the + human heart may be taken away from thee, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page421">[pg 421]</span><a name="Pg421" id="Pg421" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and the new heart given which will fit thee + for the place whither thou goest to-day. It is not for thee and for + me to say, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Give me here, Father, a morsel + of bread, or give me there a cup of wine.’</span> We need but + implore in our prayers, of Infinite Wisdom and Infinite Mercy, to + grant that which it knows is best for our welfare; and He who has + taught us how to pray, has bidden us, even before we ask for food, + acknowledge a humble unquestioning resignation to the will of our + Father which is in heaven. Leave all to Him, my son, satisfied that + He will grant thee what is best for thy welfare. Distress not + thyself with weak misgivings, nor subtle reasonings, nor vain + inquiries. Trust, only trust and pray, here in the court of death, + as yonder on the rampart, or at home by the beloved hearth, so + shalt thou obtain the victory; for, indeed, the battle draweth + nigh. The watches of the night are past, and it is already time to + buckle on our armour for the fight.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While he spoke + the old man pointed to the east, where the first faint tinge of + dawn was stealing up into the sky. Looking into his companion’s + face, only now becoming visible in the dull twilight, he was struck + with the change that a few hours of suffering and imprisonment had + wrought upon those fair young features. Esca seemed ten years older + in that one day and night; nor could Calchas repress a throb of + exultation, as he thought how his own time-worn frame and feeble + nature had been supported by the strong faith within. The feeling, + however, was but momentary, for the Christian identified himself at + once with the suffering and the sorrowful; nor would he have + hesitated in the hearty self-sacrificing spirit that his faith had + taught him, that no other faith either provides or enjoins, to take + on his own shoulders the burden that seemed so hard for his + less-advanced brother to bear. It was no self-confidence that gave + the willing martyr such invincible courage; but it was the thorough + abnegation of self, the entire dependence on Him, who alone never + fails man at his need, the fervent faith, which could see so + clearly through the mists of time and humanity, as to accept the + infinite and the eternal for the visible, and the tangible, and the + real.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They seemed to + have changed places now; that doomed pair waiting in their bonds + for death. The near approach of morning seemed to call forth the + exulting spirit of the warrior in the older man, to endow the + younger with the humble resignation of the saint.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pray for me that I may be thought worthy,”</span> + whispered <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page422">[pg + 422]</span><a name="Pg422" id="Pg422" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the latter, pointing upwards to the grey light + widening every moment above their heads.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be of good cheer,”</span> replied the other, his whole + face kindling with a triumphant smile. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Behold, the day is breaking, and thou and I have done + with night, henceforth, for evermore!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page423">[pg 423]</span><a name= + "Pg423" id="Pg423" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc119" id= + "toc119"></a> <a name="pdf120" id="pdf120"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XV</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">FANATICISM</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While faith has + its martyrs, fanaticism also can boast its soldiers and its + champions. Calchas in his bonds was not more in earnest than + Eleazar in his breastplate; but the zeal that brought peace to the + one, goaded the other into a restless energy of defiance, which + amounted in itself to torture.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The chief of the + Zealots was preparing for the great struggle that his knowledge of + warfare, no less than the words of his brother before the Sanhedrim + (words which yet rang in his ears with a vague monotony of + repetition), led him to expect with morning. Soon after midnight, + he had woke from the slumber in which Mariamne left him wrapped, + and without making inquiry for his daughter, or indeed taking any + thought of her, he had armed himself at once and prepared to visit + the renewed defences with the first glimpse of day. To do so he was + obliged to pass through the Court of the Gentiles, where his + brother and his friend lay bound; for in the strength of the Temple + itself consisted the last hopes of the besieged, and its security + was of the more importance now that the whole of the lower town was + in possession of the enemy. Eleazar had decided that if necessary + he would abandon the rest of the city to the Romans, and throwing + himself with a chosen band into this citadel and fortress of his + faith, would hold it to the last, and rather pollute the sacred + places with his blood, than surrender them into the hand of the + Gentiles. Sometimes, in his more exalted moments, he persuaded + himself that even at the extremity of their need, Heaven would + interpose for the rescue of the chosen people. As a member of the + Sanhedrim and one of the chief nobility of the nation, he had not + failed to acquire the rudiments of that magic lore, which was + called the science of divination. Formerly, while in compliance + with custom he mastered the elements of the art, his strong + intellect laughed to scorn the power it pretended to confer, and + the mysteries <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page424">[pg + 424]</span><a name="Pg424" id="Pg424" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>it + professed to expound. Now, harassed by continual anxiety, sapped by + grief and privation, warped by the unvaried predominance of one + idea, the sane mind sought refuge in the shadowy possibilities of + the supernatural, from the miseries and horrors of its daily + reality.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He recalled the + prodigies, of which, though he had not himself been an eye-witness, + he had heard from credible and trustworthy sources. They could not + have been sent, he thought, only to alarm and astonish an ignorant + multitude. Signs and wonders must have been addressed to him, and + men like him, leaders and rulers of the people. He never doubted + now that a sword of fire had been seen flaming over the city in the + midnight sky; that a heifer, driven there for sacrifice, had + brought forth a lamb in the midst of the Temple; or that the great + sacred gate of brass in the same building had opened of its own + accord in the middle watch of the night; nay, that chariots and + horsemen of fire had been seen careering in the heavens, and fierce + battles raging from the horizon to the zenith, with alternate tide + of conquest and defeat, with all the slaughter and confusion and + vicissitudes of mortal war.<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></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These + considerations endowed him with the exalted confidence which + borders on insanity. As the dreamer finds himself possessed of + supernatural strength and daring, attempting and achieving feats + which yet he knows the while are impossibilities, so Eleazar, + walking armed through the waning night towards the Temple, almost + believed that with his own right hand he could save his + country—almost hoped that with daylight he should find an angel or + a fiend at his side empowered to assist him, and resolved that he + would accept the aid of either, with equal gratitude and + delight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless, as + he entered the cloisters that surrounded the Court of the Gentiles, + his proud crest sank, his step grew slower and less assured. Nature + prevailed for an instant, and he would fain have gone over to that + gloomy corner, and bidden his brother a last kind farewell. The + possibility even crossed his brain of drawing his sword and setting + the prisoners free by a couple of strokes, bidding them escape in + the darkness, and shift for themselves; but the fanaticism which + had been so long gaining on his better judgment, checked the + healthy impulse as it arose. <span class="tei tei-q">“It may + be,”</span> thought <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page425">[pg + 425]</span><a name="Pg425" id="Pg425" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the Zealot, <span class="tei tei-q">“that this + last great sacrifice is required from me—from me, Eleazar + Ben-Manahem, chosen to save my people from destruction this day. + Shall I grudge the victim, bound as he is now with cords to the + altar? No, not though my father’s blood will redden it when he + dies. Shall I spare the brave young Gentile, who hath been to me as + a kinsman, though but a stranger within my gate, if his life too be + required for an oblation? No! not though my child’s heart will + break when she learns that he is gone forth into the night, never + to return. Jephthah grudged not his daughter to redeem his vow; + shall I murmur to yield the lives of all my kindred, freely as mine + own, for the salvation of Jerusalem?”</span> And thus thinking, he + steeled himself against every softer feeling, and resolved he would + not even bid the prisoners farewell. He could not trust himself. It + might unman him. It might destroy his fortitude; nay, it might even + offend the vengeance he hoped to propitiate. Besides, if he were + known to have held communication with two professed Christians, + where would be the popularity and influence on which he calculated + to bear him in triumph through the great decisive struggle of the + day? It was better to stifle such foolish yearnings. It was wiser + to harden his heart and pass by on the other side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nevertheless he + paused for a moment and stretched his arms with a yearning gesture + towards that corner in which his brother lay bound, and, while he + did so, a light step glided by in the gloom; a light figure passed + so near that it almost touched him, and a woman’s lips were pressed + to the hem of his garment with a long clinging kiss, that bade him + a last farewell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne, + returning to the city by the secret way from her interview with + Valeria in the Roman camp, had been careful not to enter her + father’s house, lest her absence might have been discovered, and + her liberty of action for the future impaired. She would have liked + to see that father once more; but all other considerations were + swallowed up in the thought of Esca’s danger, and the yearning to + die with him if her efforts had been too late to save. She sped + accordingly through the dark streets to the Temple, despising, or + rather ignoring, those dangers which had so terrified her in her + progress during the earlier part of the night. While she stole + under the shadow of the cloisters towards her lover, her ear + recognised the sound of a familiar step, and her eye, accustomed to + the gloom, and sharpened by a child’s affection, made out the + figure of her father, armed and on his way to the wall. She could + not but remember that the morning light which <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page426">[pg 426]</span><a name="Pg426" id="Pg426" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>was to bring certain death to Esca, + might not, improbably shine upon Eleazar’s corpse as well. He would + defend the place she knew to the last drop of his blood; and the + Roman would never enter the Temple but over the Zealot’s body. She + could never hope to see him again, the father whom, notwithstanding + his fierceness and his faults, she could not choose but love. And + all she could do was to shed a tear upon his garment, and wish him + this silent and unacknowledged farewell. Thus it was that Eleazar + bore with him into the battle the last caress he was ever destined + to receive from his child.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page427">[pg 427]</span><a name= + "Pg427" id="Pg427" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc121" id= + "toc121"></a> <a name="pdf122" id="pdf122"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 2.88em; margin-bottom: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVI</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">DAWN</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The day soon + broke in earnest, cold and pale on the towers and pinnacles of the + Temple. The lofty dome that had been looming in the sky, grand and + grey and indistinct, like the mass of clouds that rolls away before + the pure clear eye of morning, glowed with a flush of pink; and + changed again to its own glittering white of polished marble, as + its crest caught the full beams of the rising sun. Ere long the + golden roof was sparkling here and there in points of fire, to + blaze out at last in one dazzling sheet of flame; but still the + Court of the Gentiles below was wrapped in gloom, and the two bound + figures in its darkest corner, turned their pale faces upward to + greet the advent of another day—their last on earth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But their + attention was soon recalled to the court itself; for through the + dark recesses of the vaulted cloisters, was winding an ominous + procession of those who had been their judges, and who now + approached to seal the fiat of their doom. Clad in long dark robes, + and headed by their <span class="tei tei-q">“Nasi,”</span> they + paced slowly out, marching two by two with solemn step and stern + unpitying mien: it was obvious that the Sanhedrim adhered strictly + to that article of their code, which enjoined them to perform + justice without mercy. Gravely advancing with the same slow step, + gradual and inevitable as time, they ranged themselves in a + semicircle round the prisoners—then halted every man at the same + moment; while all exclaimed as with one voice, to notify their + completion and their unanimity—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here in the presence of the Lord!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again a + deathlike silence, intolerable, and apparently interminable to the + condemned. Even Calchas felt his heart burn with a keen sense of + injustice and a strange instinct of resistance; while Esca, rising + to his full height, and in spite of his bonds, folding his brawny + arms across his chest, frowned back at the pitiless assembly a + defiance that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page428">[pg + 428]</span><a name="Pg428" id="Pg428" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>seemed to challenge them to do their worst. + Matthias the son of Boethus then stepped forward from amongst his + fellows; and addressed, according to custom, the youngest member of + the Sanhedrim.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Phineas Ben-Ezra. Hath the doom gone + forth?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It hath gone forth through the nation,”</span> + answered Phineas, in deep sonorous tones. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“To north and south, to east and west; to all the + people of Judæa hath the inevitable decree been made manifest. The + accuser hath spoken and prevailed. The accused have been judged and + condemned. It is well. Let the sentence be executed without + delay!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Phineas Ben-Ezra,”</span> interposed Matthias, + <span class="tei tei-q">“can the condemned put forth no plea for + pardon or reprieve?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was according + to ancient custom that the Nasi should even at the last moment urge + this merciful appeal—an appeal that never obtained a moment’s + respite for the most innocent of sufferers. Ere Calchas or Esca + could have said a word on their own behalf, Phineas took upon + himself the established reply—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The voice of the Sanhedrim hath spoken! There is no + plea; there is no pardon; there is no reprieve.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Matthias + raised both hands above his head, and spoke in low grave + accents—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For the accused, justice; for the offender, death. The + Sanhedrim hath heard; the Sanhedrim hath judged; the Sanhedrim hath + condemned. It is written, <span class="tei tei-q">‘If a man be + found guilty of blasphemy, let him be stoned with stones until he + die!’</span> Again I say unto you, Calchas Ben-Manahem, and you, + Esca the Gentile, your blood be upon your own heads.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lowering his + hands, the signal was at once answered by the inward rush of some + score or two of vigorous young men, who had been in readiness + outside the court. These were stripped to the waist, and had their + loins girt. Some bore huge stones in their bare arms; others, + loosening the pavement with crow and pick-axe, stooped down and + tore it up with a fierce and cruel energy, as though they had + already been kept waiting too long. They were followers of John of + Gischala, and their chief, though he took no part in the + proceeding, stood at their head. His first glance was one of savage + triumph, which faded into no less savage disappointment, as he saw + Eleazar’s place vacant in the assembly of judges—that warrior’s + duties against the enemy excusing his attendance on the occasion. + John had counted on this critical moment for the utter discomfiture + of his rival; but <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page429">[pg + 429]</span><a name="Pg429" id="Pg429" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the latter, whose fortitude, strung as it had + been to the highest pitch, could scarcely have carried him through + such a trial as was prepared for him, had escaped it by leading a + chosen band of followers to the post of danger, where the inner + wall was weakest, and the breach so lately made had been hastily + and insufficiently repaired.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">John saw in this + well-timed absence another triumph for his invincible enemy. He + turned away with a curse upon his lips, and ordered the young men + to proceed at once in the execution of their ghastly duty. It + seemed to him that he must not lose a moment in following his rival + to the wall, yet he could not resist the brutal pleasure of + witnessing that rival’s brother lying defaced and mangled in the + horrible death to which he had been condemned. Already the stones + were poised, the fierce brows knit, the bare arms raised, when even + the savage executioners held their hands, and the grim Sanhedrim + glanced from one to another, half in uncertainty, half in pity, at + what they beheld. The figure of a woman darting from the gloomy + cloister, rushed across the court to fall in Esca’s arms with a + strange wild cry, not quite a shout of triumph, not quite a shriek + of despair; and the Briton looking down upon Mariamne, folded her + head to his breast, with a murmur of manly tenderness that even + such a moment could not repress, while he shielded her with his + body from the threatened missiles, in mingled gentleness and + defiance, as a wild animal turned to bay protects its young.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She passed her + hands across his brow with a fond impulsive caress. With a woman’s + instinct, too, of care and compassion, she gently stroked his wrist + where it had been chafed and galled by his bonds; then she smiled + up in his face, a loving happy smile, and whispered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“My own, my dear one; they shall never part us. If I + cannot save thee, I can die with thee; oh! so happy. Happier than I + have ever been before in my life.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a strange + feeling for him to shrink from the beloved presence, to avoid the + desired caress, to entreat his Mariamne to leave him; but though + his first impulse had been to clasp her in his arms, his blood ran + cold to think of the danger she was braving, the fate to which + those tender limbs, that fair young delicate body, would too surely + be exposed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no,”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“not + so. You are too young, too beautiful to die. Mariamne, if you ever + loved me—nay, as you love me, I charge you to leave me + now.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page430">[pg + 430]</span><a name="Pg430" id="Pg430" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked at + Calchas, whom she had not yet seemed to recognise, and there was a + smile—yes! a smile on her face, while she stood forth between the + prisoners, and fronted that whole assembly with dauntless forehead + and brave flashing eyes; her fair slight figure the one centre of + all observation, the one prominent object in the court.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen,”</span> she said, in clear sweet tones, that + rang like music to the very farthest cloisters. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen all, and bear witness! Princes of the House of + Judah, elders and nobles, and priests and Levites of the nation! ye + cannot shrink from your duty, ye cannot put off your sacred + character. I appeal to your own constitution and your own awful + vow. Ye have sworn to obey the dictates of wisdom without favour; + ye have sworn to fulfil the behests of justice without mercy. I + charge ye to condemn me, Mariamne, the daughter of Eleazar + Ben-Manahem, to be stoned with stones until I die; for that I too + am one of those Nazarenes whom men call Christians. Yea, I triumph + in their belief, as I glory in their name. Ye need no evidence, for + I condemn myself out of my own mouth. Priests of my father’s faith, + here in its very Temple I deny your holiness, I abjure your + worship, I renounce your creed! This building that overshadows me + shall testify to my denunciations. It may be that this very day it + shall fall in upon you and cover you with its ruins. If these have + spoken blasphemy, so have I; if these are offenders worthy of + death, so am I. I bear witness against you! I defy you! I bid you + do your worst on those who are proud and happy to die for + conscience’ sake!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her cheek + glowed, her eye flashed, her very figure dilated as she shook her + white hand aloft, and thus braved the assembled Sanhedrim with her + defiance. It was strange how like Eleazar she was at that moment, + while the rich old blood of Manahem mounted in her veins; and the + courage of her fathers, that of yore had smitten the armed + Philistine in the wilderness, and turned the fierce children of + Moab in the very tide of conquest, now blazed forth at the moment + of danger in the fairest and gentlest descendant of their line. + Even her very tones thrilled to the heart of Calchas, not so much + for her own sake, as for that of the brother whom he so loved, and + whose voice he seemed to hear in hers. Esca gazed on her with a + fond astonishment; and John of Gischala quailed where he stood, as + he thought of his noble enemy, and the hereditary courage he had + done more wisely not to have driven to despair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the tension + of her nerves was too much for her <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page431">[pg 431]</span><a name="Pg431" id="Pg431" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>woman’s strength. Bravely she hurled her + challenge in their very teeth; and then, shaking in every limb, she + leaned against the Briton’s towering form, and hid her face once + more on his breast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even the Nasi + was moved. Stern, rigid, and exacting, yet apart from his office he + too had human affections and human weaknesses. He had mourned for + more than one brave son, he had loved more than one dark-eyed + daughter. He would have spared her if he could, and he bit his lip + hard under the long white beard, in a vain effort to steady the + quiver he could not control. He looked appealingly amongst his + colleagues, and met many an eye that obviously sympathised with his + tendency to mercy; but John of Gischala interposed, and cried out + loudly for justice to be done without delay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye have heard her!”</span> he exclaimed, with an + assumption of holy and zealous indignation; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“out of her own mouth she is condemned. What need ye + more proof or further deliberation? The doom has gone forth. I + appeal to the Sanhedrim that justice be done, in the name of our + faith, our nation, our Temple, and our Holy City, which such + righteous acts as these may preserve even now from the desolation + that is threatening at the very gate!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With such an + assembly, such an appeal admitted of no refusal. The Seventy looked + from one to another and shook their heads, sorrowfully indeed, but + with knitted brows and grave stern faces that denoted no intention + to spare. Already Phineas Ben-Ezra had given the accustomed signal; + already the young men appointed as executioners had closed round + the doomed three, with huge blunt missiles poised, and prepared to + launch them forth, when another interruption arrived to delay for a + while the cruel sacrifice that a Jewish Sanhedrim dignified with + the title of justice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A voice that had + been often heard before, though never so wild and piercing as at + this moment, rang through the Court of the Gentiles, and seemed to + wail among the very pinnacles of the Temple towering in the morning + air above. It was a voice that struck to the hearts of all who + heard it—such a voice as terrifies men in their dreams; chilling + the blood, and making the flesh creep with a vague yet unendurable + horror, so that when the pale sleeper wakes, he is drenched with + the cold sweat of mortal fear. A voice that seemed at once to + threaten and to warn, to pity and to condemn; a voice of which the + moan and the burden were ever unbroken and the same—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Woe to Jerusalem! Woe to the Holy City! Sin, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page432">[pg 432]</span><a name= + "Pg432" id="Pg432" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and sorrow, and + desolation! Woe to the Holy City! Woe to Jerusalem!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Naked, save for + a fold of camel’s hair around his loins, his coarse black locks + matted and tangled, and mingled with the uncombed beard that + reached below his waist—his dark eyes gleaming with lurid fire, and + his long lean arms tossing aloft with the wild gestures of + insanity—a tall figure stalked into the middle of the court, and + taking up its position before the Nasi of the Sanhedrim, began + scattering around it on the floor the burning embers from a brazier + it bore on its head; accompanying its actions with the same + mournful and prophetic cry. The young men paused with their arms up + in act to hurl; the Nasi stood motionless and astonished; the + Sanhedrim seemed paralysed with fear; and the Prophet of Warning, + if prophet indeed he were, proceeded with his chant of vengeance + and denunciation against his countrymen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Woe to Jerusalem!”</span> said he once more. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Woe to the Holy City! A voice from the + East, a voice from the West, a voice from the four winds; a voice + against Jerusalem and the holy house; a voice against the + bridegrooms and the brides; and a voice against the whole + people!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he turned + aside and walked round the prisoners in a circle, still casting + burning ashes on the floor. Matthias, like his colleagues, was + puzzled how to act. If this were a demoniac, he entertained for him + a natural horror and aversion, enhanced by the belief he held, in + common with his countrymen, that one possessed had the strength of + a score of men in his single arm; but what if this should be a true + prophet, inspired directly from heaven? The difficulty would then + become far greater. To endeavour to suppress him might provoke + divine vengeance on the spot; whereas, to suffer his denunciations + to go abroad amongst the people as having prevailed with the Great + Council of the nation, would be to abandon the inhabitants at once + to despair, and to yield up all hope of offering a successful + defence to the coming attack. From this dilemma the Nasi was + released by the last person on whom he could have counted for + assistance at such a time. Pointing to the prisoners with his + wasted arm, the prophet demanded their instant release, threatening + divine vengeance on the Sanhedrim if they refused; and then + addressing the three with the same wild gestures and incoherent + language, he bade them come forth from their bonds, and join him in + his work of prophecy through the length and breadth of the + city.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have power to bind,”</span> he exclaimed, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and power to <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page433">[pg 433]</span><a name="Pg433" id="Pg433" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>loose! I command you to rend your bonds + asunder! I command you to come forth, and join me, the Prophet of + Warning, in the cry that I am commissioned to cry aloud, without + ceasing—<span class="tei tei-q">‘Woe to Jerusalem! Woe to the Holy + City! Woe to <a name="corr433" id="corr433" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">Jerusalem</span>!’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Calchas, + stretching out his bound hands, rebuked him, calmly, mildly, + solemnly, with the patience of a good and holy man—with the + instinctive superiority of one who is standing on the verge of his + open grave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wilt thou hinder God’s work?”</span> he said. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wilt thou dare to suppress the testimony + we are here to give in His presence to-day? See! even this young + girl, weak indeed in body yet strong in faith, stands bold and + unflinching at her post! And thou, O man! what art thou, that thou + shouldst think to come between her and her glorious reward? Be + still! be still! Be no more vexed by the unquiet spirit, but go in + peace, or rather stay here in the Court of the Gentiles, and bear + witness to the truth, for which we are so thankful and so proud to + die!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prophet’s + eye wandered dreamily from the speaker’s face to those of the + surrounding listeners. His features worked as though he strove + against some force within that he was powerless to resist; then his + whole frame collapsed, as it were, into a helpless apathy, and + placing his brazier on the ground, he sat down beside it, rocking + his body to and fro, while he moaned out, as it seemed + unconsciously, in a low and wailing voice, the burden of his + accustomed chant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To many in the + assembly that scene was often present in their after lives. When + they opened their eyes to the light of morning they saw its glow + once more on the bewildered faces of the Sanhedrim; on the + displeasure, mingled with wonder and admiration, that ruffled the + austere brow of Matthias; on the downward scowl that betrayed how + shame and fear were torturing John of Gischala; on the clear-cut + figures of the young men he had marshalled, girded and ready for + their cruel office; on Esca’s towering frame, haughty and undaunted + still; on Mariamne’s drooping form, and pale patient face; above + all, on the smile that illumined the countenance of Calchas, + standing there in his bonds, so venerable, and meek, and happy, now + turning to encourage his companions in affliction, now raising his + eyes thankfully to heaven, his whole form irradiated the while by a + flood of light, that seemed richer and more lustrous than the glow + of the morning sun.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But while the + prophet, thus tranquillised and silenced by <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page434">[pg 434]</span><a name="Pg434" id="Pg434" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the rebuke he had provoked, sat + muttering and brooding amongst his dying embers on the floor; while + the Sanhedrim, with their Nasi, stood aghast; while John of + Gischala gnawed his lip in impatient vindictive hatred; and the + young men gathered closer round their victims, as the wolves gather + in upon their prey,—Mariamne raised her head from Esca’s breast, + and, pushing the hair back from her ears and temples, stood for an + instant erect and motionless, with every faculty absorbed in the + one sense of listening. Then she turned her flashing eyes, lit up + with great hope and triumph, yet not untinged by wistful mournful + tenderness, upon the Briton’s face, and sobbed in broken accents, + between tears and laughter—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Saved! Saved! beloved. And by my hand, though lost to + me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sharpened by + intense affection, her ear alone had caught the distant note of the + Roman trumpets sounding for the assault.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page435">[pg 435]</span><a name= + "Pg435" id="Pg435" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc123" id= + "toc123"></a> <a name="pdf124" id="pdf124"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE FIRST STONE</span></span></h2> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_468.png"><img src="images/i_468.png" alt= + "Initial B" /></a> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the young + men would hold their hands no longer. Impatient of delay, and + encouraged by a sign from their leader, they rushed in upon the + prisoners. Esca shielded Mariamne with his body. Calchas, pale and + motionless, calmly awaited his fate. Gioras, the son of Simeon, a + prominent warrior amongst the Sicarii, hurling on him a block of + granite with merciless energy, struck the old man bleeding to the + earth; but while the missile left his hands—while he yet stood + erect and with extended arms, a Roman arrow quivered in the + aggressor’s heart. He fell upon his face stone dead at the very + feet of his victim. That random shaft was but the first herald of + the storm. In another moment a huge mass of rock, projected from a + powerful catapult against the building, falling short of its mark, + struck the prophet as he sat moaning on the ground, and crushed him + a lifeless, shapeless mass beneath its weight. Then rose a cry of + despair from the outer wall—a confused noise of strife and + shouting, the peal of the trumpets, the cheer of the conquerors, + the wild roar of defiance and despair from the besieged. Ere long + fugitives were pouring through the court, seeking the shelter of + the Temple itself. There was no time to complete the execution—no + time to think of the prisoners. John of Gischala, summoning his + adherents, and bidding the young men hasten for their armour, + betook himself to his stronghold within the Sacred Place. The + Sanhedrim fled in consternation, although Matthias and the braver + of his colleagues died afterwards in the streets, as became them, + under shield. In a few minutes the Court of the Gentiles was again + clear, save for the prisoners, one of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page436">[pg 436]</span><a name="Pg436" id="Pg436" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>whom was bound, and one mangled and bleeding + on the pavement, tended by Mariamne, who bent over her kinsman in + speechless sorrow and consternation. The fragment of rock, too, + which had been propelled against the Temple, lay in the centre, + over the crushed and flattened body of the prophet, whose hand and + arm alone protruded from beneath the mass. The place did not thus + remain in solitude for long. Fighting their retreat step by step, + and, although driven backward, contesting every yard with their + faces to the enemy, the flower of the Jewish army soon passed + through, in the best order they could maintain, as they retired + upon the Temple. Among the last of these was Eleazar; hopeless now, + for he knew all was lost, but brave and unconquered still. He cast + one look of affection at his brother’s prostrate form, one of + astonishment and reproof on his kneeling child; but ere he could + approach or even speak to her, he was swept on with the resistless + tide of the defeated, ebbing before the advance of the Roman + host.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now Esca’s + eye kindled, and his blood mounted, to a well-known battle-cry. He + had heard it in the deadly circus; he had heard it on the crumbling + breach; he had heard it wherever blows rained hard and blood flowed + free, and men fought doggedly and hopelessly, without a chance or a + wish for escape. His heart leaped to the cheer of the gladiators, + rising fierce, reckless, and defiant above all the combined din of + war, and he knew that his old comrades and late antagonists had + carried the defences with their wonted bravery, as they led the + Roman army to the assault.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Legion of + the Lost had indeed borne themselves nobly on this occasion. Their + leader had not spared them; for Hippias well knew that to-day, with + the handful left him by slaughter and disease, he must play his + last stake for riches and distinction; nor had his followers failed + to answer gallantly to his call. Though opposed by Eleazar himself + and the best he could muster, they had carried the breach at the + first onset—they had driven the Jews before them with a wild + headlong charge that no courage could resist, and they had entered + the outskirts of the Temple almost at the same moment with its + discomfited defenders. It was their trumpets sounding the advance + that reached Mariamne’s ear as she stood in the Court of the + Gentiles, awaiting the vengeance she had defied. And amongst this + courageous band two combatants had especially signalised themselves + by feats of reckless and unusual daring. The one was old + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page437">[pg 437]</span><a name= + "Pg437" id="Pg437" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Hirpinus, who felt + thoroughly in his element in such a scene, and whose natural valour + was enhanced by the consciousness of the superiority he had now + attained as a soldier over his former profession of a gladiator. + The other was a comrade whom none could identify; who was + conspicuous no less from his flowing locks, his beautiful form, and + his golden armour, than from the audacity with which he courted + danger, and the immunity he seemed to enjoy, in common with those + who display a real contempt for death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he followed + the golden headpiece and the long brown hair, that made way so + irresistibly through the press, more than one stout swordsman + exulted in the belief that some tutelary deity of his country had + descended in human shape to aid the Roman arms; and Titus himself + inquired, and waited in vain for an answer, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who was that dashing warrior, with white arms and + shining corselet, leading the gladiators so gallantly to the + attack?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But old Hirpinus + knew, and smiled within his helmet as he fought. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“The captain is well rid of her,”</span> thought he, + congratulating himself the while on his own freedom from such + inconveniences. <span class="tei tei-q">“For all her comely face + and winning laugh, I had rather have a tigress loose in my tent + than this fair, fickle, fighting fury, who takes to shield and + spear as other women do to the shuttle and the distaff!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria, in + truth, deserved little credit for her bravery. While apprehension + of danger never for a moment overmastered her, the excitement of + its presence seemed to offer a temporary relief to her wounded and + remorseful heart. In the fierce rush of battle she had no leisure + to dwell on thoughts that had lately tortured her to madness; and + the very physical exertion such a scene demanded, brought with it, + although she was unconscious of its severity, a sure anodyne for + mental suffering. Like all persons, too, who are unaccustomed to + bodily perils, the impunity with which she affronted each imparted + an overweening confidence in her good fortune, and an undue + contempt for the next, till it seemed to herself that she bore a + charmed life; and that, though man after man might fall at her side + as she fought on, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">she</span></span> was destined to fulfil her + task unscathed, and reach the presence of Esca in time to save him + from destruction, even though she should die the next minute at his + feet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two first + assailants who entered the Court of the Gentiles were Valeria, in + her golden armour, and Hirpinus, brandishing the short deadly + weapon he knew how to use <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page438">[pg + 438]</span><a name="Pg438" id="Pg438" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>so + well. They were close together; but the former paused to look + around, and the gladiator, rushing to the front, made for his old + comrade, whom he recognised on the instant. His haste, however, + nearly proved fatal. The heavily-nailed sandals that he wore + afforded but a treacherous foothold on the smooth stone pavement, + his feet slipped from under him, and he came with a heavy back-fall + to the ground. <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Habet!</span></span><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> + exclaimed Hippias, from the sheer force of custom, following close + upon his tracks; but he strained eagerly forward to defend his + prostrate comrade while he spoke, and found himself instantly + engaged with a score of Jewish warriors, who came swarming back + like bees to settle on the fallen gladiator. Hirpinus, however, + covered his body skilfully under his shield, and defended himself + bravely with his sword—dealing more than one fatal thrust at such + of his assailants as were rash enough to believe him vanquished + because down. As more of the gladiators came pouring in, they were + opposed by troops of the Jews, who, with Eleazar at their head, + made a desperate sally from the Temple to which they had retired, + and a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, that lasted several minutes, + took place round Hirpinus in the centre of the court. When he at + length regained his feet, his powerful aid soon made itself felt in + the fray, and the Jews, though fighting stubbornly still, were + obliged once more to retreat before the increasing columns of the + besiegers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Valeria, in the + meantime, rushing through the court to where she spied a well-known + form struggling in its bonds, came across the path of Eleazar, at + whom she delivered a savage thrust as she met him, lest he should + impede her course. The fierce Jew, who had enough on his hands at + such a moment, and was pressing eagerly forward into the thickest + of the struggle, was content to parry the stroke with his javelin, + and launch that weapon in return at his assailant, while he passed + on. The cruel missile did its errand only too well. The broad + thirsty point clove through a crevice in her golden corselet, and + sank deep in her white tender side, to drink the life-blood of the + woman-warrior as she sped onward in fulfilment of her fatal task. + Breaking the javelin’s shaft in her hands, and flinging the + fragments from her with a scornful smile, Valeria found strength to + cross the court, nor did her swift step falter, nor did her proud + bearing betray wounds or weakness, till she reached Esca’s side. A + loving smile of recognition, two strokes of <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page439">[pg 439]</span><a name="Pg439" id="Pg439" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>her sharp blade, and he was free! but as + the severed bonds fell from his arms, and he stretched them forth + in the delight of restored liberty, his deliverer, throwing away + sword and shield, seized his hand in both her own, and, pressing it + convulsively to her bosom, sank down helpless on the pavement at + his feet.</p><a name="i_472" id="i_472" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"> + <a href="images/i_472.png"><img src="images/i_472.png" alt= + "Sank down helpless on the pavement at his feet." /></a> + + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + Sank down helpless on the pavement at his feet. + </div> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page440">[pg 440]</span><a name= + "Pg440" id="Pg440" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc125" id= + "toc125"></a> <a name="pdf126" id="pdf126"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XVIII</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE COST OF CONQUEST</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mariamne turned + from the still insensible form of Calchas to the beautiful face, + that even now, though pale from exhaustion and warped with agony, + it pained her to see so fair. Gently and tenderly she lifted the + golden helmet from Valeria’s brows; gently and tenderly she + smoothed the rich brown hair, and wiped away the dews of coming + death. Compassion, gratitude, and an ardent desire to soothe and + tend the sufferer left no room for bitterness or unworthy feeling + in Mariamne’s breast. Valeria had redeemed her promise with her + life—had ransomed the man whom they both loved so dearly, at that + fatal price, for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">her</span></span>! and the Jewess could only + think of all she owed the Roman lady in return; could only strive + to tend and comfort her, and minister to her wants, and support her + in the awful moment she did not fail to see was fast approaching. + The dying woman’s face was turned on her with a sweet sad smile; + but when Mariamne’s touch softly approached the head of her + father’s javelin, still protruding from the wound, Valeria stayed + her hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not yet,”</span> she whispered with a noble effort + that steadied voice and lips, and kept down mortal agony; + <span class="tei tei-q">“not yet; for I know too well I am stricken + to the death. While the steel is there it serves to stanch the + life-blood. When I draw it out, then scatter a handful of dust over + my forehead, and lay the death-penny on my tongue. I would fain + last a few moments longer, Esca, were it but to look on thy dear + face! Raise me, both of you. I have somewhat to say, and my time is + short.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Briton + propped her in his strong arms, and she leaned her head against his + shoulder with a gesture of contentment and relief. The winning eyes + had lost none of their witchery yet, though soon to be closed in + death. Perhaps they never shone with so soft and sweet a lustre as + now, while they looked upon the object of a wild, foolish, and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page441">[pg 441]</span><a name= + "Pg441" id="Pg441" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>impossible love. + While one white hand was laid upon the javelin’s head, and held it + in its place, the other wandered over Esca’s features in a fond + caress, to be wetted with his tears. Her voice was failing, her + strength was ebbing fast, but the brave spirit of the Mutian line + held out, tameless and unshaken still.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have conquered,”</span> gasped the Roman lady, in + broken accents and with quick-coming breath. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have conquered, though at the cost of life. What + then? Victory can never be bought too dear. Esca, I swore to rescue + thee. I swore thou shouldst be mine. Now have I kept my oath. I + have bought thee with my blood, and I give thee—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">give</span></span> + thee, my own, to this brave girl, who risked her life to save thee + too, and who loves thee well; but not so well, not half so well, as + I have done. Esca, my noble one, come closer, closer yet.”</span> + She drew his face down nearer and nearer to her own while she + guided his hand to the javelin’s head, still fast in her side. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can bear this agony no longer,”</span> + she gasped, <span class="tei tei-q">“but it is not hard to die in + thine arms, and by thy dear hand!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus speaking, + she closed his grasp within her own, round the steel, and drew it + gently from the wound. The blood welled up in dark-red jets to pour + forth, as it cleared its channel, in one continuous stream that + soon drained life away. With a quiver of her dainty limbs, with a + smile deepening in her fair face, with her fond eyes fixed on the + man she loved, and her lips pressed against his hand, the spirit of + that beautiful, imperious, and wilful woman passed away into + eternity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Blinded by their + tears, neither Esca nor Mariamne were, for the moment, conscious of + aught but the sad fate of her who had twice saved the one from + death, and to whom the other had so lately appealed as the only + source of aid in her great need. Dearly as he loved the living + woman by his side, the Briton could not refrain from a burst of + bitter sorrow while he looked on the noble form of Valeria lying + dead at his feet; and Mariamne forgot her own griefs, her own + injuries, in holy pity for her who had sacrificed virtue, + happiness, wealth, life itself in his behalf, whom she, too, loved + more dearly than it behoves human weakness to love anything this + side the grave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the living + now claimed that attention which it availed no longer to bestow + upon the dead. Calchas, though sadly bruised and mangled, began to + show signs of restored life. The stone that stretched him on the + pavement had, indeed, dealt a fatal injury; but though it stunned + him for a time, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page442">[pg + 442]</span><a name="Pg442" id="Pg442" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>had failed to inflict instantaneous death. The + colour was now returning to his cheek, his breath came in long deep + sighs, and he raised his hand to his head with a gesture of renewed + consciousness, denoted by a sense of pain. Esca, careless and + almost unaware of the conflict raging around, bent sorrowfully over + his old friend, and devoted all his faculties to the task of aiding + Mariamne in her efforts to alleviate his sufferings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the meantime, + the tide of battle surged to and fro, with increasing volume and + unmitigated fury. The Legion of the Lost, flushed with success, and + secure of support from the whole Roman army in their rear, pressed + the Jews, with the exulting and unremitting energy of the hunter + closing in on his prey. These, like the wild beasts driven to the + toils, turned to bay with the dreadful courage of despair. Led by + Eleazar, who was ever present where most needed, they made repeated + sallies from the body of the Temple, endeavouring to regain the + ground they had lost, at least as far as the entrance to the Court + of the Gentiles. This became, therefore, an arena in which many a + mortal combat was fought out hand to hand, and was several times + taken and retaken with alternate success.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hippias, + according to his wont, was conspicuous in the fray. It was his + ambition to lead his gladiators into the Holy Place itself, before + Titus should come up, and with such an object he seemed to outdo + to-day the daring feats of valour for which he had previously been + celebrated. Hirpinus, who had no sooner regained his feet than he + went to work again as though, like the fabled Titan, he derived + renewed energy from the kisses of mother Earth, expostulated more + than once with his leader on the dangers he affronted, and the + numerical odds he did not hesitate to engage, but received to each + warning the same reply. Pointing with dripping sword at the golden + roof of the Temple flashing conspicuously over their heads, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Yonder,”</span> said the fencing-master, + <span class="tei tei-q">“is the ransom of a kingdom. I will win it + with my own hand for the legion, and share it amongst you equally, + man by man.”</span> Such a prospect inspired the gladiators with + even more than their usual daring; and though many a stout + swordsman went down with his face to the enemy, and many a bold eye + looked its last on the coveted spoil, ere it grew dark for ever, + the survivors did but close in the fiercer, to fight on, step by + step, and stroke by stroke, till the court was strewed with + corpses, and its pavement slippery with blood.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page443">[pg 443]</span><a name="Pg443" id="Pg443" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During a pause + in the reeling strife, and while marshalling his men, who had again + driven the Jews into the Temple, for a fresh and decisive attack, + Hippias found himself in that corner of the court where Esca and + Mariamne were still bending over the prostrate form of Calchas. + Without a symptom of astonishment or jealousy, but with his + careless half-contemptuous laugh, the fencing-master recognised his + former pupil, and the girl whom he had once before seen in the + porch of the tribune’s mansion at Rome. Taking off his heavy + helmet, he wiped his brows, and leaned for a space on his + shield.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go to the rear,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and take the lass with thee, man, since she seems to + hang like a clog round thy neck, wherever there is fighting to be + done. Give yourselves up to the Tenth Legion, and tell Licinius, + who commands it, you are my prisoners. ’Tis your only chance of + safety, my pretty damsel, and none of your sex ever yet had cause + to rue her trust in Hippias. You may tell him also, Esca, that if + he make not the more haste, I shall have taken the Temple, and all + belonging to it, without his help. Off with thee, lad! this is no + place for a woman. Get her out of it as quick as thou + canst.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the Briton + pointed downward to Calchas, who had again become unconscious, and + whose head was resting on Mariamne’s knees. His gesture drew the + attention of Hippias to the ground, cumbered as it was with slain. + He had begun with a brutal laugh to bid his pupil <span class= + "tei tei-q">“leave the carrion for the vultures,”</span> but the + sentence died out on his lips, which turned deadly white, while his + eyes stared vacantly, and the shield on which he had been leaning + fell with a clang to the stones.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There at his + very feet over the golden breastplate was the dead face of Valeria; + and the heart of the brave, reckless, and unprincipled soldier + smote him with a cruel pang, for something told him that his own + wilful pride and selfishness had begun that work, which was + completed, to his eternal self-reproach, down there.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He never thought + he loved her so dearly. He recalled, as if it were but yesterday, + the first time he ever saw her, beautiful and sumptuous and + haughty, looking down from her cushioned chair by the equestrian + row, with the well-known scornful glance that possessed for him so + keen a charm. He remembered how it kindled into approval as it met + his own, and how his heart thrilled under his buckler, though he + stood face to face with a mortal foe. He remembered how fondly he + clung to that mutual glance of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page444">[pg 444]</span><a name="Pg444" id="Pg444" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>recognition, the only link between them, + renewed more frankly and more kindly at every succeeding show, + till, raising his eyes to meet it once too often in the critical + moment of encounter, he went down badly wounded under the blow he + had thus failed to guard. Nevertheless, how richly was he rewarded + when fighting stubbornly on his knee, and from that disadvantageous + attitude vanquishing his antagonist at last, he distinguished + amidst the cheers of thousands her marked and musical <span lang= + "grc" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Euge!</span></span> syllabled so clearly + though so softly, for his special ear, by the lips of the proud + lady, whom from that moment he dared to love! Afterwards, when + admitted periodically to her house, how delightful were the + alternations of hope and fear with which he saw himself treated; + now as an honoured guest, now as a mere inferior, at another time + with mingled kindness and restraint, that, impassible as he thought + himself, woke such wild wishes in his heart! How sweet it was to be + sure of seeing her at certain stated hours, the recollection of one + meeting bridging over the intervening period so pleasantly, till it + was time to look forward to another! She was to him like the + beautiful rose blooming in his garden, of which a man is content at + first only to admire the form ere he learns to long for its + fragrance, and at last desires to pluck it ruthlessly from the stem + that he may wear it on his breast. How soon it withers there and + dies, and then how bitterly, how sadly, he wishes he had left it + blushing where it grew! There are plenty more flowers in the + garden, but none of them are quite equal to the rose.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was strange + how little Hippias dwelt on the immediate past—how it was the + Valeria of Rome, not the Valeria of Judæa, for whom his heart was + aching now. He scarcely reverted even to the delirious happiness of + the first few days when she accompanied him to the East; he did not + dwell on his own mad joy, nor the foolish triumph that lasted so + short a time. He forgot, as though they had never been, her + caprice, her wilfulness, her growing weariness of his society, and + the scorn she scarcely took the trouble to conceal. It was all past + and gone now, that constraint and repugnance in the tent, that + impatience of each other’s presence, those angry recriminations, + those heartless biting taunts and the final rupture that could + never be pardoned nor atoned for now. She was again Valeria of the + olden time, of the haughty bearing, and the winning eyes, and the + fresh glad voice that sprang from a heart which had never known a + struggle nor a fall—the Valeria whose every <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page445">[pg 445]</span><a name="Pg445" id="Pg445" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>mood and gesture were gifted with a + dangerous witchery, a subtle essence that seems to pervade the very + presence of such women—a priceless charm, indeed, and yet a fatal, + luring the possessor to the destruction of others and her own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Oh, that she + could but speak to him once more! Only once, though it were in + words of keen reproach or bitter scorn! It seemed like a dream that + he should never hear her voice again; and yet his senses vouched + that it was waking cold reality, for was she not lying there before + him, surrounded by the slain of his devoted legion? The foremost, + the fairest, and the earliest lost, amongst them all!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He took no + further note of Calchas nor of Esca. He turned not to mark the + renewed charge of his comrades, nor the increased turmoil of the + fight, but he stooped down over the body of the dead woman, and + laid his lips reverently to her pale cold brow. Then he lifted one + of her long brown tresses, dabbled as they were in blood, to sever + it gently and carefully with his sword, and unbuckling his + corselet, hid it beneath the steel upon his heart. After this, he + turned and took leave of Esca. The Briton scarcely knew him, his + voice and mien were so altered. But watching his figure as he + disappeared, waving his sword, amidst the press of battle, he knew + instinctively that he had bidden Hippias the gladiator a long and + last farewell.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page446">[pg 446]</span><a name= + "Pg446" id="Pg446" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc127" id= + "toc127"></a> <a name="pdf128" id="pdf128"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XIX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE GATHERING OF THE EAGLES</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Shouting their + well-known war-cry, and placing himself at the head of that handful + of heroes who constituted the remnant of the Lost Legion, Hippias + rallied them for one last desperate effort against the defenders of + the Temple. These had formed a hasty barricade on the exigency of + the moment from certain beams and timbers they had pulled down in + the Sacred Place. It afforded a slight protection against the + javelins, arrows, and other missiles of the Romans, while it + checked and repulsed the impetuous rush of the latter, who now + wavered, hesitated, and began to look about them, making inquiry + for the battering-rams and other engines of war that were to have + supported their onset from the rear. In vain Hippias led them, once + and again, to carry this unforeseen obstacle. It was high and firm, + it bristled with spears and was lined with archers; above all, it + was defended by the indomitable valour of Eleazar, and the + gladiators were each time repulsed with loss. Their leader, too, + had been severely wounded. He had never lifted his shield from the + ground where it lay by Valeria’s side; and, in climbing the + barricade, he had received a thrust in the body from an unknown + hand. While he stanched the blood with the folds of his tunic, and + felt within his breastplate for the tress of Valeria’s hair, he + looked anxiously back for his promised reinforcements, now sorely + needed, convinced that his shattered band would be unable to obtain + possession of the Temple without the assistance of the legions. + Faint from loss of blood, strength and courage failing him at the + same moment, an overpowering sense of hopeless sorrow succeeding + the triumphant excitement of the last hour, his thoughts were yet + for his swordsmen; and collecting them with voice and gesture, he + bade them form with their shields the figure that was called + <span class="tei tei-q">“the tortoise,”</span> as a screen against + the shower of missiles that overpowered them from the barricade. + Cool, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page447">[pg 447]</span><a name= + "Pg447" id="Pg447" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>confident, and + well-drilled, the gladiators soon settled into this impervious + order of defence; and the word of command had hardly died on his + lips ere the leader himself was the only soldier left out of that + movable fortress of steel.<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></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Turning from the + enemy to inspect its security, his side was left a moment exposed + to their darts. The next, a Jewish arrow quivered in his heart. + True to his instincts, he waved his sword over his head, as he went + down, with a triumphant cheer; for his failing ear recognised the + blast of the Roman trumpets—his darkening eye caught the glitter of + their spears and the gleam of their brazen helmets, as the legions + advanced in steady and imposing order to complete the work he and + his handful of heroes had begun.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even in the act + of falling, Esca, looking up from his charge, saw the + fencing-master wheel half-round that his dead face might be turned + towards the foe; perhaps, too, the Briton’s eye was the only one to + observe a thin dark stream of blood steal slowly along the + pavement, till it mingled with the red pool in which Valeria + lay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Effectual + assistance had come at last. From the Tower of Antonia to the + outworks of the Temple a broad and easy causeway had been thrown up + in the last hour by the Roman soldiers. Where every man was + engineer as well as combatant, there was no lack of labour for such + a task. A large portion of the adjoining wall, as of the tower + itself, had been hastily thrown down to furnish materials; and + while the gladiators were storming the Court of the Gentiles, their + comrades had constructed a wide, easy, and gradual ascent, by + which, in regular succession, whole columns could be poured in to + the support of the first assailants. These were led by Julius + Placidus with his wonted skill and coolness. In his recent + collision with Esca he had sustained such severe injuries as + incapacitated him from mounting a horse; but with the Asiatic + auxiliaries were several elephants of war, and on one of these huge + beasts he now rode exalted, directing from his movable tower the + operations of his own troops, and galling the enemy when occasion + offered with the shafts of a few archers who accompanied him on the + patient and sagacious animal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The elephant, in + obedience to its driver, a dark supple <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page448">[pg 448]</span><a name="Pg448" id="Pg448" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Syrian, perched behind its ears, ascended the + slope with ludicrous and solemn caution. Though alarmed by the + smell of blood, it nevertheless came steadily on, a formidable and + imposing object, striking terror into the hearts of the Jews, who + were not accustomed to confront such enemies in warfare. The + tribune’s arms were more dazzling, his dress even more costly than + usual. It seemed that with his Eastern charger he affected also + something of Eastern luxury and splendour; but he encouraged his + men, as he was in the habit of doing, with jeer and scoff, and such + coarse jests as soldiers best understand and appreciate in the + moment of danger.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner had he + entered the court, through its battered and half-demolished + gateway, than his quick eye caught sight of the still glowing + embers scattered by the Prophet of Warning on the pavement. These + suggested a means for the destruction of the barricade, and he + mocked the repulsed gladiators, with many a bitter taunt, for not + having yet applied them to that purpose. Calling on Hirpinus, who + now commanded the remnant of the Lost Legion, to collect his + followers, he bade them advance under the <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">testudo</span></span> to pile these embers + against the foundations of the wooden barrier.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The defenders cannot find a drop of water,”</span> + said he, laughing; <span class="tei tei-q">“they have no means of + stifling a fire kindled from without. In five minutes all that dry + wood will be in a blaze, and in less than ten there will be a + smoking gap in the gateway large enough for me to ride through, + elephant and all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Assisted by + fresh reinforcements, the gladiators promptly obeyed his orders. + Heaps of live embers were collected and applied to the wooden + obstacle so hastily erected. Dried to tinder in the scorching sun, + and loosely put together for a temporary purpose, it could not fail + to be sufficiently inflammable; and the hearts of the besieged sank + within them as the flame began to leap and the woodwork to crackle, + while their last defences seemed about to consume gradually + away.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The tribune had + time to lean over from his elephant and question Hirpinus of his + commander. With a grave sad brow and a heavy heart, the stout old + swordsman answered by pointing to the ground where Hippias lay, his + face calm and fixed, his right hand closed firmly round his + sword.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">Habet!</span></span>”</span> + exclaimed the tribune with a brutal laugh; adding to himself, as + Hirpinus turned away sorrowful and <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page449">[pg 449]</span><a name="Pg449" id="Pg449" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>disgusted, <span class="tei tei-q">“My last + rival down; my last obstacle removed. One more throw for the Sixes, + and the great game is fairly won!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Placidus was + indeed now within a stride of all he most coveted, all he most + wished to grasp on earth. A dozen feet below him, pale and rigid on + the ground, lay the rival he had feared might win the first place + in the triumph of to-day; the rival whom he knew to possess the + favour of Titus; the rival who had supplanted him in the good + graces of the woman he loved. He had neither forgotten nor forgiven + Valeria; but he bore none the less ill-will against him with whom + she had voluntarily fled. When he joined the Roman army before + Jerusalem, and found her beautiful, miserable, degraded, in the + tent of the gladiator, he had but dissembled and deferred his + revenge till the occasion should arrive when he might still more + deeply humiliate the one and inflict a fatal blow on the other. Now + the man was under his elephant’s feet; and the woman left alone + yonder, friendless and deserted in the camp, could not, he thought, + fail eventually to become his prey. He little knew that those who + had made each other’s misery in life were at last united in the + cold embrace of death. He had arrived, too, in the nick of time, to + seize and place on his own brows the wreath that had been twined + for him by the Lost Legion and their leader. A little earlier and + Hippias, supplied by himself with fresh troops, would have won the + credit of first entering the Temple; a little later, and his + triumph must have been shared by Licinius, already with the Tenth + Legion close upon his rear. But now, at the glorious opportunity, + there was nothing between him and victory save a score of Jewish + spearmen and a few feet of blazing wood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Leaning over to + the unwilling driver, he urged him to goad the elephant through the + flames, that its weight might at once bear down what remained of + the barricade and make a way for his followers into the Temple. + Ambition prompted him not to lose a moment. The Syrian unwound the + shawl from his waist, and spread it over the animal’s eyes, while + he persuaded it, thus blindfolded, to advance. Though much alarmed, + the elephant pushed on, and there was small hope that the shattered + smouldering barrier would resist the pressure of its enormous + weight. The last chance of the besieged seemed to fail them, when + Eleazar leaped out through the smoke, and, running swiftly to meet + it, dashed under the beast’s uplifted trunk, and stabbed it + fiercely with <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page450">[pg + 450]</span><a name="Pg450" id="Pg450" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>quick repeated thrusts in the belly. At each + fresh stroke the elephant uttered a loud and hideous groan, a + shriek of pain and fear, mingled with a trumpet-note of fury, and + then sinking on its knees, fell slowly and heavily to the ground, + crushing the devoted Zealot beneath its huge carcass, and + scattering the band of archers, as a man scatters a handful of + grain, over the court.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleazar never + spoke again. The Lion of Judah died as he had lived—fierce, + stubborn, unconquered, and devoted to the cause of Jerusalem. + Mariamne recognised him as he sallied forth, but no mutual glance + had passed between the father and the child. Pale, erect, + motionless, she watched him disappear under the elephant, but the + scream of horror that rang from her white lips when she realised + his fate was lost in the wild cry of pain, and anger, and dismay, + that filled the air, while the huge quivering mass tottered and + went down. Placidus was hurled to the pavement like a stone from a + sling. Lying there, helpless, though conscious, he recognised at + once the living Esca and the dead Valeria; but baffled wrath and + cherished hatred left no room in his heart for sorrow or remorse. + His eye glared angrily on the Briton, and he ground his teeth with + rage to feel that he could not even lift his powerless hand from + the ground; but the Jewish warriors were closing in with fierce + arms up to strike, and it was but a momentary glimpse that Esca + obtained of the tribune’s dark, despairing, handsome face. It was + years, though, ere he forgot the vision. The costly robes, the + goodly armour, the shapely writhing form, and the wild hopeless + eyes that gleamed with hatred and defiance both of the world he + left and that to which he went.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now the + court was filling fast with a dun lurid smoke that wreathed its + vapours round the pinnacles of the Temple, and caused the still + increasing troops of combatants to loom like phantom shapes + struggling and fighting in a dream. Ere long, bright tongues of + flame were leaping through the cloud, licking the walls and pillars + of the building, gliding and glancing over the golden surface of + its roof, and shooting upwards here and there into shifting + pyramids of fire. Soon was heard the hollow rushing roar with which + the consuming element declares its victory, and showers of sparks, + sweeping like storms across the Court of the Gentiles, proclaimed + that the Temple was burning in every quarter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the + gladiators, in the wild wantonness of strife, had caught a blazing + fragment of the barricade, as its remains were carried by a rush of + his comrades, after the fall of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page451">[pg 451]</span><a name="Pg451" id="Pg451" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Eleazar, and flung it into an open window of + the Temple over his head. Lighting on the carved woodwork, with + which the casement was decorated, it soon kindled into a strong and + steady flame, that was fed by the quantity of timber, all + thoroughly dry and highly ornamented, which the building contained; + thus it had communicated from gallery to gallery, and from storey + to storey, till the whole was wrapped in one glowing sheet of fire. + From every quarter of the city, from Agrippa’s wall to the Mount of + Olives, from the camp of the Assyrians to the Valley of Hinnom, + awestruck faces of friend and foe, white with fear, or anger, or + astonishment, marked that rolling column, expanding, swaying, + shifting, and ever rising higher into the summer sky, ever flinging + out its red forked banner of destruction broader, and brighter, and + fiercer, with each changing breeze.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the Jews + knew that their great tribulation was fulfilled—that the curse + which had been to them hitherto but a dead letter and a sealed + book, was poured forth literally in streams of fire upon their + heads—that their sanctuary was desolate, their prosperity gone for + ever, their very existence as a nation destroyed, and <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the place that had known them should know them no + more”</span>! The very Romans themselves, the cohorts advancing in + serried columns to support their comrades, the legions massed in + solid squares for the completion of its capture, in all the open + places of the town, gazed on the burning Temple with concern and + awe. Titus, even, in the flush of conquest, and the exulting joy of + gratified ambition, turned his head away with a pitying sigh, for + he would have spared the enemy had they but trusted him, would fain + have saved that monument of their nationality and their religion, + as well for their glory as his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now with the + flames leaping, and the smoke curling around, the huge timbers + crashing down on every side to throw up showers of sparkling embers + as they fell—the very marble glowing and riven with heat—the + precious metal pouring from the roof in streams of molten fire—Esca + and Mariamne, half suffocated in the Court of the Gentiles, could + not yet bring themselves to seek their own safety, and leave the + helpless form of Calchas to certain destruction. Loud shouts, cries + of agony and despair, warned them that even the burning Temple, at + furnace heat, was still the theatre of a murderous and useless + conflict. The defenders had set the example of merciless bloodshed, + and the Romans, exasperated to cruelty, now took no prisoners and + gave no quarter. John of Gischala and his followers, driven to bay + by the legions, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page452">[pg + 452]</span><a name="Pg452" id="Pg452" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>still kept up a resistance the more furious + that it was the offspring of despair. Hunted from wall to wall, + from roof to roof, from storey to storey, they yet fought on while + life and strength remained. Even those whose weapons failed them, + or who were hemmed in by overwhelming numbers, leaped down like + madmen, and perished horribly in the flames.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But although + steel was clashing, and blood flowing, and men fighting by myriads + around it, the Court of the Gentiles lay silent and deserted under + its canopy of smoke, with its pavement covered by the dead. The + only living creatures left were the three who had stood there in + the morning, bound and doomed to die. Of these, one had his foot + already on the border-land between time and eternity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I will never desert him,”</span> said Esca to his pale + companion; <span class="tei tei-q">“but thou, Mariamne, hast now a + chance of escape. It may be the Romans will respect thee if thou + canst reach some high commander, or yield thee to some cohort of + the reserve, whose blood is not a-fire with slaughter. What said + Hippias of the Tenth Legion and Licinius? If thou couldst but lay + hold on his garment, thou wert safe for my sake!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And leave thee here to die!”</span> answered Mariamne. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, Esca! what would life be then? + Besides, have we not trusted through this terrible night, and shall + we not trust still? I know who is on my side. I have not forgotten + all he taught me who lies bruised and senseless here. See, Esca! He + opens his eyes. He knows us! It may be we shall save him + now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas did + indeed seem to have recovered consciousness; and the life so soon + to fade glowed once more on his wasted cheek, like an expiring lamp + that glimmers into momentary brightness ere its flame is + extinguished for ever.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page453">[pg 453]</span><a name= + "Pg453" id="Pg453" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc129" id= + "toc129"></a> <a name="pdf130" id="pdf130"></a> + + <h2 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">CHAPTER XX</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 100%">THE VICTORY</span></span></h2> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Tenth + Legion, commanded by Licinius and guarding the person of their + beloved prince, were advancing steadily upon the Temple. Deeming + themselves the flower of the Roman army, accustomed to fight under + the eye of Titus himself, there was no unseemly haste in the + movements of these highly disciplined troops. None even of that + fiery dash, which is sometimes so irresistible, sometimes so + dangerous a quality in the soldier. The Tenth Legion would no more + have neglected the even regularity of their line, the mechanical + precision of their step, in a charge than in a retreat. They were, + as they boasted, <span class="tei tei-q">“equal to either + fortune.”</span><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> Not + flushed by success, because they considered victory the mere wages + to which they were entitled—not discouraged by repulse, because + they were satisfied that the Tenth Legion could do all that was + possible for soldiers; and the very fact of their retiring, was to + them in itself a sufficient proof that sound strategy required such + a movement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus, when the + Legion of the Lost dashed forward with wild cheers and an impetuous + rush to the attack, the Tenth supported them with even ranks and + regular pace and a scornful smile on their keen, bronzed, quiet + faces. They would have taken the Temple, they thought, if they had + the order, with half the noise and in half the time, so they closed + remorselessly in, as man after man fell under the Jewish missiles, + and preserved through their whole advance the same stern, haughty, + and immovable demeanour, which was the favourite affectation of + their courage. Titus had addressed them, when he put himself at + their head, to recommend neither steadiness, valour, nor implicit + compliance with orders, for in all such requirements he could + depend on them, as if they were really what he loved to call them, + <span class="tei tei-q">“his own children”</span>! but he exhorted + them to spare the lives of the vanquished, and to respect as far as + possible the property as <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page454">[pg + 454]</span><a name="Pg454" id="Pg454" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>well as the persons of the citizens. Above + all, he had hoped to save the Temple; and this hope he expressed + again and again to Licinius, who rode beside him, even until gazing + sorrowfully on the mass of lowering smoke and yellow flame, his own + eyes told him that his clemency was too late.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even then, + leaving to his general the duty of completing its capture and + investing its defences, he put spurs to his horse and rode at speed + round the building, calling on his soldiers to assist him in + quenching the flames, shouting, signing, gesticulating; but all in + vain.<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> Though + the Tenth Legion were steady as a rock, the rest of the army had + not resisted the infection of success; and stimulated by the + example of the gladiators, were more disposed to encourage than to + impede the conflagration—nor, even had they wished, would their + most strenuous efforts have been now able to extinguish it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though fighting + still went on amongst the cloisters and in the galleries of the + Temple; though John of Gischala was still alive, and the Robbers + held out, here and there, in fast diminishing clusters; though the + Zealots had sworn to follow their leader’s example, dying to a man + in defence of the Holy Place; and though the Sicarii were not yet + completely exterminated—Jerusalem might nevertheless be considered + at length in possession of the Roman army. Licinius, leading the + Tenth Legion through the Court of the Gentiles, more effectually to + occupy the Temple, and prevent if possible its total destruction, + was accosted at its entrance by Hirpinus, who saluted him with a + sword dripping from hilt to point in blood. The old gladiator’s + armour was hacked and dinted, his dress scorched, his face + blackened with smoke; but though weary, wounded, and exhausted, his + voice had lost none of its rough jovial frankness, his brow none of + the kindly good-humoured courage it had worn through all the + hardships of the siege.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hail, prætor!”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I shall live to see thee sitting <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page455">[pg 455]</span><a name="Pg455" id="Pg455" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>yet once again, high on the golden car, + in the streets of Rome. The Temple is thine at last, and all it + contains, if we can only save it from these accursed flames. The + fighting is over now; and I came back to look for a prisoner who + can tell me where water may be found. The yellow roof yonder is + flaring away like a torch in an oil-cask, and they must be fond of + gold who can catch it by handfuls, guttering down like this in + streams of fire. Our people, too, have cut their prisoners’ throats + as fast as they took them, and I cannot find a living Jew to show + me well or cistern. Illustrious! I have won spoil enough to-day to + buy a province—I would give it all for as much clear water as would + go into my helmet. The bravest old man in Syria is dying in yonder + corner for want of a mouthful!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Returning + through the court, in obedience to the prince’s orders, to collect + men and procure water, if possible, for the extinction of the + conflagration, Hirpinus had recognised his young friend Esca with + no little surprise and delight. Seeing Calchas, too—for whom, ever + since his bold address to the gladiators in the training-school, he + had entertained a sincere admiration—lying half suffocated, and at + his last gasp, on the stones, the old swordsman’s heart smote him + with a keen sense of pity, and something between anger and shame at + his own helplessness to assist the sufferer. He said nothing but + truth, indeed, when he declared that he would give all his share of + spoil for a helmetful of water; but he might have offered the price + of a kingdom rather than a province, with as little chance of + purchasing what he desired. Blood there was, flowing in streams, + but of water not a drop! It was more in despair than hope that he + told his sad tale to Licinius, on whom it seemed natural for every + soldier in the army to depend when in trouble, either for himself + or for others. Giving his orders, clear, concise, and imperative to + his tribunes, the Roman general accompanied Hirpinus to the corner + of the court where Calchas lay. Fallen beams and masses of charred + timber were smouldering around, dead bodies, writhed in the wild + contortions of mortal agony, in heaps on every side—he was sick and + faint, crushed, mangled, dying from a painful wound, yet the + Christian’s face looked calm and happy; and he lay upon the hard + stones, waiting for the coming change, like one who seeks + refreshing slumber on a bed of down.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As the kind eyes + turned gently to Licinius, in glance of friendly recognition, they + were lit with the smile that is never worn but by the departing + traveller whose barque has already <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page456">[pg 456]</span><a name="Pg456" id="Pg456" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>cast off its moorings from the shore—the smile + in which he seems to bid a hopeful, joyful farewell to those he + leaves for a little while, with which he seems to welcome the chill + breeze and the dark waters because of the haven where he would be. + Mariamne and Esca, bending over with tender care, and watching each + passing shade on that placid countenance, knew well that the end + was very near.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His strength was + almost gone; but Calchas pointed to his kinswoman and the Briton, + while looking at Licinius he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“They + will be your care now. I have bestowed on you countless treasures + freely yonder in the camp of the Assyrians.<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> This + you shall promise me in return.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Licinius laid + his shield on the ground and took the dying man’s hand in both his + own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are my children,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“from this day forth. Oh! my guide, I will never forget + thy teaching nor thy behest.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Calchas looked + inquiringly in the face of Hirpinus. The gladiator’s rugged + features bore a wistful expression of sorrow, mingled with + admiration, sympathy, and a dawning light of hope.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bring him into the fold with you,”</span> he murmured + to the other three, and then his voice came loud and strong in full + triumphant tones. <span class="tei tei-q">“It may be that this man + of blood, also, shall be one of the jewels in my crown. Glory to + Him who has accepted my humble tribute, who rewards a few brief + hours of imperfect service; a blow from a careless hand with an + eternity of happiness, an immortal crown of gold! I shall see you, + friends, again. We shall meet ere we have scarcely parted. You will + not forget me in that short interval. And you will rejoice with me + in humble thankful joy that I have been permitted to instruct you + of heaven, and to show you myself the way.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Exhausted with + the effort, he sank back ere he had scarce finished speaking, and + his listeners, looking on the calm dead face, from which the + radiant smile had not yet faded, needed to keep watch no longer, + for they knew that the martyr’s spirit was even now holding + converse with the angels in heaven.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 5.00em; text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">PRINTED BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, + EDINBURGH</span></span></p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-back" style= + "margin-top: 6.00em; margin-bottom: 2.00em"> + <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-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <a name="toc131" id="toc131"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 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">The dinner or <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">prandium</span></span> of Rome was the first + meal in the day.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_2" name="note_2" href= + "#noteref_2">2.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A technical term for a school of + gladiators trained by the same master.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_3" name="note_3" href= + "#noteref_3">3.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“<span lang= + "la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sicarii</span></span>,”</span> or + homicides—bands of assassins, regularly organised in Judæa, who + made a trade of murder.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_4" name="note_4" href= + "#noteref_4">4.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"> + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “You may break, you may ruin, the vase if you will; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + But the scent of the roses will hang round it still.” + </div> + </div> + </dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_5" name="note_5" href= + "#noteref_5">5.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">According to Pliny, the + distinguishing sign of newly-arrived slaves.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_6" name="note_6" href= + "#noteref_6">6.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">About twelve pounds sterling.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_7" name="note_7" href= + "#noteref_7">7.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sestercius</span></span> was at this period + about 1¾d., or rather more. The <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sestercium</span></span>, or thousand + sesterces, about £7, 16s.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_8" name="note_8" href= + "#noteref_8">8.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This inhuman practice was actually + in vogue.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_9" name="note_9" href= + "#noteref_9">9.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The form by which a gladiator, who + had repeatedly distinguished himself, received his dismissal and + immunity from the arena for life.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_10" name="note_10" + href="#noteref_10">10.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The well-known <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Morituri te salutant!”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_11" name="note_11" + href="#noteref_11">11.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">About forty pounds sterling.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_12" name="note_12" + href="#noteref_12">12.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Christiani + ad leones! virgines ad lenones!”</span>—a sentence that found no + small favour with the Roman crowd.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_13" name="note_13" + href="#noteref_13">13.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The <span lang="grc" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: italic">clepsydra</span></span>, or water-clock—a + Greek invention for the division of time—consisting of a hollow + globe made of glass, or some transparent substance, from which + the water trickled out through a narrow orifice, in quantities so + regulated, that the sinking level of the element marked with + sufficient exactitude the time that had elapsed since the vessel + was filled.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_14" name="note_14" + href="#noteref_14">14.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This game is played to-day with + equal zest, under its Italian name of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Morro.”</span> Perhaps its nature was best rendered + by the Latin phrase <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">micare + digitos</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-q">“to flash the + fingers.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_15" name="note_15" + href="#noteref_15">15.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Domitian.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_16" name="note_16" + href="#noteref_16">16.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Hippicus, Phasaelus, and lovely + Mariamne, for whom, in the dead of night, the great king used to + call out in his agony of remorse when she was no more.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_17" name="note_17" + href="#noteref_17">17.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Josephus, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wars of the + Jews</span></span>, book v. sec. 5.</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 first call of the Roman trumpets + in camp, about two hours before dawn, was distinguished by that + name.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_19" name="note_19" + href="#noteref_19">19.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Now when he had said this he looked + round about him, upon his family, with eyes of commiseration and + of rage (that family consisted of a wife and children, and his + aged parents), so in the first place he caught his father by his + grey hairs, and ran his sword through him, and after him he did + the same to his mother, who willingly received it; and after them + he did the like to his wife and children, every one almost + offering themselves to his sword, as desirous to prevent being + slain by their enemies; so when he had gone over all his family + he stood upon their bodies, to be seen by all, and stretching out + his right hand, that his action might be observed by all, he + sheathed his entire sword into his own bowels. This young man was + to be pitied, on account of the strength of his body, and the + courage of his soul.—Josephus, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wars of the + Jews</span></span>, book ii. sec. 18.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_20" name="note_20" + href="#noteref_20">20.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Moreover, their hunger was so + intolerable, that it obliged them to chew everything, while they + gathered such things as the most sordid animals would not touch, + and endured to eat them; nor did they at length abstain from + girdles and shoes; and the very leather which belonged to their + shields they pulled off and gnawed: the very wisps of old hay + became food to some; and some gathered up fibres, and sold a very + small weight of them for four Attic (drachmæ).—Josephus, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wars of + the Jews</span></span>, book vi. sec. 3.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_21" name="note_21" + href="#noteref_21">21.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">This frightful supper is said to + have been eaten in the dwelling of one Mary of Bethezub, which + signifies the House of Hyssop.—Josephus, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wars of the + Jews</span></span>, book vi. sec. 3.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_22" name="note_22" + href="#noteref_22">22.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">For a description of these + portentous appearances, both previous to and during the siege of + Jerusalem, see Josephus, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Wars of the Jews</span></span>, book vi. + sec. 5, as related by the historian with perfect good faith, and + no slight reproaches to the incredulity of his obdurate + countrymen—that generation of whom the greatest authority has + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“Except ye see signs and wonders, + ye will not believe.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_23" name="note_23" + href="#noteref_23">23.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The exclamation with which the + spectators notified a conclusive thrust or blow in the + circus.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_24" name="note_24" + href="#noteref_24">24.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In bringing forward their heavy + battering-rams, or otherwise advancing to the attack of a + fortified place, the Roman soldiers were instructed to raise + their shields obliquely above their heads, and, linking them + together, thus form an impervious roof of steel, under which they + could manœuvre with sufficient freedom. This formation was called + the <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">testudo</span></span>, or + tortoise, from its supposed resemblance to the defensive covering + with which nature provides that animal.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_25" name="note_25" + href="#noteref_25">25.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Utrinque + parati.”</span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_26" name="note_26" + href="#noteref_26">26.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Then did Cæsar, both by calling to + the soldiers that were fighting, with a loud voice, and by giving + a signal to them with his right hand, order them to quench the + fire; but they did not hear what he said, though he spake so + loud, having their ears already dinned by a greater noise another + way; nor did they attend to the signal he made with his hand + neither, as still some of them were distracted with passion, and + others with fighting, neither any threatenings nor any + persuasions could restrain their violence, but each one’s own + passion was his commander at this time; and as they were crowding + into the Temple together many of them were trampled on by one + another, while a great number fell among the ruins of the + cloisters, which were still hot and smoking, and were destroyed + in the same miserable way with those whom they had + conquered.—Josephus, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Wars of the Jews</span></span>, book vi. + sec. 4.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_27" name="note_27" + href="#noteref_27">27.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The ground occupied by the Roman + lines during the siege.</dd> + </dl> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="boxed tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <a name="pdf132" id="pdf132"></a><a name="toc133" id="toc133"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Transcriber’s Note</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The illustrations + have been placed between paragraphs in the electronic text.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Variations in + hyphenation 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-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr009" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 9</a>, exclamation mark added after + <span class="tei tei-q">“Jugurtha”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr098" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 98</a>, quote mark removed after + <span class="tei tei-q">“plans.”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr114" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 114</a>, quote mark removed before + <span class="tei tei-q">“after”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr137" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 137</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“wel”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“well”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr164" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 164</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Brition”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Briton”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr259" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 259</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“inbibed”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“imbibed”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr335" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 335</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“Where + s”</span> changed to <span class="tei tei-q">“Where + is”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr433" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 433</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Jeruslaem”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Jerusalem”</span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 4.00em; margin-bottom: 4.00em"> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GLADIATORS. A TALE OF ROME AND JUDÆA*** +</pre> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 3.00em; margin-bottom: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader134" id="rightpageheader134"></a><a name= + "pgtoc135" id="pgtoc135"></a><a name="pdf136" id="pdf136"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 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 class="tei tei-label tei-label-gloss">December 30, + 2014 </th> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="tei tei-item tei-item-gloss"> + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" + style="margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item">Project Gutenberg TEI + edition 1</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><span class= + "tei tei-respStmt"><span class= + "tei tei-resp">Produced by <span class= + "tei tei-name">Shaun Pinder</span>, <span class= + "tei tei-name">Stefan Cramme</span> and the Online + Distributed Proofreading Team at + http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from + images generously made available by The Internet + Archive)</span></span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader137" id="rightpageheader137"></a><a name= + "pgtoc138" id="pgtoc138"></a><a name="pdf139" id="pdf139"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">A Word from Project + Gutenberg</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This file + should be named 47822-h.html or 47822-h.zip.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This and all + associated files of various formats will be found in: <a href= + "http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/7/8/2/47822/" class= + "block tei tei-xref" style= + "margin-top: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span style= + "font-size: 90%">http://www.gutenberg.org</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">/dirs/4/7/8/2/47822/</span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Updated + editions will replace the previous one — the old editions will be + renamed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Creating the + works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law + means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, + so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the + United States without permission and without paying copyright + royalties. 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