Chapter 6

Now there were few barriers between the emperor and the people. He
went to work in his study at an early hour and gave a patient hearing
to any but foolish men. This morning he had been reading a long
address from the legate of Syria. He had a way of dividing his thought
between reading and small affairs of the state. His legate recited all
he had been able to learn of the new king they were now expecting in
Judea. He told also of a plot which had baffled all his efforts and
which aimed to take the life of Herod and crown the king of prophecy
and divine power.

"We must have a spy of noble blood and bearing, of unswerving fidelity
and honor, and with some knowledge of the religion of Judea," said the
legate. "Of course, you will not be able to find him, for where in all
the world, save yourself, good father, is there such a man?"

Augustus dropped the sheet of vellum and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"How about this young Vergilius--the handsome, clever, woman-loving
Vergilius?" he thought. Then for a moment the cunning emperor laughed
silently.

Ever since he began to read the letter he had been conversing with his
daughter Julia.

"If you can propose a better candidate for the girl, I--" he paused,
looking intently at the letter--"I shall consider him," he added,
presently.

"She is beautiful," his daughter whispered. "I know one who will give
to the state many thousand aurei."

"No need of hurry. The young Vergilius will give what is better than
money, and then--"

The emperor paused again.

"And then?" it was the inquiry of Julia.

"He will forget her and she will grow weary and yield. There's time
enough, and time"--he took a little mirror from the table and looked
down upon it--"can accomplish many things," he added. "It will have
the assistance of fame and honor and new faces. Now go, I beg of you,
and leave me to my work."

A delegation of Jews--petty merchants of the Trastevere--were leaving
as Vergilius entered. The emperor, now alone save for his young
caller, rose and gave him a sprig of laurel.

"Sit here," said he, resuming his seat and pausing for a little to
study a sheet of vellum in his hands. He continued, without raising
his eyes: "I have another test for you, my fair son. You shall be
assistant procurator in Jerusalem, with rank of tribune. It may be you
shall have command of the castle. Three days from now take the south
road with Manius and a troop of horse. This court of Herod--of course,
I am speaking kindly, my dear Vergilius--but, you may know, it is a
place of mysteries, and there are