Chapter 18

It was the day before the nones of November in Rome. The emperor had
returned to his palace after opening the Ludi Plebeii. The people had
hailed him as father, forgiver, peace-maker. A softened spirit,
sweeping over the world, was come upon them. That day they had put in
his hands a petition for new laws to limit the power of men over
slaves. But in that matter he was bound to ancient custom by fetters
of his own making. Once--he was then emperor of Rome but not of his
own spirit--he had punished a slave by crucifixion for killing a pet
quail. For that act, one cannot help thinking, he must have been
harassed with regret. The sting of it tempered his elation that
November day. He was, however, pleased with the spirit of the people
and his heart was full of sympathy and good-will.

On his table were letters from the south. He lay comfortably in his
great chair and began to read them. Presently his body straightened,
the wrinkles deepened in his brow. Soon he flung the letter he had
been reading upon his table and leaned back, laughing quietly as he
remarked to himself:

"Innocent, beautiful son of Varro! He is making progress."

An attendant came near.

"Find my young Appius at once and bring him to me," said the emperor,
as he went on reading his letters.

Appius, quickly found, came with all haste to the great father of Rome.

"I have news for you," said the latter, quietly, with a glance at his
young friend. He continued to read his letters.

"News!" said Appius.

"'Tis of Vergilius--the apt and youthful Vergilius. How swift,
industrious, and capable is he! How versatile! How varied his
attainments!"

"I am delighted."

The emperor turned his keen eyes on the young man, with a smile of
amusement. Then he spoke, gently:

"'Tis only four months, and he has become a conspirator, and also a
prophet, and is likely soon to be--what is that word they use in
Judea?--an angel. You will start for Jerusalem to-morrow, my good
Appius. And when you arrive there convey to him my congratulations."

"Your congratulations!"

"That he is upon earth to receive them," said the great man. He
resumed his letters and continued speaking, slowly: "Tell him I have
been asked to consider whether he should keep his head upon his
shoulders, and that I have decided to refer the question to him. It
will not come back to me. Say, also, that he should have more light
upon his friends, and that I have withdrawn my consent to his marriage."

The young man rose, a look of astonishment in his face.

"But shall I be in time?" said he, with some excitement.