Chapter 19

When Appius told his mother and his sister what Augustus had said to
him, they were greatly distressed. But Arria would not believe that
Vergilius had been guilty of dishonor. Such were her anxiety and her
fear of injustice falling upon her lover, the girl would have it that
she must go to Jerusalem with Appius. She would neither be turned away
nor bear with dissuasion. Her brother told her not of the bitter
message of Augustus, and, fearing the wiles of the Jewish prince,
determined to take her with him. So, therefore, as the sun rose on the
nones of November in that year of the birth of Jesus, they set out with
a troop of horse on the Appian Way.

They were midland in Thrace on their way to Piraeus, where a ship
waited them, when they were overtaken by the cavalcade of Antipater.
The prince, summoned by Herod, was now returning, under royal banners,
to receive his inheritance of glory and power. A letter had started
him, which, according to the great historian of that time, was warm
with affectionate greeting. Antipater, also, was to take ship for
Judea. He had learned of the departure of Appius and Arria, and had
pushed his horses to the limit of their speed in order to overtake
them. When he first saw the troop of the young Roman, he left his
column and came rushing on to greet them.

The troop of Appius quickly faced about and stood with raised lances.

"Proud son and daughter of Publius," said Antipater, drawing rein, "my
heart, my horses, and my men are at your service!" He was now splendid
in royal vestments of purple and gold.

"Our gratitude is not less than our surprise," said Appius. "How came
you flying out of the west like a bluebird?"

"'Tis a winged foot that goes to meet a friend," said the prince. "I
left Rome far behind you and I go to Jerusalem."

"We took you for a bandit."

"And I am only a king," said Antipater, proudly. "I am summoned to
take the crown of my father."

"And is he dead?"

"Nay, but ill and weary of his burden."

Appius removed his helmet as he made answer:

"The gods give you health, honor, and wisdom, O king! Will you ride
with us?"

"Already the gods give me honor," said the prince, bowing politely as
the troop made way for him. "I doubt not they will add health and
wisdom. But there is a blessing I put above either."

They started slowly, Antipater riding between Arria and her brother in
advance of the troop.

"And shall we ask the gods to grant it?" said Arria.

"Yes, for it is your favor, sweet girl. I adore you, and shall have no
other