Chapter 21

Arria and her brother were far from the shores of Hellas and near the
Isle of Doom. Tepas knew that a few leagues more would bring him in
sight of the familiar cliffs. Brother and sister were reclining on the
deck of their trireme. The tenth day of their journey was near its
end. The sun had sunk through misty depths of purple, and now seemed
to melt and pour a flood of fire upon the waters.

"I am weary," said the girl, looking thoughtfully at the calm sea.

"Of me?" said her brother.

"Nay, but of that groaning of the rowers. It tells me of aching arms
in the galley. I cannot sleep at night, hearing it."

Appius laughed with amusement. "Little fool!" said he. "The slaves of
Tepas are all Jews."

"But they are men," said the beautiful girl; "and do you not
understand, dear brother? I love a man."

"Love!" exclaimed Appius, with contempt, "'Tis only as the longing of
the bird for its mate."

"Nay, I would give all for him I love."

"Not all," said he, with a look of surprise.

"Yes, all--even you, and my mother, and my home, and my country, and my
life--I am sick with longing. And when I think of him I cannot bear to
see men suffer."

"You are gone mad," said Appius, "and I pray the gods to bring you
back. It may be the fair Vergilius forgets you."

She turned, quickly, and her voice trembled as she whispered: "Nay, he
also has the great love in him. He could not forget."

Cyran, the pretty slave-girl, came soon with their evening repast.
Arria bade her sit beside them.

"Tell us, dear Cyran," said the Roman beauty--"tell us a tale of old
Judea."

"Beloved mistress," said Cyran, kneeling by the side of Arria and
kissing the border of her robe, "listen; I will tell you of the coming
of the great love. Long ago there was a maiden of Galilee so beautiful
that many came far to see her. Now, it so befell, there came a certain
priest, young and fair to look upon, who did love her and seek her hand
in marriage. And she loved him, even as you love, but would not wed
him. O my good mistress! She knew that a mighty king was coming, and
she was held of a great hope that God would choose her for the blessed
mother. And, still loving the priest, she kept herself pure in thought
and deed. Every day they saw each other, but stayed apart, and their
love grew holier the more it was put down. And oh, it was a wonder!
for it filled their hearts with kindness and sent their feet upon
errands of mercy. And many years passed, and one day they sat together.

"'My beloved, you