Chapter 23

Now in Vergilius and in many of that time the human heart had dropped
its plummet into new depths of feeling, the human mind had made a reach
for nobler principles. A greater love between men and women, spreading
mysteriously, had been as the uplift of a mighty wave on the deep of
the spirit. It had broadened the sympathy of man; it had extended his
vision beyond selfish limits. Vergilius and Arria had crossed the
boundary of barbaric evolution under the leadership of love. The young
man was now in the borderland of new attainment. He was full of the
joy and the wonder of discovery. He was like a child--eager for
understanding and impatient of delay. Now he thought with the pagans
and now with the Jews.

At his palace a letter had been waiting for the tribune. It was from
his friend Appius. "My excellent and beloved Vergilius," it said, "I
address you with a feeling of deep concern for your safety. To-night
by tabellarius, my letter shall go down to the sea on its way to
Jerusalem. And now to its subject. This morning I went to the public
games, and, returning, I was near my palace when a messenger, bearing
the command of Augustus, overtook and stopped me. Quickly I made my
way to The Laurels. Our great imperator was in his chamber and reading
letters. He gave me a glance and greeted me. I saw he wished me to
come near, and I stood close beside him. Then, with that slow, gentle
tone, he hurled his lightning into me--you remember his way. He told
me, as he read, that you were making rapid progress in Jerusalem; that
you had become a conspirator, a prophet, and were likely soon to be an
angel. And he bade me go to you with his congratulations that you have
succeeded so long in keeping your head upon your shoulders. Oh, deep
and cunning imperator! Said he: 'I cannot tell you the name of my
informant; and really, my good son, why--why should I?' There, spread
before me on the table, so I knew he wished me to see it, was a letter
which bore the signature of Manius and gave information of a certain
council. I could not make out the name, but I was able to recall how
the great father had said to me, once, that when a man secretly puts
blame upon another, the infamy he charges shall be only half his own.
Our imperator is no fool, my friend. 'A ship will be leaving the
seventh day before the ides,' said he. '_You_ will not be able to make
it.' His meaning was clear. It could bear my warning, if not me, and
here it is. With the gods' favor, soon, also, I shall be able to say
to you, here am I. To-morrow at dawn I leave for Jerusalem."

Beneath the signature these words were added: "As soon as possible I
wish to know all and to speak my heart to you. The emperor has
withdrawn his consent