Chapter 23 - Page 2

to your marriage with Arria. I shall explain
everything but the purpose of the emperor, and who may understand him?
If it be due to caprice or doubt or anger he will do you justice. But
if a deeper motive is in his mind who knows what may happen?"

This letter kindled a fire in the heart of Vergilius. It burned
fiercely, so that prudence and noble feeling were driven out. In spite
of the warning of the young tribune, Manius had remained in Jerusalem.
Vergilius had delayed action, dreading to bring the wrath of Rome upon
one so young, so well born, so highly honored, and possibly so far
misled. Therefore, he had held his peace and waited patiently for more
knowledge. Now the evil heart of the assessor was laid bare, his
infamy proven. Vergilius reread the letter with flashing eyes. Then
he summoned his lecticarii and set out for the palace of the plotter.
Manius approached him, a kindly greeting on his lips.

"Liar!" Vergilius interrupted, his hand upon his sword. "Speak no word
of kindness to me!"

"What mean you, son of Varro?" the other demanded.

"That, with me, you have not even the right of an enemy. You are a
deadly serpent, born to creep and hide. Shame upon you--murderer! If
there be many like you, what--God tell me!--what shall be the fate of
Rome?"

Vergilius stepped away, and, lifting his hands, gave the other a look
of unspeakable scorn. Manius made no reply, but stood as still and
white as marble, with sword in hand.

"It was I who sat beside you that night," said the other, his voice
aglow with feeling. "When I heard you speak treason I cut off the end
of your girdle. But you left by some unguarded way and escaped the
fate of your fellows. You have not seen them since, and shall not.
When you see them die in the arena think what you escaped, although
deserving it more than they. Vile serpent! you brought the king, and
hoped to send me also to Hades. You are a traitor, and that I know.
Traitor to friend and country! Dare to provoke me further and I shall
slay you!"

"What would you, son of Varro?" said the other, sullenly.

"Wretch! If you would save your life, hide as becomes the asp. Creep
away from them who would put their feet upon you. Go live and die with
the wild men of the far deserts."

"Traitor to the gods!" said Manius, threatening with his sword. "Roman
Jew! I am of noble birth, and claim the right of combat."

"I give it, though you have no better right than dogs. Well, it would
please my hand to slay you. I know the name and father you have
dishonored, and you are grandnephew of the good Lady Claudia--noble
mother of