The Conclusion

'UBI THESAURUS IBI COR.'

Shortly after the opening of the provision markets outside the gates of
Rome, the Goths broke up their camp before the city and retired to
winter quarters in Tuscany. The negotiations which ensued between
Alaric and the Court and Government at Ravenna, were conducted with
cunning moderation by the conqueror, and with infatuated audacity by the
conquered, and ultimately terminated in a resumption of hostilities.
Rome was besiege and second and a third time by 'the barbarians'. On
the latter occasion the city was sacked, its palaces were burnt, its
treasures were seized; the monuments of the Christian religion were
alone respected.

But it is no longer with the Goths that our narrative is concerned; the
connection with them which it has hitherto maintained closes with the
end of the first siege of Rome. We can claim the reader's attention for
historical events no more--the march of our little pageant, arrayed for
his pleasure, is over. If, however, he has felt, and still retains,
some interest in Antonina, he will not refuse to follow us, and look on
her again ere we part.

More than a month had passed since the besieging army had retired to
their winter quarters, when several of the citizens of Rome assembled
themselves on the plains beyond the walls, to enjoy one of those rustic
festivals of ancient times, which are still celebrated, under different
usages, but with the same spirit, by the Italians of modern days.

The place was a level plot of ground beyond the Pincian Gate, backed by
a thick grove of pine trees, and looking towards the north over the
smooth extent of the country round Rome. The persons congregated were
mostly of the lower class. Their amusements were dancing, music, games
of strength and games of chance; and, above all, to people who had
lately suffered the extremities of famine, abundant eating and
drinking--long, serious, ecstatic enjoyment of the powers of mastication
and the faculties of taste.

Among the assembly were some individuals whose dress and manner raised
them, outwardly at least, above the general mass. These persons walked
backwards and forwards together on different parts of the ground as
observers, not as partakers in the sports. One of their number,
however, in whatever direction he turned, preserved an isolated
position. He held an open letter in his hand, which he looked at from
time to time, and appeared to be wholly absorbed in his own thoughts.
This man we may advantageously particularise on his own account, as well
as on account of the peculiarity of his accidental situation; for he was
the favoured minister of Vetranio's former pleasures--'the industrious
Carrio'.

The freedman (who was last introduced to