Vergilius: A Tale of the Coming of Christ

these days," the philosopher wa

uired the

, and it is well. Th

of Vergil and Homer,"

just returned

worship?" said the philosopher, a subtle irony in his voice. It

" was the rem

these

t likely to cut off o

still a power with the people, and the people have great

young may live to see the end. It shall be like the opening of the underworld.

ay it be?"

iars," he qui

udia went with her noble sisters to meet the Idaean mother at Terracina they were able to f

go," said the philosopher, "by the gods above

," said the Lady Lucia, by

tone, as he turned to the senator. "Her hair is a

is a lie," s

lk?" asked the mothe

gil

ht to me and its end

ou obe

, a way seemed to suggest itself, and he added: "Madame, forgive me. I do now remember we had a word or two a

toss

Head, yes; th

o the oaken beams and it fel

" said Vergilius. "I fea

the coin. Something passed between her and her pleasu

he remarked, sadly. "Love is for t

, your cheeks hav

she, with a quick glance about her.

di

at did

g man he

I knew that you would talk of

ve me; but I am sure

day speak, my brave Vergilius-speak to her brot

so pl

are for dinner, and the guests made their farewells. Soon Appius and

en doing?" the former

drea

wh

happiness, an

sist

r and wish to m

rospects. I can see no objection to you. But

am no longer in Rome. I have found the gateway of a better world-like

But, Vergilius, there is one higher than I who shall

rse, but do much fear h

year he has sat, like a beggar, at his gate a

an od

hispered. "He must conceal his power if he would live out his time. I will pre

me," said yo

avianus Augustus-had terrified the world; whose delicate hands flung the levin of his power to the far boundar

r palace," said Appius. "Rather plain wood, divans out of fashion, rugs o

ondness for

old women, my

he is himse

tor! There, by t

gray toga, stood by one of the white columns. Three Moorish childr

es off. "A gift of two hundred thousand denarii would be fitting, and, if you will permit me to say so,

Rome was then a republic in name it was an empire in fact, and Augustus, wielding th

r! I hope, at least, you

ve you only the opportunity of earning them. As to myself, I am poor. Look at me. Ev

he subtle meaning in thes

s head was bare and his fair, curly locks, growing low upon his forehead, were no

e tone, as he rose. "And this-let me thi

u should remember m

Well, I dare say they were pretty girls. But I forget; I am to-day seeking alms, my good children, for the poor of Rome. I am as ten

l of coins; Vergiliu

id the latter. "Your

d five thousand dena

ou. Say that I may have you to feast with me the first d

commands," said Vergi

w you not, boy, 'tis time you married?" He held the hand of the young knight and spoke

urple dome there is none more beautiful, and with your

en, I k

ia, sister

oved prefect. You are a

above the cheeks, quickly grew stern. His mind, which had the world for its toy and which planned the building or the treading down of

ing to the young man. "Say no more to

You will be a statesman, my dear Vergilius; you gave hi

l have no heart to live,"