t the camp, saying, "Grant no leave of absence to Virginius,
but keep him in safe custody with you." But this availed nothing, for
already, before ever the epistle was brought to the camp, at the very
first watch of the night, Virginius had set forth.

When Virginius was come to the city, it being then early dawn, he put on
mean apparel, as was the custom with such as were in danger of life or
liberty, and carried about his daughter, who was clad in like manner,
praying all that he met to help and succor him. "Remember," said he, "that
day by day I stand fighting for you and for your children against your
enemies. But what shall this profit you or me if this city being safe,
nevertheless our children stand in peril of slavery and shame?" Icilius
spake in like manner, and the women (for a company of matrons followed
Virginia) wept silently, stirring greatly the hearts of all that looked
upon them. But Appius, so set was his heart on evil, heeded none of these
things; but so soon as he had sat him down on the seat of judgment, and he
that claimed the girl had said a few words complaining that right had not
been done to him, he gave his sentence, suffering not Virginius to speak.
What pretense of reason he gave can scarce be imagined, but the sentence
(for this only is certain) was that the girl should be in the custody of
Claudius till the matter should be decided by law. But when Claudius came
to take the maiden, her friends and all the women that bare her company
thrust him back. Then said Appius, "I have sure proof, and this not from
the violence only of Icilius, but from what is told to me of gatherings by
night in the city, that there is a purpose in certain men to stir up
sedition. Knowing this I have come hither with armed men; not to trouble
quiet citizens, but to punish such as would break the peace of the state.
Such as be wise, therefore, will keep themselves quiet. Lictor, remove
this crowd, and make room for the master that he may take his slave."
These words he thundered forth in great anger; and the people, when they
heard them, fell back in fear, so that the maiden stood without defense.
Then Virginius, seeing that there were none to help him, said to Appius,
"I pray thee, Appius, if I have said aught that was harsh to thee, that
thou wilt pardon it, knowing how a father must needs suffer in such a
case. But now suffer me to inquire somewhat of this woman that is the
girl's nurse, that I may know what is the