d there was much confusion. I
sent out milites stationarii to quell the tumult; these reported that
the insurgents, who have given much trouble of late, had joined openly
with the barbarians; had overthrown the temple of Jupiter and slain the
Flamen Dialis. Two hours before midnight, that night, the public baths
were blown up in their own steam, and fire broke out in various parts of
the city. The barbarians, inflamed with wine and the example of the
insurgents, began to plunder. Thou knowest my forces have been steadily
diminished these last three years, and together the barbarians and the
insurgents outnumbered the Augustans five to one. My colleague in
office, Titus Honius the Abulcian, going out to pacify the people, was
slain. I and my companions fled just before daybreak yesterday. Many
people have taken to the forest. The city is now a very hell of
drunkenness, rapine, fire, and smoke. And this, it seems to me, is but
the beginning. Those barbarians who have long been settled here, upon
the Eastern Shore, and those who still keep coming, will together
outnumber us, insurgents and Augustans both. It is in my mind to propose
that we, the lords of the cities, send again to AEtius, proconsul in
Gaul, for help, even as we did two years ago."

"I fear that is what it must come to," said Eudemius, thoughtfully. He
turned to Marius. "Think you that AEtius can spare us a legion again?"

Marius shrugged his shoulders.

"It is hard to say," he answered. "I think it likely that he will, if he
be not himself too hard pressed."

"Marcus Pomponius and Quintus Fabius are here, with many others of the
lords," said Eudemius. "We celebrate this day the betrothal feast of my
daughter and Marius here,--" he laid a hand on the young tribune's
shoulder,--"and in three days the marriage. If you will stay, we may
talk of this together."

"I feel scarce in humor for marriage feasts and gaiety," said Aurelius.
"My people are dead, my city falling to ashes. But I will stay at least
long enough to discuss what plans we may think of for relief. If aught
is to be done it should be done quickly."

"Rest now," Eudemius said, "and to-night, if you will, join us at the
feasting." He clapped his hands, and when slaves came, ordered that his
new guests be taken to rooms and baths prepared for them. They went
away, a weary and dejected set of men. Eudemius and Marius paced the
gallery together.

"If AEtius cannot send help--" said Eudemius, f