a beautiful, rare flower, and then
withdraws it because it would be a crime to destroy so exquisite a work
of the Creator."

"And what does the flower owe to your maiden," cried Dion, "or our city
to Rome? Let us meet her claims with dignified resolution, then I think
we shall not have the worst evils to fear."

"Let us hope so. But, my friend, keep your eyes open for other than Roman
foes. Now that it will become known that you do not love her, beware of
Iras. There is something about her which reminds me of the jackal.
Jealousy!--I believe she would be capable of the worst--"

"Yet," Dion interrupted, "Charmian will soften whatever injury Iras plans
to do me, and, though I cannot rely much upon my uncle, Archibius is
above both and favours us and our marriage."

Gorgias uttered a sigh of relief, and exclaimed, "Then on to happiness!"

"And you must also begin to provide for yours," replied Dion warmly.
"Forbid your heart to continue this wandering, nomad life. The tent which
the wind blows down is not fit for the architect's permanent residence.
Build yourself a fine house, which will defy storms, as you built my
palace. I shall not grudge it, and have already said, the times demand
it."

"I will remember the advice," replied Gorgias. "But six eyes are again
bent upon me for direction. There are so many important things to be done
while we waste the hours in building triumphal arches for the
defeated--trophies for an overthrow. But your uncle has just issued
orders to complete the work in the most magnificent style. The ways of
destiny and the great are dark; may the brightest sunshine illumine
yours! A prosperous journey! We shall hear, of course, when you celebrate
the wedding, and if I can I shall join you in the Hymenaeus. Lucky fellow
that you are! Now I'm summoned from over yonder! May Castor and Pollux,
and all the gods favourable to travel, Aphrodite, and all the Loves
attend your trip to Irenia, and protect you in the realm of Eros and
Hymen!"

With these words the warm-hearted man clasped his friend to his breast
for the first time. Dion cordially responded, and at last shook his hard
right hand with the exclamation:

"Farewell, then, till we meet in Irenia on the wedding day, you dear,
faithful fellow."

Then he entered the chariot which stood waiting, and Gorgias gazed after
him thoughtfully. The hyacinthine purple cloak which Dion wore that day
had not vanished from his sight when a loud crash