ter, who was clad in like manner,
praying all that he met to help and succour 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 pretence 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 defence. 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 enquire somewhat of this woman that is the girl's nurse, that I may
know what is the truth of the matter. For if I have been deceived in
the matter, and am not in truth father to the girl, I shall be more
content." Then, Appius giving permission, he led his daughter and her
nurse a little space aside, to the shops that are by the temple of
Cloacina, and snatching a knife from a butcher's, said, "My daughter,
there is but this one way that I can make thee free," and he drave the
knife into her breast.

[Illus