ifices. Are the Christians here good
citizens and devoted to the welfare of the state?"

"We need no courts of justice for them."

"Then take their money and distribute it among the needy; but I must
forbid their meeting for a general thanksgiving; they may raise their
hands to their great spirit in my behalf, in private. Their doctrine
must not be brought into publicity; it is not devoid of a delusive charm
and it is indispensable to the safety of the state that the mob should
remain faithful to the old gods and sacrifices."

"As you command, Caesar."

"You know the account given of the Christians by Pliny and Trajan?"

"And Trajan's answer."

"Well then let us leave them to follow their own devices in private
after their own fashion; only they must not commit any breach of the
laws of the state nor force themselves into publicity. As soon as they
show any disposition to refuse to the old gods the respect that is due
to them, or to raise a finger against them, severity must be exercised
and every excess must be punished by death."

During this conversation Verus had entered the room; he was following
the Emperor everywhere to-day for he hoped to hear him say a word as to
his observation of the heavens, and yet he did not dare to ask him what
he had discovered from them.

When he saw that Hadrian was occupied he made a chamberlain conduct him
to Antinous. The favorite turned pale as he saw the praetor, still
he retained enough presence of mind to wish him all happiness on his
birthday. It did not escape Verus that his presence had startled
the lad; he therefore plied him at first with indifferent questions,
introduced pleasing anecdotes into his conversation and then, when he
had gained his purpose, he added carelessly:

"I must thank you in the name of the state and of every friend of
Caesar's. You carried out your undertaking well to the end, though by
somewhat overpowering means."

"I entreat you say no more," interrupted Antinous eagerly, and looking
anxiously at the door of the next room.

"Oh! I would have sacrificed all Alexandria to preserve Caesar's mind
from gloom and care. Besides we have both paid dearly for our good
intentions and for those wretched sheds."

"Pray talk of something else."

"You sit there with your hands bound up and your hair singed, and I feel
very unwell."

"Hadrian said you had helped valiantly in the rescue."

"I was sorry for the poor rats whose gathered store of pro