"Now I shall be able to place a monument
upon the spot where my brave brother fell for Rome and for Cethegus."

"Yes," said Salvius Julianus, "imprescriptible is the Romans' right to
Rome."

"But if we are to go secretly, see to it well, Prefect," said Piso,
"that our departure is concealed so long from the greatest cripple of
all times, that it will be impossible for him to overtake us."

"No," said Cethegus, "you shall not depart in secret. I have convinced
myself that this most prudent of all heroes has placed outposts far
beyond our position on the left wing. What we considered our outposts
are hemmed round by _his_--occupied by his Longobardian wolves, whom he
has placed in all directions. Without his consent, you cannot manage
your departure either by force or deception. It will be far wiser to
act openly. If he chooses, he can frustrate our plan, for, in any case,
he is sure to hear of it. But he will have nothing to say against
it--you will see! I shall tell him of my resolution, and, depend upon
it, he will approve of it."

"General, that is very bold; it is great!"

"It is the only possible way."

"Yes, you are right," said Salvius Julianus, after a few moments'
reflection. "Force and deception are equally impossible; and should
Narses consent, I will willingly confess that my fears----"

"Were founded upon an over-estimation of the _statesman_ Narses.
Large numbers have intimidated you, and the certainly not to be
over-estimated _general-ship_ of the sick man. I confess that before
the battle of Taginae the whole horizon threatened thunderstorms; but,
as I am still alive, those appearances must have been illusive. I will
at once send you with my inquiry to Narses. You are suspicious, you
will therefore observe sharply. Go, tell him that the Romans have
resolved to admit me, their Prefect, within their walls _now_, before
the annihilation of Teja's army. And I wish to know if he will permit
you to march to Rome with my Isaurians, or if he would consider such an
act as a breach of our agreement. Against his will neither I nor the
Isaurians will set forth."

The two tribunes took leave, and, as he stepped out of the Prefect's
tent, Piso said with a laugh to the others:

"The crutch of Narses rendered your wits useless, longer than the stick
of the shepherd did my fingers!"

When they were well outside, Syphax hurried up to his master.

"O master," he said, "do not trust this sick man with his quiet