processions passed through the streets. Beautiful maidens
scattered flowers before the victor, who looked very fine, clad in
purple robes and riding in a triumphal car.

"The prisoners of war followed the victor's chariot, to make his
triumph more of a spectacle, and soldiers carrying booty taken from
the conquered cities marched beside them singing hymns of victory,
while the shouts of the Roman populace called down blessings and
praises upon the head of their hero.

"The procession passed through the Forum, and at the foot of the hill
the victor turned to the left to go to the Capitol, where
thank-offerings were made to the gods, while the prisoners turned to
the right and were led away to prison.

"It must have been a magnificent sight, even in those old days of
splendor," he added, and turned to lead the way back to their
carriage.

"Those triumphs must have cost a great deal of money," said Mrs.
Sprague.

"There were enormous fortunes in old Rome, and the people spent
extravagant sums on amusements and public celebrations," their guide
told her. "One of the greatest of all the triumphs was given in honor
of Julius Caesar, when he returned from conquering the Gauls. He wrote
an account of his wars with those barbarians which has been read by
many thousands of school children."

"Is it in Latin?" Edith asked.

"Yes," replied the professor. "That was the language of the Roman
people."

"I have read it then," said the girl; and she sighed as she thought of
the tears she had shed over her Latin lessons and Caesar's accounts of
his wars with the Gauls.

"Julius Caesar was one of the greatest generals the world has ever
known," said Professor Gates. "He was a powerful leader and ruler of
men, and it was this great power that made him ambitious to be called
Emperor of Rome, and to make the republic an empire.

"Some of his friends feared he would be successful in this attempt,
and, joining his enemies, they assassinated him. They loved the
freedom of their country more than they did Caesar.

"His body was burned in the Roman Forum," added the professor. "But
not long after his death the republic did actually become an empire."

"Tell us about the empire," begged Rafael, who always wished to know
everything at once.

"Not to-day," said Mrs. Sprague, looking at her watch. "It is time for
luncheon and our afternoon rest."

"That is true," said the professor, looking at the sun. "Some other
day, with Mrs.