s have treasured it loyally, sadly,
and proudly) our almost naked heroes upon the spears of your mailed
legions? Nay, had it been we youths only, we would always rather win
what we need by blood--the foe's or our own--than by toiling with the
plough. But do you believe that, from mere wantonness, whole nations,
with their women and children, their men and maid-servants, their herds
and wagons, would constantly press across your frontiers southward and
westward; not as a warlike band on a foray in quest of booty, but on a
weary pilgrimage, pressing forward because pressed by others, pushing
because being pushed from the south and the east by other Germans and
by Sarmatians; not quitting the old home, but maintaining it by those
left behind till they too were obliged to yield--do you believe that
mere wantonness has so often lured these hundreds of thousands to and
beyond your frontiers, usually to certain destruction? Oh, no. It is
not wantonness that impels us, but the most powerful of all the
goddesses--Necessity. A man utters her name unwillingly; for the woman
with the iron girdle is the only inexorable deity; she is the mother of
the three Fates, who also revere her, and she often strangles with her
iron girdle the mortals who mention her carelessly. Beware, Romans!
Before our faces stands only your Empire, one mighty in military power,
it is true, but behind us threatens and urges the terrible mother of
the Norns. We have no choice. The country has become too narrow; we
must, come what may, pour out of the old bed in roaring torrents.
Therefore, clever Roman, you speak aptly of a forest stream. Believe
me: we shall continually break over your frontiers, no matter how
strongly they may be guarded with men and walls, until either all we
countless German tribes are destroyed or until we have gained land
enough to live upon. Not until then will there be peace."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

The words uttered by Adalo, evidently from sincere belief, and with
warm feeling, produced a deep impression. Herculanus shrugged his
shoulders scornfully. Saturninus, with a grave face, gazed silently
into vacancy--into the future. After a long pause, Ausonius found
words:

"I have never seen that side of the question. Is this your wisdom?"

"I say once more, it is the wisdom of our wise men; Duke Hariowald
taught me. But the necessity of our people cries so loudly that even an
inexperienced youth must under