and, under the stimulus
of its circle of writers, his poetic talent developed early. He studied
law, philosophy, and history in Munich and Berlin. In 1862 he was made
Professor in the University of Wurzburg, in 1872 in Koenigsberg, and in
1888 he was called to a chair in the University of Breslau, where, in
the intervals of his professional duties, he has devoted himself to his
brilliant literary work.

The warm welcome accorded to my translations of the novels of Ebers,
whose hold upon the affections of American readers has proved so
enduring, inspires the hope that "A Captive of the Roman Eagles" may
also receive a cordial recognition from our public.

MARY J. SAFFORD.

_Washington, D. C., June 10, 1902._

A CAPTIVE OF THE ROMAN EAGLES

BOOK ONE

THE FREE WOMAN

CHAPTER I.

Whoever has been at Friedrichshafen on beautiful Lake Constance, on a
clear August day, and watched the sun setting in splendor behind the
tops of the beeches of Manzell; whoever has seen the waves of the lake
and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps from Sentis to the Allgau
Mountains glow in the crimson light, while the notes of the Ave Maria
float softly over forest, meadow, and water, will treasure the memory
of the peaceful scene throughout his whole life. To this region the
story of little Bissula leads us.

But in that period--the year 378--the whole northern shore of the
"Venetus Lacus" (Lake Constance) looked somewhat desolate, and often by
no means peaceful. The lowlands were covered with primeval forests and
fens--only here and there a few scattered settlements appeared on
patches of parched tilled land.

At that time the lake covered a much more extensive tract of country
than now, and a still larger space was occupied by a marshy territory
between the water and the meadow, which being for the greater portion
of the year a mere swamp afforded at the same time refuge and food to
flocks of wild swans, herons, and countless smaller water-fowl.

This region had already been a considerable time in the possession of
the Alemanni; but on the southern shore of the lake Rome still
maintained her supremacy. This was with the special object of
controlling the important roads leading from Gaul by way of Augst
(Augusta Rauracorum) to Basle, Windisch (Vindonissa) t