at
down again, facing each other, the emperor and the boy.

"If I had your riches," the great man remarked, as they went on, "I
wonder what I should do with them."

"You jest with me, good father," said Vergilius.

"Nay, but I envy you; for have you not youth and love and the beauty of
Apollo?"

He laid his hand upon the arm of the boy, and there was in his voice
and manner a gentleness to make one regret that he lived not in a
better time; for, perhaps, after all, he was what he had to be as the
ruthless conqueror of a savage world.

"And I--what have I but burdens I dare not lay aside? When I sleep,
even, they press upon me. I am weary--but if I should let them fall,
what, think you, would happen?"

His keen eyes, seeing before them, possibly, the great down-rush to
madness, pressed a glance into the very soul of the young man. The
latter started to reply, but with a look the emperor forbade him.

"Think, good youth--learn to think. It will profit you--there is so
little competition. By-and-by Rome will need you."

Gently, forcefully this teacher of statesmen had given the young knight
his first lesson. It was nearing its end now. The litter had stopped
hard by the gate of the Lady Lucia.

"I wonder how you knew my destination," said Vergilius.

"You credit me with small discernment. Learn to know things that are
not told you--it is the beginning of wisdom."

CHAPTER 10

Arria met them in the atrium. She saw not the great father of Rome,
but only her lover, and ran to him with a little cry of delight.

The playful emperor mounted a chair and stood looking down at them.

"I am so small here in the presence of this great king," said he, as
they turned to him. "Were my head as high as the ceiling I am sure I
should not be seen."

"What long, good father?" said Arria, bowing low.

"Love! 'Tis better, I have heard, to be ruler of one than of many.
You give him kisses, little tyrant, and me not a glance."

He looked down, smiling at the pretty maiden.

"Because 'tis he I love," said she, her cheeks red with blushes, her
eyes upon her sandals. "You--you have been cruel."

"I am sadly out of favor," said Augustus, playfully, stepping to the
floor. "If the great king dared, I am sure he would cut off my head,
now. Let him not condemn me without trial. Remember the law of Rome."

"You are sending my love away." Her voice trembled as she spoke.

"And happy are you, sweet girl, to h