my
honour. By the decree of Titus, I, Marcus, am branded as a coward. Yes,
Titus, at whose side I have fought a score of battles--Titus, from whom
I have warded many a blow--has banished me from Rome."

"Tell me of this thing," said Cyril.

So Marcus told him all. Cyril listened in silence, then said sternly:

"Is it for this that you would kill yourself? Is your honour lessened by
a decree based upon false evidence, and given for reasons of policy? Do
you cease to be honourable because others are dishonourable, and would
you--a soldier--fly from the battle? Now, indeed, Marcus, you show
yourself a coward."

"How can I live on who am so shamed?" he asked passionately. "My friends
knew that I could not live, and that is why they wrapped a sword in
yonder cloak and sent it me. Also Miriam, you say, is dead."

"Satan sent it to you, Marcus, desiring to fashion of your foolish
pride a ladder down which you might climb to hell. Cast aside this base
temptation which wears the mask of false honour; face your trouble like
a man, and conquer it by innocence--and faith."

"Miriam! What of Miriam?"

"Yes, what of Miriam? How would she welcome you yonder, who come
to greet her with your blood upon your hands? Oh! son, do you not
understand that this is the trial laid upon you? You have been brought
low that you might rise high. Once the world gave you all it had
to give. You were rich, you were a captain among captains; you were
high-born; men called you 'The Fortunate.' Then Christ appealed to you
in vain, you put Him by. What had you to do with the crucified carpenter
of Galilee? Now by the plotting of your foes you have fallen. No longer
do you rank high in your trade of blood. You are dismissed its service
and an exile. The lesson of life has come home to you, therefore you
seek to escape from life rather than bide in it to do your duty through
good and ill, heedless of what men may say, and finding peace in the
verdict of your own conscience. Let Him Whom you put by in your hours of
pomp come to you now. Carry your cross with your shame as He carried His
in His shame. In His light find light, in His peace find peace, and at
the end her who has been taken from you awhile. Has my spirit spoken in
vain with your spirit during all these many weeks, son Marcus? Already
you have told me that you believe, and now at the first breath of
trouble will you go back upon that which you know to be the Truth? Oh!
once more listen to