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_ BARELY had Vinicius finished reading when Chilo pushed
quietly into his library, unannounced by any one, for the servants
had the order to admit him at every hour of the day or night.
"May the divine mother of thy magnanimous ancestor Aeneas be
full of favor to thee, as the son of Maia was kind to me."
"What dost thou mean?" asked Vinicius, springing from the table
at which he was sitting.
Chilo raised his head and said, "Eureka!"
The young patrician was so excited that for a long time he could
not utter a word.
"Hast thou seen her?" asked he, at last.
"I have seen Ursus, lord, and have spoken with him."
"Dost thou know where they are secreted?"
"No, lord. Another, through boastfulness, would have let the
Lygian know that he divined who he was; another would have tried
to extort from him the knowledge of where he lived, and would
have received either a stroke of the fist, -- after which all earthly
affairs would have become indifferent to him, -- or he would have
roused the suspicion of the giant and caused this, -- that a new
hiding-place would be found for the girl, this very night perhaps. I
did not act thus. It suffices me to know that Ursus works near the
Emporium, for a miller named Demas, the same name as that
borne by thy freedman; now any trusted slave of rhine may go in
the morning on his track, and discover their hiding place. I bring
thee merely the assurance that, since Ursus is here, the divine
Lygia also is in Rome, and a second news that she will be in
Ostrianum to-night, almost certainly --"
"In Ostrianum? Where is that?" interrupted Vinicius, wishing
evidently to run to the place indicated.
"An old hypogeum between the Viae Salaria and Nomentana. That
pontifex maximus of the Christians, of whom I spoke to thee, and
whom they expected somewhat later, has come, and to-night he
will teach and baptize in that cemetery. They hide their religion,
for, though there are no edicts to prohibit it as yet, the people hate
them, so they must be careful. Ursus himself told me that all, to
the last soul, would be in Ostrianum to-night, for every one wishes
to see and hear him who was the foremost disciple of Christ, and
whom they call Apostle. Since among them women hear
instruction as well as men, Pomponia alone perhaps of women will
not be there; she could not explain to Aulus, a worshipper of the
ancient gods, her absence from home at night. But Lygia, lord,
who is under the care of Ursus and the Christian elders, will go
undoubtedly with other women."
Vinicius, who had lived hitherto in a fever, and upheld as it were,
by hope alone, now that his hope seemed fulfilled felt all at once
the weakness that a man feels after a journey which has proved
beyond his strength. Chilo noticed this, and resolved to make use
of
it.
"The gates are watched, it is true, by thy people, and the Christians
must know that. But they do not need gates. The Tiber, too, does
not need them; and though it is far from the river to those roads, it
is worth while to walk one road more to see the 'Great Apostle.'
Moreover they may have a thousand ways of going beyond the
walls, and I know that they have. In Ostrianum thou wilt find
Lygia; and even should she not be there, which I will not admit,
Ursus will be there, for he has promised to kill Glaucus. He told
me himself that he would be there, and that he would kill him.
Dost hear, noble tribune? Either thou wilt follow Ursus and learn
where Lygia dwells, or thou wilt command thy people to seize him
as a murderer, and, having him in thy hand, thou wilt make him
confess where he has hidden Lygia. I have done my best! Another
would have told thee that he had drunk ten cantars of the best wine
with Ursus before he wormed the secret out of him; another would
have told thee that he had lost a thousand sestertia to him in
script.e duodecim, or that he had bought the intelligence for two
thousand; I know that thou wouldst repay me doubly, but in spite
of that, once in my life -- I mean, as always in my life -- I shall be
honest, for I think, as the magnanimous Petronius says, that thy
bounty exceeds all my hopes and expectations."
Vinicius, who was a soldier and accustomed not only to take
counsel of himself in all cases, but to act, was overcome by a
momentary weakness and said,-- "Thou wilt not deceive thyself as
to my liberality, but first thou wilt go with me to Ostrianum."
"I, to Ostrianum?" inquired Chio, who had not the least wish to go
there. "I, noble tribune, promised thee to point out Lygia, but I did
not promise to take her away for thee. Think, lord, what would
happen to me if that Lygian bear, when he had torn Glaucus to
pieces, should convince himself straight-way that he had torn him
not altogether justly? Would he not look on me (of course without
reason) as the cause of the accomplished murder? Remember, lord,
that the greater philosopher a man is, the more difficult it is for
him to answer the foolish questions of common people; what
should I answer him were he to ask me why I calumniated
Glaucus? But if thou suspect that I deceive thee, I say, pay me only
when I point out the house in which Lygia lives, show me to-day
only a part of thy liberality, so that if thou, lord (which may all the
gods ward from thee), succumb to some accident, I shall not be
entirely without recompense. Thy heart could not endure that."
Vinicius went to a casket called "area," standing on a marble
pedestal, and, taking out a purse, threw it to Chilo.
"There are scrupula," said he; "when Lygia shall be in my house,
thou wilt get the same full of aurei."
"Thou art Jove!" exclaimed Chio.
But Vinicius frowned.
"Thou wilt receive food here," said he; "then thou mayest rest.
Thou wilt not leave this house till evening, and when night falls
thou wilt go with me to Ostrianuin."
Fear and hesitation were reflected on the Greek's face for a time;
but afterward he grew calm, and said, -- "Who can oppose thee,
lord! Receive these my words as of good omen, just as our great
hero received words like them in the temple of Ammon. As to me,
these 'scruples'" (here he shook the purse) "have outweighed mine,
not to mention thy society, which for me is delight and happiness."
Vinicius interrupted him impatiently, and asked for details of his
conversation with Ursus. From them it seemed clear that either
Lygia's hiding-place would be discovered that night, or he would
be able to seize her on the road back from Ostrianum. At thought
of this, Vinicius was borne away by wild delight. Now, when he
felt clearly sure of finding Lygia, his anger against her, and his
feeling of offence almost vanished. In return for that delight he
forgave her every fault. He thought of her only as dear and desired,
and he had the same impression as if she were returning after a
long journey. He wished to summon his slaves and command them
to deck the house with garlands. In that hour he had not a
complaint against Ursus, even. He was ready to forgive all people
everything. Chio, for whom, in spite of his services, he had felt
hitherto a certain repulsion, seemed to him for the first time an
amusing and also an uncommon person. His house grew radiant;
his eyes and his face became bright. He began again to feel youth
and the pleasure of life. His former gloomy suffering had not given
him yet a sufficient measure of how he loved Lygia. He understood
this now for the first time, when he hoped to possess her. His
desires woke in him, as the earth, warmed by the sun, wakes in
spring; but his desires this time were less blind and wild, as it
were, and more joyous and tender. He felt also within himself
energy without bounds, and was convinced that should he but see
Lygia with his own eyes, all the Christians on earth could not take
her from him, nor could Caesar himself.
Chilo, emboldened by the young tribune's delight, regained power
of speech and began to give advice. According to him, it behooved
Vinicius not to look on the affair as won, and to observe the
greatest caution, without which all their work might end in
nothing. He implored Vinicius not to carry off Lygia from
Ostrianum. They ought to go there with hoods on their heads, with
their faces hidden, and restrict themselves to looking at all who
were present from some dark corner. When they saw Lygia, it
would be safest to follow her at a distance, see what house she
entered, surround it next morning at daybreak, and take her away
in open daylight. Since she was a hostage and belonged specially
to Caesar, they might do that without fear of law. In the event of
not finding her in Ostrianum they could follow Ursus, and the
result would be the same. To go to the cemetery with a crowd of
attendants was impracticable, -- that might draw attention to them
easily; then the Christians need only put out the lights, as they did
when she was intercepted, and scatter in the darkness, or betake
themselves to places known to them only. But Vinicius and he
should arm, and, still better, take a couple of strong, trusty men to
defend them in case of need.
Vinicius saw the perfect truth of what he said, and, recalling
Petronius's counsel, commanded his slaves to bring Croton. Chio,
who knew every one in Rome, was set at rest notably when he
heard the name of the famous athlete, whose superhuman strength
in the arena he had wondered at more than once, and he declared
that he would go to Ostrianum. The purse filled with great aurei
seemed to him much easier of acquisition through the aid of
Croton.
Hence he sat down in good spirits at the table to which, after a
time, he was called by the chief of the atrium.
While eating, he told the slaves that he had obtained for their
master a miraculous ointment. The worst horse, if rubbed on the
hoofs with it, would leave every other far behind. A certain
Christian had taught him how to prepare that ointment, for the
Christian elders were far more skilled in enchantment and miracles
than even the Thessalians, though Thessaly was renowned for its
witches. The Christians had immense confidence in him -- why,
any one easily understands who knows what a fish means. While
speaking he looked sharply at the eyes of the slaves, in the hope of
discovering a Christian among them and informing Vinicius. But
when the hope failed him, he fell to eating and drinking
uncommon quantities, not sparing praises on the cook, and
declaring that he would endeavor to buy him of Vinicius. His
joyfulness was dimmed only by the thought that at night he must
go to Ostrianum. He comforted himself, however, as he would go
in disguise, in darkness, and in the company of two men, one of
whom was so strong that he was the idol of Rome; the other a
patrician, a man of high dignity in the army. "Even should they
discover Vinicius," said he to himself, "they will not dare to raise a
hand on him; as to me, they will be wise if they see the tip of my
nose even.
He fell then to recalling his conversation with the laborer; and the
recollection of that filled him again with delight. He had not the
least doubt that that laborer was Ursus. He knew of the uncommon
strength of the man, from the narratives of Vinicius, and those who
had brought Lygia from Caesar's palace. When he inquired of
Euricius touching men of exceptional strength, there was nothing
remarkable in this, that they pointed out Ursus. Then the confusion
and rage of the laborer at mention of Vinicius and Lygia left him
no doubt that those persons concerned him particularly; the laborer
had mentioned also his penance for killing a man, -- Ursus had
killed Atacinus; finally, the appearance of the laborer answered
perfectly to the account which Vinicius had given of the Lygian.
The change of name was all that could provoke doubt, but Chio
knew that frequently Christians took new names at baptism.
"Should Ursus kill Glaucus," said Chilo to himself, "that will be
better still; but should he not kill him, that will be a good sign, for
it will show how difficult it is for Christians to murder. I described
Glaucus as a real son of Judas, and a traitor to all Christians; I was
so eloquent that a stone would have been moved, and would have
promised to fall on the head of Glaucus. Still I hardly moved that
Lygian bear to put his paw on him. He hesitated, was unwilling,
spoke of his penance and compunction. Evidently murder is not
common among them. Offences against one's self must be
forgiven, and there is not much freedom in taking revenge for
others. Ergo, stop! think, Chio, what can threaten thee? Glaucus is
not free to avenge himself on thee. If Ursus will not kill Glaucus
for such a great crime as the betrayal of all Christians, so much the
more will he not kill thee for the small offence of betraying one
Christian. Moreover, when I have once pointed out to this ardent
wood-pigeon the nest of that turtle-dove, I will wash my hands of
everything, and transfer myself to Naples. The Christians talk,
also, of a kind of washing of the hands; that is evidently a method
by which, if a man has an affair with them, he may finish it
decisively. What good people these Christians are, and how ill
men speak of them! O God! such is the justice of this world. But I
love that religion, since it does not permit killing; but if it does not
permit killing, it certainly does not permit stealing, deceit, or false
testimony; hence I will not say that it is easy. It teaches, evidently,
not only to die honestly, as the Stoics teach, but to live honestly
also. if ever I have property and a house, like this, and slaves in
such numbers as Vinicius, perhaps I shall be a Christian as long as
may be convenient. For a rich man can permit himL self
everything, even virtue. This is a religion for the rich; hence I do
not understand how there are so many poor among its adherents.
What good is it for them, and why do they let virtue tie their
hands? I must think over this sometime. Meanwhile praise to thee,
Hermes! for helping me discover this badger. But if thou hast done
so for the two white yearling heifers with gilded horns, I know thee
not. Be ashamed, O slayer of Argos! such a wise god as thou, and
not foresee that thou wilt get nothing! I will offer thee my
gratitude; and if thou prefer two beasts to it, thou art the third beast
thyself, and in the best event thou shouldst be a shepherd, not a
god. Have a care, too, lest I, as a philosopher, prove to men that
thou art non-existent, and then all will cease to bring thee
offerings. It is safer to be on good terms with philosophers."
Speaking thus to himself and to Hermes, he stretched on the sofa,
put his mantle under his head, and was sleeping when the slave
removed the dishes. He woke, -- or rather they roused him, -- only
at the coming of Croton. He went to the atrium, then, and began to
examine with pleasure the form of the trainer, an ex-gladiator, who
seemed to fill the whole place with his immensity. Croton had
stipulated as to the price of the trip, and was just speaking to
Vinicius.
"By Hercules! it is well, lord," said he, "that thou hast sent to-day
for me, since I shall start to-morrow for Beneventum, whither the
noble Vatinius has summoned me to make a trial, in presence of
Caesar, of a certain Syphax, the most powerful negro that Africa
has ever produced. Dost thou imagine, lord, how his spinal column
will crack in my arms, or how besides I shall break his black jaw
with my fist?"
"By Pollux! Croton, I am sure that thou wilt do that," answered
Vinicius.
"And thou wilt act excellently," added Chio. "Yes, to break his
jaw, besides! That's a good idea, and a deed which befits thee. But
rub thy limbs with olive oil to-day, my Hercules, and gird thyself,
for know this, you mayst meet a real Cacus. The man who is
guarding that girl in whom the worthy Vinicius takes interest, has
exceptional strength very likely."
Chilo spoke thus only to rouse Croton's ambition.
"That is true," said Yinicius; "I have not seen him, but they tell me
that he can take a bull by the horns and drag him wherever he
pleases."
"Oi!" exclaimed Chilo, who had not imagined that Ursus was so
strong. But Croton laughed, from contempt. "I undertake, worthy
lord," said he, "to bear away with this hand whomever thou shalt
point out to me, and with this other defend myself against seven
such Lygians, and bring the maiden to thy dwelling though all the
Christians in Rome were pursuing me like Calabrian wolves. If
not, I will let myself be beaten with clubs in this impluvium."
"Do not permit that, lord," cried Chilo. "They will hurl stones at
us, and what could his strength effect? Is it not better to take the
girl from the house, -- not expose thyself or her to destruction?"
"This is true, Croton," said Vinicius.
"I receive thy money, I do thy will! But remember, lord, that
to-morrow I go to Beneventum."
"I have five hundred slaves in the city," answered Vinicius.
He gave them a sign to withdraw, went to the library himself, and
sitting down wrote the following words to Petronius, -- "The
Lygian has been found by Chio. I go this evening with him and
Croton to Ostrianum, and shall carry her off from the house
to-night or to-morrow. May the gods pour down on thee everything
favorable. Be well, O carissime! for joy will not let me write
further."
Laying aside the reed then, he began to walk with quick step; for
besides delight, which was overflowing his soul, he was tormented
with fever. He said to himself that to-morrow Lygia would be in
that house. He did not know how to act with her, but felt that if she
would love him he would be her servant. He recalled Acte's
assurance that he had been loved, and that moved him to the
uttermost. Hence it would be merely a question of conquering a
certain maiden modesty, and a question of certain ceremonies
which Christian teaching evidently commanded. But if that were
true, Lygia, when once in his house, would yield to persuasion of
superior force; she would have to say to herself, "It has happened!"
and then she would be amiable and loving.
But Chilo appeared and interrupted the course of these pleasant
thoughts. "Lord," said the Greek, "this is what has come to my
head. Have not the Christians signs, 'passwords,' without which no
one will be admitted to Ostrianum? I know that it is so in houses of
prayer, and I have received those passwords from Euricius; permit
me then to go to him, lord, to ask precisely, and receive the
needful signs."
"Well, noble sage," answered Vinicius, gladly; "thou speakest as a
man of forethought, and for that praise belongs to thee. Thou wit
go, then, to Euricius, or whithersoever it may please thee; but as
security thou wilt leave on this table here that purse which thou
hast received from me."
Chilo, who always parted with money unwillingly, squirmed; still
he obeyed the command and went out. From the Carin~ to the
Circus, near which was the little shop of Euricius, it was not very
far; hence he returned considerably before evening.
"Here are the signs, lord. Without them they would not admit us. I
have inquired carefully about the road. I told Euricius that I needed
the signs only for my friends; that I would not go myself, since it
was too far for my advanced age; that, moreover, I should see the
Great Apostle myself to-morrow, and he would repeat to me the
choicest parts of his sermon."
"How! Thou wilt not be there? Thou must go!" said Vinicius.
"I know that I must; but I will go well hooded, and I advise thee to
go in like manner, or we may frighten the birds."
In fact they began soon to prepare, for darkness had come on the
world. They put on Gallic cloaks with hoods, and took lanterns;
Vinicius, besides, armed himself and his companions with short,
curved knives; Chilo put on a wig, which he obtained on the way
from the old man's shop, and they went out, hurrying so as to reach
the distant Nomentan Gate before it was closed. _
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