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The old man, frantic with joy, was gesticulating enthusiastically, without thinking of his crutches, and recognised an acquaintance coming from the direction of the Capitol at a distance of a hundred paces. This was Quaterquartus, the augur. "You are from the Capitol, Quaterquartus? Well! Well! What is the news?" "What I predicted," replied the augur with dignity.
But I hope you did not draw their wrath upon you, and that your augurs had favorable omens. Your uncle, the world-renowned Quaterquartus, was with you." "Yes, he was with us, and there was no lack of victims or of the entrails of beasts, and plenty of crows were caught." "Manlius, you speak of these sacred things in a very profane way." "I have every reason to do so.
He thanked me and, with his last strength, whispered in my ear: 'Roman! do not cross the Tigris, for there lies the Eden of the invisible God, who is not to be offended. I repeated the warning to the Cæsar's younger son, Numerian, who was the friend of every good soldier, and he carried it to the Augustus, who, struck by the ascetic's words, asked Quaterquartus to hold an augurium.
Quaterquartus extended his arms and, with closed eyes, said, in deep tones: "This battle will ruin the enemy of Rome." True, he did not say whom he considered the enemy of Rome whether Diocletian or Carinus. At last the imperial procession reached Cybele's temple.
Is not your uncle, worthy Quaterquartus, the most famous augur in Rome, whose prophecies always prove true, who holds in his hands the future of the Cæsar and the state?" "That is all true." "Then you see you may yet become a great man. You need only seek the favour of Carinus a little, and win your uncle's good will. Surely it is easy?" "At least it is not difficult." "See! See!
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