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But Ursus, who was a simple man, and had heard Vinicius say that the Greek had been with him in Ostrianum, and had seen him with Croton enter the house in which Lygia lived, stopped for a moment and said, "Speak no untruth, old man, for to-day thou wert with Vinicius in Ostrianum and under our gate." "Ah!" said Chilo, "then is your house in the Trans-Tiber?
Frequently when summoned by me, he gave directions to answer my people that he was not at home; he did so always when he had no good news for me, and feared my anger." "If I find him, I will bring him, willing or unwilling," said Ursus. Then, taking his mantle, he went out hurriedly.
We shall reject this absurd title, and call it by its real one ursus labiatus, which, literally translated, would mean the "lipped bear" not a very specific appellation neither.
I have a wife, and she is Dea. I have a father, who is Ursus. My house is a palace, and I give it to Ursus. My name is a diadem, and I give it to Dea. Quick, directly, Dea, I am coming; yes, you may be sure that I shall soon stride across the intervening space!" And raising the first piece of tapestry he came to, he rushed from the chamber impetuously. He found himself in a corridor.
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.
"By Pollux! if the other Lygians are like this one, the Danubian legions will have heavy work some time!" But aloud he said, "Hei, slave!" Ursus drew his head out of the chimney, and, smiling in a manner almost friendly, said, "God give thee a good day, lord, and good health; but I am a free man, not a slave."
A moment after, Ursus entered the Green Box. He put the two signs away in a corner, and entered what he called the woman's wing. Dea was asleep. She was on her bed, dressed as usual, excepting that the body of her gown was loosened, as when she was taking her siesta. Near her Vinos and Fibi were sitting one on a stool, the other on the ground musing.
The instruments of the orchestra and the properties were kept in the kitchen. A loft under the arch of the roof contained the scenes, and on opening a trap-door lamps appeared, producing wonders of light. Ursus was the poet of these magical representations; he wrote the pieces. He had a diversity of talents; he was clever at sleight of hand.
The watchful Chilo came to himself in one moment, threw on his hooded mantle hastily, and, commanding the slave woman to stand aside, looked out cautiously. And he was benumbed! for he saw before the door of the sleeping-room the gigantic form of Ursus. At that sight he felt his feet and head grow icy-cold, the heart ceased to beat in his bosom, and shivers were creeping along his back.
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