United States or Sri Lanka ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Marcus felt that his hopes were vain, but he spoke out desperately: "Yes, I would indeed try to be as brave and firm as I could." "I know you would, boy, but remember this: it is very brave to be obedient to those who are in authority over you," said Julius. "A good son obeys his father, and Cracis has given you his commands to stay here, has he not?"
A minute later and Cracis with his companion passed out through the porched entry into the tree-shaded road, the grave, white-robed leader and the well-armed general with his shield, which flashed and turned off a shower of keen darts which came from on high, as he turned once to wave his hand to his son.
I would sooner die!" Cracis started angrily to his feet and tore the bandage from his head, as at that moment two officers advanced as if to receive commands. "You hear me, Marcus?" he cried, sternly. "You hear me, Serge?"
Marcus dashed in loudly, but stopped short as he saw how his father was occupied, and waited for him to speak; but Cracis was deep in his studies and heard him not, so, bubbling over with impatience, the boy advanced and laid his hand upon the student's arm.
I felt like the boy did, ashamed to stop and let one's armour rust when Rome's enemies were waiting to be beaten. I felt obliged to come, and so did young Marcus here. A brave boy, captain, so don't be hard." "Hah!" cried the captain, frowning severely. "A nice pair, both of you! It isn't likely, but how could I meet Cracis or Julius by and by if I took you into my following?"
What an old fool I am!" he cried, as he stamped the end of his crook down once more, "I forget I'm not a soldier now, boy, only Cracis' man who tends his farm and keeps his swine." "Never mind, Serge; we are very nice and happy here. The place is so beautiful. Father likes you." "Bah! Not he! He only looks upon me as a slave." "That he doesn't!" cried the boy, indignantly.
"I only saw that it was a Roman officer." "And you dashed at once to his help," said Caius Julius, smiling. "Well, it was a brave act then, while now I scarcely know what to call it. Why, Marcus, you must feel very proud of what you have done." "Stop!" cried the boy, quickly, eager to end the words of praise and compliment. "Yes, stop," said Cracis, sternly.
Brother, you desire that your old servant and your son should return home at once?" "Yes," said Cracis, speaking faintly now. "How?" said Caius Julius, quickly. "Alone, to fight their way through the thousands of half conquered Gauls who will bar their way to the pass where the great captain is waiting for help?"
"There, go on." "It was like this, father. One day I found Serge cleaning and burnishing the old armour that you and he used to wear." "Why was this, sir?" cried Cracis sternly to his old servant. "Did I not tell you that I had given up a warrior's life for ever?" "Yes, master." "Did I place any tie upon you? Did I not tell you that you were free to remain in the legion?"
Julius shrugged his shoulders, and at that moment the voice of Cracis was heard summoning the boy, who turned away hanging his head in his despair.
Word Of The Day