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Updated: June 7, 2025
"Strange!" thought Vergilius, turning his charger and looking back. "They be surely those who have travelled far." The squad of cavalry, under plume and helmet, moved on, passing the Joppa gate and riding slowly down a long hill. "See the glowing clouds yonder," said Vergilius, pointing westward. "Ay, they be fair as the tents of Kedar," was the answer of David.
"Then I shall not weep," said she, bravely, but with a little quiver in her voice. She knew the old story of a young man's love how often he went away with sweet words, to return, if ever, hardened to stern trials and bloody work, his vows long forgotten. "For your sake, dear Vergilius, I will be calm," she added.
Caius Vergilius, the praetor of Sicily, who had been on the most intimate terms with him, wrote to him to forbear coming into Sicily. Cicero, thoroughly disheartened at these things, went to Brundusium, whence he put forth with a prosperous wind, but a contrary gale blowing from the sea carried him back to Italy the next day.
The council, the continued failure of his prayers, the cruelty of impending misfortune, the death of Cyran had weakened the faith of Vergilius. He had begun to founder in the deep mystery of the world. The voice of the old singer had not broken the spell of bitter passion. Vergilius trembled with haste to kill. He feared even that his anger would abate and leave him unavenged.
Soon came David, and behind him, following in single file, three men, a God-sent majesty in step and countenance. Vergilius and Manius moved aside, saluting solemnly as the men passed. The young tribune turned to his friend and to Manius. "Come," he whispered. "The Judge of all the earth is here, and, as for me, I dare not remain."
It signified that the emperor was out among the people and in his best mood. Their nomenclator cleared a way for them to the litter and they sat down again, facing each other, the emperor and the boy. "If I had your riches," the great man remarked, as they went on, "I wonder what I should do with them." "You jest with me, good father," said Vergilius.
"Say no more to her until until I have thought of it." And Appius observed, as he went away with his friend: "You will be a statesman, my dear Vergilius; you gave him just the right dose of religion, flattery, and silver." "I must succeed or I shall have no heart to live," said the other, soberly. That evening Vergilius went to feast with the young Herodian prince, Antipater of Judea.
Awhile they rode in silence, their eyes on the light of the lantern. Slowly they came near, and soon saw its glow falling upon rocks and moving shadows beneath it. Then said David, turning to Vergilius: "The battle suppose it goes ill with you?" "Ill!" said the Roman, with rising ire. "Then Jehovah is no better than Mars."
When silence came he spoke slowly, looking from face to face: "If any here dare to question my courage, within a moment it shall be proved upon him." None spoke or moved for a breath. Antipater answered, presently: "I doubt not your courage, noble Vergilius, but if you will have it tried I can show you a better way, and one that will spare your friends. Come, all of you."
A roar of rage burst from his lips. "Dog!" he shouted. "Bid them cheer me or I will run you through!" His lance threatened. "There shall be cheers in a moment, son of Herod," said Vergilius, calmly and respectfully approaching him. Antipater, unaware of his peril, stood with lance at rest.
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