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'Zabdas, said Calpurnius, when in the evening we recalled the sad events of the day, 'was not instantly killed by the thrust of the spear, but falling backwards from his horse, found strength and life enough remaining to raise himself upon his knee, and cheer me on, as I flew to revenge his death upon the retreating Roman.
'Mine is, said Zabdas, 'that the Queen set her foot upon the accursed scroll, and that yonder wretch that bore it be pitched headlong from the highest tower upon the walls, and let the wind from his rotting carcass bear back our only answer. 'Nay, nay, brave Zabdas, said the Queen, the fury of her general having the effect to restore her own self-possession, 'thou wouldst not counsel so.
'Julia, replied the Queen, 'as the world deems and we are in the world and of it honor and greatness lie not in those things which are truly honorable and great; not in learning or genius, else were Longinus upon this throne, and I his waiting woman; not in action else were the great Zabdas king; not in merit, else were many a dame of Palmyra where I am, and I a patient household drudge.
Know you not the Egyptian Zabdas? the mirror of accomplished knighthood the pillar of the state the Aurelian of the East? Ah! far may you go to find two such men as those of gifts so diverse, and power so great sitting together like brothers. It all shows the greater power of Zenobia, who can tame the roughest and most ambitious spirits to her uses. Who is like Zenobia?
At this moment Zabdas and Otho entered the apartment, and drawing near to our group to salute the Queen, our conversation was broken off. I took occasion, while this ceremony was going through, to turn aside and survey the various beauty and magnificence of the room, with its rare works of art.
My people were indeed with me, but it was I who roused, fired, and led them on. I had indeed great advisers. Their names are known throughout the world. Why should I name the renowned Longinus, the princely Gracchus, the invincible Zabdas, the honest Otho? Their names are honored in Rome as well as here. They have been with me; but without lying or vanity, I may say I have been their head."
Without a word, and without an emotion, so far as the face was its index, the Egyptian returned to his seat. It seemed as if he had done the whole in his sleep. It is actual war alone that can rouse the energies of Zabdas. Zenobia, who had stood leaning upon her lance, next advanced to the trial.
I could not but admire a virtue which seemed of double lustre from the circumstances in which it was manifested. Calpurnius had been in the thickest of the fight, but had escaped unhurt. He was near Zabdas when he fell, and revenged his death by hewing down the soldier who had pierced him with his lance.
I warrant Zabdas himself was not greater! What might he not be, were he but in Rome! Portia is never weary with inquiring into every thing relating to yourself and Gracchus.
What kingdom of the world, and what age, could ever boast a general like Zabdas, a minister like Longinus, a queen like the great Zenobia? At such flights, the air would resound with the plaudits of the listening crowd, who would then disperse and pursue their affairs, or presently gather around some new declaimer.
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