Vergilius Part 20

Appius, quickly found, came with all haste to the great father of Rome.

"I have news for you," said the latter, quietly, with a glance at his young friend. He continued to read his letters.

"News!" said Appius.

"'Tis of Vergilius--the apt and youthful Vergilius. How swift, industrious, and capable is he! How versatile! How varied his attainments!"

"I am delighted."

The emperor turned his keen eyes on the young man, with a smile of amus.e.m.e.nt. Then he spoke, gently:

"'Tis only four months, and he has become a conspirator, and also a prophet, and is likely soon to be--what is that word they use in Judea?--an angel. You will start for Jerusalem to-morrow, my good Appius. And when you arrive there convey to him my congratulations."

"Your congratulations!"

"That he is upon earth to receive them," said the great man. He resumed his letters and continued speaking, slowly: "Tell him I have been asked to consider whether he should keep his head upon his shoulders, and that I have decided to refer the question to him. It will not come back to me. Say, also, that he should have more light upon his friends, and that I have withdrawn my consent to his marriage."

The young man rose, a look of astonishment in his face.

"But shall I be in time?" said he, with some excitement.

"Learn composure, my good Appius. Herod may not be extremely polite to him, but--but he will wait."

That odd man, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavia.n.u.s Augustus, laughed silently as the youth was leaving. He beckoned to a slave, who halted Appius and turned him back.

"An escort will be on the campus at dawn," said the emperor. "I wish you a pleasant journey and will write you when to return."

Now there had been no changes of moment in the palace of the Lady Lucia, save one. The slave-girl, Cyran, had brought to Arria the inspiration of a new faith. The sister of Appius had begun to try it in secret prayers. Her mother had fallen ill of a deadly fever so that none had hope of her recovery, and the girl had prayed, and, lo! her prayer had been answered. Letters from Vergilius, full of the new light in him, had confirmed her faith. And Arria confided to her family and intimates knowledge of her devotion to the one G.o.d. Soon the religion of Judea had become a topic of patrician Rome.

When Vergilius had left the capital, Antipater came every day for a time to the palace of the Lady Lucia, and brought with him many beautiful gifts. But Arria refused to see him or to accept the gifts he had brought. Now the stubborn prince had faith that when he was made king she would no longer be able to resist him. If he failed with splendor, he was beginning to consider what he might do with power.

That day of the interview between youth and emperor a letter came to Arria from her lover. It began as follows:

"DEAR LOVE,--It has been a day illumined with new honor and the praises of a king. Now, before sleeping, I send these words to tell you that I have not forgotten. Every day I think of you, and my love grows. I see your face full of honor and the will to give all for me. Because it is in you, I love honor beyond all my hope of it, and--that look in your eyes--oh, it has made me to think gently and be kind! Now I tell you of a wonderful thing--this feeling is the very seed of friendship.

The legate, the procurator, the high priest, and Herod himself, are my friends. I had only the will to serve, and now they insist that I shall command. After all, it is in no way remarkable--there be so few here who forget themselves for the good of the service. It all leads to a new and a great law--think of the good of others and you need have no thought of yourself. Consider this, my beloved, if every man loved a good woman as I love you a new peace would fill the world."

Then he told her of his discovery of David, the brother of Cyran, and their friendship.

CHAPTER 19

When Appius told his mother and his sister what Augustus had said to him, they were greatly distressed. But Arria would not believe that Vergilius had been guilty of dishonor. Such were her anxiety and her fear of injustice falling upon her lover, the girl would have it that she must go to Jerusalem with Appius. She would neither be turned away nor bear with dissuasion. Her brother told her not of the bitter message of Augustus, and, fearing the wiles of the Jewish prince, determined to take her with him. So, therefore, as the sun rose on the nones of November in that year of the birth of Jesus, they set out with a troop of horse on the Appian Way.

They were midland in Thrace on their way to Piraeus, where a ship waited them, when they were overtaken by the cavalcade of Antipater.

The prince, summoned by Herod, was now returning, under royal banners, to receive his inheritance of glory and power. A letter had started him, which, according to the great historian of that time, was warm with affectionate greeting. Antipater, also, was to take ship for Judea. He had learned of the departure of Appius and Arria, and had pushed his horses to the limit of their speed in order to overtake them. When he first saw the troop of the young Roman, he left his column and came rushing on to greet them.

The troop of Appius quickly faced about and stood with raised lances.

"Proud son and daughter of Publius," said Antipater, drawing rein, "my heart, my horses, and my men are at your service!" He was now splendid in royal vestments of purple and gold.

"Our grat.i.tude is not less than our surprise," said Appius. "How came you flying out of the west like a bluebird?"

"'Tis a winged foot that goes to meet a friend," said the prince. "I left Rome far behind you and I go to Jerusalem."

"We took you for a bandit."

"And I am only a king," said Antipater, proudly. "I am summoned to take the crown of my father."

"And is he dead?"

"Nay, but ill and weary of his burden."

Appius removed his helmet as he made answer:

"The G.o.ds give you health, honor, and wisdom, O king! Will you ride with us?"

"Already the G.o.ds give me honor," said the prince, bowing politely as the troop made way for him. "I doubt not they will add health and wisdom. But there is a blessing I put above either."

They started slowly, Antipater riding between Arria and her brother in advance of the troop.

"And shall we ask the G.o.ds to grant it?" said Arria.

"Yes, for it is your favor, sweet girl. I adore you, and shall have no other queen."

"I cannot give you my heart," said she, frankly. "It is impossible--I cannot bear to speak of it."

"And you would not share my power and glory with me?" said Antipater, turning, with a look of surprise.

Appius answered:

"Once before I have told you, my worthy prince, that whom the emperor chooses she will wed."

"Think not of that--I shall make terms with him," said Antipater. "She shall never wed a weak-hearted tribune."

"You speak lightly of my friend," said Appius. "I like it not, good sire."

"Son of Herod," said Arria, drawing rein, "we cannot longer enjoy your company."

Appius halted the troop.

For a little Antipater was dumb with astonishment. He drew aside, and when he spoke his voice trembled with ire, it was near bursting into fury.

"Sweet girl," said he, caressing the neck of his horse, "not even the power of Rome shall forbid me to love you, and I swear, by the G.o.d of my fathers, no man shall live between us!" He turned quickly, and a fierce look came into his eyes and he added, in a hoa.r.s.e half-whisper, "You shall be my wife, sister of Appius."

The young Roman wheeled his horse between them. Antipater backed away, threatening with his lance. He shouted to his trumpeter, his troop being hard by, and quickly a call sounded. Then spur went to flank, and the followers of the Jew pa.s.sed in a quick rush and went thundering off, Antipater at the head of their column. He rode to Athens in ill humor and was at Piraeus three hours in advance of Arria and Appius.