Turning, he began to play with the children.
"Great and beloved father! I hope, at least, you will consider my
prayer."
"Good senator, I have considered. You ask for two hundred thousand
denarii. I can give you only the opportunity of earning them. As to
myself, I am poor. Look at me. Even my time belongs to the people.
and it is passing, my dear senator--it is passing."
The importunate man saw the subtle meaning in these words and went his
way.
The emperor sat down, a child upon each knee, as the young men
approached him. His head was bare and his fair, curly locks, growing
low upon his forehead, were now touched with gray. He looked up at the
two, his eyes blue, brilliant, piercing.
"My beloved Appius," said he, in a gentle tone, as he rose. "And
this--let me think--ah, it is Vergilius, the son of Varro."
"It is wonderful you should remember me," said Vergilius.
"Wonderful? No. I could tell your age, your misdeeds, your virtues,
and how often you failed to answer the roll-calls in Cappadocia. Well,
I dare say they were pretty girls.
Pages:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35