Soon let me hear the great song that shall sound
in the deep of the heavens;
Show me the lantern of light hanging low in
the deep of the heavens."
She was fair to look upon as she came, led by the carnifex, her form,
draped in soft, transparent linen, like that of a goddess in its
outline, her face lighted even with that light of which she sang.
"The girl against a hundred denarii that you cannot live an hour in the
arena with him," said Antipater, hotly.
"I accept the wager," Vergilius calmly answered, laying off his robe
and seizing a lance. He entered the arena and closed its gate behind
him. "Drive the beast in upon me, son of Herod; and you, Gracus, be
ready to hand me another lance."
The black leopard spat fiercely and struck at the points that were put
upon it, the deep rumble in its throat swelling into loud crescendos.
Of a sudden it bounded through the gateway and stood a moment, baring
great fangs. The animal threatened with long hisses. Vergilius held
its eye, his lance raised. The hissing ceased, the growl diminished,
the stealthy paws moved slowly.
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