"
Receiving no answer, he departed with Cyran, while the others gathered
about their host.
There was a heavy rumble in the throat of Antipater--a tiger-like,
Herodian trait--and then a volley of oaths came out of it. He trembled
with rage and flung his sword far across the dim atrium with a shout of
anger. Like the great cats in his rage, he was like them also in his
methods of attack--sly and terrible, but with a deep regard for the
integrity of his own skin. Sure of his advantage, he could be as brave
as when he faced the tiger.
He sat awhile muttering, his face between his hands. Soon, having
calmed his passion, he rose and snarled: "Good sirs, never quarrel with
the pet of an emperor, for if one spares you the other will not."
CHAPTER 5
Arria and her mother sat with the emperor. He was at home and in a
playful humor. The hour of his banquet was approaching. Soon he would
be summoned to receive his guests.
"Nay, but I am sure he loves me," the girl was saying.
The cunning emperor smiled and spoke very gently.
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