"Think you so, dear
child? I will put him to the test. Soon we shall know if he be worthy
of so great a prize. I will try both his wit and his devotion, but
you--you cannot be here."
"And why, great father?"
"Think you it could be a test with your eye upon him?"
"Oh, but I must see it," said the girl. "Unless I see it I shall not
know. Let me be your slave and stand behind you in gray cloth.
Beloved father, I implore you, let me see the test."
"Ah, well," said the emperor, rising, with a smile. "I shall know
nothing but that you have gone above-stairs to find Clia, mistress of
the robes. Tell her to give you a box of tablets, and when I raise my
finger--so--they are to be delivered. Away with you."
Arria left with a cry of joy, and presently Augustus went with the Lady
Lucia to meet his guests.
The "commands" of the emperor had given the hour of the banquet and
prescribed the dress to be worn. Vergilius had waited anxiously for
the moment when he should again see the great god of Rome, who could
give or take away as he would.
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