Beneath the laurels on their way to the gate, Gracus, who rode with
Antipater, said:
"And what of your oath, son of Herod?"
"But they are not yet married," the other answered, malevolently.
"Vergilius! Bah! He is the son of a praetor and I am the son of a
king. Curse the old fox! He never spoke to me after greetings, and
once when I glanced up at him I thought his keen eyes were looking
through me.
"Those eyes! Jupiter!" said Gracus, "they drop a plummet into one."
CHAPTER 6
Now there were few barriers between the emperor and the people. He
went to work in his study at an early hour and gave a patient hearing
to any but foolish men. This morning he had been reading a long
address from the legate of Syria. He had a way of dividing his thought
between reading and small affairs of the state. His legate recited all
he had been able to learn of the new king they were now expecting in
Judea. He told also of a plot which had baffled all his efforts and
which aimed to take the life of Herod and crown the king of prophecy
and divine power.
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