There's time
enough, and time"--he took a little mirror from the table and looked
down upon it--"can accomplish many things," he added. "It will have
the assistance of fame and honor and new faces. Now go, I beg of you,
and leave me to my work."
A delegation of Jews--petty merchants of the Trastevere--were leaving
as Vergilius entered. The emperor, now alone save for his young
caller, rose and gave him a sprig of laurel.
"Sit here," said he, resuming his seat and pausing for a little to
study a sheet of vellum in his hands. He continued, without raising
his eyes: "I have another test for you, my fair son. You shall be
assistant procurator in Jerusalem, with rank of tribune. It may be you
shall have command of the castle. Three days from now take the south
road with Manius and a troop of horse. This court of Herod--of course,
I am speaking kindly, my dear Vergilius--but, you may know, it is a
place of mysteries, and there are many things I do not need to _say_ to
_you_."
The old emperor, leaning forward, touched the arm of the young man and
gave him a cunning glance.
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