Vergilius left the scene with Augustus. They rode away in the royal
litter.
"In all the great cities men are speaking to-day of the value of peace
and honor," said the subtle emperor--a sceptic in religion, a cynic in
philosophy, a rake in private life, and a conqueror who commanded
"peace" with a trained army of four hundred and fifty thousand men.
"It is a great thing to do," said the young knight.
"Give me men enough to say it, and if they grow not weary I will bring
the world to believe that the sun is only the breast-plate of Jupiter,"
said Augustus. "Honor and peace are good things--do not forget that,
my young friend. Give the words to your tongue, not flippantly, but
with a sober eye, and often, my brave knight--often. You leave
to-morrow--have you made ready?"
"Ready but for the leave-taking;" this with a sigh.
"It ill becomes you to be cast down. Shake your heart with
laughter--it will roll away the stone of regret. Buy a fool, my young
friend. For five thousand denarii you may obtain a most excellent
fool.
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