"They are beautiful," said she, "the kisses of the young, and their
words are as the music of Apollo's lyre. I thank the gods I have seen
it all again. But you are going away to-morrow. Son of Varro, be not
as other men. Remember it is not well for women to live apart from the
men they love."
"I leave at daybreak," said the young knight. "'Tis for two years, so
said the emperor; for 'only' two years."
"She shall not be as others I have known," said the Lady Claudia. "It
is an evil time, good youth; but, remember, as men are so are women.
Last night I dreamed a wonderful dream of you two, and of a sweet,
immortal love between men and women. Some say the dreams of men are,
indeed, the plans of the gods. Pray to them. It may be they will give
you this great love."
"It is here--it is in her soul and mine!" the youth declared, his arm
about Arria. "It has prepared us for any trial--even parting."
"I have so much happiness already," said the girl. "So much--it will
keep me through many years."
"Then it is the great love, and I thank the gods I have seen it," said
the Lady Claudia.
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