"
"And is he not comely?"
"Ay, and brave with his lance."
"And a born king," said Herod. "I have fixed my heart upon him. I
have no other to love--but the great imperator. And how is he?"
"I left him well, good sire."
"Stand a moment, son of Varro," said the king, with an impatient
gesture. An attendant approached him and spoke in a low tone. Herod,
snarled like a huge cat when the lance threatens.
"Break him on the rack," he muttered; "and unless he tell, crucify
him--crucify him. He shall do me no further injury. That priest
Lugar, bring him back to me. Quickly now, bring him to me!"
The attendant hurried away, soon returning with him who had retired as
Vergilius entered the king's chamber.
"Saw you the men of learning in Ascalon?" the king demanded.
"I did."
"What said they?"
There was a moment of silence.
"Out with it," said the king, fiercely. "Must I put every man upon the
rack? Speak, and that you may tell the truth I shall not demand their
names."
"They, also, look for the new king," said Lugar.
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