Vergilius trembled with haste to kill. He feared even that
his anger would abate and leave him unavenged. There were memories
which bade him to forgive, and of them was the gentle face of Arria,
but he turned as one who would say "Begone!" He had not time even to
consider what he should do to oppose the will of the emperor. As they
rode on, his companion addressed the young commander.
"Saw you Manius in the balcony of Herod?"
"No."
"As I passed beneath it I saw him by the side of Salome, and I heard
her say: 'Not until you slay him shall I be your wife.' I fear she
means you ill, good friend."
"She-cat!" exclaimed Vergilius. "'Tis a yowling breed that haunts the
house of Herod."
They came soon to where a throng was gathered thick, so for a little
they saw not a way to pass. In the midst were three men sitting upon
tall, white camels, their trappings rich with colored silk and shining
metal.
"They speak, to the people," said David. "It must be their words are
as silver and gold."
"I doubt not they be story-tellers from the desert," said one behind.
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