The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-04-12
THE APRIL

A&s LSe
As Paulus stepped backward after Augustus's
languid but not unlindly reception Of him,
Dionysius, who was just behind, moved quickly
| and gracefully ont Of his way, and Claudius,
the big, loutish lad, being impelled thereto by
the nature of him, shufled forward SO as to
| como in collision with Pau1us
Monster exclaimed Antonio, ashamed of
her sons awkwardness; eff wanted to prove
any ono void of all mind, would call him
more stupid than you ~
Paulus glided into the background, saying
with bow and o smile, my faultw
He now found himself in the immediate
neighborhood of that eastern group which his
young sister had described as presenting them
selves one morning at the entrance of the
bower in the inn garden. when she was there
listening to the strange conversation of Plan
Gina; we mean Queen Berenice and her
daughter Herodias, and her son Herod Agrippa.
They all three fixed their gaze upon him
with that unabashed, hardy manner peculiar
to the family, and Paulus was beginning to
feel uncomfortable in their vicinity and under
their scrutiny, when Germanicus Caesar ap-
preached, and conplimenting him upon his
brilliant exploit two evenings before, asked
him whether he would like to join the expedi-
ton which was to start next day to drive the
Germans from the northeast Of Italyf
If he would, Germanicus offered to mount
him splendidly, and keep him near his own
person, and make him the bearer of orders to
the generals in modern phrase, give him q
place on the staff. PauIus thanked the com.
mander-in-chief briefly and respectfully, and
asked to be allowed to wait till noon next day
before giving more definite answer than that
he should rejoice to accept the gracious offer |;
his mother and sister had no protector except
himself, and he should not like to leave them,
without first hearing what they said. Ger
manicus assented.
During the short conversation of which this
was the substance, Germanicus had moved
slowly up the gravel-walk; and Paulus of
course attended him, listening and answering,
not sorry besides to put some space between
himself and the unpleasant Jewish group. By
the time they had finished speaking they had
arrived opposite the couch where Tiberius,
Antonio and Agrippina were seated, with Ger
manicus's child, Caligula, as we have described,
occupying low stool in front of his mother,
Close by, leaning against pillor, stood youth
in the uniform Of a centurian, who had most
determined, thoughtful countenance.
On the approach of Germanicus, he briskly
quilted his Longing attitude to salute his
| commander.
"Young knight" said Germanicus to Paulus
"let me make you acquainted with as brave q
youth, I think as can be found in all the Ro
man 1egions this is Cassius ChGrias."
"Who, father" asked the shrill voice of the
child Caligula, ais the brave youth, do you
sayi"
| "Cassius Chayias."
care you SO brave 2" persisted the impudent
child, showing up his bandage impatiently,
and disclosing truly disfgured and malicious
little face.
"I can't see you, or what you are like. But
think could make you afraid if was EN-
peror."
The man destined hereafter to deliver man.
kind from the b oundless profligacy, the wicked
oppression, and the insane, raging, incredible
cruelties of which it was daily the miserable
victim by killing Caligula the emperor, looked
steadily at Caligula the child, and said not q
| word
I should like to feel your sword, whether
it is heavy" pursued the child. =" Give it me-
And he started to his feet.
Silence, pert baby" said Gernanicus. push
ing him back into his place.
'It seems to me-" said Augustus, looking
round, and there was an instantaneous husf
of general conversation as he did SO; "tha
we have represented around us Europe, ASH
and Africa. Young Herod and his friends ma,
count for Asia"
You," added Augustus, addressing the tall
Brahmin-like man who stood near Tiberius
"come from Egypt, do you not 7"
Mighty emperor" returned the other il
measured and sepulchral tones, 81 come from
the land where great Babylon once was tn
seat of empire"
No sooner had this man opened his moutl
than the observant Sejanus started
Approaching his mouth to the others ear
he whispered, 81 have heard your voice be
fore; you are-W.
" am" replied the other, composedly eyein,
his questioner, :. Thrasyllus Magus-Thrasyl
, lus, the student of the stars"
"sejanus smiled, twisted his moustache ii
hi fFar