The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-06-07

Striking differences of character often sub
slst between men who entertain a strong
friendship for each other. Velleius's history
ta1thongh frequently apologetic rather than
lmpartial) discloses the writer to us as q man
VINO, for pagan, had no mean notions of what
honor and morality prescribe. On the other
hand, the single fact we have mentioned is
su fhcient to prove that he was a consummate
master OF all the wary precautions, the quick
contrivances, and the supple dexterities by
which alone an actor in such a sphere could
at once continue to hold high office and yet
keep his head upon his shoulders. One Eng
lishman and two Scotchmen out of every
three, would infer that such head must have
been worth keeping either a good one, or
good for nothing and classic scholars know
which.
A third remarkable parsonage, as the reader
Is aware, then in the court of Tiberius, was
the physician whom Tacitus mentions as being
signally eminent in his profession, and who SO
uninterruptedly maintained the confidence of
his employer that, long afterwards, the same
historian tells us he was ut that sovereign's
| death-b bed. We mean Charicles.
Shortly after noon the day succeeding the
| events related in our last chapter, VelIeius
Paterculus sat working in his own private
| room at his quarters in Rome, when a slave
announced Charicles who was at once admitted,
The door being closed, Paterculus perceived
| that the Greek doctor unusually discom-
posed.
"There has just been held council" said
he, at the palace of Tiberius, about this
slaughter of troops yesterday, these cries for
the liberation of the young Athenian lady, the
mysterious movements of gladiators in the
city, the disafection in the army, tho known
fact that Germanicus Cesar believes that Ii
berius is the contriver of the abduction, the
appeal to Augustus which Germanicus declares
| he will make"
! "But is there any young lady abducted 7"
interrupted Paterculus.
"My FRIEND" said Charioles impressively
I" in case like this doctor in my position
knows ererythinq. Such hypocrisy ill becomes
you; it would suit stupid man. Do you sup
pose come here to betray you : What service
could that render met What motives govern
me in the present matter, think youi The
family Low in such dire afliction is Greek
nay, Athenian, and too am an Athenian. The
Lady Aglais and have been friends these FIVE
and-twenty years. We played together as
children on the banks of the Ilissus Do you
think am man made of steel springs and
lambskin by Rhodian machinistf OF that
lady's son, the heroic, the glorious youth, Pau
lus, have saved the life. 1 left Rome and
Travelled night and day to North Italy to wait
upon him. Ofhis beautiful, interesting, lovely,
and loveable sister have also saved the life
and, by all that is sacred I hestated whether
l should not poison her instead, and end her
woes"
Paterculus rose, and paced the room in
grievous agitation. Charicles added:
! Dionysus, my friend and fellow. to WI smap,
of whose fame am more proud than l am to
be Cesar's physician, would lay that Ph9bus-
like head of his under the executioner's axe to
save any member of this dear and sorrowing
family from harm and yet !, his friend and
| their friend-I, an Athenian, who have already
| saved both the brother's and the sisters lives
am so mstrusted by you, that you dare not
show before nae the interest you really feel for
them"
"You wrong NO." said Paterculus; "but,
| without meaning harm, men sometimes re-
peat.' -
| Bah " cried the Athenian :" this case is
far too serious and terrible for idle gossip on
my part. Besides, whose discretion need be
less doubted than that of doctor of my
standing u
well, them" said Paterculus, "let us sit
down and consult. Take that cushion. We
| will hold a council we'll as Tiberius and to
prove do not misdoubt you, will begin by
confessing that love this very damsel gatha,
and if she can be extricated from her present
horrible position, mean to ask her to be my
wife,
II guessed it," observed Charicles, h" for in
her rawlings she called your name Tiberius,
learning that, after being lodged in Piso's
house and visited by that internal Dame Plan.
Gina (to soothe herr, she had fallen from fit
into fit, and paroxysm into paroxysm, and
would surely die if not succored, commanded
me forthwith to attend her. went. Revived
by me from aswoon, and hearing " no was, she
olung to me, she kissed me, she called me her
mothers friend, called me countryman, towns
man, and prayed and adiured me to savo her.
l sent everybody away, and, as delicately as 1
could, made her understand that, although I