The dark was lifting as Vergilius entered the Field of Mars.

There were lanterns about his litter, and far and near, in lines and clusters, he could see lights on the plain, some moving, some standing still.

Hard by the Tiber he joined a small troop of horse, and vaulting on the shaft of his lance, mounted a white charger.

Manius wheeled into place beside him at the head of the column.

A quaestor called the roll.
"Ready ?" Vergilius inquired, turning to Manius.
"All ready," the other answered.
Then a trumpet sounded and those many feet had begun the long journey to Jerusalem.