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.

"Many believe he is already born.

They say that on your death he will declare himself." "And they, too, pray for my death ?" "Most earnestly, my beloved king." "Traitors!" said Herod, and as he spoke his powerful hands were tearing his kerchief into rags.