Among the orderlies at the castle was one David, a young Jew, whose face and bearing had attracted the eye of Vergilius.

There was in both something admirable and familiar.

Straightway the tribune chose the young Jew for his own service, and soon held him in high esteem.
Together they set out one morning, with a troop of horse, bound for the southern limit of Samaria.

Thus quickly orders had arrived from the emperor.

They sent Vergilius on a journey to inspect roads and report "as to hopes, plans, and theories of import to the king." That morning as they left the old city, Vergilius and the young Jew rode abreast.
"Tell me," said the former, presently, "what know you of the new king ?" "Of him I have thought much and know little," said David.