CHAPTER 22.
It was a clear morning and the tenth day before the kalends of January.
Since the ides, Vergilius had been lying in camp with a cohort, near the port of Ascalon.

Night and day on the headland velites had been watching for the trireme of Antipater.

A little before dawn their beacon-fires had flamed up.

Since daylight all had been watching the far-come vessel of the son of Herod, and, as she came near, they could see the pattern of gold upon the royal vestments of Antipater.

Now, presently, he would set foot upon the unhappy land of his inheritance.
The cohort had formed in a long arc at the landing.