Now, indeed, was he living in a great and memorable moment.

He thought of the power offered him--power of doing and undoing, power of raising up and putting down, power over good and evil.
"Well," said Herod, impatiently, "what say you ?" "O king!" said Vergilius, "I had hoped soon to return to Rome and marry and live in the land of my fathers." "Hear me, good youth," said Herod, sternly, seizing the hand of the young man.

"There is a wise proverb in Judea.

It is: 'Speak not much with a woman.' Had I obeyed it, then had I saved my soul and happiness.

Women have been ever false with me--an idle, whispering, and mischievous crew! O youth, give not your heart to them! For five years let Judea be your bride.