"Slow-footed justice! come--come close to me." Eagerly he grasped the hands of the young Roman and kissed them.

Then he spoke with bitter irony, his words coming fast.

"You met the great king ?" "Yes, good sire." "You put him in chains and brought him hither ?" "And I commend him to your mercy." "Ha, ha!" the king shrieked, caressing the hand of the Roman.

Now his head rose, and for a little his old vigor and menacing voice returned to him.

"He has run me through with the blade of remorse and put upon me the chains of infirmity," he complained, an ominous, croaking rattle in his throat.