Say that I may have you." "We humbly wait your commands," said Vergilius, kissing his hand.
"Now tell me, handsome son of Varro, have you found no pretty girl to your liking?
Know you not, boy, 'tis time you married ?" He held the hand of the young knight and spoke kindly, his cunning eyes aglow, and smiled upon him, showing his teeth, set well apart.
"Such an one I have found, good sire.

Under the great purple dome there is none more beautiful, and with your favor and that of the gods I hope to make her my wife." "Ah, then, I know her ?" "It is Arria, sister of Appius." "And daughter of my beloved prefect.

You are ambitious, my good youth." The emperor stood a moment, looking downward thoughtfully.

He felt his retreating chin.

His smooth-shaven face, broad from bone to bone above the cheeks, quickly grew stern.