When silence came he spoke slowly, looking from face to face: "If any here dare to question my courage, within a moment it shall be proved upon him." None spoke or moved for a breath.

Antipater answered, presently: "I doubt not your courage, noble Vergilius, but if you will have it tried I can show you a better way, and one that will spare your friends.

Come, all of you." As they were rising, the young Gracus remarked: "By Apollo! I have not taken my emetic." "To forget that is to know sorrow," said another.
Slaves brought their outer robes and they followed the young prince.
He led them, between vines and fruit trees and beds of martagon and mirasolus, to the lion-house in his garden.

Vergilius now understood the test of courage to be put upon him.

The great beasts were asleep in their cages, and Antipater prodded them with a lance.