It is a trick.

You will not be able to see and the leopard will rend you." Antipater ran to the banquet-hall of his palace, where sat the emperor, his chin resting thoughtfully on his hand.

The great Augustus did not look up nor even change his attitude as the son of Herod came near and bowed low and called him father.
"I have a plan," said the emperor thoughtfully, "-- a pretty plan, my young prince of--of--" "Judea ?" suggested the young prince.
"Oh, well, it matters not," the great father went on.

"You know that fair Vergilius, son of Varro?
A headstrong, foolish youth he is, and I fear much that he is like to die shortly.

What think you ?" The piercing eyes of Augustus were looking into those of the young man.
"My great father," said the latter, "I do not know." "'Tis gross ignorance and unworthy of you," said Augustus, quickly, as he rose.