He told also of a plot which had baffled all his efforts and which aimed to take the life of Herod and crown the king of prophecy and divine power.
"We must have a spy of noble blood and bearing, of unswerving fidelity and honor, and with some knowledge of the religion of Judea," said the legate.

"Of course, you will not be able to find him, for where in all the world, save yourself, good father, is there such a man ?" Augustus dropped the sheet of vellum and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"How about this young Vergilius--the handsome, clever, woman-loving Vergilius ?" he thought.

Then for a moment the cunning emperor laughed silently.
Ever since he began to read the letter he had been conversing with his daughter Julia.
"If you can propose a better candidate for the girl, I--" he paused, looking intently at the letter--"I shall consider him," he added, presently.
"She is beautiful," his daughter whispered.

"I know one who will give to the state many thousand aurei." "No need of hurry.

The young Vergilius will give what is better than money, and then--" The emperor paused again.
"And then ?" it was the inquiry of Julia.
"He will forget her and she will grow weary and yield.