You shall be assistant procurator in Jerusalem, with rank of tribune.

It may be you shall have command of the castle.

Three days from now take the south road with Manius and a troop of horse.

This court of Herod--of course, I am speaking kindly, my dear Vergilius--but, you may know, it is a place of mysteries, and there are many things I do not need to _say_ to _you_." The old emperor, leaning forward, touched the arm of the young man and gave him a cunning glance.
"A cipher," he added, passing the sheet of vellum.

"It will be known to you and to me only.