In his lap he held a little fair-haired boy, covering the child with one of his wide sleeves, and giving it the golden crucifix that hung from his neck to play with.

At times his long black beard completely concealed the child's face.

The little one was playing and prattling, giving no heed to the talk of the men about him and betraying no alarm at the tumultuous approach of the storm.
The newcomer advanced and addressed the group: "Gentleman and friends, glorious descendants of Decebalus and Trajan!" "Never mind ceremony now, Diurbanu," interrupted the wearer of the gown, in a deep, commanding voice.

"What news?
Let us hear your errand." "I am the bearer of instructions." "Out with them, then!" "We must prosecute the war with might and main.

There is no time to lose.