Dost thou hear ?" "I could not choose but hear." "Then pledge me.

By the gods--" "Nay, good tribune, I am a Jew." "By thy God, then, or in the form most sacred to those of thy faith--pledge me to do what I tell thee now, and as I tell thee; I am waiting, let me have thy promise." "Noble Arrius, I am warned by thy manner to expect something of gravest concern.

Tell me thy wish first." "Wilt thou promise then ?" "That were to give the pledge, and-- Blessed be the God of my fathers! yonder cometh a ship!" "In what direction ?" "From the north." "Canst thou tell her nationality by outward signs ?" "No.

My service hath been at the oars." "Hath she a flag ?" "I cannot see one." Arrius remained quiet some time, apparently in deep reflection.
"Does the ship hold this way yet ?" he at length asked.
"Still this way." "Look for the flag now." "She hath none." "Nor any other sign ?" "She hath a sail set, and is of three banks, and cometh swiftly--that is all I can say of her." "A Roman in triumph would have out many flags.

She must be an enemy.
Hear now," said Arrius, becoming grave again, "hear, while yet I may speak.