"I bring a command, and the greeting of Caesar; here are the tablets and the signet to show that I come in his name." "I am thankful to Caesar for the greeting, and I shall obey the command," answered Aulus.

"Be welcome, Hasta, and say what command thou hast brought." "Aulus Plautius," began Hasta, "Caesar has learned that in thy house is dwelling the daughter of the king of the Lygians, whom that king during the life of the divine Claudius gave into the hands of the Romans as a pledge that the boundaries of the empire would never be violated by the Lygians.

The divine Nero is grateful to thee, O general, because thou hast given her hospitality in thy house for so many years; but, not wishing to burden thee longer, and considering also that the maiden as a hostage should be under the guardianship of Caesar and the senate, he commands thee to give her into my hands." Aulus was too much a soldier and too much a veteran to permit himself regret in view of an order, or vain words, or complaint.

A slight wrinkle of sudden anger and pain, however, appeared on his forehead.
Before that frown legions in Britain had trembled on a time, and even at that moment fear was evident on the face of Hasta.

But in view of the order, Aulus Plautius felt defenceless.