AURELIAN;

OR, ROME IN THE THIRD CENTURY

IN LETTERS OF LUCIUS M. PISO, FROM ROME, TO FAUSTA, THE DAUGHTER OF GRACCHUS, AT PALMYRA. 

BY

WILLIAM WARE, AUTHOR OF "ZENOBIA, " "JULIAN, " ETC. 

_FIFTH EDITION. _

_TWO VOLUMES COMPLETE IN ONE. _

VOL. I. 

NEW YORK:PUBLISHED BY JAMES MILLER, (SUCCESSOR TO C. S. FRANCIS & CO. )647 BROADWAY. 1874. 

 Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1838, By CHARLES S. FRANCIS, in the Clerk's office of the Southern District of New York. 

 * * * * *

 Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1866, By MARY WARE, in the Clerk's office of the Southern District of New York. 

NOTICE. 

This book--a sequel to Zenobia--published nearly ten years ago under thename of 'Probus, ' was soon republished, in several places abroad, underthat of 'Aurelian. ' So far from complaining of the innovation, I couldnot but regard it as a piece of good fortune, as I had myself longthought the present a more appropriate title than the one originallychosen. Add to this, that the publisher of the work, on lately proposinga new edition, urgently advised the adoption of the foreign name, and Ihave thought myself sufficiently warranted in an alteration whichcircumstances seemed almost to require, or, at least, to excuse. 

 W. W. 

 * * * * *

AURELIAN. 

The record which follows, is by the hand of me, NICOMACHUS, once thehappy servant of the great Queen of Palmyra, than whom the world neversaw a queen more illustrious, or a woman adorned with brighter virtues. But my design is not to write her eulogy, or to recite the wonderfulstory of her life. That task requires a stronger and a more impartialhand than mine. The life of Zenobia by Nicomachus, would be the portraitof a mother and a divinity, drawn by the pen of a child and aworshipper. 

My object is a humbler, but perhaps also a more useful one. It is tocollect and arrange, in their proper order, such of the letters of themost noble LUCIUS MANLIUS PISO, as shall throw most light upon hischaracter and times, supplying all defects of incident, and filling upall chasms that may occur, out of the knowledge which more exactly thanany one else, I have been able to gather concerning all that relates tothe distinguished family of the Pisos, after its connection with themore distinguished one still, of the Queen of Palmyra. 

It is in this manner that I propose to amuse the few remaining days of agreen old age, not without hope both to amuse and benefit others also. This is a labor, as those will discover who read, not unsuitable to onewho stands trembling on the verge of life, and whom a single rude blastmay in a moment consign to the embraces of the universal mother. I willnot deny that my chief satisfaction springs from the fact, that incollecting these letters, and binding them together by a connectingnarrative, I am engaged in the honorable task of tracing out some of thesteps by which the new religion has risen to its present height ofpower. For whether true or false, neither friend nor foe, neitherphilosopher nor fool, can refuse to admit the regenerating and genialinfluences of its so wide reception upon the Roman character andmanners. If not the gift of the gods, it is every way worthy a divineorigin; and I cannot but feel myself to be worthily occupied inrecording the deeds, the virtues, and the sufferings, of those who puttheir faith in it, and, in times of danger and oppression, stood forthto defend it. Age is slow of belief. The thoughts then cling with aviolent pertinacity to the fictions of its youth, once held to be themost sacred realities. But for this I should, I believe, myself long agohave been a Christian. I daily pray to the Supreme Power that mystubborn nature may yet so far yield, that I may be able, with a freeand full assent, to call myself a follower of Christ. A Greek by birth, a Palmyrene by choice and adoption, a Roman by necessity--and these areall honorable names--I would yet rather be a Christian than either. Strange that, with so strong desires after a greater good, I shouldremain fixed where I have ever been! Stranger still, seeing I have movedso long in the same sphere with the excellent Piso, the divineJulia--that emanation of God--and the god-like Probus! But there is noriddle so hard for man to read as himself. I sometimes feel mostinclined toward the dark fatalism of the stoics, since it places allthings beyond the region of conjecture or doubt. 

Yet if I may not be a Christian myself--I do not, however, cease both tohope and pray--I am happy in this, that I am permitted by the DivineProvidence to behold, in these the last days of life, the quietsupremacy of a faith which has already added so much to the commonhappiness, and promises so much more. Having stood in the midst, andlooked upon the horrors of two persecutions of the Christians--the firstby Aurelian and the last by Diocletian--which last seemed at one momentas if it would accomplish its work, and blot out the very name ofChristian--I have no language in which to express the satisfaction withwhich I sit down beneath the peaceful shadows of a Christian throne, andbehold the general security and exulting freedom enjoyed by the manymillions throughout the vast empire of the great Constantine. Now, everywhere around, the Christians are seen, undeterred by anyapprehension of violence, with busy hands reërecting the demolishedtemples of their pure and spiritual faith; yet not unmindful, in themean time, of the labor yet to be done, to draw away the remainingmultitudes of idolaters from the superstitions which, while theyinfatuate, degrade and brutalize them. With the zeal of the earlyapostles of this religion, they are applying themselves, with untiringdiligence, to soften and subdue the stony heart of hoary Paganism, receiving but too often, as their only return, curses and threats--nowhappily vain--and retiring from the assault, leading in glad triumphcaptive multitudes. Often, as I sit at my window, overlooking, from thesouthern slope of the Quirinal, the magnificent Temple of the Sun, theproudest monument of Aurelian's reign, do I pause to observe the laborsof the artificers who, just as it were beneath the shadow of itscolumns, are placing the last stones upon the dome of a Christianchurch. Into that church the worshippers shall enter unmolested;mingling peacefully, as they go and return, with the crowds that throngthe more gorgeous temple of the idolaters. Side by side, undisturbed andfree, do the Pagans and Christians, Greeks, Jews, and Egyptians, nowobserve the rites, and offer the worship, of their varying faiths. Thishappiness we owe to the wise and merciful laws of the great Constantine. So was it, long since, in Palmyra, under the benevolent rule of Zenobia. May the time never come, when Christians shall do otherwise than now;when, remembering the wrongs they have received, they shall retaliatetorture and death upon the blind adherents of the ancient superstition!

These letters of Piso to Fausta the daughter of Gracchus, now follow. 

LETTER I. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

I am not surprised, Fausta, that you complain of my silence. It werestrange indeed if you did not. But as for most of our misdeeds we haveexcuses ready at hand, so have I for this. First of all, I was notignorant, that, however I might fail you, from your other greater friendyou would experience no such neglect; but on the contrary would besupplied with sufficient fulness and regularity, with all that could beworth knowing, concerning either our public or private affairs. For hersake, too, I was not unwilling, that at first the burden of thiscorrespondence, if I may so term it, should rest where it has, since ithas afforded, I am persuaded, a pleasure, and provided an occupationthat could have been found nowhere else. Just as a flood of tears bringsrelief to a bosom laboring under a heavy sorrow, so has this pouring outof herself to you in frequent letters, served to withdraw the mind ofthe Queen from recollections, which, dwelt upon as they were at first, would soon have ended that life in which all ours seem bound up. 

Then again, if you accept the validity of this excuse, I have another, which, as a woman, you will at once allow the force of. You will notdeem it a better one than the other, but doubtless as good. It is this:that for a long time I have been engaged in taking possession of my newdwelling upon the Coelian, not far from that of Portia. Of this youmay have heard, in the letters which have reached you; but that will notprevent me from describing to you, with more exactness than any othercan have done it, the home of your old and fast friend, Lucius ManliusPiso; for I think it adds greatly to the pleasure with which we think ofan absent friend, to be able to see, as in a picture, the form andmaterial and position of the house he inhabits, and even the very aspectand furniture of the room in which he is accustomed to pass the most ofhis time. This to me is a satisfaction greater than you can wellconceive, when, in my ruminating hours, which are many, I return toPalmyra, and place myself in the circle with Gracchus, Calpurnius, andyourself. Your palace having now been restored to its former condition, I know where to find you at the morning, noon, and evening hour; theonly change you have made in the former arrangements being this: thatwhereas when I was your guest, your private apartments occupied theeastern wing of the palace, they are now in the western, once mine, which I used then to maintain were the most agreeable and noble of all. The prospects which its windows afford of the temple, and the distantpalace of the queen, and of the evening glories of the setting sun, aremore than enough to establish its claims to an undoubted superiority;and if to these be added the circumstance, that for so long a time theRoman Piso was their occupant, the case is made out beyond allperadventure. 

But I am describing your palace rather than my own. You must remember mypaternal seat on the southern declivity of the hill, overlooking thecourse of the Tiber as it winds away to the sea. Mine is not far fromit, but on the northern side of the hill, and thereby possessing asituation more favorable to comfort, during the heats of summer--Iloving the city, as you well know, better if anything during the summerthan the winter months. Standing upon almost the highest point of thehill, it commands a wide and beautiful prospect, especially toward thenorth and east, the eye shooting over the whole expanse of city andsuburbs, and then resting upon the purple outline of the distantmountains. Directly before me are the magnificent structures which crownthe Esquiline, conspicuous among which, and indeed eminent over all, arethe Baths of Titus. Then, as you will conjecture, the eye takes in thePalatine and Capitol hills, catching, just beyond the last, the swellingdome of the Pantheon, which seems rather to rise out of, and crown, theFlavian Amphitheatre, than its own massy walls. Then, far in thehorizon, we just discern the distant summits of the Appenines, broken bySoracte and the nearer hills. 

The principal apartments are on the northern side of the palace, openingupon a portico of Corinthian columns, running its entire length andwhich would not disgrace Palmyra itself. At the eastern extremity, arethe rooms common to the family; in the centre, a spacious hall, in theadorning of which, by every form of art, I have exhausted my knowledgeand taste in such things; and at the western extremity, my library, where at this moment I sit, and where I have gathered around me all inletters and art that I most esteem. This room I have decorated formyself and Julia--not for others. Whatever has most endeared itself toour imaginations, our minds, or our hearts, has here its home. The booksthat have most instructed or amused; the statuary that most raises anddelights us; the pictures on which we most love to dwell; theantiquities that possess most curiosity or value, are here arranged, andin an order that would satisfy, I believe, even your fastidious taste. 

I will not weary you with any more minute account of my new dwelling, leaving that duty to the readier pen of Julia. Yet I cannot relieve youtill I have spoken of two of the statues which occupy the mostconspicuous niche in the library. You will expect me to name Socratesand Plato, or Numa and Seneca--these are all there, but it is not ofeither of them that I would speak. They are the venerable founders ofthe Jewish and Christian religions, MOSES and CHRIST. These statues, ofthe purest marble, stand side by side, at one extremity of theapartment; and immediately before them, and within the wondrous sphereof their influences stands the table at which I write, and where Ipursue my inquiries in philosophy and religion. You smile at myenthusiasm, Fausta, and wonder when I shall return to the calm sobrietyof my ancient faith. In this wonder there are a thousand errors--but ofthese hereafter. I was to tell you of these sculptures. Of the statue ofMoses, I possess no historical account, and know not what its claim maybe to truth. I can only say, it is a figure truly grand, and almostterrific. It is of a size larger than life, and expresses no sentimentso perfectly as authority--the authority of a rigorous and austereruler--both in the attitude of the body and the features of thecountenance. The head is slightly raised and drawn back, as iflistening, awe-struck, to a communication from the God who commissionedhim, while his left hand supports a volume, and his right grasps astylus, with which, when the voice has ceased, to record thecommunicated truth. Place in his hands the thunderbolt, and at his feetthe eagle, and the same form would serve for Jupiter the Thunderer, except only that to the countenance of the Jewish prophet there has beenimparted a rapt and inspired look, wholly beyond any that even Phidiascould have fixed upon the face of Jove. He who wrought this head musthave believed in the sublimities of the religion whose chief minister hehas made so to speak them forth, in the countenance and in the form; andyet who has ever heard of a Jew sculptor?

The statue of Christ is of a very different character; as different asthe Christian faith is from that of the Jewish, notwithstanding they arestill by many confounded. I cannot pretend to describe to you the holybeauty that as it were constitutes this perfect work of art. If you askwhat authority tradition has invested it with, I can only say that I donot know. All I can affirm with certainty, is this, that it once stoodin the palace of Alexander Severus, in company with the images of otherdeified men and gods, whom he chiefly reverenced. When that excellentprince had fallen under the blows of assassins, his successor andmurderer, Maximin, having little knowledge or taste for what was foundin the palace of Alexander, those treasures were sold, and the statue ofChrist came into the hands of a distinguished and wealthy Christian ofthat day, who, perishing in the persecution of Decius, his descendantsbecame impoverished, and were compelled to part with even this sacredrelic of their former greatness. From them I purchased it; and often arethey to be seen, whenever for such an object they can steal away fromnecessary cares, standing before it and renewing, as it would seem, their vows of obedience, in the presence of the founder of their faith. The room is free to their approach, whenever they are thus impelled. 

The expression of this statue, I have said, is wholly different fromthat of the Hebrew. His is one of authority and of sternness; this ofgentleness and love. Christ is represented, like the Moses, in a sittingposture, with a countenance, not like his raised to Heaven, but bentwith looks somewhat sad and yet full of benevolence, as if upon personsstanding before him. Fraternity, I think, is the idea you associate withit most readily. I should never suppose him to be a judge or censor, orarbitrary master, but rather an elder brother; elder in the sense ofwiser, holier, purer; whose look is not one of reproach that others arenot as himself, but of pity and desire; and whose hand would rather bestretched forth to lift up the fallen than to smite the offender. Tocomplete this expression, and inspire the beholder with perfectconfidence, the left hand rests upon a little child, who stands withfamiliar reverence at his knee, and looking up into his face seems tosay, 'No evil can come to me here. '

Opposite this, and at the other extremity of the apartment, hangs apicture of Christ, representing him in very exact accordance with thetraditional accounts of his features and form, a description of whichexists, and is held by most authentic, in a letter of Publius Lentulus, a Roman of the same period. Between this and the statue there is aclose resemblance, or as close as we usually see between two heads ofCæsar, or of Cicero. Marble, however, is the only material that suitsthe character and office of Jesus of Nazareth. Color, and its minuteeffects, seem in some sort to degrade the subject. I retain the picturebecause of its supposed truth. 

Portia, as you will believe, is full of wonder and sorrow at thesethings. Soon after my library had received its last additions, my mothercame to see what she had already heard of so much. As she entered theapartment, I was sitting in my accustomed seat, with Julia at my side, and both of us gazing in admiration at the figures I have justdescribed. We were both too much engrossed to notice the entrance ofPortia, our first warning of her presence being her hand laid upon myhead. We rose and placed her between us. 

'My son, ' said she, looking intently as she spoke upon the statuesbefore us, 'what strange looking figures are these? That upon my leftmight serve for Jupiter, but for the roll and the stylus. And why placeyou beings of character so opposite, as these appear to have been, sideby side? This other upon my right--ah, how beautiful it is! Whatmildness in those eyes, and what a divine repose over the form, which noevent, not the downfall of a kingdom nor its loss, would seem capable todisturb. Is it the peace loving Numa?'

'Not so, ' said Julia; 'there stands Numa, leaning on the sacred shield, from the centre of which beams the countenance of the divine Egeria. '

'Yes, I see it, ' replied Portia; and rising from her seat, she stoodgazing round the apartment, examining its various appointments. When hereye had sought out the several objects, and dwelt upon them a moment, she said, in tones somewhat reproachful, as much so as it is in hernature to assume:

'Where, Lucius, are the gods of Rome? Do those who have, through so manyages, watched over our country, and guarded our house, deserve no honorat your hands? Does not gratitude require at least that their imagesshould be here, so that, whether you yourself worship them or not, theirpresence may inspire others with reverence? But alas for the times!Piety seems dead; or, with the faith that inspires it, it lives, but ina few, who will soon disappear, and religion with them. Whose forms arethese, Lucius? concerning one I can now easily surmise--but the other, this stern and terrific man, who is he?'

'That, ' I replied, 'is Moses, the founder of Judaism. '

'Immortal gods!' exclaimed Portia, 'the statue of a Jew in the halls ofthe Pisos! Well may it be that Rome approaches her decline, when herelder sons turn against her. '

'Nay, my mother, I am not a Jew. '

'I would thou wert, rather than be what I suppose thou art, a Christian. The Jew, Lucius, can boast of antiquity, at least, in behalf of hisreligion. But the faith which you would profess and extend, is but ofyesterday. Would the gods ever leave mankind without religion? Is itonly to-day that they reveal the truth? Have they left us for these manyages to grope along in error? Never, Lucius, can I believe it. It isenough for me that the religion of Rome is old as Rome, to endear it tomy heart, and commend it to my understanding. It is not for the firsttime, to-day, that the gods have spoken. '

'But, my dear mother, ' I rejoined, 'if age makes truth, there are olderreligions than this of Rome. Judaism itself is older, by many centuries. But it is not because a religion is new or old, that I would receive orreject it. ' The only question is, does it satisfy my heart and mind, andis it true? The faith which you engrafted upon my infant mind, fails tomeet the wants of my nature, and upon looking for its foundations, Ifind them not. '

'Is thy nature different from mine, Lucius? Surely, thou art my ownchild! It has satisfied me and my nature. I ask for nothing else, orbetter. '

'There are some natures, mother, by the gods so furnished and filledwith all good desires and affections, that their religion is born withthem and is in them. It matters little under what outward form andadministration of truth they dwell; no system could injure them--nonewould greatly benefit. They are of the family of God, by birth, and arenever disinherited. '

'Yes, Portia, ' said Julia, 'natural and divine instincts make you whatothers can become only through the powerful operation of some principleout of, and superior to, anything they find within. For me, I know notwhat I should have been, without the help which Christianity hasafforded. I might have been virtuous, but I could not have been happy. You surely rejoice, when the weak find that in any religion orphilosophy which gives them strength. Look, Portia, at that serene andbenignant countenance, and can you believe that any truth ever camefrom its lips, but such as must be most comforting and exalting to thosewho receive it?'

'It would seem so indeed, my child, ' replied Portia, musingly, 'and Iwould not deprive any of the comforts or strength which any principlemay impart. But I cannot cease to think it dangerous to the state, whenthe faith of the founders of Rome is abandoned by those who fill itshighest places. You who abound in leisure and learning, may satisfyyourselves with a new philosophy; but what shall these nice refinementsprofit the common herd? How shall they see them to be true, orcomprehend them? The Romans have ever been a religious people; andalthough under the empire the purity of ancient manners is lost, let itnot be said that the Pisos were among those who struck the last andhardest blows at the still stout root of the tree that bore them. '

'Nothing can be more plain or intelligible, ' I replied, 'than theprinciples of the Christian religion; and wherever it has been preachedwith simplicity and power, even the common people have readily andgratefully adopted it. I certainly cannot but desire that it mayprevail. If any thing is to do it, I believe this is the power that isto restore, and in a still nobler form, the ancient manners of which youspeak. It is from Christianity that in my heart I believe the youthfulblood is to come, that being poured into the veins of this dying state, shall reproduce the very vigor and freshness of its early age. Rome, mymother, is now but a lifeless trunk--a dead and loathsome corpse--a newand warmer current must be infused, or it will soon crumble into dust. '

'I grieve, Lucius, to see you lost to the good cause of your country, and to the altars of her gods; for who can love his country, and denythe gods who made and preserve it? But then who am I to condemn? When Isee the gods to hurl thunderbolts upon those who flout them, it will betime enough for us mortals to assume the robes of judgment. I will hopethat farther thought will reclaim you from your truant wanderings. '

Do not imagine, Fausta, that conversations like this have the leasteffect to chill the warm affections of Portia towards us both. Naturehas placed within her bosom a central heat, that not only preserves herown warmth, but diffuses itself upon all who approach her, and changestheir affections into a likeness of her own. We speak of our differingfaiths, but love none the less. When she had paused a moment afteruttering the last words, she again turned her eye upon the statue ofChrist, and, captivated by its wondrous power, she dwelt upon it in amanner that showed her sensibilities to be greatly moved. At length shesuddenly started, saying:

'If truth and beauty were the same thing, one need but to look upon thisand be a believer. But as in the human form and face, beauty is oftenbut a lie, covering over a worse deformity than any that ever disfiguresthe body, so it may be here. I cannot but admire and love the beauty; itwill be wise, I suppose, not to look farther, lest the dream bedissolved. '

'Be not afraid of that, dearest mother; I can warrant you againstdisappointment. If in that marble you have the form of the outwardbeauty, here, in this roll, you will find the inward moral beauty ofwhich it is the shrine. '

'Nay, nay, Lucius, I look no farther or deeper. I have seen too muchalready. '

With these words, she arose, and we accompanied her to the portico, where we walked, and sat, and talked of you, and Calpurnius, andGracchus. 

Thus you perceive I have told you first of what chiefly interestsmyself: now let me turn to what at this moment more than everything elsefills all heads in Rome--and that is Livia. She is the object ofuniversal attention, the centre of all honor. It is indescribable, thesensation her beauty, and now added to that, her magnificence, have madeand still make in Rome. Her imperial bearing would satisfy even you; andthe splendor of her state exceeds all that has been known before. Thisyou may be surprised to hear, knowing what the principles of Aurelianhave been in such things; how strict he has been himself in a more thanrepublican simplicity, and how severe upon the extravagances andluxuries of others, in the laws he has enacted. You must remember hisprohibition of the use of cloth of gold and of silk, among otherthings--foolish laws to be suddenly promulged among so vain and corrupta population as this of Rome. They have been the ridicule and scorn ofrich and poor alike; of the rich, because they are so easily violated inprivate, or evaded by the substitution of one article for another; ofthe poor, because, being slaves in spirit, they take a slave's pride inthe trappings and state of their masters; they love not only to feel butto see their superiority. But since the eastern expedition, thereduction of Palmyra, and the introduction from abroad of the vast floodof foreign luxuries which has inundated Rome and Italy itself theprinciples and the habits of the Emperor have undergone a mightyrevolution. Now, the richness and costliness of his dress, the splendorof his equipage, the gorgeousness of his furniture, cannot be made tocome up to the height of his extravagant desires. The silk which he oncedenied to the former Empress for a dress, now, variously embroidered, and of every dye, either hangs in ample folds upon the walls, orcanopies the royal bed, or lends its beauty to the cushioned seats whicheverywhere, in every form of luxurious ease, invite to repose. Gold, too, once prohibited, but now wrought into every kind of cloth, or solidin shape of dish, or vase, or cup, or spread in sheets over the verywalls and ceilings of the palace, has rendered the traditions of Nero'shouse of gold no longer fabulous. The customs of the eastern monarchshave also elevated or perverted the ambition of Aurelian, and one afteranother are taking place of former usages. He is every day moredifficult of access, and surrounds himself, his palaces, and apartments, by guards and officers of state. In all this, as you will readilybelieve, Livia is his willing companion, or rather, I should perhapssay, his prompting and ruling genius. As without the world at her feet, it would be impossible for her insane pride to be fully satisfied, so inall that is now done, the Emperor still lags behind her will. Butbeautifully, it can be denied by none, does she become her greatness, and gives more lustre than she receives, to all around her. Gold isdoubly gold in her presence; and even the diamond sparkles with a newbrilliancy on her brow or sandal. 

Livia is, of all women I have ever seen or known; made for a Romanempress. I used to think so when in Palmyra, and I saw her, so often asI did, assuming the port and air of imaginary sovereignty. And now thatI behold her filling the very place for which by nature she is mostperfectly fitted, I cannot but confess that she surpasses all I hadimagined, in the genius she displays for her great sphere, both as wifeof Aurelian, and sovereign of Rome. Her intellect shows itself strongerthan I had believed it to be, and secures for her the homage of a classwho could not be subdued by her magnificence, extraordinary as it is. They are captivated by the brilliancy of her wit, set off by herunequalled beauty, and, for a woman, by her rare attainments, and hoveraround her as some superior being. Then for the mass of our rich andnoble, her ostentatious state and imperial presence are all that theycan appreciate, all they ask for, and more than enough to enslave them, not only to her reasonable will, but to all her most tyrannical andwhimsical caprices. She understands already perfectly the people she isamong; and through her quick sagacity, has already risen to a powergreater than woman ever before held in Rome. 

We see her often--often as ever--and when we see her, enjoy her as well. For with all her ambition of petty rule and imposing state, shepossesses and retains a goodness of heart, that endears her to all, inspite of her follies. Julia is still her beloved Julia, and I her goodfriend Lucius; but it is to Zenobia that she attaches herself mostclosely; and from her she draws most largely of the kind of inspirationwhich she covets. It is to her, too, I believe, that we may trace muchof the admirable wisdom--for such it must be allowed to be--with whichLivia adorns the throne of the world. 

Her residence, when Aurelian is absent from the city, is near us in thepalace upon the Palatine; but when he is here, it is more remote, in theenchanted gardens of Sallust. This spot, first ennobled by the presenceof the great historian, to whose hand and eye of taste the chiefbeauties of the scene are to be traced, then afterward selected byVespasian as an imperial villa, is now lately become the chosen retreatof Aurelian. It has indeed lost a part of its charms since it has beenembraced, by the extension of the new walls, within the limits of thecity; but enough remain to justify abundantly the preference of a lineof emperors. It is there that we see Livia most as we have been used todo, and where are forcibly brought to our minds the hours passed by usso instructively in the gardens of Zenobia. Often Aurelian is of ourcompany, and throws the light of his strong intellect upon whateversubject it is we discuss. He cannot, however, on such occasions, thoroughly tame to the tone of gentle society, his imperious and almostrude nature. The peasant of Pannonia will sometimes break through, andusurp the place of emperor; but it is only for a moment; for it ispleasing to note how the presence of Livia quickly restores him tohimself; when, with more grace than one would look for, he acknowledgeshis fault, ascribing it sportively to the fogs of the German marshes. Itamuses us to observe the power which the polished manners and courtlyways of Livia exercise over Aurelian, whose ambition seems now asviolently bent upon subduing the world by the displays of taste, grace, and magnificence, as it once was to do it--and is still indeed--by forceof arms. Having astonished mankind in one way, he would astonish themagain in quite another; and to this later task his whole nature isconsecrated with as entire a devotion as ever it was to the other. Liviais in all these things his model and guide; and never did soldier learnto catch, from the least motion or sign of the general, his will, thandoes he, to the same end, study the countenance and the voice of theEmpress. Yet is there, as you will believe knowing the character ofAurelian as well as you do, nothing mean nor servile in this. He is everhimself, and beneath this transparent surface, artificially assumed, youbehold, feature for feature, the lineaments of the fierce soldierglaring forth in all their native wildness and ferocity. Yet we arehappy that there exists any charm potent enough to calm, but for hoursor days, a nature so stern and cruel as to cause perpetual fears for theviolences in which at any moment it may break out. The late slaughter inthe very streets of Rome, when the Coelian ran with the blood offifteen thousand Romans, butchered within sight of their own homes, withthe succeeding executions, naturally fill us with apprehensions for thefuture. We call him generous, and magnanimous, and so he is, comparedwith former tyrants who have polluted the throne--Tiberius, Commodus, orMaximin; but what title has he to that praise, when tried by thestandard which our own reason supplies of those great virtues? I confessit was not always so. His severity was formerly ever on the side ofjustice; it was indignation at crime or baseness which sometimes broughtupon him the charge of cruelty--never the wanton infliction of sufferingand death. But it certainly is not so now. A slight cause now rouseshis sleeping passions to a sudden fury, often fatal to the first objectthat comes in his way. But enough of this. 

Do not forget to tell me again of the Old Hermit of the mountains, andthat you have visited him--if indeed he be yet among the living. 

Even with your lively imagination, Fausta, you can hardly form an ideaof the sensation which my open assertion of Christian principles andassumption of the Christian name has made in Rome. I intended when I satdown to speak only of this, but see how I have been led away! My letterswill be for the most part confined, I fear, to the subjects whichengross both myself and Julia most--such as relate to the condition andprospects of the new religion, and to the part which we take in therevolution which is going on. Not that I shall be speechless upon otherand inferior topics, but that upon this of Christianity I shall begarrulous and overflowing. I believe that in doing this, I shall consultyour preferences as well as my own. I know you to be desirous ofprinciples better than any which as yet you have been able to discover, and that you will gladly learn whatever I may have it in my power toteach you from this quarter. But all the teaching I shall attempt willbe to narrate events as they occur, and state facts as they arise, andleave them to make what impression they may. 

When I just spoke of the sensation which my adoption of the Christiansystem had caused in Rome, I did not mean to convey any idea like this, that it has been rare for the intelligent and cultivated to attachthemselves to this despised religion. On the contrary, it would be truewere I to say, that they who accept Christianity, are distinguished fortheir intelligence; that estimated as a class, they rank far above thelowest. It is not the dregs of a people who become reformers ofphilosophy or religion; who grow dissatisfied with ancient opinions uponexalted subjects, and search about for better, and adopt them. Theprocesses involved in this change, in their very nature, requireintelligence, and imply a character of more than common elevation. It isneither the lowest nor the highest who commence, and at first carry on, a work like this; but those who fill the intermediate spaces. The lowestare dead as brute matter to such interests; the highest--the rich, thefashionable, the noble, from opposite causes just as dead; or if theyare alive at all, it is with the rage of denunciation and opposition. They are supporters of the decent usages sanctioned by antiquity, andconsecrated by the veneration of a long line of the great and noble. Whether they themselves believe in the system which they uphold or not, they are equally tenacious of it. They would preserve and perpetuate it, because it has satisfied, at any rate bound and overawed, the multitudefor ages: and the experiment of alteration or substitution is toodangerous to be tried. Most indeed reason not, nor philosophize at all, in the matter. The instinct that makes them Romans in their worship ofthe power and greatness of Rome, and attachment to her civil forms, makes them Romans in their religion, and will summon them, if need be, to die for the one and the other. 

Religion and philosophy have accordingly nothing to hope from thisquarter. It is those whom we may term the substantial middle classes, who, being least hindered by prejudices and pride of order, on the onehand, and incapacitated by ignorance on the other, have ever been theearliest and best friends of progress in any science. Here you find theretired scholar, the thoughtful and independent farmer, the skilfulmechanic, the enlightened merchant, the curious traveller, theinquisitive philosopher--all fitted, beyond those of either extreme, forexercising a sound judgment upon such questions, and all more interestedin them. It is out of these that Christianity has made its converts. They are accordingly worthy of universal respect. I have examined withdiligence, and can say that there live not in Rome a purer and morenoble company than the Christians. When I say however that it is out ofthese whom I have just specified, that Christianity has made itsconverts, I do not mean to say out of them exclusively. Some have joinedthem in the present age, as well as in every age past, from the mostelevated in rank and power. If in Nero's palace, and among his chiefministers, there were Christians, if Domitilla, Domitian's niece, was aChristian, if the emperor Philip was a Christian, so now a few of thesame rank may be counted, who openly, and more who secretly, professthis religion. But they are very few. So that you will not wonder thatwhen the head of the ancient and honorable house of the Pisos, thefriend of Aurelian, and allied to the royal family of Palmyra, declaredhimself to be of this persuasion, no little commotion was observable inRome--not so much among the Christians as among the patricians, amongthe nobility, in the court and palace of Aurelian. The love of many hasgrown cold, and the outward tokens of respect are withheld. Browsdarkened by the malignant passions of the bigot are bent upon me as Ipass along the streets, and inquiries, full of scornful irony, are madeafter the welfare of my new friends. The Emperor changes not hiscarriage toward me, nor, I believe, his feelings. I think he is tootolerant of opinion, too much a man of the world, to desire to curb andrestrain the liberty of his friends in the quarter of philosophy andreligion. I know indeed on the other hand, that he is religious in hisway, to the extreme of superstition, but I have observed no tokens asyet of any purpose or wish to interfere with the belief or worship ofothers. He seems like one who, if he may indulge his own feelings in hisown way, is not unwilling to concede to others the same freedom. 

 * * * * *

As I was writing these last sentences, I became conscious of a voicemuttering in low tones, as if discoursing with itself, and upon no veryagreeable theme. I heeded it not at first, but wrote on. At length itran thus, and I was compelled to give ear:

Patience, patience--greatest of virtues, yet hardest of practice! Towait indeed for a kingdom were something, though it were upon a bed ofthorns; to suffer for the honor of truth, were more; more in itself, andmore in its rewards. But patience, when a fly stings, or a fool speaks, or worse, when time is wasted and lost, is--the virtue in this casemayhap is greater after all--but it is harder, I say, of practice--thatis what I say--yet, for that very reason, greater! By Hercules! Ibelieve it is so. So that while I wait here, my virtue of patience isgreater than that of these accursed Jews. Patience then, I say, patience!'

'What in the name of all antiquity, ' I exclaimed, turning round as thevoice ceased, 'is this flood of philosophy for? Wherein have Ioffended?'

'Offended!' cried the other; 'Nay, noble master, not offended. Accordingto my conclusion, I owe thee thanks; for while I have stood waiting tocatch thy eye and ear, my virtue has shot up like a wild vine. The soulhas grown. I ought therefore rather to crave forgiveness of thee, forbreaking up a study which was so profound, and doubtless so agreeabletoo. '

'Agreeable you will certainly grant it, when I tell you I was writing toyour ancient friend and pupil, the daughter of Gracchus. '

'Ah, the blessings of all the gods upon her. My dreams are still of her. I loved her, Piso, as I never loved beside, either form, shadow, orsubstance. I used to think that I loved her as a parent loves hischild--a brother his sister; but it was more than that. Aristotle is notso dear to me as she. Bear witness these tears! I would now, bent as Iam, travel the Syrian deserts to see her; especially if I might hearfrom her mouth a chapter of the great philosopher. Never did Greek, always music, seem so like somewhat more divinely harmonious thananything of earth, as when it came through her lips. Yet, by Hercules!she played me many a mad prank! 'Twould have been better for her and forletters, had I chastised her more, and loved her less. Condescend, noblePiso, to name me to her, and entreat her not to fall away from herGreek. That will be a consolation under all losses, and all sorrows. '

'I will not fail to do so. And now in what is my opinion wanted?'

'It is simply in the matter of these volumes, where thou wilt have thembestowed. The cases here, by their superior adorning, seem designed forthe great master of all, and his disciples; and it is here I would fainorder them. Would it so please thee?'

'No, Solon, not here. That is designed for a very different Master andhis disciples. '

Solon looked at me as if unwilling to credit his ears, hoping thatsomething would be added more honorable to the affronted philosopher andmyself. But nothing coming, he said:

'I penetrate--I apprehend. This, the very centre and post of honor, thoureservest for the atheistical Jews. The gods help us! I doubt I shouldstraight resign my office. Well, well; let us hope that the increase ofyears will bring an increase of wisdom. We cannot look for fruit on asapling. Youth seeks novelty. But the gods be thanked! Youth lasts notlong, but is a fault daily corrected; else the world were at a bad pass. Rome is not fallen, nor the fame of the Stagyrite hurt for this. But'tis grievous to behold!'

So murmuring, as he retreated to the farther part of the library, withhis bundle of rolls under his arm, he again busied himself in the laborsof his office. 

I see, Fausta, the delight that sparkles in your eye and breaks overyour countenance, as you learn that Solon, the incomparable Solon, isone of my household. No one whom I could think of, appeared so wellsuited to my wants as librarian, as Solon, and I can by no means conveyto you an idea of the satisfaction with which he hailed my offer; andabandoning the rod and the brass tablets, betook himself to a laborwhich would yield him so much more leisure for the perusal of hisfavorite authors, and the pursuit of his favorite studies. He is alreadydeep in the question, 'whether the walls of Troy were accommodated withthirty-three or thirty-nine gates, ' and also in this, 'what was themethod of construction adopted in the case of the wooden horse, and whatwas its capacity?' Of his progress in these matters, I will duly informyou. 

But I weary your patience. Farewell. 

 * * * * *

Piso, alluding in this letter to the slaughter on the Coelian Hill, which happened not long before it was written, I will add here thatwhatever color it may have pleased Aurelian to give to that affair--asif it were occasioned by a dishonest debasement of the coin by thedirectors of the mint--there is now no doubt, on the part of any who arefamiliar with the history of that period, that the difficulty originatedin a much deeper and more formidable cause, well known to Aurelianhimself, but not spoken of by him, in alluding to the event. It iscertain, then, that the civil war which then befel, for such it was, wasin truth the breaking out of a conspiracy on the part of the nobles todisplace Aurelian--'a German peasant, ' as they scornfully designatedhim--and set one of their own order upon the throne. They had alreadybought over the chief manager of the public mint--a slave and favoriteof Aurelian--and had engaged him in creating, to serve the purposeswhich they had in view, an immense issue of spurious coin. This they hadused too liberally, in effecting some of the preliminary objects oftheir movement. It was suspected, tried, proved to be false, and tracedto its authors. Before they were fully prepared, the conspirators wereobliged to take to their arms, as the only way in which to savethemselves from the executioner. The contest was one of the bloodiestever known within the walls of the city. It was Aurelian, with a fewlegions of his army, and the people--always of his part--against thewealth and the power of the nobility, and their paid adherents. In oneday, and in one battle, as it may be termed, fifteen thousand soldiersand citizens were slain in the streets of the capital. Truly does Pisosay, the streets of the Coelian ran blood. I happily was within thewalls of the queen's palace at Tibur; but well do I remember the horrorof the time--especially the days succeeding the battle, when thevengeance of the enraged conqueror fell upon the noblest families ofRome, and the axe of the executioner was blunted and broken with thesavage work which it did. 

No one has written of Aurelian and his reign, who has not applauded himfor the defence which he made of his throne and crown, when traitorouslyassailed within the very walls of the capital; but all unite also incondemning that fierce spirit of revenge, which, after the contest wasover and his power secure, by confiscation, banishment, torture anddeath, involved in ruin so many whom a different treatment would haveconverted into friends. But Aurelian was by nature a tyrant; it wasaccident whenever he was otherwise. If affairs moved on smoothly, he wasthe just or magnanimous prince; if disturbed and perplexed, and his willcrossed, he was the imperious and vindictive tyrant. 

LETTER II. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

You need not, dear Fausta, concern yourself on our behalf. I cannotthink that your apprehensions will be realized. Rome never was more calmthan now, nor apparently has there ever a better temper possessed itspeople. The number of those who are sufficiently enlightened to knowthat the mind ought not to be in bondage to man, but be held answerableto God alone for its thoughts and opinions, is becoming too great forthe violences and cruelties of former ages to be again put in practiceagainst us. And Aurelian, although stern in his nature, andsuperstitious beyond others, will not, I am persuaded, lend himselfeither to priests or people to annoy us. If no principle of humanityprevented him, nor generosity of sentiment, he would be restrained, Ithink, by his attachments to so many who bear the hated name. 

And this opinion I maintain, notwithstanding a recent act on the part ofthe Emperor, which some construe into the expression of unfavorablesentiments toward us. I allude to the appointment of Fronto, NigridiusFronto, to be chief priest of the temple of the Sun, which has theseseveral years been building, and is now just completed. This mansignalized himself, both under Decius and Valerian, for his bitterhatred of the Christians, and his untiring zeal in the work of theirdestruction. The tales which are told of his ferocious barbarity, wouldbe incredible, did we not know so well what the hard Roman heart iscapable of. It is reported of him, that he informed against his ownsisters, who had embraced the Christian faith, was with those who huntedthem with blood-hounds from their place of concealment, and stood by, awitness and an executioner, while they were torn limb from limb, anddevoured. I doubt not the truth of the story. And from that day to this, has he made it his sole office to see that all the laws that bear hardupon the sect, and deprive them of privileges and immunities, are notpermitted to become a dead letter. It is this man, drunk with blood, whom Aurelian has put in chief authority in his new temple, and madehim, in effect, the head of religion in the city. He is however not onlythis. He possesses other traits, which with reason might commend him tothe regard of the Emperor. He is an accomplished man, of an ancientfamily, and withal no mean scholar. He is a Roman, who for Rome's honoror greatness, as he would on the one hand sacrifice father, mother, daughter, so would he also himself. And Rome, he believes, lives but inher religion; it is the life-blood of the state. It is these traits, Idoubt not, that have recommended him to Aurelian, rather than theothers. He is a person eminently fitted for the post to which he isexalted; and you well know that it is the circumstance of fitness, Aurelian alone considers, in appointing his own or the servants of thestate. Probus thinks differently. And although he sees no cause toapprehend immediate violence, confesses his fears for the future. Heplaces less reliance than I do upon the generosity or friendship ofAurelian. It is his conviction that superstition is the reigning powerof his nature, and will sooner or later assert its supremacy. It may beso. Probus is an acute observer, and occupies a position more favorableto impartial estimates, and the formation of a dispassionate judgment, than I. 

This reminds me that you asked for news of Probus, my 'Christianpedagogue, ' as you are wont to name him. He is here, adorning, by a lifeof severe simplicity and divine benevolence, the doctrine he hasespoused. He is a frequent inmate of our house, and Julia, not less thanmyself, ever greets him with affectionate reverence, as both friend andinstructor. He holds the chief place in the hearts of the RomanChristians; for even those of the sect who differ from him in doctrineand in life, cannot but acknowledge that never an apostle presented tothe love and imitation of his followers an example of rarer virtue. Yethe is not, in the outward rank which he holds, at the head of theChristian body. Their chiefs are, as you know, the bishops, and Felix isBishop of Rome, a man every way inferior to Probus. But he has the goodor ill fortune to represent more popular opinions, in matters both ofdoctrine and practice than the other, and of course easily rides intothe posts of trust and honor. Ho represents those among theChristians--for, alas! there are such among them--who, in seeking theelevation and extension of Christianity, do not hesitate to accommodateboth doctrine and manner to the prejudices and tastes of both Pagan andJew. They seek converts, not by raising them to the height of Christianprinciple and virtue, but by lowering these to the level of theirgrosser conceptions. Thus it is easy to see that in the hands of suchprofessors, the Christian doctrine is undergoing a rapid process ofdeterioration. Probus, and those who are on his part, see this, arealarmed, and oppose it; but numbers are against them, and consequentlypower and authority. Already, strange as it may seem, when you comparesuch things with the institution of Christianity, as effected by itsfounder, do the bishops, both in Rome and in the provinces, begin toassume the state and bearing of nobility. Such is the number and wealthof the Christian community, that the treasuries of the churches arefull; and from this source the pride and ambition of their rulers areluxuriously fed. If, as you walk through the street which crosses fromthe Quirinal to the Arch of Titus, lined with private dwellings ofunusual magnificence, you ask whose is that with a portico, that forbeauty and costliness rather exceeds the rest, you are told, 'That isthe dwelling of Felix, the Bishop of Rome;' and if it chance to be aChristian who answers the question, it is done with ill-suppressed prideor shame, according to the party to which he belongs. This Felix is thevery man, through the easiness of his dispositions, and his proneness toall the arts of self-indulgence, and the imposing graciousness of hiscarriage, to keep the favor of the people, and at the same time sinkthem, without suspicion on their part, lower and lower toward thesensual superstitions, from which, through so much suffering and by somany labors, they have but just escaped, and accomplish an adulterousand fatal union between Christianity and Paganism; by which indeedPaganism may be to some extent purified and exalted, but Christianitydefiled and depressed. For Christianity, in its essence, is that whichbeckons and urges onward, not to excellence only, but to perfection. Ofcourse its march is always in advance of the present. By such union withPaganism then, or Judaism, its essential characteristic will disappear;Christianity will, in effect, perish. You may suppose, accordingly, thatProbus, and others who with him rate Christianity so differently, lookon with anxiety upon this downward tendency, and with mingled sorrow andindignation upon those who aid it--oftentimes actuated, as is notorious, by most corrupt motives. 

 * * * * *

I am just returned from the shop of the learned Publius, where I metProbus, and others of many ways of thinking. You will gather from whatoccurred, better than from anything else I could say, what occupies thethoughts of our citizens, and how they stand affected. 

I called to Milo to accompany me, and to take with him a basket in whichto bring back books, which it was my intention to purchase. 

'I trust, noble master, ' said he, 'that I am to bear back no moreChristian books. '

'Why so?'

'Because the priests say that they have magical powers over all who readthem, or so much as handle them; that a curse sticks wherever they areor have been. I have heard of those who have withered away to a merewisp; of others who have suddenly caught on fire, and vanished in flameand smoke; and of others, whose blood has stood still, frozen, or runout from all parts of the body, changed to the very color of your shoe, at their bare touch. Who should doubt that it is so, when the very boysin the streets have it, and it is taught in the temples? I would ratherSolon, noble master, went in my stead. Mayhap his learning would protecthim. '

I, laughing, bade him come on. 'You are not withered away yet, Milo, norhas your blood run out; yet you have borne many a package of thesehorrible books. Surely the gods befriend you. '

'I were else long since with the Scipios. ' After a pause of some length, he added, as he reluctantly, and with features of increased paleness, followed in my steps:

'I would, my master, that you might be wrought with to leave these ways. I sleep not for thinking of your danger. Never, when it was my sadmischance to depart from the deserted palace of the great Gallienus, didI look to know one to esteem like him. But it is the truth when Iaffirm, that I place Piso before Gallienus, and the lady Julia beforethe lady Salonina. Shall I tell you a secret?'

'I will hear it, if it is not to be kept. '

'It is for you to do with it as shall please you. I am the bosom friend, you may know, of Curio, the favorite slave of Fronto--'

'Must I not publish it?'

'Nay, that is not the matter, though it is somewhat to boast of. Thereis not Curio's fellow in all Rome. But that may pass. Curio then, as Iwas with him at the new temple, while he was busied in some of the lastoffices before the dedication, among other things, said: 'Is not thymaster Piso of these Christians?' 'Yes, ' said I, 'he is; and were theyall such as he, there could be no truth in what is said of them. ' 'Ah!'he replied, 'there are few among the accursed tribe like him. He has butjust joined them; that's the reason he is better than the rest. Waitawhile, and see what he will become. They are all alike in the end, cursers, and despisers, and disbelievers, of the blessed gods. But lionshave teeth, tigers have claws, knives cut, fire burns, water drowns. 'There he stopped. 'That's wise, ' I said, 'who could have known it?''Think you, ' he rejoined, 'Piso knows it? If not, let him ask Fronto. Let me advise thee, ' he added, in a whisper, though in all the templethere were none beside us, 'let me advise thee, as thy friend, to avoiddangerous company. Look to thyself; the Christians are not safe. ' 'Howsay you, ' I replied, 'not safe? What and whom are they to fear?Gallienus vexed them not. Is Aurelian----' 'Say no more, ' he replied, interrupting me, 'and name not what I have dropped, for your life. Fronto's ears are more than the eyes of Argus, and his wrath more deadlythan the grave. '

'Just as he ended these words, a strong beam of red light shot up fromthe altar, and threw a horrid glare over the whole dark interior. Iconfess I cried out with affright. Curio started at first, but quicklyrecovered, saying that it was but the sudden flaming up of the fire thathad been burning on the altar, but which shortly before he had quenched. 'It is, ' said he, 'an omen of the flames that are to be kindledthroughout Rome. ' This was Curio's communication. Is it not a secretworth knowing?'

'It tells nothing, Milo, but of the boiling over of the wrath of themalignant Fronto, which is always boiling over. Doubtless I should fareill, were his power equal to his will to harm us. But Aurelian is abovehim. '

'That is true; and Aurelian, it is plain, is little like Fronto. '

'Very little. '

'But still I would that, like Gallienus, thou couldst only believe inthe gods. The Christians, so it is reported, worship and believe in buta man, --a Jew, --who was crucified as a criminal, with thieves andmurderers. ' He turned upon me a countenance full of unaffected horror. 

'Well, Milo, at another time I will tell you what the truth about it is. Here we are now, at the shop of Publius. '

The shop of Publius is remarkable for its extent and magnificence, ifsuch a word may be applied to a place of traffic. Here resort all theidlers of learning and of leisure, to turn over the books, hear thenews, discuss the times, and trifle with the learned bibliopole. As Ientered, he saluted me in his customary manner, and bade me 'welcome tohis poor apartments, which for a long time, ' he said, 'I had not honoredwith my presence. '

I replied that two things had kept me away: the civil broils in whichthe city had just been involved, and the care of ordering theappointments of a new dwelling. I had come now to commence someconsiderable purchases for my vacant shelves, if it might so happen thatthe books I wanted were to be found in his rooms. 

'There is not, ' he replied, 'a literature, a science, a philosophy, anart, or a religion, whose principal authors are not to be found uponthe walls of Publius. My agents are in every corner of the empire, ofthe east and west, searching out the curious and the rare, the usefuland the necessary, to swell the catalogue of my intellectual riches. Ibelieve it is established, that in no time before me, as nowhere now, has there been heard of a private collection like this for value and fornumber. '

'I do not doubt what you say, Publius. This is a grand display. Yourranges of rooms show like those of the Ulpian. Yet you do not quiteequal, I suppose, Trajan's for number?'

'Truly not. But time may bring it to pass. What shall I show you? Itpleases me to give my time to you. I am not slow to guess what it is younow, noble Piso, chiefly covet. And I think, if you will follow me tothe proper apartment, I can set before you the very things you are insearch of. Here upon these shelves are the Christian writers. Just letme offer you this copy of Hegesippus, one of your oldest historians, ifI err not. And here are some beautifully executed copies, I have justordered to be made, of the Apologies of Justin and Tertullian. Here, again, are Marcion and Valentinus; but perhaps they are not in esteemwith you. If I have heard aright, you will prefer these tracts of Paul, or Artemon. But hold, here is a catalogue. Be pleased to inspect it. '

As I looked over the catalogue, I expressed my satisfaction that aperson of his repute was willing to keep on sale works so generallycondemned, and excluded from the shops of most of his craft. 

'I aim, my dear friend--most worthy Piso--to steer a midway course amongcontending factions. I am myself a worshipper of the gods of my fathers. But I am content that others should do as they please in the matter, Iam not, however, so much a worshipper--in your ear--as a bookseller. That is my calling. The Christians are become a most respectable people. They are not to be overlooked. They are, in my judgment, the mostintelligent part of our community. Wasting none of their time at thebaths and theatres, they have more time for books. And then theirnumbers too! They are not fewer than seventy thousand!--known andcounted. But the number, between ourselves, Piso of those who secretlyfavor or receive this doctrine, is equal to the other! My books go tohouses, ay, and to palaces, people dream not of. '

'I think your statements a little broad, ' said a smooth, silvery voice, close at our ears. We started, and beheld the Prefect Varus standing atour side. Publius was for a moment a little disconcerted; but quicklyrecovered, saying in his easy way, 'A fair morning to you! I knew notthat it behooved me to be upon my oath, being in the presence of theGovernor of Rome. I repeat, noble Varus, but what I hear. I give what Isay as the current rumor. That is all--that is all. Things may not beso, or they may; it is not for me to say. I wish well to all; that is mycreed. '

'In the public enumerations of the citizens, ' replied the Prefect, inclining with civility to Publius, 'the Christians have reached at notime fifty thousand. As for the conjecture touching the number of thosewho secretly embrace this injurious superstition, I hold it utterlybaseless. It may serve a dying cause to repeat such statements, but theyaccord not with obvious fact. '

'Suspect me not, Varus, ' hastily rejoined the agitated Publius, 'ofsetting forth such statements with the purpose to advance the cause ofthe Christians. I take no part in this matter. Thou knowest that I am aRoman of the old stamp. Not a Roman in my street is more diligentlyattentive to the services of the temple than I. I simply say again, whatI hear as news of my customers. The story which one rehearses, I retailto another. '

'I thank the gods it is so, ' replied the man of power. 

'During these few words, I had stood partly concealed by a slendermarble pillar. I now turned, and the usual greetings passed with thePrefect. 

'Ah! Piso! I knew not with certainty my hearer. Perhaps fromyou'--smiling as he spoke--'we may learn the truth. Rome speaks loudlyof your late desertion of the religion and worship of your fathers, andunion with the Galileans. I should say, I hoped the report ill founded, had I not heard it from quarters too authentic to permit a doubt. '

'You have heard rightly, Varus, ' I rejoined. 'After searching throughall antiquity after truth, I congratulate myself upon having at lastdiscovered it, and where I least expected, in a Jew. And the good whichI have found for myself, I am glad to know is enjoyed by so many more ofmy fellow-citizens. I should not hesitate to confirm the statement madeby Publius, from whatever authority he may have derived it, rather thanthat which has been made by yourself. I have bestowed attention not onlyupon the arguments which support Christianity, but upon the actualcondition of the Christian community, here and throughout the empire. It is prosperous at this hour, beyond all former example. If Pliny couldcomplain, even in his day, of the desertion of the temples of the gods, what may we now suppose to be the relative numbers of the two greatparties? Only, Varus, allow the rescript of Gallienus to continue inforce, which merely releases us from oppressions, and we shall see inwhat a fair trial of strength between the two religions will issue. '

'That dull profligate and parricide, ' replied Varus, 'not content withkilling himself with his vices, and his father by connivance, must needsdestroy his country by his fatuity. I confess, that till that order berepealed, the superstition will spread. '

'But it only places us upon equal ground. '

'It is precisely there where we never should be placed. Should theconspirator be put upon the ground of a citizen? Were the late rebels ofthe mint to be relieved from all oppression, that they might safelyintrigue and conspire for the throne?'

'Christianity has nothing to do with the empire, ' I answered, 'as such. It is a question of moral, philosophical, religious truth. Is truth tobe exalted or suppressed by edicts?'

'The religion of the state, ' replied Varus, 'is a part of the state; andhe who assails it, strikes at the dearest life of the state, and--forgive me--is to be dealt with--ought to be dealt with--as atraitor. '

'I trust, ' I replied, 'that that time will never again come, but thatreason and justice will continue to bear sway. And it is both reasonableand just, that persons who yield to none in love of country, and whoseprinciples of conduct are such as must make good subjects everywhere, because they first make good men, should be protected in the enjoymentof rights and privileges common to all others. '

'If the Christians, ' he rejoined, 'are virtuous men, it is better forthe state than if they were Christians and corrupt men. But still thatwould make no change in my judgment of their offence. They deny the godswho preside over this nation, and have brought it up to its presentheight of power and fame. Their crime were less, I repeat, to deny theauthority of Aurelian. This religion of the Galileans is a sore, eatinginto the vitals of an ancient and vigorous constitution, and must be cutaway. The knife of the surgeon is what the evil cries out for and musthave--else come universal rottenness and death. I mourn that from theranks of the very fathers of the state, they have received an accessionlike this of the house of Piso. '

'I shall think my time and talent well employed, ' I replied, 'in doingwhat I may to set the question of Christianity in its true light beforethe city. It is this very institution, Varus, which it needs to preserveit. Christianize Rome, and you impart the very principle of endurance, of immortality. Under its present corruptions, it cannot but sink. Is itpossible that a community of men can long hold together as vicious asthis of Rome?--whose people are either disbelievers of all divineexistences, or else ground to the earth by the most degradingsuperstitions? A nation, either on the one hand governed bysuperstition, or, on the other, atheistical, contains within itself thedisease which sooner or later will destroy it. You yourself, it isnotorious, have never been within the walls of a temple, nor are Laresor Penates to be found within your doors. '

'I deny it not, ' rejoined the Prefect. 'Most who rise to anyintelligence, must renounce, if they ever harbored it, all faith in theabsurdities and nonsense of the Roman religion. But what then? Thesevery absurdities, as we deem them, are holy truth to the multitude, anddo more than all bolts, bars, axes, and gibbets, to keep them insubjection. The intelligent are good citizens by reflection; themultitude, through instincts of birth, and the power of superstition. Myidea is, as you perceive, Piso, but one. Religion is the state, and forreasons of state must be preserved in the very form in which it has solong upheld the empire. '

'An idea more degrading than yours, to our species, ' I replied, 'canhardly be conceived. I cannot but look upon man as something more than apart of the state. He is, first of all, a man, and is to be cared for assuch. To legislate for the state, to the ruin of the man, is to pamperthe body, and kill the soul. It is to invert the true process. Theindividual is more than the abstraction which we term the state. Ifgovernments cannot exist, nor empires hold their sway, but by thedestruction of the human being, why let them fall. The lesser must yieldto the greater. As a Christian, my concern is for man as man. This isthe essence of the religion of Christ. It is philanthropy. It sees inevery human soul a being of more value than empires, and its purpose is, by furnishing it with truths and motives, equal to its wants, to exaltit, purify it, and perfect it. If, in achieving this work, existingreligions or governments are necessarily overturned or annihilated, Christianity cares not, so long as man is the gainer. And is it notcertain, that no government could really be injured, although it mightapparently, and for a season, by its subjects being raised in allintelligence and all virtue? My work therefore, Varus, will be to sowtruth in the heart of the people, which shall make that heart fertileand productive. I do not believe that in doing this Rome will sufferinjury, but on the contrary receive benefit. Its religion, or rather itsdegrading superstitions, may fall, but a principle of almighty energyand divine purity will insensibly be substituted in their room. I laborfor man--not for the state. '

'And never, accordingly, most noble Piso, did man, in so unequivocalwords, denounce himself traitor. '

'Patriot! friend! benefactor! rather;' cried a voice at my side, which Iinstantly recognized as that of Probus. Several beside himself had drawnnear, listening with interest to what was going on. 

'That only shows, my good friend, ' said Varus, in his same smiling way, and which seems the very contradiction of all that is harsh and cruel, 'how differently we estimate things. Your palate esteems that to bewholesome and nutritious food, which mine rejects as ashes to the taste, and poison to the blood. I behold Rome torn and bleeding, prostrate anddying, by reason of innovations upon faith and manners, which to youappear the very means of growth, strength, and life. How shall weresolve the doubt--how reconcile the contradiction? Who shall prescribefor the patient? I am happy in the belief, that the Roman people havelong since decided for themselves, and confirm their decision every dayas it passes, by new acts and declarations. '

'If you mean, ' said Probus, 'to say that numbers and the general voiceare still against the Christians, I grant it so. But I am happy too inmy belief, that the scale is trembling on the beam. There are more andbetter than you wot of, who hail with eager minds and glad hearts, thetruths which it is our glory, as servants of Christ, to propound. Withinmany a palace upon the seven hills, do prayers go up in his name; andwhat is more, thousands upon thousands of the humbler ranks, of thosewho but yesterday were without honor in their own eyes, orothers'--without faith--at war with themselves and the world--fit toolsfor and foe of the state to work with--are to-day reverers ofthemselves, worshippers of God, lovers of mankind, patriots who lovetheir country better than ever before, because they now behold in everycitizen not only a citizen, but a brother and an immortal. The doctrineof Christianity, as a lover of man, so commends itself, Varus, to thehearts of the people, that in a few more years of prosperity, and theface of the Roman world will glow with a new beauty; love and humanitywill shine forth in all its features. 

'That is very pretty, ' said Varus, his lip slightly curling, as hespoke, but retaining his courteous bearing, 'yet methinks, seeing thisdoctrine is so bewitching, and is withal a heaven-inspired wisdom, theGod working behind it and urging it on, it moves onward with a pacesomething of the slowest. Within a few of three hundred years has itappealed to the human race, and appealed in vain. The feeblest and theworst of mankind have had power almost to annihilate it, and more thanonce has it seemed scarce to retain its life. Would it have been so, hadit been in reality what you claim for it, of divine birth? Would thegods suffer their schemes for man's good to be so thwarted, and drivenaside by man? What was this boasted faith doing during the long andpeaceful reigns of Hadrian, and the first Antonine? The sword ofpersecution was then sheathed, or if it fell at all, it was but on afew. So too under Vespasian, Titus, Nerva, Commodus, Severus, Heliogabalus, the Philips, Gallienus, and Claudius?'

'That is well said, ' a Roman voice added, of one standing by the side ofVarus, 'and is a general wonder. '

'I marvel it should be a wonder, ' rejoined Probus. 'Can you pour into afull measure? Must it not be first emptied? Who, Varus, let him try ashe may, could plant the doctrine of Christ in thy heart? Could I do it, think you?--or Piso?'

'I trow not. '

'And why, I pray you?'

'It is not hard to guess. '

'Is it not because you are already full of contrary notions, to whichyou cling tenaciously, and from which, perhaps, no human force coulddrag you? But yours is a type of every other Roman mind to whichChristianity has been offered. If you receive it not at once, shouldothers? Suppose the soul to be full of sincere convictions as to thepopular faith, can the gospel easily enter there? Suppose it skeptical, as to all spiritual truth; can it enter there? Suppose it polluted byvice can it easily enter there? Suppose it like the soul ofFronto, ----'

'Hush! hush!' said several voices. Probus heeded them not. 

'Suppose it like the soul of Pronto, could it enter there? See you notthen, by knowing your own hearts, what time it must demand for a new, and specially a strict doctrine, to make its way into the minds of men?'Tis not easier to bore a rock with one's finger, than to penetrate aheart hardened by sin or swelled with prejudice and pride. And if wesay, Varus, this was a work for the God to do--that he who originatedthe faith should propagate it--I answer, that would not be like theother dealings of the divine power. He furnishes you with earth andseed, but he ploughs not for you, nor plants, nor reaps. He gives youreason, but he pours not knowledge into your mind. So he offers truth;but that is all. He compels no assent; he forces no belief. All isvoluntary and free. How then can the march of truth be otherwise thanslow? Truth, being the greatest thing below, resembles in its port themotion of the stars, which are the greatest things above. But liketheirs, if slow, it is ever sure and onward. '

'The stars set in night. '

'But they rise again. Truth is eclipsed often, and it sets for a night;but never is turned aside from its eternal path. '

'Never, Publius, ' said the Prefect, adjusting his gown, and with the actfilling the air with perfume 'never did I think to find myself within aChristian church. Your shop possesses many virtues. It is a place to beinstructed in. ' Then turning to Probus, he soothingly and in persuasivetones, added, 'Be advised now, good friend, and leave off thy office ofteacher. Rome can well spare thee. Take the judgment of others; we neednot thy doctrine. Let that alone which is well established and secure. Spare these institutions, venerable through a thousand years. Leavechanges to the gods. '

Probus was about to reply, when we were strangely interrupted. While wehad been conversing, there stood before me, in the midst of the floor ofthe apartment, a man, whose figure, face, and demeanor were such that Ihardly could withdraw my eye from him. He was tall and gaunt, beyond allI ever saw, and erect as a Prætorian in the ranks. His face was stronglyRoman, thin and bony, with sunken cheeks, a brown and wrinkled skin--notthrough age, but exposure--and eyes more wild and fiery than ever glaredin the head of Hun or hyena. He seemed a living fire-brand of death andruin. As we talked, he stood there motionless, sometimes casting glancesat our group, but more frequently fixing them upon a roll which he heldin his hands. 

As Varus uttered the last words, this man suddenly left his post, andreaching us with two or three strides, shook his long finger at Varus, saying, at the same time, 'Hold, blasphemer!'

The Prefect started as if struck, and gazing a moment with unfeignedamazement at the figure, then immediately burst into a laugh, cryingout, 'Ha! ha! Who in the name of Hecate have we here? Ha! ha!--he seems justescaped from the Vivaria. '

'Thy laugh, ' said the figure, 'is the music of a sick and dying soul. Itis a rebel's insult against the majesty of Heaven; ay, laugh on! That iswhat the devils do; it is the merriment of hell. What time they burnnot, they laugh. But enough. Hold now thy scoffing, Prefect Varus, for, high as thou art, I fear thee not: no! not wert thou twice Aurelian, instead of Varus. I have somewhat for thee. Wilt hear it?'

'With delight, Bubo. Say on. '

'It was thy word just now, 'Rome needs not this doctrine, ' was it not?'

'If I said it not, it is a good saying, and I will father it. '

''Rome needs not this doctrine; she is well enough; let her alone!'These were thy words. Need not, Varus, the streets of Rome a cleansingriver to purify them? Dost thou think them well enough, till all thefountains have been let loose to purge them? Is Tarquin's sewer a placeto dwell in? Could all the waters of Rome sweeten it? The people of Romeare fouler than her highways. The sewers are sweeter than the veryworshippers of our temples. Thou knowest somewhat of this. Wast everpresent at the rites of Bacchus?--or those of the Cyprian goddess? Nay, blush not yet. Didst ever hear of the gladiator Pollex?--of the womanCæcina?--of the boy Lælius, and the fair girl Fannia--proffered and soldby the parents, Pollex and Cæcina, to the loose pleasures of Gallienus?Now I give thee leave to blush! Is it nought that the one half of Romeis sunk in a sensuality, a beastly drunkenness and lust, fouler thanthat of old, which, in Judea, called down the fiery vengeance of theinsulted heavens? Thou knowest well, both from early experience andbecause of thy office, what the purlieus of the theatres are, and placesworse than those, and which to name were an offence. But to you theyneed not be named. Is all this, Varus, well enough? Is this thatvenerable order thou wouldst not have disturbed? Is that to be chargedas impiety and atheism, which aims to change and reform it? Are theyconspirators, and rebels, and traitors, whose sole office and labor isto mend these degenerate morals, to heal these corrupting sores, to poura better life into the rotting carcass of this guilty city? Is it forour pastime, or our profit, that we go about this always dangerous work?Is it a pleasure to hear the gibes, jests, and jeers of the streets andthe places of public resort? Will you not believe that it is for somegreat end that we do and bear as thou seest--even the redemption, andpurifying, and saving of Rome? I love Rome, even as a mother, and forher am ready to die. I have bled for her freely in battle, in Gaul, uponthe Danube, in Asia, and in Egypt. I am willing to bleed for her athome, even unto death, if that blood might, through the blessing of God, be a stream to cleanse her putrifying members. But O, holy Jesus! whywaste I words upon one whose heart is harder than the nether millstone!Thou preachedst not to Pilate, nor didst thou work thy wonders forHerod. Varus, beware!'

And with these words, uttered with a wild and threatening air, heabruptly turned away, and was lost in the crowds of the street. 

While he raved, the Prefect maintained the same unruffled demeanor asbefore. His customary smile played around his mouth, a smile like noother I ever saw. To a casual observer, it would seem like every othersmile, but to one who watches him, it is evident that it denotes nohilarity of heart, for the eyes accompany it not with a correspondingexpression, but on the contrary, look forth from their beautifulcavities with glances that speak of anything rather than of peace andgood-will. So soon as the strange being who had been declaiming haddisappeared, the Prefect, turning to me, as he drew up his gown aroundhim, said, 'I give you joy, Piso, of your coadjutor. A few more of the samefashion, and Rome is safe. ' And saluting us with urbanity, he salliedfrom the shop. 

I had been too much amazed, myself, during this scene, to do anythingelse than stand still, and listen, and observe. As for Probus, I saw himto be greatly moved, and give signs of even deep distress. He evidentlyknew who the person was--as I saw him make more than one ineffectualeffort to arrest him in his harangue--and as evidently held him inrespect, seeing he abstained from all interruption of a speech that hefelt to be provoking wantonly the passions of the Prefect, and of manywho stood around, from whom, so soon as the man of authority hadwithdrawn, angry words broke forth abundantly. 

'Well did the noble Prefect say, that that wild animal had come forthlike a half-famished tiger from the Vivaria, ' said one. 

'It is singular, ' observed another, 'that a man who pretends to reformthe state, should think to do it by first putting it into a rage withhim, and all he utters. '

'Especially singular, ' added a third, 'that the advocate of a religionthat, as I hear, condemns violence, and consists in the strictness withwhich the passions are governed, should suppose that he was doing anyother work than entering a breach in his own citadel, by such ferocity. But it is quite possible his wits are touched. '

'No, I presume not, ' said the first; 'this is a kind of zeal which, if Ihave observed aright, the Christians hold in esteem. '

As these separated to distant parts of the shop, I said to Probus, whoseemed heavily oppressed by what had occurred, 'What dæmon dwells inthat body that has just departed?'

'Well do you say dæmon. The better mind of that man seems oft-timesseized upon by some foul spirit, and bound--which then acts and speaksin its room. But do you not know him?'

'No, truly; he is a stranger to me, as he appears to be to all. '

'Nevertheless, you have been in his company. You forget not theMediterranean voyage?'

'By no means. I enjoyed it highly, and recall it ever with delight. '

'Do you not remember, at the time I narrated to you the brief story ofmy life, that, as I ended, a rough voice from among the soldiersexclaimed, 'Where now are the gods of Rome?' This is that man, thesoldier Macer; then bound with fellow soldiers to the service in Africa, now a Christian preacher. '

'I see it now. That man impressed me then with his thin form andall-devouring eyes. But the African climate, and the gash across hisleft cheek, and which seems to have slightly disturbed the eye upon thatside, have made him a different being, and almost a terrific one. Is hesound and sane?'

'Perfectly so, ' replied Probus, 'unless we may say that souls earnestlydevoted and zealous, are mad. There is not a more righteous soul inRome. His conscience is bare, and shrinking like a fresh wound. Hisbreast is warm and fond as a woman's--his penitence for the wild errorsof his pagan youth, a consuming fire, which, while it redoubles hisardor in doing what he may in the cause of truth, rages in secret, and, if the sword or the cross claim him not, will bring him to the grave. Heis utterly incapable of fear. All the racks and dungeons of Rome, withtheir tormentors, could not terrify him. '

'You now interest me in him. I must see and know him. It might be ofservice to him and to all, Probus, methinks, if he could be brought toassociate with those whose juster notions might influence his, andmodify them to the rule of truth. '

'I fear not. What he sees, he sees clearly and strongly, and by itself. He understands nothing of one truth bearing upon another, and adding toit, or taking from it. Truth is truth with him--and as his own mindperceives it--not another's. His conscience will allow him in noaccommodations to other men's opinions or wishes; with him, right isright, wrong is wrong. He is impatient under an argument as a war-horseunder the rein after the trumpet sounds. It is unavoidable thereforebut he should possess great power among the Christians of Rome. His arethe bold and decisive qualities that strike the common mind. There isglory and applause in following and enduring under such a leader. Manyare fain to believe him divinely illuminated and impelled, to unite thecharacters of teacher and prophet; and from knowing that he is soregarded by others, Macer has come almost to believe it himself. He istending more and more to construe every impulse of his own mind into adivine suggestion, and I believe honestly experiences difficulty indiscriminating between them. Still, I do not deny that it would be ofadvantage for him more and more to come in contact with sober andenlightened minds. I shall take pleasure, at some fitting moment, toaccompany you to his humble dwelling; the rather as I would show youalso his wife and children, all of whom are like himself Christians. '

'I shall not forget the promise. '

Whereupon we separated. 

I then searched for Publius, and making my purchases, returned home, Milo following with the books. 

As Milo relieved himself of his burden, discharging it upon the floor ofthe library, I overheard him to say, 'Lie there, accursed rolls! May the flames consume you, ere you areagain upon my shoulders! For none but Piso would I have done what Ihave. Let me to the temple and expiate. '

'What words are these?' cried Solon, emerging suddenly at the sound froma recess. 'Who dares to heap curses upon books, which are the soulembalmed and made imperishable? What have we here? Aha! a new treasurefor these vacant shelves, and most trimly ordered. '

'These, venerable Greek, ' exclaimed Milo, waving him away, 'are books ofmagic! oriental magic! Have a care! A touch may be fatal! Our noblemaster affects the Egyptians. '

'Magic!' exclaimed Solon, with supreme contempt; 'art thou so idiotic asto put credence in such fancies? Away!--hinder me not!' And saying so, he eagerly grasped a volume, and unrolling it, to the beginning of thework, dropped it suddenly, as if bitten by a serpent. 

'Ha!' cried Milo, 'said I not so? Art thou so idiotic, learned Solon, asto believe in such fancies? How is it with thee? Is thy blood hot orcold?--thy teeth loose or fast?--thy arm withered or swollen?'

Solon stood surveying the pile, with a look partly of anger, partly ofsorrow. 

'Neither, fool!' he replied. 'These possess not the power nor worthfabled of magic. They are books of dreams, visions, reveries, which areto the mind what fogs would be for food, and air for drink, innutritiveand vain. Papias!--Irenæus!--Hegesippus!--Polycarp!--Origen!--whosenames are these, and to whom familiar? Some are Greek, some are Latin, but not a name famous in the world meets my eye. But we will order themon their shelves, and trust that time, which accomplishes all things, will restore reason to Piso. Milo, essay thy strength--my limbs arefeeble--and lift these upon yonder marble; so may age deal gently withthee. '

'Not for their weight in wisdom, Solon, would I again touch them. I haveborne them hither, and if the priests speak truly, my life is worth notan obolus. I were mad to tempt my fate farther. '

'Avaunt thee, then, for a fool and a slave, as thou art!'

'Nay now, master Solon, thy own wisdom forsakes thee. Philosophers, theysay, are ever possessors of themselves, though for the rest they bebeggars. '

'Beggar! sayest thou? Avaunt! I say, or Papias shall teach thee'--and hewould have launched the roll at the head of Milo, but that, with quickinstincts, he shot from the apartment, and left the pedagogue to do hisown bidding. 

So, Fausta, you see that Solon is still the irritable old man he was, and Milo the fool he was. Think not me worse than either, for hoping soto entertain you. I know that in your solitude and grief, even suchpictures may be welcome. 

When I related to Julia the scene and the conversation at the shop ofPublius, she listened not without agitation, and expresses her fearslest such extravagances, repeated and become common, should inflame theminds both of the people and their rulers against the Christians. ThoughI agree with her in lamenting the excess of zeal displayed by many ofthe Christians, and their needless assaults upon the characters andfaith of their opposers, I cannot apprehend serious consequences fromthem, because the instances of it are so few and rare, and are palpableexceptions to the general character which I believe the whole city wouldunite in ascribing to this people. Their mildness and pacific temperare perhaps the very traits by which they are most distinguished, withwhich they are indeed continually reproached. Yet individual acts areoften the remote causes of vast universal evil--of bloodshed, war, andrevolution. Macer alone is enough to set on fire a city, a continent, aworld. 

I rejoice, I cannot tell you how sincerely, in all your progress. I donot doubt in the ultimate return of the city to its former populousnessand wealth, at least. Aurelian has done well for you at last. Hisdisbursements for the Temple of the Sun alone are vast, and must be morethan equal to its perfect restoration. Yet his overthrown column youwill scarce be tempted to rebuild. Forget not to assure Gracchus andCalpurnius of my affection. Farewell. 

LETTER III. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

You are right, Fausta, in your unfavorable judgment of the Romanpopulace. The Romans are not a people one would select to whom topropose a religion like this of Christianity. All causes seem to combineto injure and corrupt them. They are too rich. The wealth of subjectkingdoms and provinces finds its way to Rome; and not only in the formof tribute to the treasury of the empire, but in that of the privatefortunes amassed by such as have held offices in them for a few years, and who then return to the capital to dissipate in extravagance andluxuries, unknown to other parts of the world, the riches wrung byviolence, injustice, and avarice from the wretched inhabitants whomfortune had delivered into their power. Yes, the wealth of Rome isaccumulated in such masses, not through the channels of industry orcommerce; it arrives in bales and ship-loads, drained from foreign landsby the hand of extortion. The palaces are not to be numbered, built andadorned in a manner surpassing those of the monarchs of other nations, which are the private residences of those, or of the descendants ofthose who for a few years have presided over some distant province, butin that brief time, Verres-like, have used their opportunities so wellas to return home oppressed with a wealth which life proves not longenough to spend, notwithstanding the aid of dissolute and spendthriftsons. Here have we a single source of evil equal to the ruin of anypeople. The morals of no community could be protected against such odds. It is a mountain torrent tearing its way through the fields of thehusbandman, whose trees and plants possess no strength of branch or rootto resist the inundation. 

Then in addition to all this, there are the largesses of the Emperor, not only to his armies, but to all the citizens of Rome; which are nowso much a matter of expectation, that rebellions I believe would ensuewere they not bestowed. Aurelian, before his expedition to Asia, promised to every citizen a couple of crowns--he has redeemed thepromise by the distribution, not of money but of bread, two loaves toeach, with the figure of a crown stamped upon them. Besides this, therehas been an allowance of meat and pork--so much to all the lower orders. He even contemplated the addition of wine to the list, but was hinderedby the judicious suggestion of his friend and general, Mucapor, that ifhe provided wine and pork, he would next be obliged to furnish themfowls also, or public tumults might break out. This recalled him to hissenses. Still however only in part, for the other grants have not beenwithdrawn. In this manner is this whole population supported inidleness. Labor is confined to the slaves. The poor feed upon thebounties of the Emperor, and the wealth so abundantly lavished bysenators, nobles, and the retired proconsuls. Their sole employment is, to wait upon the pleasure of their many masters, serve them as they areready enough to do, in the toils and preparations of luxury, and whattime they are not thus occupied, pass the remainder of their hours atthe theatres, at the circuses, at games of a thousand kinds, or in noisygroups at the corners of the streets and in the market-places. 

It is become a state necessity to provide amusements for the populace inorder to be safe against their violence. The theatres, the baths, withtheir ample provisions for passing away time in some indolent amusementor active game, are always open and always crowded. Public or funeralgames are also in progress without intermission in different parts ofthe capital. Those instituted in honor of the gods, and which make apart of the very religion of the people are seldom suspended for even aday. At one temple or another, in this grove or that, within or withoutthe walls, are these lovers of pleasure entertained by shows, processions, music, and sacrifices. And as if these were not enough, orwhen they perchance fail for a moment, and the sovereign people arelistless and dull, the Flavian is thrown open by the imperial command, the Vivaria vomit forth their maddened and howling tenants either todestroy each other, or dye the dust of the arena with the blood ofgladiators, criminals, or captives. These are the great days of theRoman people; these their favorite pleasures. The cry through thestreets in the morning of even women and boys, 'Fifty captives to-dayfor the lions in the Flavian, ' together with the more solemnannouncement of the same by the public heralds, and by painted bills atthe corners of the streets, and on the public baths, is sure to throwthe city into a fever of excitement, and rivet by a new bond theaffections of this blood-thirsty people to their indulgent Emperor. 

Hardly has the floor of the amphitheatre been renewed since thecessation of the triumphal games of Aurelian, before it is again to besoaked with blood in honor of Apollo, whose magnificent temple is withina few days to be dedicated. 

Never before I believe was there a city whose inhabitants so many and sopowerful causes conspired to corrupt and morally destroy. Were I to giveyou a picture of the vices of Rome, it would be too dark and foul a onefor your eye to read, but not darker nor fouler than you will suppose itmust necessarily be to agree with what I have already said. Where thereis so little industry and so much pleasure, the vices will flourish andshoot up to their most gigantic growth. Not in the days of Nero werethey more luxuriant than now. Aurelian, in the first year of his reign, laid upon them a severe but useful restraint, and they were checked fora time. But since he has himself departed from the simplicity and rigorof that early day, and actually or virtually repealed the laws whichthen were promulgated for the reformation of the city in its manners, the people have also relapsed, and the ancient excesses are renewed. 

This certainly is not a people who, in its whole mass, will be eager toreceive the truths of a religion like this of Christianity. It will berepulsive to them. You are right in believing that among the greaterpart it will find no favor. But all are not such as I have described. There are others different in all respects, who stand waiting theappearance of some principles of philosophy or religion which shall bepowerful enough to redeem their country from idolatry and moral death aswell as raise themselves from darkness to light. Some of this sort areto be found among the nobles and senators themselves, --a few among thevery dregs of the people, but most among those who, securing forthemselves competence and independence by their own labor in some of theuseful arts, and growing thoughtful and intelligent with their labor, understand in some degree, which others do not, what life is for andwhat they are for, and hail with joy truths which commend themselves toboth their reason and their affections. It is out of these, the verybest blood of Rome, that our Christians are made. They are, inintelligence and virtue, the very bone and muscle of the capital, and ofour two millions constitute no mean proportion, --large enough to ruleand control the whole, should they ever choose to put forth their power. It is among these that the Christian preachers aim to spread theirdoctrines, and when they shall all, or in their greater part, beconverted, as, judging of the future by the past and present, willhappen in no long time, Rome will be safe and the empire safe. For itneeds, I am persuaded, for Rome to be as pure as she is great, to beeternal in her dominion, and then the civilizer and saviour of the wholeworld. O, glorious age!--not remote--when truth shall wield the sceptrein Cæsar's seat, and subject nations of the earth no longer come up toRome to behold and copy her vices, but to hear the law and be imbuedwith the doctrine of Christ, so bearing back to the remotest provinceprecious seed, there to be planted, and spring up and bear fruit, filling the earth with beauty and fragrance. 

 * * * * *

These things, Fausta, in answer to the questions at the close of yourletter, which betray just such an interest in the subject whichengrosses me, as it gives me pleasure to witness. 

I have before mentioned the completion of Aurelian's Temple of the Sunand the proposed dedication. This august ceremony is appointed fortomorrow, and this evening we are bidden to the gardens of Sallust, where is to be all the rank and beauty of Rome. O that thou, Fausta, couldst be there!

 * * * * *

I have been, I have seen, I have supped, I have returned; and againseated at my table beneath the protecting arm of my chosen divinity, Itake my pen, and, by a few magic flourishes and marks, cause you, athousand leagues away, to see and hear what I have seen and heard. 

Accompanied by Portia and Julia, I was within the palace of the Emperorearly enough to enjoy the company of Aurelian and Livia before the restof the world was there. We were carried to the more private apartmentsof the Empress, where it is her custom to receive those whose friendshipshe values most highly. They are in that part of the palace which hasundergone no alterations since it was the residence of the greathistorian, but shines in all the lustre of a taste and an art thatadorned a more accomplished age than our own. Especially, it seems tome, in the graceful disposition of the interiors of their palaces, andthe combined richness and appropriateness of the art lavished uponthem, did the genius of the days of Hadrian and Vespasian surpass thepresent. Not that I defend all that that genius adopted andimmortalized. It was not seldom licentious and gross in its conceptions, however unrivalled in the art and science by which they were made toglow upon the walls, or actually speak and move in marble or brass. Inthe favorite apartment of Livia, into which we were now admitted, perfect in its forms and proportions, the walls and ceilings are coveredwith the story of Leda, wrought with an effect of drawing and color, ofwhich the present times afford no example. The well-known Greek, Polymnestes, was the artist. And this room in all its embellishments ischaste and cold compared with others, whose subjects were furnished tothe painter by the profligate master himself. 

The room of Leda, as it is termed, is--but how beautiful it is I cannottell. Words paint poorly to the eye. Believe it not less beautiful, norless exquisitely adorned with all that woman loves most, hangings, carpets and couches, than any in the palace of Gracchus or Zenobia. Itwas here we found Aurelian and Livia, and his niece Aurelia. TheEmperor, habited in silken robes richly wrought with gold, theinseparable sword at his side, from which, at the expense of whateverincongruity, he never parts--advanced to the door to receive us, saying, 'I am happy that the mildness of this autumn day permits this pleasure, to see the mother of the Pisos beneath my roof. It is rare nowadays thatRome sees her abroad. '

'Save to the palace of Aurelian, ' replied my mother, I now, as is wellknown, never move beyond the precincts of my own dwelling. Since thecaptivity and death of your former companion in arms, my great husband, Cneius Piso, the widow's hearth has been my hall of state, these widow'sweeds my only robes. But it must be more than private grief, and morethan the storms of autumn or of winter, that would keep me back when itis Aurelian who bids to the feast. '

'We owe you many thanks, ' replied the Emperor. 'Would that the loyaltyof the parents were inherited by the children;' casting towards me, ashe saluted me at the same time, a look which seemed to say that he waspartly serious, if partly in jest. After mutual inquiries andsalutations, we were soon seated upon couches beneath a blaze of lightwhich, from the centre of the apartment, darted its brightness, as ithad been the sun itself, to every part of the room. 

'It is no light sorrow to a mother's heart, ' said Portia, 'to know thather two sons, and her only sons, are, one the open enemy of his country, the other--what shall I term you, Lucius?--an innovator upon her ancientinstitutions; and while he believes and calls himself--sincerely, Idoubt not--the friend of his country, is in truth, as every good Romanwould say--not an enemy, my son, I cannot use that word, but as itwere--an unconscious injurer. Would that the conqueror of the world hadpower to conquer this boy's will!'

'Aurelian, my mother, ' I replied, 'did he possess the power, wouldhesitate to use it in such a cause. But it is easy to see that it woulddemand infinitely more power to change one honest mind than to subdueeven the world by the sword. '

Aurelian for a brief moment looked as if he had received a personalaffront. 

'How say you, ' said he, 'demands it more power to change one mind thanconquer a world? Methinks it might be done with something less. Mysoldiers often maintain with violence a certain opinion; but I find itnot difficult to cause them to let it go, and take mine in its place. The arguments I use never fail. '

'That may be, ' I replied, 'in matters of little moment. Even in thesehowever, is it not plain, Aurelian, that you cause them not to let gotheir opinion, but merely to suppress it, or affect to change it? Yourpower may compel them either to silence, or to an assertion of the verycontrary of what they but just before had declared as their belief, butit cannot alter their minds. That is to be done by reason only, not byforce. '

'By reason first, ' answered the emperor; 'but if that fail, then byforce. The ignorant, and the presumptuous, and the mischievous, must bedealt with as we deal with children. If we argue with them, it is afavor. It is our right, as it is better, to command and compel. '

'Only establish it that such and such are ignorant, and erroneous, andpresumptuous, and I allow that it would be right to silence them. Butthat is the very difficulty in the case. How are we to know that they, who think differently from ourselves, are ignorant or erroneous? Surelythe fact of the difference is not satisfactory proof. '

'They, ' rejoined Aurelian, 'who depart from a certain standard in artare said to err. The thing in this case is of no consequence to any, therefore no punishment ensues. So there is a standard of religion inthe State, and they who depart from it may be said to err. But, asreligion is essential to the State, they who err should be brought back, by whatever application of force, and compelled to conform to thestandard. '

'In what sense, ' said Portia, 'can common and ignorant people beregarded as fit judges of what constitutes, or does not constitute, atrue religion? It is a subject level scarce to philosophers. If, indeed, the gods should vouchsafe to descend to earth and converse with men, andin that manner teach some new truth, then any one, possessed of eyes andears, might receive it, and retain it without presumption. Nay, he couldnot but do so; but not otherwise. '

'Now have you stated, ' said I, 'that which constitutes the precise caseof Christianity. They who received Christianity in the first instance, did it not by balancing against each other such refined arguments asphilosophers use. They were simply judges of matters of fact--of whattheir eyes beheld, and their ears heard. God did vouchsafe to descend toearth, and, by his messenger, converse with men, and teach new truth. All that men had then to do was this, to see whether the evidence wassufficient that it was a God speaking; and that being made plain, tolisten and record. And at this day, all that is to be done is to inquirewhether the record be true. If the record be a well-authenticated one ofwhat the mouth of God spoke, it is then adopted as the code of religioustruth. As for what the word contains--it requires no acute intellect tojudge concerning it--a child may understand it all. '

'Truly, ' replied Portia, 'this agrees but ill with what I have heard andbelieved concerning Christianity. It has ever been set forth as a thingfull of darkness and mystery, which it requires the most vigorous powersto penetrate and comprehend. '

'So has it ever been presented to me, ' added the Emperor. 'I haveconceived it to be but some new form of Plato's dreams, neither moreclear in itself, nor promising to be of more use to mankind. So, if Ierr not, the learned Porphyrius has stated it. '

'A good fact, ' here interposed Julia, 'is worth more in this argumentthan the learning of the most learned. Is it not sufficient proof, Aurelian, that Christianity is somewhat sufficiently plain and easy, that women are able to receive it so readily? Take me as an unanswerableargument on the side of Piso. '

'The women of Palmyra, ' replied the Emperor, 'as I have good reason toknow, are more than the men of other climes. She who reads Plato and thelast essays of Plotinus, of a morning, seated idly beneath the shadow ofsome spreading beech, just as a Roman girl would the last child's storyof Spurius about father Tiber and the Milvian Bridge, is not to bereceived in this question as but a woman, with a woman's powers ofjudgment. When the women of Rome receive their faith as easily as youdo, then may it be held as an argument for its simplicity. But let usnow break off the thread of this discourse, too severe for the occasion, and mingle with our other friends, who by this must be arrived. '

So, with these words, we left the apartment where we had been sitting, the Emperor having upon one side Portia, and on the other Livia, andmoved toward the great central rooms of the palace, where guests areentertained, and the imperial banquets held. 

The company was not numerous; it was rather remarkable for itsselectness. Among others not less distinguished, there were thevenerable Tacitus, the consul Capitolinus, Marcellinus the senator, theprefect Varus, the priest Fronto, the generals Probus and Mucapor, and afew others of the military favorites of Aurelian. 

Of the conversation at supper, I remember little or nothing, only thatit was free and light, each seeming to enjoy himself and the companionwho reclined next to him. Aurelian, with a condescending grace, which noone knows how better to assume than he, urged the wine upon his friends, as they appeared occasionally to forget it, offering frequently some newand unheard of kind, brought from Asia, Greece, or Africa, and which hewould exalt to the skies for its flavor. More than once did he, as he iswont to do in his sportive mood, deceive us; for, calling upon us tofill our goblets with what he described as a liquor surpassing all ofItaly, and which might serve for Hebe to pour out for the gods, andrequiring us to drink it off in honor of Bacchus, Pan, or Ceres, wefound, upon lifting our cups to drain them, that they had been chargedwith some colored and perfumed medicament more sour or bitter than theworst compound of the apothecary, or than massican overheated in thevats. These sallies, coming from the master of the world, were sure tobe well received; his satellites, of whom not a few, even on thisoccasion, were near him, being ready to die with excess oflaughter, --the attendant slaves catching the jest, and enjoying it withnoisy vociferation. I laughed with the rest, for it seems wise topropitiate, by any act not absolutely base, one, whose ambitious andcruel nature, unless soothed and appeased by such offerings, is so proneto reveal itself in deeds of darkness. 

When the feast was nearly ended, and the attending slaves were employedin loading it for the last time with fruits, olives, and confections, atroop of eunuchs, richly habited, entered the apartment to the sound offlutes and horns, bearing upon a platter of gold an immense bowl or vaseof the same material, filled to the brim with wine, which they placed inthe centre of the table, and then, at the command of the Emperor, with aladle of the same precious material and ornamented with gems, served outthe wine to the company. At first, as the glittering pageant advanced, astonishment kept us mute, and caused us involuntarily to rise from ourcouches to watch the ceremony of introducing it, and fixing it in itsappointed place. For never before, in Rome, had there been seen, I amsure, a golden vessel of such size, or wrought with art so marvellous. The language of wonder and pleasure was heard, on every side, from everymouth. Even Livia and Julia, who in Palmyra had been used to the gobletsand wine-cups of the Eastern Demetrius, showed amazement, not less thanthe others, at a magnificence and a beauty that surpassed allexperience, and all conception. Just above where the bowl was placed, hung the principal light, by which the table and the apartment wereilluminated, which, falling in floods upon the wrought or polished metaland the thickly strewed diamonds, caused it to blaze with a splendorwhich the eyes could hardly bear, and, till accustomed to it, preventedus from minutely examining the sculpture, that, with lavish profusionand consummate art, glowed and burned upon the pedestal, the swellingsides, the rim and handles of the vase, and covered the broad and goldenplain upon which it stood. I, happily, was near it, being seatedopposite Aurelian, and on the inner side of the table, which, as thecustom now is, was of the form of a bent bow, so that I could study atmy leisure the histories and fables that were wrought over its wholesurface. Julia and Livia, being also near it on the other side of thetable, were in the same manner wholly absorbed in the same agreeabletask. 

Livia, being quite carried out of herself by this sudden and unexpectedsplendor--having evidently no knowledge of its approach--like a girl asshe still is, in her natural, unpremeditated movements, rose from hercouch and eagerly bent forward toward the vase, the better to scan itsbeauties, saying, as she did so, 'The Emperor must himself stand answerable for all breaches of orderunder circumstances like these. Good friends, let all, who will, freelyapproach, and, leaving for a moment that of Bacchus, drink at thefountain of Beauty. ' Whereupon all, who were so disposed, gathered roundthe centre of the table. 

'This, ' said Varus, 'both for size, and the perfect art lavished uponit, surpasses the glories fabled of the buckler of Minerva, whose famehas reached us. '

'You say right; it does so, ' said the Emperor 'That dish of Vitelliuswas inferior in workmanship, as it was less in weight and size thanthis, which, before you all I here name "THE CUP OF LIVIA. " Let us fillagain from it, and drink to the Empress of the world. '

All sprang in eager haste to comply with a command that carried with itits own enforcement. 

'Whatever, ' continued the Emperor, when our cups had been drained, 'mayhave been the condition of art in other branches of it, in the time ofthat Emperor, there was no one then whose power over the metals, orwhose knowledge of forms, was comparable with that of our own Demetrius;for this, be it known, is the sole work of the Roman--and yet, to speakmore truly, it must be said the Greek--Demetrius, aided by his brotherfrom the East, who is now with him. Let the music cease; we need thatdisturbance no more; and call in the brothers Demetrius. These are menwho honor any age, and any presence. '

The brothers soon entered; and never were princes or ambassadors greetedwith higher honor. All seemed to contend which should say the mostflattering and agreeable thing. 'Slaves, ' cried the Emperor, 'a couchand cups for the Demetrii. '

The brothers received all this courtesy with the native ease and dignitywhich ever accompany true genius. There was no offensive boldness, orpresuming vanity, but neither was there any shrinking cowardice nortimidity. They felt that they were men, not less distinguished by thegods, than many or most of those, in whose presence they were, and theywere sufficient to themselves. The Roman Demetrius resembles much hisbrother of Palmyra, but, in both form and countenance, possesses beautyof a higher order. His look is contemplative and inward; hiscountenance pale and yet dark; his features regular and exactly shaped, like a Greek statue; his hair short and black; his dress, as was that ofhim of Palmyra, of the richest stuffs, showing that wealth had becometheir reward as well as fame. 

'Let us, ' cried the Emperor, 'in full cups, drawn from the Livian fount, do honor to ourselves, and the arts, by drinking to the health ofDemetrius of Palmyra, and Demetrius of Rome. ' Every cup was filled, anddrained. 'We owe you thanks, ' then added Aurelian, 'that you havecompleted this great work at the time promised; though I fear it hasbeen to your own cost, for the paleness of your cheeks speaks not ofhealth. '

'The work, ' replied the Roman Demetrius, 'could not have been completedbut for the timely and effectual aid of my Eastern brother, to whoselearned hand, quicker in its execution than my own, you are indebted forthe greater part of the sculptures, upon both the bowl and dish. '

'It is true, noble Emperor, ' said the impetuous brother, 'my hand is thequicker of the two, and in some parts of this work, especially inwhatever pertains to the East, and to the forms of building or ofvegetation, or costume seen chiefly or only there, my knowledge wasperhaps more exact and minute than his; but, let it be received, thatthe head that could design these forms and conceive and arrange thesehistories, and these graceful ornaments--to my mind more fruitful ofgenius than all else--observe you them? have you scanned themall?--belongs to no other than Demetrius of Rome. In my whole hand, there resides not the skill that is lodged in one of his fingers;--nor, in my whole head, the power that lies behind one of his eyes. '

The enthusiasm of the Eastern brother called up a smile upon the facesof all, and a blush upon the white cheek of the Roman. 

'My brother is younger than I, ' he said, 'and his blood runs quicker. All that he says, though it be a picture of the truest heart ever lodgedin man, is yet to be taken with abatement. But for him, this work wouldhave been far below its present merit. Let me ask you especially to markthe broad border, where is set forth the late triumph, and ambassadors, captives, and animals of all parts of the earth, especially of the East, are seen in their appropriate forms and habits. That is all from thechisel of my brother. Behold here'--and rising he approached the vase, and vast as it was, by a touch, so was it constructed, turned itround--'behold here, where is figured the Great Queen of--'; in theenthusiasm of art, he had forgotten for a moment to whom he wasspeaking; for at that instant his eye fell upon the countenance ofJulia, who stood near him, --while hers at the same moment caught theregal form of Zenobia, bent beneath the weight of her golden chains--andwhich he saw cast down by an uncontrollable grief. He paused, confusedand grieved--saying, as he turned back the vase, 'Ah me! cruel andindiscreet! Pardon me, noble ladies! and yet I deserve it not. '

'Go on, go on, Demetrius, ' said Julia, assuming a cheerful air. 'Youoffend me not. The course of Empire must have its way; individuals arebut emmets in the path. I am now used to this, believe me. It is foryou rather, and the rest, to forgive in me a sudden weakness. '

Demetrius, thus commanded, resumed, and then with minuteness, with muchlearning and eloquence, discoursed successively upon the histories, oremblematic devices, of this the chief work of his hands. All were sorrywhen he ceased. 

'To what you have overlooked, ' said Aurelian, as he paused, 'must I callyou back, seeing it is that part of the work which I most esteem, and inwhich at this moment I and all, I trust, are most interested--thesculptures upon the platter; which represent the new temple andceremonies of the dedication, which to-morrow we celebrate. '

'Of this, ' replied Demetrius, 'I said less, because perhaps the work isinferior, having been committed, our time being short, to the hands of apupil--a pupil, however, I beg to say, who, if the Divine Providencespare him, will one day, and that not a remote one, cast a shadow uponhis teachers. '

'That will he, ' said the brother; 'Flaccus is full of the truestinspiration. '

'But to the dedication--the dedication, ' interrupted the hoarse voice ofFronto. 

Demetrius started, and shrunk backward a step at that sound, butinstantly recovered himself, and read into an intelligible language manyof the otherwise obscure and learned details of the work. As he ended, the Emperor said, 'We thank you, Demetrius, for your learned lecture, which has given anew value to your labors. And now, while it is in my mind, let mebespeak, as soon as leisure and inclination shall serve, a silverstatue, gilded, of Apollo, for the great altar, which to-morrow willscarce be graced with such a one as will agree with the temple and itsother ornaments. '

Demetrius, as this was uttered, again started, and his countenancebecame of a deadly paleness. He hesitated a moment, as if studying howto order his words so as to express least offensively an offensivetruth. On the instant, I suspected what the truth was; but I was whollyunprepared for it. I had received no intimation of such a thing. 

'Great Emperor, ' he began, 'I am sorry to say--and yet not sorry--that Icannot now, as once, labor for the decoration of the temples and theirworship. I am--'

'Ye gods of Rome!--' cried Fronto. 

'Peace, ' said the Emperor; 'let him be heard. How say you?'

'I am now a Christian; and I hold it not lawful to bestow my power andskill in the workmanship of gods, in whom I believe not, and thus becomethe instrument of an erroneous faith in others. '

This was uttered firmly, but with modesty. The countenance of theEmperor was overclouded for a moment. But it partially cleared up again, as he said, 'I lay not, Demetrius, the least constraint upon you. Thefour years that I have held this power in Rome have been years offreedom to my people in this respect. Whether I have done well in that, for our city and the empire, many would doubt. I almost doubt myself. '

'That would they, by Hercules, ' said the soft voice of Varus just at myear, and intended chiefly for me. 

'My brother, ' said Demetrius, 'will be happy to execute for the Emperor, the work which he has been pleased to ask of me. He remains steadfast inthe faith in which he was reared; the popular faith of Athens. '

'Apollo, ' said Demetrius of Palmyra 'is my especial favorite among allthe gods, and of him have I wrought more statues in silver, gold, orivory, or of these variously and curiously combined, than of all theothers. If I should be honored in this labor, I should request to bepermitted to adopt the marble image, now standing in the baths ofCaracalla, and once, it is said, the chief wonder of Otho's palace ofwonders, as a model after which, with some deviations, to mould it. Ithink I could make that, that should satisfy Aurelian and Rome. '

'Do it, do it, ' said the Emperor, ' and let it be seen, that theworshipper of his country's gods is not behind him, who denies them, inhis power to do them honor. '

'I shall not sleep, ' said the artist, 'till I have made a model, in waxat least, of what at this moment presents itself to my imagination. 'Saying which, with little ceremony--as if the Empire depended upon hisreaching, on the instant, his chalk and wax, and to the infiniteamusement of the company--he rose and darted from the apartment, theslaves making way, as for a missile that it might be dangerous toobstruct. 

'But in what way, ' said Aurelian, turning to the elder Demetrius, 'haveyou been wrought upon to abandon the time-honored religion of Rome?Methinks, the whole world is becoming of this persuasion. '

'If I may speak freely--'

'With utmost freedom, ' said Aurelian. 

'I may then say, that ever since the power to reflect upon matters sodeep and high had been mine, I had first doubted the truth of thepopular religion, and then soon rejected it, as what brought to meneither comfort nor hope, and was also burdened with things essentiallyincredible and monstrous. For many years, many weary years--for the minddemands something positive in this quarter, it cannot remain insuspense, and vacant--I was without belief. Why it was so long, before Iturned to the Christians, I know not; unless, because of the reportswhich were so common to their disadvantage, and the danger which has sooften attended a profession of their faith. At length, in a fortunatehour, there fell into my hands the sacred books of the Christians; and Ineeded little besides to show me, that theirs is a true and almightyfaith, and that all that is current in the city to its dishonor is falseand calumnious. I am now happy, not only as an artist and a Roman, butas a man and an immortal. '

'You speak earnestly, ' said Aurelian. 

'I feel so, ' replied Demetrius; a generous glow lighting up his palecountenance. 

'Would, ' rejoined the Emperor, 'that some of the zeal of theseChristians might be infused into the sluggish spirits of our own people. The ancient faith suffers through neglect, and the prevailing impiety ofthose who are its disciples. '

'May it not rather be, ' said Fronto, 'that the ancient religion of theState, having so long been neglected by those who are its appointedguardians, to the extent that even Judaism, and now Christianity--whichare but disguised forms of Atheism--have been allowed to insinuate, andintrench themselves in the Empire; the gods, now in anger, turn awayfrom us, who have been so unfaithful to ourselves; and thus thisplausible impiety is permitted to commit its havocs. I believe the godsare ever faithful to the faithful. '

'What good citizen, too, ' added Varus, 'but must lament to witness theundermining, and supplanting of those venerable forms, under which thisuniversal empire has grown to its present height of power? He isscarcely a Roman who denies the gods of Rome, however observant he maybe of her laws and other institutions. Religion is her greatest law. '

'These are hard questions, ' said the Emperor. 'For, know you not, thatsome of our noblest, and fairest, and most beloved, have writtenthemselves followers of this Gallilean God? How can we deal sharply witha people, at whose head stands the chief of the noble house of thePisos, and a princess of the blood of Palmyra?'

Although Aurelian uttered these words in a manner almost sportive to thecareless ear, yet I confess myself to have noticed at the moment, anexpression of the countenance, and a tone in the voice, which gave meuneasiness. I was about to speak, when the venerable Tacitus addressedthe Emperor, and said, 'I can never think it wise to interfere with violence, in the matter ofmen's worship. It is impossible, I believe, to compel mankind to receiveany one institution of religion, because different tribes of men, different by nature and by education, will and do demand, not the same, but different forms of belief and worship. Why should they be alike inthis, while they separate so widely in other matters? and can it be amore hopeful enterprise to oblige them to submit to the same rules intheir religion, than it would be to compel them to feed on the samefood, and use the same forms of language or dress? I know that formeremperors have thought and acted differently. They have deemed it apossible thing to restore the ancient unity of worship, by punishingwith severity, by destroying the lives even, of such as should dare tothink for themselves. But their conduct is not to be defended, either asright in itself or best for the state. It has not been just or wise, aspolicy. For is it not evident, how oppression of those who believethemselves to be possessed of truth important to mankind, serves but tobind them the more closely to their opinions? Are they, for a littlesuffering, to show themselves such cowards as to desert their ownconvictions, and prove false to the interests of multitudes? Rather, saythey, let us rejoice, in such a cause, to bear reproach. This is thelanguage of our nature. Nay, such persons come to prize suffering, tomake it a matter of pride and boasting. Their rank among themselves is, by and by, determined by the readiness with which they offer themselvesas sacrifices for truth and God. Are such persons to be deterred bythreats, or the actual infliction of punishment?'

'The error has been, ' here said the evil-boding Fronto, 'that theinfliction of punishment went not to the extent that is indispensable tothe success of such a work. The noble Piso will excuse me; we are butdealing with abstractions. Oppress those who are in error, only to acertain point, not extreme, and it is most true they cling the closer totheir error. We see this in the punishment of children. Their obstinacyand pride are increased, by a suffering which is slight, and which seemsto say to the parent, 'He is too timid, weak, or loving, to inflictmore. ' So too with our slaves. Whose slaves ever rose a second timeagainst the master's authority, whose first offence, however slight, wasmet, not by words or lashes, but by racks and the cross?'

'Nay, good Fronto, hold; your zeal for the gods bears you away beyondthe bounds of courtesy. '

'Forgive me then, great sovereign, and you who are here--if you may; butneither time nor place shall deter me, a minister of the great god oflight, from asserting the principles upon which his worship rests, and, as I deem, the Empire itself. Under Decius, had true Romans sat on thetribunals; had no hearts, too soft for such offices, turned traitors tothe head; had no accursed spirit of avarice received the bribes whichprocured security, to individuals, families, and communities; had therebeen no commutations of punishment, then--'

'Peace, I say, Fronto; thou marrest the spirit of the hour. How came wethus again to this point? Such questions are for the Council-room or theSenate. Yet, truth to say, so stirred seems the mind of this wholepeople in the matter, that, in battle, one may as well escape from thedin of clashing arms, or the groans of the dying, as, in Rome, avoidthis argument. Nay, by my sword, not a voice can I hear, eitherapplauding, disputing, or condemning, since I have set on foot this newwar in the East. Once, the city would have rung with acclamations, thatan army was gathering for such an enterprise. Now, it seems quiteforgotten that Valerian once fell, or that, late though it be, he oughtto be avenged. This Jewish and Christian argument fills all heads, andclamors on every tongue. Come, let us shake off this dæmon in a new cup, and drink deep to the revenge of Valerian. '

'And of the gods, ' ejaculated Fronto, as he lifted the goblet to hislips. 

'There again?' quickly and sharply demanded Aurelian, bending his darkbrows upon the offender. 

'Doubtless, ' said Portia, 'he means well, though over zealous, and rashin speech. His heart, I am sure, seconds not the cruel language of histongue. So at least I will believe; and, in the meantime, hope, that thezeal he has displayed for the ancient religion of our country, may notbe without its use upon some present, who, with what I trust will provea brief truancy, have wandered from their household gods, and thetemples of their fathers. '

'May the gods grant it, ' added Livia; 'and restore the harmony, whichshould reign in our families, and in the capital. Life is over brief tobe passed in quarrel. Now let us abandon our cups. Sir Christian Piso!lead me to the gardens, and let the others follow as they may our goodexample. '

The gardens we found, as we passed from the palace, to be mostbrilliantly illuminated with lamps of every form and hue. We seemedsuddenly to have passed to another world, so dream-like was the effectof the multitudinous lights as they fell with white, red, lurid, orgolden glare, upon bush or tree, grotto, statue, or marble fountain. 

'Forget here, Lucius Piso, ' said the kind-hearted Livia, 'what you havejust heard from the lips of that harsh bigot, the savage Fronto. Whocould have looked for such madness! Not again, if I possess the powermen say I do, shall he sit at the table of Aurelian. Poor Julia too! Butsee! she walks with Tacitus. Wisdom and mercy are married in him, andboth will shed comfort on her. '

'I cannot but lament, ' I replied, 'that a creature like Fronto shouldhave won his way so far into the confidence of Aurelian. But I fear himnot; and do not believe that he will have power to urge the Emperor tothe adoption of measures, to which his own wisdom and native feelingsmust stand opposed. The rage of such men as Fronto, and the silent pityand scorn of men immeasurably his superiors, we have now learned to bearwithout complaint, though not without some inward suffering. To be shutout from the hearts of so many, who once ran to meet us on our approach;nor only that, but to be held by them as impious and atheistical, monsters whom the earth is sick of, and whom the gods are besought todestroy--this is a part of our burden which we feel to be heaviest. Heaven preserve to us the smiles, and the love of Livia. '

'Doubt not that they will ever be yours. But I trust that sentiments, like those of Tacitus, will bear sway in the councils of Aurelian, andthat the present calm will not be disturbed. '

Thus conversing, we wandered on, beguiled by such talk, and theattractive splendors of the garden, till we found ourselves separated, apparently by some distance, from our other friends; none passed us, andnone met us. We had reached a remote and solitary spot, where fewerlamps had been hung, and the light was faint and unequal. Not sorry tobe thus alone, we seated ourselves on the low pedestal of a group ofstatuary--once the favorite resort of the fair and false Terentia--whoseforms could scarcely be defined, and which was enveloped, at a few pacesdistant, with shrubs and flowers, forming a thin wall of partitionbetween us and another walk, corresponding to the one we were in, butwinding away in a different direction. We had sat not long, eithersilent or conversing, ere our attention was caught by the sound ofapproaching voices, apparently in earnest discourse. A moment, and weknew them to be those of Fronto, and Aurelian. 

'By the gods, his life shall answer it, ' said Aurelian with vehemence, but with suppressed tones; 'who but he was to observe the omens? Was Ito know, that to-day is the Ides, and to-morrow the day after? The ritesmust be postponed. '

'It were better not, in my judgment, ' said Fronto, 'all the other signsare favorable. Never, Papirius assured me, did the sacred chickens seizeso eagerly the crumbs. Many times, as he closely watched, did he observethem--which is rare--drop them from their mouths overfilled. The timeshe has exactly recorded. A rite like this put off, when all Rome is inexpectation, would, in the opinion of all the world, be of a moreunfavorable interpretation, than if more than the day were against us. '

'You counsel well. Let it go on. '

'But to ensure a fortunate event, and propitiate the gods, I wouldearly, and before the august ceremonies, offer the most costly andacceptable sacrifice. '

'That were well also. In the prisons there are captives of Germany, ofGaul, of Egypt, and Palmyra. Take what and as many as you will. If weever make sure of the favor of the gods, it is when we offer freely thatwhich we hold at the highest price. '

'I would rather they were Christians, ' urged Fronto. 

'That cannot be, ' said Aurelian. 'I question if there be a Christianwithin the prison walls; and, were there hundreds, it is not a criminalI would bring to the altar, I would as soon offer a diseased orill-shaped bull. '

'But it were an easy matter to seize such as we might want. Not, OAurelian, till this accursed race is exterminated, will the heavenssmile as formerly upon our country. Why are the altars thus forsaken?Why are the temples no longer thronged as once? Why do the great, andthe rich, and the learned, silently withhold their aid, or openly scoffand jeer? Why are our sanctuaries crowded only by the scum and refuse ofthe city?'

'I know not. Question me not thus. '

'Is not the reason palpable and gross to the dullest mind? Is it notbecause of the daily growth of this blaspheming and atheistical crew, who, by horrid arts seduce the young, the timid, and above all thewomen, who ever draw the world with them, to join them in theirunhallowed orgies, thus stripping the temples of their worshippers, anddragging the gods themselves from their seats? Think you the gods lookon with pleasure while their altars and temples are profaned orabandoned, and a religion, that denies them, rears itself upon theirruins?'

'I know not. Say no more. '

'Is it possible, religion or the state should prosper, while he, who isnot only Vicegerent of the gods, Universal Monarch, but what is more, their sworn Pontifex Maximus, connives at the existence anddissemination of the most dangerous opinions--'

'Thou liest. '

'Harboring even beneath the imperial roof, and feasting at the imperialtable, the very heads and chief ministers of this black mischief--'

'Hold, I say. I swear by all the gods, known and unknown, that anotherword, and thy head shall answer it. Is my soul that of a lamb, that Ineed this stirring up to deeds of blood? Am I so lame and backward, whenthe gods are to be defended, that I am to be thus charged? Let the lionsleep when he will; chafed too much, and he may spring and slay atrandom. I love not the Christians, nor any who flout the gods and theirworship--that thou knowest well. But I love Piso, Aurelia, and thedivine Julia--that thou knowest as well. Now no more. '

'For my life, ' said Fronto, 'I hold it cheap, if I may but be faithfulto my office and the gods. '

'I believe it, Fronto. The gods will reward thee. Let us on. '

In the earnestness of their talk they had paused, and stood just beforeus, being separated but by a thin screen of shrubs. We continued rootedto our seats while this conversation went on, held there both by theimpossibility of withdrawing without observation, and by a desire tohear--I confess it--what was thus in a manner forced upon me, andconcerned so nearly, not only myself, but thousands of myfellow-Christians. 

When they were hidden from us by the winding of the path, we rose andturned toward the palace. 

'That savage!' said Livia. 'How strange, that Aurelian, who knows sowell how to subdue the world, should have so little power to shake offthis reptile. '

'There is power enough, ' I replied; 'but alas! I fear the will iswanting. Superstition is as deep a principle in the breast of Aurelianas ambition and of that, Fronto is the most fitting high-priest. Aurelian places him at the head of religion in the state for those veryqualities, whose fierce expression has now made us tremble. Let us hopethat the Emperor will remain where he now is, in a position from whichit seems Fronto is unable to dislodge him, and all will go well. '

We soon reached the palace, where, joining Julia and Portia, our chariotsoon bore us to the Coelian Hill. Farewell. 

LETTER IV. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any otherway, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the dayappointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun. The day hasnow passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselvesand therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements. 

Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days oreven months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectationof the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long andpatient waiting. For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturallyso; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountainsof snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by theirforms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and thensail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm. All Romewas early astir. It was ushered in by the criers traversing the streets, and proclaiming the rites and spectacles of the day, what they were, andwhere to be witnessed, followed by troops of boys, imitating, in theirgrotesque way, the pompous declarations of the men of authority, notunfrequently drawing down upon their heads the curses and the batons ofthe insulted dignitaries. A troop of this sort passed the windows ofthe room in which Julia and I were sitting at our morning meal. As thecrier ended his proclamation, and the shouts of the applauding urchinsdied away, Milo, who is our attendant in preference to any and allothers, observed, 'That the fellow of a crier deserved to have his head beat about withhis own rod, for coming round with his news not till after the greatestshow of the day was over. '

'What mean you?' I asked. 'Explain. '

'What should I mean, ' he replied, 'but the morning sacrifice at thetemple. '

'And what so wonderful, ' said Julia, 'in a morning sacrifice? Thetemples are open every morning, are they not?'

'Yes, truly are they, ' rejoined Milo; 'but not for so great a purpose, nor witnessed by so great crowds. Curio wished me to have been there, and says nothing could have been more propitious. They died as the godslove to have them. '

'Was there no bellowing nor struggling, then?' said Julia. 

'Neither, Curio assures me; but they met the knife of the priest as theywould the sword of an enemy on the field of battle. '

'How say you?' said Julia, quickly, turning pale; 'do I hear aright, Milo, or are you mocking? God forbid that you should speak of a humansacrifice. '

'It is even so, mistress. And why should it not be so? If the favor ofthe gods, upon whom we all depend, as the priests tell us, is to bepurchased so well in no other way, what is the life of one man, or ofmany, in such a cause? The great Gallienus, when his life had been lessordered than usual after the rules of temperance and religion, used tomake amends by a few captives slain to Jupiter; to which, doubtless, maybe ascribed his prosperous reign. But, as I was saying, there was, soCurio informed me at the market not long afterwards, a sacrifice, on theprivate altar of the temple, of ten captives. Their blood flowed just asthe great god of the temple showed himself in the horizon. It would havedone you good, Curio said, to see with what a hearty and dexterous zealFronto struck the knife into their hearts--for to no inferior ministerwould he delegate the sacred office. '

'Lucius, ' cried Julia, 'I thought that such offerings were now no more. Is it so, that superstition yet delights itself in the blood of murderedmen?'

'It is just so, ' I was obliged to reply. 'With a people naturally moregentle and humane than we of Rome this custom would long ago have falleninto disuse. They would have easily found a way, as all people do, toconform their religious doctrine and offerings to their feelings andinstincts. But the Romans, by nature and long training, lovers of blood, their country built upon the ruins of others, and cemented withblood--the taste for it is not easily eradicated. There are templeswhere human sacrifices have never ceased. Laws have restrained theirfrequency--have forbidden them, under heaviest penalties, unlesspermitted by the state--but these laws ever have been, and are nowevaded; and it is the settled purpose of Fronto, and others of hisstamp, to restore to them their lost honors, and make them again, asthey used to be, the chief rite in the worship of the gods. I am notsorry, Julia, that your doubts, though so painfully, have yet been soeffectually, removed. '

Julia had for some time blamed, as over-ardent, the zeal of theChristians. She had thought that the evil of the existing superstitionswas over-estimated, and that it were wiser to pursue a course of moremoderation; that a system that nourished such virtues as she found inPortia, in Tacitus, and others like them, could not be so corrupting inits power as the Christians were in the habit of representing it; thatif we could succeed in substituting Christianity quietly, withoutalienating the affections, or shocking too violently the prejudices, ofthe believers in the prevailing superstitions, our gain would be double. To this mode of arguing I knew she was impelled, by her love and almostreverence for Portia; and how could I blame it, springing from such acause? I had, almost criminally, allowed her to blind herself in a wayshe never would have done, had her strong mind acted, as on othersubjects, untrammelled and free. I was not sorry that Milo had broughtbefore her mind a fact which, however revolting in its horror to such anature as hers, could not but heal while it wounded. 

'Milo, ' said Julia, as I ended, 'say now that you have been jesting;that this is a piece of wit with which you would begin in a suitable wayan extraordinary day; this is one of your Gallienus fictions. '

'Before the gods, ' replied Milo, 'I have told you the naked truth. Butnot the whole; for Curio left me not till he had shown how each haddied. Of the ten, but three, he averred, resisted, or died unwillingly. The three were Germans from beyond the Danube--brothers, he said, whohad long lain in prison till their bones were ready to start through theskin. Yet were they not ready to die. It seemed as if there weresomething they longed--more even than for life or freedom--to say; butthey might as well have been dumb and tongueless, for none understoodtheir barbarous jargon. When they found that their words were in vain, they wrung their hands in their wo, and cried out aloud in their agony. Then, however, at the stern voice of Fronto, warning them of the hour, they ceased--embraced each other, and received the fatal blow; theothers signified their pleasure at dying so, rather than to be thrown towild beasts, or left to die by slow degrees within their dungeon'swalls. Two rejoiced that it was their fate to pour out their blood uponthe altar of a god, and knelt devoutly before the uplifted knife ofFronto. Never, said Curio, was there a more fortunate offering. Aurelianheard the report of it with lively joy, and said that 'now all would gowell. ' Curio is a good friend of mine; will it please you to hear thesethings from his own lips?'

'No, ' said Julia; 'I would hear no more. I have heard more than enough. How needful, Lucius, if these things are so, that our Christian zealabate not! I see that this stern and bloody faith requires that they whowould deal with it must carry their lives in their hand, ready to partwith nothing so easily, if by so doing they can hew away one of thebranches, or tear up one of the roots of this ancient and perniciouserror. I blame not Probus longer--no, nor the wild rage of Macer. '

'Two, lady, of the captives were of Palmyra; the Queen's name and yourswere last upon their lips. '

'Great God! how retribution like a dark pursuing shadow hangs upon thesteps of guilt! Even here it seeks us. Alas, my mother! Heaven grantthat these things fall not upon your ears!'

Julia was greatly moved, and sat a long time silent, her face buried inher hands, and weeping. I motioned to Milo to withdraw and say no more. Upon Julia, although so innocent of all wrong--guiltless as an infant ofthe blame, whatever it may be, which the world fixes upon Zenobia--yetupon her, as heavily as upon her great mother, fall the sorrows, which, sooner or later, overtake those, who, for any purpose, in whateverdegree selfish, have involved their fellow-creatures in uselesssuffering. Being part of the royal house, Julia feels that she must bearher portion of its burdens. Time alone can cure this grief. 

But you are waiting, with a woman's impatient curiosity, to hear of thededication. 

At the appointed hour, we were at the palace of Aurelian on thePalatine, where a procession pompous as art, and rank, and numbers couldmake it, was formed, to move thence by a winding and distant way to thetemple near the foot of the Quirinal. Julia repaired with Portia to aplace of observation near the temple--I to the palace, to join thecompany of the Emperor. Of the gorgeous magnificence of the procession Ishall tell you nothing. It was in extent, and variety of pomp andcostliness of decoration, a copy of that of the late triumph; and wenteven beyond the captivating splendor of the example. Roman music--whichis not that of Palmyra--lent such charms as it could to our passagethrough the streets to the temple, from a thousand performers. 

As we drew near to the lofty fabric, I thought that no scene of suchvarious beauty and magnificence had ever met my eye. The temple itselfis a work of unrivalled art. In size it surpasses any other building ofthe same kind in Rome, and for excellence of workmanship and purity ofdesign, although it may fall below the standard of Hadrian's age, yet, for a certain air of grandeur, and luxuriance of invention in itsdetails, and lavish profusion of embellishment in gold and silver, notemple, nor other edifice, of any preceding age, ever perhaps resembledit. Its order is the Corinthian, of the Roman form, and the entirebuilding is surrounded by its graceful columns, each composed of asingle piece of marble. Upon the front, is wrought Apollo surrounded bythe Hours. The western extremity is approached by a flight of steps, ofthe same breadth as the temple itself. At the eastern, there extendsbeyond the walls, to a distance equal to the length of the building, amarble platform, upon which stands the altar of sacrifice, which isascended by various flights of steps, some little more than a gentlyrising plain, up which the beasts are led that are destined to thealtar. 

When this vast extent of wall and column, of the most dazzlingbrightness, came into view, everywhere covered, together with thesurrounding temples, palaces, and theatres, with a dense mass of humanbeings, of all climes and regions, dressed out in their richestattire--music from innumerable instruments filling the heavens withharmony--shouts of the proud and excited populace, every few moments, and from different points, as Aurelian advanced, shaking the air withtheir thrilling din--added to, still further, by the neighing of horses, and the frequent blasts of the trumpet--the whole made more solemnlyimposing by the vast masses of clouds which swept over the sky, nowsuddenly unveiling, and again eclipsing, the sun, the great god of thisidolatry, and from which few could withdraw their gaze;--when, at once, this all broke upon my eye and ear, I was like a child who, before, hadnever seen aught but his own village, and his own rural temple, in theeffect wrought upon me, and the passiveness with which I abandonedmyself to the sway of the senses. Not one there, was more ravished thanI was, by the outward circumstance and show. I thought of Rome'sthousand years, of her power, her greatness, and universal empire, and, for a moment, my step was not less proud than that of Aurelian. 

But, after that moment, when the senses had had their fill, when the eyehad seen the glory, and the ear had fed upon the harmony and the praise, then I thought and felt very differently. Sorrow and compassion forthese gay multitudes were at my heart; prophetic forebodings ofdisaster, danger, and ruin to those, to whose sacred cause I had linkedmyself, made my tongue to falter in its speech, and my limbs to tremble. I thought that the superstition, that was upheld by the wealth and thepower, whose manifestations were before me, had its roots in the verycentre of the earth--far too deep down for a few like myself ever toreach them. I was like one, whose last hope of life and escape issuddenly struck away. 

I was aroused from these meditations, by our arrival at the easternfront of the temple. Between the two central columns, on a throne ofgold and ivory, sat the Emperor of the world, surrounded by the senate, the colleges of augurs and haruspices, and by the priests of the varioustemples of the capital, all in their peculiar costume. Then, Fronto, thepriest of the temple, standing at the altar, glittering in his white andgolden robes like a messenger of light--when the crier had proclaimedthat the hour of worship and sacrifice had come, and had commandedsilence to be observed--bared his head, and, lifting his face up towardthe sun, offered, in clear and sounding tones, the prayer of dedication. As he came toward the close of his prayer, he, as is so usual, with loudand almost frantic cries, and importunate repetition, called upon allthe gods to hear him, and then, with appropriate names and praises, invoked the Father of gods and men to be present. 

Just as he had thus solemnly invoked Jupiter by name, and was about tocall upon the other gods in the same manner, the clouds, which had beendeepening and darkening, suddenly obscured the sun; a distant peal ofthunder rolled along the heavens; and, at the same moment, from out thedark recesses of the temple, a voice of preternatural power came forth, proclaiming, so that the whole multitude heard the words, --'God is butone; the King eternal, immortal, invisible. '

It is impossible to describe the horror that seized those multitudes. Many cried out with fear, and each seemed to shrink behind the other. Paleness sat upon every face. The priest paused as if struck by a powerfrom above. Even the brazen Fronto was appalled. Aurelian leaped fromhis seat, and by his countenance, white and awe-struck, showed that tohim it came as a voice from the gods. He spoke not; but stood gazing atthe dark entrance into the temple, from which the sound had come. Frontohastily approached him, and whispering but one word as it were into hisear, the Emperor started; the spell that bound him was dissolved; and, recovering himself--making indeed as though a very different feeling hadpossessed him--cried out in fierce tones to his guards, 'Search the temple; some miscreant, hid away among the columns, profanesthus the worship and the place. Seize him, and drag him forth to instantdeath. '

The guards of the Emperor, and the servants of the temple, rushed in atthat bidding, and searched in every part the interior of the building. They soon emerged, saying that the search was fruitless. The temple, inall its aisles and apartments, was empty. 

The ceremonies, quiet being again restored, then went on. Twelve bulls, of purest white and of perfect forms, their horns bound about withfillets, were now led by the servants of the temple up the marble stepsto the front of the altar, where stood the cultrarii and haruspices, ready to slay them and examine their entrails. The omens, --as gatheredby the eyes of all from the fierce strugglings and bellowings of theanimals, as they were led toward the place of sacrifice, some evenescaping from the hands of those who had the management of them, andfrom the violent and convulsive throes of others as the blow fell upontheir heads, or the knife severed their throats, --were of the darkestcharacter, and brought a deep gloom upon the brow of the Emperor. Thereport of the haruspices, upon examination of the entrails, was littlecalculated to remove that gloom. It was for the most part unfavorable. Especially appalling was the sight of a heart, so lean and withered, that it scarce seemed possible that it should ever have formed a part ofa living animal. But more harrowing than all, was the voice of Fronto, who, prying with the haruspices into the smoking carcass of one of theslaughtered bulls, suddenly cried out with horror, that 'no heart was tobe found. '

The Emperor, hardly to be restrained by those near him from someexpression of anger, ordered a more diligent search to be made. 

'It is not in nature that such a thing should be, ' he said. 'Men are, intruth, sometimes without hearts; but brutes, as I think, never. '

The report was however confidently confirmed. Fronto himself approached, and said that his eye had from the first been upon the beast, and theexact truth had been stated. 

The carcasses, such parts as were for the flames, were then laid uponthe vast altar, and the flames of the sacrifice ascended. 

The heavens were again obscured by thick clouds, which, accumulatinginto heavy volumes, began now, nearer and nearer, to shoot forthlightning, and roll their thunders. The priest commenced the lastoffice, prayer to the god to whom the new temple had been thus solemnlyconsecrated. He again bowed his head, and again lifted up his voice. Butno sooner had he invoked the god of the temple and besought his ear, than again, from its dark interior, the same awful sounds issued forth, this time saying, 'Thy gods, O Rome, are false and lying gods. God isbut one. '

Aurelian, pale, as it seemed to me; with superstitious fear, againstrove to shake it off, giving it artfully and with violence theappearance of offended dignity. His voice was a shriek rather than ahuman utterance, as he cried out, 'This is but a Christian device; search the temple till the accursedNazarene be found, and hew him piecemeal--' More he would have said, but, at the instant, a bolt of lightning shot from the heavens, and, lighting upon a large sycamore which shaded a part of the temple court, clove it in twain. The swollen cloud, at the same moment, burst, and adeluge of rain poured upon the city, the temple, the gazing multitude, and the just kindled altars. The sacred fires went out in hissing anddarkness; a tempest of wind whirled the limbs of the slaughtered victimsinto the air, and abroad over the neighboring streets. All wasconfusion, uproar, terror, and dismay. The crowds sought safety in thehouses of the nearest inhabitants, in the porches, and in the palaces. Aurelian and the senators and those nearest him, fled to the interior ofthe temple. The heavens blazed with the quick flashing of the lightning, and the temple itself seemed to rock beneath the voice of the thunder. Inever knew in Rome so terrific a tempest. The stoutest trembled, forlife hung by a thread. Great numbers, it has now been found, in everypart of the capital, fell a prey to the fiery bolts. The capital itselfwas struck, and the brass statue of Vespasian in the forum thrown downand partly melted. The Tiber in a few hours overran its banks, and laidmuch of the city on its borders under water. 

But, ere long, the storm was over. The retreating clouds, but stillsullenly muttering in the distance as they rolled away, were againlighted up by the sun, who again shone forth in his splendor. Thescattered limbs of the victims were collected and again laid upon thealtar. Dry wood being brought, the flames quickly shot upward andconsumed to the last joint and bone the sacred offerings. Fronto oncemore stood before the altar, and now uninterrupted performed the lastoffice of the ceremony. Then, around the tables spread within the templeto the honor of the gods, feasting upon the luxuries contributed byevery quarter of the earth, and filling high with wine, the adverseomens of the day were by most forgotten. But not by Aurelian. No smilewas seen to light up his dark countenance. The jests of Varus and thewisdom of Porphyrius alike failed to reach him. Wrapped in his ownthoughts, he brooded gloomily over what had happened, and strove to readthe interpretation of portents so unusual and alarming. 

I went not in to the feast, but returned home reflecting as I went uponthe events I had witnessed. I knew not what to think. That in timespast, long after the departure from the earth of Jesus and his immediatefollowers, the Deity had interposed in seasons of peculiar perplexity tothe church, and, in a way to be observed, had manifested his power, Idid not doubt. But for a long time such revelations had wholly ceased. And I could not see any such features in the present juncture, as would, to speak as a man, justify and vindicate a departure from the ordinarymethods of the Divine Providence. But then, on the other hand, I couldnot otherwise account for the voice, nor discover any way in which, hadone been so disposed, he could so successfully and securely haveaccomplished his work. Revolving these things, and perplexed by doubts, I reached the Coelian--when, as I entered my dwelling, I found, to mygreat satisfaction, Probus seated with Julia, who at an early period, foreseeing the tempest, had with Portia withdrawn to the security of herown roof. 

'I am glad you are come at length, ' said Julia as I entered; 'our friendhas scarce spoken. I should think, did I not know the contrary, that hehad suddenly abandoned the service of truth and become a disciple ofNovatus. He hath done little but groan and sigh. '

'Surely, ' I replied, 'the occasion warrants both sighs and groans. Butwhen came you from the temple?'

'On the appearance of the storm, just as Fronto approached the altar thefirst time. The signs were not to be mistaken, by any who were not somuch engrossed by the scene as to be insensible to all else, that atempest was in the sky, and would soon break upon the crowds in a delugeof rain and hail--as has happened. So that warning Portia of the danger, we early retreated--she with reluctance; but for myself, I was glad tobe driven away from a scene that brought so vividly before me the eventsof the early morning. '

'I am glad it was so, ' I replied; 'you would have been more severelytried, had you remained. ' And I then gave an account of the occurrencesof the day. 

'I know not what to make of it, ' she said as I ended 'Probus, teach uswhat to think. I am bewildered and amazed. '

'Lady, ' said Probus, 'the Christian service is a hard one. '

'I have not found it so, thus far; but, on the other hand, a light andeasy one. '

'But the way is not ever so smooth, and the path, once entered upon, there is no retreat. '

'No roughness nor peril, Probus, be they what they may, can ever shakeme. It is for eternity I have embraced this faith, not for time--for mysoul, not for my body. '

'God be thanked that it is so. But the evils and sorrows that time hasin store, and which afflict the body, are not slight. And sometimes theyburst forth from the overburdened clouds in terrific violence, and poorhuman strength sinks and trembles, as to-day before the conflict of theelements. '

'They would find me strong in spirit and purpose, I am sure, Probus, however my woman's frame of flesh might yield. No fear can change mymind, nor tear me from the hopes which through Christ I cherish more, athousand fold, than this life of an hour. '

'Why, why is it so ordained in the Providence of God, ' said Probus, 'that truth must needs be watered with tears and blood, ere it will growand bear fruit? When, as now, the sky is dark and threatening, and themind is thronged with fearful anticipations of the sorrows that awaitthose who hold this faith, how can I, with a human heart within me, labor to convert the unbelieving? The words falter upon my tongue. Iturn from the young inquirer, and with some poor reason put him off toanother season. When I preach, it is with a coldness that must repel, and it is that which I almost desire to be the effect. My prayers neverreach heaven, nor the consciences of those who hear. Probus, they say, is growing worldly. His heart burns no longer within him. His zeal iscold. We must look to Macer. I fear, lady, that the reproaches are welldeserved. Not that I am growing worldly or cold, but that my humanaffections lead me away from duty, and make me a traitor to truth, andmy master. '

'O no, Probus, ' said Julia; 'these are charges foolish and false. Thereis not a Christian in Rome but would say so. We all rest upon you. '

'Then upon what a broken reed! I am glad it was not I who made you aChristian. '

'Do you grieve to have been a benefactor?'

'Almost, when I see the evils which are to overwhelm the believer. Ilook round upon my little flock of hearers, and I seem to see them ledas lambs to the slaughter--poor, defenceless creatures, set upon byworse than lions and wolves. And you, lady of Piso, how can I sincerelyrejoice that you have added your great name to our humble roll, when Ithink of what may await you. Is that form to be dragged with violenceamid the hootings of the populace to the tribunal of the beast Varus?Are those limbs for the rack or the fire?'

'I trust in God they are not, Probus. But if they are needed, they arelittle to give for that which has made me so rich, and given wings tothe soul. I can spare the body, now that the soul can live without it. '

'There spoke the universal Christian! What but truth could so change ourpoor human nature into somewhat quite divine and godlike! Think not Ishrink myself at the prospect of obstruction and assault. I am a manloose upon the world, weaned by suffering and misfortune from earth, and ready at any hour to depart from it. You know my early story. But Iin vain seek to steel myself to the pains of others. From what I havesaid, I fear lest you should think me over-apprehensive. I wish it wereso. But all seems at this moment to be against us. '

'More then, ' said Julia, 'must have come to your ears than to ours. Whenlast we sat with the Emperor at his table, he seemed well inclined. Andwhen urged by Fronto, rebuked him even with violence. '

'Yes, it was so. '

'Is it then from the scenes of to-day at the temple that you draw freshomens of misfortune? I have asked you what we should think of them. '

'I almost tremble to say. I stood, Piso, not far from you, upon thelower flight of steps, where I think you observed me. '

'I did. And at the sound of that voice from the temple, methought yourface was paler than Aurelian's. Why was that?'

'Because, Piso, I knew the voice. '

'Knew it! What mean you?'

'Repeat it not--let it sink into your ear, and there abide. It wasMacer's. '

'Macer's? Surely you jest. '

'Alas! I wish it were a jest. But his tones were no more to be mistakenthan were the thunder's. '

'This, should it be known, would, it is plain to see, greatly exasperateAurelian. It would be more than enough for Fronto to work his worst endswith. His suspicions at once fell upon the Christians. '

'That, ' said Probus, 'was, I am confident, an artifice. The countenance, struck with superstitious horror, is not to be read amiss. Seen, thoughbut for a moment, and the signature is upon it, one and unequivocal. Butwith quick instinct the wily priest saw his advantage, seized it, and, whether believing or not himself, succeeded in poisoning the mind ofAurelian and that of the multitude. So great was the commotion among thepopulace, that, but for the tempest, I believe scarce would the legionsof the Emperor have saved us from slaughter upon the spot. Honest, misguided Macer--little dost thou know how deep a wound thou hast struckinto the very dearest life of the truth, for which thou wouldst yet atany moment thyself freely suffer and die!'

'What, ' said Julia, 'could have moved him to such madness?'

'With him, ' replied Probus, 'it was a deed of piety and genuine zeal forGod; he saw it in the light of an act god-like, and god-directed. Couldyou read his heart, you would find it calm and serene, in theconsciousness of a great duty greatly performed. It is very possible hemay have felt himself to be but an instrument in the hand of a higherpower, to whom he gives all the glory and the praise. There are manylike him, lady, both among Christians and Pagans. The sybils impose notso much upon others as upon themselves. They who give forth theresponses of the oracle, oft-times believe that they are in very truthfull of the god, and speak not their own thoughts, but the inspirationsof him whose priests they are. To themselves more than to others arethey impostors. The conceit of the peculiar favor of God, or of the godsin return for extraordinary devotion, is a weakness that besets ournature wherever it is found. An apostle perhaps never believed in hisinspiration more firmly than at times does Macer, and others among uslike him. But this inward solitary persuasion we know is nothing, however it may carry away captive the undiscriminating multitude. '

'Hence, Probus, then, I suppose, the need of some outward act of anextraordinary nature to show the inspiration real. '

'Yes, ' he replied. 'No assertion of divine impulses or revelations canavail to persuade us of their reality, except supported and confirmed bymiracle. That, and that only, proves the present God. Christ would havedied without followers had he exhibited to the world only his characterand his truth, even though he had claimed, and claimed truly, a descentfrom and communion with the Deity. Men would have said, 'This is an oldand common story. We see every day and everywhere those who affectdivine aid. No act is so easy as to deceive one's self. If you propose aspiritual moral system and claim for it a divine authority, show yourauthority by a divine work, a work impossible to man, and we will thenadmit your claims. But your own inward convictions alone, sincere asthey may be, and possibly founded in truth, pass with us for nothing. Raise one that was dead to life, and we will believe you when you revealto us the spiritual world and the life to come. '

'I think, ' said Julia, 'such would be the process in my own mind. Thereseems the same natural and necessary connection here between spiritualtruths and outward acts, as between the forms of letters or the soundof words, and ideas. We receive the most subtle of Plato's reasoningsthrough words--those miracles of material help--which address themselvesto the eye or ear. So we receive the truths of Jesus through the eyewitnessing his works, or the ear hearing the voice from Heaven. --But wewander from Macer, in whom, from what you have told us, and Piso hasknown, we both feel deeply interested. Can he not be drawn away fromthose fancies which possess him? 'Tis a pity we should lose so strong anadvocate, to some minds so resistless, nor only that, but suffer injuryfrom his extravagance. '

'It is our purpose, ' I replied, 'to visit him to try what effect earnestremonstrance and appeal may have. Soon as I shall return from mypromised and now necessary visit to Marcus and Lucilia, I shall notfail, Probus, to request you to accompany me to his dwelling. '

'Does he dwell far from us?' asked Julia. 

'His house, if house it may be called, ' replied Probus, 'is in a narrowstreet, which runs just behind the shop of Demetrius, midway between theCapitol and the Quirinal. It is easily found by first passing the shopand then descending quick to the left--the street Janus, our friendIsaac's street, turning off at the same point to the right. At Macer's, should your feet ever be drawn that way, you would see how and in whatcrowded space the poor live in Rome. '

'Has he then a family, as your words seem to imply?'

'He has; and one more lovely dwells not within the walls of Rome. In hiswife and elder children, as I have informed Piso, we shall find warm andeloquent advocates on our side. They tremble for their husband andfather, whom they reverence and love, knowing his impetuosity, hisfearlessness and his zeal. Many an assault has he already brought uponhimself, and is destined, I fear, to draw down many more and heavier. '

'Heaven shield them all from harm, ' said Julia. 'Are they known toDemetrius? His is a benevolent heart, and he would rejoice to do them aservice. No one is better known too or respected than the RomanDemetrius: his name merely would be a protection. '

'It was from Macer, ' replied Probus, 'that Demetrius first heard thetruth which now holds him captive. Their near neighborhood brought themoften together. Demetrius was impressed by the ardor and evidentsincerity so visible in the conversation and manners of Macer; and Macerwas drawn toward Demetrius by the cast of melancholy--that sober, thoughtful air--that separates him so from his mercurial brother, andindeed from all. He wished he were a Christian. And by happy accidentsbeing thrown together--or rather drawn by some secret bond ofattraction--he in no long time had the happiness to see him one. Fromthe hand of Felix he received the waters of baptism. '

'What you have said, Probus, gives me great pleasure. I am not only nowsure that Macer and his little tribe have a friend at hand, but theknowledge that such a mind as that of Demetrius has been wrought upon byMacer, has served to raise him in my esteem and respect. He can be nocommon man, and surely no madman. '

'The world ever loves to charge those as mad, ' said Probus, 'who, indevotion to a great cause, exceed its cold standard of moderation. Singular, that excess virtue should incur this reproach, while excessin vice is held but as a weakness of our nature!'

We were here interrupted by Milo, who came to conduct us to the supperroom; and there our friendly talk was prolonged far into the night. 

When I next write, I shall have somewhat to say of Marcus, Lucilia, andthe little Gallus. How noble and generous in the Queen, her magnificentgift! When summer comes round again, I shall not fail, together withJulia, to see you there. How many recollections will come thronging uponme when I shall again find myself in the court of the Elephant, sittingwhere I once sat so often and listened to the voice of Longinus. May yousee there many happy years. Farewell. 

 * * * * *

Nothing could exceed the sensation caused in Rome by the voice heard atthe dedication, and among the adherents of the popular faith, by theunlucky omens of the day and of the sacrifice. My office at that timecalled me often to the capital, and to the palace of Aurelian, and threwme frequently into his company and that of Livia. My presence was littleheeded by the Emperor, who, of a bold and manly temper, spoke out withlittle reserve, and with no disguise or fear, whatever sentimentspossessed him. From such opportunities, and from communications ofMenestheus, the secretary of Aurelian, little took place at the palacewhich came not to my knowledge. The morning succeeding the dedication Ihad come to the city bringing a packet from the Queen to the EmpressLivia. While I waited in the common reception room of the palace, I tookfrom a case standing there, a volume and read. As I read, I presentlywas aroused by the sound of Aurelian's voice. It was as if engaged inearnest conversation. He soon entered the apartment accompanied by thepriest of the new temple. 

'There is something, ' he said as he drew near, 'in this combination ofunlucky signs that might appal a stouter spirit than mine. This too, after a munificence toward not one only but all the temples, never I amsure surpassed. Every god has been propitiated by gifts and appropriaterites. How can all this be interpreted other than most darkly--otherthan as a general hostility--and a discouragement from an enterpriseupon which I would found my glory. This has come most unlooked for. Iconfess myself perplexed. I have openly proclaimed my purpose--the wordhas gone abroad and travelled by this to the court of Persia itself, that with all Rome at my back I am once more to tempt the deserts of theEast. '

He here suddenly paused, being reminded by Fronto of my presence. 

'Ah, it matters not;' he said; 'this is but Nichomachus, the goodservant of the Queen of Palmyra. I hope, ' he said, turning to me, 'thatthe Queen is well, and the young Faustula?'

'They are well, ' I replied. 

'How agree with her these cooler airs of the west? These are not thebreezes of Arabia, that come to-day from the mountains. '

'She heeds them little, ' I replied, 'her thoughts are engrossed byheavier cares. '

'They must be fewer now than ever. '

'They are fewer, but they are heavier and weigh upon her life more thanthe whole East once did. The remembrance of a single great disasterweighs as a heavier burden than the successful management of an empire. '

'True, Nichomachus, that is over true. ' Then, without further regardingme, he went on with his conversation with Fronto. 

'I cannot, ' he said, 'now go back; and to go forward may bepersumptuous. '

'I cannot but believe, great Emperor, ' said Fronto, 'that I have it inmy power to resolve your doubts, and set your mind at ease. '

'Rest not then, ' said Aurelian with impatience--'but say on. '

'You sought the gods and read the omens with but one prayer and thought. And you have construed them as all bearing upon one point and having onesignificancy--because you have looked in no other direction. I believethey bear upon a different point, and that when you look behind andbefore, you will be of the same judgment. '

'Whither tends all this?'

'To this--that the omens of the day bear not upon your easternexpedition, but upon the new religion! You are warned as the great highpriest, by these signs in heaven and on earth--not against thisprojected expedition, which is an act of piety, --but against thisaccursed superstition, which is working its way into the empire, andthreatening the extermination and overthrow of the very altars on whichyou laid your costly offerings. What concern can the divinities feel inthe array of an army, destined to whatever service, compared with thatwhich must agitate their sacred breasts as they behold their altars castdown or forsaken, their names profaned, their very being denied, theirworshippers drawn from them to the secret midnight orgies of a tribe ofAtheists, whose aim is anarchy in the state and in religion; owningneither king on earth nor king in heaven--every man to be his ownpriest--every man his own master! Is not this the likeliest reading ofthe omens?'

'I confess, Fronto, ' the Emperor replied, the cloud upon his browclearing away as he spoke, 'that what you say possesses likelihood. Ibelieve I have interpreted according to my fears. It is as you say--theEast only has been in my thoughts. It cannot in reason be thought to bethis enterprize, which, as you have said, is an act of piety--all Romewould judge it so--against which the heavens have thus arrayedthemselves. Fronto! Fronto! I am another man! Slave, ' cried he aloud toone of the menials as he passed, 'let Mucapor be instantly summoned. Letthere be no delay. Now can my affairs be set on with something more ofspeed. When the gods smile, mountains sink to mole-hills. A divineenergy runs in the current of the blood and lends more than mortal forceto the arm and the will. '

As he spoke, never did so malignant a joy light up the human countenanceas was to be seen in the face of Fronto. 

'And what then, ' he hastily put in as the Emperor paused, 'what shall bedone with these profane wretches?'

'The Christians! They must be seen to. I will consider. Now, Fronto, shall I fill to the brim the cup of human glory. Now shall Rome by mevindicate her lost honor and wipe off the foulest stain that since thetime of Romulus has darkened her annals. '

'You will do yourself and the empire, ' rejoined the priest, 'immortalhonor. If danger ever threatened the very existence of the state it isnow from the secret machinations of this god-denying tribe. '

'I spake of the East and of Valerian, Fronto. Syria is now Rome's. Palmyra, that mushroom of a day, is level with the ground. Her life isout. She will be hereafter known but by the fame of her past greatness, of her matchless Queen, and the glory of the victories that crowned thearms of Aurelian. What now remains but Persia?'

'The Christians, ' said the priest, shortly and bitterly. 

'You are right, Fronto; the omens are not to be read otherwise. It isagainst them they point. It shall be maturely weighed what shall bedone. When Persia is swept from the field, and Ctesiphon lies as low asPalmyra, then will I restore the honor of the gods, and let who willdare to worship other than as I shall ordain! Whoever worships them not, or other than them, shall die. '

'In that spoke the chief minister of religion--the representative of thegods. The piety of Aurelian is in the mouths of men not less than hisglory. The city resounds with the praise of him who has enriched thetemples, erected new ones, made ample provision for the priesthood, andfed the poor. This is the best greatness. Posterity will rather honorand remember him who saved them their faith, than him who gained aPersian victory. The victory for Religion too is to be had without cost, without a step taken from the palace gate or from the side of her whois alike Aurelian's and the empire's boast. '

'Nay, nay, Fronto, you are over-zealous. This eastern purpose admits notof delay. Hormisdas is new in his power. The people are restless anddivided. The present is the moment of success. It cannot bear delay. To-morrow, could it be so, would I start for Thrace. The heavens arepropitious. They frown no longer. '

'The likeliest way, methinks, ' replied the priest, 'to insure successand the continued favor of the gods in that which they do not forbid, were first to fulfil their commands in what they have enjoined. '

'That, Fronto, cannot be denied. It is of weight. But where, of twocommands, both seem alike urgent, and both cannot be done at once, whether we will or not, we must choose, and in choosing we may err. '

'To an impartial, pious mind, O Emperor, the god of thy worship nevershone more clear in the heavens than shines his will in the terrificsigns of yesterday. Forgive thy servant, but drawn as thou art by theimage of fresh laurels of victory to be bound about thy brow, of therich spoils of Persia, of its mighty monarch at thy chariot wheels, andthe long line of a new triumph sweeping through the gates and the greatheart of the capital, --and thou art blind to the will of the gods, though writ in the dread convulsions of the elements and the unerringlanguage of the slaughtered victims. '

'Both may be done--both, Fronto. I blame not your zeal. Your freedompleases me. Religion is thus, I know, in good hands. But both I say maybe done. The care of the empire in this its other part may be left tothee and Varus, with full powers to see that the state, in the matter ofits faith, receives no harm. Your knowledge in this, if not your zeal, is more than mine. While I meet the enemies of Rome abroad, you shall bemy other self, and gain other victories at home. '

'Little, I fear, Aurelian, could be done even by me and Varus leagued, with full delegated powers, opposed as we should be by Tacitus and thesenate and the best half of Rome. None, but an arm omnipotent as thine, can crush this mischief. I see thou knowest not how deep it has struck, nor how wide it has spread. The very foundations of the throne and theempire are undermined. The poison of Christian atheism has infected thewhole mind of the people, not only throughout Rome, but Italy, Gaul, Africa, and Asia. And for this we have to thank whom? Whom butourselves? Ever since Hadrian--otherwise a patriot king--built hisimageless temples, in imitation of this barren and lifeless worship;ever since the weak Alexander and his superstitious mother filled theimperial palace with their statues of Christ, with preachers andteachers of his religion; ever since the Philips openly and withoutshame professed his faith; ever, I say, since these great examples havebeen before the world, has the ancient religion declined its head, andthe new stalked proudly by. Let not Aurelian's name be added to thisfatal list. Let him first secure the honor of the gods--then, and nottill then, seek his own. '

'You urge with warmth, Fronto, and with reason too. Your words are notwasted; they have fallen where they shall be deeply pondered. In themeantime I will wait for the judgment of the augurs and haruspices; andas the colleges report, will hold myself bound so to act. '

So they conversed, and then passed on. I was at that time but littleconversant with the religious condition of the empire. I knew but littleof the character of the prevailing faith and the Pagan priesthood; and Iknew less of the new religion as it was termed. But the instincts of myheart were from the gods, and they were all for humanity. I loved man, whoever he was, and of whatever name or faith; and I sickened atcruelties perpetrated against him, both in war, and by the bloody spiritof superstition. I burned with indignation therefore as I listened tothe cold-blooded arguings of the bigoted priest, and wept to see howartfully he could warp aside the better nature of Aurelian, and pour hisown venom into veins, that had else run with human blood, at least notwith the poisoned current of tigers, wolves, and serpents, of every nameand nature most vile. My hope was that, away from his prompter, thefirst purpose of Aurelian would return and have its way. 

LETTER V. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

I am now returned from my long intended visit to the villa of Marcus, and have much to say concerning it. 

But, first of all, rejoice with me in a fresh demonstration of goodwill, on the part of Aurelian towards Zenobia. And what think you it is?Nothing less than this, that Vabalathus has been made, by Aurelian andthe senate, king of Armenia! The kingdom is not large, but large enoughfor him at his present age--if he shall show himself competent, additions doubtless will be made. Our only regret is, that the Queenloses thus his presence with her at Tibur. He had become to his motherall that a son should be. Not that in respect to native force he couldever make good the loss of Julia, or even of Livia, but, that in all themany offices which an affectionate child would render to a parent in thechanged circumstances of Zenobia, he has proved to be a solace and asupport. 

The second day from the dedication, passing through the Porta Asinariawith Milo at my side, I took the road that winds along the hither bankof the Tiber, and leads most pleasantly, if not most directly, to theseat of my friends--and you are well aware how willingly I sacrifice alittle time on the way, if by doing so I can more than make up the lossby obtaining brighter glimpses of earth and sky. Had I not foundChristianity, Fausta, this would have been my religion. I should haveforsaken the philosophers, and gone forth into the fields, among theeternal hills, upon the banks of the river, or the margin of theever-flowing ocean, and in the lessons there silently read to me, Ishould, I think, have arrived at some very firm and comfortable faith inGod and immortality. And I am especially happy in this, that nature inno way loses its interest or value, because I now draw truth from a morecertain source. I take the same pleasure as before, in observing andcontemplating her various forms, and the clearer light of Christianitybrings to view a thousand beauties, to which before I was insensible. Just as in reading a difficult author, although you may have reached hissense in some good degree, unaided, yet a judicious commentator pointsout excellences, and unfolds truths, which you had either whollyoverlooked, or but imperfectly comprehended. 

All without the city walls, as within, bore witness to the graciousnessof the Emperor in the prolonged holiday he had granted the people. Itwas as if the Saturnalia had arrived. Industry, such as there ever is, was suspended; all were sitting idle, or thronging some game, orgathering in noisy groups about some mountebank. As we advanced farther, and came just beyond the great road leading to Tibur, we passed theschool of the celebrated gladiator Sosia, at the door of which there hadjust arrived from the amphitheatre, a cart bearing home the bodies ofsuch as had been slain the preceding day, presenting a disgustingspectacle of wounds, bruises, and flowing blood. 

'There was brave fighting yesterday, ' said Milo; these are but a few outof all that fell. The first day's sport was an hundred of the trainedgladiators, most of them from the school of Sosia, set against a hundredpicked captives of all nations. Not less than a half of each number gotit. These fellows look as if they had done their best. You've foughtyour last battle, old boys--unless you have a bout with Charon, who willbe loath, I warrant you beforehand, to ferry over such a slashed andswollen company. Now ought you in charity, ' he continued, addressing ahalf-naked savage, who was helping to drag the bodies from the cart, 'tohave these trunks well washed ere you bury them, or pitch them into theTiber, else they will never get over the Styx--not forgetting too theferriage--' what more folly he would have uttered, I know not, for thewretch to whom he spoke suddenly seized the lash of the driver of thecart, and laid it over Milo's shoulders, saying, as he did it, 'Off, fool, or my fist shall do for you what it did for one of these. '

The bystanders, at this, set up a hoarse shouting, one of themexclaiming, so that I could hear him--

'There goes the Christian Piso, we or the lions will have a turn at himyet. These are the fellows that spoil our trade. '

'If report goes true, they won't spoil it long, ' replied another. 

No rank and no power is secure against the affronts of this lawlesstribe; they are a sort of licensed brawlers, their brutal and inhumantrade rendering them insensible to all fear from any quarter. Death isto them but as a scratch on the finger--they care not for it, when norhow it comes. The slightest cause--a passing word--a look--a motion--isenough to inflame their ferocious passions, and bring on quarrel andmurder. Riot and death are daily occurrences in the neighborhood ofthese schools of trained assassins. Milo knew their character wellenough, but he deemed himself to be uttering somewhat that should amuserather than enrage, and was mortified rather than terrified, I believe, at the sudden application of the lash. The unfeigned surprise hemanifested, together with the quick leap which his horse made, whopartook of the blow, was irresistibly ludicrous. He was nearly thrownoff backwards in the speed of the animal's flight along the road. It wassome time before I overtook him. 

'Intermeddling, ' I said to Milo, as I came up with him, 'is a dangerousvice. How feel your shoulders?'

'I shall remember that one-eyed butcher, and if there be virtue inhisses or in thumbs, he shall rue the hour he laid a lash on Gallienus, poor fellow! Whose horsemanship is equal to such an onset? I'll hauntthe theatre till my chance come. '

'Well, well, let us forget this. How went the games yesterday?'

'Never, as I hear, ' he said, 'and as I remember, were they more liberal, or more magnificent. Larger, or more beautiful, or finer beasts, neitherAsia nor Africa ever sent over. They fought as if they had been trainedto it, like these scholars of Sosia, and in most cases they bore awaythe palm from them. How many of Sosia's men exactly fell, it is notknown, but not fewer than threescore men were either torn in pieces, orrescued too much lacerated to fight more. '

'What captives were sacrificed?'

'I did not learn of what nation they were, nor how many. All I know, iswhat I witnessed toward the end of the sport. Never before did I beholdsuch a form, nor such feats of strength! He was another Hercules. It wasrumored he was from the forests of Germany. If you will believe it, which I scarce can, though I saw it, he fought successively with six ofSosia's best men, and one after another laid them all sprawling. Aseventh was then set upon him, he having no time to breathe, or evendrink. Many however cried out against this. But Romans, you know, likenot to have their fun spoiled, so the seventh was not taken off. Asevery one foresaw, this was too much by just one for the hero; but hefought desperately, and it is believed Sosia's man got pushes he willnever recover from. He was soon however on his knees, and then on hisback, the sword of his antagonist at his throat, he lying like a gaspingfish at his mercy--who waited the pleasure of the spectators a moment, before he struck. Then was there a great shouting all over the theatrein his behalf, besides making the sign to spare him. But just at themoment, as for him ill fortune would have it, some poltroon cried outwith a voice that went all over the theatre, 'The dog is a Christian!'Whereupon, like lightning, every thumb went up, and down plunged thesword into his neck. So, master, thou seest what I tell thee every day, there is small virtue in being a Christian. It is every way dangerous. If a thief run through the streets the cry is, a Christian! a Christian!If a man is murdered, they who did it accuse some neighboring Christian, and he dies for it. If a Christian fall into the Tiber, men look on ason a drowning-dog. If he slip or fall in a crowd, they will help totrample him to death. If he is sick or poor, none but his own tribe willhelp him. A slave has a better chance. Even the Jew despises him, andspits upon his gown as he passes. What but the love of contempt anddeath can make one a Christian, 'tis hard to see. Had that captive beenother than a Christian, he would not have fallen as he did. '

'Very likely. But the Christians, you know, frequent not theamphitheatre. Had they been there in their just proportion to the rest, the voice would at least have been a divided one. '

'Nay, as for that. ' he rejoined, 'there were some stout voices raised inhis behalf to the last, but too few to be regarded. But even in thestreets, where all sorts are found, there is none to take theChristian's part--unless it be that old gashed soldier of the fifthlegion, who stalks through the streets as though all Rome were his. Bythe gods, I believe he would beard Aurelian himself! He will stand at acorner, in some public place, and preach to the crowds, and give neveran inch for all their curses and noise. They fear him too much, Ibelieve, to attack him with aught but words. And I wonder not at it. Afew days since, a large dog was in wicked wantonness, as I must allow, set upon a poor Christian boy. Macer, so he is called about the city, atthe moment came up. Never tiger seized his prey as he seized that dog, and first dashing out his brains upon the pavement, pursued then thepursuers of the boy, and beat them to jelly with the carcase of thebeast, and then walked away unmolested, leading the child to his home. '

'Men reverence courage, Milo, everywhere and in all. '

'That do they. It was so with me once, when Gallienus--'

'Gallop, Milo, to that mile-stone, and report to me how far we havecome. '

I still as ever extract much, Fausta, from my faithful if foolish slave. 

 * * * * *

In due time and without hindrance, or accident, I reached the outer gateof my friend's villa. 

The gate was opened by Coelia, whose husband is promoted to the placeof porter. Her face shone as she saw me, and she hastened to assure methat all were well at the house, holding up at the same moment acurly-headed boy for me to admire, whom, with a blush and a falteringtongue, she called Lucius. I told her I was pleased with the name, forit was a good one, and he should not suffer for bearing it, if I couldhelp it. Milo thought it unlucky enough that it should be named after aChristian, and I am certain has taken occasion to remonstrate with itsmother on the subject; but, as you may suppose, did not succeed ininfusing his own terrors. 

I was first met by Lucilia, who received me with her usual heartiness. Marcus was out on some remote part of the estate, overseeing his slaves. In a few moments, by the assiduous Lucilia and her attendants, I wasbrushed and washed and set down to a table--though it was so few hourssince I had left Rome--covered with bread, honey, butter and olives, acold capon with salads, and wine such as the cellars of Marcus alone canfurnish. As the only way in which to keep the good opinion of Luciliais to eat, I ate of all that was on the table, she assuring me thateverything was from their own grounds--the butter made by her ownhands--and that I might search Rome in vain for better. This I readilyadmitted. Indeed no butter is like hers--so yellow and so hard--norbread so light, and so white. Even her honey is more delicious than whatI find elsewhere, the bees knowing by instinct who they are working for;and the poultry is fatter and tenderer, the hens being careful never toover-fatigue themselves, and the peacocks and the geese not to exhaustthemselves in screaming and cackling. All nature, alive and dead, takesupon itself a trimmer and more perfect seeming within her influences. 

I had sat thus gossipping with Lucilia, enjoying the balmy breezes of awarm autumn day, as they drew through the great hall of the house, when, preceded by the bounding Gallus, the master of the house entered infield dress of broad sun-hat, open neck, close coat depending to theknees, and boots that brought home with them the spoils of many awell-ploughed field. 

'Well, sir Christian, ' he cried, 'I joy to see thee, although thusrecreant. But how is it that thou lookest as ever before? Are not thesevanities of silk, and gold, and fine clothes, renounced by those of thenew religion? Your appearance says nay, and, by Jupiter! wine has beendrunk already! Nay, nay, Lucilia, it was hardly a pagan act to tempt ourstrict friend with that Falernian. '

'Falernian is it?'

'Yes, of the vintage of the fourth of Gallienus. Delicious, was it not?But by and by thou shalt taste something better than that--as muchbetter as that is than anything of the same name thou didst ever raiseto thy lips at the table of Aurelian. Piso! never was a face morewelcome! Not a soul has looked in upon us for days and days. Not, Lucilia, since the Kalends, when young Flaccus, with a boat-load ofroysterers, dropt down the river. But why comes not Julia too? She couldnot leave the games and theatres, hah?'

'Marcus, ' said Lucilia, 'you forget it was the princess who firstseduced Lucius. But for that eastern voyage for the Persian Calpurnius, Piso would have been still, I dare say, what his parents made him. Letus not yet however stir this topic; but first of all, Lucius, give usthe city news. How went the dedication? we have heard strange tales. '

'How went it by report?' I asked. 

'O, it would be long telling, ' said Lucilia. 'Only, for one thing, weheard that there was a massacre of the Christians, in which some saidhundreds, and some, thousands fell. For a moment, I assure you, wetrembled for you. It was quickly contradicted, but the confirmationafforded by your actual presence, of your welfare, is not unwelcome. Youmust lay a part of the heartiness of our reception, especially the oldFalernian, to the account of our relieved fears. But let us hear. '

I then went over the last days in Rome, adding what I had been able togather from Milo, when it was such that I could trust to it. When I hadsatisfied their curiosity, and had moreover described to Lucilia thedresses of Livia on so great an occasion, and the fashions which wereraging, Marcus proposed that I should accompany him over his farm, andobserve his additions and improvements, and the condition of his slaves. I accepted the proposal with pleasure, and we soon set forth on ourramble, accompanied by Gallus, now riding his stick and now gambollingabout the lawns and fields with his dog. 

I like this retreat of Curtius better almost than any other of thesuburban villas of our citizens. There is an air of calm senatorialdignity about it which modern edifices want. It looks as if it had seenmore than one generation of patrician inhabitants. There is little unityor order--as those words are commonly understood--observable in thestructure of the house, but it presents to the eye an irregularassemblage of forms, the work of different ages, and built according tothe taste and skill of distant and changing times. Some portions arenew, some old and covered with lichens, mosses, and creeping plants. Here is a portico of the days of Trajan, and there a tower that seems asif it were of the times of the republic. Yet is there a certain harmonyand congruity running through the whole, for the material used iseverywhere the same--a certain fawn-colored stone drawn from thequarries in the neighborhood; and each successive owner and architecthas evidently paid some regard to preceding erections in the design andproportions of the part he has added. In this unity of character, aswell as in the separate beauty or greatness of distinct parts, is itmade evident that persons of accomplishment and rank have alonepossessed it. Of its earlier history all that Curtius has with certaintyascertained is, that it was once the seat of the great Hortensius, before he had, in the growth of his fame and his riches, displayed hisluxurious tastes in the wonders of Tusculum, Bauli, or Laurentum. It wasthe first indication given by him of that love of elegant and lavishwastefulness, that gave him at last as wide a celebrity as his genius. The part which he built is well known, and although of moderatedimensions, yet displays the rudiments of that taste that afterward wassatisfied only with more than imperial magnificence. Marcus hassatisfied himself as to the very room which he occupied as his study andlibrary, and where he prepared himself for the morning courts; and inthe same apartment--hoping as he says to catch something from the geniusof the place--does he apply himself to the same professional labors. Hisname and repute are now second to none in Rome. Yet, young as he is, hebegins to weary of the bar, and woo the more quiet pursuits of lettersand philosophy. Nay, at the present moment, agriculture claims all hisleisure, and steals time that can ill be spared from his clients. Varroand Cato have more of his devotion than statutes and precedents. 

In the disposition of the grounds, Marcus has shown that he inheritssomething of the tastefulness of his remote predecessor; and in theharvest that covers his extensive acres, gives equal evidence that hehas studied, not without profit, the labors of those who have writtenupon husbandry and its connected arts. Varro especially is at histongue's end. 

We soon came to the quarter of the slaves--a village almost of thehumble tenements occupied by this miserable class. None but the women, children, sick and aged, were now at home--the young and able-bodiedbeing abroad at work. No new disturbances have broken out, he tells me;the former severity, followed by a well-timed lenity, having subdued orconciliated all. Curtius, although fond of power and of all itsensigns, yet conceals not his hatred of this institution, which has solong obtained in the Roman state, as in all states. He can devise no wayof escape from it; but he sees in it the most active and general causeof the corruption of morals which is spread everywhere where itprevails. He cannot suppress his contempt of the delusion or hypocrisyof our ancestors in terming themselves republicans. 

'What a monstrous solecism was it, ' he broke out with energy, 'in thetimes preceding the empire, to call that a free country which was builtupon the degradation and slavery of half of its population. Rome neverwas a republic. It was simply a faction of land and slave holders, whoblinded and befooled the ignorant populace, by parading before them someof the forms of liberty, but kept the power in their own hands. Theywere a community of petty kings, which was better in their mind thanonly one king, as in the time of the Tarquins. It was a republic ofkingdoms and of kings, if you will. Now and then, indeed, the peoplebustled about and shook their chains, as in the times of the institutionof the tribune's office, and those of the Gracchi. But they gainednothing. The patricians were still the kings who ruled them. And amongno people can there be liberty where slavery exists--liberty, I mean, properly so called. He who holds slaves cannot, in the nature of things, be a republican; but, in the nature of things, he is on the other hand adespot. I am one. And a nation of such individuals is an association ofdespots for despotic purposes, and nothing else nor better. Liberty intheir mouths is a profanation of the sacred name. It signifies nothingbut their liberty to reign. I confess, it is to those who happen to bethe kings a very agreeable state of things. I enjoy my power and statemightily. But I am not blind to the fact--my own experience teachesit--that it is a state of things corrupt and rotten to theheart--destructive everywhere of the highest form of the humancharacter. It nurses and brings out the animal, represses and embrutesthe god that is within us. It makes of man a being of violence, force, passion, and the narrowest selfishness; while reason and humanity, whichshould distinguish him, are degraded and oppressed. Such men are not thestuff that republics are made of. A republic may endure for a time inspite of them, owing to fortunate circumstances of another kind; butwherever they obtain a preponderance in the state, liberty will expire, or exist only in the insulting forms in which she waved her bloodysceptre during most of our early history. Slavery and despotism arenatural allies. '

'I rejoice, ' I said, 'to find a change in you, at least in the theorywhich you adopt. '

'I certainly am changed, ' he replied; 'and such as the change may be, isit owing, sir Christian, to thy calm and yet fiery epistles fromPalmyra. Small thanks do I owe thee for making me uncomfortable in aposition from which I cannot escape. Once proud of my slaves and mypower, I am already ashamed of both; but while my principles havealtered, my habits and character, which slavery has created and nursedremain beyond any power of man, so far as I can see, to change them. What they are, you well know. So that here, in my middle age, I suffera retribution, that should have been reserved till I had been dismissedfrom the dread tribunal of Rhadamanthus. '

'I see not, Curtius, why you should not escape from the position you arein, if you sincerely desire it, which I suppose you do not. '

'That, to be honest--which at least I am--is I believe the case. '

'I do not doubt it, as it is with all who are situated like yourself. Most, however, defend the principle as well as cling to the form ofslavery. '

'Nay, that I cannot do. That I never did, since my beard was grown. Ifancy myself to have from the gods a good heart. He is essentially of acorrupt heart who will stand for slavery in its principle. He is withoutanything generous in his nature. Cold selfishness marks and makes him. But supposing I as sincerely desired to escape--as I sincerely donot--what, O most wise mentor, should be the manner?'

'First and at once, to treat them no longer as slaves, but as men. '

'That I am just beginning to do. What else?'

'If you are sincere, as I say, and moreover, if you possess the exaltedand generous traits which we patricians ever claim for ourselves, showit them by giving their freedom one by one to those who are now slaves, even though it result in the loss of one half of your fortune. That willbe a patrician act. What was begun in crime by others, cannot beperpetuated without equal crime in us. The enfranchised will soon minglewith the people, and, as we see every day, become one with it. Thisprocess is going on at this moment in all my estates. Before my will isexecuted, I shall hope to have disposed in this manner of every slave inmy possession. '

'One can hardly look to emulate such virtues as this new-found Christianphilosophy seems to have engendered within thy noble bosom, Piso; butthe subject must be weighed. There is nothing so agreeable in prospectas to do right; but, like some distant stretches of land and hill, waterand wood, the beauty is all gone as it draws near. It is then absolutelya source of pain and disgust. I will write a treatise upon the greattheme. '

'If you write, Curtius, I shall despair of any action, all yourphilanthropy will evaporate in a cloud of words. '

'But that will be the way, I think, to restore my equanimity. I believeI shall feel quite easy after a little declamation. Here, Lucius, regalethyself upon these grapes. These are from the isles of the GrecianArchipelago, and for sweetness are not equalled by any of our own. Gallus, Gallus, go not so near to the edge of the pond; it is deep, as Ihave warned you. I have lampreys there, Piso, bigger than any thatHortensius ever wept for. Gallus, you dog! away, I say. '

But Gallus heeded not the command of his father. He already wasbeginning to have a little will of his own. He continued playing uponthe margin of the water, throwing in sticks for his dog to bring to himagain. Perceiving his danger to be great, I went to him and forciblydrew him away, he and his dog setting up a frightful music of screamsand yelping. Marcus was both entertained and amazed at the feat. 

'Piso, ' he jocosely cried out, 'there is a good deal of the oldrepublican in you. You even treat free men as slaves. That boy--a man inwill--never had before such restraint upon his liberty. '

'Liberty with restraint, ' I answered, 'operating upon all, and equallyupon all, is the true account of a state of freedom. Gallus unrestrainedis a slave--a slave of passion and the sport of chance. He is not trulyfree until he is bound. '

With such talk we amused ourselves as we wandered over the estate, through its more wild and more cultivated parts. Dinner was presentlyannounced, and we hastened to the house. 

Lucilia awaited us in a small six-sided cabinet, fitted up purposely fora dining-room for six or eight persons. It was wholly cased with a richmarble of a pale yellow hue, beautifully panelled, having three windowsopening upon a long portico with a southern aspect, set out with exoticsin fancifully arranged groups. The marble panels of the room were socontrived that, at a touch, they slipped aside and disclosed in richarray, here the choicest wines, there sauces and spices of a thousandsorts, and there again the rarest confections brought from China and theEast. Apicius himself could have fancied nothing more perfect--for theleast dissatisfaction with the flavor of a dish, or the kind of wine, could be removed by merely reaching out the hand and drawing, from aninexhaustible treasure-house, both wines and condiments, such as scarceRome itself could equal. This was an apartment contrived and built byHortensius himself. 

The dinner was worthy the room and its builder, the marbles, theprospect, the guest, the host, and the hostess. The aforementionedApicius would have never once thought of the panelled cupboards. No dishwould have admitted of addition or alteration. 

When the feasting was over, and with it the lighter conversation, andmore disjointed and various, which usually accompanies it, Marcus arose, and withdrawing one of the sliding panels, with much gravity and state, drew forth a glass pitcher of exquisite form filled with wine, saying, as he did so, 'All, Piso, that you have as yet tasted is but as water of the Tiber tothis. This is more than nectar. The gods have never been so happy as tohave seen the like. I am their envy. It is Falernian, that once saw thewine vaults of Heliogabalus! Not a drop of Chian has ever touched it. Itis pure, unadulterate. Taste, and be translated. '

I acknowledged, as I well might, its unequalled flavor. 

'This nectarean draught, ' he continued, 'I even consider to possesspurifying and exalting qualities. He who drinks it is for the time of ahigher nature. It is better for the temper than a chapter of Seneca orEpictetus. It brings upon the soul a certain divine calm, favorablebeyond any other state to the growth of the virtues. Could it become ofuniversal use, mankind were soon a race of gods. Even Christianity werethen made unnecessary--admitting it to be that unrivalled moral enginewhich you Christians affirm it to be. It is favorable also todispassionate discussion, Piso, a little of which I would now invite. Know you not, I have scarce seen you since your assumption of your newname and faith? What bad demon possessed you, in evil hour, to throwRome and your friends into such a ferment?'

'Had you become, Lucius, ' said Lucilia, 'a declaiming advocate ofEpicurus, or a street-lecturer upon Plato, or turned priest of Apollo'snew temple, it would have all been quite tolerable, though amazing--butChristian!'--

'Yes, Lucius, it is too bad, ' added Marcus. 'If you were in want ofmoral strength, you would have done better to have begged some of myFalernian. You should not have been denied. '

'Or, ' said Lucilia, 'some of my Smyrna cordial. '

'At least, ' continued Marcus, 'you might have come to me for some of mywisdom, which I keep ready, at a moment's warning, in quantities to suitall applicants. '

'Or to me, ' said Lucilia, 'for some of my every day good-sense, which, you know, I possess in such abundance, though I have not sat at the feetof philosophers. '

'But seriously, Lucius, ' began Marcus in altered mood, 'this is a mostextraordinary movement of yours. I should like to be able to interpretit. If you must needs have what you call religion, of which I, for mypart, can see no earthly occasion, here were plenty of forms in which toreceive it, more ancient and more respectable than this of theChristians. '

'I am almost unwilling to converse on this topic with you, Marcus, ' Irejoined, 'for there is nothing in your nature, or rather in youreducated nature, to which to appeal with the least hope of anyprofitable result, either to me, or you. The gods have, as you say, given you a good heart--I may add too, a most noble head; but, yourselfand education together, have made you so thoroughly a man of the world, that the interests of any other part of your nature, save those of theintellect and the senses, are to you precisely as if they did notexist. '

'Right, Lucius; therein do I claim honor and distinction. Theintangible, the invisible, the vague, the shadowy, I leave to women andpriests--concerning myself only with the substantial realities of life. Great Jupiter! what would become of mankind were we all women, andpriests? How could the courts go on--senates sit, and deliberate--armiesconquer? I think the world would stand still. However, I object not to apopular faith, such as that which now obtains throughout, the Romanworld. If mankind, as history seems to prove, must and will havesomething of the kind, this perhaps is as good as anything else; and, seeing it has once become established and fixed in the way it has, Ithink it ought no more to be disturbed than men's faith in theirpolitical institutions. Our concern should be, merely to regulate it, that it grow not too large, and so overlay and crush the state. Fanaticsand bigots must be hewn away. There must be an occasional infusion ofdoubt and indifference into the mass, to keep it from fermenting. Youcannot be offended, Lucius, at the way in which I speak of yournew-adopted faith. I think no better of any other. Epicureans, Stoics, Platonists, Jews, Christians, they are all alike to me. I hold them allat arms length. I have listened to them all; and more idle, indigestedfancies never did I hear--no, not from the new-fledged advocate playingthe rhetorician at his first appearance. '

'I do not wonder, Curtius, that you have turned away dissatisfied withthe philosophers. I do not wonder that you reject the popularsuperstitions. But I do wonder, that you will prejudge any question, orinfer the intrinsic incredibility of whatever may take the form ofreligion, from the intrinsic incredibility of what the world hasheretofore possessed. It surely is not a philosophical method. '

'Not in other things, I grant, ' replied Marcus; 'but concerning thisquestion of popular superstition, or religion, the only philosophicalthing is, to discard the whole subject, as one deserving severeinvestigation. The follies which the populace have, in all nations, andin all time, adopted, let them be retained, and even defended andsupported by the State. They perform a not unimportant office inregulating the conduct, and manners of men--in preserving a certainorder in the world. But beyond this, it seems to me, the subject isunworthy the regard of a reflecting person. One world and one life isenough to manage at a time. If there be others, and if there be a Godwho governs them, it will be time enough to know these things when theyare made plain to the senses, as these trees and hills now are, and yourwell-shaped form. This peering into futurity, in the expectation toarrive at certainty, seems to me much as if one should hope to make outthe forms of cities, palaces, and groves, by gazing into the empty air, or on the clouds. Besides, of what use?'

'Of what use indeed?' added Lucilia. 'I want no director or monitor, concerning any duty or act, which it falls to me to perform, other thanI find within me. I have no need of a divine messenger, to stand ever atmy side, to tell me what I must do, and what I must forbear. I havewithin me instincts and impulses, which I find amply sufficient. Thecare and duty of every day is very much alike, and a little experienceand observation, added to the inward instinct, makes me quite superiorto most difficulties and evils as they arise. The gods, or whateverpower gave us our nature, have not left us dependent for these things, either on what is called religion or philosophy. '

'What you say, ' I rejoined, 'is partly true. The gods have not left usdependent exclusively, upon either religion, or philosophy. There is anatural religion of the heart and the conscience, which is born with us, grows up with us, and never forsakes us. But then, after all, howdefective and incomplete a principle it is. It has chiefly to do, onlywith our daily conduct; it cannot answer our doubts, or satisfy our mostreal wants. It differs too with the constitution of the individual. Insome, it is a principle of much greater value and efficacy, than inothers. Your instincts are clear, and powerful, and direct you aright. But, in another, they are obscure, and weak, and leave the mind in thegreatest perplexity. It is by no means all that they want. Then, are notthe prevalent superstitions most injurious in their influences upon thecommon mind? Can you doubt, whether more of good or evil, is derived tothe soul, from the ideas it entertains of the character, and providenceof the gods? Can you be insensible to the horrible enormities, andnameless vices, which make a part, even of what is called religion? Andis there no need--if men will have religion in some form--that theyshould receive it in a better one? Can you not conceive of such views ofGod and his worship, of duty, virtue, and immortality being presented, that they shall strike the mind as reasonable in themselves, and ofbeneficial instead of hurtful power, upon being adopted? Can you notimagine your own mind, and the minds of people generally, to be sodevoted to a high and sublime conception of the Divinity, and offuturity, as to be absolutely incapable of an act, that should displeasehim, or forfeit the hope of immortality?'

'Hardly, ' said Marcus and Lucilia. 

'Well, suppose it were so. Or rather, if you cannot imagine such a stateof things, multitudes can. You are not a fair specimen of our kind, butonly of a comparatively small class. Generally--so I have found it--themind is seeking about for something better than what any human systemhas as yet proposed, and is confident of nothing more than of this, thatmen may be put in possession of truths, that shall carry them on as farbeyond what their natural instincts now can do, as these instincts carrythem on beyond any point to which the brutes ever arrive. This, certainly, was my own conviction, before I met with Christianity. Now, Marcus and Lucilia, what is this Christianity, but a revelation fromHeaven, whose aim is to give to you, and to all, such conceptions ofGod, and futurity, as I have just spoken of?'--I then, finding that Ihad obtained a hearing, went into an account of the religion of Christ, as I had received it from the books themselves, and which to you I neednot repeat. They listened with considerable patience--though I wascareful not to use many words--but without any expression ofcountenance, or manner, that indicated any very favorable change intheir opinions or feelings. As I ended, Marcus said, 'I shall always think better of this religion, Lucius, that you haveadopted it, though I cannot say that your adopting it, will raise myjudgment of you. I do not at present see upon what grounds it stands sofirm, or divine, that a citizen is defensible in abandoning for it, anostensible reception of, and faith in, the existing forms of the State. However, I incline to allow freedom in these matters to scholars andspeculative minds. Let them work out and enjoy their own fancies--theyare a restless, discontented, ambitious herd, and should, for the sakeof their genius, be humored in the particular pursuits where they haveplaced their happiness. But, when they leave their proper vocation, andturn propagators and reformers, and aim at the subversion of things nowfirmly established and prosperous, then--although I myself should nevermeddle in such matters--it is scarcely a question whether the power ofthe State should interpose, and lay upon them the necessary restraints. Upon the whole, Lucius Piso, I think, that I, and Lucilia, had betterturn preachers, and exhort you to return to the faith, or no-faith, which you have abandoned. Leave such things to take care of themselves. What have you gained but making yourself an object of popular aversionor distrust? You have abandoned the community of the polite, therefined, the sober, where by nature you belong, and have associatedyourself with a vulgar crew, of--forgive my freedom, I speak the commonjudgment, that you may know what it is--of ignorant fanatics or craftyknaves, who care for you no further, than as by your great name, theymay stand a little higher in the world. I protest, before Jupiter, thatto save others like you from such loss, I feel tempted to hunt over thestatute books for some law, now obsolete and forgotten, but not legallydead, that may be brought to bear upon this mischief, and give itanother Decian blight, which, if it do not kill, may yet check, andobstruct its growth. '

I replied, 'that from him I could apprehend, he well knew, no such deedof folly or guilt--however likely it was that others might, do it, andglory in their shame; that his nature would save him from such a deed, though his principles might not. ' I told him, moreover, 'that I did notdespair of his looking upon Christianity with a favorable judgment ingood time. He had been willing to hear; and there was that secret charmin the truths and doctrines of Christ's religion, and especially in hischaracter, that, however rudely set forth, the mind could scarcelyresist it; against its will, it would, oftentimes, find itself subduedand changed. The seeds I have now dropt upon your hearts, I trust, willsome day spring up, and bear such fruit as you yourselves will rejoicein. '

'So, ' said Marcus, 'may the wheat spilled into the Tiber, or sown amongrocks, or eaten by the birds. '

'And that may be, though not to-day or to-morrow, ' I replied. 'The seedof things essential to man's life, as of wheat, is not easily killed. Itmay be buried for years and years, yet, turned up at length, to the sun, and its life sprouts upward in leaf, and stem, and fruit. Borne down bythe waters of the Tiber, and apparently lost, it may be cast up upon theshores of Egypt, or Britain, and fulfil its destiny. The seed of truthis longer-lived still--by reason that what it bears is more essentialthan wheat, or other grain, to man's best life. '

'Well, well, ' said Marcus, 'let us charge our goblets with the bottom ofthis Falernian, and forgetting whether there be such an entity as truthor not, drink to the health of the princess Julia. '

'That comes nearer our hearts, ' said Lucilia, 'than anything that hasbeen spoken for the last hour. When you return, Lucius, Laco must followyou with a mule-load of some of my homely products'---- She was about toadd more, when we were all alike startled and alarmed by cries, seemingly of deep distress, and rapidly approaching. We sprang from ourseats, when the door of the room was violently flung open, and a slaverushed in, crying out, 'Oh, sir! Gallus--Gallus'--

'What is it? What is it?'--cried Marcus and Lucilia. 'Speak quick--hashe fallen--'

'Yes, alas! the pond--the fish-pond--run--fly--'

Distractedly we hurried to the spot already surrounded by a crowd ofslaves. 'Who had been with him? Where had he fallen? How did it happen?'were questions hastily asked, but which no one could answer. It was amiserable scene of agony, confusion, and despair--Marcus ordering hisslaves to dive into the pond, then uttering curses upon them, andcommanding those to whom Gallus was usually entrusted, to the rack. Noone could swim, no one could dive. It was long since I had made use ofan art which I once possessed, but instantly I cast off my uppergarments, and, needing no other direction to the true spot than thebarking of the little dog, and his jumping in and out of thewater--first learning that the water was deep, and of an even bottom, Ithrew myself in, and, in a moment, guided by the white dress of thelittle fellow, I grasped him, and drew him to the surface. 

Life was apparently, and probably, to my mind, extinct; but expressing ahope that means might yet be resorted to that should restore him, I borehim in my arms to the house. But it was all in vain. Gallus was dead. 

 * * * * *

I shall not inflict a new sadness upon you, Fausta, by describing thegrief of my friends, or any of the incidents of the days and weeks I nowpassed with them. They were heavy, and melancholy indeed; for thesorrows, of both Lucilia and Marcus, were excessive and inconsolable. Icould do nothing for them, nor say anything to them in the hope tocomfort them; yet, while they were thus incapacitated for all action, Icould serve them essentially by placing myself at the head of theiraffairs, and relieving them of common cares and duties, that mustotherwise have been neglected, or have proved irksome and oppressive. 

The ashes of Gallus, committed to a small marble urn, have beendeposited in a tomb in the centre of Lucilia's flower garden, which willsoon be embowered by flowers and shrubs, which her hand will delight totrain around it. 

On the eve of the day when I was to leave them and return to Rome, wesat together in a portico which overlooks the Tiber. Marcus and Luciliawere sad, but, at length, in some sort, calm. The first violence ofsorrow had spent itself, and reflection was beginning to succeed. 

'I suppose, ' said Marcus, 'your rigid faith greatly condemns all thisshow of suffering, which you have witnessed, Piso, in us, as, if notcriminal, at least weak and childish?'

'Not so, by any means, ' I rejoined. 'The religion of the Christians, iswhat one may term a natural religion; it does violence to not one of thegood affections and propensities. Coming, as we maintain, from theCreator of our bodies and our minds, it does them no injury, it wars notwith any of their natural elements, but most strictly harmonizes withthem. It aims to direct, to modify, to heal, to moderate--but never toalter or annihilate. Love of our offspring, is not more according to ournature, than grief for the loss of them. Grief, therefore, isinnocent--even as praiseworthy, as love. What trace of humanwisdom--much less of divine--would there be in the arrangement, thatshould first bind us by chains of affection as strong as adamant to achild, or a parent, or a friend, and then treat the sorrow as criminalthat wept, with whatever violence, as it saw the links broken andscattered, never again to be joined together?'

'That certainly is a proof that some just ideas are to be found in youropinions, ' replied my friend. 'By nothing was I ever more irreconcilablyoffended in the stoical philosophy, than by its harsh violence towardsnature under suffering. To be treated by your philosophy with rudenessand contempt, because you yield to emotions which are as natural, and, therefore, in my judgment, as innocent as any, is, as if one were struckwith violence by a friend or a parent, to whom you fled for protectionor comfort. The doctrines of all the others failed in the same way. Eventhe Epicureans hold it a weakness, and even a wrong, to grieve, seeingthe injury that is thereby done to happiness. Grief must be suppressed, and banished, because it is accompanied by pain. That too, seemed to mea false sentiment; because, although grief is indeed in some sortpainful, yet it is not wholly so, but is attended by a kind of pleasure. How plain it is, that I should suffer greatly more, were I forciblyrestrained by a foreign power, or my own, from shedding these tears, anduttering these sighs for Gallus, than I do now while I am free toindulge my natural feelings. In truth, it is the only pleasure thatgrief brings with it--the freedom of indulging it. '

'He, ' I said, as Marcus paused, giving way afresh to his sorrow, 'whoembraces the Christian doctrine, is never blamed, condemned, orridiculed by it for the indulgence of the emotions, to which, the lossof those whom we love, gives birth. But then, at the same time, he willprobably grieve and suffer much less under such circumstances thanyou--not, however, because he is forcibly restrained, but because of theinfluence upon his mind and his heart, of truths and opinions, which, asa Christian, he entertains, and which, without any will or act of hisown, work within him and strengthen and console him. The Christianbelieving, so firmly as he does, for example, in a God, not only ongrounds of reason but of express revelation, and that this God is aparent, exercising a providence over his creatures, regardless of none, loving as a parent all, who has created mankind, not for his ownamusement or honor, but that life and happiness might be diffused: theywho believe thus, must feel very differently under adversity, from thosewho, like yourself, believe nothing of it at all, and from those who, like the disciples of the Porch and the Academy, believe but aninconsiderable part of it. Suppose, Marcus and Lucilia, your wholepopulation of slaves were, instead of strangers and slaves, yourchildren, toward whom you experienced the same sentiments of deepaffection that you did toward Gallus, how would you not consult fortheir happiness; and how plain it is, that whatever laws you might setover them, they would be laws of love, the end of which, however theymight not always recognize it, would be their happiness--happinessthrough their virtue. This may represent, with sufficient exactness, thelight in which Christians regard the Divinity, and the laws of lifeunder which they find themselves. Admitting, therefore, their faith tobe well founded, and how manifest is it that they will necessarilysuffer less under adversity than you; and not because any violence isdone to their nature, but because of the benignant influences of suchtruths. '

'What you say, ' observed Lucilia, 'affects the mind very agreeably; andgives a pleasing idea, both of the wisdom and mercy of the Christianfaith. It seems at any rate to be suited to such creatures as we are. What a pity that it is so difficult to discern truth. '

'It is difficult, ' I replied; 'the best things are always so: but it isnot impossible; what is necessary to our happiness, is never so. A mindof common powers, well disposed, seeking with a real desire to find, will rarely retire from the search wholly unsuccessful. The greatessentials to our daily well-being, and the right conduct of life, theCreator has supplied through our instincts. Your natural religion, ofwhich you have spoken, you find sufficient for most of the occurrenceswhich arise, both of doing and bearing. But there are other emergenciesfor which it is as evidently insufficient. Now, as the Creator hassupplied so perfectly in all breasts the natural religion, which is soessential, it is fair to say and believe, that He would not makeadditional truths, almost equally essential to our happiness, either ofimpossible attainment, or encompassed by difficulties which could not, with a little diligence and perseverance, be overcome. '

'It would seem so, certainly, ' said Marcus; 'but it is so long since Ihave bestowed any thought upon philosophical inquiries, that to me thelabor would be very great, and the difficulties extreme--for, atpresent, there is scarcely so much as a mere shred or particle of faith, to which as a nucleus other truths may attach themselves. In truth, Inever look even to possess any clear faith in a God--it seems to be asubject wholly beyond the scope and grasp of my mind. I cannot entertainthe idea of self-existence. I can conceive of God neither as one, nor asdivided into parts. Is he infinite and everywhere, himself constitutinghis universe?--then he is scarcely a God; or, is he a being dwellingapart from his works, and watching their obedience to their imposedlaws? In neither of these conceptions can I rest. '

'It is not strange, ' I replied; 'nor that, refusing to believe in thefact of a God until you should be able to comprehend him perfectly, youshould to this hour be without faith. If I had waited before believing, until I understood, I should at this moment be as faithless as you, oras I was before I received Christianity. Do I comprehend the Deity? CanI describe the mode of his being? Can I tell you in what manner hesprang into existence? And whether he is necessarily everywhere in hisworks, and as it were constituting them? Or whether he has power tocontract himself, and dwell apart from them, their omniscient observer, and omnipotent Lord? I know nothing of all this; the religion which Ireceive, teaches nothing of all this. Christianity does not demonstratethe being of a God, it simply proclaims it; hardly so much as thatindeed. It supposes it, as what was already well known and generallybelieved. I cannot doubt that it is left thus standing by itself, untaught and unexplained, only because the subject is intrinsicallyincomprehensible by us. It is a great fact or truth, which all canreceive, but which none can explain or prove. If it is not believed, either instinctively, or through the recognition of it, and declarationof it, in some revelation, it cannot be believed at all. It needs themind of God to comprehend God. The mind of man is no more competent toreach and grasp the theme through reason, than his hands are to mould asun. All the reasonings, imaginations, guesses, of self-styledphilosophers, are here like the prattlings of children. They make yousmile, but they do not instruct. '

'I fear, ' said Marcus, 'I shall then never believe, for I can believenothing of which I cannot form a conception. '

'Surely, ' I answered, 'our faith is not bounded by our conceptions, orour knowledge, in other things. We build the loftiest palaces andtemples upon foundations of stone, though we can form no conceptionwhatever of the nature of a stone. So I think we may found a true andsufficient religion on our belief in the fact of a God, although we canform no conception whatever of his nature and the mode of hisexistence. '

But I should fatigue you, Fausta, were I to give you more of ourconversation. It ran on equally pleasant, I believe, to all of us, to aquite late hour; in which time, almost all that is peculiar to the faithof the Christians came under our review. It was more than midnight whenwe rose from our seats to retire to our chambers. But before we didthat, a common feeling directed our steps to the tomb of Gallus, whichwas but a few paces from where we had been sitting. There thesechildless parents again gave way to their grief and was I stone, that Ishould not weep with them?

When this act of duty and piety had been performed, we sought ourpillows. As for me, I could not sleep for thinking of my friends andtheir now desolate house. For even to me, who was to that child almost astranger, and had been so little used to his presence, this place is nolonger the same: all its brightness, life, and spirit of gladness, aregone. Everything seems changed. From every place and scene somethingseems to have been subtracted to which they were indebted for whateverit was that made them attractive. If this is so to me, what must it beto Marcus and Lucilia? It is not difficult to see that a sorrow hassettled upon their hearts, which no length of time can heal. I supposeif all their estates had been swept away from them in a night, and alltheir friends, they would not have been so overwhelmed as by thiscalamity--in such a wonderful manner were they each woven into thechild, and all into each other, as one being. They seem no longer to melike the same persons. Not that they are not often calm, and in a mannerpossessed of themselves; but that even then, when they are mostthemselves, there has a dulness, a dreamy absence of mind, a fixedsadness, come over them that wholly changes them. Though they sit andconverse with you, their true thoughts seem far away. They are kind andcourteous as ever, to the common eye, but I can see that all the relishof life and of intercourse is now to them gone. All is flat and insipid. The friend is coldly saluted; the meal left untasted, or partaken insilence and soon abandoned; the affairs of the household left to others, to any who will take charge of them. They tell me that this will alwaysbe so; that however they may seem to others, they must ever experience asense of loss; not any less than they would if a limb had been shornaway. A part of themselves, and of the life of every day and hour, istaken from them. 

How strange is all this, even in the light of Christian faith! Howinexplicable, we are ready to say, by any reason of ours, the providenceof God in taking away the human being in the first blossoming; beforethe fruit has even shown itself, much less ripened! Yet is notimmortality, the hope, the assurance of immortality, a sufficientsolution? To me it is. This will not indeed cure our sorrows--theyspring from somewhat wholly independent of futurity, of either the hope, or despair of it, --but it vindicates the ways of the Omnipotent, andjustifies them to our reason and our affections. Will Marcus and Luciliaever rejoice in the consolations which flow from this hope? Alas! I fearnot. They seem in a manner to be incapable of belief. 

In the morning I shall start for Rome. As soon as there, you shall hearfrom me again. Farewell. 

 * * * * *

While Piso was absent from Rome on this visit to his friend, it was myfortune to be several times in the city upon necessary affairs of theillustrious Queen, when I was both at the palace of Aurelian and that ofPiso. It was at one of these later visits, that it became apparent tome, that the Emperor seriously meditated the imposing of restrictions ofsome kind upon the Christians; yet no such purpose was generallyapprehended by that sect itself, nor by the people at large. The darkand disastrous occurrences on the day of the dedication, were variouslyinterpreted by the people; some believing them to point at theChristians, some at the meditated expedition of the Emperor, some atAurelian himself. The popular mind was, however, greatly inflamedagainst the Christians, and every art was resorted to by the priests ofthe temples, and those who were as bigoted and savage as themselvesamong the people, to fan to a devouring flame the little fire thatbegan to be kindled. The voice from the temple, however some might withFronto himself doubt whether it were not from Heaven, was for the mostpart ascribed to the Christians, although they could give no explanationof the manner in which it had been produced. But, as in the case ofAurelian himself, this was forgotten in the horror occasioned by themore dreadful language of the omens, which, in such black andthreatening array, no one remembered ever to have been witnessed before. None thought or talked of anything else. It was the universal theme. 

This may be seen in a conversation which I had with a rustic, whom Iovertook as I rode toward Rome, seated on his mule, burdened on eitherside and behind with the multifarious produce of his farm. The fellow, as I drew near to him, seeming of a less churlish disposition than mostof those whom one meets upon the road, who will scarcely return afriendly salute, I feared not to accost him. After giving him thecustomary good wishes, I remarked upon the excellence of the vegetableswhich he had in his panniers. 

'Yes, ' he said, 'these lettuces are good, but not what they would havebeen but for the winds we have had from the mountains. It has sadlynipped them. I hear the Queen pines away just as my plants do. I live atNorentum. I know you, sir, though you cannot know me. You pass by mydoor on your way to the city. My children often call me from my work tolook up, for there goes the secretary of the good Queen on his greathorse. There's no such horse as that on the road. Ha, ha, my basketsreach but to your knee! Well, there are differences in animals and inmen too. So the gods will it. One rides upon a horse with golden bits, another upon a mule with none at all. Still I say, let the gods bepraised. '

'The gods themselves could hardly help such differences, ' I said, 'ifthey made one man of more natural strength, or more naturalunderstanding than another. In that case one would get more thananother. And surely you would not have men all run in one mould--allfive feet high, all weighing so much, all with one face, and one form, one heart, and one head! The world were then dull enough. '

'You say true, ' he replied; 'that is very good. If we were all alike, there would be no such thing as being rich or poor--no such thing asgetting or losing. I fear it would be dull enough, as you say. But I didnot mean to complain, sir. I believe I am contented with my lot. So longas I can have my little farm, with my garden and barns, my cattle and mypoultry, a kind neighbor or so, and my priest and temple, I care fornothing more. '

'You have a temple then at Norentum?'

'Yes, to Jupiter Pluvius. And a better priest has not Rome itself. It ishis brother, some officer of the Emperor's, I take these vegetables to. I hope to hear more this morning of what I heard something when I waslast at market. And I think I shall, for, as I learn, the city is a gooddeal stirred since the dedication the other day. ' 'I believe it is, ' Ianswered. 'But of what do you look to hear, if I may ask? Is there newsfrom the East?'

'O no, I think not of the East or the South. It was of something to bedone about these Christians. Our temple, you must know, is half forsakenand more, of late. I believe that half the people of Norentum, if thetruth were known, have turned Christians or Jews. Unless we wake up alittle, our worship cannot be supported, and our religion will be gone. And glad am I to hear, through our priest, that even the Emperor isalarmed, and believes something must be done. You know, than he, thereis not a more devout man in Rome. So it is said. And one thing thatmakes me think so, is this. The brother of our priest, where I am goingwith these vegetables--here is poultry too, look! you never saw fatter, I warrant you--told him that he knew it for certain, that the Emperormeant to make short work with even his own niece--you know who Imean--Aurelia, who has long been suspected to be a Christian. And that'sright. If he punishes any, he ought not to spare his own. '

'That I suppose would be right. But why should he punish any? You neednot be alarmed or offended; I am no Christian. '

'The gods be praised therefor! I do not pretend to know the whole reasonwhy. But that seems to be the only way of saving the old religion; and Idon't know what way you can possibly have of showing that a religion ofyesterday is true, if a religion of a thousand years old is to be madeout false. If religion is good for anything--and I for one think itis--I think men ought to be compelled to have it and support it, just asthey should be to eat wholesome food, rather than poisonous or hurtful. The laws won't permit us to carry certain things to market, nor othersin a certain state. If we do, we are fined or imprisoned. Treat aChristian in the same way, say I. Let them just go thoroughly to work, and our temples will soon be filled again. '

'But these Christians, ' I observed, 'seem to be a harmless people. '

'But they have no religion, that anybody can call such. They have nogods, nor altars, nor sacrifices; such can never be harmless. To besure, as to sacrifices, I think there is such a thing as doing too much. I am not for human sacrifices. Nor do I see the need of burning up adozen fat oxen or heifers, as was done the other day at the Temple ofthe Sun. We in Norentum burn nothing but the hoofs and some of theentrails, and the rest goes to the priest for his support. As I take it, a sacrifice is just a sign of readiness to do everything and loseeverything for the gods. We are not expected to throw either ourselves, or our whole substance upon the altar; making the sign is sufficient. But, as I said, these Christians have no altar and no sacrifice, norimage of god or goddess. They have, at Norentum, an old ruinousbuilding--once a market--where they meet for worship; but those who havebeen present say, that nothing is to be seen; and nothing heard butprayers--to what god no one knows--and exhortations of the priests. Somesay, that elsewhere they have what they call an altar, and adorn theirwalls with pictures and statues. However all this may be, there seems tobe some charm about them, or their worship, for all the world is runningafter them. I long for the news I shall get from Varenus Hirtius. Ifthese omens have not set the Emperor at work for us, nothing will. Herewe are at the gates, and I turn toward the Claudian market. May the daygo happily with you. '

So we parted; and I bent my way toward the gardens of Sallust. 

As I moved slowly along through the streets, my heart was filled withpity for this people, the Christians; threatened, as it seemed to me, with a renewal of the calamities that had so many times swept over thembefore. They had ever impressed me as a simple-minded, virtuouscommunity, of notions too subtle for the world ever to receive, butwhich, upon themselves, appeared to exert a power altogether beneficial. Many of this faith I had known well, and they were persons to excite myhighest admiration for the characters which they bore. Need I name morethan the princess Julia, and her husband, the excellent Piso? Otherslike them, what wonder if inferior! had also, both in Palmyra, and atTibur and Rome--for they were to be found everywhere--drawn largely bothon my respect and my affections. I beheld with sorrow the signs whichnow seemed to portend suffering and disaster. And my sympathies were themore moved seeing that never before had there been upon the throne a manwho, if he were once entered into a war of opposition against them, hadpower to do them greater harm, or could have proved a more stern andcruel enemy. Not even Nero or Domitian were in their time to be so muchdreaded. For if Aurelian should once league him with the state againstthem, it would not with him be matter of mere cruel sport, but ofconscience. It would be for the honor of the gods, the protection ofreligion, the greatness and glory of the empire, that he would assailand punish them; and the same fierce and bloody spirit that made him ofall modern conquerors the bloodiest and fiercest, it was plain wouldrule him in any encounter with this humble and defenceless tribe. Icould only hope that I was deceived, as well as others, in myapprehensions, or, if that were not so, pray that the gods would bepleased to take their great subject to themselves. 

Full of such reflections and emotions I arrived at the palace, and wasushered into the presence of Livia. There was with her the melancholyAurelia--for such she always seems--who appeared to have been engaged inearnest talk with the Empress, if one might judge by tears fast fallingfrom her eyes. The only words which I caught as I entered were thesefrom Aurelia, 'but, dear lady, if Mucapor require it not, why shouldothers think of it so much? Were he fixed, then should I indeed have toask strength of God for the trial--' then, seeing me, and only receivingmy salutations, she withdrew. 

Livia, after first inquiring concerning Zenobia and Faustula, returningto what had just engaged her, said, 'I wish, good Nicomachus, that I had your powers of speech, of which, asyou can remember, I have been witness in former days--those happy daysin Syria--when you used, so successfully, to withstand and subdue mygiddy or headstrong mind. Here have I been for weary hours--not wearyneither, for their aim has, I am sure, been a worthy one--but, here haveI been persuading, with all the reason and eloquence I could bring tobear, this self-willed girl to renounce these fantastic notions she hasimbibed from the Christians, and their books, were it only for the sakeof domestic peace. Aurelian is growing daily more and more exasperatedagainst this obscure tribe, and drops, oftener than I love to hear them, dark hints of what awaits them, not excepting, he says, any of whateverrank or name. Not that I suppose that either he, or the senate, wouldproceed further than imprisonments, banishment, suppression of freespeech, the destruction of books and churches; so much indeed Iunderstand from him. But even thus far, and we might lose Aurelia--athing not to be thought of for a moment. He has talked with her himself, reasoned with her, threatened her; but in vain. Now he has imposed thesame task upon me--it is equally in vain. I know not what to do. '

'Because, ' I replied, 'nothing can be done. Where it is possible to see, you have eyes within you that can penetrate the thickest darkness aswell as any. But here you fail; but only where none could succeed. Asincere honest mind, princess, is not to be changed either by persuasionor force. Its belief is not subject to the will. Aurelia, if I haveheard aright, is a Christian from conviction. Evidence made her aChristian--stronger evidence on the side of her former faith can aloneunmake her. '

'I cannot reason with her to that extent, Nicomachus, ' replied theEmpress. 'I know not the grounds of the common faith, any more thanthose of Christianity. I only know that I wish Aurelia was not aChristian. Will you, Nicomachus, reason with her? I remember your logicof old. '

'Alas, princess, I can engage in no such task! Where I have no faithmyself, I should in vain attempt to plant it in others. How, either, canI desire that any mind should remain an hour longer oppressed by thechildish and abominable superstitions which prevail in Rome? I cannotbut congratulate the excellent Aurelia, so far as the question of truthis concerned, that in the place of the infinite stupidities of thecommon religion, she has received the, at least, pure and reasonabledoctrines of the Christians. You cannot surely, princess, desire herre-conversion?'

'Only for her own sake, for the sake of her safety, comfort, happiness. '

'But in her judgment these are best and only secured where she now is. How thinks Mucapor?'

'As I believe, ' answered Livia, 'he cares not in the matter, save forher happiness. He will not wish that she should have any faith exceptsuch as she herself wishes. I have urged him to use his power toconstrain her, but he loves liberty himself too dearly, he says, to putforce upon another. '

'That is right and noble, ' I said; 'it is what I should have looked forfrom Mucapor. '

'In good sooth, Nicomachus, I believe you still take me but for what Iwas in Palmyra. Who am I?'

'From a princess you have become an Empress, Empress of Rome, that Ifully understand, and I trust never to be wanting in the demeanor thatbest becomes a subject; but you are still Livia, the daughter ofZenobia, and to her I feel I can never fear to speak with sincerity. '

'How omnipotent, Nicomachus, are simplicity and truth! They subdue mewhen I most would not. They have conquered me in Aurelia and now in you. Well, well, Aurelia then must take the full weight of her uncle's wrath, which is not light. '

At this moment Aurelian himself entered, accompanied by Fronto. Livia, at the same time, arose and withdrew, not caring, I thought, to meet theeyes of that basilisk, who, with the cunning of a priest, she saw to beusurping a power over Aurelian which belonged of right to her. I wasabout also to withdraw, but the Emperor constraining me, as he oftendoes, I remained, although holding the priest in still greaterabhorrence, I believe, than Livia herself. 

'While you have been absent from the city, Fronto, ' said Aurelian, 'Ihave revolved the subjects upon which we last conversed, and no longerdoubt where lie, for me, both duty, and the truest glory. The judgmentof the colleges, lately rendered, agrees both with yours and mine. Sothat the very finger of the god we worship points the way. '

'I am glad, ' replied Fronto, 'for myself, for you, for Rome, and for theworld, that truth possesses and is to sway you. It will be a great dayfor Rome, greater than when your triumphal array swept through thestreets with the world at your chariot-wheels, when the enemy that hadso long waged successful war within the very gates, shall lie dead asthe multitudes of Palmyra. '

'It will, Fronto. But first I have this to say, and, by the gods, Ibelieve it true, that it is the corruptions of our own religion and itsministers, that is the offence that smells to heaven, quite as much asthe presumptuous novelties of this of Judea. I perceive you neitherassent to this nor like it. But it is true, I am persuaded, as the godsthemselves. I have long thought so; and, while with one hand, I aim atthe Gallilean atheism, with the other, I shall aim at those whodishonor, by their vices and hypocrisies, the religion they profess toserve. '

Fronto was evidently disturbed. His face grew pale as the frown gatheredand darkened on the brow of Aurelian. He answered not, and Aurelian wenton. 

'Hellenism, Fronto, is disgraced, and its very life threatened by thevices of her chief ministers. The gods forgive me! in that, while I havepurged my legions of drunkards and adulterers, I have left them in thetemples. Truly did you say, I have had but one thought in my mind, Ihave looked but to one quarter of the heavens. My eyes are now unsealed, and I see both ways, and every way. How can we look for the favor of thegods, while their houses of worship, I speak it, Fronto, with sorrow andindignation, but with the knowledge too of the truth of what I say, arehouses of appointment while the very inner sanctuaries, and the altarsthemselves, are little better than the common stews, while the priestsare the great fathers of iniquity, corrupters of innocence, the seducersof youth, examples themselves, beyond the fear of rivalry, of all thevice they teach! At their tables, too, who so swollen with meats anddrink as the priests? Who, but they, are a by-word, throughout the city, for all that is vilest? What word but priest, stands, with all, as anabbreviation and epitome, of whatever pollutes, and defiles the name ofman? Porphyrius says 'that since Jesus has been worshipped in Rome noone has found by experience the public assistance of the gods. ' Ibelieve it; and Rome will never again experience it till this blackatheism is rooted out. But it is as true, I doubt not, that since theirministers have become ministers of demons, and, from teachers of morals, have turned instructers in vice--for this reason too, as well as for theother, the justly offended deities of Rome have hid themselves fromtheir impious worshippers. Here then, Fronto, is a double labor to beundergone, a double duty to be done, not less than some or all of thelabors of Hercules. We are set for this work, and, not till I have begunit--if not finished--will I so much as dream of Persia. What say you?'

Fronto looked like one who had kindled a larger flame than he intended, or knew well how to manage. 

'The faults of which you speak, great Emperor, it can be denied by none, are found in Rome, and can never be other than displeasing to the gods. But then, I would ask, when was it ever otherwise? In the earlier agesof the republic, I grant, there was a virtue in the people which we seenot now. But that grew not out of the purer administration of religion, but was the product of the times in part--times, in comparison withthese, of a primeval simplicity. To live well, was easier then. Where notemptation is, virtue is easy, is necessary. But then it ceases to bevirtue. It is a quality, not an acquisition--a gift of the gods, anaccident, rather than man's meritorious work. '

'That is very true--well. '

'There may be as much real virtue now, as then. May it not be so?'

'Perhaps--it may. What then?'

'Our complaints of the present, should be softened. But, what chiefly Iwould urge is this, that since those ages of early virtue--after all, perhaps, like all else at the same period, partly fabulous--Rome hasbeen but what it is, adorned by virtues that have claimed the admirationof the world, and polluted by vices that have drawn upon her thereprobation of the good, yet, which are but such as the world shows itssurface over, from the farthest India, to the bleak wastes of Britain. It is, Aurelian, a thing neither strange nor new that vices thrive inRome. And, long since, have there been those, like Nerva and the goodSeverus, and the late censor Valerian, who have aimed at theircorrection. These, and others who, before and since, have wrought in thesame work, have done well for the empire. Their aim has been a high one, and the favor of the gods has been theirs. Aurelian may do more andbetter in the same work, seeing his power is greater and his piety morezealous. '

'These are admitted truths, Fronto, save the last; but whither do theytend?'

'To this. Because, Aurelian, vice has been in Rome; because even thepriesthood has been corrupt, and the temples themselves the sties yousay they now are--for this, have the gods ever withdrawn theirprotection? Has Rome ever been the less prosperous? What is more, can weconceive that they who made us of their own fiery mould, so prone toviolate the bounds of moderation, would, for yielding to such instincts, interpose in wrath, as if that had happened which was not foreseen, andagainst which, they had made sure provision? Are the heavens to blazewith the fires of the last day, thunders to roll as if earth were shakento her centre, the entrails of dumb beasts to utter forth terrificprophecy of great and impending wo, because, forsooth, the people ofRome are by no means patterns of purity--because, perchance, within thetemples themselves, an immorality may have been purposed, orperpetrated--because, even the priests themselves have not been, or arenot, white and spotless as their robes?'

'There seems some reason in what you say. '

'But, great Emperor, take me not as if I would make myself the shield ofvice, to hide it from the blow that would extirpate or cure it. I see, and bewail, the corruptions of the age; but, as they seem not foulerthan those of ages which are past, especially than those of Nero and ofCommodus, I cannot think that it is against these the gods have armedthemselves, but, Aurelian, against an evil which has been long growing, and often assailed and checked, but which has now got to such giant sizeand strength, that except it be absolutely hewn down, and the leastroots torn up and burned, both the altars of our gods, and theircapital, called Eternal, and the empire itself, now holding the world inits wide-spread, peace-giving arms, are vanished, and anarchy, impiety, atheism, and the rank vices, which in such times would be engendered, will then reign omnipotent, and fill the very compass of the earth, Christ being the universal king! It is against this the heavens havearrayed their power; and to arouse an ungrateful, thoughtless, impiouspeople, with their sleeping king, that they have spoken in thunder. '

'Fronto, I almost believe you right. '

'Had we, Aurelian, but the eyes of moles, when the purposes of the godsare to be deciphered in the character of events, we should long sincehave seen that the series of disasters which have befallen the empiresince the Gallilean atheism has taken root here, have pointed but tothat--that they have been a chastisement of our supineness and sloth. When did Rome, almighty Rome, ever before tremble at the name ofbarbarian, or fly before their arms? While now, is it not much that weare able to keep them from the very walls of the Capital? They now swarmthe German forests in multitudes, which no man can count; their hoarsemurmurs can be heard even here, ready, soon as the reins of empire shallfall into the hands of another Gallienus, to pour themselves upon theplains of Italy, changing our fertile lands and gorgeous cities intoanother Dacia. These things were not so once; and what cause there is inRome, so deep, and high, and broad, to resolve for us the reason of thisaverted face of heaven, save that of which I speak, I cannot guess. '

'Nor I, ' said Aurelian; 'I confess it. It must be so My work is notthree, nor two; but one. I have brought peace to the empire in all itsborders. My legions all rest upon their arms. Not a sword, but is in itssheath--there, for the present, let it be glued fast. The season, sopropitious for the great work of bringing again the empire into peaceand harmony with the angry gods, seems to have been provided bythemselves. How think you, Nicomachus?'--turning suddenly to me, as ifnow, for the first time, aware that I was standing at his side. 

I answered, 'that I was slow to receive the judgment of Fronto or ofhimself in that matter. That I could not believe that the gods, whoshould be examples of the virtues to mankind, would ever ordain suchsufferings for their creatures as must ensue, were the former violencesto be renewed against the Christians. So far from thinking them anuisance in the state, I considered them a benefit. '

'The Greek too, ' said Fronto, breaking in, 'is then a Christian. '

'I am not a Christian, priest, nor, as I think, shall ever be one; but, far sooner would I be one, than take my faith from thee, which, howeverit might guide me well through the wine vaults of the temple, or to thebest stalls of the market, or to the selectest retreats of the suburra, would scarce show the way to heaven. I affront but the corruptions ofreligion, Aurelian. Sincerity I honor everywhere. Hypocrisy nowhere. ' Ithought Fronto would have torn me with his teeth and nails. His whiteface grew whiter, but he stood still. 

'Say on, ' said the Emperor, 'though your bluntness be more even thanRoman. '

'I think, ' I continued, 'the Christians a benefit to the state, for thisreason; not that their religion is what they pretend, a heaven-descendedone, but that, by its greater strictness, it serves to rebuke the commonfaith and those who hold it, and infuse into it something of its ownspirit. All new systems, as I take it, in their first beginning arestrict and severe. It is thus by this quality they supersede older anddegenerate ones; not because they are truer, but because they are purer. There is a prejudice among men, that the gods, whoever they may be, andwhatever they may be, love virtue in men, and for that accept them. When, therefore, a religion fails to recommend and enforce virtue, itfails to meet the judgment of men concerning the true character andoffice of a religion, and so with the exception of such beasts, and suchthere always are, who esteem a faith in proportion to its corruptions, they look with favor upon any new one which promises to be what theywant. It is for this reason that this religion from Judea has made itsway so far and so soon. But, it will, by and by, degenerate from itshigh estate, just as others have done, and be succeeded by another thatshall raise still higher expectations. In the meantime, it serves thestate well, both by the virtue which it enjoins upon its own subjects, and the influence it exerts, by indirection, upon those of the prevalentfaiths, and upon the general manners and morals. '

'What you say, ' observed Aurelian musingly, 'has some show of sense. Somuch, at least, may be said for this religion. '

'Yet a lie, ' said Fronto, 'can be none the less hateful to the gods, because it sometime plays the part of truth. It is a lie still. '

'Hold, ' said Aurelian, 'let us hear the Greek. What else?'

'I little thought, ' I replied, 'as I rode toward the city this morning, that I should at this hour be standing in the presence of the Emperor ofRome, a defender of the Christians. I am in no manner whatever fittedfor the task. My knowledge is nothing; my opinions, therefore, worth butlittle, grounded as they are upon the loose reports which reach my earconcerning the character and doctrines of this sect, or upon what littleobservation I have made upon those whom I have known of thatpersuasion. Still, I honor and esteem them, and such aid as I can bringthem in their straits, shall be very gladly theirs. I will, however, addone thing more to what I have said in answer to Fronto, who representsthe gods as more concerned to destroy the Christians than to reform thecommon religion and the public morals. I cannot think that. Am I tobelieve that the gods, the supreme directors of human affairs, whose aimmust be man's highest well-being, regard with more abhorrence an errorthan a vice?--an error too that acts more beneficently than most truth, and is the very seed of the purest virtues? I can by no means believeit. So that if I were interpreter of the late omens, I should rather seethem pointed at the vices which prevail; at the corruptions of thepublic morals, which are fouler than aught I had so much as dreamed ofbefore I was myself a witness of them, and may well be supposed tostartle the gods from their rest, and draw down their hottestthunderbolts. But I will not say more, when there must be so many ableto do so much better in behalf of what I must still believe to be a goodcause. Let me entreat the Emperor, before he condemns, to hear. Thereare those in Rome, of warm hearts, sound heads, and honest souls, fromwhom, if from any on earth, truth may be heard, and who will set in itsjust light a doctrine too excellent to suffer, as it must, in my hands. '

'They shall be heard, Nicomachus. Not even a Jew or a Christian shallsuffer without that grace; though I see not how it can avail. '

'If it should not avail to plant in your mind so good an opinion oftheir way as exists in mine, ' I resumed, 'it might yet to soften it, anddispose it to a more lenient conduct; and so many are the miseries oflife in the natural order of events, that the humane heart must desireto diminish, not increase them. Has Aurelian ever heard the name ofProbus the Christian?'

The Emperor turned toward Fronto with a look of inquiry. 

'Yes, ' said the priest, 'you have heard his name. But that of Felix, thebishop of the Christians, as he is called, is more familiar to you. '

'Felix, Felix, that is the name I have heard most, but Probus too, if Ierr not. '

'He has been named to you, I am certain, ' added Fronto. 'He is the realhead of the Nazarenes, --the bishop, but a painted one. '

'Probus is he who turned young Piso's head. Is it not so?'

'The very same; and beside his, the lady Julia's. '

'No, that was by another, one Paul of Antioch, also a bishop and a fastfriend of the Queen. The Christians themselves have of late set uponhim, as they were so many blood-hounds, being bent upon expelling himfrom Antioch. It is not long since, in accordance with the decree ofsome assembled bishops there, I issued a rescript dislodging him fromhis post, and planting in his place one Domnus. If our purposes prosper, the ejected and dishonored priest may find himself at least safer ifhumbler. Probus, --I shall remember him. The name leads my thoughts toThrace, where our greater Probus waits for me. '

'From Probus the Christian, ' I said, 'you will receive, ' whenever youshall admit him to your presence, a true account of the nature of theChristians' faith and of the actual condition of their community--allwhich, can be had only from a member of it. '

But little more was said, when I departed, and took my way again towardsTibur. 

It seemed to me, from the manner of the Emperor more than from what hesaid, that he was settled and bound up to the bad work of an assaultupon the Christians. To what extent it was in his mind to go, I couldnot judge; for his language was ambiguous, and sometimes contradictory. But that the darkest designs were harbored by him, over which he wasbrooding with a mind naturally superstitious, but now almost in a stateof exasperation, from the late events, was most evident. 

LETTER VI. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

Having confined myself, in my last letter, to the affairs of Marcus andLucilia, I now, Fausta, turn to those which concern us and Rome. 

I found, on my return to the city, that the general anxiety concerningthe designs of Aurelian had greatly increased. Many rumors were currentof dark sayings of his, which, whether founded in truth or not, contributed to alarm even the most hopeful, and raise seriousapprehensions for the fate of this much and long-suffering religion. Julia herself partakes--I cannot say of the alarm--but of the anxiety. She has less confidence than I have in the humanity of the Emperor. Inthe honours heaped upon Zenobia, and the favors shown herself andVabalathus, she sees, not so much the outpouring of benevolent feeling, as a rather ostentatious display of imperial generosity, and, what iscalled, Roman magnanimity. For the true character of the man she looksinto the graves of Palmyra, upon her smoking ruins, and upon the blood, yet hardly dry, that stains the pavements of the Coelian. Julia may beright, though I am unwilling to believe it. Her judgment is entitled tothe more weight in this severe decision, that it is ever inclined to theside of a too favorable opinion of character and motive. You know hernature too well, to believe her capable of exaggerating the faults ofeven the humblest. Yet, though such are her apprehensions, shemanifests the same calm and even carriage as on the approach of moreserious troubles in Palmyra. She is full of deepest interest in theaffairs of the Christians, and by many families of the poorer sort isresorted to continually for aid, for counsel, or sympathy. Not one inthe whole community is a more frequent and devout attendant upon theservices of the church; and, I need not add, that I am her constantcompanion. The performance of this duty gives a value to life in Romesuch as it never had before. Every seventh day, as with the Jews, onlyupon a different day of the week, do the Christians assemble for thepurposes of religious worship. And, I can assure you, it is with notrifling accession of strength for patient doing and patient bearing, that we return to our every-day affairs, after having listened to theprayers, the reasonings, or exhortations of Probus. 

So great is the difference in my feelings and opinions from what theywere before I left Rome for Palmyra, that it is with difficulty Ipersuade myself that I am the same person. Between Piso the Pyrronistand Piso the Christian, the distance seems immeasurable--yet in howshort a time has it been past. I cannot say that I did not enjoyexistence and value it in my former state, but I can say that myenjoyment of it is infinitely heightened as a Christian, and the rate atwhich I value it infinitely raised. Born and nurtured as I was, withPortia for my mother, a palace for my home, Rome for my country andcapital, offering all the luxuries of the earth, and affording all themeans I could desire for carrying on researches in study of every kind, surrounded by friends of the noblest and best families in the city, --Icould not but enjoy life in some very important sense. While mere youthlasted, and my thoughts never wandered beyond the glittering forms ofthings, no one could be happier or more contented. All was fair andbeautiful around me--what could I ask for more? I was satisfied andfilled. But, by and by, my dream of life was disturbed--my sleep broken. Natural questions began to propose themselves for my solution, such, Isuppose, as, sooner or later, spring up in every bosom. I began tospeculate about myself--about the very self that had been so long, sobusy, about everything else beside itself. I wished to know something ofmyself--of my origin, my nature, my present condition, my ultimate fate. It seemed to me I was too rare and curious a piece of work to go toruin, final and inevitable--perhaps to-morrow--at all events in a veryfew years. Of futurity I had heard--and of Elysium--just as I had heardof Jupiter, greatest and best, but, with my earliest youth, these thingshad faded from my mind, or had already taken upon themselves thecharacter of fable. My Virgil, in which I early received my lessons oflanguage, at once divested them of all their air of reality, and leftthem naked fiction. The other poets, Livy helping them, continued thesame work and completed it. But, bent with most serious and earnestdesires toward truth on what seemed to me the greatest theme, I couldnot remain where I was, and turned with highest expectations to thephilosophers. I not only read, but I studied and pondered them withdiligence, and with as sincere a desire of arriving at truth as everscholar sat at the feet of his instructer. The result was anything butsatisfying, I ended a universal sceptic, so far as human systems ofphilosophy were concerned, so far as they pretended to solve the enigmaof God and man, of life and death; but with a heart, nevertheless, yearning after truth; and even full of faith, if that may be calledfaith which would instinctively lay hold upon a God and a hope ofimmortality; and, though beaten back once and again, by every form whichthe syllogism could assume, still keep its hold. 

This was my state, Fausta, when I was found by Christianity. Withoutfaith, and yet with it; doubting, and yet believing; rejectingphilosophy, but leaning upon nature; dissatisfied, but hoping. I cannoteasily find words to tell you the change which Christian faith haswrought within me. All I can say is this, that I am now a new man; I ammade over again; I am born as it were into another world. Where darknessonce was, there is now light brighter than the sun. Where doubt was, there is now certainty. I have knowledge and truth, for error andperplexity. The inner world of my mind is resplendent with a day whoseluminary will never set. And even the outer world of appearances andforms shines more gloriously, and has an air of reality which before itnever had. It used to seem to me like the gorgeous fabric of a dream, and as if, at some unexpected moment, it might melt into air andnothingness, and I, and all men and things, with it; for there appearedto be no purpose in it; it came from nothing, it achieved nothing, andcertainly seemed to conduct to nothing. Men, like insects, came andwent; were born, and died, and that was all. Nothing was accomplished, nothing perfected. But now, nature seems to me stable, and eternal asGod himself. The world being the great birth-place and nursery of thesemyriads of creatures, made, as I ever conceived, in a divine likeness, after some godlike model, --for what spirit of other spheres can be morebeautiful than a perfect man, or a perfect woman--each animated with theprinciple of immortality--there is a reason for its existence, and itsperpetuity, from whose force the mind cannot escape. It is, and it everwill be; and mankind upon it, a continually happier, and more virtuousbrotherhood. 

Yes, Fausta, to me as a Christian, everything is new everything better;the inward world, the outward world, the present, and the future. Lifeis a worthier gift, and a richer possession. I am to myself an object ofa thousand-fold greater interest; and every other human being, from apoor animal, that was scarce worthy its wretched existence, starts upinto a god, for whom the whole earth may, one day, become too narrow afield either to till, or rule. I am, accordingly, ready to labor bothfor myself and others. I once held myself too cheap to do much even formyself; for others, I would do nothing, except to feed the hunger thatdirectly appealed to me, or relieve the wretchedness that made meequally wretched. Not so now. I myself am a different being, and othersare different. I am ready to toil for such beings; to suffer for them. They are too valuable to be neglected, abused, insulted, trodden intothe dust. They must be defended and rescued, whenever theirfellow-men--wholly ignorant of what they are, and what themselves areabout--would oppress them. More than all, do they need truth, effectually to enlighten and redeem them, and truth they must have atwhatever cost. Let them only once know what they are, and the world issafe. Christianity tells them this, and Christianity they must have. TheState must not stand between man and truth! or, if it do, it must berebuked by those who have the knowledge and the courage, and made toassume its proper place and office. Knowing what has been done for me byChristian truth, I can never be content until to others the same good isat least offered; and I shall devote what power and means I possess tothis task. The prospect now is of opposition and conflict. But itdismays not me, nor Julia, nor any of this faith who have truly adoptedits principles. For, if the mere love of fame, the excitement of acontest, the prospect of pay or plunder, will carry innumerable legionsto the battle-field to leave there their bones, how much more shall thebelief of a Christian arm him for even worse encounters? It were pitifulindeed, if a possession, as valuable as this of truth, could not inspirea heroism, which the love of fame or of money can. 

These things I have said, to put you fully in possession of our presentposition, plans, and purposes. The fate of Christianity is to us now asabsorbing an interest, as once was the fate of Palmyra. 

 * * * * *

I had been in the city only long enough to give Julia a full account ofmy melancholy visit in the country, and to write a part of it to you, when I walked forth to observe for myself the signs which the city mightoffer, either to confirm, or allay, the apprehensions which were begunto be felt. 

I took my way over the Palatine, desiring to see the excellent Tacitus, whose house is there. He was absent, being suddenly called to Baiæ. Iturned toward the Forum, wishing to perform a commission for Julia atthe shop of Civilis--still alive, and still compounding hissweets--which is now about midway between the slope of the hill and theForum, having been removed from its former place where you knew it, under the eaves of the Temple of Peace. The little man of 'smells' wasat his post, more crooked than ever, but none the less exquisitelyarrayed; his wig befitting a young Bacchus, rather than a dried shred ofa man beyond his seventieth year. All the gems of the east glittered onhis thin fingers, and diamonds, that might move the envy of Livia, hungfrom his ears. The gales of Arabia, burdened with the fragrance of everyflower of that sunny clime, seemed concentrated into an atmospherearound him; and, in truth, I suppose a specimen of every pot and phialof his vast shop, might be found upon his person concealed in goldboxes, or hanging in the merest fragments of bottles upon chains ofsilver or gold, or deposited in folds of his ample robes. He was odor insubstantial form. He saluted me with a grace, of which he only in Romeis master, and with a deference that could not have been exceeded had Ibeen Aurelian. I told him that I wished to procure a perfume of Egyptianorigin and name, called Cleopatra's tears, which was reputed to conveyto the organs of smell, an odor more exquisite than that of the rarestPersian rose, or choicest gums of Arabia. The eyes of Civilis kindledwith the fires of twenty--when love's anxious brow is suddenly clearedup by that little, but all comprehensive word, yes--as he answered, 'Noble Piso, I honor you. I never doubted your taste. It is seen in yourpalace, in your dress, nay, in the very costume of your incomparableslave, who has done me the honor to call here in your service. But nowhave you given of it the last and highest proof. Never has the wit ofman before compounded an essence like that which lies buried in thisporphyry vase. '

'You do not mean that I am to take away a vase of that size? I do notpurchase essences by the pound!'

Civilis seemed as if he would have fainted, so oppressed was he by thisdisplay of ignorance. My character, I found, was annihilated in amoment. When his presence of mind was recovered, he said, 'This vase? Great Jupiter! The price of your palace upon the Coelianwould scarce purchase it! Were its contents suddenly let loose, andspilled upon the air, not Rome only, but Italy, would be bathed in thetransporting, life-giving fragrance! Now I shall remove the cover, firstgiving you to know, that within this larger vase there is a number ofsmallest bottles, some of glass, others of gold, in each of which arecontained a few of the tears, and which are warranted to retain theirpotency, and lend their celestial peculiarity to your clothes or yourapartments, without loss or diminution in the least appreciable degree, during the life of the purchaser. Now, if it please you, bend this way, and receive the air which I shall presently set free. How think you, noble Piso? Art not a new man?

'I am new in my knowledge such as it is Civilis. It is certainlyagreeable, most agreeable. '

'Agreeable! So is mount Etna a pretty hill! So is Aurelian a fairsoldier! so is the sun a good sized brazier! I beseech thee, findanother word. Let it not go forth to all Rome, that the most noble Pisodeems the tears of Cleopatra agreeable!'

'I can think no otherwise, ' I replied. 'It is really agreeable, andreminds me, more than anything else, of the oldest Falernian, justrubbed between the palms of the hand, which you will allow is tocompliment it in no moderate measure. But confess now, Civilis, that youhave an hundred perfumes more delicious than this. '

'Piso, I may say this, --they have been so. '

'Ah, I understand you; you admit then, that it is the force of fashionthat lends this extraordinary odor to the porphyry vase. '

'Truly, noble Piso, it has somewhat to do with it, it must beacknowledged. '

'It would be curious, Civilis, to know what name this bore, and in whatcase it was bestowed, and at what price sold, before the Empress Liviafancied it. I think it should have been named, 'Livia's smiles. ' Itwould, at any rate, be a good name for it at thy shop in Alexandria. '

'You are facetious, noble Piso. But that last hint is too good to bethrown away. Truly, you are a man of the world, whose distinction Isuppose is, that he has eyes in the hind part of his head, as well asbefore. But what blame can be mine for such dealing? I am driven; I am aslave. It is fashion, that works these wonders, not I. And there is nogoddess, Piso, like her. She is the true creator. Upon that which isworthless, can she bestow, in a moment, inestimable value. What isdespised to-day, she can exalt to-morrow to the very pinnacle of honor. She is my maker. One day I was poor, the goddess took me by the hand, and smiled upon me, and the next day I was rich. It was the favoritemistress of Maximin, who, one day--her chariot, Piso, so chance wouldhave it, broke down at my door, when she took refuge in my little shop, then at the corner of the street Castor as you turn towards theTiber--purchasing a particular perfume, of which I had large store, andboasted much to her, gave me such currency among the rich and noble, that, from that hour, my fortune was secure. No one bought a perfumeafterwards but of Civilis. Civilis was soon the next person to theEmperor. And, to this hour, has this same goddess befriended me. Andmany an old jar, packed away in the midst of rubbish in dark recessesnow valueless, do I look upon as nevertheless so much gold--its nowdespised contents one day to disperse themselves upon kings and nobles, in the senate and the theatres. I need not tell you what this diminutivebottle might have been had for, before the Kalends. Yet, by Hercules, should I have sold it even then for less? for should I not have divinedits fortune? The wheel is ever turning, turning. But, most excellentPiso, men of the world are ever generous--'

'Fear nothing, Civilis, I will not betray you. I believe you have spokenreal truths. Besides, with Livia on your side, and what could all Romedo to hurt you?'

'Most true, most true. But, may I ask--for one thing has made meastonished--how is it that you, being now, as report goes, a Christian, should come to me to purchase essences? When I heard you had so namedyourself, I looked to lose your custom forever after. '

'Why should not a Christian man smell of that which is agreeable, aswell as another?'

'Ah, that I cannot say. I have heard--I know nothing, Piso, beyondessences and perfumes--but, I have heard, that the Christians forbearsuch things, calling them vanities; just as they withdraw too, 'tissaid, from the theatres and the circuses. '

'They do, indeed, withdraw from the theatres and circuses, Civilis, because the entertainments witnessed there do, as they judge, serve butto make beasts of men; they minister to vice. But in a sweet smell theysee no harm, any more than in a silk dress, in well-proportionedbuildings, or magnificent porticoes. Why should it be very wrong or veryfoolish to catch the odors which the divine Providence plants in therose, and in a thousand flowers and gums as they wander forth upon theair for our delight, and fasten them up in these little bottles? bywhich means we can breathe them at all times--in winter as well as insummer, in one country, or clime, as in another. Thy shop, Civilis, isbut a flower-garden in another form, and under another name. '

'I shall think better of the Christians for this. I hardly believed thereport, indeed, for it were most unnatural and strange to find faultwith odors such as these. I shall lament the more, that they are to beso dealt with by the Emperor. Hast thou heard what is reported thismorning?'

'No; I am but just from home. How does it go?'

'Why, 'tis nothing other nor less than this, that Aurelian, beingresolved to change the Christians all back again into what they were, has begun with his niece the princess Aurelia, and, with violence, insists that she shall sacrifice--which she steadfastly refuses to do. Some say, that she has not been seen at the palace for several days, andthat she is fast locked up in the great prison on the Tiber. '

'I do not believe a word of it, Civilis. The Emperor has of late usedharsh language of the Christians, I know. But for one word he hasspoken, the city has coined ten. And, moreover, the words of the priestFronto are quoted for those of Aurelian. It is well known he isespecially fond of Aurelia; and Mucapor, to whom she is betrothed, ishis favorite among all his generals, not excepting Probus. '

'Well, well, may it be as you say! I, for my part, should be sorry thatany mishap befel those with whom the most noble Piso is connected;especially seeing they do not quarrel, as I was fain to believe, with mycalling. Yet, never before, as I think, have I seen a Christian in myshop. '

'They may have been here without your knowing it. '

'Yes, that is true. '

'Besides, the Christians being in the greater proportion of the middleor humbler classes, seek not their goods at places where emperorsresort. They go elsewhere. '

Civilis bowed to the floor, as he replied, 'You do me too much honor. '

'The two cases of perfume which I buy, ' I then said, 'are to travel intothe far East. Please to secure them accordingly. '

'Are they not then for the princess Julia, as I supposed?'

'They are for a friend in Syria. We wish her to know what is going onhere in the capital of all the world. '

'By the gods! you have devised well. It is the talk all over Rome. Cleopatra's tears have taken all hearts. Orders from the provinces willsoon pour in. They shall follow you well secured, as you say. '

I enjoy a call upon this whole Roman, and yet half Jew, as much as uponthe first citizens of the capital. The cup of Aurelian, is no fullerthan the cup of Civilis. The perfect bliss that emanates from hiscountenance, and breathes from his form and gait, is pleasing tobehold--upon whatever founded--seeing it is a state that is reached byso few. No addition could be made to the felicity of this fortunate man. He conceives his occupation to be more honorable than the proconsulshipof a province, and his name, he pleases himself with believing, isfamiliar to more ears than any man's, save the Emperor's, and has beenknown in Rome for a longer period than any other person's living, excepting only the head of the Senate, the venerable Tacitus. This isall legible in the lines about his mouth and eyes. 

Leaving the heaven of the happy man, I turned to the Forum of Augustus, to look at a statue of brass, of Aurelian, just placed among the greatmen of Rome in front of the Temple of Mars, the Avenger. This statue isthe work of Periander, who, with that universality of power which marksthe Greek, has made his genius as distinguished here for sculpture, asit was in Palmyra for military defence and architecture. Who, forperfection in this art of arts, is to be compared with the Greek? orfor any work, of either the head or the hands, that implies thepossession of what we mean by genius? The Greeks have not onlyoriginated all that we know of great and beautiful in letters, philosophy and the arts, but, what they have originated, they have alsoperfected. Whatever they have touched, they have finished; at least, sofar as art, and the manner of working, is concerned. The depths of allwisdom and philosophy they have not sounded indeed, though they havegone deeper than any, only because they are in their own essenceunfathomable. Time, as it flows on, bears us to new regions to beexplored, whose riches constantly add new stores to our wisdom, and opennew views to science. But in all art they have reached a point beyondwhich none have since advanced, and beyond which it hardly seemspossible to go. A doric column, a doric temple, a corinthian capital, acorinthian temple--these perfectly satisfy and fill the mind; and, forseven hundred years, no change or addition has been made or attemptedthat has not been felt to be an injury. And I doubt not that seventhousand years hence, if time could but spare it so long, pilgrims wouldstill go in search of the beautiful from the remotest parts of theworld, from parts now unknown, to worship before the Parthenon, and, mayI not add, the Temple of the Sun in Palmyra!

Periander has gained new honors by this admirable piece of work. I hadhardly commenced my examination of it, when a grating voice at my elbow, never, once heard, to be mistaken for any other, croaked out what wasmeant as a challenge. 

'The greatest captain of this or of any age!'

It was Spurius, a man whom no slight can chill nor, even insult, causeto abate the least of his intrusive familiarity--a familiarity which hecovets, too, only for the sake of disputation and satire. To me, however, he is never other than a source of amusement. He is a varietyof the species I love occasionally to study. 

I told him I was observing the workmanship, without thinking of the manrepresented. 

'If you will allow me to say it, ' he rejoined, 'a very inferior subjectof contemplation. A statue--as I take it, the thing, that is, for whichit is made, is commemoration. If one wants to see fine work in marble, there is the cornice for him just overhead: or in brass, let him look atthe doors of the new temple, or the last table or couch of Syphax. Theproper subject for man is man. '

'Well, Spurius, on your own ground then. In this brass I do not seebrass, nor yet Aurelian--'

'What then, in the name of Hecate?'

'Nothing but intellect--the mind, the soul of the greater artist, Periander. That drapery never fell so upon Aurelian; nor was Aurelian'sform or bearing ever like this. It is all ennobled, and exalted abovepure nature, by the divine power of genius. The true artist, under everyform and every line of nature, sees another form and line of moreperfect grace and beauty, which he chooses instead, and makes it visibleand permanent in stone or brass. You see nothing in me, but merely Pisoas he walks the streets. Periander sees another within, bearing no moreresemblance to me--yet as much--than does this, to Aurelian. '

'That, I simply conceive, to be so much sophistry, ' rejoined the poet, 'which no man would be guilty of, except he had been for the verypurpose, as one must think, of degrading his intellect, to the Athenianschools. Still, as I said and think, the statue is made to commemoratethe man represented, not the artist. '

'It is made for that. But, oftentimes, the very name of the mancommemorated is lost, while that of the artist lives forever. In myjudgment there is as much of Periander in the statue as there is ofAurelian. '

'I know not what the fame of this great Periander may be ages hence. Ithas not till now reached my ear. '

'It is not easy to reach the ear of some who dwell in the via coeli. 'I could not help saying that. 

'My rooms, sir, I would inform you, ' he rejoined sharply, 'are on thethird floor. '

'Then I do wonder you should not have heard of Periander. '

'Greater than Aurelian! and I must wonder too. A poet may be greaterthan a general or an emperor, I grant: he is one of the family of thegods; but how a worker in brass or marble can be, passes my poorunderstanding. It is vain to attempt to raise the mere artist, to thelevel of the historian or poet. '

'I think that too. I only said he was greater than Aurelian--'

'Than Aurelian, ' replied Spurius, 'who has extended the bounds of theempire!'

'But narrowed those of human happiness, ' I answered. 'Which is of moreconsequence, empire or man? But now, man was the great object! I grantyou he is, and for that reason a man who, like an artist of genius, addsto the innocent sources of human enjoyment, is greater than the soldierand conqueror, whose business is the annoyance and destruction of life. Aurelian has slain hundreds of thousands. Periander never injured aworm. He dwells in a calm and peaceful world of his own, and his worksare designed to infuse the same spirit that fills himself into all whobehold them. You must confess the superior power of art, and of theartist, in this very figure. Who thinks of conquest, blood, and death, as he looks upon these flowing outlines, this calm, majestic form--uponthat still face? The artist here is the conqueror of the conqueror, andmakes him subserve his own purposes; purposes, of a higher nature thanthe mere soldier ever dreamed of. No one can stand and contemplate thisform, without being made a lover of beauty rather than of blood anddeath; and beauty is peace. '

'It must be impossible, ' replied the bitter spirit, 'for one who lovesPalmyra better than his native Rome, to see much merit in Aurelian. Itis a common saying, Piso is a Palmyrene. The report is current too thatPiso is about to turn author, and celebrate that great nation inhistory. '

'I wish I were worthy to do so, ' I answered, 'I might then refutecertain statements in another quarter. Yet events have already refutedthem. '

'If my book, ' replied Spurius, 'be copied a thousand times, thestatements shall stand as they are. They are founded upon indisputableevidence and philosophical inferences. '

'But, Spurius, they are every one contradicted by the late events. '

'No matter for that, if they were ever true they must always be true. Reasoning is as strong as fact. I found Palmyra a vulgar, upstart, provincial city; the most distasteful of all spots on earth to a refinedmind; such I left it, and such I have shown it to the world. '

'Yet, ' I urged, 'if the Palmyrenes in the defence of their countryshowed themselves a brave, daring, and dangerous foe, as they certainlywere magnanimous; if so many facts and events prove this, and all Romeadmits it, it will seem like little else than malice for such pages tocirculate in your book. Besides, as to a thousand other things I canprove you to have seen amiss. '

'Because I have but one eye, am I incapable of vision? Am I to bereproached with my misfortunes? One eye is the same as two; who sees twoimages except he squint? I can describe that wain, loaded down with winecasks, drawn by four horses with scarlet trappings, the driver with asweeping Juno's favor in his cap, as justly as you can. Who can seemore?'

'I thought not, Spurius, of your misfortune, though I must think twoeyes better for seeing than one, but only of favorable opportunities forobservation. You were in Palmyra from the ides of January to the nonesof February, and lived in a tavern. I have been there more than half ayear, and dwelt among the citizens themselves. I knew them in public andin private, and saw them under all circumstances most favorable to ajust opinion, and I can affirm that a more discolored picture of apeople was never drawn than yours. '

'All the world, ' said the creature, 'knows that Spurius is no flatterer. I have not only published travels among the Palmyrenes, but I intend topublish a poem also--yes, a satire--and if it should be entitled"Woman's pride humbled, " or "The downfall of false greatness" or "Thegourd withered in a day, " or "Mushrooms not oaks, " or "Ants notelephants, " what would there be wonderful in it?--or, if certain Romansshould figure largely in it, eh?'

'Nothing is less wonderful, Spurius, than the obstinacy andtenaciousness of error?'

'Periander greater than Aurelian!' rejoined he, moving off; 'that is agood thing for the town. '

As I turned, intending to visit the shop of Demetrius, to see whatprogress he was making in his silver Apollo, I was accosted by theconsul, Marcellinus. 

'A fair morning to you, Piso, ' said he; 'and I see you need thesalutation and the wish, for a black cloud has just drifted from you, and you must still feel as if under the shadow. Half the length of thestreet, as I slowly approached, have I witnessed your earnest discoursewith one whom, I now see, to have been Spurius. But I trust yourChristian principles are not about to make an agrarian of you? Whencethis sudden intimacy with one like Spurius?'

'One need not, I suppose, be set down as a lover of an east wind becausethey both sometimes take the same road, and can scarcely separate ifthey would? But, to speak the truth, a man is to me a man, and I neveryet have met one of the race from whom I could not gain eitheramusement, instruction, or warning. Spurius is better than a lecturefrom a philosopher, upon the odiousness of prejudice. To any oneinclined to harbor prejudices would I recommend an hour's interview withSpurius, sooner far than I would send him to Cleanthes the Stoic, orSilius the Platonist, or, I had almost said Probus the Christian. '

'May I ask, Piso, if you have in sober earnest joined yourself to thecommunity of the Christians, or, are you only dallying for awhile withtheir doctrines, just as our young men are this year infected by theopinions of Cleanthes, the next followers of Silius, the third of thenuisance Crito, and the fourth, adrift from all, and the fifth, gooddefenders, if not believers, of the popular superstitions? I presume Imay believe that such is the case with you. I trust so, for the timesare not favorable for the Christians, and I would like to know that youwere not of them. '

'I am however of them, with earnestness. I have been a Christian eversince I first thoroughly comprehended what it meant. '

'But how can it be possible that, standing as you do at the head as itwere of the nobility and wealth of Rome, you can confound yourself withthis obscure and vulgar tribe? I know that some few of reputation arewith them beside yourself; but how few! Come, come, disabuse yourself ofthis error and return to the old, safe, and reputable side. '

'If mere fancy, Marcellinus, had carried me over to the Christians, fancy or whim might bring me away from them. But if it be, on the otherhand, a question of truth, then it is clear, fashion and respectability, and even what is safest, or most expedient, are arguments not to be somuch as lisped. '

'No more, no more! I see how it is. You are fairly gone from us. Nevertheless, though it may be thought needful to check the growth ofthis sect, I shall hope that your bark may sail safely along. But thisreported disappearance of Aurelia shows that danger is not far off. '

'Do you then credit the rumor?'

'I can do no otherwise. It is in every part of the town. I shall learnthe truth at the capitol. I go to meet the senate. '

'One moment: Is my judgment of the senate a right one in this, that itwould not second Aurelian in an attack upon the privileges, property, orlives of the Christians?'

'I think it is. Although, as I know, there are but few Christians in thebody--how many you know surely better than I--yet I am persuaded itwould be averse to acts of intolerance and persecution. Will you notaccompany me to the sitting?'

'Not so early. I am first bound elsewhere. '

'You know, Fausta, that I avoid the senate. Being no longer a senate, aRoman senate, but a mere gathering of the flatterers of the reigningEmperor, whoever he may be, neither pleasure nor honor can come of theircompany. There is one aspect however, at the present moment, in whichthis body is to be contemplated with interest. It is not, in matters ofreligion, a superstitious body. Here it stands, between Aurelian withthe populace on his side, and the Christians, or whatever religious bodyor sect there should be any design to oppress or exterminate. Itconsists of the best and noblest, and richest, of Rome; of those whohave either imbibed their opinions in philosophy and religion from theancient philosophers or their living representatives, or are indifferentand neglectful of the whole subject; which is the more common case. Ineither respect they are as a body tolerant of the various forms whichreligion or superstition may assume. The only points of interest orinquiry with them would be, whether any specified faith or ceremoniestended to the injury of the state? whether they affected to its damagethe existing order of civil affairs? These questions being answeredfavorably on the part of the greater number, there would be nodisposition to interfere. Of Christianity, the common judgment in thatbody, and among those in the capital who are of the same general rank, is for the most part favorable. It is commended for its modesty, for thequiet and unostentatious manner in which its religious affairs aremanaged, and for the humble diligence with which it concerns itself withthe common people and the poor, carefully instructing them in thedoctrines of their religion, and relieving liberally their necessities. I am persuaded, that any decision of the senate concerning theChristians, would be indulgent and paternal, and that it would, inopinion and feeling, be opposed to any violence whatever on the part ofAurelian. But then, alas! it is little that they can do with even thebest purposes. The Emperor is absolute--the only power, in truth, in thestate. The senate exists but in name and form. It has even lessindependent power than that of Palmyra had under Zenobia. Yours, indeed, was dependent through affection and trust, reposing in a higher wisdomthan its own. This, through fear and the spirit of flattery. So manymembers too were added, after the murderous thinning of its seats in theaffair of the mint, that, now, scarce a voice would be raised in openopposition to any course the Emperor might adopt. The new members beingmoreover of newer families, nearer the people, are less inclined thanthe others to resist any of his measures. Still, it is most evidentthat there is an under current of ill-will, opposition, jealousy, distrust, running through the body, which, if the opportunity shouldpresent itself, and there were courage enough for the work, may showitself and make itself felt and respected. The senate, in a word, thoughslavish and subservient, is not friendly. 

But I am detaining you from the company of Demetrius, of which you werealways fond. I soon reached his rich establishment, and being assuredthat he of Palmyra was within, I entered. First passing through manyapartments, filled with those who were engaged in some one of thebranches of this beautiful art, I came to that which was sacred to thelabors of the two brothers, who are employed in the invention of thedesigns of their several works, in drawing the plans, in preparing themodels, and then in overseeing the younger artists at their tasks, themselves performing all the higher and more difficult parts of thelabor. Demetrius was working alone at his statue; the room in which hewas, being filled either with antiquities in brass, ivory, silver, orgold, or with finished specimens of his own and his brother's skill, alldisposed with the utmost taste, and with all the advantages to bederived from the architecture of the room, from a soft and mellowedlight resembling moonlight which came through alabaster windows, fromthe rich cloths, silks, and other stuffs, variously disposed around, andfrom the highly ornamented cabinets in which articles of greatestperfection and value were kept and exhibited. Here stood the enthusiast, applying himself so intently to his task, that he neither heard thedoor of the apartment as it opened, nor the voice of the slave whoannounced my name. But, in a moment, as he suddenly retreated to a darkrecess to observe from that point the effect of his touches as heproceeded, he saw me, and cried out, 'Most glad to greet you here, Piso; your judgment is, at this verypoint, what I shall be thankful for. Here, if it please you, move to thevery spot in which I now am in, and tell me especially this, whether thefinger of the right hand should not be turned a line farther toward theleft of the figure. The metal is obstinate, but still it can be bent ifnecessary. Now judge, and speak your judgment frankly, for my sake. '

I sank back into the recess as desired, and considered attentively thewhole form, rough now and from the moulds, and receiving the firstfinishing touches from the rasp and the chisel. I studied it long and atmy leisure, Demetrius employing himself busily about some other matter. It is a beautiful and noble figure, worthy any artist's reputation ofany age, and of a place in the magnificent temple for which it isdesigned. So I assured Demetrius, giving him at length my opinion uponevery part. I ended with telling him I did not believe that any effectwould be gained by altering the present direction of the finger. It hadcome perfect from the moulds. 

'Is that your honest judgment, Piso? Christians, they say, ever speakthe exact truth. Fifty times have I gone where you now are to determinethe point. My brother says it is right. But I cannot tell. I haveattempted the work in too much haste; but Aurelian thinks, I believe, that a silver man may be made as easily as a flesh one may be unmade. Rome is not Palmyra, Piso. What a life there for an artist! Calm as asummer sea. Here! by all the gods and goddesses! if one hears ofanything but of blood and death! Heads all on where they should beto-day, to-morrow are off. To-day, captives cut up on the altars of someaccursed god, and to-morrow thrown to some savage beast, no better andno worse, for the entertainment of savages worse than either or all. Thevery boys in the streets talk of little else than of murderous sports ofgladiators or wild animals. I swear to you, a man can scarce collect orkeep his thoughts here. What's this about the Christians too? I marvel, Piso, to see you here alive! They say you are to be all cut up root andbranch. Take my advice, and fly with me back to Palmyra! Not anotherhalf year would I pass among these barbarians for all the patronage ofthe Emperor, his minions, and the senate at their heels. What say you?'

'No, Demetrius, I cannot go; but I should not blame you for going. Romeis no place, I agree with you, for the life contemplative, or for thepure and innocent labors of art. It is the spot for intense action;but--'

'Suffering you mean--'

'That too, most assuredly, but of action too. It is the great heart ofthe world. '

'Black as Erebus and night. '

'Yes, but still a great one, which, if it can be once made to beat true, will send its blood, then a pure and life-giving current, to theremotest extremities of the world, which is its body. I hope for thetime to come when this will be true. There is more goodness in Rome, Demetrius, than you have heard, or known of. There is a people hereworth saving: I, with the other Christians, am set to this work. We mustnot abandon it. '

''Twill be small comfort though, should you all perish doing it. '

'Our perishing might be but the means of new and greater multitudesspringing up to finish what we had begun, but left incomplete. There isgreat life in death. Blood, spilled upon the ground, is a kind of seedthat comes up men. Truth is not extinguished by putting out life. Itthen seems to shine the more brightly, as if the more to cheer andcomfort those who are suffering and dying for it. '

'That may, or may not be, ' said the artist, 'here and there; but, in myjudgment, if this man-slayer, this world-butcher once fastens hisclutches upon your tribe, he will leave none to write your story. Howmany were left in Palmyra?--Just, Piso, resume your point ofobservation, and judge whether this fold of the drapery were better asit is, or joined to the one under it, an alteration easily made. '

I gave him my opinion, and he went on filing and talking. 

'And now, Piso, if I must tell you, I have conceived a liking for youChristians, and it is for this reason partly I would have you set aboutto escape the evil that is at least threatened. Here is my brother, whose equal the world does not hold, is become a Christian. Then, do youknow, here is a family, just in the rear of our shop, of one Macer, aChristian and a preacher, that has won upon us strangely. I see much ofthem. Some of his boys are in a room below, helping on by their laborthe support of their mother and those who are younger, for I trow, Macerhimself does little for them, whatever he may be doing for the world atlarge, or its great heart as you call it. But, what is more still, 'cried he with emphasis, and a jump at the same moment, throwing down histools, 'do you know the Christians have some sense of what is good inour way? they aspire to the elegant, as well as others who are in betteresteem. '

And as he finished, he threw open the doors of a small cabinet, anddisplayed a row of dishes, cups, and pitchers, of elegant form andworkmanship. 

'These, ' he went on, 'are for the church of Felix, the bishop of theChristians. What they do with them I know not; but, as I was told by thebishop, they have a table or altar of marble, on which, at certaintimes, they are arranged for some religious rite or other. They are notof gold, as they seem, but of silver gilded. My brother furnished thedesigns, and put them into the hands of Flaccus, who wrought them. Neither I nor my brother could labor at them, as you may believe, but itshows a good ambition in the Christians to try for the first skill inRome or the world, --does it not? They are a promising people. '

Saying which, he closed the doors and flew to his work again. 

At the same moment the door of the apartment opened, and the brotherDemetrius entered accompanied by Probus. When our greetings were over, Probus said, continuing as it seemed a conversation just broken off, 'I did all I could to prevent it, but the voice of numbers was againstme, and of authority too, and, both together, they prevailed. You, Ibelieve, stood neuter, or indeed, I may suppose, knew nothing about thedifference?'

'As you suppose, ' replied the elder Demetrius, 'I knew nothing of it, but designed the work and have completed it. Here it is. ' And going tothe same cabinet, again opened the doors and displayed the contents. Probus surveyed them with a melancholy air, saying, as he did so, 'I could bear that the vessels, used for the purpose to which these aredestined, should be made of gold, or even of diamond itself, could minesbe found to furnish it, and skill to hollow it out. For, we know, thewine which these shall hold is that which, in the way of symbol, shadowsforth the blood of Christ which, by being shed on the cross, purchasedfor us this Christian truth and hope; and what should be set out withevery form of human honor, if not this?'

'I think so, ' replied Demetrius; 'to that which we honor and reverencein our hearts we must add the outward sign and testimony; especiallymoreover if we would affect, in the same way that ours are, the minds ofothers. Paganism understands this; and it is the pomp and magnificenceof her ceremony, the richness of the temple service, the grandeur of herarchitecture, and the imposing array of her priests in their robes, ministering at the altars or passing through the streets in gorgeousprocession, with banners, victims, garlands, and music, by which thepopulace are gained and kept. That must be founded on just principles, men say, on which the great, the learned, and the rich, above all theState itself, are so prompt to lavish so much splendor and wealth. '

'But here is a great danger, ' Probus replied. 'This, carried too far, may convert religion into show and ostentation. Form and ceremony, andall that is merely outward and material, may take the place of themoral. Religion may come to be a thing apart by itself, a great act, atremendous and awful rite, a magnificent and imposing ceremony, insteadof what it is in itself, simply a principle of right action toward manand toward God. This is at present just the character and position ofthe Roman religion. It is a thing that is to be seen at the temples, butnowhere else; it is a worship through sacrifices and prayers, and thatis all. The worshipper at the temple may be a tyrant at home, aprofligate in the city, a bad man everywhere, and yet none the less atrue worshipper. May God save the religion of Christ from suchcorruption! Yet is the beginning to be discerned. A decline has alreadybegun. Rank and power are already sought with an insane ambition, evenby ministers of Christ. They are seeking to transfer to Christianity thesame outward splendor, and the same gilded trappings, which, in therites and ceremonies of the popular faith, they see so to subdue theimagination, and lead men captive. Hence, Piso and Demetrius, the goldenchair of Felix, and his robes of audience, on which there is more gold, as I believe, than would gild all these cups and pitchers; hence, too, the finery of the table, the picture behind it, and, in some churches, the statues of Christ, of Paul, and Peter. These golden vessels for thesupper of Christ's love, I can forgive--I can welcome them--but in therest that has come, and is coming, I see signs of danger. '

'But, most excellent Probus, ' said the younger Demetrius, 'I like notto hear the arts assailed and represented dangerous. I have just beentelling Piso, that you are a people to be respected, for you werebeginning to honor the arts. Yet here now you are denouncing them. But, let me ask, what harm could it do any good man among you, to come andlook at this figure of Apollo, or a statue of your Paul or Peter, as youname them--supposing they were just men and benefactors of their race?'

'There ought to be none, ' Probus replied. 'It ought to be a source ofinnocent pleasure, if not of wholesome instruction, to gaze upon theimitated form of a good man--of a reformer, a benefactor, a prophet. Butman is so prone to religion, --it is an honorable instinct--that you canscarce place before him an object of reverence but he will straightwayworship it. What were your gods but once men, first revered, thenworshipped, and now their stone images deemed to be the very godsthemselves? Thus the original idea--the effect, we may believe, of anearly revelation--of one supreme Deity has been almost lost out of theworld. Let the figure of Christ be everywhere set before the people instone or metal, and, what with the natural tendency of the mind toidolatry, and the force of example in the common religion, I fear itwould not be long before he, whom we now revere as a prophet, would soonbe worshipped as a god; and the disciples whom you have named, in likemanner, would no longer be remembered with gratitude and affection asthose who devoted their lives to the service of their fellow-men, but beadored as inferior Deities, like your Castor and Pollux. I can conceivethat, in the lapse of ages, men shall be so redeemed from the grossconceptions that now inthrall them concerning both God and his worship, and so nourished up to a divine strength by the power of truth, theyshall be in no danger from such sources; but shall reap all the pleasureand advantage which can be derived from beautiful forms of art and therepresentation of great and excellent characters, without ever dreamingthat any other than the infinite and invisible Spirit of the universe isto be worshipped, or held divine. The religion of Christ will itself, ifaught can do it, bring about such a period. '

'That then will be the time for artists to live, next after now, ' saidDemetrius of Palmyra. 'In the meantime, Probus, if Hellenism shoulddecline and die, and your strict faith take its place, art will declineand perish. We live chiefly by the gods and their worship. '

'If our religion, ' replied Probus, 'should suffer injury from its ownprofessors, in the way it has, for a century or two more, it will giveoccupation enough to artists. Its corruptions will do the same for youthat the reign of absolute and perfect truth would. '

'The gods then grant that the corruptions you speak of may come inseason, before I die. I am tired of Jupiters, Mercurys, and Apollos. Ihave a great fancy to make a statue of Christ. Brother! what think you, should I reach it? Most excellent Probus, should I make you such an onefor your private apartments I do not believe you would worship it, anddoubtless it would afford you pleasure. If you will leave a commissionfor such a work, it shall be set about so soon as this god of theEmperor's is safe on his pedestal. What think you?'

'I should judge you took me, Demetrius, for the priest of a temple, or anoble of the land. The price of such a piece of sculpture would swallowup more than all I am worth. Besides, though I might not worshipmyself--though I say not but I might--I should give an ill example toothers, who, if they furnished themselves or their churches with similarforms, might not have power over themselves, but relapse into theidolatry from which they are but just escaped. '

'All religions, as to their doctrine and precept, are alike to me, 'replied Demetrius, 'only, as a general principle, I should ever preferthat which has the most gods. Rome shows excellent judgment in adoptingall the gods of the earth, so that if the worship of one god will notbring prosperity to the nation, there are others in plenty to try theirfortune with again. Never doubt, brother, that it is because youChristians have no gods, that the populace and others are so hostile toyou. Only set up a few images of Christ, and some of the other foundersof the religion, and your peace will be made. Otherwise I fear thisman-killer will, like some vulture, pounce upon you and tear youpiecemeal. What, brother, have you learned of Aurelia?'

'Nothing with certainty. I could find only a confirmation from everymouth, but based on no certain knowledge, of the rumor that reached usearly in the morning. But what is so universally reported, generallyturns out true. I should, however, if I believed the fact of herimprisonment, doubt the cause. I said that I could conceive of no othercause, and feared that if the fact were so, the religion of Aurelian wasthe reason of her being so dealt with. It was like Aurelian, if he hadresolved upon oppressing the Christians to any extent whatever, that heshould begin with those who were nearest to him; first with his ownblood, and then with those of his household. '

With this, and such like conversation, I passed a pleasant hour at therooms of Demetrius. 

 * * * * *

My wish was, as I turned from the apartments of Demetrius, to seek theEmperor or Livia, and learn from them the exact truth concerning thereports current through the city. But, giving way to that weakness whichdefers to the latest possible moment the confirmation of painful news, and the resolution of doubts which one would rather should remain asdoubts than be determined the wrong way, in melancholy mood, I turnedand retraced my steps. My melancholy was changed to serious apprehensionby all that I observed and heard on my way to the Coelian. As thecrowd in this great avenue, the Suburra, pressed by me, it was easy togather that the Christians had become the universal topic ofconversation and dispute. The name of the unhappy Aurelia frequentlycaught my ear. Threatening and ferocious language dropt from many, whoseemed glad that at length an Emperor had arisen who would provefaithful to the institutions of the country. I joined a little group ofgazers before the window of the rooms of Periander, at which somethingrare and beautiful is always to be seen, who, I found, were lookingintently at a picture, apparently just from the hands of the artist, which represented Rome under the form of a beautiful woman--Livia hadserved as the model--with a diadem upon her head, and the badges ofkingly authority in her hands, and at her side a priest of the Templeof Jupiter, "Greatest and Best", in whose face and form might plainly betraced the cruel features of Fronto. The world was around them. On thelowest earth, with dark shadows settling over them, lay scattered andbroken, in dishonor and dust, the emblems of all the religions of theworld, their temples fallen and in ruins. Among them, in the frontground of the picture, was the prostrate cross, shattered as if dashedfrom the church, whose dilapidated walls and wide-spread fragments boretestimony not so much to the wasting power of time as to the rude handof popular violence; while, rearing themselves up into a higheratmosphere, the temples of the gods of Rome stood beautiful and perfect, bathed in the glowing light of a morning sun. The allegory was plain andobvious enough. There was little attractive, save the wonderful art withwhich it was done. This riveted the eye; and that being gained, thebitter and triumphant bigotry of the ideas set forth had time to makeits way into the heart of the beholder, and help to change its warmblood to gall. Who but must be won by the form and countenance of thebeautiful Livia? and, confounding Rome with her, be inspired with a newdevotion to his country, and its religion, and its lovely queen? Thework was inflaming and insidious, as it was beautiful. This was seen inwhat it drew from those among whom I stood. 

'By Jupiter!' said one, 'that is well done. They are all down, who candeny it! Those are ruins not to be built up again. Who, I wonder, is theartist? He must be a Roman to the last drop of his blood, and the lasthair of his beard. '

'His name is Sporus, ' replied his companion, 'as I hear, a kinsman ofFronto, the priest of Apollo. '

'Ah, that's the reason the priest figures here, ' cried the first, 'andthe Empress too; for they say nobody is more at the Gardens than Fronto. Well, he's just the man for his place. If any man can bring up thetemples again, it's he. Religion is no sham at the Temple of the Sun. The priests are all what they pretend to be. Let others do so, and weshall have as much reason to thank the Emperor for what he has done forthe gods--and so for us all--as for what he has done for the army, theempire, and the city. '

'You say well, ' rejoined the other. 'He is for once a man, who, if hewill, may make Rome what she was before the empire, a people thathonored the gods. And this picture seems as if it spoke out his veryplans, and I should not wonder if it were so. '

'Never doubt it. See, here lies a Temple of Isis flat enough; next to itone of the accursed tribe of Jews. And what ruder pile is that?'

'That must be a Temple of the British worship, as I think. But the bestof all, is this Christian church: see how the wretches fly, while thework goes on! In my notion, this paints what we may soon see. '

'I believe it! The gods grant it so! Old men, in my judgment, will liveto see it all acted out. Do you hear what is said? That Aurelian has putto death his own niece, the princess Aurelia?'

'That's likely enough, ' said another, 'no one can doubt it. 'Tis easynews to believe in Rome. But the question is what for?'

'For what else but for her impiety, and her aims to convert Mucapor toher own ways. '

'Well, there is no telling, and it's no great matter; time will show. Meanwhile, Aurelian forever! He's the man for me!'

'Truly is he, ' said one at his side, who had not spoken before, 'for thylife is spent at the amphitheatres, and he is a good caterer for thee, sending in ample supplies of lions and men. '

'Whew! who is here? Take care! Your tongue, old man, has short space towag in. '

'I am no Christian, knave, but I trust I am a man: and that is more thanany can say of you, that know you. Out upon you for a savage!'

The little crowd burst into loud laughter at this, and with variousabusive epithets moved away. The old man addressed himself to me, whoalone remained as they withdrew, --

'Aurelian, I believe, would do well enough were he let alone. He isinclined to cruelty, I know: but nobody can deny that, cruel or not, hehas wrought most beneficial changes both in the army and in the city. Hehas been in some sort, up to within the last half year, a censor, greater than Valerian; a reformer, greater and better than even he. Hadhe not been crazed by his successes in the East, and were he not nowled, and driven, and maddened, by the whole priesthood of Rome, with thehell-born Fronto at their head, we might look for a new and a betterRome. But, as it is, I fear these young savages, who are just gone, willsee all fulfilled they are praying for. A fair day to you. '

And he too turned away. Others were come into the same spot, and for along time did I listen to similar language. Many came, looked, saidnothing, and took their way, with paler face, and head depressed, silentunder the imprecations heaped upon the atheists, but manifestly eitherof their side in sympathy, or else of the very atheists themselves. 

I now sought my home, tired of the streets, and of all I had seen andheard. Many of my acquaintance, and friends passed me on the way, inwhose altered manner I could behold the same signs which, in ruder form, I had just seen at the window of Periander. Not, Fausta, that all myfriends of the Roman faith are summer ones, but that, perhaps, most are. Many among them, though attached firmly as my mother to the existinginstitutions, are yet, like her, possessed of the common sentiments ofhumanity, and would venture much or all to divert the merest shadow ofharm from my head. Among these, I still pass some of my pleasantest andmost instructive hours--for with them the various questions involved inthe whole subject of religion, are discussed with the most perfectfreedom and mutual confidence. Varus, the prefect, whom I met amongothers, greeted me with unchanged courtesy. His sweetest smile was onhis countenance as he swept by me, wishing me a happy day. How much moretolerable is the rude aversion, or loud reproaches of those I have toldyou of, than this honied suavity, that means nothing, and would be stillthe same though I were on the way to the block. 

As I entered my library, Solon accosted me, to say, that there had beenone lately there most urgent to see me. From his account, I couldsuppose it to be none other than the Jew Isaac, who, Milo has informedme, is now returned to Rome, which he resorts to as his most permanenthome. Solon said that, though assured I was not at home, he would not bekept back, but pressed on into the house, saying that 'these Romannobles often sat quietly in their grand halls, while they were denied totheir poor clients. Piso was an old acquaintance of his when in Palmyra, and he had somewhat of moment to communicate to him, and must see him. '

'No sooner, ' said Solon, 'had he got into the library, the like ofwhich, I may safely affirm, he had never seen before, for his raimentbetokened a poor and ragged life, than he stood, and gazed as much athis ease as if it had been his own, and then, by Hercules! unbuttoninghis pack, for he was burdened with one both before and behind, he threwhis old limbs upon a couch, and began to survey the room! I could notbut ask him, If he were the elder Piso, old Cneius Piso, come back fromPersia, in Persian beard and gown?--'Old man, ' said he, 'your brain isturned with many books, and the narrow life you lead here, shut out fromthe living world of man. One man is worth all the books ever writ, savethose of Moses. Go out into the streets and read him, and your senseswill come again. Cneius Piso! Take you me for a spirit? I am Isaac theJew, citizen of the world, and dealer in more rarities and valuablesthan you ever saw or dreamed of. Shall I open my parcels for thee?' No, said I, I would not take thy poor gewgaws for a gift. One worm-eatenbook is worth them all. --'God restore thy reason!' said he, 'and givethee wisdom before thou diest; and that, by thy wrinkles and hairlesspate must be soon. ' What more of false he would have added I know not, for at that moment he sprang from where he sat like one suddenly mad, exclaiming, 'Holy Abraham! what do my eyes behold, or do they lie?Surely that is Moses! Never was he on Sinai, if his image be not here!Happy Piso! and happy Isaac to be the instrument of such grace! Whocould have thought it? And yet many a time, in my dreams, have I beheldhim, with a beard like mine, his hat on his head, his staff in his hand, as if standing at the table of the Passover, the princess with him, and--dreams will do such things--a brood of little chickens at theirside. And now--save the last--it is all come to pass. And here, too, whomay this be? who, but Aaron, the younger and milder! He was the speaker, and lo! his hand is stretched out! And this young Joseph is at his kneethe better to interpret his character to the beholder. Moses and Aaronin the chief room of a Roman senator, and he, a Piso! Now, Isaac, thoumayest tie on thy pack, and take thy leave with a merry heart, for God, if never before, now accepteth thy works. ' And much more, noble sir, inthe same raving way, which was more dark to my understanding than thedarkest pages of Aristotle. '

I gathered from Solon, that he would return in the evening in the hopeto see me, for he had that to impart which concerned nearly my welfare. 

I was watching with Julia, from the portico which fronts the Esquilineand overlooks the city, the last rays of the declining sun, as theygilded the roofs and domes of the vast sea of building before us, lingering last upon, and turning to gold the brazen statues of Antonineand of Trajan, when Milo approached us, saying that Isaac had returned. He was in a moment more with us. 

'Most noble Piso, ' said he, 'I joy to see thee again; and this morning, I doubt not, I should have seen thee, but for the obstinacy of anancient man, whose wits seem to have been left behind as he has goneonward. I seek thee, Piso, for matters of moment. Great princess, ' hesuddenly cried, turning to Julia with as profound a reverence as hisdouble burden would allow, 'glad am I to greet thee in Rome; not gladthat thou wert forced to flee here, but glad that if, out of Palmyra, thou art here in the heart of all that can best minister to thy wants. Not a wish can arise in the heart but Rome can answer it. Nay, thoucanst have few for that which is rare and costly, but even I can answerthem. Hast thou ever seen, princess, those diamonds brought from thecaves of mountains a thousand miles in the heart of India, in whichthere lurks a tint, if I may so name it, like this last blush of thewestern sky? They are rarer than humanity in a Roman, or apostacy in aJew, or truth in a Christian. I shall show thee one. ' And he fell tounlacing his pack, and drawing forth its treasures. 

Julia assured him, she should see with pleasure whatever he could showher of rich or rare. 

'There are, lady, jewelers, as they name themselves in Rome, who dwellin magnificent houses, and whose shops are half the length of a street, who cannot show you what Isaac can out of an old goatskin pack. And howshould they? Have they, as I have, traveled the earth's surface andtrafficked between crown and crown? What king is there, whosenecessities I have not relieved by purchasing his rarest gems; or whosevanity I have not pleased by selling him the spoils of another? OldSapor, proud as he was, was more than once in the grasp of Isaac. There!it is in this case--down, you see, in the most secret part of mypack--but who would look for wealth under this sordid covering? as who, lady, for a soul within this shriveled and shattered body? yet is thereone there. In such outside, both of body and bag, is my safety. Whocares to stop the poor man, or hold parley with him? None so free of theworld and its high ways as he; safe alike in the streets of Rome, and onthe deserts of Arabia. His rags are a shield stouter than one ofseven-fold bull's hide. Never but in such guise could I bear such jewelsover the earth's surface. Here, lady, is the gem; never has it yetpressed the finger of queen or subject. The stone I brought from theEast, and Demetrius, here in Rome, hath added the gold. Give me so muchpleasure--'

And he placed it upon Julia's finger. It flashed a light such as wenever before saw in stone. It was evidently a most rare and costly gem. It was of great size and of a hue such as I had never before seen. 

'This is a queen's ring, Isaac, ' said Julia--'and for none else. '

'It well becomes the daughter of a queen'--replied the Jew, 'and thewife of Piso--specially seeing that--Ah, Piso! Piso! how was I overjoyedto-day to see in thy room the evidence that my counsels had not beenthrown away. The Christian did not gain thee with all his cunning--'

'Nay, Isaac'--I here interrupted him--'you must not let your benevolentwishes lead you into error. I am not yet a Jew. Those images that caughtyour eye were not wholly such as you took them for. '

'Well, well, ' said the philosophic Jew, 'rumor then has for once spokenthe truth. She has long, as I learn, reported thee Christian: but Ibelieved it not. And to-day, when I looked upon those statues, I pleasedmyself with the thought that thou, and the princess, like her augustmother, had joined themselves to Israel. But if it be not so, then haveI an errand for thee, which, but now, I hoped I might not be bound todeliver. Piso, there is danger brewing for thee, and for all who holdwith thee!'

'So I hear, Isaac, on all sides, and partly believe it. But the rumor isfar beyond the truth, I do not doubt. '

'I think not so, ' said Isaac. 'I believe the truth is beyond the rumor. Aurelian intends more and worse than he has spoken; and already has hedipt his hand in blood!'

'What say you? how is it you mean?' said Julia. 

'Whose name but Aurelia's has been in the city's ears these many days? Ican tell you, what is known as yet not beyond the Emperor's palace andthe priest's, Aurelia is dead!'

'Sport not with us, Isaac!'

'I tell you, Piso, the simple truth. Aurelia has paid with her life forher faith. I know it from more than one whose knowledge in the matter isgood as sight. It was in the dungeons of the Fabrician bridge, that shewas dealt with by Fronto the priest of Apollo. '

'Aurelian then, ' said Julia, 'has thrust his sickle into another fieldof slaughter, and will not draw it out till he swims in Christianblood, as once before in Syrian. God help these poor souls. ' 'What, Isaac, was the manner of her death, if you have heard so much?'

'I have heard only, ' replied Isaac, 'that, after long endeavor on thepart of Aurelian and the priest to draw her from her faith while yet atthe palace, she was conveyed to the prisons I have named, and theregiven over to Fronto and the executioners, with this only restriction, that if neither threats, nor persuasions, nor the horrid array ofengines, could bend her, then should she be beheaded without eitherscourging or torture. And so it was done. She wept, 'tis said, as itwere without ceasing, from the time she left the gardens; but to thepriest would answer never a word to all his threats, entreaties, orpromises; except once, when that wicked minister said to her, 'thatexcept she in reality and truth would curse Christ and sacrifice, hewould report that she had done so, and so liberate her and return her tothe palace:'--at which, 'tis said, that on the instant her tears ceased, her eyes flashed lightning, and with a voice, which took the terrifictones of Aurelian himself, she said, 'I dare thee to it, base priest!Aurelian is an honorable man--though cruel as the grave--and my simpleword, which never yet he doubted, would weigh more than oaths from thee, though piled to heaven! Do thy worst then, quick!' Whereupon the priest, white with wrath, first sprang toward her as if he had been a beast setto devour her, drawing at the same moment a knife from his robes; but, others being there, he stopped, and cried to the executioner to do hiswork--raving that he had it not in his power first to torment her. Aurelia was then instantly beheaded. '

We were silent as he ended, Julia dissolved in tears Isaac went on. 

'This is great testimony, Piso, which is borne to thy faith. A poor, weak girl, alone, with not one to look on and encourage, in such aplace, and in the clutches of such a hard-hearted wretch, to die withoutonce yielding to her fears or the weakness of her tender nature--it is athing hardly to be believed, and full of pity. Piso, thou wilt despiseme when I say that my tribe rejoices at this, and laughs; that the Jewis seen carrying the news from house to house, and secretly feeding onit as a sweet morsel! And why should he not? Answer me that, Roman!Answer me that, Christian! In thee, Piso, and in every Roman like thee, there is compacted into one the enmity that has both desolated mycountry, and--far as mortal arm may do so--dragged down to the earth, her altars and her worship. Judea was once happy in her ancient faith;and happier than all in that great hope inspired by our prophets inendless line, of the advent, in the opening ages, of one who shouldredeem our land from the oppressor, and give to her the empire of theworld. Messiah, for whom we waited, and while we waited were content tobear the insults and aggressions of the whole earth--knowing the day ofvengeance was not far off--was to be to Judea more than Aurelian toRome. He was to be our prophet, our priest, and our king, all in one;not man only, but the favored and beloved of God, his Son; and hisempire was not to be like this of Rome, hemmed in by this sea and that, hedged about by barbarians on one side and another, bounded by riversand hills, but was to stretch over the habitable earth, and Rome itselfto be swallowed up in the great possession as a little island in thesea. And then this great kingdom was never to end. It could not bediminished by an enemy taking from it this province and another, as withRome, nor could there be out of it any power whatever that could assailit; for, by the interference of God, through the right arm of our greatPrince, fear, and the very spirit of submission, were to fall on everyheart. All was to be Judea's, and Judea's forever; the kingdom was to beover the whole earth; and the reign forever and ever. And in those agespeace was to be on the earth, and universal love. God was to beworshipped by all according to our law, and idolatry and error to ceaseand come to an end. In this hope, I say, we were happy, in spite of allour vexations. In every heart in our land, whatever sorrows orsufferings might betide, there was a little corner where the spiritcould retire and comfort itself with this vision of futurity. Among allthe cities of our land, and far away among the rocks and vallies byJordan and the salt sea, and the mountains of Lebanon, there were noothers to be found than men, women, and children, happy in this belief, and by it bound into one band of lovers and friends. And what think youhappened? I need not tell you. There came, as thou knowest, this falseprophet of Gallilee, and beguiled the people with his smooth words, andperverted the sense of the prophets, and sowed difference and discordamong the people; and the cherished vision, upon which the nation hadlived and grown, fled like a dream. The Gallilean impostor plantedhimself upon the soil, and his roots of poison struck down, and hisbroad limbs shot, abroad, and half the nation was lost. Its unity wasgone, its peace lost, its heart broken, its hope, though living still, yet obscured and perplexed. Canst thou wonder then Piso, or thou, thouweeping princess, that the Jew stands by and laughs when the Christian'sturn comes, and the oppressor is oppressed, the destroyer destroyed? Andwhen, Piso, the Christian had done his worst, despoiling us of ourfaith, our hope, our prince, and our God; not satisfied, he brought theRoman upon us, and despoiled us of our country itself. Now, and for twocenturies, all is gone. Judea, the beautiful land, sits solitary andsad. Her sons and daughters wanderers over the earth, and trodden intothe dust. When shall the light arise! and he, whom we yet look for, comeand turn back the flood that has swept over us, and reverse the fortunesbefallen to one and the other? The chariot of God tarries; but it doesnot halt. The wheels are turning, and when it is not thought of, it willcome rolling onward with the voice of many thunders, and the greatrestoration shall be made, and a just judgment be meted out to all. Whatwonder, I say then, Piso, if my people look on and laugh, when thisdouble enemy is in straits? when the Christian and Roman in one, iscaught in the snare and can not escape? That laugh will ring through thestreets of Rome, and will out-sound the roaring of the lions and theshouts of the theatre. Nature is strong in man, Piso, and I do notbelieve thou wilt think the worse of our people, if bearing what theyhave, this nature should break forth. Hate them not altogether, Roman, when thou shalt see them busy at the engines or the stake, or thetheatres. Remember the cause! Remember the cause! But we are not allsuch. I wish, Piso, thou couldst abandon this faith. There will else beno safety to thee, I fear, ere not many days. What has overtaken thelady Aurelia, of the very family of the Emperor, will surely overtakeothers. Piso, I would fain serve thee, if I may. Though I hate theRoman, and the Christian, and thee, as a Jew, yet so am I, that I cannothate them as a man, or not unto death; and thee do I love. Now it is mycounsel, that thou do in season escape. Now thou canst do it; wait but afew days, and, perhaps, thou canst no longer. What I say is, fly! and, it were best, to the farthest east; first, to Palmyra, and then, if needbe, to Persia. This, Piso, is what I am come for. '

'Isaac, this all agrees with the same goodness--'

'I am a poor, miserable wretch, whom God may forgive, because hiscompassions never fail, but who has no claim on his mercy, and will becontent to sit hereafter where he shall but just catch, now and then, aglimpse of the righteous. '

'I must speak my thoughts, not yours, Isaac. This all agrees with whatwe have known of you; and, with all our hearts, you have our thanks. Butwe are bound to this place by ties stronger than any that bind us tolife, and must not depart. '

'Say not so! Lady, speak! Why should ye remain to add to the number thatmust fall? Rank will not stand in the way of Aurelian. '

'That we know well, Isaac, ' said Julia. 'We should not look for anyshield such as that to protect us, nor for any other. Life is not thechief thing, Isaac. What is life, without liberty? Would you live, aslave? and is not he the meanest slave, who bends his will to another?who renounces the thoughts he dearly cherishes for another's humor? Whowill beggar the soul, to save, or serve, the body?'

'Alas, princess, I fear there is more courage in thee, woman as thouart, than in this old frame! I love my faith, too, princess, and I laborfor it in my way; but, may the God of Abraham spare me the last trial!And wouldst thou give up thy body to the tormentors and the executioner, to keep the singleness of thy mind, so that merely a few littlethoughts, which no man can see, may run in and out of it, as they list?'

'Even so, Isaac. '

'It is wonderful, ' exclaimed the Jew, 'what a strength there is in man!how, for an opinion, which can be neither bought, nor sold, nor weighed, nor handled, nor seen--a thing, that, by the side of lands, and gold, and houses, seems less than the dust of the balance--men and women, yea, and little children, will suffer and die; when a word, too, which is buta little breath blown out of the mouth, would save them!'

'But, it is no longer wonderful, ' said Julia, 'when we look at our wholeselves, and not only at one part. We are all double, one part, of earth, another, of heaven; one part, gross body, the other, etherial spirit;one part, life of the body, the other, life of the soul. Which of theseparts is the better, it is not hard to determine. Should I gain much bydefiling the heavenly, for the sake of the earthly? by injuring themind, for the preservation of the body; by keeping longer the life Ilive now, but darkening over the prospect of the life that ishereafter? If I possess a single truth, which I firmly believe to be atruth, I cannot say that it is a lie, for the sake of some presentbenefit or deliverance, without fixing a stain thereby, not on the body, which by and by perishes, but on the soul, which is immortal; and whichwould then forever bear about with it the unsightly spot. '

'It is so; it is as you say, lady; and rarely has the Jew been known todeny his name and his faith. Since you have spoken, I find thoughtscalled up which have long slept. Despise me not, for my proposal, yet Iwould there were a way of escape! Flight now, would not be denial, orapostacy. '

'It would not, ' said Julia. 'And we may not judge with harshness thosewhose human courage fails them under the apprehension of the sufferingswhich often await the persecuted. But, with my convictions, and Piso's, the guilt and baseness of flight or concealment would be little lessthan that of denial or apostacy. We have chosen this religion for itsdivine truth, and its immortal prospects; we believe it a good which Godhas sent to us; we believe it the most valuable possession we hold; webelieve it essential to the world's improvement and happiness. Believingit thus, we must stand by it; and, if it come to this--as I trust inHeaven it will not, notwithstanding the darkness of the portents--thatour regard for it will be questioned except we die for it--then we willdie. '

Isaac rose, and began to fasten on his pack. As he did so, he said, 'Excellent lady, I grieve that thou shouldst be brought from thy farhome, and those warm and sunny skies, to meet the rude shocks of thiswintry land. It was enough to see what thou didst there, and to knowwhat befell thy ancient friends. The ways of Providence, to our eyes, are darker than the Egyptian night, brought upon that land by the handof Moses. It is darkness solid and impenetrable. The mole sees farthertoward the earth's centre, than does my dim eye into the judgments ofGod. And what wonder? when he is God looking down upon earth and man'sways as I upon an ant-hill, and seeing all at once. To such an eye, lady, that may be best which to mine is worst. '

'I believe it is often so, Isaac, ' replied Julia. 'Just as in nauseousdrugs or rankest poisons there is hidden away medicinal virtue, so isthere balm for the soul, by which its worst diseases are healed and itshighest health promoted, in sufferings, which, as they first fall uponus, we lament as unmitigated evil. I know of no state of mind so properto beings like us, as that indicated by a saying of Christ, which Ishall repeat to you, though you honor not its source, and which seems tome to comprehend all religion and philosophy, "Not my will, but thine, OGod, be done!" We never take our true position, and so never can becontented and happy, till we renounce our own will, and believe all thewhole providence of God to be wisest and best, simply because it is his. Should I dare, were the power this moment given me, to strike out formyself my path in life, arrange its events, fix my lot? Not the mosttrivial incident can be named that I should not tremble to orderotherwise than as it happens. '

'There is wisdom, princess, in the maxim of thy prophet, and its spiritis found in many of the sayings of truer prophets who went before him, whose words are familiar to thy royal mother, though, I fear, they arenot to thee; a misfortune, wholly to be traced to that misadventure ofthine, Piso, in being thrown into the company of the Christian Probus onboard the Mediterranean trader. Had I been alone with thee on thatvoyage, who can say that thou wouldst not now have been what, but thismorning, I took thee for, as I looked upon those marble figures?'

'But, Isaac, forget not your own principles, ' said Julia. 'May you, whocannot, as you have said, see the end from the beginning, and whosesight is but a mole's, dare to complain of the providence which threwPiso into the society of the Christian Probus? I am sure you would not, on reflection, re-arrange those events, were it now permitted you. Andseeing, Isaac, how much better things are ordered by the Deity than wecould do it, and how we should choose voluntarily to surrender all intohis hands, whose wisdom is so much more perfect, and whose power is somuch more vast, than ours, ought we not, as a necessary consequence ofthis, to acquiesce in events without complaint, when they have onceoccurred? If Providence had made both Piso and Probus Christians, thenought you not to complain, but acquiesce; and, more than that, reverethe Providence that has done it, and love those none the less whom ithas directed into the path in which it would have them go. True piety, is the mother of charity. '

'Princess, ' rejoined Isaac, 'you are right. The true love of God cannotexist, without making us true lovers of man; and Piso I do love, andthink none the worse of him for his Christian name. But, touchingProbus, and others, I experience some difficulty. Yet may I perhaps, escape thus--I may love them as men, yet hate them as Christians; justas I would bind up the wounds of a thief or an assassin, whom I found bythe wayside, and yet the next hour bear witness against him, and withoutcompunction behold him swinging upon the gibbet! It is hard, lady, forthe Jew to love a Christian and a Roman. --But how have I been led awayfrom what I wished chiefly to say before departing! When I spake justnow of the darkness of Providence, I was thinking, Piso, of my journeyacross the desert for thy Persian brother, Calpurnius. That, as I thensaid to thee, was dark to me. I could not comprehend how it should cometo pass that I, a Jew, of no less zeal than Simon Ben Gorah himself, should tempt such dangers in the service of thee, a Roman, and half aChristian. '

'And is the enigma solved at length?' asked Julia. 

'I could have interpreted it by saying that the merit of doing abenevolent action was its solution. '

'That was little or nothing, princess. But I confess to thee, that thetwo gold talents of Jerusalem were much. Still, neither they, nor whatprofit I made in the streets of Ecbatana, and even out of that newSolomon the hospitable Levi, clearly explained the riddle. I have beenin darkness till of late. And how, think you, the darkness has beendispersed?'

'We cannot tell. '

'I believe not. Piso! princess! I am the happiest man in Rome. '

'Not happier, Isaac, than Civilis the perfumer. '

'Name him not, Piso. Of all the men--he is no man--of all the livingthings in Rome I hold him meanest. Him, Piso, I hate. Why, I will nottell thee, but thou mayest guess. Nay, not now. I would have thee firstknow why I am the happiest man in Rome. Remember you the woman and thechild, whom, in the midst of that burning desert, we found sitting, moredead than alive, at the roots of a cedar--the wife, as we afterwardsfound, of Hassan the camel-driver--and how that child, the livingresemblance of my dead Joseph, wound itself round my heart, and how Iimplored the mother to trust it to me as mine, and I would make itricher than the richest of Ecbatana?'

'We remember it all well. '

'Well, rejoice with me! Hassan is dead!'

'Rejoice in her husband's death? Nay, that we cannot do. Milo willrejoice with thee. '

'Rejoice with me, then, that Hassan, being dead by the providence ofGod, Hagar and Ishmael are now mine!'--and the Jew threw down his packagain in the excess of his joy, and strode wildly about the portico. 

'This is something indeed, ' said Julia. 'Now, we can rejoice sincerelywith you. But how happened all this? When, and how, have you obtainedthe news?'

'Hassan, ' replied Isaac, 'as Providence willed it, died in Palmyra. Hisdisconsolate widow, hearing of his death, in her poverty and afflictionbethought herself of me, and applied, for intelligence of me, to Levi;from whom a letter came, saying that Hagar had made now on her part theproposal that had once been made on mine--that Ishmael should be mine, provided, he was not to be separated from his mother and a sister olderthan he by four years. I, indeed, proposed not for the woman, but forthe child only--nor for the sister. But they will all be welcome. Theymust, by this, be in Palmyra on their way to Rome. Yes, they will be allwelcome! for now once more shall the pleasant bonds of a home hold me, and the sounds of children's voices--sweeter to my ear than will ever bethe harps of angels though Gabriel sweep the strings. Already, in thestreet Janus, where our tribe most resort, have I purchased me a house;not, Roman, such a one as I dwelt in in Palmyra, where thou and thyfoolish slave searched me out, but large and well-ordered, aboundingwith all that woman's heart could most desire. And now what think you ofall this? whither tends it? to what leads all this long and costlypreparation? what think you is to come of it? I have my own judgment. This I know, it cannot be all for this, that a little child of a fewyears should come and dwell with an old man little removed from the veryborders of the grave! Had it been only for this, so large and long atrain of strange and wild events would not have been laid. This child, Piso, is more than he seems! take that and treasure it up. It is to thisthe finger of God has all along pointed. He is more than he seems! Whathe will be I say not, but I can dimly--nay clearly guess. And hismother! Piso, what will you think when I say that she is a Jewess! andhis father--what will you think when I tell you that he was born uponthe banks of the Gallilean lake?--that misfortunes and the love of awandering life drew him from Judea to the farther East, and to atemporary, yet but apparent apostacy, I am persuaded, from his properfaith? This to me is all wonderful. Never have I doubted, that by myhand, by me as a mediator, some great good was to accrue to Jerusalem. And now the clouds divide, and my eye sees what has been so longconcealed. It shall all come to pass, before thy young frame, princess, shall be touched by years. '

'We wish you all happiness and joy, Isaac, ' replied Julia; 'and soon asthis young family shall have reached your dwelling, we shall trust tosee them all, specially this young object of thy great expectations. '

Isaac again fastened on his pack, and taking leave of us turned todepart, but ere he did so, he paused--fixed his dark eyes uponus--hesitated--and then said, 'Lady, if trouble flow in upon you here in Rome, and thou wilt not fly, as I have counseled, to Palmyra; but thou shouldst by and by change thymind and desire safety, or Piso should wish thee safe--perhaps, that bythy life thou mightest work more mightily for thy faith than thoucouldst do by thy death--for oftentimes it is not by dying that we bestserve God, or a great cause, but by living--then, bethink thee of mydwelling in the street Janus, where, if thou shouldst once come, I wouldchallenge all the blood-hounds in Rome, and what is more and worse, Fronto and Varus leagued, to find thee. Peace be with you. '

And so saying, he quickly parted from us. 

All Rome, Fausta, holds not a man of a larger heart than Isaac the Jew. For us, Christians as we are, there is I believe no evil to himself hewould not hazard, if, in no other way, he could shield us from thedangers that impend. In his conscience he feels bound to hate us, and, often, from the language he uses, it might be inferred that he does so. But in any serious expression of his feelings, his human affections everobtain the victory over the obligations of hatred, which his love ofcountry, as he thinks, imposes upon him, and it would be difficult forhim to manifest a warmer regard toward any of his own tribe, than hedoes toward Julia and myself. He is firmly persuaded, that providence isusing him as an instrument, by which to effect the redemption anddeliverance of his country; not that he himself is to prove the messiahof his nation--as they term their great expected prince--but thatthrough him, in some manner, by some service rendered or office filled, that great personage will manifest himself to Israel. No disappointmentdamps his zeal, or convinces him of the futility of expectations restingupon no other foundation than his own inferences, conjectures, orfanciful interpretation of the dark sayings of the prophets. When in theEast, it was through Palmyra, that his country was to receive her king;through her victories, that redemption was to be wrought out for Israel. Being compelled to let go that dear and cherished hope, he now fixes itupon this little "Joseph, " and it will not be strange if this child ofpoverty and want should in the end inherit all his vast possessions, bywhich, he will please himself with thinking, he can force his way to thethrone of Judea. Portia derives great pleasure from his conversation, and frequently detains him long for that purpose; and of her Isaac isnever weary uttering the most extravagant praise. I sometimes wonderthat I never knew him before the Mediterranean voyage, seeing he was sowell known to Portia; but then again do not wonder, when I remember bywhat swarms of mendicants, strangers, and impostors of every sort, Portia was ever surrounded, from whom I turned instinctively away;especially did I ever avoid all intercourse with Christians and Jews. Iheld them, of all, lowest and basest. 

 * * * * *

We are just returned from Tibur, where we have enjoyed many pleasanthours with Zenobia. Livia was there also. The day was in its warmthabsolutely Syrian, and while losing ourselves in the mazes of theQueen's extensive gardens, we almost fancied ourselves in Palmyra. Nicomachus being of the company, as he ever is, and Vabalathus, weneeded but you, Calpurnius, and Gracchus, to complete the illusion. 

The Queen devotes herself to letters. She is rarely drawn from herfavorite studies, but by the arrival of friends from Rome. Happy for heris it that, carried back to other ages by the truths of history, ortransported to other worlds by the fictions of poetry, the present andthe recent can be in a manner forgotten; or, at least, that, in theseintervals of repose, the soul can gather strength for the thoughts andrecollections which will intrude, and which still sometimes overmasterher. Her correspondence with you is another chief solace. She will notdoubt that by and by a greater pleasure awaits her, and that instead ofyour letters she shall receive and enjoy yourself. Farewell. 

LETTER VII. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

The body of the Christians, as you may well suppose, Fausta, is in astate of much agitation. Though they cannot discern plainly the form ofthe danger that impends, yet they discern it; and the very obscurity inwhich it is involved adds to their fears. It is several days since Ilast wrote, yet not a word has come from the palace. Aurelian is seen asusual in all public places; at the capitol, taking charge of theerection and completion of various public edifices; or, if at thepalace, he rides as hard as ever, and as much, upon his Hippodrome; or, if at the Pretorian camp, he is exact and severe as ever in maintainingthe discipline of the Legions. He has issued no public order of any kindthat bears upon us. Yet not only the Christians, but the whole city, stand as if in expectation of measures of no little severity, going atleast to the abridgement of many of our liberties, and to thedeprivation of many of our privileges. This is grounded chiefly, doubtless, upon the reported imprisonment of Aurelia; for, though somehave little hesitation in declaring their belief, that she has been madeway with, others believe it not at all; and none can assign a reason forreceiving one story rather than another. How Isaac came to be possessedof his information I do not know, but it bore all the marks of truth. Hewould inform me neither how he came by it, nor would he allow it to becommunicated. But it would never be surprising to discover, that of mymost private affairs he has a better knowledge than myself. 

Do not, from what I have said, conceive of the Christians as giving anysigns of unmanly fear. They perceive that danger threatens, but theychange not their manner of life, not turn from the daily path of theirpursuits. Believing in a providence, they put their trust in it. Theirfaith stands them in stead as a sufficient support and refuge. Theycannot pretend, any more than Isaac, to see through the plans andpurposes of Heaven. They pretend not to know, nor to be able to explainto another, why, if what they receive is the truth, and they are truebelievers in a true religion, they should be exposed to such sufferingsfor its sake; and that which is false, and injurious as false, shouldtriumph. It is enough for them, they say, to be fully persuaded; toknow, and possess, the truth. They can never relinquish it; they willrather die. But, whether Christianity die with them or not, they cannottell--that they leave to God. They do not believe that itwill--prophecy, and the present condition of the world, notwithstandinga present overhanging cloud, give them confidence in the ultimateextension and power of their faith. At any rate it shall receive noinjury at their hands. They have professed it during twenty years ofprosperity, and have boasted of it before the world--they shall professit with the same boldness, and the same grateful attachment, now thatadversity approaches. They are fixed--calm--unmoved. Except for a deepertone of earnestness and feeling when you converse with them, and a castof sadness upon the countenance, you would discern no alteration intheir conduct or manner. 

I might rather say that, in a very large proportion, there areobservable the signs of uncommon and almost unnatural exhilaration. Theyeven greet the coming of trouble as that which shall put their faith tothe test, shall give a new testimony of the readiness of Christians tosuffer, and, like the former persecution, give it a new impulseforwards. They seek occasions of controversy and conversation with thePagans at public places, at their labor, and in the streets. Thepreachers assume a bolder, louder tone, and declaim with ten times morevehemence than ever against the enormities and abominations of thepopular religions. Often at the market-places, and at the corners of thestreets, are those to be seen, not authorized preachers perhaps, butbelievers and overflowing with zeal, who, at the risk of whateverpopular fury and violence, hold forth the truth in Christ, and denouncethe reigning idolatries and superstitions. 

At the head of these is Macer; at their head, both as respects thenatural vigor of his understanding, and the perfect honesty andintegrity of his mind, and his dauntless courage. Every day, and all theday, is he to be found in the streets of Rome, sometimes in one quarter, sometimes in another, gathering an audience of the passengers or idlers, as it may be, and sounding in their ears the truths of the new religion. That he, and others of the same character, deserve in all they do theapprobation of the Christian body, or receive it, is more than can besaid. They are often, by their violences in the midst of theirharangues, by harsh and uncharitable denunciations, by false andexaggerated statements, the causes of tumult and disorder, andcontribute greatly to increase the general exasperation against us. Withthem it seems to be a maxim, that all means are lawful in a good cause. Nay, they seem rather to prefer the ruder and rougher forms of attack. They seem possessed of the idea that the world is to be converted in aday, and that if men will not at once relinquish the prejudices or thefaith of years, they are fit but for cursings and burnings. In settingforth the mildest doctrine the world ever knew, delivered to mankind bythe gentlest, the most patient and compassionate being it ever saw theyassume a manner and use a language so entirely at variance with theirtheme, that it is no wonder if prejudices are strengthened oftener thanthey are set loose, incredulity made more incredulous, and the hardenedyet harder of heart. They who hear notice the discrepancy, and fail notto make the use of it they may. When will men learn that the mind is afortress that can never be taken by storm? You may indeed enter itrudely and by violence, and the signs of submission shall be made: butall the elements of opposition are still there. Reason has not beenconvinced; errors and misconceptions have not been removed, by a wiseand logical and humane dealing, and supplanted by truths well proved, and shown to be truths;--and the victory is one in appearance only. And, what is more, violence, on the part of the reformer and assailant, begets violence on the other side. The whole inward man, with all hisfeelings, prejudices, reason, is instantly put into a posture ofdefence; not only of defence, for that were right, but of angry defence, which is wrong. Passion is up, which might otherwise have slept; and itis passion, never reason, which truth has to fear. The intellect in itspure form, the advocate of truth would always prefer to meet, for he cannever feel sure of a single step made till this has been gained. Butintellect, inflamed by passion, he may well dread, as what there is butsmall hope even of approaching, much less of convincing. 

Often has Probus remonstrated with this order of men, but in vain. Theyheed him not, but in return charge him with coldness and indifference, worldliness, and all other associated faults. Especially has he laboredto preserve Macer from the extremes to which he has run; for he has seenin him an able advocate of Christian truth, could he but be moderatedand restrained. But Macer, though he has conceived the strongestaffection for Probus, will not allow himself in this matter to beinfluenced by him. He holds himself answerable to conscience and Godalone for the course he pursues. As for the consequences that may ensue, either to himself or his family, his mind cannot entertain them. It isfor Christ he lives, and for Christ he is ready to die. 

I had long wished to meet him and witness his manner both of acting andof preaching, and yesterday I was fortunate enough to encounter him. Ishall give you, as exactly as I can, what took place; it will show youbetter than many letters could do what, in one direction, are ourpresent position and prospects. 

I was in the act of crossing the great avenue, which, on the south, leads to the Forum, when I was arrested by a disorderly crowd, such aswe often see gathered suddenly in the street of a city about a thief whohas been caught, or a person who has been trodden down on the pavement. It moved quickly in the direction of the tribunal of Varus, and, whatwas my surprise, to behold Macer, in the midst, with head aloft, andinflamed countenance, holding in his grasp, and dragging onwards, one, who would willingly have escaped. The crowd seemed disposed, as I judgedby the vituperations that were directed against Macer, to interfere, butwere apparently deterred by both the gigantic form of Macer and theirvicinity to the tribunal, whither he was going. Waiting till they wereat some distance in advance of me, I then followed, determined to judgefor myself of this singular man. I was with them in the common hallbefore the prefect had taken his seat. When seated at his tribunal, heinquired the cause of the tumult, and who it was that wished to appealto him. 

'I am the person, ' said Macer; 'and I come to drag to justice thismiscreant--'

'And who may you be?'

'I should think Varus might recognize Macer. '

'It is so long since I met thee last at the Emperor's table, that thyfeatures have escaped me. '

At which, as was their duty, the attendant rabble laughed. 

'Is there any one present, ' continued the prefect, 'who knows this man?'

'Varus need apply to no other than myself, ' said Macer. 'I am Macer, theson of that Macer who was neighbor of the gladiator Pollex, --'

'Hold, I say, ' interrupted the prefect; 'a man witnesses not here ofhimself. Can any one here say that this man is not crazy or drunk?'

'Varus! prefect Varus--' cried Macer, his eyes flashing lightning, andhis voice not less than thunder; but he was again interrupted. 

'Peace, slave! or rods shall teach thee where thou art. ' And at the samemoment, at a sign from Varus, he was laid hold of with violence byofficials of the place armed with spears and rods, and held. 

'What I wish to know then, ' said Varus, turning to the crowd, 'is, whether this is not the street brawler, one of the impious Gallileans, aman who should long ago have been set in the stocks to find leisure forbetter thoughts?'

Several testified, as was desired, that this was he. 

'This is all I wish to know, ' said the prefect. 'The man is eitherwithout wits, or they are disordered, or else the pestilent faith heteaches has made the nuisance of him he is, as it does of all who meddlewith it. It is scarcely right that he should be abroad. Yet has hecommitted no offence that condemns him either to scourging or theprison. Hearken therefore, fellow! I now dismiss thee without thescourging thou well deservest; but, if thou keep on thy wild and lawlessway, racks and dungeons shall teach thee what there is in Roman justice. Away with him!'

'Romans! Roman citizens!' cried Macer; 'are these your laws and thisyour judge?--'

'Away with him, I say!' cried the prefect; and the officers of thepalace hurried him out of the hall. 

As he went, a voice from the crowd shouted, 'Roman citizens, Macer, are long since dead. 'Tis a vain appeal. '

'I believe you, ' replied Macer; 'tyrant and slave stand now for all whoonce bore the proud name of Roman. '

This violence and injustice on the part of Varus must be traced--forthough capricious, and imperious, this is not his character--to thelanguage of Macer in the shop of Publius, and to his apprehension lestthe same references to his origin, which he would willingly haveforgotten, should be made, and perhaps more offensively still, in thepresence of the people. Probus, on the former occasion, lamented deeplythat Macer should have been tempted to rehearse in the way he did someof the circumstances of the prefect's history, as its only end could beto needlessly irritate the man of power, and raise up a bitterer enemythan we might otherwise have found in him. 

Upon leaving the tribunal, I was curious to watch still further themovements of the Christian. The crowd about him increased rather thandiminished, as he left the building and passed into the street. At but alittle distance from the hall of the prefect, stands the Temple ofPeace, with its broad and lofty flights of steps. When Macer had reachedit he paused, and looked round upon the motley crowd that had gatheredabout him. 

'Go up! go up!' cried several voices. 'We will hear thee. '

'There is no prefect here, ' cried another. 

Macer needed no urging, but quickly strode up the steps, till he stoodbetween the central columns of the temple and his audience had disposedthemselves below him in every direction, when he turned and gazed uponthe assembled people, who had now--by the addition of such as passedalong, and who had no more urgent business than to attend to that of anyothers whom they might chance to meet, --grown to a multitude. Afterlooking upon them for a space, as if studying their characters, and howhe could best adapt his discourse to their occasions, he suddenly andabruptly broke out--

'You have asked me to come up here; and I am here; glad for once to bein such a place by invitation. And now I am here, and am about to speak, you will expect me to say something of the Christians. '

'Yes yes. '

'But I shall not--not yet. Perhaps by and by. In the meantime my themeshall be the prefect! the prefect Varus!'

'A subject full of matter, ' cried one near Macer. 

'Better send for him, ' said another. 'Twere a pity he lost it. '

'Yes, ' continued Macer, 'it is a subject full of matter, and I wishmyself he were here to see himself in the mirror I would hold beforehim; he could not but grow pale with affright. You have just had asample of Roman justice! How do you like it, Romans? I had gone there toseek justice; not for a Christian, but against a Christian. A Christianmaster had abused his slave with cruelty, I standing by; and when to myremonstrance--myself feeling the bitter stripes he laid on--he did butply his thongs the more, I seized the hardened monster by the neck, andwrenching from his grasp the lash, I first plied it upon his own back, and then dragged him to the judgment-seat of Varus, --'

'O fool!'

'You say well--fool that I was, crying for justice! How I was dealtwith, some of you have seen. There, I say, was a sample of Roman justicefor you! So in these times does power sport itself with poverty. It wasnot so once in Rome. Were Cincinnatus or Regulus at the tribunal ofVarus, they would fare like the soldier Macer. And who, Romans, is thisVarus? and why is he here in the seat of authority? At the tribunal, Varus did not know me. But what if I were to tell you there was but athin wall between the rooms where we were born, and that when we wereboys we were ever at the same school!--not such schools as you arethinking of, where the young go for letters and for Greek, but theschool where many of you have been and are now at, I dare say, theschool of Roman vice, which you may find always open all along thestreets, but especially where I and Varus were, in one of the sinks nearthe Flavian. Pollex, the gladiator, was father of Varus!--not worse, butjust as bad, as savage, as beastly in his vices, as are all of thatbutcher tribe. My father--Macer too--I will not say more of him thanthat he was keeper of the Vivaria of the amphitheatre, and passed hisdays in caging and uncaging the wild beasts of Asia and Africa; infeeding them when there were no games on foot, and starving them whenthere were. Varus, the prefect, Romans, and I, were at this school tillI joined the legions under Valerian, and he, by a luckier fortune, as itwould be deemed, found favor in the eyes of Gallienus, to whom, with hisfair sister Fannia, he was sold by those demons Pollex and Cæicina. Isay nothing of how it fared with him in that keeping. Fannia has longsince found the grave. Is Varus one who should sit at the head of Rome?He is a man of blood, of crime, of vice, such as you would not bear tobe told of! I say not this as if he were answerable for his birth andearly vice, but that, being such, this is not his place. He could nothelp it, nor I, that we were born and nurtured where we were; that thesight of blood and the smell of it, either of men or beasts, was neverout of our eyes and nostrils, during all our boyhood and youth; that tohim, and me, the sweetest pleasure of our young life was, when the gamescame on, and the beasts were let loose upon one another, and, --O thehardening of that life!--when, specially, there were prisoners orcaptives, on which to glut their raging hunger! Those were the days andhours marked whitest in our calendar. And, whitest of all, were the daysof the Decian persecution, when the blood of thrice cursed Christians, as I was taught to name them, flowed like water. Every day then Varusand I had our sport; working up the beasts, by our torments, to anunnatural height of madness ere they were let loose, and then rushing tothe gratings, as the doors were thrown open, to see the fury with whichthey would spring upon their defenceless victims too, and tear thempiecemeal. The Romans required such servants--and we were they. Theyrequire them now, and you may find any number of such about thetheatres. But if there must be such there, why should they be takenthence and put upon the judgment-seat? save, for the reason, that theymay have been thoroughly purged, as it were, by fire--which Varus hasnot been. What with him was necessary and forced when young, is nowchosen and voluntary. Vice is now his by election. Now, I ask, why hasthe life of Varus been such? and why, being such, is he here? Becauseyou are so! Yes, because you are all like him! It is you, Romancitizens, who rear the theatres, the circuses, and the thousand templesof vice, which crowd the streets of Rome, --'

'No, no! it is the emperors. '

'But who make the emperors? You Romans of these times, are a race ofcowards and slaves, and it is therefore that tyrants rule over you. Wereyou freemen, with the souls of freemen in you, do you think you wouldbear as you do--and love and glory in the yoke--this rule of suchcreatures as Varus, and others whom it were not hard to name? I knowwhat you are--for I have been one of you. I have not been, nor am I now, hermit, as you may think, being a Christian. A Christian is a man of theworld--a man of action and of suffering--not of rest and sleep. I haveever been abroad among men, both before I was a Christian and since; andI know what you are. You are of the same stamp as Varus! nay, start not, nor threaten with your eyes, --I fear you not. If you are not so, why, Isay, is Varus there? You know that I speak the truth. The people of Romeare corrupt as their rulers! How should it be much otherwise? You arefed by the largesses of the Emperor, you have your two loaves a day andyour pork, and you need not and so do not work. You have no employmentbut idleness, and idleness is not so much a vice itself as the prolificmother of all vices. When I was one of you, it was so; and so it is now. My father's labor was nothing; he was kept by the state. The Emperor wasnot more a man of pleasure than he, nor the princes, than I and Varus. Was that a school of virtue? When I left the service of the amphitheatreI joined the Legions. In the army I had work, and I had fighting, but mypassions, in the early days of that service, raged like the sea; andduring all the reign of Valerian's son there was no bridle uponthem;--for I served under the general Carinus, and what Carinus was andis, most of you know. O the double horrors of those years! I was older, and yet worse and worse. God! I marvel that thou didst not interpose andstrike me dead! But thy mercy spared me, and now the lowest, lowest hellshall not be mine. ' Tears, forced by these recollections, flowed downhis cheeks, and for a time he was speechless. 

'Such, Romans, was I once. What am I now? I am a changed man--throughand through. There is not a thought of my mind, nor a fibre of my body, what they were once. You may possibly think the change has been for theworse, seeing me thus thrust forth from the tribunal of the prefect withdishonor, when I was once a soldier and an officer under Aurelian. Iwould rather a thousand times be what I am, a soldier of Jesus Christ. And I would that, by anything I could do, you, any one of you, might bemade to think so too; I would that Varus might, for I bear him no illwill. 

'But what am I now? I am so different a man from what I once was, that Ican hardly believe myself to be the same. The life which I once led, Iwould not lead again--no--not one day nor hour of it, though you woulddepose Aurelian to day and crown me Cæsar to-morrow. I would no morereturn to that life, than I would consent to lose my nature and take aswine's, and find elysium where as a man I once did, in sinks and sties. I would not renounce for the wealth of all the world, and its empiretoo, that belief in the faith of Christ, the head of the Christians, which has wrought so within me. 

'And what has made me so--would make you so--if you would but hearken toit. And would it not be a good thing if the flood of vice, which poursall through the streets of Rome, were stayed? Would it not be a happything, if the misery which dwells beneath these vaulted roofs and thesehumbler ones equally, the misery which drunkenness and lust, the lust ofmoney, and the love of place, and every evil passion generates, were allwiped away, and we all lived together observant of the rights of oneanother, helping one another; not oppressing; loving, not hating;showing in our conduct as men, the virtues of little children? Would itnot be happier if all this vast population were bound together by somecommon ties of kindred; if all held all as brethren; if the poor manfelt himself to be the same as Aurelian himself, because he is a manlike him and weighs just as much as he in the scales of God, and that itis the vice in the one or the other, and that only that sinks him lower?Would it not be better, if you all could see in the presiding power ofthe universe, one great and good Being, who needs not to be propitiatedby costly sacrifices of oxen or bulls, nor by cruel ones of men, --but isalways kindly disposed towards you, and desires nothing so much as tosee you living virtuously, and is never grieved as he is to see youruining your own peace, --not harming him--by your vices? for you willbear witness with me that your vices are never a cause of happiness. Would it not be better if you could behold such a God over you, in theplace of those who are called gods, and whom you worship, as I didonce, because I feared to do otherwise, and yet sin on never the less:who are your patterns not so much in virtue as in all imaginable vice?'

'Away with the wicked!'--'Away with the fellow!' cried several voices;but others predominated, saying, 'Let him alone!'--'He speaks well! Wewill hear him!'--'We will defend him! go on, go on!'

'I have little or nothing more to say, ' continued Macer. 'I will onlyask you whether you must not judge that to be a very powerful principleof some kind that drew me up out of that foul pit into which I wasfallen, and made me what I am now? Which of you now feels that he hasmotive strong enough to work out such a deliverance for him? What helpin this way do you receive from your priests, if perchance you everapply to them? What book of instructions concerning the will of the godshave you, to which you can go at any time and all times? Only believe asI do, Romans, and you will hate sin as I do. You cannot help it. Believein the God that I do, and in the revealer of his will, the teacher whomhe sent into the world to save us from our heathen errors and vices, andyou will then be more than the Romans you once were. You are now, andyou know it, infinitely less. Then you will be what the old Romans wereand more. You will be as brave as they, and more just. You will be asgenerous and more gentle. You will love your own country as well, butyou will love others too. You will be more ready to offer up your livesfor your country, for it will be better worth dying for; every citizenwill be a brother; every ruler a brother; it will be like dying foryour own little household. If you would see Rome flourish, she mustbecome more pure. She can stagger along not much longer under thismountain weight of iniquity that presses her into the dust. She needs anew Hercules to cleanse her foul chambers. Christ is he; and if you willinvite him, he will come and sweep away these abominations, so thatimperial Rome shall smell fragrantly as a garden of spices. '

Loud exclamations of approval here interrupted Macer. The greatproportion of those who were present were now evidently with him, andinterested in his communications. 

'Tell us, ' cried one, as soon as the noise subsided, 'how you becamewhat you are? What is to be done?'

'Yes, ' cried many voices, 'tell us. '

'I will tell you gladly, ' answered Macer. 'I first heard the word oftruth from the lips of Probus, a preacher of the Christians, whom youtoo may hear whenever you will, by seeking him out on the days when theChristians worship. Probus was in early life a priest of the temple ofJupiter, and if any man in Rome can place the two religions side byside, and make the differences plain, it is he. Go to him such of you ascan, and you will never repent it. But if you would all learn the firststep toward Christian truth, and all truth, it is this; lay aside yourprejudices, be willing to see, hear, and judge for yourselves. Take notrumor for truth. Do not believe without evidence both for and against. You would not, without evidence and reason, charge Aurelian with thedeath of Aurelia, though ten thousand tongues report it. Charge not theChristians with worse things then, merely because the wicked andill-disposed maliciously invent them and spread them. If you would knowthe whole truth and doctrine of Christians; if you would ascend to thefountain-head of all Christian wisdom, take to your homes our sacredbooks and read them. Some of you at least can obtain them. Let onepurchase, and then twenty or fifty read. One thing before I cease. Believe not the wicked aspersions of the prefect. He charges me as abrawler, a disturber of the peace and order of the city. Romans, believeme, I am a lover of peace, but I am a lover of freedom too. Because I ama lover of peace, and would promote it, do I labor to teach thedoctrines of Christ, which are doctrines of peace and love, both at homeand abroad, in the city and throughout the world; and because I am thefriend of freedom, do I open my mouth at all times and in every place, wherever I can find those who, like you, are ready to hear the words ofsalvation. When in Rome I can no longer speak--no longer speak for thecause of what I deem truth, then will I no longer be a Roman. Then willI that day renounce my name and my country. Thanks to Aurelian, he hasnever chained up the tongue. I have fought and bled under him, and neverwas there a braver man, or who honored courage more in others. I do notbelieve he will ever do so cowardly a thing as to restrain the freedomof men's speech. Aurelian is some things, but he is not others. He issevere and cruel, but not mean. Cut Aurelian in two, and throw theworser half away, and t'other is as royal a man as ever the world saw. 

'One thing more, good friends and citizens: If I am sometimes carriedaway by my passions to do that which seems a disturbance of the commonorder, say that it is the soldier Macer that does it, not his Christianzeal--his human passions, not his new-adopted faith. It is not at onceand perfectly that a man passes from one life to another; puts off onenature and takes another. Much that belonged to Macer of theamphitheatre, and Macer the soldier, cleaves to him now. But make nothis religion amenable for that. You who would see the law of Christwritten, not only on a book but in the character and life of a livingman, go read the Christian Probus. '

As he said these words he began to descend the steps of the temple; butmany crowded round him, assailing him, some with reproaches, and otherswith inquiries put by those who seemed anxious to know the truth. Thevoices of his opponents were the most violent and prevailed, and made meapprehensive that they would proceed to greater length than speech. ButMacer stood firm, nothing daunted by the uproar. One, who signalizedhimself by the loudness and fierceness of his cries, exclaimed, 'that hewas nothing else than an atheist like all the rest of the Christians;they have no gods; they deny the gods of Rome, and they give us nothingin their stead. '

'We deny the gods of Rome, I know, ' replied Macer, 'and who would not, who had come to years of discretion? who had so much as left his nurse'slap? A fouler brotherhood than they the lords of Heaven, Rome does notcontain. Am I to be called upon to worship a set of wretches chargeablewith all the crimes and vices to be found on earth? It is this accursedidolatry, O Romans, that has sunk you so low in sin! They are your lewd, and drunken, and savage deities, who have taught you all your refinementin wickedness; and never, till you renounce them, never till you repentyou of your iniquities--never till you turn and worship the true Godwill you rise out of the black Tartarean slough in which you are lying. These two hundred years and more has God called to you by his Son, andyou have turned away your ears; you have hardened your hearts; theprophets who have come to you in his name have you slain by the sword orhung upon the accursed tree. Awake out of your slumbers! These are thelast days. God will not forbear forever. The days of vengeance willcome; they are now at hand: I can hear the rushing of that red right armhot with wrath--'

'Away with him! away with him!' broke from an hundred voices!--'Downwith the blasphemer!'--'Who is he to speak thus of the gods ofRome?'--'Seize the impious Gallilean, and away with him to theprefect'--These, and a thousand exclamations of the same kind, and moresavage, were heard on every side; and, at the same moment, their denialand counter-exclamations, from as many more. 

'He has spoken the truth!'--'He is a brave fellow!' 'He shall not betouched except we fall first!'--came from a resolute band whoencompassed the preacher, and seemed resolved to make good their wordsby defending him against whatever assault might be made. Macer, himselfa host in such an affray, neither spoke nor moved, standing upright andstill as a statue; but any one might see the soldier in his kindlingeye, and that a slight cause would bring him upon the assailants with afury that would deal out wounds and death. He had told them that the oldLegionary was not quite dead within him, and sometimes usurped the placeof the Christian; this they seemed to remember, and after showeringupon him vituperation and abuse in every form, one after another theywithdrew and left him with those who had gathered immediately aroundhim. These too soon took their leave of him, and Macer, unimpeded andalone, turned towards his home. 

When I related to Probus afterwards what I had heard and witnessed, hesaid that I was fortunate in hearing what was so much more sober andcalm than that which usually fell from him; that generally he devotedhimself to an exposition of the absurdities of the heathen worship, andthe abominations of the mysteries, and the vices of the priesthood; andhe rarely ended without filling with rage a great proportion of thosewho heard him. Many a time had he been assaulted; and hardly had escapedwith his life. You will easily perceive, Fausta, how serious an injuryis inflicted upon us by rash and violent declaimers like Macer. Thereare others like him; he is by no means alone, though he is far the mostconspicuous. Together they help to kindle the flame of active hostility, and infuse fresh bitterness into the Pagan heart. Should the Emperorcarry into effect the purposes now ascribed to him, these men will besure victims, and the first. 

 * * * * *

Upon my return after hearing Macer, I found Livia seated with Julia, towhom she often comes thus, and then together--I often accompanying--wevisit Tibur. She had but just arrived. It was easy to see that thelight-heartedness, which so manifested itself always in the beamingcountenance and the elastic step, was gone; the usual signs of it atleast were not visible. Her whole expression was serious and anxious;and upon her face were the traces of recent grief. For a long time, after the first salutations and inquiries were through, neither spoke. At length Livia said, 'I am come now, Julia, to escape from what has become of late littleother than a prison. The Fabrician dungeons are not more gloomy than thegardens of Sallust are now. No more gaiety; no feasting by day andcarousal by night; the gardens never illuminated; no dancing nor music. It is a new life for me: and then the only creatures to be seen, thathideous Fronto and the smiling Varus; men very well in their place, butno inmates of palaces. '

'Well' said Julia; 'there is the greater reason why we should see moreof each other and of Zenobia. Aurelian is the same?'

'The same? There is the same form, and the same face, and the samevoice; but the form is motionless, save when at the Hippodrome, --theface black as Styx, and his voice rougher than the raven's. Thatagreeable humor and sportiveness, which seemed native to him, though byreason of his thousand cares not often seen, is now wholly gone. He isobservant as ever of all the forms of courtesy, and I am to him what Ihave ever been; but a dark cloud has settled over him and all the house, and I would willingly escape if I could. And worse than all, is this ofAurelia! Alas, poor girl!'

'And what, Livia, is the truth?' said Julia; 'the city is filled withrumors, but they are so at variance one with another, no one knows whichto believe, or whether none. '

'I hardly know myself, ' replied Livia. 'All I know with certainty is, that I have lost my only companion--or the only one I cared for--andthat Aurelian merely says she has been sent to the prisons at theFabrician bridge. I cannot tell you of our parting. Aurelia was suresomething terrible was designed against her, from the sharpness andviolence of her uncle's language, and she left me as if she were neverto see me again. But I would believe no such thing, and so I told her, and tried to give to her some of the courage and cheerfulness which Ipretended to have myself: but it was to no purpose. She departed weepingas if her heart were broken. I love her greatly, notwithstanding herusual air of melancholy and her preference of solitude, and I have foundin her, as you know, my best friend and companion. Yet I confess thereis that in her which I never understood, and do not now understand. Ihope she will comply with the wishes of Aurelian, and that I shall soonsee her again. The difficulty is all owing to this new religion. I wish, Julia, there were no such thing. It seems to me to do nothing but sowdiscord and violence. '

'That, dear Livia, ' said Julia, 'is not a very wise wish; especiallyseeing you know, as you will yourself confess, so little about it. '

'But, ' quickly added Livia, 'was it not better as it was at Palmyra? whoheard then of these bitter hostilities? who were there troubled abouttheir worship? One hardly knew there was such a thing as a Christian. When Paul was at the palace, it was still all the same only, ifanything, a little more agreeable. But here, no one at the gardensspeaks of Christians but with an assassin air that frightens one. Theremust surely be more evil in them than I ever dreamed of. '

'The evil, Livia, ' answered her sister, 'comes not from the Christiansnor Christianity, but from those who oppose them. There were alwaysChristians in Palmyra, and, as you say, even in the palace, yet therewas always peace and good-will too. If Christianity were in itself anelement of discord and division, why were no such effects seen there?The truth is, Livia, the division and discord are created, not by thenew religion, but by those who resist it, and will not suffer people toact and think as they please about it. Under Zenobia, all had liberty tobelieve as they would. And there was under her the reign of universalpeace and good-will. Here, on the other hand, it has been the practiceof the state to interfere, and say what the citizens shall believe andwhom they shall worship, and what and whom they shall not. How should itbe otherwise than that troubles should spring up, under legislation soabsurd and so wicked? Would it not be a certain way to introduceconfusion, if the state--or Aurelian--should prescribe our food anddrink? or our dress? And if confusion did arise, and bitter opposition, you could not justly say it was owing to the existence of certain kindsof food, or of clothes which people fancied, but to their beinginterfered with. Let them alone, and they will please themselves and beat peace. '

'Yes, ' said Livia, 'that may be. But the common people are in no way fitjudges in such things, and it seems to me if either party must give way, it were better the people did. The government has the power and theywill use it. '

'In so indifferent a matter as food or dress, ' rejoined the sister, 'ifa government were so foolish as to make prohibitory and whimsical laws, it were better to yield than contend. But in an affair so different fromthat as one's religion, one could not act in the same way. I may dressin one kind of stuff as well as another; it is quite a possible thing:but is it not plainly impossible, if I think one kind of stuff is of anexquisite fineness and color, for me to believe and say at the sametime, that its texture is coarse and its hue dull? The mind cannotbelieve according to any other laws than those of its own constitution. Is it not then the height of wickedness to set out to make peoplebelieve and act one way in religion? The history of the world has shownthat, in spite of men's wickedness, there is nothing on earth they valueas they do their religion. They will die rather than change or renounceit. Men are the same now. To require that any portion of the peopleshall renounce their religion is to require them to part with that whichthey value most--more than life itself--and is it not in effectpronouncing against them a sentence of destruction? Some indeed willrelinquish it rather than die; and some will play the hypocrite for aseason, intending to return to a profession of it in more peacefultimes: but most, and the best, will die before they will disown theirfaith. '

'Then if that is so, ' said Livia, 'and I confess what you say cannot bedenied, I would that Aurelian could be prevailed upon to recede from aposition which he appears to be taking. His whole nature now seems tohave been set on fire by this priest Fronto. Superstition has whollyseized and possessed him. His belief is that Rome can never be secureand great till the enemies of the gods, as well as of the state, shallperish; and pushed on by Fronto, so far as can be gathered from theirdiscourse, is now bent on their injury or destruction. I wish he couldbe changed back again to what he was before this notion seized him. Piso, have you seen him? Have you of late conversed with him?'

'Only, Livia, briefly; and on this topic only at intervals of othertalk; for he avoids it, at least with me. But from what we all know ofAurelian, it is not one's opinion nor another's that can alter his willwhen once bent one way. '

'How little did I once deem, ' said Livia, 'when I used to wish so forgreatness and empire, that they could be so darkened over. I thoughtthat to be great was necessarily to be happy. But I was but a childthen. '

'How long since was that?' asked Julia, smiling. 

'Ah! you would say I am little better than that now. '

'You are young yet, Livia, for much wisdom to have come; and you mustnot wonder if it come slowly, for you are unfortunately placed to gainit. An idol on its pedestal can rarely have but two thoughts--that it isan idol, and that it is to be worshipped. The entrance of all otherwisdom is quite shut out. '

'How pleasant a thing it is, Piso, to have an elder sister as wise asJulia! But come, will you to Tibur? I must have Faustula, now I havelost Aurelia. '

'O no, Livia, ' said Julia; 'take her not away from Zenobia. She can illspare her. '

'But there is Vabalathus. '

'Yes, but he is now little there. He is moreover preparing for hisvoyage. Faustula is her all. '

'Ah, then it cannot be! Yes, it were very wrong. But, this being so, Isee not then but I must go to her, or come live with you. Only think ofone's trying to escape from the crown of Rome? I can hardly believe I amLivia; once never to be satisfied with power and greatness--now tired ofthem! No, not that exactly--'

'You are tired, only, Livia, of some little attendant troubles; you likenot that overhanging cloud you just spoke of; but for the empire itself, you love that none the less. To believe that, it is enough to see you. '

'I suppose you are right. Julia is always right, Piso. '

So our talk ran on; sometimes into graver and then into lighterthemes--often stopping and lingering long over you, and Calpurnius, andGracchus. You wished to know more of Livia and her thoughts, and I havegiven her to you in just the mood in which she happened to be. 

 * * * * *

The wife of Macer has just been here, seeking from Julia both assistanceand comfort. She implores us to do what we may to calm and sober herhusband. 

'As the prospect of danger increases, ' she said to Julia, 'he grows butthe more impetuous and ungovernable. He is abroad all the day and everyday, preaching all over Rome, and brings home nothing for the support ofthe family; and if it were not for the Emperor's bounty, we shouldstarve. '

'And does that support you?'

'O no, lady! it hardly gives us food enough to subsist upon. Then wehave besides to pay for our lodging and our clothes. But I should mindnot at all our labor nor our poverty, did I not hear from so many thatmy husband is so wild and violent in his preaching, and when he disputeswith the gentiles, as he will call them. I am sure it is a good causeto suffer in, if one must suffer; but if our dear Macer would only workhalf the time, there would be no occasion to suffer, which we should nowwere it not for Demetrius the jeweler--who lives hard by, and who I amsure has been very kind to us--and our good Ælia. '

'You do not then, ' I asked, 'blame your religion nor weary of it?'

'O, sir, surely not. It is our greatest comfort. We all look out withexpectation of our greatest pleasure, when Macer returns home, after hisday's labors, --and labors they surely are, and will destroy him, unlesshe is persuaded to leave them off. For when he is at home the childrenall come round him, and he teaches them in his way what religion is. Sometimes it is a long story he gives them of his life, when he was alittle boy and knew nothing about Christ, and what wicked things he did, and sometimes about his serving as a soldier under the Emperor. But henever ends without showing them what Christ's religion tells them tothink of such ways of life. And then, sir, before we go to bed he readsto us from the gospels--which he bought when he was in the army, and wasricher than he is now--and prays for us all, for the city, and theEmperor, and the gentiles. So that we want almost nothing, as I may say, to make us quite contented and happy. '

'Have you ever been disturbed in your dwelling on Macer's account?'

'O yes, sir, and we are always fearing it. This is our great trouble. Once the house was attacked by the people of the street, and almost torndown--and we escaped, I and the children, through a back way into theshop of the good Demetrius. There we were safe; and while we were goneour little cabin was entered, and everything in it broken in pieces. Macer was not at home, or I think he would have been killed. 

'Did you apply to the prefect?'

'No, sir, I do not believe there would be much use in that: they say hehates the Christians so. '

'But he is bound to preserve order in the city. '

'Yes, sir; but for a great man like him it's easy to see only one way, and to move so slowly that it does no good. That is what our people sayof him. When the Christians are in trouble he never comes, if he comesat all, till it is too late to do them any service. The best way for usis, I think, to live quietly, and not needlessly provoke the gentiles, nor believe that we can make Christians of them all in a day. That is myhusband's dream. He thinks that he must deliver his message to people, whether they will or not, and it almost seems as if the more hostilethey were, the more he made it his duty to preach to them, whichcertainly was not the way in which Christ did, as he reads his historyto us. It was just the other way. It almost makes me believe that somedemon has entered into him, he is so different from what he was, andabroad from what he is at home. Do you think that likely, sir? I havebeen at times inclined to apply to Felix to see if he could not exorcisehim. '

'No, I do not think so certainly; but many may. I believe he errs in hisnotion of the way in which to do good; but under some circumstances itis so hard to tell which the best way is, that we must judge charitablyof one another. Some would say that Macer is right; others that thecourse of Probus is wisest; and others, that of Felix. We must do as wethink right, and leave the issue to God. '

'But you will come and see us? We dwell near the ruins, and behind theshop of Demetrius. Every body knows Demetrius. '

I assured her I would go. 

I almost wish, Fausta, that Julia was with you. All classes seem alikeexposed to danger. But I suppose it would be in vain to propose such astep to her, especially after what she said to Isaac. You now, afteryour storm, live at length in calm: not exactly in sunshine; for youwould say the sun never can seem to shine that falls upon the ruins ofPalmyra. But calm and peace you certainly have, and they are much. Iwish Julia could enjoy them with you. For here, every hour, so it nowseems to me, the prospect darkens, and it will be enough for one of usto remain to encounter the evil, whatever it may be, and defend thefaith we have espoused. This is an office more appropriate to man thanto woman; though emergencies may arise, as they have, when woman herselfmust forget her tenderness and put on soldiers' panoply; and when it hascome, never has she been found wanting. Her promptness to believe thatwhich is good and pure, has been equalled by her fortitude and patiencein suffering for it. 

You will soon see Vabalathus. He will visit you before he enters uponhis great office. By him I shall write to you soon again. Farewell. 

 * * * * *

AURELIAN;

ROME IN THE THIRD CENTURY

 * * * * *

LETTER VIII. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

Marcus and Lucilia are inconsolable. Their grief, I fear, will belasting as it is violent. They have no resource but to plunge intoaffairs and drive away memory by some active and engrossing occupation. Yet they cannot always live abroad; they must at times return tothemselves and join the company of their own thoughts. And then, memoryis not to be put off; at such moments this faculty seems to constitutethe mind more than any other. It becomes the mind itself. The past risesup in spite of ourselves, and overshadows the present. Whether itsscenes have been prosperous or afflictive, but especially if they havebeen shameful, do they present themselves with all the vividness of theobjects before us and the passing hour, and infinitely increase ourpains. We in vain attempt to escape. We are prisoners in the hands of agiant. To forget is not in our power. The will is impotent. The effortto forget is often but an effort to remember. Fast as we fly, so fastthe enemy of our peace pursues. Memory is a companion who never leavesus--or never leaves us long. It is the true Nemesis. Tartarean regionshave no worse woes, nor the Hell of Christians, than memory inflictsupon those who have done evil. My friends struggle in vain. They havenot done evil indeed, but they have suffered it. The sorest calamitythat afflicts mortals has overtaken them; their choicest jewel has beentorn from them; and they can no more drown the memory of their loss thanthey can take that faculty itself and tear it from their souls. Comfortcannot come from that quarter. It can come only from being re-possessedof that which has been lost hereafter, and from enjoying the hope ofthat felicity now. See how Marcus writes. After much else, he says, 'I miss you, Piso, and the conversations which we had together. I knownot how it is, but your presence acted as a restraint upon my hot andimpatient temper. Since your departure I have been little less than mad, and so far from being of service to Lucilia, she has been compelled tomoderate her own grief in the hope to assuage mine. I have done nothingbut rave, and curse my evil fortune. And can anything else be lookedfor? How should a man be otherwise than exasperated when the very thinghe loves best in the wide universe is, without a moment's warning, snatched away from him? A man falls into a passion if his seal isstolen, or his rings, or his jewels, if his dwelling burns down, or hisslaves run away or die by some pestilence. And why should he not muchmore when the providence of the gods, or the same power whatever it maybe that gave as a child, tears it from us again; and just then when wehave so grown into it that it is like hewing us in two? I can believe innothing but capricious chance. We live by chance, and so we die. Suchevents are otherwise inexplicable. For what reason can by the mostingenious be assigned for giving life for a few years to a being likeGallus, and who then, before he is more than just past the threshold oflife, before a single power of his nature has put itself forth, but atthe moment when he is bound to his parents by ties of love which neverafterwards would be stronger--is struck dead? We can give no account ofit. It is irreconcilable with the hypothesis of an intelligent and goodProvidence. It has all the features of chance upon it. A god could nothave done it unless he had been the god of Tartarus. Dark Pluto might, or the avenging Furies, were they supreme. But away with all suchdreams! The slaves who were his proper attendants, have been scourgedand crucified. That at first gave me some relief; but already I repentit. So it is with me; I rush suddenly upon what at the moment I thinkright, and then as suddenly think and feel that I have done wrong, andso suffer. I see and experience nothing but suffering, whichever way Iturn. Truly we are riddles. Piso, you cannot conceive of my loss. It wasour only child--and the only one we shall ever know. I wish that Ibelieved in the gods that I might curse them. '

And much more in the same frantic way. Time will blunt his grief; but itwill bring him I fear no other or better comfort. He hopes for oblivionof his loss; but that can never be. He may cease to grieve as he grievesnow; but he can never cease to remember. I trust to see him again erelong, and turn his thoughts into a better channel. 

 * * * * *

I did not forget to keep my promise to the wife of Macer. In truth I hadlong regarded it as essential to our safety almost, certainly to oursuccess, that this man, and others of the same character, should berestrained in some way in their course of mistaken zeal; and had longintended to use what influence to that end I might possess. Probus hadpromised to accompany me, and do what in him lay, to rescue religionfrom this peril at the hands of one of her best friends. He joined metoward the evening of the same day on which I had seen the wife ofMacer, and we took our way toward his dwelling. 

It was already past the hour of twilight when we reached the part of thecity where Macer dwells, and entered the ruins among which his cabinstands. These ruins are those of extensive and magnificent bathsdestroyed a long time ago, and to this day remaining as the flames leftthem. At the rear of them, far from the street and concealed from it byarches and columns and fragments of wall, we were directed by the raysof a lamp streaming from a window, to the place we sought. We wound ourway among these fallen or still standing masses of stone, whichfrequently hid from us the object of our search, till, as we foundourselves near the spot, we were arrested by the sound of a single voiceuttering itself with vehemence and yet solemnity. We paused, but couldnot distinguish the words used; but the same conviction possessed us asto its cause. It was Macer at prayer. We moved nearer, so that, withoutdisturbing the family, we might still make ourselves of the number ofhearers. His voice, loud and shrill, echoed among the ruins and conveyedto us, though at some distance, every word that he uttered. But for thenoise of carriages and passengers it would have penetrated even to thestreets. The words we caught were such as these--

--'If they hear thee not, O Lord, nor reverence thy messengers, but denythee and turn upon those whom thou sendest the lip of scorn and the eyeof pride, and will none of their teachings, and so do despite to thespirit of thy grace, and crucify the Lord afresh, then do thou, O Lord, come upon them as once upon the cities of the plain in the times ofthine anger. Let fire from Heaven consume them. Let the earth yawn andswallow them up. Tear up the foundations of this modern Babylon; levelto the earth her proud walls; and let her stand for a reproach, and ahissing, and a scorn; through all generations; so that men shall say asthey pass by, lo! the fate of them that held to their idols rather thanserve the living God; their proud palaces are now dwellings of dragons, and over her ruins the trees of the forest are now spreading theirbranches. But yet, O Lord, may this never be; but may a way of escape bemade for them through thy mercy. And to this end may we thy servants, towhom thou hast given the sword of the spirit, gird it upon our sides, lift up our voices and spare not, day and night, morning and evening, inthe public place, and at the corners of the streets; in all places, andin every presence, proclaiming the good news of salvation. Let notcowardice seal our lips. Whether before gentile or jew, emperor orslave, may we speak as becomes the Lord's anointed. Warm the hearts ofthe cold and dead; put fire into them; fire from thine own altar. Theworld, O Lord, and its honors and vanities, seduce thine own servantsfrom thee. They are afraid, they are cold, they are dead, and the enemylifts himself up and triumphs. For this we would mourn and lament. Giveus, O Lord, the courage and the zeal of thine early apostles andteachers so that no fear of tortures and death may make us traitors toChrist and thee. '

It was a long time that he went on in this strain, inveighing, with heatand violence, against all who withdrew their hand from the work, orabated their zeal. When he had ceased, and we stood waiting to judgewhether the service were wholly ended, the voices of the whole familyapparently, were joined together in a hymn of praise--Macer's now moregentle and subdued, as if to hear himself the tones of the children andof his wife who accompanied him. The burden of the hymn was also aprayer for a spirit of fidelity and a temper of patience, in the causeof truth and Christ. It was worship in the highest sense, and nonewithin the dwelling could have joined more heartily than we did whostood without. 

When it was ended, and with it evidently the evening service, weapproached, and knocked for admittance. Macer appeared holding a lightabove his head, and perceiving who his guests were, gave us cordialwelcome, at the same time showing us into his small apartment andplacing stools for our accommodation. The room in which we were wassmall and vaulted, and built of stone in the most solid manner. I saw atonce that it was one of the smaller rooms of the ancient bath, whichhad escaped entire destruction and now served as a comfortablehabitation. A door on the inner side appeared to connect it with anumber of similar apartments. A table in the centre and a few stools, ashelf on which were arranged the few articles which they possessed bothfor cooking and eating their food, constituted the furniture of theroom. In the room next beyond I could see pallets of straw laid upon thefloor, which served for beds. Macer, his wife, and six children, composed the family then present; the two elder sons being yet absent attheir work, in the shop of Demetrius. The mother held at her breast aninfant of a year or more; one of three years sprang again upon hisfather's lap, as he resumed his seat after our entrance, whence he hadapparently been just dislodged; the rest, sitting in obscure parts ofthe room, were at first scarcely visible. The wife of Macer expressedheartily her pleasure at seeing us, and said even more by her flushedand animated countenance than by her words. The severe countenance ofMacer himself relaxed and gave signs of satisfaction. 

'I owe you, Piso, ' he said, 'many thanks for mercies shown to my wifeand my little ones here, and I am glad to see you among us. We are farapart enough as the world measures such things, but in Christ we areone. At such times as these, when the Prince of Darkness rules, we oughtif ever to draw toward each other, that so we may make better our commondefence. I greet you as a brother--I trust to love you as one. '

I told him that nothing should be wanting on my part toward a free andfriendly intercourse; that from all I had heard of him I had conceived ahigh regard for him, and owed him more thanks for what he had done inbehalf of our religion, than he could me for any services I had renderedhim. 

'Me?' said he, and his head fell upon his bosom. 'What have I done forChrist to deserve the thanks of any? I have preached and I have prayed;I have opposed heresies and errors; I have wrestled with the enemies andcorrupters of our faith within our own body and without; but the fruitseems nothing. The gentile is still omnipotent--heresy and error stillabound. '

'Yes, Macer, ' I replied, 'that is certainly so, and may be so for manyyears to come, but still we are gaining. He who can remember twentyyears can count a great increase. After the testimony borne by themartyrs of the Decian persecution to their faith, and all the proof theygave of sincere attachment to the doctrine of Christ, crowds haveentered the church, an hundred for every one whose blood then flowed. '

'And now, ' said Macer, his eye kindling with its wild fires, 'the churchis dead! The truest prayer that the Christian can now offer is, that itwould please God to try us again as it were by fire! We slumber, Piso!The Christians are not now the Nazarites they were in the first age ofthe church. Divisions have crept in; tares have been sown with thewheat, and have come up, and are choking the true plants of God. I knownot but that the signs of terror which are scaring the heavens oughtrather to be hailed as tokens of love. Better a thousand perish on therack or by the axe, than that the church itself faint away and die. '

'It will not do, ' said Probus, 'always to depend upon such remedies ofour sloth and heresies. Surely it were better to prosper in some otherand happier way. All I think we can say of persecution, and of theoppositions of our enemies, is this, that if it be in the providence ofGod that they cannot be avoided, we have cause to bless him that theirissue is good rather than evil; that they serve as tests by which thegenuine is tried and proved; that they give the best and highesttestimony to the world that man can give, of his sincerity; that theyserve to bind together into one compact and invincible phalanx thedisciples of our common master, however in many things they may divideand separate. But, were it not better, if we could attain an equal goodwithout the suffering?'

'I believe that to be impossible, ' said Macer. 'Since Jesus began hisministry, persecution has been the rod that has been laid upon thechurch without sparing, and the fruit has been abundant. Without it, like these foolish children, we might run riot in all iniquity. '

'I do not say that the rod has not been needed, ' answered Probus, 'northat good has not ensued; but only, that it would be better, wiser, andhappier, to reach the same good without the rod; just as it is betterwhen your children, without chastisement, fulfil your wishes and performtheir tasks. We hope and trust that our children will grow up to suchvirtue, that they will no longer need the discipline of suffering tomake them better. Ought we not to look and pray for a period to arrivein the history of the church, when men shall no longer need to be lashedand driven, but shall of themselves discern what is best and cleave toit?'

'That might indeed be better, ' replied the other; 'but the time is notcome for it yet. The church I say is corrupt, and it cries out foranother purging. Christians are already lording it over one another. Thebishop of Rome sets himself up, as a lord, over subjects. A Roman Cæsarwalks it not more proudly. What with his robes of state, and his seat ofgold, and his golden rod, and his altar set out with vessels of gold andsilver, and his long train of menials and subordinates, poor simpleMacer, who learned of Christ, as he hopes, is at a loss to discern thefollower of the lowly Jesus, but takes Felix, the Christian servant, forsome Fronto of a Heathen temple! Were the power mine, as the will is, never would I stay for Aurelian, but my own arm should sweep from theplaces they pollute the worst enemies of the Saviour. Did Jesus die thatFelix might flaunt his peacock's feathers in the face of Rome?'

'We cannot hope, Macer, ' answered Probus, 'to grow up to perfection atonce. I see and bewail the errors at which you point as well as you. Butif, to remove them, we bring down the heavy arm of Rome upon ourheads--the remedy may prove worse than the disease. '

'No. That could not be! Let those who with open eyes abuse the gifts ofGod, perish! If this faith cannot be maintained undefiled by Heathenadditions, let it perish!'

'But God dealeth not so with us, ' continued Probus; 'he beareth long andpatiently. We are not destroyed because in the first years of our lifewe do not rise to all virtue, but are spared to fourscore. Ought we notto manifest a like patience and forbearance? By waiting patiently weshall see our faults, and one by one correct them. There is still somereason and discernment left among us. We are not all fools and blind. And the faults which we correct ourselves, by our own action, and theconviction of our own minds acting freely and voluntarily, will be moretruly corrected, than if we are but frightened away from them for a timeby the terrors of the Roman sword. I think, Macer, and so thinks Piso, that, far from seeking to inflame the common mind, and so drawing uponus the evils which are now with reason apprehended, we should rather aimto ward them off. '

'Never!' cried Macer with utmost indignation. 'Shall the soldier of thecross shrink--'

'No, Macer, he need not shrink. Let him stand armed in panoply complete;prompt to serve, willing to die; but let him not wantonly provoke anenemy who may not only destroy him, that were a little thing, but, inthe fury of the onset, thousands with him, and, perhaps, with them thevery faith for which they die! The Christian is not guiltlesswho--though it be in the cause of Christ--rushes upon unnecessary death. You, Macer, are not only a Christian and soldier of Jesus Christ, but aman, who, having received life from the Creator, have no right wantonlyto throw it away. You are a husband, and you are bound to live for yourwife;--these are your children, and you are bound to live for them. '

'He, ' said Macer, solemnly, 'who hateth not father and mother and wifeand children and brethren and sister, yea and his own life also, cannotbe my disciple. '

'Yes, ' replied Probus, 'that is true; we are to be ready and willing tosuffer for Christ and truth; but not to seek it. He who seeks martyrdomis no martyr. Selfish passions have then mingled their impure currentwith that of love to God, and the sacrifice is not without spot andblemish. Jesus did not so; nor his first followers. When the Lord waspersecuted in one city, he staid not there to inflame it more and more;he fled to another. Paul and Peter and Barnabas stood ever for theirrights; they suffered not wrong willingly. When the ark of truth isintrusted to few hands, they must bear it forward boldly, but with care, else are they at a blow cut off, and the ark with its precious burdenborne away and lost--or miracles alone can rescue it. But when the timecomes that no prudence or care will avail, then they may not refuse theissue, but must show that life is nothing in comparison of truth andGod. '

'Probus, ' said Macer, 'I like not your timid counsels. 'Tis not by suchthat Christ's cause shall ever advance, or that period ever come whenhe, the long-looked and waited for, shall descend, and the millenialreign begin. Life is nothing to me and less than nothing. I hold it asdirt and dross. And if by throwing it away I can add such a commentaryto my preaching as shall strike a single Pagan heart, I shall not havedied in vain; and if the blood that shall flow from these veins, mayserve but as a purge, to carry off the foul humors that now fester andrage in the body of the church, thrice happy shall I be to see it flow. And for these--let them be as the women and children of other times, andhold not back when their master calls. Arria! do thou set before theeSt. Blandina, and if the Lord let thee be as her, thou wilt have causeto bless his name. '

'Never, Macer, would I shrink from any trial to which the Lord in hiswisdom might call me--that you know. But has not Probus uttered a truth, when he says, that we are not innocent, and never glorious, when weseek death? that he who seeks martyrdom is no martyr? Listen, Macer, tothe wisdom of Probus and the noble Piso. Did you not promise that youwould patiently hear them?'

'Woman--I have heard them--their words are naught, stark naught, orworse. Where would have been the blessed gospel at this hour, had itbeen committed to such counsels? Even under Nero would it have died forwant of those who were willing to die for it. I am a soldier of thecross, whose very vocation it is to fight and die. And if I may but die, blessed Jesus, for thee! then may I hope that thou wilt deal mercifullywith thy servant at thy judgment-seat. I hear thy voice ever sounding inmy ear, reproving me for my cowardice. Have patience with me, and I willgive thee all. And if labor, and torture, and death, would but cancelsin!--But alas! even they may not suffice. '

'Then, dear father, ' said one of his daughters who had drawn near andseated herself at his knee, while the others had gathered round, 'thenwill we add ourselves to the sacrifice. '

'Would you?' said Macer--in an absent, musing way--as if some otherthought were occupying him. 

Thinking that his love of his children, evidently a very strongaffection in him, might be made to act as a restraint, I said, 'that Ifeared he greatly exposed his little family to unnecessary danger. Already had his dwelling been once assailed, and the people were nowripe for any violence. This group of little ones can ill encounter arude and furious mob. '

'They can die, can they not?' said Macer. 'Is that difficult, orimpossible? If the Lord need them, they are his. I can ask no happierlot for them than that by death they may glorify God. And what is it todie so, more than in another way? Let them die in their beds, and whomdo they benefit? They die then to themselves, and no one is the gainer;let them die by the sword of Varus, or by the stones of the populace, and then they become themselves stones in the foundation of that templeof God, of which Jesus is the chief corner-stone, and they are gloriousforever. What say you, Cicer, will you die for Christ?'

The little fellow hid his head in his father's bosom at this suddenappeal, but soon drew it out and said, 'I would rather die for you, father. '

'Ah!' said Macer, 'how am I punished in my children! Cicer, would younot die for Christ?'

'I would die for him if you wish it. '

'Macer, ' said Probus, 'do you not see how God has bound you and thisfamily into one? and he surely requires you not to separate yourself, their natural protector, from them forever; still less, to involve themin all the sufferings which, taking the course you do, may come uponthem at any hour. '

'Probus! their death would give me more pleasure than their life, dyingfor Christ. I love them now and here, fondly as ever parent loved hischildren, --but what is now, and here? Nothing. The suffering of an houror of a moment joins us together again, where suffering shall be nomore, and death no more. To-morrow! yes, to-morrow! would I that thewrath of these idol-worshippers might be turned against us. Rome must beroused; she sleeps the sleep of death; and the church sleeps it too;both need that they who are for the Lord should stand forth, and, notwaiting to be attacked, themselves assail the enemy, who need but to beassailed with the zeal and courage of men, who were once to be found inthe church, to be driven at all points. '

'But, father, ' said the daughter who had spoken before, 'otherChristians think not so. They believe for the most part, as I hear, withProbus and Piso, that on no account should we provoke the gentiles, orgive them cause of complaint against us; they think that to do so wouldgreatly harm us; that our duty is to go on the even tenor of our way, worshipping God after our own doctrine, and in our own manner, andclaiming and exercising all our rights as citizens, but abstaining fromevery act that might rouse their anger, or needlessly irritatethem--irritated, necessarily, almost beyond bearing, by the wide andincreasing prosperity of our faith, and the daily falling away of thetemple worshippers. Would it be right, dearest father, to do that whichothers approved not, and the effect of which might be, not only to drawdown evil upon your and our heads, but upon thousands of others? Wecannot separate ourselves from our brethren; if one suffer all willsuffer--'

'Ælia, my daughter, there is a judge within the breast, whom I am boundto obey rather than any other counsellor, either man or woman. I cannotbelieve, because another believes, a certain truth. Neither can I act ina certain way because others hold it their duty to act so. I must obeythe inward voice, and no other. If I abandon this, I am lost--I am onthe desert without sun, moon or stars to guide me. All the powers ofthe earth could not bribe nor drag me from that which I hold to be thetrue order of conduct for me; shown by the finger of God to be such. '

'But, father, ' continued the daughter, pursuing her object, 'are we nottoo lately entered among the Christians to take upon us a course whichthey condemn? It is but yesterday that we were among the enemies of thisfaith. Are we to-day to assume the part of leaders? Would not modestyteach us a different lesson?'

'Modesty has nothing to do with truth, ' said Macer. 'He who is wholly aChristian to-day, is all that he can be to-morrow, or next year. I am asold in faith and zeal as Piso, Probus, or Felix. No one can believemore, or more heartily, by believing longer. Nay, it is they who arenewly saved who are most sensible to the blessing. Custom in religion asin other things dulls the soul. Were I a Christian much longer beforeGod called me to serve him by suffering or death, I fear I should bethen spiritually dead, and so worse than before I believed. Let it beto-morrow, O Lord, that I shall glorify thee!'

It was plain that little impression was to be made upon the mind ofMacer. But we ceased not to urge him farther, his wife and elderchildren uniting with us in importunate entreaty and expostulation. Butall in vain. In his stern and honest enthusiasm he believed allprudence, cowardice; all calculation, worldliness; all moderation andtemperance, treason to the church and Christ. Yet none of the naturalcurrent of the affections seemed to be dried up or poisoned. No onecould be more bound to his wife and children; and, toward us, though inour talk we spared him not, he ever maintained the same frank and openmanner--yielding never an inch of ground, and uttering himself with anearnestness and fury such as I never saw in another; but, soon as he hadceased speaking, subsiding into a gentleness that seemed almost that ofa woman, and playfully sporting with the little boy that he held on hisknee. 

Soon as our conversation was ended, Macer, turning to his wife, exclaimed, 'But what hinders that we should set before our visiters suchhospitality as our poor house affords? Arria, have we not such as maywell enough entertain Christians?'

Ælia, at a word from her mother, and accompanied by her sister, immediately busied themselves in the simple rites of hospitality, andsoon covered the table which stood in the centre of the room with bread, lettuces, figs, and a flask of wine. While they were thus engaged, Icould not but observe the difference in appearance of the two eldersisters, who, with equal alacrity, were setting out the provisions forour repast. One was clad like the others of the family in the garmentscommon to the poor. The other--she who had spoken--was arrayed, notrichly, but almost so, or, I should rather say, fancifully, and withstudied regard to effect. While I was wondering at this, and seeking inmy own mind for its explanation, I was interrupted in my thoughts byMacer. 

'Thanks to Aurelian, Piso, we are able, though poor, as you see, anddwelling in these almost subterranean vaults, to live above the fear ofabsolute want. But especially are we indebted for many of our comforts, and for such luxury as this flask of Massican, to my partly gentiledaughter, Ælia, whom you behold moving among us, as if by her attire shewere not of us--but Cicer's heart is not truer--and who will, despiteher faith and her father's bidding, dance and sing for the merriment ofthese idolaters. Never before, I believe, had Christian preacher adancing-girl for a daughter. '

A deep blush passed over the features of the daughter as she answered, 'But, father, you know that in my judgment--and whose in this matter isso to be trusted?--I am in no way injured by my art, and it addssomewhat to the common stock. I see not why I need be any the less aChristian, because I dance; especially, as with me, it is but one of theforms of labor. Were it forbidden by our faith, or could it be shown tobe to me an evil, I would cease. But most sure I am it is neither. Letme now appeal to Probus for my justification, and to Piso. '

'Doubtless, ' said Probus, 'those Christians are right who abstain fromthe theatres, the amphitheatres, the circuses, and from the places ofpublic amusement where sights and sounds meet ear and eye such as thepure should never hear or see, and such as none can hear or see andmaintain their purity. The soul is damaged in spite of herself. But forthese arts of music and dancing, practised for the harmlessentertainment of those who feast their friends, --where alone I warrantÆlia is found--who can doubt that she is right? Were not the receptionof the religion of Christ compatible with indulgence in innocentamusement, or the practice of harmless arts such as these, few, I fear, would receive it. Christianity condemns many things, which, by Pagans, are held to be allowable, but not everything. '

'Willingly would I abandon my art, ' said Ælia, ' did I perceive it toinjure the soul; or could I in other ways buy bread for our household. So dearly do I prize this new-found faith, that for its sake, were it tobe retained in no other way, would I relinquish it, and sink into thedeeper poverty that would then be ours, or drudge at some humbler toil. '

'Do it, do it, Ælia, ' said Macer; 'and the Lord will love thee all themore. 'Tis the only spot on thy white and glistering robes. The Lordloves not more than I to see thee wheeling and waving to and fro, tosupply mirth to those, who, mayhap, would crucify thee the next hour, asothers crucified thy master. '

Tears fell from the eyes of the fair girl as she answered, 'Father, it shall be as you wish. Not willingly, but by constraint, haveI labored as I have. God will not forsake us, and will, I cannot doubt, open some new path of labor for me--if indeed the disorders of the timesdo not first scatter or destroy us. '

I here said to Macer and his daughter, that there need be no hesitationabout abandoning the employment in question, from any doubt concerning afuture occupation; if Ælia would but accompany her mother, when next shewent to visit Julia, I could assure her of obtaining there all she coulddesire. 

At this the little boy, whom Macer held, clapped his hands and cried outwith joy--'Ah! then will Ælia be always with us and go away no more;'and flying to his sister was caught by her in her arms. 

The joy diffused throughout the little circle at this news was great. All were glad that Ælia was to dance and sing no more, for all wishedher at home, and her profession had kept her absent almost every day. The table was now spread, and we sat down to the frugal repast, Macerfirst offering a prayer to God. 

'It is singular, ' said he, when we were seated, 'that in my Heathenestate, I ever asked the blessing of the gods before I ate. Nay, andnotwithstanding the abominations of my life, was often within thetemples a worshipper. I verily believe there are many Christians whopray less than the Heathen, and less after they become Christian thanbefore. '

'I can readily believe it, ' said Probus. 'False religions multiplyoutward acts; and for the reason, that they make religion to consist inthem. A true faith, which places religion in the inward disposition, notin services, will diminish them. More prayers were said, and more ritesperformed in the temple of Jupiter, where my father was priest, than theChristian church, where I serve, ever witnesses. But what then? With thePagan worshipper religion ended when the service closed, and he turnedfrom the temple to the world. With the Christian, the highest serviceonly then commences when he leaves the church. Religion, with him, isvirtuous action, more than it is meditation or prayer. He prays withoutceasing, not by uttering without cessation the language of prayer, butby living holily. Every act of every hour, which is done conscientiouslyis a prayer, as well as the words we speak, and is more pleasing to God, for the reason that practice is better than mere profession--doingbetter than saying. '

'That is just, Probus, ' replied Macer. 'When I prayed as an idolater, itwas because I believed that the gods required such outwardacknowledgment, and that some evil or other might befall me throughtheir vengeance, if I did not. But when I had ended that duty I hadended my religion, and my vices went on none the less prosperously. Often indeed my prayers were for special favors, --wealth, or success insome affair--and when, after wearying myself with repeating them athousand times, the favors were not bestowed, how have I left the templein a rage, cursing the gods I had just been worshipping, and swearingnever more to propitiate them by prayer or sacrifice. Sometimes Irepented of such violence, but oftener kept my word and tried some othergod. You, Probus, were, I may believe, of a more even temper?'

'Yes, perhaps so. My father was one of the most patient and gentle ofmen, and religious after the manner of our remoter ancestors of the daysof the republic. He was my instructor; and from him I learned truthswhich were sufficient for my happiness under ordinary circumstances. Iwas a devout and constant worshipper of the gods. My every-day life maythen have been as pure as it has been since I have been a Christian; andmy prayers as many or more. The instincts of my nature, which carried upthe soul toward some great and infinite being, which I could not resist, kept me within the bounds of that prudent and virtuous life which Ibelieved would be most acceptable to them. But when a day of heavy andinsupportable calamity came upon me, and I was made to look after thefoundations of what I had been believing, I found there were none. I waslike a ship tossed about by the storms, without rudder or pilot. I thenknew not whether there were gods or not; or if there were any, who, among the multiplicity worshipped in Rome, the true ones were. In mygrief, I railed at the heavens and their rulers, for not revealingthemselves to us in our darkness and weakness; and cursed them for theircruelty. Soon after I became a Christian. The difference between mystate then, and now, is this. I believed then; but it was merelyinstinctive. I could give no reason to myself nor to others for myfaith. It was something and yet nothing. Now, I have somewhat to standupon. I can prove to myself, and to others, my religion, as well asother things. I have knowledge as well as blind belief. It is good tobelieve in something, and in some sort, though one can give no accountof his faith; but it is better to believe in that which we know, as weknow other things. I have now, as a Christian, the same strength ofbelief in God, providence, and futurity, that I have in any factsattested by history. Jesus has announced them or confirmed them, andthey are susceptible of proof. I differed from you, Macer, in this; thatI cursed not the gods in my passion, or caprice; I was for years andyears their humble, and contented, and patient worshipper. I rebellednot till I suffered cruel disappointment, and in my faith could find noconsolation or light. One real sorrow, by which the foundations of myearthly peace were all broken up, revealed to me the nothingness of myso called religion. Into what a new world, Macer, has our new faithintroduced us! I am now happier than ever I was, even with my wife andchildren around me. '

'Some of our neighbors, ' said Auria, 'wonder what it is that makes us solight of heart, notwithstanding our poverty and the dangers to which weare so often exposed. I tell them that they, who, like us, believe inthe providence of a God, who is always near us and within us, and in thelong reign with Christ as soon as death is past, have nothing to fear. That which they esteem the greatest evil of all, is, to us, an absolutegain. Upon this they either silently wonder, or laugh and deride. However, many too believe. '

'Probus, we are all ready to be offered up, ' the enthusiast rejoined. 'God's mercy to me is beyond all power of mine to describe, in that hehas touched and converted the hearts of every one under my roof. Now ifto this mercy he will but add one more, that we may glorify him by ourdeath as well as in our life, the cup of his servant will be full andrunning over. '

Probus did not choose again to engage with his convert upon that theme, knowing him to be beyond the reach of influence and control. We couldnot but marvel to see to what extent he had infused his own enthusiasminto his family. His wife indeed and elder daughters would willingly seehim calmer and less violent when abroad, but like him, being by natureof warm temperament, they are like him Christians warm and zealousbeyond almost any whom I have seen. They are as yet also so recentlytransferred from their Heathen to their Christian state, that theirsight is still dazzled, and they see not objects in their true shapesand proportions. In their joy they seem to others, and perhaps oftenare, greatly extravagant in the expression of their feelings andopinions. 

When our temperate repast was ended, Macer again prayed, and we thenseparated. Our visit proved wholly ineffectual as to the purpose we hadin view, but by no means so when I consider the acquaintance which itthus gave me with a family in the very humblest condition, who yet wereholding and equally prizing the same opinions, at which, after so muchresearch and labor, I had myself arrived. I perceived in this power ofChristianity to adapt itself to minds so different in their slate ofprevious preparation, and in their ability to examine and sift aquestion which was offered to them; in the facility and quickness withwhich it seized both upon the understanding and the affections; in thedeep convictions which it produced of its own truth and excellence, andthe scorn and horror with which it filled the mind for its formersuperstitions--I saw in this an element of strength, and of dominion, such as even I had hardly conceived, and which assures me that thisreligion is destined to a universal empire. Not more certainly do allmen need it than they will have it. When in this manner, with everythingagainst it, in the habits, lives, and prejudices of men--with itselfalmost against itself in its strictness and uncompromising morality--itnevertheless forces its way into minds of every variety of character, and diffuses wherever it goes the same inward happiness;--its successunder such circumstances is at once an argument for its truth, and anassurance that it will pause in its progress not till it shall havesubdued the world to its dominion. 

Julia was deeply interested in all that I told her of the family ofMacer, and will make them all her special charge. Ælia will I hopebecome in some capacity a member of our household. 

I ought to tell you that we have often of late been at the Gardens, where we have seen both Livia and Aurelian. Livia is the same, but theEmperor is changed. A gloomy horror seems to sit upon him, which bothindisposes him to converse as formerly, and others to converse with him. Especially has he shown himself averse to discussion of any point thatconcerns the Christians, at least with me. When I would willingly havedrawn him that way, he has shrunk from it with an expression ofdistaste, or with more expressive silence, or the dark language of histerrific frown. For me however he has no terrors, and I have resolved tobreak through all the barriers he chooses to set up around him, andlearn if I can what his feelings and purposes precisely are. Oneconversation may reveal them in such a way, as may make it sufficientlyplain what part he means to act, and what measure of truth there may bein the current rumors; in which, for my own part, I cannot bring myselfto place much reliance. I doubt even concerning the death of Aurelia, whether, even if it has taken place, it is not to be traced to somecause other than her religion. 

 * * * * *

A day has passed. I have seen the Emperor, as I was resolved to do, andnow I no longer doubt what his designs are, nor that they are dark asthey have been represented; yea, and darker, even as night is darkerthan day. 

Upon reaching the palace, I was told that the Emperor was exercising atthe hippodrome, toward which I then bent my steps. It lies at somedistance from the palace, concealed from it by intervening groves. Soonas I came in sight of it, I beheld Aurelian upon his favorite horserunning the course as if contending for a prize, plying, the while, thefierce animal he bestrode with the lash, as if he were some laggard whoneeded rousing to his work. Swifter than the wind he flew by me, howmany times I know not, without noting apparently that any one waspresent beside the attendant slaves; nor did he cease till the horse, spent and exhausted, no longer obeyed the will of even the Emperor ofthe world. Many a noble charger has he in this manner rode till he hasfallen dead. So long used has this man been to the terrific game of war, and the scenes and sights which that reveals, stirring to their depthsall the direst passions of our nature, that now, at home and at peace, life grows stale and flat, and needs the artificial stimulants whichviolent and extreme modes of action can alone supply. The death of ahorse on the course, answers now for a legion slain in battle; anunruly, or disobedient, or idle slave hewn in two, affords the reliefwhich the execution of prisoners has been accustomed to yield. Weary ofinaction, he pants for the day to arrive when, having completed thedesigns he has set on foot in the city, he shall again join the army, now accumulating in huge masses in Thrace, and once more find himself inthe East, on the way to new conquests and fresh slaughter. 

As he threw himself from his horse, now breathing hard and scarcelysupporting himself, the foam rolling from him like snow, he saluted mein his usual manner. 

'A fair and fortunate day to you, Piso! And what may be the news in thecity? I have rode fast and far, but have heard nothing. I come backempty as I went out, save the heat which I have put into my veins. Thishorse is he I was seen upon from the walls of Palmyra by your and othertraitor eyes. But for first passing through the better part of my legand then the saddle, the arrow that hit me then had been the death ofhim. But death is not for him, nor he for death; he and his rider aresomething alike, and will long be so, if auguries ever speak truth. Andif there be not truth in auguries, Piso, where is it to be found amongmortals? These three mornings have I rode him to see if in this mannerhe could be destroyed, but thou seest how it issues; I should destroymyself before him. But what, I say, is the news? How does the ladyJulia? and the Queen?'

Replying first to these last inquiries, I then said that there waslittle news I believed in the city. The only thing, perhaps, that couldbe treated as news, was the general uneasiness of the Christians. 

'Ah! They are uneasy? By the gods, not wholly without reason. Were itnot for them I had now been, not here chafing my horse and myself on ahippodrome, but tearing up instead the hard sands of the Syrian deserts. They weigh upon me like a nightmare! They are a visible curse of thegods upon the state--but, being seen, it can be removed. I reckon notyou among this tribe, Piso, when I speak of them. What purpose isimputed?'

'Rumor varies. No distinct purpose is named, but rather a general one ofabridging some of their liberties--suppressing their worship, andsilencing their priests. '

'Goes it no further?'

'Not with many; for the people are still willing to believe thatAurelian will inflict no needless suffering. They see you great in war, severe in the chastisement of the enemies of the state, and just in thepunishment inflicted upon domestic rebels; and they conceive that inregard to this simple people you will not go beyond the rigor I havejust named. '

'Truly they give me credit, ' replied Aurelian, 'for what I scarcelydeserve. But an Emperor can never hear the truth. Piso! they will findthemselves deceived. One or the other must fall--Helenism orChristianity! I knew not, till my late return from the East, the ravagesmade by this modern superstition, not only throughout Rome, but theworld. In this direction I have for many years been blind. I have hadeyes only for the distant enemies of my country, and the glories of thebattle-field. But now, upon resting here a space in the heart of theempire, I find that heart eaten out and gone; the religion of ancientRome, which was its very life, decaying, and almost dead, through therank growth of this overshadowing poison-tree that has shot up at itsside. It must be cut up by the roots--the branches hewn away--the leavesstripped and scattered to the winds--nay, the very least fibre thatlurks below the surface with life in it, must be wrenched out andconsumed. We must do thus by the Christians and their faith, or theywill do so by us. '

'I am hardly willing, ' I replied, 'to believe what I have heard; norwill I believe it. It were an act, so mad and unwise, as well as socruel, that I will not believe it though coming from the lips ofAurelian!'

'It is true, Piso, as the light of yonder sun! But if thou wilt notbelieve, wait a day or two and proof enough shall thou have--proof thatshall cure thy infidelity in a river of Christian blood. '

'Still, Aurelian, ' I answered. 'I believe not: nor will, till thatriver shall run down before my eyes red and thick as the Orontes!'

'How, Piso, is this? I thought you knew me!'

'In part I am sure I do. I know you neither to be a madman nor a fool, both which in one would you be to attempt what you have now threatened. '

'Young Piso, you are bold!'

'I make no boast of courage, ' I replied; 'I know that in familiar speechwith Aurelian, I need not fear him. Surely you would not converse onsuch a subject with a slave or a flatterer. A Piso can be neither. I canspeak, or I can be silent; but if I speak--'

'Say on, say on, in the name of the gods!'

'What I would say to Aurelian then is this, that slaughter as he may, the Christians cannot be exterminated; that though he decimated, firstRome and then the empire, there would still be left a seed that wouldspring up and bear its proper harvest. Nay, Aurelian, though you halvedthe empire, you could not win your game. The Christians are more thanyou deem them. '

'Be it so, ' replied the Emperor; 'nevertheless I will try. But they arenot so many as you rate them at, neither by a direct nor an indirectenumeration. '

'Let that pass, then, ' I answered. 'Let them be a half, a quarter, atenth part of what I believe them to be, it will be the same; theycannot be exterminated. Soon as the work of death is done, that of lifewill begin again, and the growth will be the more rank for the bloodspilled around. Outside of the tenth part, Aurelian, that now openlyprofesses this new religion, there lies another equal number of thosewho do not openly profess it, but do so either secretly, or else view itwith favor and with the desire to accept it. Your violence, inflictedupon the open believers, reaches not them, for they are an invisiblemultitude; but no sooner has it fallen and done its work of ruin, thanthis other multitude slowly reveals itself, and stands forth heirs andprofessors of the persecuted faith, and ready, like those who wentbefore them, to live for it and die for it. '

'What you say may be so, ' answered Aurelian; 'I had thought not of it. Nevertheless, I will try. '

'Moreover, ' I continued, 'in every time of persecution, there arethose--sincere believers, but timid--who dare not meet the threatenedhorrors. These deny not their faith, but they shrink from sight; theyfor a season disappear; their hearts worship as ever, but their tonguesare silent; and search as they may, your emissaries of blood cannot findthem. But soon as the storm is over-past, then do they come forth again, as insects from the leaves that sheltered them from the storm, and fillagain the forsaken churches. '

'Nevertheless I will try for them. '

'Then will you be, Aurelian, as one that sheds blood, because he willshed it--seeing that the end at which you aim cannot in such way bereached. Confiscation, imprisonment, scourging, fires, torture, anddeath, will all be in vain; and with no more prospect that by suchoppression Christianity can be annihilated, than there would be ofrooting out poppies from your fields when as you struck off the heads ortore up the old roots, the ripe seeds were scattered abroad over thesoil, a thousand for every parent stalk that fell. You will drenchyourself in the blood of the innocent, only that you may do it--while noeffect shall follow. '

'Let it be so then; even so. Still I will not forbear. But this I know, Piso, that when a disaffection has broken out in a legion, and I havecaused the half thereof, or its tenth, to be drawn forth and cut topieces by the other part, the danger has disappeared. The physic hasbeen bitter, but it has cured the patient! I am a good surgeon; and wellused to letting blood. I know the wonders it works and shall try it now, not doubting to see some good effects. When poison is in the veins, letout the blood, and the new that comes in is wholesome. Rome ispoisoned!'

'Great Emperor, ' I replied, 'you know nothing, allow me to say, whereofyou affirm. You know not the Christians, and how can you deem thempoison to the state? A purer brotherhood never has the world seen. I ambut of late one among them, and it is but a few months since I thoughtof them as you now do. But I knew nothing of them. Now I know them. Andknowledge has placed them before me in another light. If, Aurelian--'

'I know nothing of them, Piso, it is true; and I wish to knownothing--nothing more, than that they are Christians! that they deny thegood gods! that they aim at the overthrow of the religion of thestate--that religion under whose fostering care Rome has grown up to hergiant size--that they are fire-brands of discord and quarrel in Rome andthroughout the world! Greater would my name be, could I extirpate thisaccursed tribe than it would be for triumphing over both the East andWest, or though I gained the whole world. '

'Aurelian, ' I replied, 'this is not the language I used to hear fromyour lips. Another spirit possesses you and it is not hard to tellwhence it comes. '

'You would say--from Fronto. '

'I would. There is the rank poison, that has turned the blood in theveins of one, whom justice and wisdom once ruled, into its own accursedsubstance. '

'I and Rome, Piso, ' said Aurelian, 'owe much to Fronto. I confess thathis spirit now possesses me. He has roused the latent piety into actionand life, which I received with my mother's milk, but which, the godsforgive me! carried away by ambition, had well nigh gone quite out in mysoul. My mother--dost thou know it?--was a priestess of Apollo, andnever did god or goddess so work by unseen influence to gain a mortal'sheart, as did she to fill mine with reverence of the deities ofheaven--specially of the great god of light. I was early a waywardchild. When a soldier in the legions I now command, my life was what asoldier's is--a life of action, hardship, peril, and blood. The deitiesof Heaven soon became to me as if they were not. And so it has been forwell nigh all the years of my life. But, the gods be thanked, Fronto hasredeemed me! and since I have worn this diadem have I toiled, Rome cantestify with what zeal, to restore to her gods their lost honors--topurge her worship of the foul corruptions that were bringing it intocontempt--and raise it higher than ever in the honor of the people, bythe magnificence of the temples I have built; by the gifts I havelavished upon them; by the ample riches wherewith I have endowed thepriesthood. And more than once, while this work has been achieving, hasthe form of my revered parent, beautiful in the dazzling robes of heroffice, stood by my bedside--whether in dream, or in vision, or inactual presence, I cannot tell--and blessed me for my piousenterprise--"The gods be thanked, " the lips have said, or seemed to say, "that thy youth lasts not always but that age has come, and with itsecond childhood in thy reverence of the gods, whose worship it was mineto put into thy infant heart. Go on thy way, my son! Build up the fallenaltars, and lay low the aspiring fanes of the wicked. Finish what thouhast begun, and all time shall pronounce thee greatest of the great. "Should I disobey the warning? The gods forbid! and save me from suchimpiety. I am now, Piso, doubly armed for the work I have taken inhand--first by the zeal of the pious Fronto, and second, by the manifestfinger of Heaven pointing the way I should go. And, please the AlmightyRuler! I will enter upon it, and it shall not be for want of adetermined will and of eyes too used to the shedding of blood to befrightened now though an ocean full were spilled before them, if thisrace be not utterly swept from the face of the earth, from the sucklingto the silver head, from the beggar to the prince--and from Rome allaround to the four winds, as far as her almighty arms can reach. '

My heart sunk within me as he spoke, and my knees trembled under me. Iknew the power and spirit of the man, and I now saw that superstitionhad claimed him for her own; that he would go about his work of deathand ruin, armed with his own cruel and bloody mind, and urged behind bythe fiercer spirit still of Pagan bigotry. It seemed to me, in spite ofwhat I had just said myself, and thought I believed, as if thedeath-note of Christianity had now been rung in my ear. The voice ofAurelian as he spoke had lost its usual sharpness, and fallen into alower tone full of meaning, and which said to me that his very inmostsoul was pouring itself out, with the awful words he used. I feltutterly helpless and undone--like an ant in the pathway of agiant--incapable of resistance or escape. I suppose all this was visiblein my countenance. I said nothing; and Aurelian, after pausing a moment, went on. 

'Think me not, Piso, to be using the words of an idle braggart in what Ihave said. Who has known Aurelian, when once he has threatened death, tohold back his hand? But I will give thee earnest of my truth!'

'I require it not, Aurelian. I question not thy truth. '

'I will give it notwithstanding, Piso. What will you think--you willthink as you ever have of me--if I should say that already, and upon oneof my own house, infected with this hell-begotten atheism, has the axealready fallen!'

Hearing the horrible truth from his own lips, it seemed as if I hadnever heard it before. I hardly had believed it. 

'Tyrant!' I exclaimed, 'it cannot be! What, Aurelia?'

'Yes, Aurelia! Keep thy young blood cool, Piso. Yes, Aurelia! Ere Istruck at others, it behoved me to reprove my own. It was no easyservice, as you may guess, but it must be done. And not only was Aureliaherself pertinaciously wedded to this fatal mischief, but she wassubduing the manly mind of Mucapor too, who, had he been successfullywrought upon, were as good as dead to me and to Rome--and he is one whomour legions cannot spare. We have Christians more than enough already inour ranks: a Christian general was not to be borne. This was additionalmatter of accusation against Aurelia, and made it right that she shoulddie. But she had her free choice of life, honor, rank, riches, and, added to all, Mucapor, whose equal Rome does not hold, if she would buttake them. One word spoken and they were all her own; with no smallchance that she should one day be what Livia is. But that one word herobstinate superstition would not let her speak. '

'No, Aurelian; there is that in the Christian superstition that alwaysforbids the uttering of that one word. Death to the Christian is butanother word for life. Apostacy is the true death. You have destroyedthe body of Aurelia, but her virtuous soul is already with God, and itis you who have girded upon her brow a garland that shall never fade. Ofthat much may you make your boast. '

'Piso, I bear with you, and shall; but there is no other in Rome whomight say so much. '

'Nay, nay, Aurelian, there I believe you better than you make yourself. To him who is already the victim of the axe or the beasts do you neverdeny the liberty of the tongue, --such as it then is. '

'Upon Piso, and he the husband of Julia, I can inflict no evil, norpermit it done. '

'I would take shelter, Aurelian, neither behind my own name, myfather's, nor my wife's. I am a Christian--and such fate as may befallthe rest, I would share. Yet not willingly, for life and happiness aredear to me as to you--and they are dear to all these innocent multitudeswhom you do now, in the exercise of despotic power, doom to a sudden andabhorred death. Bethink yourself, Aurelian, before it be too late--'

'I have bethought myself of it all, ' he replied--'and were the sufferingten times more, and the blood to be poured out a thousand times more, Iwould draw back not one step. The die has been cast; it has come up asit is, and so must be the game. I listen to no appeal. '

'Not from me, ' I replied; 'but surely you will not deny a hearing towhat these people may say in their own defence. That were neither justnor merciful; nor were it like Aurelian. There is much which by theirproper organs they might say to place before you their faith in thelight of truth. You have heard what you have received concerning it, chiefly from the lips of Fronto; and can he know what he has neverlearned? or tell it unperverted by prejudices black as night?'

'I have already said, ' rejoined the Emperor, 'that I would hear them, and I will. But it can avail them no more than words uttered in thebreath of the tempest that is raging up from the north. Hear them! Thisday have I already heard them--from one of those madmen of theirs whoplague the streets of Rome. Passing early by the temple ofÆsculapius--that one which stands not an arrow's flight from the columnof Trajan--I came upon a dense crowd of all sorts of persons listeningto a gaunt figure of a man who spoke to them. Soon as I came againsthim, and paused on my horse for the crowd to make way, the wild beastwho was declaiming, shouted at me at the top of his voice, calling on meto 'hear the word of God which he would speak to me. ' Knowing him bysuch jargon to be a Christian, I did as he desired, and there stood, while he, for my especial instruction, laid bare the iniquities andfollies of the Roman worship; sent the priesthood and all who enteredtheir temples to the infernal regions; and prophesied againstRome--which he termed Babylon--that ere so many centuries were gone, her walls would lie even with the ground, her temples moulder in ruins, her language become extinct, and her people confounded with othernations and lost. And all this because, I, whom he now called, if Iremember the names aright, Ahaz and now Nebuchadnezzar, oppressed thechildren of God and held them in captivity: while in the same breath hebid me come on with my chains, gibbets, beasts, crosses, and fires, forthey were ready, and would rejoice to bear their testimony in the causeof Christ. As I turned to resume my way, his words were; 'Go on, thouman of pride and blood; go on thy way! The gates of hell swing open forthee! Already the arm of the Lord is bared against thee! the wingedlightning struggles in his hand to smite thee! I hear thy cry for mercywhich no one answers--' and more, till I was beyond the reach of hisowl's voice. There was an appeal, Piso, from this people! What think youof it?'

'He whom you heard, ' I replied, 'I know, and know him to be honest andtrue; as loyal a subject too as Rome holds. He is led away by his hotand hasty temper both to do and say what injures not only him, but allwho are joined with him, and the cause he defends. He offends theChristians hardly less than others. Judge not all by him. He standsalone. If you would hear one whom all alike confide in, and who mayfitly represent the feelings and principles of the whole body ofChristians, summon Probus. From him may you learn without exaggerationor concealment, without reproach of others or undue boasting ofthemselves, what the Christians are in their doctrines and their lives, as citizens of Rome and loyal subjects of Aurelian, and what, ascitizens of heaven and loyal followers of Jesus Christ. '

The Emperor promised to consider it. He had no other reason to deny suchfavor, but the tedium of listening to what could profit neither him norothers. 

We then turned toward the palace, where I saw Livia; now as silent andsad as, when in Palmyra, she was lively and gay. Not that Aurelianabates the least of his worship, but that the gloom which overshadowshim imparts itself to her, and that knowing what has befallen Aurelia, she cannot but feel it to be a possible thing for the blow to fallelsewhere and nearer. Yet is there the same outward show as ever. Thepalace is still thronged, with not Rome only, but by strangers from allquarters of the empire, anxious to pay their homage at once to theEmpress of Rome, to the most beautiful woman in the world--such is thelanguage--and to a daughter of the far-famed Zenobia. 

The city is now crowded with travelers of all nations, so much so thatthe inns can scarce receive them; and hardly ever before was privatehospitality so put to all its resources. With all, and everywhere, inthe streets, at the public baths, in the porticos, at the private orpublic banquet, the Christians are the one absorbing topic. And, atleast, this good comes with the evil, that thus the character of thisreligion, as compared with that of Rome and other faiths, is made knownto thousands who might otherwise never have heard of it, or have feltinterest enough in it to examine its claims. It leads to a large demandfor, and sale of, our sacred books. The copyists can hardly supply themso fast as they are wanted. For in the case of any dispute orconversation, it is common to hear the books themselves referred to, and then to be called in as witnesses for or against a statement made. And pleasant enough is it to see how clear the general voice is on ourside--especially with the strangers--how indignant they are, for themost part, that violence, to the extreme of another Decian persecution, should be so much as dreamed of. Would that the same could be said ofour citizens and countrymen! A large proportion of them indeed embracethe same liberal sentiments, but a greater part, if not for extremeviolence, are yet for oppression and suppression; and I dare not say howmany, for all that Aurelian himself designs. Among the lower orders, especially, a ferocious and blood-thirsty spirit breaks out in athousand ways that fills the bosom both with grief and terror. 

The clouds are gathering over us, Fausta, heavy and black with thetempest pent up within. The thunders are rolling in the distance, andeach hour coming nearer and nearer. Whom the lightnings shallstrike--how vain to conjecture! Would to God that Julia wereanywhere but here! For, to you I may say it, I cannot trustAurelian--yes--Aurelian himself I may; but not Aurelian the tool ofFronto. Farewell. 

LETTER IX. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

When I turned from the palace of Aurelian and again took my way towardsthe Coelian, I did it in the belief that before the day should end, edicts against the Christians would be published. I found, as Iconversed with many whom I met in the way, that from other sources thesame opinion had become common. In one manner or another it had comeabroad that measures had been resolved upon by the Emperor, and wouldsoon be put in force. Many indeed do not give the least credit to therumors, and believe that they all spring from the violent language ofFronto, which has been reported as that of Aurelian. You may wonder thatthere should be such uncertainty respecting a great design like this. But you must remember that Aurelian has of late shrouded himself in astudied obscurity. Not a despot, in the despotic lands of Asia, keepsmore secret counsel than he, or leans less upon the opinion or advice ofothers. All that is done throughout the vast compass of the empire, springs from him alone--all the affairs of foreign and dependentkingdoms are arranged and determined by him. As for Italy and thecapital, they are mere playthings in his hand. You ask if the senatedoes not still exist? I answer, it does; but, as a man exists whom apalsy has made but half alive; the body is there, but the soul is gone, and even the body is asleep. The senators, with all becoming gravity, assemble themselves at the capitol, and what time they sleep not awaythe tedious hours in their ivory chairs, they debate such high mattersas, 'whether the tax which this year falls heavy upon Capua, by reasonof a blast upon the grapes, shall be lightened or remitted!' or 'whetherthe petition of the Milanese for the construction at the public expenseof a granary shall be answered favorably!' or 'whether V. P. Naso shallbe granted a new trial after defeat at the highest court!' Not thatthere is not virtue in the senate, some dignity, some respect and lovefor the liberties of Rome--witness myself--but that the Emperor hasengrossed the whole empire to himself, and nothing is left for that bodybut to keep alive the few remaining forms of ancient liberty, byassembling as formerly, and taking care of whatever insignificantaffairs are intrusted to them. In a great movement like this against theChristians, Aurelian does not so much as recognize their existence. Noadvice is asked, no coöperation. And the less is he disposed tocommunicate with them in the present instance perhaps, from knowing sowell that the measure would find no favor in their eyes; but would, onthe contrary, be violently opposed. Everything, accordingly, originatesin the sovereign will of Aurelian, and is carried into effect by his armwielding the total power of this boundless empire--being now, what ithas been his boast to make it, coëxtensive with its extremest borders asthey were in the time of the Antonines. There is no power to resist him;nor are there many who dare to utter their real opinions, least of all, a senator, or a noble. A beggar in the street may do it with betterchance of its being respected, if agreeable to him, and of escapingrebuke or worse, if it be unpalatable. To the people, he is still, asever, courteous and indulgent. 

 * * * * *

There is throughout the city a strange silence and gloom, as if inexpectancy of some great calamity; or of some event of dark anduncertain character. The Christians go about their affairs as usual, notceasing from any labors, nor withdrawing from the scene of danger; butwith firm step and serious air keep on their way as if conscious of thegreat part which it is theirs to act, and resolved that it shall notsuffer at their hands. Many with whom I have spoken, put on even acheerful air as they have greeted me, and after the usual morning'ssalutation, have passed on as if things were in their usual train. Others with pale face and quivering lip confessed the inward tumult, andthat, if they feared naught for themselves, there were those at home, helpless and exposed, for whom the heart bled, and for whom it could notbut show signs of fear. 

I met the elder Demetrius. His manly and thoughtful countenance--thoughit betrayed nothing of weakness--was agitated with suppressed emotion. He is a man full of courage, but full of sensibility too. His affectionsare warm and tender as those of a girl. He asked me 'what I could informhim of the truth of the rumors which were now afloat of the mostterrific character. ' I saw where his heart was as he spoke, and answeredhim, as you may believe, with pain and reluctance. I knew, indeed, thatthe whole truth would soon break upon him--it was a foolishweakness--but I could hardly bring myself to tell him what a few hourswould probably reveal. I told him, however, all that I had just learnedfrom Aurelian himself, and which, as he made no reserve with regard tome, nor enjoined concealment, I did not doubt was fully resolved upon, and would be speedily put in force. As I spoke, the countenance of theGreek grew pale beyond its usual hue of paleness. He bent his head, asin perplexed and anxious thought; the tears were ready to overflow as heraised it, after a moment, and said, 'Piso, I am but recently a Christian. I know nothing of this religionbut its beauty and truth. It is what I have ever longed for, and nowthat I possess it I value it far more than life. But, '--he paused amoment--'I have mingled but little with this people; I know scarcelyany; I am ignorant of what they require of those who belong to theirnumber in such emergences. I am ready to die myself, rather than shrinkfrom a bold acknowledgment of what in my heart I believe to be thedivinest truth; but--my wife and my children!--must they too meet thesedangers? My wife has become what I am; my children are but infants; aGreek vessel sails to-morrow for Scio, where dwells, in peacefulsecurity, the father of my wife, from whom I received her, almost to hisdistraction; her death would be his immolation. Should I offend'--

'Surely not, ' I replied. 'If, as I believe will happen, the edicts ofthe Emperor should be published to-day, put them on board to-night, andlet to-morrow see them floating on the Mediterranean. We are not all tostand still and hold our throats to the knife of this imperial butcher. '

'God be thanked!' said Demetrius, and grasping my hand with fervorturned quickly and moved in the direction of his home. 

Soon after, seated with Julia and Probus--he had joined me as I partedfrom Demetrius--I communicated to her all that I had heard at thepalace. It neither surprised nor alarmed her. But she could not repressher grief at the prospect spread out before us of so much suffering tothe innocent. 

'How hard is this, ' said she, 'to be called to bear such testimony asmust now be borne to truth! These Christian multitudes, so many of whomhave but just adopted their new faith and begun to taste of thepleasures it imparts, all enjoying in such harmony and quietness theirrich blessings--with many their only blessings--how hard for them, allat once, to see the foundations of their peace broken up, and their verylives clamored for! rulers and people setting upon them as troops ofwild beasts! It demands almost more faith than I can boast, to sit herewithout complaint a witness of such wrong. How strange, Probus, thatlife should be made so difficult! That not a single possession worthhaving can be secured without so much either of labor or endurance! Iwonder if this is ever to cease on earth?'

'I can hardly suppose that it will, ' said Probus. 'Labor and suffering, in some of their forms, seem both essential. My arm would be weak as arush were it never moved; but exercised, and you see it is nervous andstrong; plied like a smith's, and it grows to be hard as iron andcapable of miracles. So it is with any faculty you may select; theharder it is tasked the more worthy it becomes; and without tasking atall, it is worth nothing. So seems to me it is with the whole man. In asmooth and even lot our worth never would be known, and we could respectneither ourselves nor others. Greatness and worth come only of collisionand conflict. Let our path be strewed with roses, and soft southerngales ever blow, and earth send up of her own accord our ready preparednutriment, and mankind would be but one huge multitude of Sybarites, dissolved in sloth and effeminacy. If no difficulty opposed, no laborexacted, body and mind were dead. Hence it is, we may believe, that manmust everywhere labor even for the food which is necessary to mereexistence. Life is made dear to us by an instinct--we shrink fromnothing as we do from the mere thought of non-existence--but still it isdeath or toil; that is the alternative. So that labor is thus insuredwherever man is found, and it is this that makes him what he is. Then heis made, moreover, so as to crave not only food but knowledge as much, and also virtue; but between him and both these objects there areinterposed, for the same reason doubtless, mountains of difficulty, which he must clamber up and over before he can bask in the pleasantfields that lie beyond, and then ascend the distant mountain-tops, fromwhich but a single step removes him from the abode of God. Doubt it not, lady, that it is never in vain and for naught that man labors andsuffers; but that the good which redounds is in proportion to what isundergone, and more than a compensation. If, in these times of darknessand fear, suffering is more, goodness and faith are more also. There areChristians, and men, made by such trials, that are never made elsewherenor otherwise--nor can be; just as the arm of Hercules could not be butby the labors of Hercules. What says Macer? Why even this, that God isto be thanked for this danger, for that the church needs it! The briefprosperity it has enjoyed since the time of Valerian and Macrianus, hascorrupted it, and it must be purged anew, and tried by fire! I think notthat; but I think this; that if suffering ever so extreme is ordained, there will be a virtue begotten in the souls of the sufferers, andabroad through them, that shall prove it not to have been in vain. '

'I can believe what you say, ' said Julia, 'at least I can believe in thevirtue ascribed to labor, and the collision with difficulty. Sufferingis passive; may it not be that we may come to place too much merit inthis?'

'It is not to be doubted that we may, ' replied Probus. 'The temptationto do so is great. It is easy to suffer. In comparison with labor andduty--life-long labor and duty--it is a light service. Yet it carrieswith it an imposing air, and is too apt to take to itself all the gloryof the Christian's course. Many who have lived as Christians butindifferently have, in the hour of persecution, and in the heat of thathour, rushed upon death and borne it well, and before it extremesttorture, and gained the crown of martyrdom and the name of saint--acrown not always without spot--a name not always honorable. He whosuffers for Christ must suffer with simplicity--even as he has livedwith simplicity. And when he has lived so, and endured the martyr'sdeath at last, that is to be accounted but the last of many acts of dutywhich are essentially alike--unless it may be that in many a previousconflict over temptation and the world and sin, there was a hardervictory won, and a harder duty done, than when the flames consumed him, or the beasts tare him limb from limb. '

'Yet, Probus, ' continued Julia, 'among the humble and the ignorant, where we cannot suppose that vanity could operate, where men havereceived Christianity only because it seemed to them just the faith theyneeded, and who then when it has been required that they renounce it, will not do so, but hold steadfastly to what they regard the truth ofGod, and for it take with meekness and patience all manner of torture, and death itself--there is surely here great virtue! Suffering here hasgreat worth and sets upon the soul the seal of God. Is it not so?'

'Most assuredly it is, ' answered Probus. 'O there is no virtue on earthgreater than theirs! When dragged from their quiet homes--unknown, obscure, despised, solitary, with not one pitying eye to look on upontheir sufferings, with none to record their name, none to know iteven--they do, nevertheless, without faltering, keep true to theirfaith, hugging it to them the closer the more it is tried to tear themasunder--this, this is virtue the greatest on earth! It is a testimonyborne to the truth of whatever cause is thus supported, that is dailybringing forth its fruits in the conviction and conversion ofmultitudes. It is said, that in the Decian persecution, it was thefortitude and patience under the cruelest sufferings of those humbleChristians whom no one knew, who came none knew whence, and who weredying out of a pure inward love of the faith they professed, that fellupon the hearts of admiring thousands with more than the force ofmiracle, and was the cause of the great and sudden growth of our numberswhich then took place. Still, suffering and dying for a faith is notunimpeachable evidence of its truth. There have been those who have diedand suffered for idolatries the most abhorred. It is proof, indeed, notat all of truth itself, but only of the deep sincerity of him whoprofesses it. '

'Yes, ' replied Julia, 'I see that it is so. But then it is a presumptionin behalf of truth, strong almost as miracles done for it, when somany--multitudes--in different ages, in the humblest condition of life, hesitate not to die rather than renounce their faith in a religion likethis of Christianity; which panders to not one of man's passions, appetites or weaknesses, but is the severest censor of morals the worldhas ever seen; which requires a virtue and a purity in its disciplessuch as no philosopher ever dared to impose upon his scholars; whoseonly promise is immortality--and that an immortality never to beseparated from the idea of retribution as making a part of it. They, whowill suffer and die for such a religion, do by that act work aseffectively for it, as their master by the signs and wonders which hedid. If Christianity were like many of the forms of Paganism; or if itministered to the cravings of our sensual nature, as we can conceive areligion might do; if it made the work of life light, and the rewardcertain and glorious; if it relieved its followers of much of thesuffering, and fear, and doubt, that oppress others--it would not besurprising that men should bear much for its sake; and their doing so, for what appealed so to their selfishness, would be no evidence, at allto be trusted, of its truth. But as it is, they who die for it afford apresumption in behalf of it, that appeals to the reason almost or quitewith the force of demonstration. So, I remember well, my reason wasimpressed by what I used to hear from Paul of the sufferings of theearly Christians. '

While Julia had been saying these things, it had seemed to me as ifthere was an unusual commotion in the streets; and as she ended I wasabout to look for the cause of it, when the hasty steps of severalrunning through the hall leading from the main entrance of the houseprevented me, and Milo breathless, followed by others of the household, rushed into the apartment where we sat, he exclaiming with every mark offear and horror upon his countenance, 'Ah! sir, it is all just as I was told by Curio it would be; the edictsare published on the capitol. The people are going about the streets nowin crowds, talking loud and furiously, and before night they say theChristians will all be delivered to their pleasure. '

Soon as Milo could pause, I asked him 'if he had read or seen theedicts?'

'No, I have not, ' he answered; 'I heard from Curio what they were tobe. '

I told Julia and Probus that such I did not believe was their tenor. Itdid not agree with usage, nor with what I had gathered from Aurelian ofhis designs. But that their import was probably, at present, no morethan deprivation of a portion of their freedom and of some of theirprivileges. It was the purpose of Aurelian first to convert back againthe erring multitudes to Paganism, for which time must be granted. 

But my words had no effect to calm the agitation of our slaves, who, filled with terror at the reports of Milo, and at the confusion in thestreets, had poured into the room, and were showing in a thousand waystheir affection for us, and their concern. Some of this number areChristians, having been made so by the daily conversations which Juliahas had with them, and the instruction she has given them in thegospels. Most however are still of that religion in which they werereared, as they are natives of the East, of the North, or of Africa. Butby all, with slight differences, was the same interest manifested in oursafety. They were ready to do anything for our protection; and chieflyurgent were they that we should that very night escape from Rome--theycould remain in security and defend the palace. When they had thus intheir simple way given free expression to their affections, I assuredthem that no immediate danger impended, but even if it did, I should notfly from it, but should remain where I was; that the religion for whichI might suffer was worth to those who held it a great deal more thanmere life--we could easily sacrifice life for it, if that should berequired. Some seemed to understand this--others not; but they thenretired, silent and calm, because they saw that we were so. 

Soon as they were withdrawn, I proposed to Probus that we should goforth and learn the exact truth. We accordingly passed to the street, which, as it is one that forms the principal avenue from this part ofthe city to the capitol, we found alive with numbers greater than usual, with their faces turned toward that quarter. We joined them and movedwith them in the same direction. It was a fearful thing, Fausta, even tome, who am rarely disturbed by any event, to listen to the languagewhich fell on my ear on all sides from the lips of beings who wore thesame form as myself, and with me have a right to the name of man. It waschiefly that of exultation and joy, that at length the power of thestate was about to strike at the root of this growing evil--that one hadtaken hold of the work who would not leave it, as others had, halfaccomplished, but would finish it, as he had every other to which he hadput his hand. 

'Now we shall see, ' cried one, 'what he whose hand bears the sword of atrue soldier can do, and whether Aurelian, who has slain more foes ofRome abroad than emperor before ever did, cannot do as well by enemiesat home. '

'Never doubt it, ' said another. 'Before the ides of the month now justcome in, not a Christian will be seen in the streets of Rome. They willbe swept out as clean, as by Varus they now are of other filth. ThePrefect is just the man for the times. Aurelian could not have beenbetter matched. '

'Lucky this, ' said still another as he hurried away, 'is it not? Threevessels arrived yesterday stowed thick with wild beasts from Africa andAsia. By the gods! there will be no starving for them now. The only fearwill be that gorged so they will lose their spirit. '

'I don't fear that, ' said his older companion. 'I remember well the samegame twenty-five years ago. The fact was then that the taste of humanblood whetted it for more and more, and, though glutted, their rageseemed but to become more savage still; so that, though hunger was fedto the full, and more, they fell upon fresh victims with increasedfury--with a sort of madness as it were. Such food, 'tis said, crazesthem. 

Others were soon next us from whom I heard, 'Let every soul perish. I care not for that, or rather I do. Let all dieI say; but not in this savage way. Let it be done by a properaccusation, trial, and judgment. Let profession of atheism be death by alaw, and let the law be executed, and the name will soon die. Inevitabledeath under a law for any one who assumes the name, would soon do thework of extermination--better than this universal slaughter which, Ihear, is to be the way. Thousands are then overlooked in the blindpopular fury; the work by and by ceases through weariness; it is thoughtto be completed--when lo! as the first fury of the storm is spent, theycome forth from their hiding-places, and things are but little betterthan before. '

'I think with you, ' said the younger companion of him who had justspoken; 'and besides, Romans need not the further instruction in the artof assassination, which such a service would impart. Already nothingcomes so like nature to a Roman as to kill; kill something--if not abeast, a slave--if there is no slave at hand, a Christian--if noChristian, a citizen. One would think we sucked in from our mothers notmilk but blood--the blood too of our Parent Wolf. If the state cannotstand secure, as our great men say, but by the destruction of thispeople, in the name of the gods, let the executioners do the work, notour sons, brothers, and fathers. So too, I say, touching the accursedgames at the Flavian and elsewhere. What is the effect but to make of usa nation of man-butchers? as, by the gods, we already are. If the godssend not something or somebody to mend us, we shall presently fall uponone another and exterminate ourselves. '

'Who knows but it is this very religion of the Christians that has beensent for that work?' said a third who had joined the two. 'TheChristians are famed for nothing more than for their gentleness, andtheir care of one another--so, at least, I hear. '

'Who knows, indeed?' said the other. 'If it be so, pity it were notfound out soon. Aurelian will make short work with them. '

In the midst of such conversation, which on every side caught our earsas we walked silently along, we came at length to the neighborhood ofthe capitol; but so great was the throng of the people, who in Rome, have naught else to do but to rush together upon every piece of news, that we could not even come within sight of the building, much less ofthe parchment. 

We accordingly waited patiently to learn from some who might emerge fromthe crowd what the precise amount of the edicts might be. We stood notlong, before one struggling and pushing about at all adventures, red andpuffing with his efforts, extricated himself from the mass, andadjusting his dress which was half torn from his back, began swearingand cursing the Emperor and his ministers for a parcel of women andfools. 

'What is it?' we asked, gathering about him. 'What have you seen? Didyou reach the pillar?'

'Reach it? I did; but my cloak, that cost yesterday ten good aurelians, did not, and here I stand cloakless--'

'Well, but the edicts. '

'Well, but the edicts! Be not in a hurry, friend--they are worth not somuch as my cloak. Blank parchment were just as good. I wonder old'sword-in-hand didn't hang up a strip--'twould have saved the expense ofa scrivener. If any of you hear of a cloak found hereabouts, or anyconsiderable part of one, blue without, lined with yellow, and trimmedwith gold, please to note the name sewed on beneath the left shoulder, and send it according to the direction and your labor shall not belost. '

'But the edicts--the edicts. '

'O the edicts! why they are just this; the Christians are told that theymust neither assemble together in their houses of worship to hear theirpriests, nor turn the streets into places of worship in their stead; butleave off all their old ways just as fast as they can and worship thegods. There's an edict for you!'

'Who is this?' said one to Probus. 

'I do not know; he seems sadly disappointed at the Emperor's clemency ashe deems it. '

But what Probus did not know, another who at the moment came up, did;exclaiming, as he slapped the disappointed man on the shoulder, 'What, old fellow, you here? always where mischief is brewing. But whoever saw you without Nero and Sylla? What has happened? and no cloakeither?'

'Nero and Sylla are in their den--for my cloak I fear it is in a worseplace. But come, give me your arm, and let us return. I thought a finebusiness was opening, and so ran up to see. But it's all a sham. '

'It's only put off, ' said his companion, as they walked away; 'your dogswill have enough to do before the month is half out--if Fronto knowsanything. '

'That is one, I see, ' said he who had spoken to Probus, 'who breedshounds for the theatres--I thought I had seen him before. His ordinarystock is not less than five hundred blood-hounds. He married the sisterof the gladiator Sosia. His name is Hanno. '

Having heard enough, we turned away and sought again the Coelian. Youthus see, Fausta, what Rome is made of, and into what hands we may allcome. Do you wonder at my love of Christianity? at my zeal for itsprogress? Unless it prosper, unless it take root and spread through thispeople, their fate is sealed, to my mind, with the same certainty as ifI saw their doom written upon the midnight sky in letters of fire. Theirown wickedness will break them in pieces and destroy them. It is aweight beneath which no society can stand. It must give way in generalanarchy and ruin. But my trust is that, in spite of Aurelian and of allother power, this faith will go on its way, and so infuse itself intothe mass as never to be dislodged, and work out its perfect ultimateregeneration. 

By this decree of the Emperor then, which was soon published in everypart of the capital, the Christians are prohibited from assemblingtogether for purposes of worship, their churches are closed, and theirpreachers silenced. 

One day intervenes between this, and the first day of the week, the dayon which the Christians as you may perhaps know assemble for theirworship. In the meantime it will be determined what course shall bepursued. 

 * * * * *

Those days have passed, Fausta, and before I seal my letter I will addto it an account of them. 

Immediately upon the publication of the Emperor's decrees, theChristians throughout the city communicated with each other, andresolved, their places of worship being all closed and guarded, toassemble secretly, in some spot to be selected, both for worship and todetermine what was to be done, if anything, to shield themselves fromthe greater evils which threatened. The place selected was the old ruinswhere the house of Macer stands. 'There still remains, ' so Macer urged, 'a vast circular apartment partly below and partly above the surface ofthe ground, of massy walls, without windows, remote from the streets, and so surrounded by fallen walls and columns as to be wholly buriedfrom the sight. The entrance to it was through his dwelling, and therooms beyond. Resorting thither when it should be dark, and seeking hishouse singly and by different avenues among the ruins, there would belittle chance of observation and disturbance. ' Macer's counsel wasaccepted. 

On the evening of the first day of the week--a day which since I hadreturned from the East to Rome had ever come to me laden with bothpleasure and profit--I took my way under cover of a night without staror moon, and doubly dark by reason of clouds that hung black and low, tothe appointed place of assembly. The cold winds of autumn were drivingin fitful blasts through the streets, striking a chill into the soul aswell as the body. They seemed ominous of that black and bitter stormthat was even now beginning to break in sorrow and death upon thefollowers of Christ. Before I reached the ruins the rain fell in heavydrops, and the wind was rising and swelling into a tempest. It seemed tome, in the frame I was then in, better than a calm. It was moreover awall of defence against such as might be disposed to track and betrayus. 

Entering by the door of Macer's cell, I passed through many dark andnarrow apartments, following the noise of the steps of some who weregoing before me, till at length I emerged into the vaulted hall spokenof by Macer. It was lofty and spacious, and already filled with figuresof men and women, whom the dim light of a few lamps, placed upon thefragments of the fallen architecture, just enabled me to discern anddistinguish from the masses of marble and broken columns which strewedthe interior, which, when they afforded a secure footing, were coveredwith the assembled worshippers. The footsteps of those who were the lastto enter soon died away upon the ear, and deep silence ensued, unbrokenby any sound save that of the sighs and weeping of such as could notrestrain their feelings. 

It was interrupted by the voice of one who said, 'That the Christians of Rome were assembled here by agreement to consulttogether concerning their affairs, which now, by reason of the suddenhostility of Aurelian, set on by the Pagan priesthood, had assumed adark and threatening aspect. It was needful so to consult; that it mightbe well ascertained whether no steps could be taken to ward off theimpending evil, and if not, in what manner and to what extent we mightbe able to protect ourselves. But before this be done, ' he continued, 'let us all first with one heart seek the blessing of God. To-day, Christians, for the first time within the memory of the younger portionof this assembly, have we by the wicked power of the state been shut outof those temples where we have been wont to offer up our seventh dayworship. Here, in this deep cavern, there is none to alarm orinterrupt. Let us give our first hour to God. So shall the day not belost, nor the enemy wholly prevail. '

'That is right, ' said another. 'It is what we all wish. Let Probus speakto us and pray for us. '

'Felix! Felix!' cried other voices in different parts of the room. 

'Not so, but Probus! Probus!' shouted a far greater number. 

'Who does not know, ' cried a shrill voice elevated to its utmost pitch, 'that Probus is a follower of Paul of Samosata?'

'And who does not know, ' responded he who had first spoken, 'that Felixfollows after Plato and Plotinus? Pagans both!'

'And what, ' said the sharp voice of Macer, 'what if both be true? whodare say that Felix is not a Christian?--who dare say that Probus is nota Christian? and if they are Christians, who shall dare to say they maynot speak to Christians? Probus was first asked, and let Probus standforth. '

The name of Probus was then uttered as it were by the whole assembly. 

As he moved toward a more central and elevated spot, the same mean andshrill voice that had first charged him, again was heard, advising thatno hymn nor chant be sung; 'the Roman watch is now abroad, and despitethe raging of the storm their ears may catch the sound and the guard beupon us. '

'Let them come then!' shouted Macer. 'Let them come! Shall any fear ofman or of death frighten us away from the worship of God? What deathmore glorious than if this moment those doors gave way and the legionsof Aurelian poured in? Praise God and Christ, Christians, in the highestnote you can raise, and let no cowardice seal your lips nor abate yourbreath. '

The voice of Probus, now heard in prayer, brought a deep silence uponthe assembly, and I would fain believe, harmony and peace also into thespirits of all who were there. It was a service deeply moving andgreatly comforting. Whatever any who were present might have thought ofthe principles of Probus, all must have been penetrated and healed bythat devout and benevolent temper that was so manifest in the sentimentshe uttered, and in the very tones of his voice. 

No sooner had he ended his prayer than the voice of Macer broke forth, commencing a chant commonly heard in the churches and with which allwere familiar. His voice, louder than that of the storm and shrillerthan the blast of a war-trumpet, rang through the vast apartment, andinspiring all who were there with the same courage that possessedhimself, their voices were instinctively soon joined with his, and thehymn swelled upward with a burst of harmony that seemed as if it mightreach Heaven itself. Rome and its legions were then as if they did notexist. God only was present to the mind, and the thoughts with whichthat hymn filled it. Its burden was like this:

'O God almighty, God of Christ our Lord, arise and defend thy people. The terrors of death are around us the enemies of truth and thy Sonassail us, and we faint and are afraid. Their hosts are encamped againstus; they are ready to devour us. Our hope is in thee: Strengthen anddeliver us. Arise, O God, and visit us with thy salvation. '

These, and words like them, repeated with importunity and dwelt upon, the whole soul pouring itself out with the notes, while tears ran downthe cheeks of those who sang--the sign not of weakness but of thestrength of those affections which bound their hearts to God, to Christ, and to one another--it seemed as if such words and so uttered could notbut draw a blessing down. As the hymn drew to a close and the soundsdied away, deep silence again fell upon the assembly. The heart had beenrelieved by the service; the soul had been rapt and borne quite away;and by a common feeling an interval of rest ensued, which by each seemedto be devoted to meditation and prayer. This, when it had lasted tillthe wants of each had been satisfied, was broken by the voice of Probus. 

What he said was wonderfully adapted to infuse fresh courage into everyheart, and especially to cheer and support the desponding and the timid. He held up before them the great examples of those who, in the earlierages of the church, had offered themselves as sacrifices upon the samealtar upon which the great head of the Christians had laid down hislife. He made it apparent how it had ever been through suffering of somekind on the part of some, that great benefits had been conferred uponmankind; that they who would be benefactors of their race must bewilling cheerfully to bear the evil and suffering that in so great partconstitutes that office; and was it not a small thing to suffer, andthat in the body only, and but for a moment, if by such means great andpermanent blessings to the souls of men might be secured, and remotestages of the world made to rejoice and flourish through the effects oftheir labors? Every day of their worship they were accustomed to hearsung or recited the praises of those who had died for Christ and truth;men of whom the world was not worthy, and who, beautiful with the crownof martyrdom, were now of that glorious company who, in the presence ofGod, were chanting the praises of God and the Lamb. Who was not ready todie, if it were so ordained, if by such death truth could be transmittedto other ages? What was it to die to-day rather than to-morrow--for thatwas all--or this year rather than the next, if one's death could be madesubservient to the great cause of Christ and his gospel? What was it todie by the sword of a Roman executioner, or even to be torn by wildbeasts, if by suffering so the soul became allied to reformers andbenefactors of all ages? And besides, what evil after all was it in thepower of their enemies to inflict? They could do no more than tormentand destroy the body. They could not touch nor harm the soul. By theinfliction of death itself they did but hasten the moment when theyshould stand clothed in shining garments in the presence of the Father. 'The time has come, Christians, ' he then said, 'when, in the providenceof God, you are called upon to be witnesses of the faith which youprofess in Christ. After many years of calm, a storm has arisen, whichbegins already to be felt in the violence with which it beats upon ourheads. Almost ever since the reign of Decius have we possessed ourborders in quietness. Especially under Gallienus and Claudius, andduring these nearly four years of Aurelian, have we enjoyed our faithand our worship with none to alarm or oppress us. The laws of the empirehave been as a wall of defence between us and this fierce and bloodyspirit of Pagan superstition. They who would have willingly assailed anddestroyed us have been forcibly restrained by wise and mercifulenactments. During this season of repose our numbers have increased, wehave been prosperous and happy. Our churches have multiplied, and allthe signs of an outward prosperity have been visible in all parts ofthis vast empire. Would to God I could say that while numbers and wealthhave been added to the church, it had grown in grace and in the practiceof the virtues of the gospel in the same proportion! But I cannot. Thesimplicity and purity of the first ages are no longer to be seen amongus. We no longer emulate the early apostles and make them our patterns. We rather turn to the Pagan and Jewish priesthood, and in all thatpertains to the forms of our worship mould ourselves upon them; and inall that pertains to opinion and doctrine we turn to the philosophers, and engraft, whatever of their mysteries and subtleties we can, upon theplain and simple truth of Jesus. We have departed far, very far, fromthe gospel standard, both in practice and in faith. We need, Christians, to be brought back. We have gone astray--we have almost worshipped othergods, --it is needful that we return in season to our true allegiance. Idare not say, Christians, that the calamity which now impends is ajudgment of God upon our corruptions; we know not what events are of ajudicial character, they have upon them no signature which marks them assuch; but this we may say, that it will he no calamity, but a benefitand a blessing rather, if it have the effect to show us our errors, andcause us to retrace our steps. Aurelian, enemy though we call him, mayprove our benefactor; he may scourge us, but the sufferings he inflictsmay bring healing along with them, being that very medicine which thesick soul needs. Let us meet then this new and heavy trial as a part ofthe providence of God, as a part of that mysterious plan--the lines ofwhich are in so great part hidden from our eyes--by which he educateshis children, and at the same time, and by the same means, prepares andtransmits to future generations the richest blessings. If we, Christians, suffer for the cause of truth, if our blood is poured outlike water, let us remember that it serves to fertilize that soil out ofwhich divine nutriment shall grow for generations yet unborn, whom itshall nourish up unto a better life. Let your hearts then be strongwithin you; faint not, nor fear; God will be with you and his Spiritcomfort you. 

'But why do I say these things? Why do I exhort you to courage? For whenwas it known that the followers of Christ shrunk from the path of duty, though it were evidently the path of death? When and in what age havethose been wanting who should bear witness to the truth, and seal itwith their blood? There have been those who in time of persecution havefallen away--but for one apostate there have been a thousand martyrs. Wehave been, I may rather affirm, too prodigal of life--too lavish of ourblood. There has been, in former ages, not only a willingness, areadiness to die for Christ, but an eagerness. Christians have notwaited to be searched for and found by the ministers of Roman power;they have thrust themselves forward; they have gone up of their ownaccord to the tribunal and proclaimed their faith, and invited the deathat which nature trembles and revolts. But shall we blame this divineardor? this more than human contempt of suffering and death? thisburning zeal for the great cause of our Master? Let us rather honor andrevere it as a temper truly divine and of more than mortal force. Butlet us be just to all. While we honor the courage and self-sacrificinglove of so many, let us not require that all should be such, nor castsuspicion upon those who--loving Christ not less in their hearts--shrinkfrom the sufferings in which others glory. Ye need not, Christian menand women, yourselves rush to the tribunal of Varus, ere you can feelthat you are Christ's indeed. It is not needful that to be a Christianyou must also be a martyr. Ye need not, ye ought not, impatiently seekfor the rack and the cross. It is enough if, when sought and found andarraigned, you be found faithful; if then you deny not nor renounce yourLord, but glory in your name, and with your dying breath shout it forthas that for which you gladly encounter torture and death. Go not forththen seeking the martyr's crown! Wait till you are called. God knoweth, and he alone, whom he would have to glorify him by that death which isso much more to be coveted than life. Leave all in the hand ofProvidence. You that are not chosen, fear not that, though later, thegates of Heaven shall not be thrown open for you. Many are the pathsthat lead to those gates. Besides, shall all rush upon certain death?Were all martyrs, where then were the seed of the church? They who live, and by their life, consecrate to holiness and God, show that they arehis, do no less for their Master and his cause than do they who die forthat cause. Nay, 'tis easier to die well than to live well. The crosswhich we bear through a long life of faithful service, is a heavier onethan that which we bear as we go up our Calvary. Leave all then, Christian men and women, in the hands of God. Seek not death nor life. Shun not life nor death. Say each, "Here, Lord, is thy servant, do withhim as shall seem to thee good. "

'And now, Christians, how shall we receive the edict of Aurelian? Itsilences our preachers, it closes our churches. What now is the duty ofthe Christians of Rome?'

Soon as this question was proposed by Probus, many voices from variousparts of the room gave in their judgments. At first, the opinionsexpressed differed on many points: but as the discussion was prolongedthe difference grew less and less, till unanimity seemed to be attained. It was agreed at length, that it was right to conform to the edict sofar as this: 'That they would not preach openly in the streets norelsewhere; they would, at first, and scrupulously, conform to the edictin its letter and spirit--until they had seen what could be done byappeals both to the Emperor and the senate; but, maintaining at the sametime, that if their appeals were vain, if their churches were notrestored to them with liberty to assemble in them as formerly and forthe same purposes--then they would take the freedom that was notgranted, and use it as before, and abide by the issue; no power of manshould close their mouths as ambassadors of God, as followers of Christand through him reformers of the world; they would speak--they wouldpreach and pray, though death were the immediate reward. '

In this determination I heartily agreed as both moderate and yet firm;as showing respect for the powers that are over us, and at the same timeasserting our own rights, and declaring our purpose to stand by them. But so thought not all. For no sooner was the opinion of the assemblydeclared than Macer broke forth:

'I have heard, ' said he, 'the judgment which has been pronounced. But Ilike it not--I agree not to it. Shall the minister of Christ, theambassador of God, a messenger from Heaven to earth, hold his peace atthe behest of a man, though he be an emperor, or of ten thousand men, were all emperors? Not though every Christian in Rome subscribed to thisjudgment, not though every Christian in the world assented to it, wouldI. Is Christ to receive laws of Aurelian? Is the cause of God and truthto be postponed to that of the empire? and posterity to die of hungerbecause we refuse to till the earth? We are God's spiritualhusbandmen--the heart of Rome is our field of labor--it is already theeleventh hour--the last days are at hand--and shall we forbear our toil?shall we withdraw our hand from the plough? shall we cease to proclaimthe glad tidings of salvation because the doors of our churches areclosed? Not so, Christians, by the blessing of God, shall it be with me. While the streets of Rome and her door-stones will serve me for churchand pulpit, and while my tongue is left unwrenched from my mouth, will Inot cease to declare Jesus Christ and him crucified! Think you Aurelianwill abate his wrath or change his purposes of death, for all yourhumble sueing? that cringing and fawning will turn aside the messengersof death? Believe it not. Ye know not Aurelian. More would ye gain withhim, did the faith of the peace-loving Jesus allow it, if ye went forthin battle array and disputed this great question in the streets of Romesword in hand! More would ye gain now, if ye sent a word ofdefiance--denying his right to interpose between God and hispeople--between Christ and his church--and daring him to do his worst, than by this tame surrender of your rights--this almost base denial ofyour Master. No sooner shall tomorrow's sun have risen, than on the verysteps of the capitol will I preach Christ, and hurl the damnation of Godupon this bloody Emperor and his bloody people. '

'O, Macer, Macer! cease, cease!' cried a woman's voice from the crowd. 'You know not what you say! Already have your harsh words put newbitterness into Aurelian's heart. Forbear, as you love Christ and us. '

'Woman--' replied Macer, 'for such your voice declares you to be--I dolove both Christ and you, and it is because I love you that I aim to setaside this faithless judgment of the Roman Christians. But when I say Ilove you and the believers in Rome, I mean your souls, not your bodies. I love not your safety, nor your peace, nor your outward comforts; yourhouses, nor your wealth, nor your children, nor your lives, nor anythingthat is yours which the eye can see or the hands handle. I love yoursouls, and, beside them, nothing. And while it is them I love, and forthem am bound in the spirit as a minister of Christ, I may not hold mypeace, nor hide myself, for that there is a lion in the path! As asoldier of the cross I will never flee. Though at the last day I hear noother word of praise from Him the judge--and no other shall I hear, formy Pagan sins weigh me down--down--help, Lord! or I perish!--' Macer'svoice here took the tone of deepest agony; he seemed for a time whollylost, standing still, with outstretched arms and uplifted eye. After along pause he suddenly resumed. 'What did I say?--It was this: though Ihear no other word of praise from my judge as I stand at hisjudgment-seat, I trust I shall hear this, that I did not flee nor hidemyself, that I was no coward, but a bold and fearless soldier of thecross, ready at any time and at all times to suffer for the souls of mybrethren. '

'Think not, Macer, ' said Probus, 'that we shrink at the prospect ofdanger. But we would be not only bold and unshrinking, but wise andprudent. There is more than one virtue goes to make the Christian man. We think it right and wise first to appeal to the Emperor's love ofjustice. We think it might redound greatly to our advantage if we couldobtain a public hearing before Aurelian, so that from one of our ownside he, with all the nobility of Rome, might hear the truth in Christ, and then judge whether to believe so was hurtful to the state, ordeserving of torture and death. '

'As well, Probus, ' replied Macer, 'might you preach the faith of Christin the ear of the adder! to the very stones of the highways! Aurelianturn from a settled purpose! ha! ha! you have not served, Probus, underhim in Gaul and Asia as others have. Never did the arguments of hislegions and his great officers on the other side, serve but to intrenchhim the more impregnably in his own. He knows not what the word changemeans. But were this possible, and of good hope, it shows not that plainand straight path to which my spirit points, and which therefore I musttravel. Is it right to hearken to man rather than God? That to me isthe only question. Shall Aurelian silence the ambassador of God andChrist? Shall man wrestle and dispute it with the Almighty? God, orAurelian, which shall it be? To me, Christians, it would be a crime ofdeeper dye than the errors of my Pagan youth, did I chain my tongue, were it but for an hour, at the command of Aurelian. I have a lightwithin, and it is that I must obey. I reason not--I weigh notprobabilities--I balance not argument against argument--I feel! and thatI take to be the instinct of God--the inspiration of his holySpirit--and as I feel so am I bound to act. '

It was felt to be useless to reason with this impetuous and self-willedman. He must be left to work out his own path through the surroundingperils, and bear whatever evil his violent rashness might draw upon hishead. Yet his are those extreme and violent opinions and feelings whichare so apt to carry away the multitude, and it was easy to see that alarge proportion of the assembly went with him. Another occasion wasgiven for their expression. 

When it had been determined that the edicts should be observed so far asto refrain from all public preaching and all assembling together, tillthe Emperor had been first appealed to, it then became a question inwhat manner he should be approached, and by whom, in behalf of the wholebody. And no sooner had Macer ceased, than the same voice which hadfirst brought those charges against Probus was again heard--the voice asI have since learned of a friend of Felix, and an exorcist. 

'If it be now determined, ' said the voice, 'that we appeal to theclemency of the Emperor in order to avert from our heads the evil thatseems to be more than threatened, let it be done by some one who in hisfaith may nay represent the great body of Christ's followers. Whetherthe Emperor shall feel well inclined toward us or not, will it notgreatly depend upon the manner in which the truth in Christ shall be setforth, and whether by means of the principles and doctrines that shallbe shown to belong to it and constitute it, it shall be judged by him tobe of hurtful or beneficial tendency? Now it is well known to all howvariously Christ is received and interpreted in Rome. As received bysome, his gospel is one thing; as received by others, it is another andquite a different thing. Who can doubt that our prospect of a favorablehearing with Aurelian will be an encouraging one in the proportion thathe shall perceive our opinions to agree with those which have alreadybeen advanced in the schools of philosophy--especially in that of thedivine Plato. This agreement and almost identity has, ever since thetime of Justin, been pointed out and learnedly defended. They whoperceive this agreement, and rest in it as their faith, now constitutethe greater part of the Christian world. Let him then who is to bespeakfor us the Emperor's good-will be, as in good sooth he ought to be, ofthese opinions. As to the declaration that has been made that one is asmuch a Christian as another, whatever the difference of faith may be, Icannot receive it; and he who made the declaration, I doubt would scarceabide by it, since as I learn he is a worshipper and follower of thatfalse-hearted interloper Novatian. The puritans least of all are apt toregard with favor those who hold not with them. Let Felix then, who, ifany now living in Rome may stand forward as a specimen of what Christ'sreligion is in both its doctrine and its life--let Felix plead our causewith Aurelian. '

The same difference of feeling and opinion manifested itself as before. Many voices immediately cried out, 'Yes, yes, Felix, let Felix speak forus. ' While others from every part of the room were heard shouting out, 'Probus, Probus, let Probus be our advocate!'

At length the confusion subsided as a single voice made itself heardabove the others and caught their attention, saying, 'If Felix, O Christians, as has just been affirmed, represents theopinions which are now most popular in the Christian world, at leasthere in Rome, Probus represents those which are more ancient--' He wasinstantly interrupted. 

'How long ago, ' cried another, 'lived Paul of Samosata?'

'When died the heretic Sabellius?' added still another. 

'Or Praxeas?' said a third, 'or Theodotos? or Artemon?'

'These, ' replied the first, soon as he could find room forutterance--'these are indeed not of the earliest age, but they from whomthey learned their faith are of that age, namely, the apostles and thegreat master of all. '

'Heresy, ' cried out one who had spoken before, 'always dates from theoldest; it never has less age nor authority than that of Christ. '

'Christians! Christians!' Macer's stentorian voice was now heardtowering above the tumult, 'what is it ye would have? What are thesedistinctions about which ye dispute? What have they to do with thematter now in hand? How would one doctrine or the other in such mattersweigh with Aurelian more than straws or feathers? But if these are starknaught, and less than naught, there are other questions pertinent to thetime, nay, which the time forces upon us, and about which we should bewell agreed. A new age of persecution has arisen, and the church isabout to be sifted, and the wheat separated from the chaff--the first tobe gathered into the garners of God, the last to be burnt up in fireunquenchable. Now is it to be proved who are Christ's, and who arenot--who will follow him bearing their cross to some new Calvary, andwho, saving their lives, shall yet lose them. Who knows not the evilthat, in the time of Decius, yes, and before and since too, fell uponthe church from the so easy reception and restoration of those who, inan hour of weakness and fear, denied their master and his faith, andbowed the knee to the gods of Rome? Here is the danger against which weare to guard; from this quarter--not from any other of vain jargonconcerning natures, essences, and modes of being--are we to look forthose fatal inroads to be made upon the purity of the gospel, thatcannot but draw along with them corruption and ruin. Of what stuff willthe church then be made, when they who are its ministers, deacons andbishops, shall be such as, when danger showed itself, relapsed intoidolatry, and, soon as the clouds had drifted by, and the winds blewsoft, came forth again into the calm sunshine, renounced their idolatry, and again professing Christ, were received to the arms of the church, and even to the communion of the body and blood of our Lord?Christians, the great Novatian is he to whom we owe what purity thechurch yet retains, and it is in allegiance to him--'

'The great Novatian!' exclaimed a priest of the Roman church, 'greatonly in his infamy! Himself an apostate once, he sought afterwards, having been received himself back again to the church upon hisrepentance, to bury his shame under a show of zeal against such as wereguilty of the same offence. His own weakness or sin, instead of teachinghim compassion, served but to harden his heart. Is this the man to whoseprinciples we are to pledge ourselves? Were his principles sound inthemselves, we could hardly take them from such a source. But they arefalse. They are in the face of the spirit and letter of the gospel. Whatis the character of the religion of Christ, if it be not mercy? Yet thisgreat Novatian, to those who like Peter have fallen--Peter whom hismaster received and forgave--denies all mercy! and for one offence, however penitence may wring the soul, cuts them off forever like arotten branch from the body of Christ! Is this the teacher whosefollower should appeal for us to the Roman Emperor?'

'I seek not, ' Macer began to say, 'to defend the bishop of Rome--'

'Bishop!' cried the other, 'bishop! who ever heard that Novatian wasbishop of Rome? But who has not heard that that wicked and ambitious manthrough envy of Cornelius, and resolved to supplant him, caused himselfto be ordained bishop by a few of that order, weak and corrupt men, whom he bribed to the bad work, but who, corrupt as they were, andbribed as they were, it was first needful to make drunk beforeconscience would allow them by such act eternally to disgrace themselvesand the church--'

'Lies and slanders all, ' cried Macer and others with him, in the samebreath and with their utmost voice. The greatest confusion prevailed. Athousand contradictory cries were heard. In the midst of the uproar thename of Macer was proclaimed by many as that of one who would bestassert and defend the Christian cause before Aurelian. But these weresoon overborne and silenced by a greater number, who now again calledupon Probus to fill that office. 

Probus seemed not sorry that, his name being thus tumultuously calledout, he had it again in his power to speak to the assembly. Making asign accordingly that he would be heard, he said, 'That he coveted not the honorable office of appealing for them to theEmperor of Rome. It would confer more happiness a thousand fold, Christians, if I could by any words of mine put harmony and peace intoyour hearts, than if I might even convert a Roman emperor. What a sceneof confusion and discord is this, at such an hour, when, if ever, ourhearts should be drawn closer together by this exposure to a commoncalamity. Why is it that when at home, or moving abroad in the businessof life, your conversation so well becomes your name and faith, drawingupon you even the commendation of your Pagan foes, you no soonerassemble together, as now, than division and quarrel ensue, in suchmeasure, as among our Heathen opponents is never seen? Why is it, Christians, that when you are so ready to die for Christ, you will notlive at peace for him? Honor you not him more by showing that you are ofhis spirit, that for his name's sake you are willing to bear patientlywhatever reproach may be laid upon you, than you do even by sufferingand dying for him? The questions you have here agitated are not for thishour and place. What now does it signify whether one be a follower ofPaul, of Origen, of Sabellius, or Novatian, when we are each and all soshortly to be called upon to confess our allegiance to neither ofthese--but to a greater, even Jesus, the master and head of us all! Andwhat has our preference for some of the doctrines of either of these todo with our higher love of Christ and his truth? By such preference isour superior and supreme regard for Jesus and his word vitiated orinvalidated? Nay, what is it we then do when we embrace the peculiardoctrine of some great or good man, who has gone before, but embracethat which in a peculiar sense we regard as the doctrine of Christ? Wereceive the peculiar doctrine of Paul, or Justin, or Origen, not becauseit is theirs, but because we think they have shown it to be eminentlythe doctrine of Christ. In binding upon us then the dogmas of anyteacher, we ought not to be treated other than as those who, in doingso, are seeking to do the highest honor, not to such teacher, but toChrist. I am charged as a disciple of the bishop of Antioch, and thehonored Felix as a disciple of Plato. If I honor Paul of Samosata, Christians, for any of his truth, it is because I deem him to havediscerned clearly the truth as it is in Jesus. My faith is not in him, but in Jesus. And if Felix honor Plato or Plotinus, it is but becausein them he beholds some clearer unfolding--clearer than elsewhere--ofthe truth in Christ. Are not we then, and all who do the same thing, tobe esteemed as those who honor Christ? not deny nor forsake him. And aswe all hold in especial reverence some one or another of a former age, through whom as a second master we receive the doctrines of the gospel, ought we not all to love and honor one another, seeing that in the sameway we all love and honor Christ? Let love, Christians, mutual honor andlove, be the badge of our discipleship, as it was in the first age ofthe church. Soon, very soon, will you be called to bear testimony to thecause you have espoused, and perhaps seal it with your blood. Be notless ready to show your love to those around you by the promptness withwhich you lend your sympathy, or counsel, or aid, as this new flood ofadversity flows in upon them. But why do I exhort you? The thousand actsof kindness, of charity, of brotherly love, which flow outwards from youin a perpetual stream toward Heathen not less than Christian, and havedrawn upon you the admiration even of the Pagan world, is sufficientassurance that your hearts will not be cold when the necessities of thisheavier time shall lay upon you their claims. It is only in the publicassembly, and in the ardor of debate, that love seems cold and dead. Forget then, now and tomorrow, that you are followers of any other thanChrist. Forget that you call yourselves after one teacher or another, and remember only that you are brethren, members of one family, of thesame household of faith, owning one master, worshipping one and the sameGod and Father of us all. And now, Christians, if you would rather thatFelix should defend you before Aurelian, I would also. There is noneamong us who loves Christ more or better than he, or would more readilylay down his life for his sake. '

Felix however joined with all the others--for all now, after these fewwords of Probus, seemed of one opinion--in desiring that Probus shouldappear for the Christians before the Emperor; which he then consented todo. Harmony was once more restored. The differences of opinion, whichseparated them, seemed to be forgotten, and they mingled as friends andfellow-laborers in the great cause of truth. They who had been harshestin the debate--which was at much greater length, and conducted with muchmore vehemence than as I have described it--were among the most forwardto meet with urbanity those who were in faith the most distantly removedfrom them. A long and friendly interview then took place, in which eachcommuned with each, and by words of faith or affection helped to supplythe strength which all needed for the approaching conflict. One saw nolonger and heard no longer the enthusiastic disputant more bent uponvictory than truth, and heedless of the wounds he gave to the heart, provided he convinced the head or silenced the tongue, but instead, those who now appeared no other than a company of neighbors and friendsengaged in the promotion of some common object of overwhelming interest. 

When in this manner and for a considerable space of time a fit offeringhad been laid upon the altar of love, the whole assembly again joinedtogether in acts of prayer, and again lifted up their voices in song ofpraise. This duty being performed, we separated and sought the streets. The storm which had begun in violence, had increased, and it was withdifficulty that beset by darkness, wind, and rain, I succeeded withoutinjury in finding my way to the Coelian. 

Julia was waiting for me with anxious impatience. 

After relating to her the events of the evening, she said, 'How strange, Lucius, the conduct of such men at such a time! How couldChristians, with the Christian's faith in their hearts, so lose thepossession of themselves--and so violate all that they profess asfollowers of Jesus! I confess, if this be the manner in whichChristianity is intended to operate upon the character, I am as yetwholly ignorant of it, and desire ever to remain so. But it is notpossible that they are right. Nay, they seem in some sort to haveacknowledged themselves to have been in the wrong by the last acts ofthe meeting. This brings to my mind what Paul has often told me of theChristians of the same kind, at which I was then amazed, but hadforgotten. I do not comprehend it. I have read and studied the characterand the teachings of Jesus, and it seems to me I have arrived at sometrue understanding--for surely there is little difficulty in doingso--of what he himself was, and of what he wished his followers to be. Would he have recognized his likeness in those of whom you have now toldme?'

'Yet, ' I replied, 'there was more of it there in those very persons thanat first we might be inclined to think; and in the great multitude ofthose who were present, it may have been all there, and was in most, Icannot doubt. We ought not to judge of this community by the leaders ofthe several divisions which compose it. They are by no means justspecimens, from which to infer the character of all. They are but toooften restless, ambitious, selfish men; seeking their own aggrandizementand their party's, rather than the glory of Christ and his truth. I canconceive of a reception of Christian precept and of the Christian spiritbeing but little more perfect and complete, than I have found it amongthe humbler sort of the Christians of Rome. Among them there is to beseen nothing of the temper of violence and bigotry that was visible thisevening in the language of so many. They, for the most part, place thereligion of Jesus in holy living, in love of one another, and patientwaiting for the kingdom of God. And their lives are seen to accord withthese great principles of action. Even for their leaders, who are in somany points so different from them, this may be said in explanation andexcuse--that from studying the record more than the common people, theycome to consider more narrowly in what the religion of Jesus consists, and arriving, after much labor, at what they believe in their hearts tobe the precise truth--truth the most vital of any to the power andsuccess of the gospel--this engrosses all their affections, and promptsall their labor and zeal. In the dissemination of this do they alonebehold the dissemination of Christianity itself--this being denied orrejected, the gospel itself is. With such notions as fundamentalprinciples of action, it is easy to see with what sincere and virtuousindignation they would be filled toward such as should set at nought andoppose that, which they cherish as the very central glory andpeculiarity of Christianity. These things being so, I can pity andforgive a great deal of what appears to be, and is, so opposite to thetrue Christian temper, on account of its origin and cause. Especially asthese very persons, who are so impetuous, and truculent almost, aspartizans and advocates, are, as private Christians, examples perhaps ofextraordinary virtue. We certainly know this to be the case with Macer. An apostle was never more conscientious nor more pure. Yet would he, hadhe power equal to his will, drive from the church all who bowed not theknee to his idol Novatian. '

'But how, ' asked Julia, 'would that agree with the offence he justlytook at those who quarreled with Probus and Felix on account of theirdoctrine?'

'There certainly would be in such conduct no agreement nor consistency. It only shows how easy it is to see a fault in another, to which we arestone-blind in ourselves. In the faith or errors of Probus and Felix hethought there was nothing that should injure their Christian name, orunfit them for any office. Yet in the same breath he condemned as almostthe worst enemies of Christ such as refused honor and adherence to thesevere and inhuman code of his master Novatian. '

'But how far removed, Lucius, is all this from the spirit of thereligion of Jesus! Allowing all the force of the apologies you mayoffer, is it not a singular state for the minds and tempers of those tohave arrived at, who profess before the world to have formed themselvesafter the doctrine, and, what is more, after the character of Christ? Icannot understand the process by which it has been done, nor how it isthat, without bringing upon themselves public shame and reproach, suchmen can stand forth and proclaim themselves not only Christians, butChristian leaders and ministers. '

'I can understand it, I confess, quite as little. But I cannot doubtthat as Christianity outgrows its infancy, especially when the greatbody of those who profess it shall have been formed by it from theiryouth, and shall not be composed, as now, of those who have been broughtover from the opposite and uncongenial regions of Paganism, with much oftheir former character still adhering to them, Christians will then bewhat they ought to be who make the life and character of Jesus theirstandard. Nothing is learned so slowly by mankind as those lessons whichenforce mutual love and respect, in which the gospels so abound. We mustallow not only years, but hundreds of years, for these lessons to beimprinted upon the general heart of men, and to be seen in all theircharacter and intercourse. But when a few hundred years shall haveelapsed, and that is a long allowance for this education to be perfectedin, I can conceive that the times of the primitive peace and love shallbe more than restored, and that such reproaches as to-night were heardlavished upon one and another will be deemed as little compatible with aChristian profession as would be violence and war. All violence andwrong must cease, as this religion is received, and the ancientsuperstitions and idolatries die out. '

'What a privilege, to be born and live, ' said Julia, 'in those fastapproaching years, when Christianity shall alone be received as thereligion of this large empire, when Paganism shall have become extinctin Rome war and slavery shall cease, and all our people shall beactuated by the same great principles of faith and virtue that governedboth Christ and his apostles! A few centuries will witness more andbetter than we now dream of. '

So we pleased ourselves with visions of future peace and happiness, which Christianity was to convert to reality. To me they are no longermere visions, but as much realities to be experienced, as the futuretowering oak is, when I look upon an acorn planted, or as the future manis, when I look upon a little child. If Christianity grows at all, itmust grow in such direction. If it do not, it will not be Christianitythat grows, but something else that shall have assumed its name andusurped its place. The extension of Christianity is the extension andmultiplication as it were of that which constituted Christ himself--itis the conversion of men into his image--or else it is nothing. Then, when this shall be done, what a paradise of peace, and holiness, andlove, will not the earth be! Surely, to be used as an instrument inaccomplishing such result, one may well regard as an honor andprivilege, and be ready to bear and suffer much, if need be, infulfilling the great office. 

I hope I shall not have wearied you by all this exactness. I strictlyconform to your injunctions, so that you can complain only of yourself. 

We often wish that the time would allow us to escape to you, that wemight witness your labors and share them in the rebuilding andreëmbelishing of the city. Rome will never be a home to Julia. Heraffections are all in Syria. I can even better conceive of Zenobiabecoming a Roman than Julia. Farewell. 

 * * * * *

Finding among the papers of Piso no letter giving any account of whattook place immediately after the meeting of the Christians, which, inhis last letter, he has so minutely described, I shall here supply, as Imay, the deficiency; and I can do it at least with fidelity, since I waspresent at the scenes of which I shall speak. 

No one took a more lively interest in the condition and affairs of theChristians than Zenobia; and it is with sorrow that I find among therecords of Piso no mention made of conversations had at Tibur whilethese events were transpiring, at which were present himself, and theprincess Julia, the Queen, and, more than once, Aurelian and Livia. While I cannot doubt that such record was made, I have in vain searchedfor it among those documents which he intrusted to me. 

It was by command of the Queen that on the day following that on whichthe Christians held their assembly at the baths, I went to Rome for thevery purpose to learn whatever I could, both at the Gardens and abroadin the city, concerning the condition and probable fate of that people, she desiring more precise information than could be gathered from any ofthe usual sources of intelligence. 

It was apparent to me as I entered the city, and penetrated to its morecrowded parts, that somewhat unusual had taken place, or was about tohappen. There were more than the common appearances of excitement amongthose whom I saw conversing and gesticulating at the corners of streetsor the doors of the public baths. This idle and corrupt populationseemed to have less than on other occasions to employ their hands, andso gave their time and their conversation to one another, laying norestraint upon the quantity of either. It is an indisputable fact thatRome exists to this day, for any one who will come into Italy may see itfor himself, and he cannot reject the testimony of his eyes and ears. But how it exists from year to year, or from day to day, under suchinstitutions, it would puzzle the wisest philosopher, I believe, totell. Me, who am no philosopher, it puzzles as often as I reflect uponit. I cannot learn the causes that hold together in such apparent orderand contentment so idle and so corrupt a people. I have supposed it mustbe these, but they seem not sufficient: the Prætorian camp without thewalls, and the guard, in league with them, within, and the largesses andgames proceeding from the bounty of the Emperor. These last, though theyare the real sources of their corruption and must end in the verydestruction of the city and people, yet, at present, operate to keepthem quiet and in order. So long as these bounties are dispensed, solong, such is our innate love of idleness and pleasure, will the massthink it foolish to agitate any questions of right or religion, or anyother, by which they might be forfeited. Were these suddenly suspended, all the power of the Prætorian cohorts, I suppose, could not keep peacein Rome. They were now I found occupied by the affairs of theChristians, and waiting impatiently for the orders which should nextissue from the imperial will. The edicts published two days before gavethem no employment, nor promised much. They merely laid restraints uponthe Christians, but gave no liberty of assault and injury to the Roman. 

'That does not satisfy the people, ' said one to me, at the door of ashop, of whom I had made some inquiry on the subject. 'More was lookedfor from the Emperor, for it is well known that he intends the extremestmeasures, and most are of opinion that, before the day is out, newedicts will be issued. Why he took the course he did of so uncommonmoderation 'tis hard to say. All the effect of it is to give theChristians opportunity to escape and hide themselves, so that by thetime the severer orders against them are published, it will beimpossible to carry them into execution. '

'Perhaps, ' I said, 'it was after all his intention to give them adistant warning, that some might, if they saw fit to do so, escape. '

'I do not believe that, ' he replied; 'it will rather, I am of theopinion, be found to have proceeded from the advice of Fronto and Varus, to give to the proceedings a greater appearance of moderation; whichshows into the hands of what owls the Emperor has suffered himself tofall. Nobody ever expected moderation in Aurelian, nor do any but a fewas bad as themselves think these wretches deserve it. The onlyconsequence of the present measures will be to increase their swellinginsolence and pride, thinking that Aurelian threatens but dares notexecute. Before another day, I trust, new edicts will show that theEmperor is himself. The life of Rome hangs upon the death of these. '

Saying which, with a savage scowl, which showed how gladly he would turnexecutioner or tormentor in such service, he turned and crossed thestreet. 

I then sought the palace of Piso. I was received in the library, where Ifound the lady Julia and Piso. 

They greeted me as they ever did, rather as if I were a brother than butthe servant of Zenobia. But whatever belongs to her, were it but so muchas a slave of the lowest office, would they treat with affection atleast, if not with reverence. After answering their inquiries after thewelfare of the Queen and Faustula, I made mine concerning the conditionof the city and the affairs of the Christians, saying, 'that Zenobia wasanxious to learn what ground there was, or whether any, to feelapprehension for the safety of that people?'--Piso said, 'that now hedid not doubt there was great ground for serious apprehension. It wasbelieved by those who possessed the best means of intelligence, that newedicts of a much severer character would be issued before another day. But that Zenobia need be under no concern either as to himself or Julia, since the Emperor in conversation with him as much as assured him that, whatever might befal others, no harm should come to them. '

He then gave me an account of what the Christians had done in theirassembly, agreeing with what is now to be found in the preceding letter. 

I then asked whether he thought that the Christian Macer would keep tothe declaration he had made, that he would to-day, the edictsnotwithstanding, preach in the streets of Rome! He replied, that he didnot doubt that he would, and that if I wished to know what some of theChristians were, and what the present temper of the people was towardsthem, I should do well to seek him and hear him. '

'Stand by him, good Nicomachus, ' said Julia, 'if at any moment you findthat you can be of service to him. I have often heretofore blamed him, but since this murder of Aurelia, and the horrors of the dedication, Ihold him warranted, and more than that, in any means he may use, torouse this guilty people. Perhaps it is only by the use of such remediesas he employs, that the heart of Rome--hardened by ages of sin--can bemade to feel. To the milder treatment of Probus, and others like him, itseems for the most part utterly insensible and dead. At least hissincerity, his zeal, and his courage, are worthy of all admiration. '

I assured her that I would befriend him if I could do so with anyprospect of advantage, but it was little that one could do against thefury of a Roman mob. I then asked Piso if he would not accompany me; buthe replied, that he had already heard Macer, and was, besides, necessarily detained at home by other cares. 

As there was no conjecturing in what part of the city this Christianpreacher would harangue the people, and neither the Princess nor Pisocould impart any certain information, I gave little more thought to it, but, as I left the palace on the Coelian, determined to seek thegardens of Sallust, where, if I should not see Aurelian, I might atleast pass the earlier hours of the day in an agreeable retreat. I tookthe street that leads from the Coelian to the Capitol Hill, asaffording a pleasanter walk--if longer. On the way there, I observedwell the signs which were given in the manner and conversation of thosewhom I met, or walked with, of the events which were near at hand. Thereis no better index of what a despotic ruler, and yet at the same time a'people's' despot, will do, than the present will of the people. It wasmost apparent to me that they were impatient for some quick and vigorousaction, no matter how violent, against the Christians. Language the mostferocious met my ear. The moderation and tardiness of the Emperor--ofhim who had in every thing else been noted for the rapidity of hismovements--were frequent subjects of complaint. 

'It is most strange, ' they said, 'that Aurelian should hesitate in thismatter, in truth as if he were afraid to move. Were it not for Fronto, it is thought that nothing would be done after all. But this we may feelsure of, that if the Emperor once fairly begins the work ofextermination, he is not the man to stop half way. And there is not afriend of the ancient institutions of religion, but who says that theirvery existence depends upon--not the partial obstruction of thissect--but upon its actual and total extermination. Who does not knowthat measures of opposition and resistance, which go but part way andthen stop, through a certain unwillingness as it were to proceed toextremes, do but increase the evil they aim to suppress. Weeds that arebut mown, come up afterwards only the more vigorously. Their very rootsmust be torn up and then burned. ' Such language was heard on all sides, uttered with utmost violence--of voice and gesture. 

I paused, among other curious and busy idlers, at the door of a smith'sshop, which, as I passed slowly by, presented a striking view of a vastand almost boundless interior, blazing with innumerable fires, wherelaborers half naked--and seeming as if fire themselves, from thereflection from their steaming bodies of the red glare of thefurnaces--stood in groups, some drawing forth the bars of heated metaland holding them, while others wielding their cyclopean hammers made theanvils and the vast interior ring with the blows they gave. All aroundthe outside of the shop and in separate places within stood theimplements and machines of various kinds which were either made, or werein the process of being put together. Those whom I joined were justwithin the principal entrance looking upon a fabric of iron consistingof a complicated array of wheels and pulleys, to which the workmen werejust in the act of adding the last pieces. The master of the place nowapproaching and standing with us, while he gave diverse orders to themen, I said to him, 'What new device may this be? The times labor with new contrivances bywhich to assist the laborer in his art, and cause iron to do what thearm has been accustomed to perform. But after observing this with care Ican make nothing of it. It seems not designed to aid any manufacture ofwhich I have any knowledge. '

The master looked at me with a slighting expression of countenance asmuch as to say 'you are a wise one! You must have just emerged from themountains of Helvetia, or the forests of the Danube. ' But he did notcontent himself with looks. 

'This, sir?' said he. 'This, if you would know it, is a rack--a commoninstrument of torture--used in all the prisons of the empire, the useof which is to extract truth from one who is unwilling to speak exceptcompelled; or, sometimes, when death is thought too slight a punishment, to give it an edge with, just as salt and pepper are thrown into a freshwound. Some crimes, you must know, were too softly dealt with, were asharp axe the only instrument employed. Cæsar! just bring some wires ofa good thickness, and we will try this. Now shall you see precisely howit would fare with your own body, were you on this iron frame and Varusstanding where I am. There, --Cæsar having in a few moments brought thewires--the body you perceive is confined in this manner. --You observethere can be no escape and no motion. Now at the word of the judge, thiscrank is turned. Do you see the effect upon the wire? Imagine it yourbody and you will have a lively idea of the instrument. Then at anotherwink or word from Varus, these are turned, and you see that another partof the body, the legs or arms as it may be, are subjected to the sameforce as this wire, which as the fellow keeps turning you see--strains, and straightens, and strains, till--crack!--there!--that is what we calla rack. A most ingenious contrivance and of great use. This is going upwithin the hour to the hall of the Prefect. '

'It seems, ' I remarked, 'well contrived indeed for its object. Andwhat, ' I asked, 'are these which stand here? Are they for the same or asimilar purpose?'

'Yes--these, sir, are different and yet the same. They are all forpurposes of torture, but they vary infinitely in the ingenuity withwhich they severally inflict pain and death. That is esteemed in Romethe most perfect instrument which, while it inflicts the most exquisitetorments, shall at the same time not early, assail that which is a vitalpart, but, you observe, prolong life to the utmost. Some, of anold-fashioned structure, with a clumsy and bungling machinery--here aresome sent to me as useless--long before the truth could be extracted, ormuch more pain inflicted than would accompany beheading, destroyed thelife of the victim. Those which I build--and I build for the State--arenot to be complained of in that way. Varus is curious enough, I canassure you, in such things. All these that you see here, of whateverform or make, are for him and the hall of justice. They have been allrefitted and repaired--or else they are new. '

'How is it possible, ' I asked, 'so many could be required in one place?'

'Surely, ' said the master, 'you must just have dropt down in Rome fromBritain, or Scythia, or the moon! Didst ever hear of a people calledGalilean or Christian? Perhaps the name is new to you. '

'No, I have heard it. '

'Well, these are for them. As you seem new in the city and to our Romanways, walk a little farther in and I will show you others, which are forthe men and the boys at such time as the slaughter of this people shallbecome general. For you must know, --although it is not got widely abroadyet--that by and by the whole city is to be let loose upon them. That isthe private plan of the Emperor. Every good citizen, it will beexpected, will do his share in the work, till Rome shall be purged. Aurelian does nothing by halves. It is in view of such a state of thingsthat I have prepared an immense armory--if I may call it so--of everysort of cheap iron tool--I have the more costly also--to meet the greatdemand that will be made. Here they are! commend now my diligence, mypatriotism, and my foresight! Some of my craft will not engage in thiswork: but it exactly jumps with my humor. Any that you shall choose ofthese, sir, you shall have cheap, and they shall be sent to yourlodgings. '

I expressed my gratitude, but declined the offer. 

After wandering a little longer around the huge workshop, I took myleave of its humane master, still entreating me to purchase, and, as Ientered again the street, turned towards the capitol. My limbs weresympathising with those wires throughout the rest of the day. 

I had forgotten Macer, and almost my object in coming abroad, and wasrevolving various subjects in my mind, my body only being conscious ofthe shocks which now and then I received from persons meeting or passingme, when I became conscious of a sudden rush along the street in thedirection of the capitol, which was now but a furlong from where I was. I was at once awake. The people began to run, and I ran with them byinstinct. At length it came into my mind to ask why we were running? Onenear me replied, 'O, it's only Macer the Christian, who, 'tis said, in spite of theedict, has just made for the steps of the capitol, followed by a largecrowd. '

On the instant I outstripped my companion, and turning quickly thecorner, where the street in which I was crossed the hill, I there beheldan immense multitude gathered around the steps of the capitol, and thetall form of Macer just ascending them. Resolved to be near him, Istruggled and forced my way into the mass till I found myself so faradvanced that I could both hear and be heard by him, if I should findoccasion to speak, and see the expression of his countenance. It was tome, as he turned round toward the people, the most extraordinarycountenance I ever beheld. It seemed as if once it had been fiercer thanthe fiercest beast of the forest, while through that was now to bediscerned the deep traces of grief, and an expression which seemed tosay, "I and the world have parted company. I dwell above. " His two livesand his two characters were to be read at once in the strong anddeep-sunk lines of a face that struck the beholder at once with awe, with admiration, and compassion. 

The crowd was restless and noisy; heaving to and fro like the fiery massof a boiling crater. A thousand exclamations and imprecations filled theair. I thought it doubtful whether the rage which seemed to fill a greatproportion of those around me would so much as permit the Christian toopen his mouth. It seemed rather as if he would at once be dragged fromwhere he stood to the Prefect's tribunal, or hurled from the steps andsacrificed at once to the fury of the populace. But, as the cries of hissavage enemies multiplied, the voices of another multitude were liftedup in his behalf, which were so numerous and loud, that they had theeffect of putting a restraint upon the others. It was evident that Macercould not be assailed without leading to a general combat. All thiswhile Macer stood unmoved, and calm as the columns of the capitolitself--waiting till the debate should be ended and the questiondecided--a question of life or death to him. Upon the columnimmediately on his right hand hung, emblazoned with gold, and beautifulwith all the art of the chirographer, the edict of Aurelian. It was uponparchment, within a brazen frame. 

Soon as quiet was restored, so that any single voice could be heard, onewho was at the foot of the steps and near the preacher cried out to him, 'Well, old fellow, begin! thy time is short. '

'Young man, ' he replied, 'I was once old in sin, for which God forgiveme!--now I am old in the love of Christ, for which God be thanked!--butin years I am but forty. As for time!--I think only of eternity. '

'Make haste, Macer!' cried another voice from the crowd. 'Varus willsoon be here. '

'I believe you, ' replied the soldier; 'but I am ready for him. I lovelife no longer than I can enjoy free speech. If I may not now and herespeak out every thought of my heart, and the whole truth in Christ, thenwould I rather die; and whether I die in my own bed, or upon the ironcouch of Varus, matters little. Romans!' turning now and addressing thecrowd, 'the Emperor in his edict tells me not to preach to you. Not topreach Christ in Rome, neither within a church nor in the streets. Suchis this edict. Shall I obey him? When Christ says, 'Go forth and preachthe gospel to every creature, ' shall I give ear to a Roman Emperor, whobids me hold my peace? Not so, not so, Romans. I love God too well, andChrist too well, and you too well, to heed such bidding. I love Aureliantoo, I have served long under him, and he was ever good to me. He was agood as well as great general, and I loved him. I love him now, but notso well as these; not so well as you. And if I obeyed this edict, itwould show that I loved him better than you, and better than these, which would be false. If I obeyed this edict I should never speak to youagain of this new religion, as you call it. I should leave you all toperish in your sins, without any of that knowledge, or faith, or hope inChrist, which would save you from them, and form you after the image ofGod, and after death carry you up to dwell with him and with just menforever and ever. I should then, indeed, show that I hated you, which Ican never do. I love you and Rome I cannot tell how much--as much as achild ever loved a mother, or children one another. And therefore it isthat no power on earth--nor above it, nor under it--no power, save thatof God, shall hinder me from declaring to you the doctrine which I thinkyou need, nay, without which your souls will perish and dwell for everand ever, not with God, but in fires eternal of the lowest hell. Forwhat can your gods do for you? what are they doing? They lift you not upto themselves--they push you down rather to those fires. Christ, ORomans, if you will receive him, will save you from them, and from thoseraging fires of sorrow and remorse, which here on earth do constitute ahell hot as any that burns below. It is your sins which kindle thosefires, and with which Christ wages war--not with you. It is your sinswith which I wage war here in the streets of Rome, not with you. Onlyrepent of your sins, Romans, and believe in Christ the son of God, and Ohow glorious and happy were then this great and glorious city. I havetold you before, and I tell you now, your vices are undermining thefoundations of this great empire. There is no power to cure these butin Jesus Christ. And when I know this, shall I cease to preach Christ toyou because a man, a man like myself, forbids me? Would you not stillprepare for a friend or a child the medicine that would save his life, though you were charged by another never so imperiously to forbear? Thegospel is the divine medicament that is to heal all your sicknesses, cure all your diseases, remove all your miseries, cleanse all yourpollutions, correct all your errors, confirm within you all necessarytruth. And when it is this healing draught for which your souls cryaloud, for which they thirst even unto death, shall I the messenger ofGod, sent in the name of his Son to bear to your lips the cup, of whichif you once drink you will live forever, withhold from you that cup, ordash it to the ground? Shall I, a mediator between God and man, falterin my speech, and my tongue hang palsied in my mouth, because Aurelianspeaks? What to me, O Romans, is the edict of a Roman Emperor? Down, down, accursed scrawl! nor insult longer both God and man. '

And saying that, he reached forth his hand, and seizing the parchmentwrenched it from its brazen frame, and rending it to shreds strewed themabroad upon the air. 

It was done in the twinkling of an eye. At first, horror-struck at theaudacity of the deed, and while it was doing, the crowd stood still andmute, bereft, as it were, of all power to move or speak. But soon as thefragments of the parchment came floating along upon the air, theirsenses returned, and the most violent outcries, curses, and savage yellsrose from the assembled multitude, and at the same moment a movementwas made to rush upon the Christian, with the evident purpose tosacrifice him on the spot to the offended majesty of the empire. Isupposed that their purpose would be easily and instantly accomplished, and that whatever I might attempt to do in his defence would be no morethan a straw thrown in the face of a whirlwind. But here a new wonderrevealed itself. For no sooner was it evident, from the rage andtumultuous tossings of the crowd, and their ferocious cries, that thelast momenta of Macer had arrived, than it was apparent that all in theimmediate neighborhood of the building, on whose steps he stood, wereeither Christians, or Romans, who, like myself, were well disposedtowards that people, and would promptly join them in their defence ofMacer. These, and they amounted to a large and dense mass, at once, asthose cries arose, sent forth others as shouts of defiance, and facingoutwards made it known that none could assail Macer but by firstassailing them. 

I could not doubt that it was a preconcerted act by which the Christianwas thus surrounded by his friends--not, as I afterward found, with hisknowledge, but done at their own suggestion--so that if difficultyshould arise, they, by a show of sufficient power, might rescue him, whom all esteemed in spite of his errors, and also serve by theirpresence to deter him from any further act, or the use of any language, that should give needless offence to either the Prefect or his friends. Their benevolent design was in part frustrated by the sudden, and, as itseemed, unpremeditated movement of Macer in tearing down the edict. Butthey still served as a protection against the immediate assaults of theexcited and enraged mob. 

But their services were soon ended, by the interference of a power withwhich it was in vain to contend. For when the populace had given overfor a moment their design, awed by the formidable array of numbers aboutthe person of Macer, he again, having never moved from the spot where hehad stood, stretched out his long arm as if he would continue what hehad scarcely as yet begun, and to my surprise the people, notwithstanding what had occurred, seemed not indisposed to hear him. But just at that moment--just as a deep silence had at length succeededthe late uproar--the distant sound, in the direction of the Prefect's, of a troop of horse in rapid movement over the pavements, caught theears of the people. No one doubted for a moment what it signified. 

'Your hour is come, Macer, ' cried a voice from the crowd. 

'It can never come too soon, ' answered the preacher, 'in the service ofGod. But remember, Roman citizens, what I have told you, that it is foryou and for Rome, that I incur the wrath of the wicked Varus, and may sosoon at his hands meet the death of a Christian witness. '

As Macer spoke, the Roman guard swept rapidly round a corner, and themultitude giving way in every direction left him alone upon the spotwhere he had been standing. Regardless of life and limb, the horsedashed through the flying crowds, throwing down many and trampling themunder foot, till they reached the Christian, who, undismayed andfearless, maintained his post. There was little ceremony in theirtreatment of him. He was seized by a band of the soldiers, his handsstrongly bound behind him, and placed upon a horse--when, wheelinground again, the troop at full speed vanished down the same avenue bywhich they had come, bearing their victim, as we doubted not, to thetribunal of Varus. 

Determined to see all I could, and the last if it must be so, of thisundaunted spirit, I hastened at my utmost speed in the wake of theflying troop. Little as I had heard or seen of this strange man, I hadbecome as deeply concerned in his fate as any could have been who hadknown him more intimately, or believed both in him and with him. I knownot what it was, unless it were the signatures of sincerity, ofchild-like sincerity and truth stamped upon him, that so drew me towardhim, together with that expression of profound sadness, or rather ofinward grief, which, wherever we see it and in whomsoever, excites ourcuriosity and engages our sympathy. He was to me a man who deserved abetter fate than I feared he would meet. He seemed like one who, underfortunate circumstances, might have been of the number of those greatspirits whose iron will and gigantic force of character bear down beforethem all opposition, and yoke nations to their car. Of fear he evidentlyhad no comprehension whatever. The rustling of the autumn breeze in hisgown alarmed him as much, as did the clang of those horses' hoofs uponthe pavements, though he so well knew it was the precursor of sufferingand death. 

With all the speed I could use I hurried to the hall of the Prefect. Thecrowds were pouring in as I reached it, among whom I also rushed alongand up the flights of steps, anxious only to obtain an entrance and apost of observation, whence I could see and hear what should takeplace. I soon entered the room of justice. Varus was not yet in hisseat: but before it at some little distance stood Macer, his hands stillbound, and soldiers of the palace on either side. 

I waited not long before Varus appeared at the tribunal; and followinghim, and placed near him, Fronto, priest of the Temple of the Sun. Now, poor Christian! I thought within myself, if it go not hard with thee itwill not be for want of those who wish thee ill. The very Satan of thyown faith was never worse than these. Fronto's cruel eyes were fixedupon him just as a hungry tiger's are upon the unconscious victim uponwhom he is about to spring. Varus seemed as if he sat in his place towitness some holiday sport, drawing his box of perfume between hisfingers, or daintily adjusting the folds of his robe. When a fewpreliminary formalities were gone through, Varus said, addressing one ofthe officials of the place, 'Whom have we here?'

'Noble Prefect, Macer the Christian. '

'And why stands he at my tribunal?' continued Varus. 

'For a breach of the late edict of the Emperor, by which the Christianswere forbidden to preach either within their temples or abroad in thestreets and squares. '

'Is that all?' asked the Prefect. 

'Not only, ' it was replied, 'hath he preached abroad in the streets, buthe hath cast signal contempt upon both the Emperor and the empire, inthat he hath but now torn down from its brazen frame the edict which hehad first violated, and scattered it in fragments upon the streets. '

'If these things are so, doubtless he hath well earned his death. How isthis, Galilean? dost thou confess these crimes, or shall I call inother witnesses of thy guilt?'

'First, ' replied Macer, 'will it please the Prefect to have these bondsremoved? For the sake of old fellowship let them be taken off, that, while my tongue is free to speak, my hands may be free also. Else am Inot a whole man. '

'Unbind them, ' said the Prefect; 'let him have his humor. Yet shall wefit on other bracelets anon that may not sit so easy. '

'Be that as it may, ' answered the Christian; 'in the meanwhile I wouldstand thus. I thank thee for the grace. '

'Now, Christian, once more if thou art ready. Is it the truth that hathbeen witnessed?'

'It is the truth, ' replied Macer; 'and I thank God that it is so. '

'But knowest thou, Christian, that in saying that, thou hast condemnedthyself to instant death? Was not death the expressed penalty forviolation of that law?'

'Truly it was, ' answered Macer; 'and what is death to me?'

'I suppose death to be death, ' replied Varus. 

'Therein thou showest thyself to be in the same darkness as all the restof this idolatrous city. Death to the Christian, Prefect, is life! Crushme by thy engines, and in the twinkling of an eye is my soul dwellingwith God, and looking down with compassion upon thy stony heart. '

'Verily, Fronto, ' said Varus, 'these Christians are an ingenious people. What a wonderful fancy is this. But, Christian, ' turning to Macer, 'itwere a pity surely for thee to die. Thou hast a family as I learn. Would not thy life be more to them than thy death?'

'Less, ' said the Christian, 'a thousand fold! were it not a bettervision to them of me crowned with a victor's wreath and sitting withChrist, than dwelling here in this new Sodom, and drinking in itspestilential air? The sight of me there would be to them a spring ofcomfort and a source of strength which here I can never be. '

'But, ' added the Prefect, 'it is but right that thou shouldst for thepresent, if it may be, live here and take care of thy family. They willwant thee. '

'God, ' replied Macer, 'who feeds the birds of the air, and through alltheir wanderings over the earth from clime to clime still brings themback to the accustomed home, will watch over those whom I love, andbring them home. Such, Prefect, are the mercies of Rome toward us whobelong to Christ, that they will not be left long to bewail my loss. '

'Do thy family then hold with thee?' said Varus. 

'Blessed be God, they do. '

'That is a pity--' responded the Prefect. 

'Say not so, Varus; 'tis a joy and a triumph to me in this hour, and tothem, that they are Christ's. '

'Still, ' rejoined the Prefect, 'I would willingly save thee, and makethee live: and there is one way in which it may be done, and thou mayestreturn in joy to thy home. '

'Let me then know it, ' said Macer. 

'Renounce Christ, Macer, and sacrifice; and thy life is thine, and honortoo. '

Macer's form seemed to dilate to more than its common size, hiscountenance seemed bursting with expression as he said, 'Renounce Christ? save life by renouncing Christ? How little, Varus, dost thou know what a Christian is! Not though I might sit in thy seator Aurelian's, or on the throne of a new universe, would I renounce him. To Christ, Varus, do I owe it that I am not now what I was, when I dweltin the caves of the Flavian. To Christ do I owe it that I am not nowwhat I was when in the ranks of Aurelian. To Christ do I owe it that mysoul, once steeped in sin as thy robe in purple dye, is now by himcleansed and, as I trust, thoroughly purged. To Christ do I owe it thatonce worshipping the dumb idols of Roman superstition, I now bow down tothe only living God--' 'Away with him to the tormentors!' came from anhundred voices--'to Christ do I owe it, O Prefect, that my heart is notnow as thine, or his who sits beside thee, or as that of these, hungering and thirsting--never after righteousness--but for the blood ofthe innocent. Shall I then renounce Christ? and then worship thatancient adulterer, Jupiter greatest and best?--' The hall here rang withthe ferocious cries of those who shouted--

'Give him over to us!'--'To the rack with him!'--'Tear out the tongue ofthe blaspheming Galilean!'

'Romans, ' cried Varus, rising from his chair, 'let not your zeal for thegods cause you to violate the sanctity of this room of Justice. Fear notbut Varus, who, as you well know, is a lover of the gods, his country, and the city, will well defend their rights and honors against whoevershall assail them. '

He then turned to Macer and said, 'I should ill perform my duty to thee, Christian, did I spare any effortto bring thee to a better mind--ill should I perform it for Rome did Inot use all the means by the State entrusted to me to save her citizensfrom errors that, once taking root and growing up to their properheight, would soon overshadow, and by their poisonous neighborhood kill, that faith venerable through a thousand years, and of all we now inheritfrom our ancestors of greatest and best, the fruitful and divinespring. '

'There, Romans, spoke a Roman, ' exclaimed Fronto. 

As Varus ended--at a sign and a word from him, what seemed the solidwall of the room in which we were, suddenly flew up upon its screamingpulleys, and revealed another apartment black as night, save here andthere where a dull torch shed just light enough to show its greatextent, and set in horrid array before us, engines of every kind fortormenting criminals, each attended by its half-naked minister, ready ata moment's warning to bind the victim, and put in motion the infernalmachinery. At this sight a sudden faintness overspread my limbs, and Iwould willingly have rushed from the hall--but it was then madeimpossible. And immediately the voice of the Prefect was again heard:

'Again, Christian, with Rome's usual mercy, I freely offer to thee thylife, simply on the condition, easily fulfilled by thee, for it asks butone little word from thy lips, that thou do, for thy own sake and forthe sake of Rome, which thou sayest thou lovest, renounce Christ and thyfaith. '

'I have answered thee once, O Prefect; dost thou think so meanly of meas to suppose that what but now I affirmed, I will now deny, and onlyfor this show of iron toys and human demons set to play them? It is notof such stuff Aurelian's men are made, much less the soldiers of thecross. For the love I bear to Rome and Christ, and even thee, Varus, Ichoose to die. '

'Be assured, Christian, I will not spare thee. '

'I ask it not, Prefect--do thy worst--and the worst is but death, whichis life. '

'Pangs that shall keep thee hours dying, ' cried the Prefect--'thy bodyracked and rent--torn piecemeal one part from another--this is worsethan death. Bethink thee well. Do not believe that Varus will relent. '

'That were the last thing to find faith with one who knows him as wellas Macer does, ' replied the Christian. 

A flush of passion passed over the face of Varus. But he proceeded inthe same even tone, 'Is thy election made, Macer?'

'It is made. '

'Slaves, ' cried the Prefect, 'away with him to the rack, and ply itwell. '

'Yes, ' repeated Pronto, springing with eager haste from his seat, thathe might lose nothing of what was to be seen or heard, 'away with him tothe rack, and ply it well. '

Unmoved and unresisting, his face neither pale nor his limbs trembling, did Macer surrender himself into the hands of those horrid ministers ofa cruel and bloody faith, who then hastily approached him, and seizinghim dragged him toward their worse than hell. Accomplished in their art, for every day is it put to use, Macer was in a moment thrown down andlashed to the iron bars; when, each demon having completed thepreparation, he stood leaning upon his wheel for a last sign from thePrefect. It was instantly given, and while the breath even of everybeing in the vast hall was suspended, through an intense interest in thescene, the creating of the engine, as it began to turn, sounded upon thebrain like thunder. Not a groan nor a sigh was heard from the sufferer. The engine turned till it seemed as if any body or substance laid uponit must have been wrenched asunder. Then it stopt. And the minutescounted to me like hours or ages ere the word was given, and the wheelsunrestrained flew back again to their places. Macer was then unbound. Heat first lay where he was thrown upon the pavement. But his life was yetstrong within his iron frame. He rose at length upon his feet, and wasagain led to the presence of his judges. His eye had lost nothing of itswild fire, nor his air any thing of its lofty independence. 

Varus again addressed him. 

'Christian, you have felt what there is in Roman justice. Reject notagain what Roman mercy again offers thee--life freely, honor too, andoffice, if thou wilt return once more to the bosom of the fond motherwho reared thee. '

'Yes, ' said Fronto, 'thy mother who reared thee! Die not with the doubleguilt of apostacy and ingratitude upon thy soul. '

'Varus, ' said Macer, 'art thou a fool, a very fool, to deem that thyword can weigh more with me than Christ? Make not thyself alaughingstock to me and such Christians as may be here. The torments ofthy importunity are worse to me than those of thy engines. '

'I wish thee well, Macer; 'tis that which makes me thus a fool, '

'So, Varus, does Satan wish his victim well, to whom he offers hisluscious baits. But what is it when the bait is swallowed, and hell isall that has been gained? What should I gain, but to live with thee, Ogreater fool?'

'Think, Macer, of thy wife and children. '

At those names, Macer bent his head and folded his hands upon hisbreast, and tears rolled down his cheeks. Till then there had been, asit seemed, a blessed forgetfulness of all but himself and the scenebefore him. Varus, misinterpreting this his silence, and taking it forthe first sign of repentance, hastily cried out, 'There is the altar, Macer. --Slave! hold to him the sacred libation; hewill now pour it out. '

Instantly a slave held out to him a silver ladle filled with wine. 

Macer at the same instant struck it with his sinewy arm and sent itwhirling to the ceiling. 

'Bind him again to the rack, ' cried the Prefect, leaping from his seat;'and let him have it till the nerves break. '

Macer was again seized and stretched upon the iron bed--this time uponanother, of different construction, and greater power. Again theinfernal machine was worked by the naked slaves, and, as it was woundup, inflicting all that it was capable of doing without absolutelydestroying life, groans and screams of fierce agony broke from thesuffering Christian. How long our ears were assailed by those terrificcries, I cannot say. They presently died away, as I doubted not, onlybecause Macer himself had expired under the torment. When they hadwholly ceased, the engine was reversed and Macer again unbound. He felllifeless upon the floor. Varus, who had sat the while conversing withFronto, now said, 'Revive him, and return him hither. '

Water was then thrown upon him, and powerful drinks were forced down histhroat. They produced in a little while their intended effect, and Macergave signs of returning life. He presently gazed wildly around him, andcame gradually to a consciousness of where and what he was. His limbsrefused their office, and he was supported and partly lifted to thepresence of Varus. 

'Now, Galilean, ' cried Varus, 'again, how is it with thee?'

'Better than with thee, I trust in God. '

'Wilt thou now sacrifice?'

'I am myself, O Varus, this moment a sacrifice, well pleasing andacceptable to the God whom I worship, and the Master whom I serve. '

'Why, Varus, ' said Fronto, 'do we bear longer his insults and impieties?Let me strike him dead. ' And he moved his hand as if to grasp aconcealed weapon, with which to do it. 

'Nay, nay, hold, Fronto! let naught be done in haste or passion, nor inviolation of the law, but all calmly and in order. We act for those whoare not present as well as for ourselves. '

A voice from a dark extremity of the room shouted out, 'It is Macer, O Prefect, who acts for us. '

The face of Macer brightened up, as if he had suddenly been encompassedby a legion of friends. It was the first token he had received, that somuch as one heart in the whole assembly was beating with his. He lookedinstantly to the quarter whence the voice came, and then, turning to thePrefect, said, 'Yes, Varus, I am now and here preaching to the people of Rome, thoughI speak never a word. 'Tis a sermon that will fall deeper into the heartthan ten thousand spoken ones. '

The Prefect commanded that he who had spoken should be brought beforehim. But upon the most diligent search he could not be found. 

'Christian, ' said Varus, 'I have other pains in store, to which whatthou hast as yet suffered is but as the scratching of the lion's paw. Itwere better not to suffer them. They will leave no life in thee. CurseChrist--'tis but a word--and live. '

Macer bent his piercing eye upon the Prefect, but answered not. 

'Curse Christ, and live. '

Macer was still silent. 

'Bring in then, ' cried the Prefect, 'your pincers, rakes and shells; andwe will see what they may have virtue to bring forth. '

The black messengers of death hastened at the word from their darkrecesses, loaded with those new instruments of torture, and stood aroundthe miserable man. 

'Now, Macer, ' said Varus once more, 'acknowledge Jupiter Greatest andBest, and thou shalt live. '

Macer turned round to the people, and with his utmost voice cried out, 'There is, O Romans, but One God; and the God of Christ is he--'

No sooner had he uttered those words than Fronto exclaimed, 'Ah! hah! I have found thee then! This is the voice, thrice accursed!that came from the sacred Temple of the Sun! This, Romans, is the godwhose thunder turned you pale. '

'Had it been my voice alone, priest, that was heard that day, I had beenaccursed indeed. I was out the humble instrument of him I serve--drivenby his spirit. It was the voice of God, not of man. '

'These, ' said Fronto, 'are the Christian devices, by which they wouldlead blindfold into their snares you, Romans, and your children. MayChrist ever employ in Rome a messenger cunning and skilful as thisprating god, and Hellenism will have naught to fear. '

'And, ' cried Macer, 'let your priests be but like Fronto, and the eyesof the blindest driveler of you all will be unsealed. Ask Fronto intowhose bag went the bull's heart, that on the day of dedication could notbe found--

'Thou liest, Nazarene--'

'Ply him with your pincers, ' cried Varus, --and the cruel irons wereplunged into his flesh. Yet he shrunk not--nor groaned; but his voicewas again heard in the midst of the torture, 'Ask him from whose robe came the old and withered heart, the sight ofwhich so unmanned Aurelian--'

'Dash in his mouth, ' shrieked Fronto, 'and stop those lies blacker thanhell. '

But Macer went on, while the irons tore him in every part. 

'Ask him too for the instructions and the bribes given to theharuspices, and to those who led the beasts up to the altar. Though Idie, Romans, I have left the proof of all this in good hands. I stoodthe while where I saw it all. '

'Thou liest, slave, ' cried the furious priest; and at the same momentspringing forward and seizing an instrument from the hands of one ofthe tormentors, he struck it into the shoulder of Macer, and thelacerated arm fell from the bleeding trunk. A piercing shriek confessedthe inflicted agony. 

'Away with him!' cried Varus, 'away with him to the rack, and tear himjoint from joint!'

At the word he was borne bleeding away, but not insensible norspeechless. All along as he went his voice was heard calling upon Godand Christ, and exhorting the people to abjure their idolatries. 

He was soon stretched again upon the rack, which now quickly finishedits work; and the Christian Macer, after sufferings which I knew notbefore that the human frame could so long endure and live, died a martyrto the faith he had espoused; the last words which were heard throughoutthe hall being these;

'Jesus, I die for thee, and my death is sweet!'

When it was announced to the Prefect that Macer was dead, he exclaimed, 'Take the carcass of the Christian dog and throw it upon the square ofthe Jews: there let the dogs devour it. '

Saying which, he rose from his seat, and, accompanied by Fronto, left bythe same way he had before entered the hall of judgment. 

Soon as he had withdrawn from the apartment, the base rabble that hadfilled it, and had glutted their savage souls upon the horrors of thatscene, cried out tumultuously for the body of the Christian, which, whenit was gladly delivered to them by those who had already had enough ofit, they thrust hooks into, and rushed out dragging it toward the placeordained for it by the Prefect. As they came forth into the streets themob increased to an immense multitude of those, who seemed possessed ofthe same spirit. And they had not together proceeded far, filling theair with their cries and uttering maledictions of every form against theunhappy Christians, before a new horror was proclaimed by thatblood-thirsty crew. For one of them, suddenly springing up upon the baseof one of the public statues, whence he could be heard by the greaterpart, cried out, 'To the house of Macer! To the house of Macer!'

'Aye, aye, ' shouted another, 'to the house of Macer, in the ruins behindthe shop of Demetrius!'

'To the house of Macer!' arose then in one deafening shout from thewhole throng; and, filled with this new frenzy, maddened like wildbeasts at the prospect of fresh blood, they abandoned there, where theyhad dragged it, the body of Macer, and put new speed into their feet intheir haste to arrive at the place of the expected sport. I knew notthen where the ruins were, or it was possible that I might have got inadvance of the mob, and given timely warning to the devoted family. Neither did I know any to whom to apply to discharge such a duty. WhileI deplored this my helplessness and weakness, I suffered myself to beborne along with the rushing crowd. Their merciless threats, theirsavage language, better becoming barbarians than a people like this, living in the very centre of civilization, filled me with an undefinableterror. It seemed to me that within reach of such a populace, no peoplewere secure of property or life. 

'The Christians, ' said one, 'have had their day and it has been a longone, too long for Rome. Let its night now come. '

'Yes, ' said another, 'we will all have a hand in bringing it on. Letevery Roman do his share, and they may be easily rooted out. '

'I understand, ' said another, 'that it is agreed upon, that whatever thepeople attempt after their own manner, as in what we are now about, theyare not to be interfered with. We are to have free pasturage, and feedwhere, and as we list. '

'Who could suppose, ' said the first, 'it should be different? It is wellknown that formerly, though there has been no edict to the purpose, thepeople have not only been permitted, they have been expected, to dotheir part of the business without being asked or urged. I dare say ifwe can do up this family of--who is it?'

'Macer, the Christian Macer, ' interrupted the other;--'we shall receivethe thanks of Aurelian, though they be not spoken, as heartily as Varus. That was a tough old fellow though. They say he has served many yearsunder the Emperor, and when he left the army was in a fair way to riseto the highest rank. Curses upon those who made a Christian of him! Itis they, not Varus, who have put him on the rack. But see! are not thesethe ruins we seek? I hope so, for I have run far enough. '

'Yes, ' replied his companion; 'these are the old baths! Now for it!'

The crowd thereupon abandoning the streets, poured itself like anadvancing flood among the ruins, filling all the spaces and mounting upupon all the still standing fragments of walls and columns. It was notat all evident where the house of the Christian was. It all seemed aconfusion of ruins and of dead wall. 

'Who can show us, ' cried out one who took upon himself the office ofleader, 'where the dwelling of Macer is?'

'I can, ' responded the slender voice of a little boy; 'for I have oftenbeen there before they became Christians. '

'Show us then, my young urchin; come up hither. Now, lead the way, andwe will follow. '

'You need go no further, ' replied the boy; 'that is it?'

'That? It is but a stone wall!'

'Still it is the house, ' replied the child; 'but the door is of stone aswell as the walls. '

At that the crowd began to beat upon the walls, and shout to those whowere within to come forth. They had almost wearied themselves out, andwere inclined to believe that the boy had given them false information, when, upon a sort of level roof above the projecting mass which servedas the dwelling, a female form suddenly appeared, and, advancing to theedge--not far above, yet beyond, the reach of the mob below--shebeckoned to them with her hand, as if she would speak to them. 

The crowd, soon as their eyes caught this new object, ceased from theirtumultuous cries and prepared to hear what she who approached them thusmight have to say. Some, indeed, immediately began to hurl missiles, butthey were at once checked by others, who insisted that she should haveliberty to speak. And these wretches would have been more savage stillthan I believed them, if the fair girl who stood there pleading to themhad not found some favor. Hers was a bright and sparkling countenance, that at once interested the beholder. Deep blushes spread over her faceand bosom, while she stood waiting the pleasure of the heaving multitudebefore her. 

'Ah! hah!' cried one; 'who is she but the dancing girl Ælia! she is adainty bit for us. Who would have thought that she was the daughter of aChristian!'

'I am sorry for her, ' cried another; 'she is too pretty to be torn inpieces. We must save her. '

'Say on! say on!' now cried one of the leaders of the crowd as silencesucceeded; 'we will hear you. '

'Whom do you seek?' then asked Ælia, addressing him who had spoken. 

'You know well enough, my pretty girl, ' replied the other. 'We seek thehouse and family of Macer the Christian. Is this it? and are you of hishousehold?'

'This, ' she replied, 'is the house of Macer, and I am his daughter. Mymother with all her children are below. And now why do you seek usthus?'

'We seek, ' replied the savage, 'not only you but your lives. All youhave to do is to unbar this door and let us in. '

Though Ælia could have supposed that they were come for nothing else, yet the brutal announcement of the terrible truth drove the color fromher cheeks, and caused her limbs to tremble. Yet did it not abate hercourage, nor take its energy from her mind. 

'Good citizens and friends, ' said she, 'for I am sure I must have somefriends among you, why should you do us such wrong? We are poor andhumble people, and have never had the power, if the will had been ours, to injure you. Leave us in safety, and, if you require it, we willabandon our dwelling and even our native Rome--for we are all nativeRomans. '

'That, my young mistress, will not serve our turn. Are you not, as yousaid, the family of the Christian Macer?'

'Yes, we are. '

'Well, ' answered the other, 'that is the reason we seek you, and mean tohave you. '

'But, ' replied the girl, 'there must be many among you who would notwillingly harm either Macer or anything that is his. Macer is not only aChristian, Romans, but he is a good warm-hearted patriot as ever wasborn within the compass of these walls. Brutus himself never lovedfreedom nor hated tyrants more than he. '

'That's little to the purpose now-a-days, ' cried one from the crowd. 

'There is not a single possession he has, ' continued Ælia, 'save onlyhis faith as a Christian, which he would not surrender for the love hebears to Rome and to everything that is Roman. Ever since he was strongenough to draw and wield a sword, has he been fighting for you thebattles of our country. If you have seen him, you have seen how cruellythe weapons of the enemy have hacked him. On every limb are there scarsof wounds received in battle; and twice, once in Gaul and once in Asia, has he been left for dead upon the field. It was once in Syria, when thebattle raged at its highest, and Carinus was suddenly beset by more thanhe could cope with, and had else fallen into the enemy's hands aprisoner, or been quickly despatched, that Macer came up and by hissingle arm saved his general--'

'A great pity that, ' cried many from the crowd. 

'Macer, ' continued Ælia, 'only thought that Carinus then representedRome, and that his life, whatever it was, and however worthless initself, was needful for Rome, and he threw himself into the breach evenas he would have done for Aurelian or his great captain Probus. Was nothis virtue the greater for that? Was he to feed his own humor, and leaveCarinus to perish, when his country by that might receive detriment?Macer has never thought of himself. Had he been ambitious as some, hehad now been where Mucapor is. But when in the army he always put by hisown interests. The army, its generals and Rome were all in all with him, himself, nothing. How, citizens, can you wish to do him harm? oranything that is his? And, even as a Christian--for which you reproachhim and now seek him--it is still the same. Believe me when I say, thatit is because of his love of you and Rome that he would make you all ashe is. He honestly thinks that it is the doctrine of Christ, which canalone save Rome from the destruction which her crimes are drawing downupon her. He has toiled from morning till night, all day and allnight--harder than he ever did upon his marches either in Africa or inAsia--that you might be made to know what this religion of Christ is;what it means; what it will bestow upon you if you will receive it; andwhat it will save you from. And he would not scruple to lose his life, if by so doing he could give any greater efficacy to the truth in whichhe believes. I would he were here now, Romans, to plead his own causewith you. I know you would so esteem his honesty, and his warm Romanheart, that you would be more ready to serve than to injure him. '

Pity stood in some eyes, but impatience and anger in more. 

'Be not so sure of that, ' cried he who had spoken before. 'No true Romancan love a Christian. Christians are the worst enemies of the state. Asfor Macer, say no more of him; he is already done for. All you have todo is to set open the door. '

'What say you of Macer?' cried the miserable girl, wringing her hands. 'Has any evil befallen him?'

'What he will never recover from, ' retorted the barbarian. 'Varus hasjust had him on one of his iron playthings, and his body we have but nowleft in the street yonder. So hasten. '

'O worse than demons to kill so good a man, ' cried Ælia, the tearsrolling down her cheeks. 'But if he is dead, come and take us too. Wewish not now to live; and ready as he was to die for Christ, so readyare we also. Cease your blows; and I will open the door. '

But her agency in that office was no longer needed. A huge timber hadbeen brought in the meantime from the ruins, and, plied by an hundredhands with noisy uproar, the stone door soon gave way, just as Æliadescended and the murderous crew rushed in. 

The work of death was in part quickly done. The sons of Macer, who, onthe uproar, had instantly joined their mother in spite of all theentreaties of Demetrius, were at once despatched, and dragged forth byropes attached to their feet. The two youngest, transfixed by spears, were seen borne aloft as bloody standards of that murderous rout. Themother and the other children, placed in a group in the midst of themultitude, were made to march on, the savages themselves being dividedas to what should be their fate. Some cried out, 'To the Tiber!'--some, 'Crucify them beyond the walls!--others, 'Give 'em the pavements!' Butthe voice of one more ingenious in cruelty than the rest prevailed. 

'To the square by Hanno's with them!'

This proposition filled them with delight. 

'To Hanno's! to Hanno's!' resounded on all sides. And away rushed theinfuriated mass to their evil sport. 

'And who is Hanno?' I asked of one near me. 

'Hanno? know you not Hanno? He is brother of Sosia the gladiator, andbreeds dogs for the theatres. You shall soon see what a brood he willturn out. There is no such breeder in Rome as he. '

Sick at heart as I was, I still pressed on, resolved to know all thatChristian heroism could teach me. We were soon at the square, capable ofholding on its borders not only thousands but tens of thousands, towhich number it seemed as if the throng had now accumulated. Hanno'sextensive buildings and grounds were upon one side of the square, towhich the people now rushed, calling out for the great breeder to comeforth with his pack. 

He was not slow in obeying the summons. He himself appeared, accompanied, as on the day when Piso saw him on the Capitol Hill, by histwo dogs Nero and Sylla. After first stipulating with the ringleadersfor a sufficient remuneration, he proceeded to order the game. He was atfirst for separating the victims, but they implored to be permitted tosuffer together, and so much mercy was shown them. They were then settogether in the centre of the square, while the multitude disposedthemselves in an immense circle around--the windows of the buildings andthe roofs of all the neighboring dwellings being also thronged withthose who both looked on and applauded. Before the hounds were letloose, Hanno approached this little band, standing there in the midstand clinging to one another, and asked them, 'If they had anything to say, or any message to deliver, for he wouldfaithfully perform what they might enjoin. '

The rest weeping, Ælia answered, 'that she wished to say a few words tothe people who stood around. '

'Speak then, ' replied Hanno, 'and you shall not be disturbed. '

She then turned toward the people, and said. 'I can wish you, Romans, before I die, no greater good than that, like me and those who are withme, you may one day become Christians. For you will then be incapable ofinflicting such sufferings and wrongs upon any human being. The religionof Jesus will not suffer you to do otherwise than love others as you doyourselves; that is the great Christian rule. Be assured that we nowdie, as Christians, in full faith in Christ and in joyful hope of livingwith him, so soon as these mortal bodies shall have perished; and that, though a single word of denial would save us, we would not speak it. Yehave cruelly slaughtered the good Macer; do so now by us, if such isyour will, and we shall then be with him where he is. '

With these words she again turned, and throwing her arms around hermother and younger sisters, awaited the onset of the furious dogs, whoseyellings and strugglings could all the while be heard. She and theywaited but a moment, when the blood-hounds, fiercer than the fiercestbeasts of the forest, flew from their leashes, and, in less time thanwould be believed, naught but a heap of bones marked where the Christianfamily had stood. 

The crowds, then fully sated as it seemed with the rare sport of themorning, dispersed, each having something to say to another of thefirmness and patriotism of Varus and Fronto, --and of the training andbehavior of the dogs. 

 * * * * *

From the earliest period of reflection have I detested the Romancharacter; and all that I have witnessed with my own eyes has served butto confirm those early impressions. They are a people wholly destituteof humanity. They are the lineal descendants of robbers, murderers, andwarriors--which last are but murderers under another name--and they showtheir parentage in every line of their hard-featured visages, and stillmore in all the qualities of the soul. They are stern, --unyielding, unforgiving--cruel. A Roman heart dissected would be found all stone. Any present purpose of passion, or ambition, or party zeal, willextinguish in the Roman all that separates him from the brute. Bearwitness to the truth of this, ye massacres of Marius and Sylla! andothers, more than can be named, both before and since--when the blood ofneighbors, friends, and fellow-citizens, was poured out as freely as ifit had been the filthy stream that leaks its way through the publicsewers! And, in good sooth, was it not as filthy? For those very ones soslain, had the turn of the wheel--as in very deed has oftenhappened--set them uppermost, would have done the same deed upon theothers. Happy is it for the peace of the earth and the great cause ofhumanity, that this faith of Christ, whether it be true or false, is atlength beginning to bear sway, and doing somewhat to soften, what morethan twelve centuries have passed over and left in its originalvileness. 

When, like the rest of that Roman mob, I had been filled with the sightsand sounds of the morning, I turned and sought the palace of Piso. 

Arriving there I found Portia, Julia, and Piso sitting together at thehour of dinner. I sat with them. Piso had not left the palace, since Ihad parted from him. They had remained at peace within, and as ignorantof what had happened in the distant parts of the huge capital, as we allwere of what was then doing in another planet. When, as the meal drew toa close, I had related to them the occurrences of which I had just beenthe witness, they could scarce believe what they heard, though it wasbut what they and all had every reason to look for, from the languagewhich Aurelian had used, and the known hostility of the Prefect. Portia, the mother, was moved more, if it could be so, than even Piso or Julia. When I had ended, she said, 'Think not, Nicomachus, that although, as thou knowest, I am ofAurelian's side in religion, I defend these inhuman wrongs. To inflictthem can make no part of the duty of any worshipper of the gods, howeverzealous he may be. I do not believe that the gods are propitiated by anyacts which occasion suffering to their creatures. I have seen nojustification under any circumstances of human sacrifices--much less canI see any of sacrifices like those you have this morning witnessed. Aurelian, in authorizing or conniving at such horrors, has cut himselfloose from the honor and the affections of all those in Rome whoseesteem is worth possessing. He has given himself up to the priesthood, and to the vulgar rabble over whom it exercises a sway more strict thanan Eastern despot. He is by these acts turning the current of the bestRoman sympathy toward the Christians, and putting off by a long removethe hour when he might hope to see the ancient religion of the statedelivered from its formidable rival. '

'It is the purpose of Aurelian, ' I said, 'not so much to persecute andannoy the Christians, as to exterminate them. He is persuaded that byusing the same extreme and summary measures with the Christians, whichhe has been accustomed to employ in the army, he can root out this hugeevil from the state, as easily as those lesser ones from thecamp;--without reflecting that it must be impossible to discover all, orany very large proportion of those who profess Christianity, and thattherefore his slaughter of a half or a quarter of the whole number, willbe to no purpose. It will have been but killing so many--there will beno other effect; unless, indeed, it have the effect to convince newthousands of the power, and worth, and divinity of that faith, for whichmen are so willing to die. '

'I mourn, ' said Portia, 'that the great head of the state, and the greathigh priest of our religion should have taken the part he has. Measuresof moderation and true wisdom, though they might not have obtained forhim so great a name for zeal and love of the gods, nor made so suddenand deep an impression upon the common mind and heart, would havesecured with greater probability the end at which he has aimed. '

'It is hard. ' said I, 'to resist nature, especially so when superstitioncomes in to its aid. Aurelian, by nature a savage, is doubly one throughthe influence of his religion and the priesthood. Moderation andhumanity are so contrary to every principle of the man and his faith, that they are not with more reason to be looked for from him thangentleness in a famished wolf. '

Portia looked as if I had assailed the walls and capitol of Rome. 

'I know not, Greek, ' she quickly said, 'on what foundation it is youbuild so heavy a charge against the time-honored faith of Rome. It hasserved Rome well these thousand years, and reared men whose greatnesswill dwell in the memory of the world while the world lasts. '

'Great men have been reared in Rome, ' I replied; 'it can by none bedenied. But it has been by resisting the influences of their religion, not by courting them. They have left themselves in this to the safertutelage of nature, as have you, lady; and they have escaped the evils, which the common superstition would have entailed upon them, had theyadmitted it to their bosoms. Who can deny that the religion of Rome, sofar as it is a religion for the common people, is based up on thecharacters of the gods, as they through history and tradition are heldup to them--especially as they are painted by the poets? Say if there beany other books of authority on this great theme than the poets? Whatbook of religious instruction and precept have you, or have you everhad, corresponding to the volume of the Christians, called theirgospels?'

'We have none, ' said Portia, as I paused compelling a rejoinder. 'It istrue, we have but our historians and our poets, with what we find in thephilosophers. '

'And the philosophers, ' I replied, 'it will be seen at once can neverbe in the hands of the common people. Whence then do they receive theirreligious ideas, but from tradition, and the character of the deities ofheaven, as they are set forth in the poets? And if this be so, I neednot ask whether it be possible that the religion of Rome should be anyother than a source of corruption to the people. So far as the godsshould be their models, they can do no otherwise than help to sink theirimitators lower and lower in all filth and vice. Happily for Rome andthe world, lady, men instinctively revolt at such examples, and copyinstead the pattern which their own souls supply. Had the Romans beenall which the imitation of their gods would have made them, this empirehad long ago sunk under the deep pollution. Fronto and Aurelian--thelast at least sincere--aim at a restoration of religion. They would liftit up to the highest place, and make it the sovereign law of Rome. Inthis attempt, they are unconsciously digging away her very foundations;they are leveling her proud walls with the earth. Suppose Rome were madewhat Fronto would have her? Every Roman were then another Fronto--oranother Aurelian. Were that a world to live in? or to endure? These, lady, are the enemies of Rome, Aurelian and Fronto. The only hope forRome lies, in the reception of some such principles as these of theChristians. Whether true or false, as a revelation from Heaven, they arein accordance with the best part of our nature, and, once spread abroadand received, they would tend by a mighty influence to exalt it more andmore. They would descend, as it is of the nature of absolute truth todo, and lay hold of the humblest and lowest and vilest, and in themerect their authority, and bring them into the state, in which everyman should be, for the reason that he is a man. Helenism cannot dothis. '

'Notwithstanding what I have heard, Nicomachus, I think you mustyourself be a Christian. But whether you are or not, I grant you tounderstand well what religion should be. And I must say that it has everbeen such to me. I, from what I have read of our moralists andphilosophers, and from what I have reflected, have arrived at principlesnot very different from such as you have now hinted at--'

'And are those of Fronto or Varus like yours, lady?'

'I fear not, ' said Portia. 

'Yours then, let me say, are the religion, which you have first foundwithin your own breast, a gift from the gods, and then by meditationhave confirmed and exalted; theirs, the common faith of Rome. Could yourfaith rejoice in or permit the horrors I have this day witnessed and butnow described? Yet of theirs they are the legitimate fruit, thenecessary product. '

'Out of the best, ' replied Portia, 'I believe, Nicomachus, may oftencome the worst. There is naught so perfect and so wise, but humanpassions will mar and pervert it. I should not wonder if, in ages tocome, this peace-loving faith of the Christians, should it survive solong, should itself come to preside over scenes as full of misery andguilt as those you have to-day seen in the streets of Rome. '

'It may be, ' I rejoined. 'But it is nevertheless our duty, in theselection of our principles, to take those which are the purest, themost humane, the most accordant with what is best in us, and the leastliable to perversion and abuse. And whether, if this be just, it bebetter that mankind should have presented for their imitation and honorthe character and actions of Jesus Christ, or those of Jupiter "Greatestand Best, " may be left for the simplest to determine. '

Portia is so staunch a Roman, that one cannot doubt that as she was bornand has lived, so she will die--a Roman. And truth to say, were all likeher, there were little room for quarrel with the principles that couldproduce such results. But for one such, there are a thousand like Varus, Fronto, and Aurelian. 

As after this interview, which was prolonged till the shades of eveningbegan to fall, I held communion with myself on the way to the quietretreats of Tibur, I could not but entertain apprehensions for thesafety of the friends I had just left. I felt that where such men asVarus and Fronto were at the head of affairs, wielding, almost as theypleased, the omnipotence of Aurelian, no family nor individual ofwhatever name or rank could feel secure of either fortune or life. I hadheard indeed such expressions of regard fall from the Emperor for Pisoand his beautiful wife, that I was sure that if any in Rome might feelsafe, it was they. Yet why should he, who had fallen with fatal violenceupon one of his own household, and such a one as Aurelia, hesitate tostrike the family of Piso, if thereby religion or the state were to begreatly benefited? I could see a better chance for them only in theEmperor's early love of Julia, which still seemed to exercise over him asingular power. 

The Queen, I found, upon naming to her the subject of my thoughts, couldentertain none of my apprehensions. It is so difficult for her nature toadmit the faintest purpose of the infliction of wanton suffering, thatshe cannot believe it of others. Notwithstanding her experience of theharsh and cruel spirit of Aurelian, notwithstanding the unnecessarydestruction, for any national or political object, of the multitudes ofPalmyra, still she inclines to confide in him. He has given so manyproofs of regret for that wide ruin, he has suffered so much forit--especially for his murder of Longinus--in the opinion of all Rome, and of the highest and best in all nations, that she is persuaded hewill be more cautious than ever whom he assails, and where he scattersruin and death. Still, such is her devotion to Julia and her love ofPiso--so entirely is her very life lodged in that of her daughter, thatshe resolved to seek the Emperor without delay, and if possible obtainan assurance of their safety, both from his own arm and that of popularviolence. This I urged upon her with all the freedom I might use; andnot in vain; for the next day, at the gardens of Sallust, she hadrepeated interviews with Aurelian--and afterward at her own palace, whither Aurelian came with Livia, and where, while Livia ranged amongthe flowers with Faustula, the Emperor and the Queen held earnestdiscourse--not only on the subject which chiefly agitated Zenobia, buton the general principles on which he was proceeding in this attemptedannihilation of Christianity. Sure I am, that never in the Christianbody itself was there one who pleaded their cause with a more winningand persuasive eloquence. 

LETTER X. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

I write to you, Fausta, by the hands of Vabalathus, who visits Palmyraon his way to his new kingdom. I trust you will see him. The adversitiesof his family and the misfortunes of his country have had most usefuleffects upon his character. Though the time has been so short, he hasdone much to redeem himself. Always was he, indeed, vastly superior tohis brothers; but now, he is not only that, but very much more. Qualities have unfolded themselves, and affections and tastes warmedinto life, which we none of us, I believe, so much as suspected theexistence of. Zenobia has come to be devotedly attached to him, and torepose the same sort of confidence in him as formerly in Julia. All thismakes her the more reluctant to part with him; but, as it is for athrone, she acquiesces. He carries away from Rome with him one of itsmost beautiful and estimable women--the youngest daughter of thevenerable Tacitus--to whom he has just been married. In her you will seean almost too favorable specimen of Roman women. 

Several days have elapsed since I wrote to you, giving an account of thesufferings and death of the Christian Macer--as I learned them fromthose who were present--for a breach of the late edicts, and forsacrilegiously, as the laws term it, tearing down the parchmentcontaining them from one of the columns of the capitol. During thisperiod other horrors of the same kind have been enacted in differentparts of the city. Macer is not the only one who has already paid forhis faith with his life. All the restraints of the law seem to bewithdrawn, not confessedly but virtually, and the Christians in humblecondition--and such for the most part we are--are no longer safe fromviolence in the streets of Rome. Although, Fausta, you believe not withus, you must, scarcely the less for that, pity us in our presentstraits. Can the mind picture to itself, in some aspects of the case, amore miserable lot! Were the times, even at the worst, so full of horrorin Palmyra as now here in Rome? There, if the city were given up topillage, the citizen had at least the satisfaction of dying in theexcitement of a contest, and in the defence of himself and his children. Here the prospect is--the actual scene is almost arrived andpresent--that all the Christians of Rome will be given over to thebutchery, first, of the Prefect's court, and others of the samecharacter, established throughout the city for the express purpose oftrying the Christians--and next, of the mob commissioned with fullpowers to search out, find, and slay, all who bear the hated name. TheChristians, it is true, die for a great cause. In that cause they wouldrather die than live, if to live, they must sacrifice any of theinterests of truth. But still death is not preferred; much less isdeath, in the revolting and agonizing form, which, chiefly, thesevoluntary executioners choose, to be viewed in any other light than anevil too great almost to be endured. 

It would astonish you, I think, and give you conceptions of the power ofthis religion such as you have never had as yet, could you with me lookinto the bosoms of these thousand Christian families, and behold thecalmness and the fortitude with which they await the approachingcalamities. There is now, as they believe, little else before them butdeath--and death, such as a foretaste has been given of, in thesufferings of Macer. Yet are they, with wonderfully few exceptions, herein their houses prepared for whatever may betide, and resolved that theywill die for him unto whom they have lived. This unshrinking courage, this spirit of self-sacrifice, is the more wonderful, as it is now thereceived belief that they would not forfeit their Christian name or hopeby withdrawing, before the storm bursts, from the scene of danger. 

There have been those in the church, and some there are now, who wouldhave all, who in time of persecution seek safety in flight, or by anyform of compromise, visited with the severest censures the church caninflict, and forever after refused readmission to the privileges whichthey once enjoyed. Paying no regard to the peculiar temperament andcharacter of the individual, they would compel all to remain fixed attheir post, inviting by a needless ostentation of their name and faith, the search and assault of the enemy. Macer was of this number. Happilythey are now few: and the Christians are left free--free from theconstraint of any tyrant opinion, to act according to the real feelingof the heart. But does this freedom carry them away from Rome? Does itshow them to the world hurrying in crowds by day, or secretly flying bynight, from the threatened woes? No so. All who were here when thesetroubles first began, are here now, or with few and inconsiderableexceptions--fewer than I could wish. All who have resorted to me underthese circumstances for counsel or aid have I advised, if flight be apossible thing to them, that they should retreat with their children tosome remote and secluded spot, and wait till the tempest should havepassed by. Especially have I so advised and urged all whom I have knownto be of a sensitive and timid nature, or bound by ties of more thancommon interest and necessity to large circles of relatives anddependents. I have aimed to make them believe, that little gain wouldaccrue to the cause of Christ from the addition of them and theirs tothe mass of sufferers--when that mass is already so large; whereas greatand irreparable loss would follow to the community of their friends, andof the Christians who should survive. They would do an equal service toChrist and his church by living, and, on the first appearance of calmertimes, reassuming their Christian name and profession; being then acentre about which there might gather together a new multitude ofbelievers. If still the enemies of Christ should prevail, and a day ofrest never dawn nor arise, they might then, when hope was dead, comeforth and add themselves to the innumerable company of those, born ofHeaven, who hold life and all its joys and comforts as dross, incomparison with the perfect integrity of the mind. By such statementshave I prevailed with many. Probus too has exerted his power in the samedirection, and has enjoyed the happiness of seeing safely embarked forGreece, or Syria, many whose lives in the coming years will be beyondprice to the then just-surviving church. 

Yet do not imagine, Fausta, that we are an immaculate people; that theweaknesses and faults which seem universal to mankind, are not to bediscovered in us that we are all, what by our acknowledged principles weought to be. We have our traitors and our renegades, our backsliders, and our well-dissembling hypocrites--but so few are they, that they giveus little disquiet, and bring slight discredit upon us with the enemy. And beside these, there will now be those, as in former persecutions, who, as the day of evil approaches, will, through the operation simplyof their fears, renounce their name and faith. Of the former, some havealready made themselves conspicuous--conspicuous now by their cowardlyand hasty apostacy, as they were before by a narrow, contentious, andrestless zeal. Among others, the very one, who, on the evening when theChristians assembled near the baths of Macer, was so forward to assailthe faith of Probus, and who ever before, on other occasions, when adisplay could by any possibility be made of devotion to his party, or anostentatious parade of his love of Christ, was always thrusting himselfupon the notice of our body and clamoring for notoriety, has alreadyabandoned us and sought safety in apostacy. Others of the same stamphave in like manner deserted us. They are neither lamented by us norhonored by the other party. It is said of him whom I have just spokenof, that soon as he had publicly renounced Christ, and sacrificed, hisses and yells of contempt broke from the surrounding crowds. He, doubtless it occurred to them, who had so proved himself weak, cowardly, and faithless, to one set of friends, could scarcely betrusted as brave and sincere by those to whom he then joined himself. There are no virtues esteemed by the Romans like courage and sincerity. This trait in their character is a noble one, and is greatly in ourfavor. For, much as they detest our superstitions, they so honor ourfortitude under suffering, that a deep sympathy springs up almostunconsciously in our behalf. Half of those who, on the first outbreak ofthese disorders, would have been found bitterly hostile, if their heartscould be scanned now or when this storm shall have passed by, would befound most warmly with us--not in belief indeed, but in afellow-feeling, which is its best preparation and almost certainantecedent. Even in such an inhuman rabble as perpetrated the savagemurder of the family of Macer, there were thousands who, then driven onby the fury of passion, will, as soon as reflection returns, beartestimony in a wholly altered feeling toward us, to the power with whichthe miraculous serenity and calm courage of those true martyrs havewrought within them. No others are now spoken of in Rome, but Macer andhis heroic wife and children. 

 * * * * *

Throughout the city it is this morning current that new edicts are to beissued in the course of the day. Milo, returning from some of hisnecessary excursions into the more busy and crowded parts of the city, says that it is confidently believed. I told him that I could scarcelythink it, as I had reason to believe that the Emperor had engaged thatthey should not be as yet. 

'An Emperor surely, ' said Milo, 'may change his mind if he lists. He islittle better than the rest of us, if he have not so much power as that. I think, if I were Emperor, that would be my chief pleasure, to do andsay one thing to-day and just the contrary thing to-morrow, withoutbeing obliged to give a reason for it. If there be anything that makesslavery it is this rendering a reason. In the service of the most nobleGallienus, fifty slaves were subject to me, and never was I known torender a reason for a single office I put them to. That was being neareran Emperor than I fear I shall ever be again. '

'I hope so, Milo, ' I said. 'But what reason have you to think, --if youwill render a reason, --that Aurelian has changed his mind?'

'I have given proof, ' answered Milo, 'have I not, that if anything isknown in Rome, it is known by Curio?'

'I think you have shown that he knows some things. '

'He was clearly right about the sacrifices, ' responded Milo, 'as eventsafterwards declared. Just as many suffered as he related to me. What nowhe told me this morning was this, "that certain persons would findthemselves mistaken--that some knew more than others--that the ox led tothe slaughter knew less than the butcher--that great persons trusted nottheir secrets to every one--Emperors had their confidants--and Frontohad his. "'

'Was that all?' I patiently asked. 

'I thought, noble sir, ' he replied, 'that it was--for upon that he onlysagaciously shook his head and was silent. However, as I said nothing, knowing well that some folks would die if they retained a secret, thoughthey never would part with it for the asking, Curio began again, soonas he despaired of any question from me, and said "he could tell me whatwas known but to three persons in Rome. " His wish was that I should askhim who they were, and what it was that was known but to so few; but Idid not, but began a new bargain with a man for his poultry--for, youmust know, we were in the market. He then began himself and said, "Whothink you they were?" But I answered not. "Who, " he then whispered in myear, "but Aurelian, Fronto, and myself!" Then I gratified him by askingwhat the secret was, for if it had anything to do with the Christians Ishould like to know it. "I will tell it to thee, " he said, "but to noother in Rome, and to thee only on the promise that it goes in at thyear but not out at thy mouth. " I said that I trusted that I, who hadkept, I dared hardly say how many years, and kept them still, thesecrets of Gallienus, should know how to keep and how to reveal anythinghe had to say. Whereupon, without any more reserve, he assured me thatFronto had persuaded the Emperor to publish new and more severe edictsbefore the sixth hour, telling him as a reason for it, that theChristians were flying from Rome in vast numbers; that every night--theyhaving first passed the gates in the day--multitudes were hastening intothe country, making for Gaul and Spain, or else embarking in vesselslong prepared for such service on the Tiber; that, unless instantlyarrested, there would be none or few for the edicts to operate upon, andthen, when all had become calm again, and he--Aurelian--were dead, andanother less pious upon the throne, they would all return, and Romeswarm with them as before. Curio said that, when the Emperor heard this, he broke out into a wild and furious passion. He swore by the great godof light--which is an oath Curio says he never uses but he keeps--thatyou, sir, Piso, had deceived him--had cajoled him; that you hadpersuaded him to wait and hear what the Christians had to say forthemselves before they were summarily dealt with, which he had consentedto do, but which he now saw was a device to gain time by which all, orthe greater part, might escape secretly from the capital. He then, withFronto and the secretaries, prepared and drew up new edicts, declaringevery Christian an enemy of the state and of the gods, and requiringthem everywhere to be informed against, and upon conviction of beingChristians, to be thrown into prison and await there the judgment of theEmperor. These things, sir, are what I learned from Curio, which I makeno secret of, for many reasons. I trust you will believe them, for Iheard the same story all along the streets, and mine is better worthy ofbelief only because of where and whom it comes from. '

I told Milo that I could not but suppose there was something in it, as Ihad heard the rumor from several other sources; that, if Curio spoke thetruth, it was worse than I had apprehended. 

Putting together what was thus communicated by Milo, and what, as hesaid, was to be heard anywhere in the streets, I feared that some darkgame might indeed be playing by the priest against us, by which ourlives might be sacrificed even before the day were out. 

'Should you not, ' said Julia, 'instantly seek Aurelian? If what Milo hassaid possess any particle of truth, it is most evident the Emperor hasbeen imposed upon by the lies of Fronto. He has cunningly used hisopportunities: and you, Lucius, except he be instantly undeceived, maybe the first to feel his power. '

While she was speaking, Probus, Felix, and others of the principalChristians of Rome entered the apartment. Their faces and their manner, and their first words, declared that the same conviction possessed themas us. 

'We are constrained, ' said Felix, 'thus with little ceremony, noblePiso, to intrude upon your privacy But in truth the affair we have comeupon admits not of ceremony or delay. '

'Let there be none then, I pray, and let us hear at once what concernsus all. '

'It is spread over the city, ' replied the bishop, 'that before the sixthhour edicts are to be issued that will go to the extreme we havefeared--affecting the liberty and life of every Christian in Rome. Wefind it hard to believe this, however, as it is in the face of whatAurelian has most expressly stipulated. It is therefore the wish andprayer of the Christians that you, being nearer to him than any, shouldseek an interview with him, and then serve our cause in such manner andby such arguments as you best can. '

'This is what we desire, Piso, ' said they all. 

I replied, that I would immediately perform that which they desired, butthat I would that some other of our number should accompany me. Whereupon Felix was urged to join me; and consenting, we, at the moment, departed for the palace of Aurelian. 

On arriving at the gardens, it was only by urgency that I obtainedadmission to the presence of the Emperor. But upon declaring that I cameupon an errand that nearly concerned himself and Rome, I was ordered tobe brought into his private apartment. 

As I entered, Aurelian quickly rose from the table, at which he had beensitting, on the other side of which sat Fronto. None of the customaryurbanity was visible in his deportment; his countenance was dark andsevere, his reception of me cold and stately, his voice more harsh andbitter than ever. I could willingly have excused the presence of thepriest. 

'Ambassadors, ' said Aurelian inclining toward us, 'I may suppose fromthe community of Christians. '

'We came at their request, ' I replied; 'rumors are abroad through thecity, too confidently reported, and too generally credited to beregarded as wholly groundless, yet which it is impossible for those whoknow Aurelian to believe, asserting that to-day edicts are to be issuedaffecting both the liberty and the lives of the Christians--'

'I would, Piso, that rumor were never farther from the truth than inthis. '

'But, ' I rejoined, 'has not Aurelian said that he would proceed againstthem no further till he had first heard their defence from their ownorgans?'

'Is it one party only in human affairs, young Piso, ' he sharplyreplied, 'that must conform to truth and keep inviolate a plighted word?Is deception no vice when it is a Christian who deceives? I indeed saidthat I would hear the Christians, though, when I made that promise, Ialso said that 'twould profit them nothing; but I then little knew whyit was that Piso was so urgent. '

'Truth, ' I replied, 'cannot be received from some quarters, any morethan sweet and wholesome water through poisoned channels. Even, Aurelian, if Fronto designed not to mislead, no statement passingthrough his lips--if it concerned the Christians--could do so, withoutthere being added to it, or lost from it, much that properly belonged toit. I have heard that too, which, I may suppose, has been poured intothe mind of Aurelian, to fill it with a bitterer enmity still toward theChristians--that the Christians have sought this delay only that theymight use the opportunities thus afforded, to escape from his power--andthat, using them, they have already in the greater part fled from thecapital, leaving to the Emperor but a few old women and children uponwhom to wreak his vengeance. How does passion bring its film over theclearest mind! How does the eye that will not see, shut out the lightthough it be brighter than that of day! It had been wiser in Aurelian, as well as more merciful, first to have tried the truth of what has thusbeen thrust upon his credulity ere he made it a ground of action. Truehimself, he suspects not others; but suspicion were sometimes a highervirtue than frank confidence. Had Aurelian but looked into the streetsof Rome, he could not but have seen the grossness of the lie that hasbeen palmed upon his too willing ear. Of the seventy thousand Christianswho dwelt in Rome, the same seventy thousand, less by scarce aseventieth part, are now here within their dwellings waiting the will ofAurelian. Take this on the word of one whom, in former days at least, you have found worthy of your trust. Take it on the word of thevenerable head of this community who stands here to confirm it either byword or oath--and in Rome it needs but to know that Felix, theChristian, has spoken, to know that truth has spoken too. '

'The noble Piso, ' added Felix 'has spoken what all who know aught of theaffairs and condition of the Christians know to be true. There is amongus, great Emperor, too much, rather than too little, of that couragethat meets suffering and death without shrinking. Let your proclamationsthis moment be sounded abroad calling upon the Christians to appear forjudgment upon their faith before the tribunals of Rome, and they willcome flocking up as do your Pagan multitudes to the games of theFlavian. '

While we had been speaking, Fronto sat, inattentive as it seemed to whatwas going on. But at these last words he was compelled to give ear, anddid it as a man does who has heard unwelcome truths. As Felix ended, theEmperor turned toward him without speaking, and without any look ofdoubt or passion, waiting for such explanation as he might have to give. 

Fronto, instantly re-assuring himself, rose from his seat with the airof a man who doubts not the soundness of his cause, and feels sure ofthe ear of his judge. 

'I will not say, great Emperor, that I have not in my ardor made broaderthe statements which I have received from others. It is an error quitepossible to have been guilty of. My zeal for the gods is warm andoft-times outruns the calm dictates of reason. But if what has now beenaffirmed as true, be true, it is more I believe than they who so reportcan make good--or than others can, be they friends or enemies of thistribe. Who shall now go out into this wilderness of streets, into themidst of this countless multitude of citizens and strangers--men of allreligions and all manners--and pick me out the seventy thousandChristians, and show that all are close at home? Out of the seventythousand, is it not palpable that its third or half may have fled, andyet it shall be in no man's power to make it so appear--to point to thespot whence they have departed, or to that whither they have gone? Butbeside this, I must here and now confess, that it was upon no knowledgeof my own gathered by my own eyes and ears that I based the truth, nowcharged as error; but upon what came to me through those in whose word Ihave ever placed the most sacred trust, the priests of the temple, and, more than all, my faithful servant--friend I may call him--Curio, intowhom drops by some miracle all that is strange or new in Rome. '

I said in reply, 'that it were not so difficult perhaps as the priesthas made it seem, to learn what part of the Christians were now in Rome, and what part were gone. There are among us, Aurelian, in every separatechurch, men who discharge duties corresponding to those which Frontoperforms in the Temple of the Sun. We have our priests, and otherssubordinate to them, who fill offices of dignity and trust. Besidethese, there are others still, who, for their wealth or their worth, areknown well, not among the Christians only, but the Romans also. Ofthese, it were an easy matter to learn, whether or not they are now inRome. And if these are here, who, from the posts they fill would be thefirst victims, it may be fairly supposed that the humbler sort and lessable to depart--and therefore safer--are also here. Here I stand, andhere stands Felix; we are not among the missing! And we boast not of acourage greater than may be claimed for the greater part of those towhom we belong. '

'Great Emperor, ' said Fronto, 'I will say no more than this, that in itswhole aspect this bears the same front, as the black aspersions of thewretch Macer, whose lies, grosser than Cretan ever forged, poured in afoul and rotten current from his swollen lips; yea, while the hot ironswere tearing out his very heart-strings, did he still belch forth freshtorrents blacker and fouler as they flowed longer, till death came andtook him to other tortures worse a thousand-fold--the just doom of suchas put false for true. That those were the malignant lies I have saidthey are, Aurelian can need no other proof, I hope, than that which hasbeen already given. '

'I am still, Fronto, as when your witnesses were here before me, satisfied with your defence. When indeed I doubt the truth of Aurelian, I may be found to question that of Fronto. Piso--hold! We have heard andsaid too much already. Take me not, as if I doubted, more than Fronto, the word which you have uttered, or that of the venerable Felix. Youhave said that which you truly believe. The honor of a Piso has neverbeen impeached, nor, as I trust, can be. Yet, has there been error, bothhere and there, and, I doubt not, is. Let it be thus determined then. If, upon any, blame shall seem to rest, let it be upon myself. If anyshall be charged with doing to-day what must be undone to-morrow, letthe burden be upon my shoulders. I will therefore recede; the edicts, which, as you have truly heard, were to-day to have been promulged, shall sleep at least another day. To-morrow, Piso, at the sixth hour, inthe palace on the Palatine, shall Probus--if such be the pleasure ofthe Christians--plead in their behalf. Then and there will I hear whatthis faith is, from him, or from whomsoever they shall appoint. And nowno more. '

With these words on the part of Aurelian, our audience closed, and weturned away--grieving to see that a man like him, otherwise a Titanevery way, should have so surrendered himself into the keeping ofanother; yet rejoicing that some of that spirit of justice that oncewholly swayed him still remained, and that our appeal to it had not beenin vain. 

To-morrow then, at the sixth hour, will Probus appear before Aurelian. It is not, Fausta, because I, or any, suppose that Aurelian himself canbe so wrought upon as to change any of his purposes, that we desire thishearing. He is too far entered into this business--too heartily, and, Imay add, too conscientiously--to be drawn away from it, or diverted fromthe great object which he has set up before him. I will not despair, however, that even he may be softened, and abate somewhat of that ragingthirst for our blood, for the blood of us all, that now seems to maddenhim. But, however this may be, upon other minds impressions may be madethat may be of service to us either directly or indirectly. We maysuppose that the hearing of the Christians will be public, that many ofgreat weight with Aurelian will be there, who never before heard a wordfrom a Christian's lips, and who know only that we are held as enemiesof the state and its religion. Especially, I doubt not, will many, mostor all, of the Senate be there; and it is to that body I still look, as, in the last resort, able perhaps to exert a power that may save usat least from absolute annihilation. 

 * * * * *

To-day has Probus been heard; and while others sleep, I resume my pen todescribe to you the events of it, as they have occurred. 

It was in the banqueting hall of the imperial palace on the Palatine, that Probus was directed to appear, and defend his cause before theEmperor. It is a room of great size, and beautiful in its proportionsand decorations. A row of marble pillars adorns each longer side of theapartment. Its lofty ceiling presents to the eye in allegory, and incolors that can never fade, Rome victorious over the world. The greatand good of Rome's earlier days stand around, in marble or brass, uponpedestals, or in niches, sunk into the substance of the walls. And wherethe walls are not thus broken, pictures wrought upon them, set beforethe beholder many of the scenes in which the patriots of former daysachieved or suffered for the cause of their country. Into thisapartment, soon as it was thrown open, poured a crowd both of Christiansand Pagans, of Romans and of strangers from every quarter of the world. There was scarcely a remote province of the empire that had not thereits representative; and from the far East, discernible at once by theircostume, were many present, who seemed interested not less than othersin the great questions to be agitated. Between the two central columnsupon the western side, just beneath the pedestal of a colossal statue ofVespasian, the great military idol of Aurelian, upon a seat slightlyraised above the floor, having on his right hand Livia and Julia, satthe Emperor. He was surrounded by his favorite generals and the chiefmembers of the senate, seated, or else standing against the columns orstatues which were near him. There too, at the side of, or immediatelybefore, Aurelian, but placed lower, were Porphyrius, Varus, Fronto, andhalf the priesthood of Rome. A little way in front of the Emperor, andnearly in the centre of the room, stood Probus. 

If Aurelian sat in his chair of gold, looking the omnipotent master ofall the world, as if no mere mortal force could drive him from the placehe held and filled--Probus, on his part, though he wanted all that airof pride and self-confidence written upon every line of Aurelian's faceand form, yet seemed like one, who, in the very calmness of anunfaltering trust in a goodness and power above that of earth, was inperfect possession of himself, and fearless of all that man might say ordo. His face was pale; but his eye was clear. His air was that of a manmild and gentle, who would not injure willingly the meanest thingendowed with life; but of a man too of that energy and inward strengthof purpose, that he would not on the other hand suffer an injury to bedone to another, if any power lodged within him could prevent it. It wasthat of a man to be loved, and yet to be feared; whose compassion youmight rely upon; but whose indignation at wrong and injustice might alsobe relied upon, whenever the weak or the oppressed should cry out forhelp against the strong and the cruel. 

No sooner had Aurelian seated himself, and the thronged apartment becomestill, than he turned to those who were present and said, 'That the Christians had desired this audience before him and the sacredsenate, and he had therefore granted them their request. And he was nowhere, to listen to whatever they might urge in their behalf. But, ' saidhe, 'I tell them now, as I have told them before, that it can be of noavail. The acts of former Emperors, from Nero to the present hour, havesufficiently declared what the light is in which a true Roman shouldview the superstition that would supplant the ancient worship of thegods. It is enough for me, that such is the acknowledged aim, andasserted tendency and operation of this Jewish doctrine. No merits ofany kind can atone for the least injury it might inflict upon thatvenerable order of religious worship which, from the time of Romulus, has exercised over us its benignant influence, and, doubtless, by theblessings it has drawn down upon us from the gods, crowned our arms witha glory the world has never known before--putting under our feet everycivilized kingdom from the remotest East to the farthest West, andstriking terror into the rude barbarians of the German forests. Nevertheless, they shall be heard; and if it is from thee, Christian, that we are to know what thy faith is, let us now hear whatever it is inthy heart to say. There shall no bridle be put upon thee; but thou hastfreest leave to utter what thou wilt. There is nothing of worstconcerning either Rome or her worship, her rulers or her altars, herpriesthood or her gods, but thou mayest pour it forth in such measure asshall please thee, and no one shall say thee nay. Now say on; the dayand the night are before thee. '

'I shall require, great Emperor, ' replied Probus, 'but little of either;yet I thank thee, and all of our name who are here present thank thee, for the free range which thou hast offered. I thank thee too, and so dowe all, for the liberty of frank and undisturbed speech, which thou hastassured to me. Yet shall I not use it to malign either the Romans ortheir faith. It is not with anger and fierce denunciation, O Emperor, that it becomes the advocate, of what he believes to be a religion fromHeaven, to assail the adherents of a religion like this of Rome, descended to the present generation through so many ages, and which allwho have believed it in times past, and all who believe it now, do holdto be true and woven into the very life of the state--the origin of itspresent greatness, and without which it must fall asunder into finalruin, the bond that held it together being gone. If the religion of Romebe false, or really injurious, it is not the generations now living whoare answerable for its existence formerly or now, nor for theprinciples, truths, or rites, which constitute it. They have receivedit, as they have received a thousand customs which are now among them, by inheritance from the ancestors who bequeathed them, which theyreceived at too early an age to judge concerning their fitness orunfitness, but to which, for the reason of that early reception, theyhave become fondly attached, even as to parents, brothers, and sisters, from whom they have never been divided. It becomes not the Christian, therefore, to load with reproaches those who are placed where they are, not by their own will, but by the providence of the Great Ruler. Neitherdoes it become you of the Roman faith to reproach us for the faith towhich we adhere; because the greater proportion of us also haveinherited our religion, as you yours, from parents and a community whoprofessed it before us, and all regard it as heaven-descended, and soproved to be divine, that without inexpiable guilt we may not refuse toaccept it. It must be in the face of reason, then, and justice, in theface of what is both wise and merciful, if either should judge harshlyof the other. 

'Besides, what do I behold in this wide devotion of the Roman people tothe religion of their ancestors, but a testimony, beautiful for thewitness it bears, to the universality of that principle or feeling, which binds the human heart to some god or gods, in love and worship?The worship may be wrong, or greatly imperfect, and sometimes injurious;the god or gods may be so conceived of, as to act with hurtfulinfluences upon human character and life; still it is religion; it is asentiment that raises the thoughts of the humble and toilworn from theearthly and the perishing, to the heavenly and the eternal. And this, though accompanied by some or many rites shocking to humanity, andrevolting to reason, is better than that men were, in this regard, nohigher nor other than brutes; but received their being as they dotheirs, they know not whence, and when they lose it, depart like them, they know not and care not whither. In the religious character of theRoman people--for religious in the earlier ages of this empire theyeminently were, and they are religious now, though in less degree--Ibehold and acknowledge the providence of God, who has so framed us thatour minds tend by resistless force to himself; satisfied at first withlow and crude conceptions, but ever aspiring after those that shall beworthier and worthier. 

'And now, O Emperor, for the same reason that we believe God thecreator did implant in us all, of all tribes and tongues, this deepdesire to know, worship, and enjoy him, so that no people have ever beenwholly ignorant of him, do we believe that he has, in these latteryears, declared himself to mankind more plainly than he did in theorigin of things, or than he does through our own reason, so that menmay, by such better knowledge of himself and of all necessary truthwhich he has imparted, be raised to a higher virtue on earth, and madefit for a more exalted life in heaven. We believe that he has thusdeclared himself by him whom you have heard named as the Master and Lordof the Christian, and after whom they are called, Jesus Christ. Him, Godthe creator, we believe, sent into the world to teach a better religionthan the world had; and to break down and forever destroy, through theoperation of his truth, a thousand injurious forms of false belief. Itis this religion which we would extend, and impart to those who willopen their minds to consider its claims, and their hearts to embrace itstruths, when they have once been seen to be divine. This has been ourtask and our duty in Rome, to beseech you not blindly to receive, butstrictly to examine, and, if found to be true, then humbly andgratefully to adopt this new message from above--'

'By the gods, Aurelian, ' exclaimed Porphyrius, 'these Christians arekindly disposed! their benevolence and their philosophy are alike. Weare obliged to them--'

'Not now, Porphyrius, ' said Aurelian. 'Disturb not the Christian. Sayon, Probus. '

'We hope, ' continued Probus, nothing daunted by the scornful jeers ofthe philosopher, 'that we are sincerely desirous of your welfare, and sopray that in the lapse of years all may, as some have done, take at ourhands the good we proffer them; for, sure we are, that would all soreceive it, Rome would tower upwards with a glory and a beauty thatshould make her a thousand-fold more honored and beloved than now, andher roots would strike down, and so fasten themselves in the very centreof the earth, that well might she then be called the Eternal City. Yet, O Emperor, though such is our aim and purpose; though we would propagatea religion from God, and, in doing so, are willing to labor our liveslong, and, if need be, die in the sacred cause, yet are we charged asatheists. The name by which we are known, as much as by that ofChristian, is atheist--'

'Such, I have surely believed you, ' said Porphyrius, again breaking in, 'and, at this moment, do. '

'But it is a name, Aurelian, fixed upon us ignorantly or slanderously;ignorantly, I am willing to believe. We believe in a God, O Emperor; itis to him we live, and to him we die. The charge of atheism I thuspublicly deny, as do all Christians who are here, as would allthroughout the world with one acclaim, were they also here, and wouldall seal their testimony, if need were, with their blood. We believe inGod; not in many gods, some greater and some lesser, as with you, andwhose forms are known and can be set forth in images and statues--but inone, one God, the sole monarch of the universe; whom no man, be he neverso cunning, can represent in wood, or brass, or stone; whom, so torepresent in any imaginary shape, our faith denounces as unlawful andimpious. Hence it is, O Emperor, because the vulgar, when they enter ourchurches or our houses, see there no image of god or goddess, that theyimagine we are without a God, and without his worship. And suchconclusion may in them be excused. For, till they are instructed, it maynot be easy for them to conceive of one God, filling Heaven and earthwith his presence. But in others it is hard to see how they think usatheists on the same ground, since nothing can be plainer than thatamong you, the intelligent, and the philosophers especially, believe aswe do in a great pervading invisible spirit of the universe. Platoworshipped not nor believed in these stone or wooden gods; nor in any ofthe fables of the Greek religion; yet who ever has charged him withatheism? So was it with the great Longinus. I see before me those whoare now famed for their science in such things, who are the teachers ofRome in them, yet not one, I may venture to declare, believes other thanas Plato and Longinus did in this regard. It is an error or a calumnythat has ever prevailed concerning us; but in former times some have hadthe candor, when the error has been removed, to confess publicly thatthey had been subject to it. The Emperor Marcus Aurelius, to name noother, when, in the straits into which he was fallen at Cotinus, hecharged his disasters upon the Christian soldiers, and, they prayingprostrate upon the earth for him and his army and empire, he forthwithgained the victory, which before he had despaired of--did thenimmediately acknowledge that they had a God, and that they should nolonger be reviled as atheists; since it was plain that men might believein a God, and carry about the image of him in their own minds, thoughthey had no visible one. It is thus we are all believers. We carry aboutwith us, in the sanctuary of our own bosoms, our image of the great andalmighty God whom we serve; and before that, and that only, do we bowdown and worship. Were we indeed atheists, it were not unreasonable thatyou dealt with us as you now do, nay and much more severely; for, wherebelief in a God does not exist, it is not easy to see how any state canlong hold together. The necessary bond is wanting, and, as a sheaf ofwheat when the band is broken, it must fall asunder. 

'The first principle of the religion of Christ is this belief in God; inhis righteous providence here on earth, and in a righteous retributionhereafter. How then can the religion of Christ in this respect be ofdangerous influence or tendency? It is well known to all, who areacquainted in the least with history or philosophy, that in the religionof the Jews, the belief and worship of one God almost constitutes thereligion itself. Every thing else is inferior and subordinate. In thisrespect the religion of Jesus is like that of the Jews. It is exceedingjealous of the honor and worship of this one God--this very same God ofthe Jews; for Jesus was himself a Jew, and has revealed to us the sameGod whom we are required to worship, only with none of the ceremonies, rites, and sacrifices, which were peculiar to that people. It is thiswhich has caused us, equally to our and their displeasure, frequently tobe confounded together, and mistaken the one for the other. But thedifferences between us are, excepting in the great doctrine I have justnamed, very great and essential. This doctrine therefore, which is thechief of all, being so fundamental with us, it is not easy, I say, tosee how we can on religious accounts be dangerous to the state. Formany things are comprehended in and follow from this faith. It is not abarren, unprofitable speculation, but a practical and restrainingdoctrine of the greatest moral efficiency. If it be not this to us, toall and every one of us, it is not what it ought to be and we wronglyunderstand or else wilfully pervert it. 

'We believe that we are everywhere surrounded by the presence of ourGod: that he is our witness every moment, and everywhere conscious, aswe are ourselves, of our words, acts, and thoughts; and will bring usall to a strict account at last for whatever he has thus witnessed thathas been contrary to that rigid law of holy living which he hasestablished over us in Christ. Must not this act upon us mostbeneficially? We believe that in himself he is perfect purity, and thathe demands of us that we be so in our degree also. We can impute to himnone of the acts, such as the believers in the Greek and Roman religionsfreely ascribe to their Jove, and so have not, as others have, in suchdivine example, a warrant and excuse for the like enormities. This oneGod too we also regard as our judge, who will in the end sit upon ourconduct throughout the whole of our lives, and punish or rewardaccording to what we shall have been, just as the souls of men, according to your belief, receive their sentence at the bar of Minos andRhadamanthus. And other similar truths are wrapt up with and make a partof this great primary one. Wherefore it is most evident, that nothingcan be more false and absurd than to think and speak of us as atheistsand for that reason a nuisance in the state. 

'But it is not only that we are atheists, but that, through our atheism, we are to be looked upon as disorderly members of society, disturbersof the peace, disaffected and rebellious citizens, that we hear on everyside. I do not believe that this charge has ever been true of any, muchless of all. Or if any Christian has at any time and for any reasondisobeyed the laws, withheld his taxes when they have been demanded, orneglected any duties which, as a citizen of Rome, he has owed to theEmperor, or any representative of him, then so far he has not been aChristian. Christ's kingdom is not of this world--though, because we sooften and so much speak of a kingdom, we have been thought to aim at oneon earth--it is above; and he requires us while here below to beobedient to the laws and the rulers that are set up over us, so far aswe deem them in accordance with the everlasting laws of God and ofright; to pay tribute to whomsoever it is due; here in Rome to Cæsar;and, wherever we are, to be loyal and quiet citizens of the state. Andthe reception of his religion tends to make such of us all. Whoeveradopts the faith of the gospel of Jesus will be a virtuous, and holy, and devout man, and therefore, both in Rome, in Persia, and in India, and everywhere, a good subject. 

'We defend not nor abet, great Emperor, the act of that holy butimpetuous and passionate man, who so lately, in defiance of the imperialedict and before either remonstrance or appeal on our part, preached onthe very steps of the capitol, and there committed that violence forwhich he hath already answered with his life. We defend him not in that;but neither do we defend, but utterly condemn and execrate theunrighteous haste, and the more than demoniac barbarity of his death. God, we rejoice in all our afflictions to believe, is over all, and thewicked, the cruel, and the unjust, shall not escape. 

'Yet it must be acknowledged that there are higher duties than thosewhich we owe to the state, even as there is a higher sovereign to whomwe owe allegiance than the head of the state, whether that head be king, senate, or emperor. Man is not only a subject and a citizen, he is firstof all the creature of God, and amenable to his laws. When thereforethere is a conflict between the laws of God and the king, who can doubtwhich are to be obeyed?--'

'Who does not see, ' cried Porphyrius vehemently, 'that in suchprinciples there lurks the blackest treason? for who but themselves areto judge when the laws of the two sovereigns do thus conflict? and whatlaw then may be promulged, but to them it may be an offence?'

'Let not the learned Porphyrius, ' resumed Probus, 'rest in but a part ofwhat I say. Let him hear the whole, and then deny the principle if hecan. I say, when the law of God and the law of man are opposite the oneto the other, we are not to hesitate which to obey and which to break;our first allegiance is due to Heaven. And it is true that we ourselvesare to be the judges in the case. But then we are judges under the samestern laws of conscience toward God, which compel us to violate the lawof the empire, though death in its most terrific form be the penalty. And is it likely therefore that we shall, for frivolous causes, orimaginary ones, or none at all, hold it to be our duty to rebel againstthe law of the land? To think so were to rate us low indeed. They maysurely be trusted to make this decision, whose fidelity to conscience inother emergences brings down upon them so heavy a load of calamity. Imay appeal moreover to all, I think, who hear me, of the common faith, whether they themselves would not hold by the same principle? Supposethe case that your supreme god--"Jupiter greatest and best"--or the godbeyond and above him, in whom your philosophers have faith--revealed alaw, requiring what the law of the empire forbids, must you not, wouldyou not, if your religion were anything more than a mere pretence, obeythe god rather than the man? Although therefore, great Emperor, we blamethe honest Macer for his precipitancy, yet it ought to be, and is, thedetermination of us all to yield obedience to no law which violates thelaw of Heaven. We having received the faith of Christ in trust, to be byus dispensed to mankind, and believing the welfare of mankind to dependupon the wide extension of it, we will rather die than shut it up in ourown bosoms--we will rather die, than live with our tongues tied andsilent--our limbs fettered and bound! We must speak, or we will die--'

Porphyrius again sprang from his seat with intent to speak, but theEmperor restrained him. 

'Contend not now, Porphyrius; let us hear the Christian. I have givenhim his freedom. Infringe it not. '

'I will willingly, noble Emperor, ' said Probus, 'respond to whatsoeverthe learned Tyrian may propose. All I can desire is this only, that thereligion of Christ may be seen, by those who are here, to be what ittruly is; and it may be, that the questions or the objections of thephilosopher shall show this more perfectly than a continued discourse. '

The Emperor, however, making a sign, he went on. 

'We have also been charged, O Emperor, with vices and crimes, committedat both our social and our religious meetings, at which nature revolts, which are even beyond in grossness what have been ever ascribed to themost flagitious of mankind. '--Probus here enumerated the many rumorswhich had long been and still were current in Rome, and, especially bythe lower orders, believed; and drew then such a picture of thecharacter, lives, manners, and morals of the Christians, for the truthof which he appealed openly to noble and distinguished persons among theRomans then present, --not of the Christian faith, but who were yet wellacquainted with their character and condition, and who would not refuseto testify to what he had said--that there could none have been presentin that vast assembly but who, if there were any sense of justice withinthem, must have dismissed forever from their minds, if they had everentertained them, the slanderous fictions that had filled them. 

To report to you, Fausta, this part of his defence, must be needless, and could not prove otherwise than painful. He then also refuted in thesame manner other common objections alleged against the Christians andtheir worship; the lateness of its origin; its beggarly simplicity; thelow and ignorant people who alone or chiefly, both in Rome andthroughout the world, have received it; the fierce divisions anddisputes among the Christians themselves; the uncertainty of itsdoctrines; the rigor of its morality, as unsuited to mankind; as alsoits spiritual worship; the slowness of its progress, and the littlelikelihood that, if God were its author, he would leave it to be troddenunder foot and so nearly annihilated by the very people to whom he wassending it; these and other similar things usually urged against theChristians, and now for the first time, it is probable, by most of theRomans present, heard, refuted, and explained, did Probus set forth, both with brevity and force; making nothing tedious by reason of afrivolous minuteness, nor yet omitting a single topic or argument, whichit was due to the cause he defended, to bring before the minds of thataugust assembly. He then ended his appeal in the following manner:

'And now, great Emperor, must you have seen, in what I have alreadysaid, what the nature and character of this religion is; for in denyingand disproving the charges that have been brought against it, I have, inmost particulars, alleged and explained some opposite truth or doctrine, by which it is justly characterized. But that you may be informed themore exactly for what it is you are about to persecute and destroy us, and for what it is that we cheerfully undergo torture and death soonerthan surrender or deny it, listen yet a moment longer. You have heardthat we are named after Jesus, Jesus of Nazareth in Galilee, who, in thereign of Tiberius, was born in Judea, and there lived and taught, aprophet and messenger of God, till he was publicly crucified by hisbitter enemies the Jews. We do not doubt, nay, we all steadfastlybelieve, that this Jesus was the Son of the Most High God, by reason ofhis wonderful endowments and his delegated office as the long-looked-forMessiah of the Jews. As the evidences of his great office and of hisdivine origin, he performed those miracles that filled with astonishmentthe whole Jewish nation, and strangers from all parts of the world; andso wrought even upon the mind of your great predecessor, the EmperorTiberius, that he would fain receive him into the number of the gods ofRome. And why, O Emperor, was this great personage sent forth into theworld, encircled by the rays of divine power and wisdom and goodness, anemanation of the self-existent and infinite God? And why do we so honorhim, and cleave to him, that we are ready to offer our lives insacrifice, while we go forth as preachers of his faith, making him knownto all nations as the universal Saviour and Redeemer? This Jesus cameinto the world, and lived and taught; was preceded by so long apreparation of prophetic annunciation, and accompanied by so sublimedemonstrations of almighty power, to this end, and to this end only, that he might save us from our sins, and from those penal consequencesin this world and in worlds to come, which are bound to them by thestern decrees of fate. Yes, Aurelian, Jesus came only that he mightdeliver mankind from the thraldom of every kind of wickedness, and raisethem to a higher condition of virtue and happiness. He was a great moraland religious teacher and reformer, endowed with the wisdom and power ofthe supreme God. He himself toiled only in Judea; but he came abenefactor of Rome too--of Rome as well as of Judea. He came to purge itof its pollutions; to check in their growth those customs and viceswhich seem destined, reaching their natural height and size, to overlayand bury in final ruin the city and the empire; he came to make uscitizens of Heaven through the virtues which his doctrine should buildup in the soul, and so citizens of Rome more worthy of that name thanany who ever went before. He came to heal, to mend, to reform thestate; not to set up a kingdom in hostility to this, but in unison withit; an inward, invisible kingdom in every man's heart, which should beas the soul of the other. 

'It was to reform the morals of the state, to save it from itself, thatyou, Aurelian, in the first years of your reign, applied those energiesthat have raised the empire to more than its ancient glory. You aimed toinfuse a love of justice and of peace, to abate the extravagances of thetimes, to stem the tide of corruption that seemed about to bear downupon its foul streams the empire itself, tossing upon its surface a widesea of ruin. It was a great work--too great for man. It needed a divinestrength and a more than human wisdom. These were not yours; and it isno wonder that the work did not go on to its completion. Jesus is areformer; of Rome and of the world also. The world is his theatre ofaction; but with him there is leagued the arm and the power of theSupreme God; and the work which he attempts shall succeed. It cannot butsucceed. It is not so much he, Jesus of Nazareth, who has come forthupon this great errand of mercy and love to mankind, as God himself inand through him. It is the Great God of the Universe, who, by JesusChrist as his agent and messenger, comes to you, and would reform andredeem your empire, and out of that which is transitory, and by itsinherent vice threatened with decay and death, make a city and an empirewhich, through the energy of its virtues, shall truly be eternal. Canyou not, O Emperor, supposing the claims of this religion to a divineorigin to be just, view it with respect? Nay, could you not greet itsapproach to your capital with pleasure and gratitude, seeing its aim isnothing else than this, to purify, purge, and reform the state, to healits wounds, cleanse its putrifying members, and infuse the element of anew and healthier life? Methinks a true patriot and lover of Rome mustrejoice when any power approaches and offers to apply those remediesthat may, with remotest probability only, bid fair to cure the diseasesof which her body is sick, nigh unto death. 

'Such, Aurelian, was and is the aim of Jesus, in the religion which hebrought. And of us, who are his ministers, his messengers--who go forthbearing these glad tidings of deliverance from sin and corruption, andof union with God--our work is the same with his. We but repeat thelessons which he gave. Are we, in so doing, enemies of Rome? Are we notrather her truest friends? By making men good, just, kind, and honest, are we not at the same time making them the best citizens? Are there inRome better citizens than the Christians?

'You will now perhaps, Aurelian, desire to be told by what instrumentsChristianity hopes to work such changes. It is simply, O Emperor, by thepower of truth! The religion which we preach uses not force. Were thearm of Aurelian at this moment the arm of Probus, he could do no morethan he now does with one, which, as the world deems, is in thecomparison powerless as an infant's. In all that pertains to the soul, and its growth and purification, there must be utmost freedom. The soulmust suffer no constraint. There must be no force laid upon it, but theforce of reason and the appeal of divine truth. All that we ask or wantin Rome is the liberty of speech--the free allowance to offer to menthe truth in Christ, and persuade them to consider it. With that we willengage to reform and save the whole world. We want not to meddle withaffairs of state, nor with the citizen's relations to the state; we havenaught to do with the city, or its laws, or government, beyond what wasjust now stated. We desire but the privilege to worship God according toour consciences, and labor for the moral welfare of all who will hearour words. 

'And if you would know what the truth is we impart, and by which wewould save the souls of men, and reform the empire and the world, be itknown to you that we preach Jesus Christ and him crucified, whom Godraised up and sent into the world to save it by his doctrine and life, and whom--being by the Jews hung upon a cross--God raised again from thedead. We preach him as the Son of God with power, by whom God has beenrevealed to mankind in his true nature and perfections, and throughwhom, he and he only is to be worshipped. In the place of Jupiter, webring you a revelation of the God and Father of Christ Jesus ourLord--creator of the universe, who will call all men into judgment atlast, rewarding or punishing according to what they have done. ThroughJesus, we preach also a resurrection from the dead. We show, byarguments which cannot be refuted, that this Jesus, when he had beencrucified and slain, and had lain three days in the tomb, was calledagain to life, and taken up to Heaven, as an example of what shouldafterwards happen to all his followers. Through him has immortality beenplainly brought to light and proved, and this transporting truth wedeclare wherever we go. Through Jesus, we preach also repentance; wedeclare to men their wickedness; we show them what and how great it is;and exhort them to repentance, as what can alone save them from thewrath to come. 

'This, O Emperor, is the great work which we, as apostles of Jesus, haveto do, to convince the world how vile it is; how surely theirwickedness, unrepented of, will work their misery and their ruin, and solead them away from it, and up the safe and pleasant heights ofChristian virtue. We find Rome sunk in sensuality and sin; nor onlythat, but ignorant of its own guilt, dead to the wickedness into whichit has fallen, and denying any obligations to a different or betterlife. Such do we find, indeed, not Rome only, but the world itself, deadin trespasses and sin. We would rouse it from this sleep of death. Wedesire first of all, to waken in the souls of men a perception of theguilt of sin! a feeling of the wide departure of their lives from thejust demands of the being who made them. The prospect of immortalitywere nothing without this. Longer life were but a greater evil were wenot made alive to sin and righteousness. Life on earth, Aurelian, is notthe best thing, but virtuous life: so life without end is not the bestthing, but life without fault or sin. But to the necessity of such alife men are now insensible and dead. They love the prospect of animmortal existence, but not of that purity without which immortalitywere no blessing. But it is this moral regeneration--this waking up ofmen dead in sin, to the life of righteousness, which is the great aim ofChristianity. Repentance! was the first word of its founder when hebegan preaching in Judea; it is the first word of his followers whereverthey go, and should be the last. This, O Aurelian, in few words, is thegospel of Jesus--"Repent and live forever!"

'In the service of this gospel, and therefore of you and the world, weare content to labor while we live, to suffer injury and reproach, andif need be, and they to whom we go will not understand us, lay down ourlives. Almost three hundred years has it appealed to mankind; and thoughnot with the success that should have followed upon the labor of thosewho have toiled for the salvation of men, yet has it not been rejectedeverywhere, nor has the labor been in vain. The fruit that has come ofthe seed sown is great and abundant. In every corner of the earth arethere now those who name the name of Christ. And in every place arethere many more, than meet the eye, who read our gospels, believe inthem, and rejoice in the virtue and the hope which have taken root intheir souls. Here in Rome, O Aurelian, are there multitudes ofbelievers, whom the ear hears not, nor the eye sees, hidden away in thesecurity of this sea of roofs, whom the messengers of your power nevercould discover. Destroy us, you may; sweep from the face of Rome everyindividual whom the most diligent search can find, from the gray-hairedman of fourscore to the infant that can just lisp the name of Jesus, andyou have not destroyed the Christians; the Christian church stillstands--not unharmed, but founded as before upon a rock, against whichthe powers of earth and hell can never prevail; and soon as this stormshall have overblown, those other, and now secret, multitudes, of whom Ispeak, will come forth, and the wilderness of the church shall blossomagain as a garden in the time of spring. God is working with us, andwho therefore can prevail against us!

'Bring not then, Aurelian, upon your own soul; bring not upon Rome, theguilt that would attend this unnecessary slaughter. It can but defer foran hour or a day the establishment of that kingdom of righteousness, which must be established, because it is God's, and he is laying itsfoundations and building its walls. Have pity too, great Emperor, uponthis large multitude of those who embrace this faith, and who will notlet it go for all the terrors of your courts and judges and engines;they will all suffer the death of Macer ere they will prove false totheir Master. Let not the horrors of that scene be renewed, nor thegreater ones of an indiscriminate massacre. I implore your compassions, not for myself, but for these many thousands, who, by my ministry, havebeen persuaded to receive this faith. For them my heart bleeds; them Iwould save from the death which impends. Yet it is a glorious and ahappy death, to die for truth and Christ! It is better to die so, knowing that by such death the very church itself is profited, than todie in one's own bed, and only to one's self. So do these thousandsthink; and whatever compassion I may implore for them, they would eachand all, were such their fate, go with cheerful step, as those who wentto some marriage supper, to the axe, to the stake, or the cross. Christianity cannot die but with the race itself. Its life is bound upin the life of man, and man must be destroyed ere that can perish. Behold then, Aurelian, the labor that is thine!'

Soon as he had ceased, Porphyrius started from his seat and said, 'It is then, O Romans, just as it has ever been affirmed. The Galileansare atheists! They believe not in the gods of Rome, nor in any in whommankind can ever have belief. I doubt not but they think themselvesbelievers in a God. They think themselves to have found one better thanothers have; but upon any definition, that I or you could give orunderstand, of atheism, they are atheists! Their God is invisible; he isa universal spirit, like this circumambient air; of no form, dwelling inno place. But how can that without effrontery be called a being, whichis without body and form; which is everywhere and yet nowhere; which, from the beginning of the world has never been heard of, till by theseNazarenes he is now first brought to light, or, if older, exists in thedreams of the dreaming Jews, whose religion, as they term it, is sostuffed with fable, that one might not expect, after the most exact andlaborious search, to meet with so much as a grain of truth. Yet, whatever these Galileans may assert, their speech is hardly to bereceived as worthy of belief, when, in their very sacred records, suchthings are to be found as contradict themselves. For in one place--notto mention a thousand cases of the like kind--it is said that Jesus, thehead of this religion, on a certain occasion walked upon the sea; when, upon sifting the narrative, it is found that it was but upon a paltrylake, the lake of Galilee, upon which he performed that great feat!--athing to which the magic of which he is accused--and doubtless withjustice--was plainly equal; while to walk upon the sea might well havebeen beyond that science. How much of what we have heard is to bedistrusted also, concerning the love which these Nazarenes bear toRome. We may well pray to be delivered from the affection of those, whose love manifests itself in the singular manner of seeking ourdestruction. He who loves me so well as to poison me that I may have thehigher enjoyment of Elysium, I could hardly esteem as a well-wisher orfriend. These Jewish fanatics love us after somewhat the same fashion. In the zeal of their affection they would make us heirs of what theycall their heavenly kingdom, but in the meanwhile destroy our religion, deprive us of our ancient gods, and sap the foundations of the state. 

'Romans, in spite of all you have heard of another sort, I hope you willstill believe that experience is one of your most valuable teachers, andthat therefore you will be slow to forsake opinions which have thesanction of venerable age, under which you have flourished so happily, and your country grown to so amazing a height of glory and renown. Ithink you would deserve the fate which this new-made religion wouldbring you to, if you abandoned the worship of a thousand years, for thepresumptuous novelty of yesterday. Not a name of greatness or honor canbe quoted of those who have adorned this foreign fiction; while all thegreat and good of Greece and Rome, philosophers, moralists, historians, and poets, are to be found on the side of Hellenism. If we cast from usthat which we have experienced to be good, by what rule and on whatprinciple can we afterward put our trust in anything else? And it isconsiderable, that which has ever been asserted of this people, andwhich I doubt not is true, that they have ever been prying about withtheir doctrines and their mysteries among the poor and humbler sort, among women, slaves, simple and unlearned folks, while they have neverappealed to, nor made any converts of, the great and the learned, whoalone are capable of judging of the truth of such things. 

'Who are the believers here in Rome? Who knows them? Are the sacredSenate Christians? or any distinguished for their rank? No; withexceptions, too few to be noticed, those who embrace it are among thedregs of the people, men wholly incapable of separating true from false, and laying properly the safe foundations of a new religion--a work toogreat even for philosophers. And not only does this religion draw toitself the poor and humble and ignorant, but the base and wicked also;persons known, while of our way, to have been notorious for their vices, have all of a sudden joined themselves to the Christians; and whatevershow of sanctity may then have been assumed, we may well suppose therehas not been much of the reality. Long may it boast of such members, andwhile its brief life lasts make continually such converts from us. As tothe amazing pretences they make of their benevolence in the care of thepoor, and even of our poor, doing more offices of kindness towardthem--so it is affirmed--than we ourselves--who does not see the motivethat prompts so much charity, in the good opinion they build up forthemselves in those whom they have so much obliged, and who cannot indecency do less afterward than oblige them in turn, by joining theirsuperstitions--superstitions of which they know nothing before theyadopt them, and as little afterward. 

'But I will not, O Emperor, weary out your patience again--already solong tried--and will only say, that the fate which has all along andeverywhere befallen these people, might well warn them that they areobjects of the anger rather than the favor and love of the Lord ofHeaven, of which they so confidently make their boast. For if he lovedthem would he leave them everywhere so to the rage and destruction oftheir enemies--to be reviled, trodden upon, and despised, all over theearth? If these be the signs of love, what are those of hate? And can itbe that he, their Lord of Heaven, hath in store for them a world ofbliss beyond this life, who gives them here on earth scarce the sordidshelter of a cabin? In truth, they seem to be a community living upontheir imaginations. They fancy themselves favorites of Heaven--thoughall the world thinks otherwise. They fancy themselves the greatestbenefactors the world has ever seen, while they are the only ones whothink so. They have nothing here but persecution, contempt, and hatred, and yet are anticipating a more glorious Elysium than the greatest andbest of earth have ever dared to hope for. We cannot but hope they maybe at sometime the riddle to themselves which they are to us. This is abenevolent wish, for their entertainment would be great. '

When he had ended, and almost before, many voices were heard of thosewho wished to speak, and Probus rose in his place to reply to what hadfallen from the philosopher, but all were alike silenced by the loud andstern command of Aurelian, who, evidently weary and impatient of furtheraudience of what he was so little willing to hear at all, cried out, saying, 'The Christians, Romans, have now been heard, as they desired, by onewhom they themselves appointed to set forth their doctrine. This is noschool for the disputations of sophists or philosophers or fanatics. LetRomans and Christians alike withdraw. '

Whereupon, without further words or delay, the assembly broke up. 

 * * * * *

It was not difficult to see that the statements and reasonings of Probushad fallen upon many who heard them with equal surprise and delight. Every word that he uttered was heard with an eager attention I neverbefore saw equaled. I have omitted the greater part of what he said, especially where he went with minuteness into an account of the history, doctrine, and precept of our faith, knowing it to be too familiar to youto make it desirable to have it repeated. 

It was in part at least owing to an unwillingness to allow Probus againto address that audience, representing all the rank and learning ofRome, that the Emperor so hastily dissolved the assembly. Whatevereffect the hearing of Probus may have upon him or upon us, there isreason to believe that its effects will be deep and abiding upon thehigher classes of our inhabitants. They then heard what they never heardbefore--a full and an honest account of what Christianity is; and, fromwhat I have already been informed, and gathered indeed from my ownobservation at the time, they now regard it with very differentsentiments. 

When, late in the evening of this day, we conversed of its events, Probus being seated with us, we indulged both in those cheering anddesponding thoughts which seem to be strangely mingled together in ourpresent calamities. 

'No opinion, ' said Julia, 'has been more strongly confirmed within me bythis audience before Aurelian, than this, that it has been of mostauspicious influence upon our faith. Not that some have not been filledwith a bitterer spirit than before; but that more have been favorablyinclined toward us by the disclosures, Probus, which you made; andwhether they become Christians or not eventually, they will be far moreready to defend us in our claim for the common rights of citizens. Marcellinus, who sat near me, was of this number. He expressedfrequently, in most emphatic terms, his surprise at what he heard, which, he said, he was constrained to admit as true and fair statements, seeing they were supported and corroborated by my and your presence andsilence. At the close he declared his purpose to procure the gospels forhis perusal. '

'And yet, ' said I, 'the late consul Capitolinus, who was at my side, andwhose clear and intelligent mind is hardly equaled here in Rome, wasconfirmed--even as Porphyrius was, or pretended to be--in all hisprevious unfavorable impressions. He did not disguise his opinion, butfreely said, that in his judgment the religion ought to be suppressed, and that, though he should by no means defend any measures like thosewhich he understood Aurelian had resolved to put in force, he shouldadvocate such action in regard to it, as could not fail to expel it fromthe empire in no very great number of years. '

'I could observe, ' added Probus, 'the same differences of feeling andjudgment all over the surface of that sea of faces. But if I shouldexpress my belief as to the proportion of friends and enemies therepresent, I should not hesitate to say--and that I am sure without anyimposition upon my own credulity--that the greater part by far were uponour side--not in faith as you may suppose--but in that good opinion ofus, and of the tendencies of our doctrine and the value of our services, that is very near it, and is better than the public profession of Christof many others. '

'It will be a long time, I am persuaded, ' said Julia, 'before the truthsreceived then into many minds will cease to operate in our behalf. Butwhat think you was the feeling of Aurelian? His countenance was hiddenfrom me--yet that would reveal not much. It is immovable at those times, when he is deeply stirred, or has any motive to conceal his sentiments. '

'I cannot believe, ' replied Probus, 'that any impression, such as wecould wish, was made upon that hard and cruel heart. Not the brazenstatue, against the base of which he leaned, stood in its place moredead to whatever it was that came from my lips than he. He has not beenmoved, we may well believe, to change any of his designs. Whateveryesterday it was in his intent to do, he will accomplish tomorrow. I donot believe we have anything to hope at his hands. '

'Alas, Lucius!' said Julia, 'that our faith in Christ, and our interestand concern for its progress in Rome, should after all come to this. Howhappy was I in Syria, with this belief as my bosom companion and friend;and free, too, to speak of it, to any and to all. How needless is allthe misery which this rude, unlettered tyrant is about to inflict! Howhappily for all, would things take their course even here, might theybut be left to run in those natural channels which would revealthemselves, and which would then conduct to those ends which the DivineProvidence has proposed. But man wickedly interposes; and a misery isinflicted, which otherwise would have never fallen upon us, and which inthe counsels of God was never designed. What now think you, Probus, willbe the event?'

'I cannot doubt, ' he replied, 'that tomorrow will witness all thatreport has already spread abroad as the purpose of Aurelian. Urged on byboth Fronto and Varus, he will not pause in his course. Rome, ere theIdes, will swim in Christian blood. I see not whence deliverance is tocome. Miracle alone could save us; and miracle has long since ceased tobe the order of Providence. Having provided for us this immenseinstrument of moral reform in the authority and doctrine of Christ, weare now left, as doubtless it is on the whole best for our character andour virtues we should be, to our own unassisted strength, to combat withall the evils that may assail us, both from without and within. Formyself, I can meet this tempest without a thought of reluctance ordread. I am a solitary man; having neither child nor relative to mournmy loss; I have friends indeed, whom I love, and from whom I would notwillingly part; but, if any considerable purpose is to be gained by mydeath to that cause for which I have lived, neither I nor they canlament that it should occur. Under these convictions as to my ownfate--and that of all, must I say and believe? no; I cannot, will not, believe that humanity has taken its final departure from the bosom ofAurelian--I turn to one bright spot, and there my thoughts dwell, andthere my hopes gather strength, and that is here where you, Piso, andyou, lady, will still dwell, too high for the aim of the imperialmurderer to reach. Here I shall believe will there he an asylum for manya wearied spirit, a safe refuge from the sharp pelting of the stormwithout. And when a calm shall come again, from beneath this roof, asonce from the ark of God, shall there go forth those who shall againpeople the waste-places of the church, and change the wilderness ofdeath into a fruitful garden full of the plants of Heaven. '

'That it is the present purpose of Aurelian to spare me, ' I answered, 'whatever provocation I may give him, I fully believe. He is true; andhis word to that end, with no wish expressed on my part, has been given. But do not suppose that in that direction at least he may not change hispurpose. Superstitiously mad as he now is, a mere plaything too in thebloody hands of Fronto--and nothing can well be esteemed as moreinsecure than even my life, privileged and secure as it may seem. If itshould occur to him, in his day or his night visions and dreams, that I, more than others, should be an acceptable offering to his god, my lifewould be to him but that of an insect buzzing around his ear; and beingdead by a blow, he would miss me no more. Still, let the mercy that isvouchsafed, whether great or little, be gratefully confessed. '

You then see, Fausta, the position in which your old friends now standhere in Rome. Who could have believed, when we talked over our dangersin Palmyra, that greater and more dreadful still awaited us in our ownhome. It has come upon us with such suddenness that we can scarcebelieve it ourselves. Yet are we prepared, with an even mind and atrusting faith, for whatever may betide. 

It is happy for me, and for Julia, that our religion has fixed within usso firm a belief in a superintending Providence--who orders not only thegreatest but the least events of life, who is as much concerned for thehappiness and the moral welfare of the humblest individual, as he is forthe orderly movement of a world--that we sit down under the shadows thatoverhang us, perfectly convinced that some end of good to the church orthe world is to be achieved through these convulsions, greater thancould have been achieved in any other way. The Supreme Ruler, webelieve, is infinitely wise and infinitely good. But he would beneither, if unnecessary suffering were meted out to his creatures. Thissuffering then is not unnecessary. But through it, in ways which oursight now is not piercing enough to discern--but may hereafter be--shalla blessing redound both to the individuals concerned, to the presentgeneration, and a remote posterity, which could not otherwise have beensecured. This we must believe; or we must renounce all belief. 

Forget not to remember us with affection to Gracchus and Calpurnius. 

 * * * * *

I also was present at the hearing of Probus. But of that I need saynothing; Piso having so fully written concerning it to the daughter ofGracchus. 

Early on the following day I was at the Gardens of Sallust, where I waspresent both with the Emperor and Livia, and with the Emperor andFronto, and heard conversations which I here record. 

When I entered the apartment, in which it was customary for the Empressto sit at this time of the day, I found her there engaged upon herembroidery, while the Emperor paced back and forth, his arms crossedbehind him, and care and anxiety marked upon his countenance. Livia, though she sat quietly at her work, seemed ill at ease, and as if somethought were busy within, to which she would gladly give utterance. Shewas evidently relieved by my entrance, and immediately made her usualinquiries after the health of the Queen, in which Aurelian joined her. 

Aurelian then turned to me and said, 'I saw you yesterday at the Palatine, Nicomachus; what thought you ofthe Christian's defence?'

'It did not convert me to his faith--'

'Neither, by the gods! did it me, ' quickly interrupted Aurelian. 

'But, ' I went on, 'it seemed to show good cause why they should not beharshly or cruelly dealt with. He proved them to be a harmless people, if not positively profitable to the state. '

'I do not see that, ' replied the Emperor. 'It is impossible they shouldbe harmless who sap the foundations of religion; it is impossible theyshould be profitable who seduce from their allegiance the good subjectsof the empire; and this religion of the Christians does both. '

'I agree that it is so, ' I rejoined, 'if it is to be assumed in thecontroversy that the prevailing religion of the Romans is a perfect one, and that any addition or alteration is necessarily an evil. That seemsto be the position of Porphyrius and others. But to that I can by nomeans assent. It seems to me that the religions of mankind aresusceptible of improvement as governments are, and other likeinstitutions; that what may be perfectly well suited to a nation in onestage of its growth, may be very ill adapted to another; that the godsin their providence accordingly design that one form of religiousworship and belief should in successive ages be superseded by others, which shall be more exactly suited to their larger growth, and moreurgent and very different necessities. The religion of the early days ofRome was perhaps all that so rude a people were capable ofcomprehending--all that they wanted. It worked well for them, and youhave reason for gratitude that it was bestowed upon them, and hasconferred so great benefits upon the preceding centuries. But the lightof the sun is not clearer than it is that, for this present passing age, that religion is stark naught. '

The Emperor frowned, and stood still in his walk, looking sternly uponme; but I heeded him not. 

'Most, of any intelligence and reflection, ' I continued, 'spurn it awayfrom them as fit but for children and slaves. Must they then be withoutany principle of this kind? Is it safe for a community to grow upwithout faith in a superintending power, from whom they come, to whomthey are responsible? I think not. In any such community--and Rome isbecoming such a one--the elements of disruption, anarchy, and ruin, arethere at work, and will overthrow it. A society of atheists is acontradiction in terms. Atheists may live alone, but not together. Willyou compel your subjects to become such? If a part remain true to theancient faith, and find it to be sufficient, will you deny to the otherpart the faith which they crave, and which would be sufficient for them?I doubt if that were according to the dictates of wisdom and philosophy. And how know you, Aurelian, that this religion of Christ may not be thevery principle which, and which alone, may save your people fromatheism, and your empire from the ruin that would bring along in itstrain?'

'I cannot deny, ' said the Emperor in reply, 'that there is some senseand apparent truth in what you have said. But to me it is shadowy andintangible. It is the speculation of that curious class among men, who, never satisfied with what exists, are always desiring some new forms oftruth, in religion, in government, and all subjects of that nature. Icould feel no more certain of going or doing right by conforming totheir theories, than I feel now in adhering to what is alreadyestablished. Nay, I can see safety nowhere but in what already is. Thereis the only certainty. Suppose some enthusiast in matters of governmentwere to propose his system, by which the present establishedinstitutions were all to be abandoned and new ones set up, should Ipermit him to go freely among the people, puzzling their heads with whatit is impossible they should understand, and by his sophistriesalienating them from their venerable parent? Not so, by Hercules! Ishould ill deserve my office of supreme guardian of the honor andliberties of Rome, did I not mew him up in the Fabrician dungeons, orsend him lower still to the Stygian shades. '

'But, ' said Livia, who had seemed anxious to speak, 'though it may beright, and best for the interests of Rome, to suppress this new worship, yet why, Aurelian, need it be done at such expense of life? Can no waybe devised by which the professors of this faith shall be banished, forinstance, the realm, and no new teachers of it permitted to enter itafterward but at the risk of life, or some other appointed penalty? SureI am, from what I heard from the Christian Probus, and what I have heardso often from the lips of Julia, this people cannot be the sore in thebody of the state which Fronto represents them. '

'I cannot, Livia, ' replied the Emperor, 'refuse to obey what to me havebeen warnings from the gods. '

'But may not the heavenly signs have been read amiss?' rejoined Livia. 

'There is no truth in augury, if my duty be not where I have placed it, 'answered Aurelian. 

'And perhaps, Aurelian, ' said the Empress, 'there is none. I have heardthat the priests of the temples play many a trick upon their devoutworshippers. '

'Livia, it has doubtless been so; but you would not believe that Frontohas trifled with Aurelian?'

'I believe Fronto capable of any crime by which the gods may be served. Have you not heard, Aurelian what fell from the dying Christian's lips?'

'I have, Livia; and have cast it from me as at best the coinage of amoonstruck mountebank. Shall the word of such a one as Macer theChristian, unseat my trust in such a one as Fronto? That were notreasonable, Livia. '

'Then, Aurelian, if not for any reason that I can give, for the love youbear me, withhold your hand from this innocent people. You have oftenasked me to crave somewhat which it would be hard for you to grant, thatyou might show how near you hold me. Grant me this favor, and it shallbe more to me than if you gave me the one half the empire. '

The Emperor's stern countenance relaxed, and wore for a moment thatsoftened expression, accompanied by a smile, that on his face might betermed beautiful. He was moved by the unaffected warmth and winninggrace with which those words were spoken by Livia. But he only said, 'I love thee, Livia, as thou knowest, --but not so well as Rome or thegods. '

'I would not, Aurelian, ' replied the Empress, 'that love of me shoulddraw you away from what you owe to Rome--from what is the clear path ofa monarch's duty; but this seems at best a doubtful case. They who areequally Roman in their blood differ here. It is not wrong to ask you, for my sake, to lean to the side of mercy. '

'You are never wrong, Livia. And were it only right to--'

'But are you not, Aurelian, always sure of being right in beingmerciful? Can it ever afterward repent you that you drew back from theshedding of blood?'

'It is called mercy, Livia, when he who has the power spares theculprit, forgives the offence, and sends him from the gibbet or thecross back to his weeping friends. The crowds throw up their caps andshout as for some great and good deliverance. But the mercy that returnsupon the world a villain, whose crimes had richly earned for him hisdeath, is hardly a doubtful virtue. Though, as is well known, I am notfamed for mercy, yet were it clear to me what in this case were thetruest mercy--for the pleasure, Livia, of pleasuring thee, I would bemerciful. But I should not agree with thee in what is mercy. It were nomercy to Rome, as I judge, to spare these Christians, whatever the gracemight be to them. Punishment is often mercy. In destroying thesewretches I am merciful both to Rome and to the world, and shall look tohave their thanks. '

'There comes, Aurelian. ' said Livia, rising, 'thy evil genius--thyill-possessing demon--who has so changed the kindly current of thyblood. I would that he, who so loves the gods, were with them. I cannotwait him. '

With these words Livia rose and left the apartment, just as Frontoentered in another direction. 

'Welcome, Fronto!' said Aurelian. 'How thrive our affairs?'

'As we could wish, great Emperor. The city with us, and the gods withus, --we cannot but prosper. A few days will see great changes. '

'How turns out the tale of Curio? What find you to be the truth? Are theChristians here, or are they fled?'

'His tale was partly false and partly true. More are fled than Piso orthe Christians will allow; but doubtless the greater part, by largeodds, remain. '

'That is well. Then for the other side of this great duty. Is thine ownhouse purged? Is the temple, new and of milk-white marble, now as cleanand white in its priesthood? Have those young sots and pimps yet atonedfor their foul impieties?'

'They have, ' replied Fronto. 'They have been dealt with; and theircarcases swinging and bleaching in the wind will long serve I trust tokeep us sweet. The temple, I now may believe, is thoroughly swept. '

'And how is it, Fronto, with the rest?'

'The work goes on. Your messengers are abroad; and it will be neitherfor want of power, will, nor zeal, if from this time Hellenism standsnot before the world as beautiful in her purity as she is venerable inyears and truth. '

'The gods be praised that I have been stirred up to this! When thisdouble duty shall be done, Hellenism reformed, and her enemy extinct, then may I say that life has not been spent for naught. But meanwhile, Fronto, the army needs me. All is prepared, and letters urge me on. To-morrow I would start for Thrace. Yet it cannot be so soon. '

'No, ' said the priest. 'Rome will need you more than Thrace, till theedicts have been published, and the work well begun. Then, Aurelian, mayit be safely entrusted, so far as zeal and industry shall serve, tothose behind. '

'I believe it, Fronto. I see myself doubly reflected in thee: and almostso in Varus. The Christians, were I gone, would have four Aurelians forone. Well, let us rejoice that piety is not dead. The sacrifice thismorning was propitious. I feel its power in every thought andmovement. '

'But while all things else seem propitious, Aurelian, one keeps yet adark and threatening aspect. '

'What mean you?'

'Piso!--'

'Fronto, I have in that made known my will, and more than once. Whyagain dispute it?'

'I know no will, great Cæsar, that may rightly cross or surmount that ofthe gods. They, to me, are supreme, not Aurelian. '

Aurelian moved from the priest, and paced the room. 

'I see not, Fronto, with such plainness the will of Heaven in this. '

''Tis hard to see the divine will, when the human will and humanaffections are so strong. '

'My aim is to please the gods in all things, ' replied the Emperor. 

'Love too, Aurelian, blinds the eye, and softening the heart toward ourfellow, hardens it toward the gods. ' This he uttered with a strangesignificancy. 

'I think, Fronto, mine has been all too hard toward man, if it weretruly charged. At least, of late, the gods can have no ground of blame. '

'Rome, ' replied the priest, 'is not slow to see and praise the zeal thatis now crowning her seven hills with a greater glory than ever yet hasrested on them. Let her see that her great son can finish what has beenso well begun. '

'Fronto, I say it, but I say it with some inward pain, that were itplain the will of the gods were so--'

'Piso should die!' eagerly interrupted the priest. 

'I will not say it yet, Fronto. '

'I see not why Aurelian should stagger at it. If the will of the godsis in this whole enterprise; if they will that these hundreds andthousands, these crowds of young and old, little children and tenderyouth, should all perish, that posterity by such sacrifice now in thebeginning may be delivered from the curse that were else entailed uponthem, then who can doubt, to whom truth is the chief thing, that theywill, nay, and ordain in their sacred breasts, that he who is theirchief and head, about whom others cluster, from whose station and powerthey daily draw fresh supplies of courage, should perish too; nay, thathe should be the first great offering, that so, the multitudes who staytheir weak faith on him, may, on his loss, turn again unharmed to theirancient faith. That too, were the truest mercy. '

'There may be something in that, Fronto. Nevertheless, I do not yet seeso much to rest upon one life. If all the rest were dead, and but onealive, and he Piso, I see not but the work were done. '

'A thousand were better left, Aurelian, than Piso and the lady Julia!They are more in the ears and eyes of Rome than all the preachers ofthis accursed tribe. They are preaching, not on their holydays to a mobof beggarly knaves, men and women dragged up by their hot and zealouscaterers from the lanes and kennels of the city, within the walls oftheir filthy synagogues, but they preach every day, to the very princesand nobles of the state--at the capitol to the Senate--here in thypalaces to all the greatest and best of Rome and, by the gods! as Ibelieve, make more converts to their impieties than all the army oftheir atheistical priesthood. Upon Probus, Piso, and Julia, hang theChristians of Rome. Hew them away, end the branches die. Probus, eretomorrow's sun is set, feeds the beasts of the Flavian--then--'

'Hold, Fronto! I will no more of it now. I have, besides, assured Pisoof his safety. '

'There is no virtue like that of those, who, having erred, repent. '

Aurelian looked for the moment as if he would willingly have hurledFronto, and his temple after him, to Tartarus. But the bold man heededhim not. 

'Shall I, ' he continued, 'say what it is that thus ties the hands of theconqueror of the world?'

'Say what thou wilt. '

'Rome says, I say it not--but Rome says, 'tis love. '

'What mean they? I take you not. Love?'

'Of the princess Julia, still so called. '

A deep blush burned upon the cheek of Aurelian. He paused a moment, asif for some storm within to subside. He then said, in his deep tone, that indicates the presence of the whole soul--but without passion--

'Fronto, 'tis partly true--truer than I wish it were. When in Syria myeye first beheld her, I loved her--as I never loved before, and nevershall again. But not for the Emperor of the world would she part fromyoung Piso. I sued, as man never sued before, but all in vain. Her imagestill haunts the chambers of my brain; yet, with truth do I say it, butas some pure vision sent from the gods. I confess, Fronto, it is she whostands between me and the will of Heaven. I know not what force, butthat of all the gods, could make me harm her. To no other ear has thisever been revealed. She is to me god and goddess. '

'Now, Aurelian, that thou has spoken in the fullness of thy heart, do Ihold thee redeemed from the invisible tyrant. In our own hearts we sinand err, as we dare not when the covering is off, and others can look inand see how weak we are. Thou canst not, great Cæsar, for this fondnessforget and put far from thee the vision of thy mother, whom, in dreamsor in substantial shape, the gods sent down to revive thy fainting zeal!Let it not be that that call shall have been in vain. '

'Fronto, urge now no more. Hast thou seen Varus?'

'I have. '

'Are the edicts ready?'

'They are. '

'Again then at the hour of noon let them glare forth upon the enemies ofRome from the columns of the capitol. Let Varus be so instructed. Now Iwould be alone. '

Whereupon the priest withdrew, and I also rose from where I had sat, totake my leave, when the Emperor said, 'This seems harsh to thee, Nicomachus?'

'I cannot but pray the gods, ' I said, 'to change the mind of Aurelian!'

'They have made his mind what it is, Nicomachus. '

'Not they, ' I said, 'but Fronto. '

'But, ' he quickly added, 'the gods made Fronto, and have put their mindin him, or it has never been known on earth. You know not the worth, Greek, of this man. Had Rome possessed such a one two hundred years ago, this work had not now to be done. '

Saying which, he withdrew into his inner apartment, and I sought againthe presence of Livia. 

LETTER XI. 

FROM PISO TO FAUSTA. 

A day has passed, Fausta, since the hearing of Probus, and I hasten toinform you of its events. 

But, first of all, before I enter upon the dark chapter of ourcalamities, let me cheer you and myself by dwelling a moment upon onebright and sunny spot. Early in the day we were informed that Isaac wasdesirous to see us. He was at once admitted. As he entered, it was easyto see that some great good fortune had befallen him. His face shonethrough the effect of some inward joy, and his eyes sparkled in theirdeep sockets like burning tapers. When our customary salutations andinquiries were over, Julia said to him, 'I think, Isaac, you must have sold a jewel this morning to no less aperson than Aurelian, if the face may be held as an index of good orevil fortune. '

'I have parted with no jewel, lady, ' he replied, 'but there has falleninto my hands a diamond of inestimable value, drawn from those mines ofthe Orient, which I may say, not all the wealth of Aurelian couldpurchase of me. Whenever I shall receive such permission, it will giveme highest delight to show it to thee. '

'Only a single jewel, Isaac?' said Julia. 'Is it but one stone that sotransports thee, and makes thy face that of a young man?'

'Lady, to confess the truth, there are four--four living stories andprecious--more precious than any that of old blazed upon the breastplateof our high-priest Princess, I have come to tell thee and Piso what nonein Rome besides, as I think, would care to know--and strange it is thatyou Christians should be those whom I, a Jew, most love, and that I, anold and worn-out man, should fill any space, were it no bigger than agrain of wheat, in your regards--I have come to tell you what you havealready discovered, that Hagar is arrived with the young Ishmael, andwith them two dark-eyed daughters of Israel, who are as welcome as theothers. There is not now, Piso, within the walls of Rome a dwellinghappier than mine. Soon as leisure and inclination shall serve, come, ifyou will do us such grace, to the street Janus, and behold ourcontentment. Sorry am I that the times come laden to you with so manyterrors. Piso, ' continued he, in a more earnest tone, and bending towardme, 'rely upon the word of one who is rarely deceived, and who now tellsthee, there is a sword hanging over thy head! Fronto thirsts for thylife, and thine, lady! and Aurelian, much as he may love you, is, as wehave already seen, not proof against the violent zeal of the priest. Come to the street Janus, and I will warrant you safety and life. Thereis none for you here--nor in Rome--if Aurelian's hounds can scent you. '

We were again obliged to state, with all the force we could give tothem, the reasons which bound us to remain, not only in Rome, but in ourown dwelling, and await whatever the times might bring forth. He wasagain slow to be convinced, so earnestly does he desire our safety. Butat length he was persuaded that he himself would take the same coursewere he called upon to defend the religion of his fathers. He thendeparted, having first exacted a promise that we would soon see his newfamily. 

Soon as Isaac was gone I sought the streets. 

Rome, Fausta, has put on the appearance of the Saturnalia. Although nolicense of destruction has yet been publicly given, the whole city is incommotion--the lower orders noisy and turbulent, as if they had alreadyreceived their commission of death. Efforts have been made, both on thepart of the senate and that of the nobles who are not of that body, joined by many of all classes, to arrest the Emperor in his murderouscareer, but in vain. Not the Seven Hills are more firmly rooted in theearth, than he in his purposes of blood. This is well known abroad; andthe people are the more emboldened in the course they take. They knowwell that Aurelian is supreme and omnipotent; that no power in Rome cancome in between him and his object, whatever it may be; and that they, therefore, though they should err through their haste, and in their zealeven go before the edicts, would find in him a lenient judge. NoChristian was accordingly to be now seen in the streets--for nowherewere they safe from the ferocious language, or even the violentassaults, of the mob. These cruel executioners I found all along, wherever I moved, standing about in groups as if impatiently awaitingthe hour of noon, or else gathered about the dwellings of well-knownChristians, assailing the buildings with stones, and the ears of theirpent-up inhabitants with all that variety of imprecation they so wellknow how to use. It was almost with sensations of guilt that I walkedthe streets of Rome in safety, bearing a sort of charmed life, whilethese thousands of my friends were already suffering more through theirhorrible anticipation, than they would when they should come to endurethe reality. But, although I passed along uninjured by actual assault, the tongue was freely let loose upon me, and promises were abundantlylavished that, before many days were gone, not even the name of Piso, nor the favor of Aurelian, should save me from the common doom. 

As the hour of noon drew nigh, it seemed as if the entire population ofRome was pouring itself into the streets and avenues leading to thecapitol. Not the triumph of Aurelian itself filled this people with amore absorbing, and, as it appeared, a more pleasing interest, than didthe approaching calamities of the Christians. Expectation was written onevery face. Even the boys threw up their caps as in anticipation ofsomewhat that was to add greatly to their happiness. 

 * * * * *

The sixth hour has come and is gone. The edicts are published, and theChristians are now declared enemies of the state and of the gods, andare required to be informed against by all good citizens, and arraignedbefore the Prefect and the other magistrates especially appointed forthe purpose. 

 * * * * *

All is now confusion, uproar, and cruel violence. 

 * * * * *

No sooner was the purport of the edicts ascertained by the multitudeswho on this occasion, as before, thronged the capitol, than theyscattered in pursuit of their victims. The priests of the templesheading the furious crowds, they hastened from the hill in everydirection, assailing, as they reached them, the houses of theChristians, and dragging the wretched inhabitants to the presence oftheir barbarous judges. Although in the present edicts the people arenot let loose as authorized murderers upon the Christians, they arenevertheless exhorted and required to inform against them and bring thembefore the proper tribunals on the charge of Christianity, so that thereis lodged in their hands a fearful power to harrass and injure--a powerwhich is used as you may suppose Romans would use it. Every species ofviolence has this day been put in practice upon this innocent people;their perpetrators feeling sure that, in the confusion, deeds at whicheven Varus or Aurelian might take offence will be overlooked. Thetribunals have been thronged from noon till night with Christians andtheir accusers. As the examination of those who have been brought up hasrarely occupied but a few moments, the evidence always beingsufficiently full to prove them Christians, and, when that has beenwanting, their own ready confession supplying the defect--the prisonsare already filling with their unhappy tenants, and extensive provisionsare making to receive them in other buildings set apart for the time tothis office. A needless provision. For it requires but little knowledgeof Aurelian to know that his impatient temper will not long endure thetedious process of a regular accusation, trial, condemnation, andpunishment. A year, in that case, would scarce suffice to make way withthe Christians of Rome. Long before the prisons can be emptied in alegal way of the tenants already crowding them, will the Emperor resortto the speedier method of a general and indiscriminate massacre. No onecan doubt this, who is familiar as I am with Aurelian, and the spiritswho now rule him. 

 * * * * *

Let me tell you now of the fate of Probus. 

He was seated within his own quiet home at the time the edicts wereproclaimed from the steps of the capitol. The moment the herald whoproclaimed them had pronounced the last word, and was affixing them tothe column, the name of Probus was heard shouted from one side of thehill to the other, and, while the multitude scattered in every directionin pursuit of those who were known to them severally as Christians, alarge division of it made on the instant for his dwelling. On arrivingthere, roused by the noise of the approaching throng, Probus came forth. He was saluted by cries and yells, that seemed rather to proceed fromtroops of wild beasts than men. He would fain have spoken to them, butno word would they hear. 'Away with the Christian dog to the Prefect!'arose in one deafening shout from the people; and on the instant he wasseized and bound, and led unresisting away to the tribunal of Varus. 

As he was dragged violently along, and was now passing the door whichleads to the room where Varus sits, Felix, the bishop, having alreadystood before the Prefect, was leaving the hall, urged along by soldierswho were bearing him to prison. 

'Be of good cheer, Probus!' exclaimed he; 'a crown awaits thee within. Rome needs thy life, and Christ thy soul. '

'Peace, dotard!' cried one of those who guarded and led him; and at thesame moment brought his spear with such force upon his head that hefelled him to the pavement. 

'Thou hast slain thyself, soldier, by that blow rather than him, ' saidProbus. 'Thine own faith has torments in reserve for such as thee. '

'Thou too!' cried the enraged soldier; and he would have repeated theblow upon the head of the offender, but that the descending weapon wassuddenly struck upwards, and out of the hand of him who wielded it, byanother belonging to the same legion, who guarded Probus, saying as hedid so, 'Hold, Mutius! it is not Roman to strike the bound and defenceless, Christians though they be. Raise that fallen old man, and apply suchrestoratives as the place affords. ' And then, with other directions tothose who were subordinate to him, he moved on, bearing Probus with him. 

Others who had arrived before him, were standing in the presence ofVarus, who was questioning them as to their faith in Christ. On the lefthand of the Prefect, and on the right of those who were examined, stooda small altar surmounted by a statue of Jupiter, to which the Christianswere required to sacrifice. But few words sufficed for the examinationof such as were brought up. Upon being inquired of touching their faith, there was no waiting for witnesses, but as soon as the question was put, the arraigned person acknowledged at once his name and religion. He wasthen required to sacrifice and renounce his faith, and forthwith heshould be dismissed in safety, and with honor. This the Christianrefusing steadfastly to do, sentence of death was instantly pronouncedagainst him, and he was remanded to the prisons to await the time ofpunishment. 

Probus was now placed before the Prefect. When it was seen throughoutthe crowd which again filled the house, who it was that was arraignedfor examination, there were visible signs of satisfaction all around, that he, who was in a manner the ringleader of the sect, was about tomeet with his deserts. As the eye of Varus fell upon Probus, and he toobecame aware who it was that stood at his tribunal, he bent courteouslytowards him, and saluted him with respect. 

'Christian, ' said he, 'I sincerely grieve to see thee in such a pass. Ever since I met thee in the shop of the learned Publius have Iconceived an esteem for thee, and would now gladly rescue thee from thedanger that overhangs. Bethink thee now--thou art of too much account todie as these others. A better fate should be thine; and I will stand thyfriend. '

'Were what thou sayest true, ' replied Probus, 'which I am slow toadmit--for nobler, purer souls never lived on earth than have but nowleft this spot where I stand--it would but be a reason of greater forceto me, why I should lose my life sooner than renounce my faith. Whatsacrifice can be too holy for the altar of the God whom I serve? Wouldto God I were more worthy than I am to be offered up. '

'Verily, ' said Varus, 'you are a wonderful people. The more fitted youare to live happily to yourselves, and honorably to others, the readieryou are to die. I behold in you, Probus, qualities that must make youuseful here in Rome. Rome needs such as thyself. Say but the word, andthou art safe. '

'Could I in truth, Varus, possess the qualities thou imputest to me, were I ready on the moment to abandon what I have so long professed tohonor and believe--abjuring, for the sake of a few years more of life, afaith which I have planted in so many other hearts, and which hasalready brought them into near neighborhood of a cruel death? Couldstthou thyself afterward think of me but as of a traitor and a coward?'

'I never, ' said Varus, 'could do otherwise than esteem one, who, howeverlate, at length declared himself the friend of Rome; and, more thanothers should I esteem him, who, from being an enemy, became a friend. Even the Emperor, Probus, desires thy safety. It is at his instance thatI press thee. '

Probus bent his head and remained silent. The people, taking it as asign of acquiescence, cried out, many of them, 'See, he will sacrifice!'

Varus too said, 'It needs not that the outward sign be made. We willdispense with it. The inward consent, Probus, shall suffice. Soldiers!--'

'Hold, hold, Varus!' cried Probus, rousing himself from a momentaryforgetfulness. 'Think not, O Prefect, so meanly of me! What have I saidor done to induce such belief? I was but oppressed for a moment withgrief and shame that I should be chosen out from among all theChristians in Rome as one whom soft words and bribes and the hope oflife could seduce from Christ. Cease, Varus, then; these words arevain. Such as I have been, I am, and shall be to the end--a Christian!'

'To the rack with the Christian then!' shouted many voices from thecrowd. 

Varus enforced silence. 

'Probus, ' said he, as order was restored, 'I shall still hope the bestfor thee. Thou art of different stuff from him whom we first had beforeus, and leisure for reflection may bring thee to another mind. I shallnot therefore condemn thee either to the rack or to death. Soldiers, bear him to the prisons at the Fabrician bridge. '

Whereupon he was led from the tribunal, and conducted by a guard to theplace of his confinement. 

 * * * * *

The fate of Probus we now regard as sealed. In what manner he willfinally be disposed of it is vain to conjecture, so various are theways, each one more ingenious in cruelty than another, in whichChristians are made to suffer and die. Standing as he does, as virtuallythe head of the Christian community, we can anticipate for him a deathonly of more refined barbarity. 

Felix too, we learn, is confined in the same prison: and with him allthe other principal Christians of Rome. 

 * * * * *

We have visited Probus in his confinement. You do not remember, Fausta, probably you never saw, the prison at the Fabrician bridge. It seems acity itself, so vast is it, and of so many parts, running upwards inwalls and towers to a dizzy height, and downwards to unknown depths, where it spreads out in dungeons never visited by the light of day. Inthis prison, now crowded with the Christians, did we seek our friend. Wewere at once, upon making known our want, shown to the cell in which hewas confined. 

We found him, as we entered, seated and bending over a volume which hewas reading, aided by the faint light afforded by a lamp which hisjailer had furnished him. He received us with cheerfulness, and at hisside on the single block of stone which the cell provided for itsinmates, we sat and long conversed. I expressed my astonishment that thefavor of a lamp had been allowed him. 'It is not in accordance, ' I said, 'with the usages of this place. '

'You will be still more amazed, ' he replied, 'when I tell you throughwhose agency I enjoy it. '

'You must inform us, ' we said, 'for we cannot guess. '

'Isaac's;' he replied. 'At least I can think of no other to whom thedescription given me by the jailer corresponds. He told me upon bringingit to me, that a kind-hearted old man, a Jew, as he believed him, hadmade inquiry about me, and had entreated earnestly for all suchprivileges and favors, as the customs of the place would allow. He haseven procured me the blessing of this friendly light--and what is moreyet and which fills me with astonishment--has sent me this volume, whichis the true light. Can it be that Isaac has done all this, who surelynever has seemed to regard me with much favor. '

'Never doubt that it is he, ' said Julia; 'he has two natures, sometimesone is seen, sometimes the other--his Jew nature, and his human nature. His human heart is soft as a woman's or a child's. One so full of thespirit of love I have never known. At times in his speech, you wouldthink him a man bloody and severe as Aurelian himself; but in his deedshe is almost more than a Christian. '

'As the true circumcision, ' said Probus, 'is that of the heart, and ashe is a Jew who is one inwardly, so is he only a Christian who does thedeeds of one and has the heart of one. And he who does those deeds, andhas that heart--what matters it by what name he is called? Isaac is aChristian, in the only important sense of the word--and, alas! that itshould be so, more than many a one who bears the name. But does thismake Christ to be of none effect? Not so. The natural light, whichlightens every man who cometh into the world will, here and there, inevery place, and in every age, bring forth those who shall showthemselves in the perfection of their virtues to be of the very lineageof Heaven--true heirs of its glory. Isaac is such a one. But what then?For one such, made by the light of nature, the gospel gives usthousands. But how is it, Piso, in the city? Are the wolves stillabroad?'

'They are. The people have themselves turned informers, soldiers, andalmost executioners. However large may be the proportion of the friendlyor the neutral in the city, they dare not show themselves. The mob ofthose devoted to Aurelian constitutes now the true sovereignty ofRome--the streets are theirs--the courts are theirs--and anon the gameswill be theirs. '

'I am given to understand, ' said Probus, 'that to-morrow I suffer; yethave I received from the Prefect no warning to that effect. It is thejudgment of my keeper. '

'I have heard the same, ' I answered, 'but I know not with what truth. '

'It can matter little to me, ' he replied, 'when the hour shall come, whether to-morrow or to-night. '

'It cannot, ' said Julia. 'Furnished with the whole armor of the gospel, it will be an easy thing for you to encounter death. '

'It will, lady, believe me. I have many times fought with enemies of amore fearful front. The enemies of the soul are those whom the Christianmost dreads. Death is but the foe of life. So the Christian may but liveto virtue and God, he can easily make his account with death. It is notthe pain of dying, nor the manner of it, nor any doubts or speculationsabout the life to come, which, at an hour like this, intrude upon theChristian's thoughts. '

'And what then, ' asked Julia, as Probus paused and fell back intohimself, 'is it that fills and agitates the mind? for at such a momentit can scarcely possess itself in perfect peace. '

'It is this, ' replied Probus. 'Am I worthy? Have I wrought well myappointed task? Have I kept the faith? And is God my friend and Jesus mySaviour? These are the thoughts that engross and fill the mind. It isbusy with the past--and with itself. It has no thoughts to spare uponsuffering and death--it has no doubts or fears to remove concerningimmortality. The future life, to me, stands out in the same certainty asthe present. Death is but the moment which connects the two. You saywell, that at such an hour as this the mind can scarce possess itselfin perfect peace. Yet is it agitated by nothing that resembles fear. Itis the agitation that must necessarily have place in the mind of one towhom a great trust has been committed for a long series of years, atthat moment when he comes to surrender it up to him from whom it wasreceived. I have lived many years. Ten thousand opportunities of doinggood to myself and others have been set before me. The world has been awide field of action and labor, where I have been required to sow andtill against the future harvest. Must I not experience solicitude aboutthe acts and the thoughts of so long a career? I may often have erred; Imust often have stood idly by the wayside; I must many times have beenneglectful, and forgetful, and wilful; I must often have sinned; and itis not all the expected glory of another life, nor all the honor ofdying in the cause of Christ, nor all the triumph of a martyr's fate, that can or ought to stifle and overlay such thoughts. Still I am happy. Happy, not because I am in my own view worthy or complete, but becausethrough Jesus Christ I am taught, in God, to see a Father. I know thatin him I shall find both a just and a merciful judge; and in him who wastempted even as we are, who was of our nature and exposed to our trials, shall I find an advocate and intercessor such as the soul needs. Sothat, if anxious as he who is human and fallible must ever be, I amnevertheless happy and contented. My voyage is ended; the ocean of lifeis crossed, and I stand by the shore with joyful expectations of theword that shall bid me land and enter into the haven of my rest. '

As Probus ended these words, a low and deep murmur or distant rumblingas of thunder caught our ears, which, as we listened, suddenly increasedto a terrific roar of lions, as it were directly under our feet. Weinstinctively sprang from where we sat, but were quieted at once byProbus:

'There is no danger, ' said he; 'they are not within our apartment, norvery near us. They are a company of Rome's executioners, kept insubterranean dungeons, and fed with prisoners whom her mercy consigns tothem. Sounds more horrid yet have met my ears, and may yours. Yet I hopenot. '

But while he yet spoke, the distant shrieks of those who were thrusttoward the den, into which from a high ledge they were to be plungedheadlong, were borne to us, accompanied by the oaths and lashes of suchas drove them, but which were immediately drowned by the louder roaringof the imprisoned beasts as they fell upon and fought for their prey. Wesat mute and trembling with horror, till those sounds at length ceasedto reverberate through the aisles and arches of the building. 

'O Rome!' cried Probus, when they had died away, 'how art thou drunkwith blood! Crazed by ambition, drunk with blood, drowned in sin, hardened as a millstone against all who come to thee for good, how shaltthou be redeemed? where is the power to save thee?'

'It is in thee!' said Julia. 'It is thy blood, Probus, and that of thesemultitudes who suffer with thee, that shall have power to redeem Romeand the world. The blood of Jesus, first shed, startled the world in itsslumbers of sin and death. Thine is needed now to sound another alarm, and rouse it yet once more. And even again and again may the samesacrifice be to be offered up. '

'True, lady, ' said Probus; 'it is so. And it is of that I should think. Those for whom I die should fill my thoughts, rather than any concernfor my own happiness. If I might but be the instrument, by my death, ofopening the eyes of this great people to their errors and their guilt, Ishould meet death with gratitude and joy. '

With this and such like conversation, Fausta, did we fill up a longinterview with Probus. As we rose from our seats to take leave of him, not doubting that we then saw him and spoke to him for the last time, heyielded to the force of nature and wept. But this was but for a moment. Quickly restored to himself--if indeed when shedding those tears he werenot more truly himself--he bade us farewell, saying with firmness andcheerfulness as he did so, 'Notwithstanding, Piso, the darkness of this hour and of all the outwardprospect, it is bright within. Farewell!--to meet as I trust in Heaven!'

We returned to the Coelian. 

 * * * * *

When I parted from Probus, at the close of this interview, it was in thebelief that I should never see him more. But I was once again in hisdungeon, and then heard from him what I will now repeat to you. It wasthus. 

Not long after we had withdrawn from his cell on our first visit, Probus, as was his wont when alone, sat reading by that dim andimperfect light which the jailer had provided him. He presently closedthe volume and laid it away. While he then sat musing, and thinking ofthe morrow, and of the fate which then probably awaited him, the door ofhis cell slowly opened. He looked, expecting to see his usual visitantthe jailer, but it was a form very different from his. The door closed, and the figure advanced to where Probus sat. The gown in which it wasenveloped was then let fall, and the Prefect stood before the Christian. 

'Varus!' said Probus. 'Do I see aright?'

'It is Varus, ' replied the Prefect. 'And your friend. '

'I would, now at least, be at friendship with all the world, ' respondedProbus. 

'Yet, ' said Varus, 'your friends must be few, that you should be left inthis place of horror, alone, to meet your fate. '

'I have no friend powerful enough, on earth at least, to cope with theomnipotence of Aurelian, ' replied Probus. 

'Thy friends, Christian, are more, and more potent than thou dreamestof. As I said to thee before, even Aurelian esteems thee. '

'Strange, that, if he esteems me, as thou sayest, he should thrust mewithin the lions' den, with prospect of no escape but into their jaws. And can I suppose that his esteem is worth much to me who crowds hisprisons with those who are nearest to me, reserving them there for adeath the most cruel and abhorred?'

'He may esteem thee, Probus, and not thy faith. 'Tis so with me. I likenot thy faith, but truly do I say it, I like thee, and would fain serveand save thee. Nay, 'tis thy firmness and thy zeal in the cause thouhast espoused that wins me. I honor those virtues. But, Probus, in theethey are dangerous ones. The same qualities in a worthier cause wouldmake thee great. That which thou hast linked thyself to, Christian, is adownward and a dying one. Its doom is sealed. The word of Aurelian isgone forth, and, before the Ides, the blood of every Christian in Romeshall flow--and not in Rome only, but throughout the empire. The forcesare now disposing over the whole of this vast realm, which, at a signfrom the great Head, shall fall upon this miserable people, and theirvery name shall vanish from the earth. It is vain to contend. It is butthe struggling of a man with the will and the arm of Jove--'

'Varus!--' Probus began. 

'Nay, ' said the Prefect, 'listen first. This faith of thine, Christian, which can thus easily be destroyed, cannot be that divine and holy thingthou deemest it. So judges Porphyrius, and all of highest mark here inRome. It is not to be thought of one moment as possible, that what a Godmade known to man for truth, he should afterward leave defenceless, tobe trodden to the dust, and its ministers and disciples persecuted, tormented, and exterminated by human force. Christian, thou hast beendeceived--and all thy fellows are in the like delusion. Do thou thensave both thyself and them. It is in thy power to stop all this effusionof blood, and restore unity and peace to an empire now torn and bleedingin every part. '

'And how, Varus--seeing thou wouldst that I should hear all--how shallit be done?'

'Embrace, Probus, the faith of Rome--the faith of thy father, venerablefor piety as for years--the faith of centuries, and of millions of ourgreat progenitors and thou art safe, and all thine are safe. '

Probus was silent. 

'Aurelian bids me say, ' continued the Prefect, 'that doing this, thereis not a wish of thy heart, for thyself, or for those who are dear tothee, but it shall be granted. Wealth, more than miser ever craved, office and place lower but little than Aurelian's own, shall be thine--'

'Varus! if there is within thee the least touch of humanity, cease! Thywords have sunk into these dead walls as far as into me; yet have theyentered far enough to have wounded the soul through and through. Not, Varus, though to all thou hast said and promised thou shouldst add Romeitself and the empire, and still to that the subject kingdoms of theEast and West, with their treasures, and the world itself, would I provefalse to myself, my faith, and my God. Nor canst thou think me baseenough for such a deed. This is no great virtue in me, Varus. I hold itnot such; nor may you. Go through the secret chambers of these prisonswith the same rich bribe upon thy tongue, and not one so fallen wouldstthou find that he would hear thee through as I have done. Varus, thouknowest not what a Christian is! Thou canst not conceive how little athing life is in his regard set by the side of truth. I grieve that everI should have been so esteemed by thee as to warrant the proffers thouhast made. This injures more and deeper than these bonds, or than allthine array of engines or of beasts. '

'Be not the fool and madman, ' said the Prefect, 'to cast away from theethe mercy I have brought. Except on the terms I have now named, I saythere is hope neither for thee, nor for one of this faith in Rome, however high their name or rank. '

'That can make no change in my resolve, Varus. '

'Consider, Probus, well. As by thy renunciation thou couldst savethyself, I now tell thee that the lives of those whom thou holdestnearest, hang also upon thy word. Assent to what I have offered, andPiso and Julia live! Reject it, and they die!'

Varus paused; but Probus spoke not. He went on. 

'Christian, are not these dear to thee? Demetrius too, and Felix? Whereare the mercies of thy boasted faith, if thy heart is left thus hard?Truly thou mightest as well have lived and died a Pagan. '

'Again I say, Varus, thou knowest not what a Christian is. We put truthbefore life; and if by but a word that should deny the truth in Christ, or any jot or tittle of it, I could save the life of Piso, Julia, Felix, Demetrius, nay, and all in Rome who hold this faith, my tongue should betorn from my mouth before that word should be spoken. And so wouldstthou find every Christian here in Rome. Why then urge me more? Did Macerhear thee?'

'I hold thee, Probus, a wiser man than he. All Rome knew him mad. Castnot away thy life. Live, and tomorrow's sun shall see thee First inRome!'

'Varus! why is this urgency? Think me not a fool and blind. Thouknowest, and Fronto and Aurelian know, that one apostate would weighmore for your bad cause than a thousand headless trunks; and so withcruel and insulting craft you weave your snares and pile to Heaven yourgolden bribes. Begone, Varus, and say to Aurelian, if in truth he sentthee on thy shameful errand, that, in the Fabrician prison, in the samedungeon where he cast Probus the Christian, there still lives Probus theRoman, who reveres what _he_ once revered and loved, truth, and whom hisbribes cannot turn from his integrity. '

'Die then, idiot, in thy integrity! Thou hast thrown scorn upon one, whohas power and the will to pay it back in a coin it may little pleasethee to take it in. If there be one torment, Galilean, sharper thananother, it shall be thine tomorrow; and for one moment that Macerpassed upon my irons, there shall be hours for thee. Not till the fleshbe peeled inch by inch from thy bones, and thy vitals look through thyribs, and thy brain boil in its hot case, and each particular nerve bestretched till it break, shall thy life be suffered to depart. Then, what the tormentors shall have left, the dogs of the streets shalldevour. Now, Christian, let us see if thy God, beholding thy distress, will pity and deliver thee. '

Saying these words, his countenance transformed by passion to that of ademon, he turned and left the cell. 

Never, Fausta, I feel assured, did Aurelian commission Varus with suchan errand. Fallen though he be, he has not yet fallen to that lowestdeep. Varus doubtless hoped to prevail over Probus by his baseproposals, and by such triumph raise his fortunes yet higher withAurelian. It was a game worth playing--so he judged, and perhapswisely--and worth a risk. For doubtless one apostate of the rank ofProbus would have been of more avail to them, as Probus said to him, than a thousand slain. For nothing do the judges so weary themselves, and exhaust their powers of persuasion, as to induce the Christians whoare brought before them to renounce their faith. So desirous are theyof this, that they have caused, in many instances, those who were noChristians to be presented at their tribunals, who have then, afterbeing threatened with torture and death, renounced a faith which theynever professed. Once and again has this farce been acted before theRoman people. Their real triumphs of this sort have as yet been veryfew; and the sensation which they produced was swallowed up and lost inthe glory--in the eyes even of the strangers who are in Rome--which hascrowned us in the steadfast courage with which our people have remainedquietly in their homes, throughout all this dreadful preparation, andthen, when the hour of trial drew nigh, and they were placed at the barof the judge, and were accused of their religion, confessed the charge, boasted of it, and then took their way to the prison, from which, theywell knew, death only would deliver them. 

 * * * * *

That, Fausta, which we have long feared and looked for, has come topass, and Probus, our more than friend, our benefactor, and almost ourparent, is, by the Emperor, condemned to death; not, as from the wordsof Varus it might be supposed, to the same torments as those to whichMacer was made subject; but to be thrown to the beasts in the Flavian, adeath more merciful than that, but yet full of horror. How is it that, in the Roman, mercy seems dead, and the human nature, which he receivedfrom the gods, changed to that of the most savage beast!

Livia has been with us; and here, with us, would she now gladly remain. It is impossible, she says, for us to conceive the height of the frenzyto which Aurelian is now wrought up against the Christians. In hisimpatience, he can scarce restrain himself from setting his Legions inthe neighboring camp at once to the work of slaughter. But he is, strange as it may seem, in this held back and calmed by the morebloody-minded, but yet more politic, Fronto. Fronto would have the workthoroughly accomplished; and that it may be so, he adheres to a certainsystem of order and apparent moderation, from which Aurelian wouldwillingly break away and at once flood the streets of Rome in a newdeluge of blood. Livia is now miserable and sad, as she was, but a fewmonths ago, gay and happy. At the palace, she tells us, she hears nosounds but the harsh and grating voice of Fronto, or the smooth andsilvery tones of Varus. As soon, she says, as Aurelian shall havedeparted for the East, shall she dwell either with us, or fly to thequiet retreat of Zenobia, at Tibur. 

 * * * * *

The day appointed for the death of Probus has arrived, and never did thesun shine upon a fairer one in Rome. It seems as if some high festivalwere come, for all Rome is afoot. Heralds parade the streets, proclaiming the death of Probus, Felix, and other Christians, in theFlavian, at the hour of noon. At the corner of every street, and at allthe public places, the name of "Probus the Christian, condemned to thebeasts, " meets the eye. Long before the time of the sacrifice had come, the avenues leading to the theatre, and all the neighborhood of it, werecrowded with the excited thousands of those who desired to witness thespectacle. There was little of beauty, wealth, fashion, or nobility inRome that was not represented in the dense multitude that filled theseats of the boundless amphitheatre. Probus had said to me, at my lastinterview with him, 'Piso, you may think it a weakness in me, but Iwould that one at least, whose faith is mine, and whose heart beats asmine, might be with me at the final hour. I would, at that hour, meetone eye that can return the glance of friendship. It will be a source ofstrength to me, and I know not how much I may need it. ' I readilypromised what he asked, though, as you may believe, Fausta, I wouldwillingly have been spared the trial. So that making part of that tidepouring toward the centre, I found myself borne along at the appointedhour to the scene of suffering and death. 

As I was about to pass beneath the arched-way which leads to the windingpassages within, I heard myself saluted by a well-known voice, and, turning to the quarter whence it came, beheld Isaac, but without hispack, and in a costume so different from that which he usually wears, that at first I doubted the report of my eyes. But the sound of hisvoice, as he again addressed me, assured me it could be no other thanhe. 

'Did I not tell thee, Piso, ' said he, 'that, when the Christian was inhis straits, there thou wouldst see the Jew, looking on, and taking hissport? This is for Probus the very end I looked for. And how should itbe otherwise? Is he to live and prosper, who aims at the life of that towhich God has given being and authority? Shall he flourish in pride andglory who hath helped to pull down what God built up? Not so, Piso. 'Tisno wonder that the Christians are now in this plight. It could be nootherwise. And in every corner of this huge fabric wilt thou beholdsome of my tribe looking on upon this sight, or helping at thesacrifice. Yet, as thou knowest, I am not among them. There is no hopefor Probus, Piso?'

'None, Isaac. All Rome could not save him. '

'Truly, ' rejoined the Jew, 'he is in the lion's den. Yet as the prophetDaniel was delivered, so may it be to him. God is over all. '

'God is, indeed, over all, ' I said; 'but he leaves us with our naturalpassions, affections, and reason, to work out our own way through theworld. We are the better for it. '

'Doubtless, ' said Isaac. 'Yet at times, when we look not for it, andfrom a quarter we dream not of, deliverance comes. So was it to Abraham, when he thought that by his own hand Isaac his son must be slain. Butwhy to a Christian should I speak of these? Dost thou witness thesacrifice, Piso?'

'Yes, at the earnest entreaty of Probus himself. '

'I, too, shall be there. We shall both then see what shall come topass. '

So saying, he moved away toward the lower vaults, where are the cages ofthe beasts, and I passed on and ascended the flight of steps leading tothat part of the interior where it is the custom of Aurelian to sit. TheEmperor was not as yet arrived, but the amphitheatre, in every part ofit, was already filled with its countless thousands. All were seatedidly conversing, or gazing about as at the ordinary sports of the place. The hum of so many voices struck the ear like the distant roar of theocean. How few of those thousands--not one perhaps--knew for what it wasthat Probus and his companions were now about to suffer a most crueland abhorred death! They knew that their name was Christian, and thatChristian was of the same meaning as enemy of the gods and of theempire; but what it was which made the Christian so willing to die, whyit was he was so ready to come to that place of horror and give up hisbody to the beasts--this they knew not. It was to them a riddle theycould not read. And they sat and looked on with the same vacantunconcern, or with the same expectation of pleasure, as if they were towitness the destruction of murderers and assassins. This would not havebeen so, had that class of the citizens of Rome, or any of them, beenpresent, who, regarding us with favor, and hoping that somewhat mightyet come of our religion advantageous to the world, maintain a neutralposition. These were not there; owing, both to their disinclination towitness scenes so brutalizing, and to apprehensions lest they should bebetrayed into words or acts of sympathy, that might lead to their beingconfounded with the obnoxious tribe, and exposed to the like dangers. All, therefore, within the embrace of those wide-spreading walls were ofone heart and one mind. 

While I sat waiting the coming of the Emperor, and surrounded by thosewhom I knew not nor had ever seen, one who occupied a part of the sameseat, accompanied by his wife and daughters, said to me, ''Tis to be hoped, sir, that so terrible an example as this will haveits effect in deterring others from joining this dangerous superstition, and not only that, but strike so wholesome a terror into those whoalready profess it, that they shall at once abandon it, and so thegeneral massacre of them not be necessary; which, indeed, I should beloth to witness in the streets of Rome. '

'If you knew, ' I replied, 'for what it is these people are condemned tosuch sufferings, you would not, I am sure, express yourself in thatmanner. You know, I may presume, only what common report has brought toyour ears. '

'Nothing else, I admit, ' he replied. 'My affairs confine me from morningtill night. I am a secretary, sir, in the office of the public mint. Ihave no time to inform myself of the exact truth of any thing butcolumns of figures. I am not afraid to say there is not a betteraccountant within the walls of Rome. But as for other things, especiallyas to the truth in matters of this sort, I know nothing, and can learnnothing. I follow on as the world leads. '

'I dare say, ' I replied, 'you have spoken the truth. And every one herepresent, were he to speak, would make very much the same declaration. Sohere are eighty thousand citizens of Rome assembled to witness thedestruction of men, of whose crime they know nothing, yet rejoicing intheir death as if they were murderers or robbers! Were you charged witha false enumeration of your columns, would not you hold it basestinjustice to suffer punishment before pains were taken to learn theexact truth in the case? But are you not acting the same unjust andcruel part--with all who are here--in looking on and approving thedestruction of these men, about whose offence you know nothing, and havetaken no pains to inquire?'

'By the gods!' exclaimed his wife, who seemed the sharper spirit of thetwo, 'I believe we have a Christian here! But however that may be, weshould be prettily set to work, whenever some entertainment is inprospect, to puzzle ourselves about the right and the wrong in thematter. If we are to believe you, sir, whenever a poor wretch is to bethrown to the beasts, before we can be in at the sport we must settlethe question--under the law I suppose--whether the condemnation be justor not! Ha! ha! Our life were in that case most light and agreeable! ThePrefect himself would not have before him a more engaging task. Gods!Cornelia dear, see what a pair of eyes!'

'Where, mother?'

'There! in that old man's head. They burn and twinkle like coals offire. I should think he must be a Christian. '

I was not sorry that a new object had attracted the attention of thislady of the secretary; and looking where she pointed, I saw Isaacplanted below us and near the arena. At the same moment the long peal oftrumpets, and the shouts of the people without, gave note of theapproach and entrance of the Emperor. In a moment more, with his swiftstep, he entered the amphitheatre, and strode to the place set apart forhim, the whole multitude rising and saluting him with a burst of welcomethat might have been heard beyond the walls of Rome. The Emperoracknowledged the salutation by rising from his seat and lifting thecrown from his head. He was instantly seated again, and at a sign fromhim the herald made proclamation of the entertainments which were tofollow. He who was named as the first to suffer was Probus. 

When I heard his name pronounced, with the punishment which awaitedhim, my resolution to remain forsook me, and I turned to rush from thetheatre. But my recollection of Probus's earnest entreaties that I wouldbe there, restrained me and I returned to my seat. I considered, that asI would attend the dying bed of a friend, so I was clearly bound toremain where I was, and wait for the last moments of this my more thanChristian friend; and the circumstance that his death was to be shockingand harrowing to the friendly heart was not enough to absolve me fromthe heavy obligation. I therefore kept my place, and awaited withpatience the event. 

I had waited not long when, from beneath that extremity of the theatrewhere I was sitting, Probus was led forth and conducted to the centre ofthe arena, where was a short pillar to which it was customary to bindthe sufferers. Probus, as he entered, seemed rather like one who came towitness what was there than to be himself the victim, so free was hisstep, so erect his form. In his face there might indeed be seen anexpression, that could only dwell on the countenance of one whose spiritwas already gone beyond the earth, and holding converse with thingsunseen. There is always much of this in the serene, uplifted face ofthis remarkable man; but it was now there written in lines so bold anddeep, that there could have been few in that vast assembly but must havebeen impressed by it, as never before by aught human. It must have beenthis, which brought so deep a silence upon that great multitude--not themere fact that an individual was about to be torn by lions--that is analmost daily pastime. For it was so, that when he first made hisappearance, and as he moved toward the centre, turned and looked roundupon the crowded seats rising to the heavens, the people neither movednor spoke, but kept their eyes fastened upon him as by some spell whichthey could not break. 

When he had reached the pillar, and he who had conducted him was aboutto bind him to it, it was plain, by what at that distance we couldobserve, that Probus was entreating him to desist and leave him atliberty; in which he at length succeeded, for that person returned, leaving him alone and unbound. O sight of misery!--he who for thehumblest there present would have performed any office of love, by whichthe least good should redound to them, left alone and defenceless, theylooking on and scarcely pitying his cruel fate!

When now he had stood there not many minutes, one of the doors of thevivaria was suddenly thrown back, and bounding forth with a roar, thatseemed to shake the walls of the theatre, a lion of huge dimensionsleaped upon the arena. Majesty and power were inscribed upon his lordlylimbs; and as he stood there where he had first sprung, and looked roundupon the multitude, how did his gentle eye and noble carriage, withwhich no one for a moment could associate meanness, or cruelty, orrevenge, cast shame upon the human monsters assembled to behold asolitary, unarmed man torn limb from limb! When he had in this waylooked upon that cloud of faces, he then turned and moved round thearena through its whole circumference, still looking upwards upon thosewho filled the seats--not till he had come again to the point from whichhe started, so much as noticing him who stood, his victim, in themidst. Then--as if apparently for the first time becoming conscious ofhis presence--he caught the form of Probus; and moving slowly towardshim, looked steadfastly up-upon him, receiving in return the settledgaze of the Christian. Standing there, still, awhile--each looking uponthe other--he then walked round him, then approached nearer, making, suddenly and for a moment, those motions which indicate the rousedappetite; but as it were in the spirit of self-rebuke, he immediatelyretreated a few paces and lay down in the sand, stretching out his headtoward Probus, and closing his eyes as if for sleep. 

The people, who had watched in silence, and with the interest of thosewho wait for their entertainment, were both amazed and vexed, at whatnow appeared to be the dulness and stupidity of the beast. When howeverhe moved not from his place, but seemed as if he were indeed about tofall into a quiet sleep, those who occupied the lower seats began bothto cry out to him and shake at him their caps, and toss about their armsin the hope to rouse him. But it was all in vain; and at the command ofthe Emperor he was driven back to his den. 

Again a door of the vivaria was thrown open, and another of equal size, but of a more alert and rapid step, broke forth, and, as if delightedwith his sudden liberty and the ample range, coursed round and round thearena, wholly regardless both of the people and of Probus, intent onlyas it seemed upon his own amusement. And when at length he discoveredProbus standing in his place, it was but to bound toward him as infrolic, and then wheel away in pursuit of a pleasure he esteemed morehighly than the satisfying of his hunger. 

At this, the people were not a little astonished, and many who were nearme hesitated not to say, "that there might be some design of the gods inthis. " Others said plainly, but not with raised voices, "An omen! anomen!" At the same time Isaac turned and looked at me with an expressionof countenance which I could not interpret. Aurelian meanwhile exhibitedmany signs of impatience; and when it was evident the animal could notbe wrought up, either by the cries of the people, or of the keepers, toany act of violence, he too was taken away. But when a third had beenlet loose, and with no better effect, nay, with less--for he, when hehad at length approached Probus, fawned upon him, and laid himself athis feet--the people, superstitious as you know beyond any others, nowcried out aloud, "An omen! an omen!" and made the sign that Probusshould be spared and removed. 

Aurelian himself seemed almost of the same mind, and I can hardly doubtwould have ordered him to be released, but that Fronto at that momentapproached him, and by a few of those words, which, coming from him, arereceived by Aurelian as messages from Heaven, put within him a new anddifferent mind; for rising quickly from his seat he ordered the keeperof the vivaria to be brought before him. When he appeared below upon thesands, Aurelian cried out to him, 'Why, knave, dost thou weary out our patience thus--letting forth beastsalready over-fed? Do thus again, and thou thyself shall be thrown tothem. Art thou too a Christian?'

'Great Emperor, ' replied the keeper, 'than those I have now let loose, there are not larger nor fiercer in the imperial dens, and since thesixth hour of yesterday they have tasted nor food nor drink. Why theyhave thus put off their nature 'tis hard to guess, unless the generalcry be taken for the truth, "that the gods have touched them. "

Aurelian was again seen to waver, when a voice from the benches criedout, 'It is, O Emperor, but another Christian device! Forget not the voicefrom the temple! The Christians, who claim powers over demons, biddingthem go and come at pleasure, may well be thought capable to change, bythe magic imputed to them, the nature of a beast. '

'I doubt not, ' said the Emperor, 'but it is so. Slave! throw up now thedoors of all thy vaults, and let us see whether both lions and tigers benot too much for this new necromancy. If it be the gods who interpose, they can shut the mouths of thousands as of one. 

At those cruel words, the doors of the vivaria were at once flung open, and an hundred of their fierce tenants, maddened both by hunger and thegoads that had been applied, rushed forth, and in the fury with which ina single mass they fell upon Probus--then kneeling upon the sands--andburying him beneath them, no one could behold his fate, nor, when thatdark troop separated and ran howling about the arena in search of othervictims, could the eye discover the least vestige of that holy man. ----I then fled from the theatre as one who flies from that which is worsethan death. 

Felix was next offered up, as I have learned, and after him more thanfourscore of the Christians of Rome. 

Rome continues the same scene of violence, cruelty and blood. Eachmoment are the miserable Christians dragged through the streets eitherto the tribunals of the judges, or thence, having received their doom, to the prisons. 

Seeing, Fausta, that the Emperor is resolved that we shall not be amongthe sufferers, and that he is also resolved upon the total destructionof all within the walls of Rome, from which purpose no human power cannow divert him, we feel ourselves no longer bound to this spot, and aredetermined to withdraw from it, either to Tibur or else to you. Werethere any office of protection or humanity, which it were in our powerto perform toward the accused or the condemned, you may believe that weshould remain fixed to the post of duty. But the fearful sweep which ismaking, and yet to be made, of every living soul in Rome, leaves nothingfor us to do but to stand idle and horror-struck witnesses of sufferingsand wrongs, which we can do nothing to avert or relieve. Portia sharesour sorrows, and earnestly entreats us to depart, consenting herself toaccompany us. 

 * * * * *

After seeing Zenobia at Tibur, and conversing with her and Livia, whom Ifound there, we have resolved upon Palmyra, and already have I engaged avessel bound to Berytus. A brief interval will alone be needful for ourpreparations. Portia goes with us. 

 * * * * *

In the midst of these preparations, news is brought us by Milo thatAurelian, hastened by accounts of disturbances in the army, has suddenlystarted for Thrace. But I see not that this can interfere with ourmovements, unless indeed.... What can mean this sudden uproar in thestreets?--and now within the house itself.... My fears are true.... 

 * * * * *

Fausta, I am a prisoner in the hands of Fronto. I now write in chains, and Julia stands at my side bound also. I have obtained with difficultythis grace, to seal my letter, and bid you farewell. 

 * * * * *

Thus were Piso and Julia at length in the grasp of the cruel andrelentless Fronto. Aurelian's sudden departure from Rome placed thewhole conduct of the enterprise he had undertaken in the hands of Varusand the priest, who were left by the Emperor with full powers to carryon and complete the work which he had begun. It was his purpose however, so soon as the difficulties in the army should be composed, himselfimmediately to return, and remain till the task were ended--the greatduty done. But, as many causes might conspire to prevent this, they wereclothed with sovereign authority to do all that the welfare of the cityand the defence and security of religion might require. I will notcharge Aurelian with an unnecessary absence at this juncture, that so hemight turn over to his tools a work, at which his own humanity andconscience, hardened as they were, revolted--or rather that they, voluntarily, and moved only by their own superstitious and malignantminds might then be free to do what they might feel safe in believingwould be an acceptable service to their great master. I will stillbelieve, that, had he intended the destruction of Piso and Julia, hewould, with that courage which is natural to him, have fearlessly andunshrinkingly done the deed himself. I will rather suppose that hisministers, without warrant from him, and prompted by their own hatealone, ventured upon that dark attempt, trusting, when it should haveonce been accomplished, easily to obtain the pardon of him, who, howeverhe might affect or feel displeasure for a moment, would secretly applaudand thank them for the deed. 

However this may be, Aurelian suddenly departed from Rome, and Frontoand Varus filled his place; and their first act of authority was theseizure of Piso and the Princess. At Tibur we knew nothing of theseevents till they were passed; we caring not to hear of the daily horrorsthat were acted in the city, and feeling as secure of the safety of Pisoand Julia as of our own. 

It was on a gloomy winter evening when they were borne away from theirhome upon the Coelian to the dark vaults beneath the Temple of theSun, Fronto's own province. But here again let Piso speak for himself, as I find recorded in the fragment of a letter. 

 * * * * *

* * * The darkness of the night scarce permitted me to see, he says, whither we were borne, but when the guard stopped and required us toalight from the carriage in which we had been placed, I perceived thatwe were at the steps of the temple--victims therefore in his own regionsof a man, as much more savage than Aurelian, as he than a beast of theforest. We were denied the happiness of being confined in the sameplace, but were thrust into separate dungeons, divided by walls of solidrock. Here, when wearied out by watching, I fell asleep. How long thislasted I cannot tell; I was wakened by the withdrawing of the bolts ofmy door. One, bearing a dim light, slowly opening the door, entered. Forgetting my condition I essayed to rise, but my heavy chains bound meto the floor. Soon as the noise of my motion caught the ear of theperson who had entered, he said, 'So; all is safe. I am not thy keeper, sir Piso, but 'tis my province tokeep the keeper--that is--visit thee every hour to see that thou arthere. Yet, by the gods! if you Christians have that power of magic, which is commonly reported of you, I see not of what use it were towatch you thus. How is it with thee, most noble Piso?'

'That is of little moment; but tell me, if there is anything human inthee, where is the Princess Julia, and what is her fate?'

'Be not too much concerned, ' he replied. 'She is safe, I warrant you. None but Fronto deals with her. '

'Fronto!' I could only say. 

'Yes, Fronto. Fear not, he is an honorable man and a holy priest. '

'Fronto!' I was about to add more, but held my peace; knowing well thatwhat I might say could avail nothing for us, and might be turned againstus. I only asked, 'why there was such delay in examining and condemningus?'

'That is a question truly, ' he replied; 'but not so easy to beanswered. Few know the reason, that I can say. But what is there in theheart of Pronto that is kept from Curio? Are thy chains easy, Piso?'

'I would that they might be lengthened. Here am I bound to the floorwithout so much as the power to stand upright. This is uselesssuffering. '

'Twas so ordered by Fronto; but then if there is one in Rome who cantake a liberty with him, I know well who he is. So hold thou the lamp, Piso, and I will ease thee;' and, like one accustomed to the art, hesoon struck apart the chain, and again uniting it left me room, both tostand and move. 

'There, ' said he, as he took again the lamp, 'for one who hates aChristian as he does death, that's a merciful deed. But I can tell theeone thing, that it will not ease thee long. '

'That I can believe. But why, once more, is there this delay?'

'I know not, Piso, whether I should tell thee, but as I doubt not Frontowould, were he here, I surely may do the same, for if there are two menin Rome, Piso, whose humors are the same and jump together, I and Frontoare they. There is a dispute then, noble Piso, between Varus and Frontoabout the lady Julia--' and without heeding my cries the wretch turnedand left the vault, closing after him the heavy door. 

How many days, in the torture of a suspense and ignorance worse thandeath, I lay here, I cannot tell. Curio came as often as he said to seethat all was safe, but there was little said by either; he would examinemy chain and then depart. On the night--the last night I passed in thatagony--preceding my examination by Varus and Fronto, I was disturbedfrom my slumbers by the entrance of Curio. He advanced with as it seemedto me an unusually cautious step, and I rose expecting somecommunication of an uncommon nature. But what was my amazement, as thelight fell upon the face of him who bore it, to see not Curio but Isaac. His finger was on his lips, while in his hand he held the implementsnecessary for sawing apart my chains. 

'Piso!' said he in a whispered tone, 'thou art now free, --I could notsave Probus, but I can save thee--horses fleet as the winds await theeand the Princess beyond the walls, and at the Tiber's mouth a vesseltakes you to Berytus. Curio lies drunk or dead, it matters little which, in a neighboring vault. ' And he set down the lamp and seized my chain. The strange devotion of this man moved me; and, were it but to rewardhis love, I could almost have slipped my bonds. But other thoughtsprevailed. 

'Isaac, you have risked your life and that of your household in thisattempt; and sorry am I that I can pay thee only with my thanks. Icannot fly. '

'Piso! thou surely art not mad? Why shouldst thou stay in the hands ofthese pagan butchers--'

'Were this, Isaac, but the private rage of Fronto, gladly would I gowith thee--more gladly would I give Julia to thy care. But it is not so. It is, as thou knowest, for our faith that we are here and thus; andshall we shrink from what Probus bore?'

'Piso, believe me--'tis not for thy faith alone that thou art here, butfor thy riches, and thy wife--'

'Isaac! thou hast been deceived. Sooner would they throw themselvesinto a lion's den for sport, than brave the wrath of Aurelian for such acrime. Thou hast been deceived. '

'I have it, ' replied the Jew, 'from the mouth of the miscreant Curio, who has told me of fierce disputes, overheard by him, between Varus andPronto concerning the lady Julia. '

'Their dispute has been, doubtless, whether she too should be destroyed;for to Fronto is well known the constant love which Aurelian still bearsher. Curio is not always right. '

'And is this my answer, Piso?' said Isaac. 'And, if I cannot prevailwith thee, shall I not still see thy wife? Over her perchance--'

'No, Isaac; it would be of no avail. Her answer would be the same asmine. '

'Nevertheless, Piso, I believe that what I have heard and surmised isso. Fronto and Varus, who have played with the great Aurelian as atoyman with his images, may carry even this. '

'Were it so, I put my trust in God, and to him commend myself and Julia. For this our faith are we ready to bear all that man can devise or do. '

Seeing that further argument was vain, Isaac, with eyes that overflowedas any woman's, embraced me and left the cell. 

 * * * * *

On the day which followed the visit of Isaac was I placed before Frontoand Varus. 

It was in the great room of the temple that the Prefect and the Priestawaited their victims. It was dimly illuminated, so that the remoterparts were lost in thick darkness. So far as the eye could penetrateit, a crowd of faces could be discerned in the gloom, of those who werethere to witness the scene. All, whom my sight could separate from thedarkness, were of the Roman priesthood, or friends of Fronto. Not thatothers were excluded--it was broad day, and the act was a public one, and authorized by the imperial edict--but that no announcement of it hadbeen made; and by previous concert the place had been filled with thepriests and subordinate ministers of the Roman temples. I knew thereforethat not a friendly eye or arm was there. Whatever it might please thosecruel judges to inflict upon myself or Julia, --there was none toremonstrate or interpose. With what emotions, when I had first beenplaced before those judges, did I await the coming of Julia, from whom Ihad now been so long parted! Fervently did I pray that the mercy ofFronto would first doom her, that she might be sure of at least onesympathising and pitying heart. 

On the right of the Prefect, upon a raised platform, were set thevarious instruments of torture and death, each attended by its halfnaked minister. 

I had not stood long, when upon the other side of the room the noise ofthe dividing crowd told me that Julia was entering, and in a moment moreshe was standing at a little distance from me, and opposite Fronto--Ibeing opposite the Prefect. Our eyes met once--and no more. As I couldhave desired, Fronto first addressed her. 

'Woman! thou standest here charged with impiety and denial of the godsof Rome; in other words, with being a follower of Christ the Nazarene. That the charge is true, witnesses stand here ready to affirm. Dostthou deny the charge? Then will we prove its truth. '

'I deny it not, ' responded Julia, 'but confess it. Witnesses are notneeded. The Christian witnesses for himself. '

'Dost thou know the penalty that waits on such confession?'

'I know it, but do not fear it. '

'But for thee to die so, woman, is of ill example to all in Rome. Wewould rather change thee. We would not have thee die the enemy of thegods, of Rome, and of thyself. I ask thee then to renounce thy vainimpiety!'

Julia answered not. 

'I require thee, Christian, to renounce Christ!'

Still Julia made no reply. 

'Know you not, woman, I have power to force from thee that, which thouwilt not say willingly?'

'Thou hast no such power, Priest. Thou wert else God. '

'Thy tender frame cannot endure the torture of those engines. It werebetter spared such suffering. '

'I would gladly be spared that suffering, ' said Julia; 'but not at theexpense of truth. '

'Think not that I will relent. Those irons shall rack and rend thee inevery bone and joint, except thou dost renounce that foul impostor, whose curse now lies heavy upon Rome and the world. '

'Weary me not, Priest, with vain importunity. I am a Christian, and aChristian will I die. '

'Prepare then the rack!' cried Fronto, his passions rising; 'that is themedicine for obstinacy such as this. Now bind her to it. '

Hearing that, I wildly exclaimed, 'Priest! thou dar'st not do it for thy life! Touch but the hair of herhead, and thy life shall answer it. Aurelian's word is pledged, and thoudar'st not break it. '

'Aurelian is far enough from here, ' replied the priest. 'But were hewhere I am, thou wouldst see the same game. I am Aurelian now. '

'Is this then thy commission, had from Aurelian?'

'That matters not, young Piso. 'Tis enough for thee to know that Frontorules in Rome. No more! Hold now thy peace! Where an Empress has sued invain, there is no room for words from thee. Slaves! bind her, I say! Tothe rack with her!'

At that I sprang madly forward, thinking only of her rescue from thosemurderous fangs, but was at the same instant drawn violently back bothby my chains and the arms of those who guarded me. The tormentorsdescended from their engines to fulfil the commands of Fronto, and, laying hold of Julia, bore her, without an opposing word, or look, ormotion, toward their instruments of death. And they were already bindingher limbs to the accursed wheels, while Fronto and Varus both drew nighto gloat over her agonies, when a distant sound, as of the ocean lashedby winds, broke upon the ears of all within that hell. Even thetormentors paused in their work, and looked at each other and at Fronto, as if asking what it should mean. 

The silence of death fell upon the crowd--every ear strained to catchthe still growing sound and interpret it. 

''Tis but the winter wind!' cried Fronto. 'On, cowards, with your work!'

But, ere the words had left his lips, or those demons could wind thewheels of their engine, the appalling tumult of a multitude rushingtoward the temple became too fearfully distinct for even Pronto or Varusto pretend to doubt its meaning. But why it was, or for what, none couldguess; only upon the terror-struck forms of both the Prefect and thePriest might be read apprehensions of hostility that from some quarterwas aiming at themselves. Fronto's voice was again heard:

'Bar the great doors of the temple! let not the work of the gods beprofanely violated. '

But the words were too late; for, while he was yet speaking, O Fausta, how shall I paint my agony of joy! there was heard from the street andfrom the porch of the temple itself the shouts of as it were tenthousand voices, "Tacitus is Emperor!" "Long live the good Tacitus!"

Freedom and life were in those cries. The crowds from the streets sweptin at the doors like an advancing torrent. Varus and Fronto, followed bytheir myrmidons, vanished through secret doors in the walls behind them, and among the first to greet me and strike the chains from my limbs wereIsaac and Demetrius. 

'And where is the lady Julia?' cried Isaac. 

'There!'

He flew to the platform, and, turning back the wheels, Julia was oncemore in my arms. 

'And now, ' I cried, 'what means it all? Am I awake or do I dream?'

'You are awake, ' replied Demetrius. 'The tyrant is dead! and the senateand people all cry out for Tacitus. '

I now looked about me. The mob of priests was fled, and around me Ibeheld a thousand well-known faces of those who already had beenreleased from their dungeons. Christians, and the friends of Christians, now filled the temple. 

'We were led hither, ' continued Demetrius, 'by your fast friend and thefriend I believe of all, Isaac. None but he, and those to whom he gavethe tidings, knew where the place of your confinement was; nor was theday of your trial publicly proclaimed, although we found the templeopen. But for him we should have been, I fear, too late. But no soonerwas the news of Aurelian's assassination spread through the city, thanIsaac roused your friends and led the way. '

As Demetrius ceased, the name of "Tacitus Emperor, " resounded againthroughout the temple, and the crowds then making for the streets, aboutwhich they careered mad with joy, we were at liberty to depart; andaccompanied by Isaac and Demetrius, were soon beneath our own roof uponthe Coelian. 

With what joy then, in our accustomed place of prayer, did we pour forthour thanksgivings to the Overruling Providence, who had not only rescuedourselves from the very jaws of death, but had wrought out this greatdeliverance of his whole people! Never before, Fausta, was Christianityin such peril; never was there a man, who, like Aurelian, united to anative cruelty that could behold the shedding of blood with the sameindifference as the flowing of water, a zeal for the gods and a love ofcountry that amounted quite to a superstitious madness. Had not deathinterposed--judging as man--no power could have stayed that arm that wassweeping us from the face of the earth. 

The prisons have all been thrown open, and their multitudes againreturned to their homes. The streets and squares of the capital resoundwith the joyful acclamations of the people. Our churches are once moreunbarred, and with the voice of music and of prayer, our people testifybefore Heaven their gratitude for this infinite mercy. 

The suddenness of this transition, from utter hopelessness and blankdespair to this fulness of peace, and these transports of joy, is almosttoo much for the frame to bear. Tears and smiles are upon every face. Weknow not whether to weep or laugh; and many, as if their reason weregone, both laugh and cry, utter prayers and jests in the same breath. 

 * * * * *

Soon as we found ourselves quietly in possession again of our own home, surrounded by our own household, Portia sitting with us and sharing ourfelicity, the same feeling impelled us at once to seek Livia andZenobia. The Empress was, as we had already learned, at Tibur, whithershe had but this morning fled, upon finding all interference of noavail, hoping--but how vainly--that possibly her mother, than whose namein Rome none was greater, save Aurelian's--might prevail, where thewords had fallen but upon deaf ears and stony hearts. Our chariot boreus quickly beyond the walls, and toward the palace of the Queen. As wereached the entrance, Zenobia at the same moment, accompanied by Livia, Nicomachus, and her usual train, was mounting her horse for Rome. Ourmeeting I need not describe. That day and evening were consecrated tolove and friendship; and many days did we pass there in the midst ofsatisfactions of double worth, I suppose, from the brief interval whichseparated them from the agonies which but so lately we had endured. 

All that we have as yet learned of Aurelian is this, that he has met thefate that has waited upon so many of the masters of the world. His ownsoldiers have revenged themselves upon him. Going forth, as it isreported, to quell a sudden disturbance in the camp, he was set upon bya band of desperate men--made so by threats of punishment which he everkeeps--and fell pierced by a hundred swords. When more exact accountsarrive, you shall hear again. 

Tacitus, who has long been the idol of the Senate, and of the best partof the people of Rome, famed, as you know, for his wisdom and his mildvirtues, distinguished too for his immense wealth and the elegance ofhis tastes, was at once, on the news of Aurelian's death, proclaimedEmperor; not so much, however, by any formal act of the Senate, as bythe unanimous will of all--senators and people. For, in order that thechance of peace may be the greater, the Senate, before any formal andpublic decree shall be passed, will wait the pleasure of the army. But, in the meantime, he is as truly Emperor as was Aurelian--and was, indeed, at the first moment the news of the assassination arrived. Hisopinions concerning the Christians also, being well known, theproclamation of his name as Augustus, was at the same time one of safetyand deliverance to our whole community. No name in Rome could havestruck such terror into the hearts of Varus and Fronto, as that ofTacitus--"Tacitus Emperor!"

After our happy sojourn at Tibur, and we had once more regained our homeupon the Coelian, we were not long, as you may believe, in seeking thestreet Janus, and the dwelling of Isaac. He was happily within, andgreeted us with heartiest welcome. 

'Welcome, most noble Piso, ' he cried, 'to the street Janus!'

'And, ' I added, 'to the house of a poverty-pinched Jew! This resemblesit indeed!'

'Ah! are you there, Piso? Well, well, if I have seemed poor, thouknowest why it has been, and for what. Welcome too, Princess! enter, Ipray you, and when you shall be seated I shall at once show you what youhave come to see, I doubt not--my assortment of diamonds. Ah! the newsof your arrival has spread, and they are before me--here, Piso, is thewoman of the desert, and the young Ishmael, and here, lady, are twodark-eyed nymphs of Ecbatana. Children, this is the beautiful Princessof Palmyra, whose name you have heard more than once. '

It was a pretty little circle, Fausta, as the eye need behold; andgathered together here by how strange circumstances! The very sun ofpeace and joy seemed breaking from the countenance of Isaac. He caressedfirst one and then another, nor did he know how to leave off kissing andpraising them. 

When we had thus sat, and made ourselves known all around to each other, Julia said to Isaac, 'that she should hope often to see him and them inthe same way; but however often it might be, and at whatever othertimes, she begged, that annually, on the Ides of January, she with Pisomight be admitted to his house and board, to keep with them all a feastof grateful recollection. Whatever it is that makes the present hour sohappy to us all, we owe, Isaac, to you. '

'Lady! to the providence of the God of Abraham!'

'In you, Isaac, I behold his providence. '

'Lady, it shall be as you say--on the Ides of January, will we, as theyears go round, call up to our minds these dark and bloody times, andgive thanks for the great redemption. Were Probus but with you, and tobe with you, Piso, your cup were full. And he had been here, but for thevoice of one, who just as the third lion had been uncaged, fixed againthe wavering mind of Aurelian, who then, madman-like, set on him thatforest-full of beasts. At that moment, I found it, Piso, discreetest todepart. '

'And was your hand in that too, Isaac? Were those lions of yourtraining? and that knave's lies of your telling?'

'Verily thou mayest say so. '

'But was that the part of a Jew?'

'No, ' said Julia, 'it was only the part of Isaac. '

'Probus, ' said Isaac, 'was the friend of Piso and Julia, and thereforehe was mine. If now you ask how I love you so, I can only say, I do notknow. We are riddles to ourselves. When I first saw thee, Piso, Ifancied thee, and the fancy hath held till now. Now, where love is, there is power--high as heaven, deep as hell. Where there is the will, the arm is strong and the wits clear. Mountains of difficulty and seasof danger sink into mole-hills and shallow pools. Besides, Piso, thereis no virtue in Rome but gold will buy it, and, as thou knowest, in thatI am not wanting. Any slave like Curio, or he of the Flavian, may be hadfor a basket-full of oboli. With these two clues, thou canst thread thelabyrinth. '

Though our affairs, Fausta, now put on so smiling a face, we do notrelinquish the thought of visiting you; and with the earliest relentingof the winter, so that a Mediterranean voyage will be both safe andpleasant, shall we turn our steps toward Palmyra. 

Demetrius greatly misses his brother, But what he has lost, you havegained. 

What at this moment is the great wonder in Rome is this--a letter hascome from the Legions in Thrace in terms most dutiful and respectfultoward the Senate, deploring the death of Aurelian, and desiring thatthey will place him in the number of the gods, and appoint hissuccessor. This is all that was wanted to confirm us in our peace. Nowwe may indeed hail Tacitus as Augustus and Emperor. Farewell. 

 * * * * *

Piso has mentioned with brevity the death of Aurelian, and the manner ofit as first received at Rome. I will here add to it the account whichsoon became current in the capital, and which to this time remainswithout contradiction. 

Already has the name of Menestheus occurred in these memoirs. He was oneof the secretaries of the Emperor, always near him and much in hisconfidence. This seemed strange to those who knew both, for Menestheusdid not possess those qualities which Aurelian esteemed. He was selfish, covetous, and fawning; his spirit and manner those of a slave to such aswere above him--those of a tyrant to such as were below him. Hisaffection for the Emperor, of which he made great display, was only forwhat it would bring to him; and his fidelity to his duties which wasexemplary, grew out of no principle of integrity, but was merely a partof that self-seeking policy that was the rule of his life. His officeput him in the way to amass riches, and for that reason there was notone perhaps of all the servants of the Emperor who performed with moreexactness the affairs entrusted to him. He had many times incurred thedispleasure of Aurelian, and his just rebuke for acts of rapacity andextortion, by which, never the empire, but his own fortune was profited;but, so deep and raging was his thirst of gold, that it had no othereffect than to restrain for a season a passion which was destined, inits further indulgence, to destroy both master and servant. 

Aurelian had scarcely arrived at the camp without the walls ofByzantium, and was engaged in the final arrangements of the armyprevious to the departure for Syria--oppressed and often irritated bythe variety and weight of the duties which claimed his care--when, aboutthe hour of noon, as he was sitting in his tent, he was informed, "thatone from Rome with pressing business craved to be heard of theEmperor. "

He was ordered to approach. 

'And why, ' said Aurelian, as the stranger entered, have you sped in suchhaste from Rome to seek me?'

'Great Cæsar, I have come for justice!'

'Is not justice well administered in the courts of Rome, that thou mustpursue me here, even to the gates of Byzantium?'

'None can complain, ' replied the Roman, 'that justice hath been withheldfrom the humblest since the reign of Aurelian--'

'How then, ' interrupted Aurelian, 'how is it that thou comest hither?Quick! let us know thy matter?'

'To have held back, ' the man replied, 'till the return of the army fromits present expedition, and the law could be enforced, were to me morethan ruin. '

'What, knave, has the army to do with thee, or thou with it? Thy matter, quick, I say. '

'Great Cæsar, ' rejoined the other, 'I am the builder of this tent. Andfrom my workshops came all these various furnishings, of the true andfull value of all of which I have been defrauded--'

'By whom?'

'By one near the Emperor, Menestheus the noble secretary. '

'Menestheus! Make out the case, and, by the great god of Light, he shallanswer it. Be it but a farthing he hath wronged thee of, and he shallanswer it. Menestheus?'

'Yes, great Emperor, Menestheus. It was thus. When the work he spoke forwas done and fairly delivered to his hands, agreeing to the value of anobolus and the measure of a hair, with the strict commands he gave, what does he when he sees it, but fall into a rage and swear that 'tisnot so--that the stuff is poor, the fashion mean and beggarly, the artslight and imperfect, and that the half of what I charged, which wasfive hundred aurelians, was all that I should have, with which, if Iwere not content and lisped but a syllable of blame, a dungeon for myhome were the least I might expect; and if my knavery reached the ear ofAurelian, from which, if I hearkened to him, it should be his care tokeep it, my life were of less value than a fly's. Knowing well the powerof the man, I took the sum he proffered, hoping to make such compositionwith my creditors, that I might still pursue my trade, for, O Emperor, this was my first work, and being young and just venturing forth, I wasdependent upon others. But, with the half price I was allowed to charge, and was paid, I cannot reimburse them. My name is gone and I am ruined. '

'The half of five hundred--say you--was that the sum, and all the sum hepaid you?'

'It was. And there are here with me those that will attest it. '

'It needs not; for I myself know that from the treasury five hundredaurelians were drawn, and said, by him, for this work--which well suitsme--to have been duly paid. Let but this be proved, and his life is theleast that it shall cost him. But it must be well proved. Let us nowhave thy witnesses. '

Menestheus at this point, ignorant of the charge then making againsthim, entered the tent. Appalled by the apparition of the injured man, and grasping at a glance the truth, all power of concealment was gone, conscious guilt was written in the color and in every line and featureof the face. 

'Menestheus!' said Aurelian, 'knowest thou this man?'

'He is Virro, an artisan of Rome;' replied the trembling slave. 

'And what think you makes him here?'

The Secretary was silent. 

'He has come, Menestheus, well stored with proofs, beside those which Ican furnish, of thy guilt. Shall the witnesses be heard? Here theystand. '

Menestheus replied not. The very faculty of speech had left themiserable man. 

'How is it, ' then said Aurelian in his fiercest tones, 'how is it thatagain, for these paltry gains, already rolling in wealth--thou wiltdefile thy own soul, and bring public shame upon me too, and Rome! Awayto thy tent! and put in order thine own affairs and mine. Thou hastlived too long. Soldiers, let him be strongly guarded. --Let Virro nowreceive his just dues. Men call me cruel, and well I fear they may; butunjust, rapacious, never, as I believe. Whom have I wronged, whomoppressed? The poor of Rome, at least, cannot complain of Aurelian. Isit not so, sirrah?'

'Rome, ' he replied, 'rejoices in the reign of Aurelian. His love ofjustice and of the gods, give him a place in every heart. '

Whether Aurelian would have carried into execution the threat, which ina moment of passion he had passionately uttered, none can tell. All thatcan be said is this, that he rarely threatened but he kept his word. This the secretary knew, and knew therefore, that another day he mightnever see. His cunning and his wit now stood him in good stead. A doomedman--he was a desperate man, and no act then seemed to him a crime, bywhich his doom might be averted. Retiring to his tent to fulfil thecommands of the Emperor, he was there left alone, the tent being guardedwithout; and then as his brain labored in the invention of some device, by which he might yet escape the impending death, and save a lifewhich--his good name being utterly blasted and gone, could have been buta prolonged shame--he conceived and hatched a plan, in its ingenuity, its wickedness, and atrocious baseness, of a piece with his wholecharacter and life. In the handwriting of the Emperor, which he couldperfectly imitate, he drew up a list of some of the chief officers ofthe army--by him condemned to death on the following day. This paper, ashe was at about the eleventh hour led guarded to his place ofimprisonment, he dropt at the tent door of one whose name was on it. 

It fell into the intended hands; and soon as the friendly night had comethe bloody scroll was borne from tent to tent, stirring up to vengeancethe designated victims. No suspicion of fraud ever crossed their minds;but amazed at a thirst of blood so insatiable, and which, without causeassigned, could deliver over to the axe his best and most trustedfriends, Carus, Probus, Mucapor--they doubted whether in truth hisreason were not gone, and deemed it no crime, but their highest duty, tosave themselves by the sacrifice of one who was no longer to be held aman. 

After the noon of this day the army had made a short but quick march toHeraclea. Aurelian--the tents being pitched--the watch set--thesoldiers, weary with their march, asleep--himself tired with the day'sduty--sat with folded arms, having just ungirded and thrown from him hissword. His last attendant was then dismissed, who, passing from the tentdoor, encountered the conspirators as they rushed in, and was by themhewn to the ground. Aurelian, at that sound, sprang to his feet. Butalone, with the swords of twenty of his bravest generals at hisbreast--and what could he do? One fell at the first sweep of his arm;but, ere he could recover himself--the twenty seemed to have sheathedtheir weapons in his body. Still he fought, but not a word did he uttertill the dagger of Mucapor, raised aloft, was plunged into his breast, with the words, 'This Aurelia sends!'

'Mucapor!' he then exclaimed as he sank to the ground, 'canst thou stabAurelian?' Then turning toward the others, who stood looking upon theirwork, he said, 'Why, soldiers and friends, is this? Hold, Mucapor, leavein thy sword, lest life go too quick; I would speak a word--' and heseized the wrist of Mucapor and held it even then with an iron grasp. Hethen added, 'Romans! you have been deceived! You are all my friends, andhave ever been. Never more than now--' His voice fell. 

Probus then reaching forward, cried out, unfolding at the same momentthe bloody list, 'See here, tyrant! are these thy friends?'

The eyes of Aurelian, waking up at those words with all the intentnessof life, sought the fatal scroll and sharply scanned it--then closingagain, he at the same moment drew out the sword of Mucapor, saying as hedid so, ''Tis the hand of Menestheus--not mine. You have been deceived. ' Withthat he fell backwards and expired. 

Those miserable men then looking upon one another--the truth flashedupon them; and they knew that to save the life of that mean and abjectspirit they there stood together murderers of the benefactor of many ofthem--the friend of all--of a General and Emperor whom, with all hisfaults, Rome would mourn as one who had crowned with a new glory herSeven Hills. How did they then accuse themselves for their unreasonablehaste--their blind credulity! How did they bewail the cruel blows whichhad thus deprived them of one, whom they greatly feared indeed, but whomalso they greatly loved! above all, one whom, as their master in thatart which in every age has claimed the admiration of the world, theylooked up to as a very god! Some reproached themselves; some, others;some threw themselves upon the body of Aurelian in the wildness of theirremorse and grief; and all swore vengeance upon the miscreant who hadbetrayed them. 

Thus perished the great Aurelian--for great he truly was, as the worldhas ever estimated greatness. When the news of his assassination reachedRome, the first sensation was that of escape, relief, deliverance; withthe Christians, and all who favored them, though not of their faith, itwas undissembled joy. The streets presented the appearances whichaccompany an occasion of general rejoicing. Life seemed all at once moresecure. Another bloody tyrant was dead, by the violence which he hadmeted out to so many others, and they were glad. But with another partof the Roman people it was far otherwise. They lamented him as thegreatest soldier Rome had known since Cæsar; as the restorer of theempire; as the stern but needful reformer of a corrupt and degenerateage; as one who to the army had been more than another Vespasian; who, as a prince, if sometimes severe, was always just, generous, andmagnanimous. These were they, who, caring more for the dead than for theliving, will remember concerning them only that which is good. Theyrecounted his virtues and his claims to admiration--which wereunquestionable and great--and forgot, as if they had never been, hisdeeds of cruelty, and the wide and wanton slaughter of thousands andhundreds of thousands, which will ever stamp him as one destitute ofhumanity, and whose almost only title to the name of man was, that hewas in the shape of one. For how can the possession of a few of thosecaptivating qualities, which so commonly accompany the possession ofgreat power, atone for the rivers of blood which flowed wherever hewound his way?

 * * * * *

I have now ended what I proposed to myself. I have arranged andconnected some of the letters of Lucius Manlius Piso, having selectedchiefly those which related to the affairs of the Christians and theirsufferings during the last days of Aurelian's reign. Those days werehappily few. And when they were passed, I deemed that never again, sofast did the world appear to grow wiser and better could the samehorrors be repeated. But it was not so; and under Diocletian I beheldthat work in a manner perfected, which Aurelian did but begin. I haveoutlived the horrors of those times, and at length, under the powerfulprotection of the great Constantine, behold this much-persecuted faithsecure. In this I sincerely rejoice, for it is Christianity alone, ofall the religions of the world, to which may be safely intrusted thedestinies of mankind. 

END.