"Yes, even to the Barbarians!" Ausonius nodded, raising his goblet. "They are human beings, too. And as the Stoa, not the Galilean, first taught, all men are brothers." "But there are too many of these yellow-maned brothers." "And I believe in a deity--call him by whatever name you choose--that directs all things well. Therefore I believe that these Barbarians will listen to reason and soon offer you their submission." "Perhaps the little girl--what is her name? Bissula--will also surrender to Ausonius," said the Tribune in a jesting tone. "Oh, the dear child! If I could only see her again." "Do not wish it, Prefect." "Why?" "Perhaps she will conquer you! She would not be the first Barbarian. Was it Pipa--or Pipara--that the girl of the Marcomanni was called, with whom even an emperor fell desperately and hopelessly in love?" "You forget I wanted her for a daughter, not a wife." "At that time. Now she is no longer a child--and you are a widower." "Alas! she probably fled with her people long ago. And yet, I am so ready to believe what I desire!" "Yes, that is one of your most amiable weaknesses," "Am I to hope for what I fear?" "No, but to think what we do not desire more probable than what we wish--that is my wisdom." "No, no! I will not allow myself to be robbed of the hope that I shall again see the little nymph of these forests." "But if I catch her," cried the Tribune, laughing, "she will be mine according to the laws of war." A sudden change of expression--like a flash of lightning--flickered across Herculanus's hazard visage. The Tribune did not see; his eyes were fixed upon Ausonius's face, wondering that his features should pale with fear. "Can this feeling be so deep-seated in my worthy friend?" he thought. "Uncle, surely you know that the Tribune is jesting," cried Herculanus, as if to comfort him. The Illyrian turned toward him with a threatening bearing, saying in a stern, grave tone: "Who tells you so?" Ausonius cast a hasty, anxious glance at the handsome, stately man; then he tried to smile, but the attempt was not very successful. "Your jest brought before me the possibility of a terrible earnest. If the charming, innocent child should fall into the hands of one of our pitiless centurions! Horrible!"