novi consilium, novi Stilichonis in omnes aequalem casus animum: penetrabit harenas, inveniet virtute viam.” Sic divus et inde 320 sic natus: “iussis, genitor, parebitur ultro. amplector praecepta libens, nec carior alter cognato Stilichone mihi. commissa profanus ille luat; redeat iam tutior Africa fratri.” Talia dum longo secum sermone retexunt, 325 Hesperiam pervenit avus castumque cubile ingreditur, Tyrio quo fusus Honorius ostro carpebat teneros Maria cum coniuge somnos. adsistit capiti; tunc sic per somnia fatur: “Tantane devictos tenuit fiducia Mauros, 330 care nepos? iterum post me coniurat in arma progenies vesana Iubae bellumque resumit victoris cum stirpe sui? Firmumne iacentem obliti Libyam nostro sudore receptam rursus habent? ausus Latio contendere Gildo 335 germani nec fata timet? nunc ire profecto, nunc vellem notosque senex ostendere vultus: nonne meam fugiet Maurus cum viderit umbram? quid dubitas? exsurge toris, invade rebellem, captivum mihi redde meum. desiste morari. 340 hoc generi fatale tuo: dum sanguis in orbe noster erit, semper pallebit regia Bocchi. iungantur spoliis Firmi Gildonis opima; * * * * * Page 123 sun’s mid-day heat, yet well I know Stilicho’s ingenuity--that mind of his equal to any emergency. He will force his way through the desert, his own greatness will lead him.” Thus spake the dead emperor, whereon thus the son answered: “Right willingly, father, will I fulfil thy commands: ever ready am I to welcome thy behests. None is dearer to me than my kinsman Stilicho. Let the impious Gildo atone for his wrongs, and Africa be restored to my brother still safer than before.”