which Rome had become great and powerful, many declared that the gods were seen to smile in approval of their piety. When the procession first emerged from the temple, close to where Gaius walked was seen a powerful Numidian slave, holding by the hand a young and handsome boy. Every now and then Gaius glanced at the latter, apparently to observe what so imposing a scene was producing on his mind. The boy appeared to pay but little attention to the pageant; but though he did not struggle, he walked as one who felt himself a captive, and his eye ranged eagerly over the countenances of the spectators, especially on those who stood far back in the crowd, as if he were searching for some one with whom he desired to speak. He made but short replies to the slave, who seemed to take pleasure in telling him the names of the temples, and describing the attributes of those gods to whom they were dedicated. At length, when the temple of Jupiter, on the Capitoline Hill, was reached, and Gaius stood, with others of the pontiffs, on the steps, the Numidian led the boy to a position behind his master, where he could see all that was going forward. The victims had been slain, and their entrails were still burning, when, at a sign from Gaius, the Numidian brought forward the lad. "This must have been an interesting sight for you, my dear Jovinian," said Gaius to his nephew; "let me see that you appreciate it. Come, you shall have the privilege of taking part in the sacrifice. A flamen will give you some incense: cast it on the altar; the act is a simple one, and will prove a grateful offering to the Immortals." "I would obey you, uncle, in all the things of life," answered Jovinian firmly; "but understand that the God we Christians adore is a spirit, and desires to be worshipped from the heart in spirit and in truth, and that the offering of incense, even to Him, is offensive as it is vain; much more so is it when burnt in honour of those who are no gods, but the foolish imaginings of ignorant men; and I will not do what is displeasing to Him, and would bitterly grieve the heart of my beloved mother, could she see me." "Boy! boy! how dare you use language such as this to me, a Roman pontiff!" exclaimed Gaius, becoming angry; then, after a moment, resuming his calm demeanour, he continued, "What folly is this, that you should object to so trifling an act as that I wish you to perform!" "No act, however trifling, if offensive to the true God, can be performed without sin," answered Jovinian. "I am told that thousands submitted to be torn to pieces, or crucified, or to be slain by gladiators, in yonder Flavian amphitheatre, rather than act as you would have me do." "Remember, Jovinian, that I have the power to compel you to do as I desire," said Gaius; "it is not for my own pleasure, but to satisfy the scruples of my principal, and to prove that you are a true child of ancient Rome."