“Nay, you are mistaken. The oarsmen work at day in the harbor, but the law compels them to pass the night on board. I do not wish to fight! I only meant to say that, if it came to the worst, the battle is not so hopeless as you think, particularly as Caius Aurelius has arms on board for half a cohort of soldiers. So, if Fate will have it that we are not to escape scot-free, we can, at any rate, give the foe a warm reception.” “Of course, of course,” cried Trajanus. "None but a coward yields without a struggle. However, our surest hope, I believe, is founded on the strength of the oarsmen. We must not forget the sheathed rostrum! Our Batavia is a splendid ship, and, Aurelius assures me, has a three-fold coating of timber, but how often has it happened that the strongest vessels have been pierced and sunk by a well-directed thrust from the prow of the enemy--and the imperial guard-ships are admirably armed. What will the most splendid courage avail us then? I would propose, therefore, that the rowers' seats are at once manned by the very best of your oarsmen." “That has already been done, my lord!” said the steersman. “And as regards the foe’s rostrum, I confess I do not share your fears. If we fail to escape, we can but turn round. Then, prow to prow--two can play at that game, and we shall see who is sunk first. We are not accustomed, it is true, to manoeuvre like a man-of-war, but the Batavia answers her helm as a fish turns with its tail, and that is the great thing.” He had hardly spoken, when Magus appeared. “They are gaining on us. As I reckon, they have twenty oars more than the Batavia.” “You hear!” exclaimed Cinna, springing from his seat “There is no farther time for deliberation. Let each man be assigned his part at once.” “You then must be general of the forces,” said Nerva quietly. “Many are better at laying plans than you are, but in carrying them out you are unequalled.” “Agreed,” said Cneius Afranius. “Our new Rome, met here on board the Batavia, invests Cinna with the dignity of Dictator.” “I accept your jest as of good augury,” replied Nerva. “Our new Rome is indeed in the hour of its birth, and it is our part to see that it shall thrive and grow. Good! Now, Dictator, summon the troops.”