Machiavelli said that to renew anything we must return to its origins. It is as true in literature as in life. My aim has been to derive everything from the original source; but it is difficult to avoid being touched by contemporary influences. The majority of these, in my case, have been French. I am indebted for the two characteristic letters of Innocent III. to Achille Luchaire's admirable history of that Pope, which he fortunately lived to finish; and to the always fascinating Gaston Boissier for his various work on Rome. I am under a deep obligation to Mr L. Arthur Burd, as are all English students of Machiavelli. Finally, I am indebted, more than I can say, to M. l'Abbé Houtin for his interest and encouragement, and to Mr Arthur Galton for his example and conversation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONTENTS PAGE I. THE KING OF URUK 1 II. AT THE HOUSE OF EURIPIDES 55 III. THE FRIEND OF PAUL 99 IV. THE JESTERS OF THE LORD 157 V. AT SAN CASCIANO 197 VI. THE PARADISE OF THE DISILLUSIONED 241 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ _TO ARTHUR GALTON_ I THE KING OF URUK ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SCENES AND PORTRAITS I THE KING OF URUK When Merodach, the King of Uruk, sate down to his meals, he made his enemies his foot-stool; for beneath his table he kept an hundred kings, with their thumbs and great toes cut off, as living witnesses of his power and clemency. When the crumbs fell from the table of Merodach, the Kings would feed themselves with two fingers; and when Merodach observed how painful and difficult the operation was, he praised God for having given thumbs to man. "It is by the absence of thumbs," he said, "that we are enabled to discern their use. We invariably learn the importance of what we lack. If we remove the eyes from a man we deprive him of sight; and consequently we learn that sight is the function of the eyes." Thus spake Merodach, for he had a scientific mind, and was curious of God's handiwork; and when he had finished speaking the courtiers applauded him. "Great is the power of the Great King, and most wonderful is his wisdom," cried the courtiers; and the King shook out his napkin under the table, shaking the crumbs among his prostrate enemies, for the applause was pleasant to him; but from beneath the table came a harsh, sarcastic voice.