Now, although Polemo had made a special point of Crispus’ worthiness, Crispus himself had nevertheless a secret belief that the king was actuated by some ulterior motive. He recalled a saying of his father’s: “There is fire within Polemo for all his cold exterior. To me he seems a man who, having received a great wrong, is meditating a scheme of revenge--ay, and devoting his whole life to it. The weapon may take years in the forging, but when forged it will fall, swiftly, terribly.” Recalling these words, Crispus began to wonder whether the offer just made was a part of the king’s scheme of vengeance. Was he, Crispus, to be elevated to the throne merely to bring gall to some scheming and ambitious enemy? Crispus had a reasonable objection to be utilized for such a purpose; but still, what mattered? Here was an opportunity of gaining a splendid dignity, and it would be foolish to let his scruples as to the other’s motive interfere with his ambition. A king! “All things,” said Porus, “are comprehended in that word.” What fancies crowded thick and fast upon Crispus’ mind as he tried to picture the future! He would be a father to his people; would regulate their finances; foster their commerce; increase the army; promote the use of the Latin language and encourage Greek culture. In the glens of the Caucasus, bordering upon his kingdom, were wild tribes that had never yet acknowledged a conqueror. He would curb their predatory incursions, and augment his territory at their expense. Nay, he might even pass that mighty mountain-barrier, and carry his arms over Scythia, a region that had defied the attempts of the Persian, the Grecian, and the Roman. Why should he not be in the North what Alexander had been in the East, and Cæsar in the West? Then, when his kingdom had become enlarged and Latinized, he would act the patriot, and transfer his dominion to the Senate, making it a province of mighty Rome. Dreams, perhaps, but it is in such dreams that empires have sometimes had their beginning. “What answer do you make?” “At present, none,” replied the cautious Crispus. “Is your gift accompanied by any stipulation?” “One only. He who chooses the king of Pontus must also choose its queen.” “In other words, I must take a wife, a wife to be chosen by you.” “That is so.” “And failing to do this--no scepter?” “Truly said. The gift of the kingdom is dependent upon your marrying the lady of my choice. The two go together.” “And what date do you fix for our nuptials?” “This very night--nay, this very hour.” “_To-night?_ Ye gods! You hear that, Titus?” “The lady is at hand, for in the reasonable belief that you would not refuse a throne I have had her brought here.” “Her name?” “Call her Athenaïs, since that is the name she will take as queen.” “I am not to know her real name! What is her rank?” “Superior to your own, for she is of royal blood.” “She is of fair shape, I trust?” “Zeuxis never delineated a face and form more lovely.”