"Medon, he could not send, nor Euphranor. It went ill with them both, in that affray, wherein my lord was wounded. The older slaves keep watch around his bed; the strongest and most trusty, are under arms in the Atrium." "And wert thou with him, in that same affray?" "I was with him, Hortensia," "When fell it out, and for what cause?" "Hast thou not heard, Hortensia?—has he not told you? by the Gods! I thought, the world had known it. How before Catiline, may it be ill with him and his, went forth from the city, he and his friends and followers attacked the Consuls, on the Palatine, with armed violence. It was fought through the streets doubtfully, for near three hours; and the fortunes of the Republic were at stake, and well nigh despaired of, if not lost. Cicero was down on the pavement, and Catiline’s sword flashing over him, when, with his slaves and freedmen, my master cut his way through the ranks of the conspiracy, and bore off the great magistrate unharmed. But, as he turned, a villain buried his _sica_ in his back, and though he saved the state, he well nigh lost his life, to win everlasting fame, and the love of all good citizens!" "Hast seen him since he was wounded?" exclaimed Julia, who had devoured every word he uttered, with insatiable longing and avidity. "Surely," replied the boy. "I received that scroll from his own hands—my orders from his own lips—’spare not an instant,’ he said, ’Jason; tarry not, though you kill your steed. If you would have me live, let Julia see this letter before midnight.’ It lacks as yet, four hours of midnight. Doth it not, noble Julia?" "Five, I think. But how looked, how spoke he? Is he in great pain, Jason? how seemed he, when you left him?" "He was very pale, Julia—very wan, and his lips ashy white. His voice faltered very much, moreover, and when he had made an end of speaking, he swooned away. I heard that he was better somewhat, ere I set out to come hither; but the physician speaks of fever to be apprehended, on any irritation or excitement. Should you delay long in visiting him, I fear the consequences might be perilous indeed." "Do you hear? do you hear that, Hortensia? By the Gods! Let us go at once! we need no preparation!" "We will go, Julia. Old Davus’ hour hath nearly passed already. We will be in the city before day-break! Fear not, my sweet one, all shall go well with our beloved Paullus." "The Gods grant it!" "Here is wine, Jason," said Hortensia. "Drink, boy, you must needs be weary after so hard a gallop. You have done well, and shall repose here this night. To-morrow, when well rested and refreshed, you shall follow us to Rome." "Pardon me, lady," said the youth. "I am not weary; love for Arvina hath prevailed over all weariness! Furnish me, I beseech you, with a fresh horse; and let me go with you." "It shall be as you wish," said Hortensia, "but your frame seems too slender, to endure much labor."