From my late letters to Portia, and which, without
doubt, you have before this read, you have learned with
certainty, what I am sure the eye of Lucilia must before
have clearly discerned, my love of the Princess Julia.
I have there related all that it can import my friends to
know. The greatest event of my life — the issues of
which, whether they are to crown me with a felicity the

[figure description] Page 030.[end figure description]

gods might envy, or plunge me in afflictions divine compassions
could not assuage, I have there described with
that careful concern for your fullest information, touching
all that befalls me, by which you will bear me testimony,
I have been actuated during my residence in this Eastern
capital.

You will not be surprised to learn that my passion is
opposed by the Queen. It was in the same apartment
of the palace where I first saw this wonderful woman,
that at a late interview with her — at her command — I
was enjoined to think no more of an alliance with her
house.

I was, as you may easily imagine, not a little disturbed
in anticipation of an interview with such a person, on
such an occasion. Fausta assured me that I might rely
upon the Queen's generosity, and could look to receive
only the most courteous reception, whatever her decision
might be on my suit. `I fear greatly for your success,'
said she, `but pray the Gods both for your and the
Princess's sake my fears may not come true. Julia lives
in her affections — she cannot, like me, become part of
the world abroad, and doubly live in its various action.
She loves Zenobia indeed with the truest affection, but
she has given her heart to you Lucius, and disappointment
here would feed upon her very life. She ought not
to be denied. She cannot bear it. Yet Zenobia, devoured
by ambition, and holding so little sympathy with
human hearts in their mutual loves — all the world to
them — may deny her — nor ever half conceive the
misery she will inflict upon a being she loves and even
reveres. Press your cause, Lucius, with a manly boldness.
The Gods succeed you.'

The Queen received me graciously, but with a fixed
and almost severe countenance. She expressed herself

[figure description] Page 031.[end figure description]

obliged to me for the early knowledge of what otherwise
she had not so much as suspected. `Living myself,'
said she `far above any dependence upon love for my
happiness, I am not prone to see the affection in others.
The love which fastens upon objects because they are
worthy, I can understand and honor. But that mad and
blind passion, which loves only because it will love, which
can render no reason for its existence but a hot and capricious
fancy, I have had no experience of in my own
heart, and where I see it I have no feeling for it but one
of disapprobation or contempt. If it be but the beauty of
Julia which has bewitched thy fancy, Roman, amuse
thyself with a brief tour of pleasure, either to Antioch or
Alexandria, and other objects will greet thee, and soon
drive her from thy thoughts.'

I assured her that my regard was not only of this kind.
That indeed, her transcendant beauty had first won me,
but that other qualities retained me. That the bond
which held me was as much friendship as love, and I
might say as much reverence as friendship.

`The greater the pity, Roman,' rejoined the Queen in
a voice somewhat stern, but yet melancholy, `the greater
the pity. In truth, I had hoped yours was but the love
of the painted image, and might, without pain, be transferred
to another, painted but as well. Yet had I reflected
upon the sentiments I have heard from thee, I
might have judged thee nobler. But, Piso, this must not
be. Were I to look only to myself and Julia, I might
well be pleased with a tie that bound us to one whom I
have so weighty reasons to respect and honor. But to do
this I have no right. I am not my own, but the State's.
Julia is no daughter of mine, but the property of Palmyra.
Marriage is one of the chief bonds of nations, as
of families. Were it not a crime in me, with selfish

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regard to my own or my daughter's pleasure, to bestow her
upon a private citizen, of whatever worth, when, espousing
her to some foreign prince, a province or a kingdom
may be won or saved?'

`But,' I ventured to remark, `are the hearts of princes
and princesses to be bartered away for power or territory?
are the affections to be bought and sold? Is the question
of happiness to be no question in their case?'

`By no means the principal one. It is not necessarily
a sacrifice, but if necessary the sacrifice must be made.
The world envies the lot of those who sit upon thrones.
But the seat is not without its thorns. It seems all summer
with them. But upon whom burst more storms, or
charged with redder fury? They seem to the unreflecting
mind to be the only independent — while they are
the slaves of all. The prosperous citizen may link himself
and his children when, and with whom he likes,
and none may gainsay him. He has but to look to himself
and his merest whim. The royal family must go
and ask his leave. My children are more his than mine.
And if it be his pleasure and preference that my daughters
ally themselves to an Indian or a Roman prince,
their will is done not mine — theirs is the gain, mine the
loss. Were it just that when joining hands though not
hearts, two nations could be knit together in amity, the
royal house should refuse the sacrifice? Roman, I live
for Palmyra. I have asked of the gods my children, not
for my own pleasure, but for Palmyra's sake. I should
give the lie to my whole life, to every sentiment I have
harbored since that day I gave myself to the royal
Odenatus, were I now to bestow upon a private citizen,
her, through whom we have so long looked to ally ourselves
by a new and stronger bond to some neighboring
kingdom. Julia, Roman — you have seen her, you

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know her, you can appreciate her more than human qualities—
Julia — is the destined bride of Hormisdas. By
her, on Sapor's death, do we hope to bind together by
chains never to be afterward sundered, Persia and Palmyra,
who, then leagued by interest and affection, may
as one kingdom stand up with the more hope against the
overwhelming force of Rome. Were I justified to forego
this advantage for any private reason? Can you doubt,
were I not constrained to act otherwise, whether I
should prefer some nobleman of Palmyra — or thee —
that so I might ever dwell within the charmed influence
of one, from whom to part will be like the pang of
death?'

`But the princess,' I again urged.

`That is scarcely a question,' she rejoined. `She may
be a sacrifice; but it will be upon her country's altar.
How many of our brave soldiers — how many of our great
officers, with devoted patriotism throw away their lives
for their country. You will not say that this is done for
the paltry recompence, which at best scarce shields the
body from the icy winds of winter, or the scorching rays
of summer. And shall not a daughter of the royal house
stand ready to encounter the hardships of a throne — the
dangers of a Persian court, and the terrors of a royal
husband, especially when by doing so, fierce and bloody
wars may be staid, and nations brought into closer unity?
I know but little of Hormisdas; report speaks well of
him. But were it much less that I know, and were report
yet less favorable, it were not enough to turn me from my
purpose. Palmyra married to Persia, through Julia married
to Hormisdas, is that upon which I and my people
dwell.'

`Better a thousand times,' I then said, `to be born to
the lot of the humblest peasant — a slave's is no worse.'

[figure description] Page 034.[end figure description]

`Upon love's calendar,' said the queen, `so it is. But
have I not freely admitted, Roman, the dependency, nay,
slavery of a royal house? It would grieve my mother's
heart, I need scarce assure thee, were Julia unhappy.
But grief to me might bring joy to two kingdoms.'

I then could not but urge the claims of my own family,
and that by a more powerful and honored one she could
not ally herself to Rome — and might not national interest
be as well promoted by such a bond, as one with
the remoter East — I was the friend too of Aurelian,
much in his confidence and regard.

Zenobia paused, and was for a few moments buried in
thought. A faint smile for the first time played over her
features as she said in reply, `I wish for your sake and
Julia's it could be so. But it is too late. Rome is resolved
upon the ruin of Palmyra — she cannot be turned
aside. Aurelian for worlds would not lose the glory of
subduing the East. The greater need of haste in seeking
a union with Persia. Were Sapor dead to-day, to-morrow
an embassy should start for Ecbatana. But think not,
Piso, I harbor ill will toward you, or hold your offer in
contempt. A Queen of the East might not disdain to join
herself to a family, whose ancestors were like yours.
That Piso who was once the rival, and in power — not indeed
in virtue — the equal of the great Germanicus, and
looked, not without show of reason, to the seat of Tiberius—
and he who so many years, and with such honor
reigned over the city its unequalled governor — and thou
the descendant and companion of princes — an alliance
with such might well be an object of ambition with even
crowned heads. And it may well be — seeing the steps
by which many an emperor of Rome has climbed upon
his precarious seat, that the coming years may behold
thee in the place which Aurelian fills, and were I to

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pleasure thee in thy request, Julia empress of the world!
The vision dazzles! But it cannot be. It would be sad
recreancy to my most sacred duty, were I, falling in love
with a dream, to forsake a great reality.'

`I may not then' — I began —

`No Piso, you may not even hope. I have reasoned
with you because I honor you. But think not that I hesitate
or waver. Julia can never be yours. She is the
daughter of the state, and to a state must be espoused.
Seek not therefore any more to deepen the place which
you hold in her affections. Canst thou not be a friend,
and leave the lover out? Friendship is a sentiment
worthy godlike natures—and is the true sweetener of the
cup of life. Love is at best but a bitter sweet; and when
sweetest, it is the friendship mingled with it that makes
it so — and it wastes away with years. Friendship is
eternal. It rests upon qualities that are a part of the
soul. The witchery of the outward image helps not to
make it, nor being lost as it is with age, can dissolve it.
Friendship agrees too with ambition, while love is its
most dreaded rival. Need I point to Antony? If Piso,
thou wouldst live the worthy heir of thy great name — if
thou wouldst build for thyself a throne in the esteem of
mankind — admit friendship, but bar out love. And I
trust to hear that thou art great in Rome — greater even
than thine ancestor Galba's adopted son. Aim at even
the highest, and the arrow, if it reach it not, will hit the
nearer. When thou art Cæsar send me an embassy.
Then perhaps —'

She closed with that radiant smile that subdues all to
her will, her manner at the same time giving me to understand
that the conversation was ended, her own sentence
being left playfully unfinished.

I urged not many things which you may well suppose it

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came into my mind to do, for I neither wished, nor did I
feel as if I had a right, at an hour of so much public inquietude,
to say aught to add to the burden already
weighing upon her. Besides, it occurred to me, that
when within so short a time great public changes may
take place, and the relations of parties be so essentially
altered, it was not worth while to give utterance to sentiments,
which the lapse of a brief period might show to
have been unnecessary and unwise. I may also add that
the presence of this great woman is so imposing, she
seems in the very nature and form the gods have given
her, to move so far above the rest of her kind, that I
found it impossible both to say what I had intended
to say, and to express what I did say with the ease and
propriety which are common to me, on ordinary or other
extraordinary occasions. They are few, I believe, who
possess themselves fully in her presence. Even Longinus
confesses a constraint.

`It is even as I apprehended,' said Fausta, as I communicated
to her the result of my interview with the
Queen. `I know her heart to have been set upon a foreign
alliance by marriage with Julia, and that she has been
looking forward with impatience to the time when her
daughters should be of an age, to add in this way new
strength to the kingdom. I rather hoped than had faith,
that she would listen to your proposals. I thought that,
perhaps, the earnestness of the Princess with the Queen's
strong affection for her, together with the weight of your
family and name, might prevail. But, then, I have asked
myself, if it were reasonable to indulge such a hope.
The Queen is right, in stating as she did, her dependence—
in some sort — upon the people. It is they as well as
she, who are looking forward to this Persian marriage.
I know not what discontents would break out were

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Hormisdas postponed to Piso — Persia to Rome. My position,
Lucius, I think a sadder one than Zenobia's. I
love Julia as dearly as Zenobia, and you a great deal
more than Zenobia does, and would fain see you happy,
and yet I love Palmyra I dare not say how much — nor
that — if by such an act good might come to my country,
I could almost wish that Julia should live in Persia.'

I have within me a better ground of hope, than is
guessed either by the Queen or Fausta, but yet can name
it not. I mention this to you, and pass to other things.

The city has to day been greatly moved, owing to the
expected audience of our ambassadors before the council,
and their final answer. The streets are thronged with
multitudes not engaged in the active affairs of traffic, but
standing in larger or smaller crowds talking, and hearing
or telling news, as it arrives from the palace, or from
abroad.

The die is cast. The ambassadors are dismissed. The
decision of the council has been confirmed by the senate,
and Varro and Petronius have, with their train, departed
from the city. War, therefore, is begun. For it was the
distinct language of the embassy, that no other terms need
be proposed, or would be accepted, beside those offered by
them. None others have been offered on the part of Palmyra.
And the ambassadors have been delayed rather
to avoid the charge of unreasonable precipitancy, than in
the belief that the public mind would incline to, or permit
any reply more moderate than that which they have
borne back to the emperor.

It is understood that Aurelian, with an army, perfectly
equipped, stands waiting, ready to start for Asia
on the arrival of the ambassadors, or their couriers. From
your last letters I gather as much. How, again I ask —
as I have often asked both myself and the principal persons

[figure description] Page 038.[end figure description]

here — how is it possible there should be but one issue
to this contest? Yet from language which I heard in
the senate, as well as in the private apartments of the
Queen, there is a mad confidence, that after a battle or
two on the outskirts of the kingdom, in which they shall
conquer as always heretofore, an advantageous peace will
end the contest. In the senate, scarce a voice was
raised for concession; its mere mention was enough to
bring down the most bitter charges of a want of patriotism—
a Roman bearing — a sordid regard to the interests
of commerce over those of honor — a poor and
low-minded spirit. Such as had courage to lift up a
warning voice, were soon silenced by the universal clamor
of the opposite party; and although the war was opposed
by some of the ablest men in the kingdom, men inferior
to none of those who have come more especially within
my notice, and whom I have named to you, yet it is termed
a unanimous decision, and so will be reported at
Rome.

The simple truth is, however, that with the exception
of these very few, there is no independent judgment in Palmyra—
on great national questions. The Queen is all
in all. She is Queen, council and senate. Here are the
forms of a republican deliberation with the reality of a
despotic will. Not that Zenobia is a despotic prince, in
any bad sense of the term, but being of so exalted a character,
ruling with such equity and wisdom, moreover,
having created the kingdom by her own unrivalledgies
and genius, it has become the habit of the people to
defer to her in all things — their confidence and love are
so deep and fervent, that they have no will nor power now,
I believe, to oppose her in any measure she might propose.
The city and country of Palmyra proper are her
property, in as real a sense, as my five hundred slaves, on

[figure description] Page 039.[end figure description]

my Tiburtine farm, are mine. Nor is it very much otherwise
with many of the nearer allied provinces. The
same enthusiasm pervades them. Her watchfulness over
their interests — her impartiality — her personal oversight
of them, by means of the frequent passages she makes
among them — have all contributed to knit them to her
by the closest ties. With the more remote portions of
the empire it is very different, and it would require the
operation of but slight causes, to divide from their allegiance
Egypt, Armenia, and the provinces of Asia Minor.

How is not this rashness — this folly to be deplored!
Could the early councils of Longinus have been but heeded,
all had been well. But he is now as much devoted to
the will and interests of Zenobia as any in the kingdom,
and lends all the energies of his great mind to the
promotion of her cause. He said truly, that he, like
others, is but a slave yoked to her car. His opinion now
is, that no concessions would avail to preserve the independent
existence of Palmyra. The question lies between
war, and a voluntary descent to the condition of a Roman
province. Nothing less than that will satisfy the
ambition and the pride of Rome. The first step may be
such as that proposed by Varro — the lopping off of the
late conquered provinces, leaving Zenobia the city, circumjacent
territory, and Syria. But a second step would
soon follow the first, and the foot of Aurelian would plant
itself upon the neck of Zenobia herself. This he felt
assured of, both from observation upon the Roman character
and history — upon the personal character of Aurelian,
and from private advices from Rome. He is
now, accordingly, the moving spirit of the enterprise —
going with all his heart and mind into every measure of
the Queen.

I am just returned from a singular adventure. My

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a single bound — as the iron entered him, and trampling
to death one of his drivers, dashed forward to wreak his vengeance
upon the first object that should come in his way.
That, to the universal terror and distraction of the gathered,
but now scattered and flying crowds, was the chariot of
the Queen. Her mounted guards, at the first onset of the
maddened animal, put spurs to their horses, and by quick
leaps escaped. The horses attached to the chariot, springing
forward to do the same, urged by the lash of the charioteer,
were met by the elephant with straightened trunk
and tail, who, in the twinkling of an eye, wreathed his
proboscis around the neck of the first he encountered, and
wrenching him from his harness, whirled him aloft and
dashed him to the ground. This I saw was the moment
to save the life of the Queen, if it was indeed to be saved.
Snatching from a flying soldier his long spear, and knowing
well the temper of my horse, I put him to his speed,
and running upon the monster as he disengaged his trunk
from the crushed and dying Arabian for a new assault, I
drove it with unerring aim into his eye, and through that
opening on into the brain. He fell as if a bolt from heaven
had struck him. The terrified and struggling horses of
the chariot were secured by the now returning crowds,
and the Queen with the Princesses relieved from the
peril which was so imminent, and had blanched with
terror every cheek but Zenobia's. She had stood the
while — I was told — there being no exertion which she
could make — watching with eager and intense gaze my
movements, upon which she felt that their safety, perhaps
their lives, depended.

It all passed in a moment. Soon as I drew out my
spear from the dying animal, the air was rent with the
shouts of the surrounding populace. Surely, at that moment
I was the greatest — at least the most fortunate

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man in Palmyra. These approving shouts, but still more
the few words uttered by Zenobia and Julia, were more
than recompense enough for the small service I had performed;
especially, however, the invitation of the Queen:

`But come, noble Piso, leave not the work half done,
we need now a protector for the remainder of the way.
Ascend, if you will do us such pleasure, and join us to
the palace.'

I needed no repeated urging, but taking the offered
seat — whereupon new acclamations went up from the now
augmented throngs — I was driven, as I conceived, in a
sort of triumph to the palace, where passing an hour,
which, it seems to me, held more than all the rest of my
life, I have now returned to my apartment, and relate
what has happened for your entertainment. You will not
wonder that for many reasons my hand trembles, and my
letters are not formed with their accustomed exactness.

Again I am interrupted. What can be the meaning
of the noise and running to and fro which I hear. Some
one, with a quick, light foot approaches.

It is now night. The palace is asleep; but I take
again my pen to tell you of the accomplishment of the
dear object for which I have wandered to this distant spot.
Calpurnius is arrived.

The quick, light foot by which I was disturbed was
Fausta's. I knew it, and sprung to the door. She met
me with her bright and glowing countenance bursting
with expression, `Calpurnius!' said she, `your brother is
here' — and seizing my hand drew me to the apartment
where he sat by the side of Gracchus. Isaac, with his
inseparable pack, standing near.

I need not, as I cannot, describe our meeting. It was
the meeting of brothers — yet of strangers, and a confusion
of wonder — curiosity — vague expectation — and doubt

[figure description] Page 043.[end figure description]

— possessed the soul of each. I trust and believe, that
notwithstanding the different political bias which sways
each, the ancient ties which bound us together as brothers
will again unite us. The countenance of Calpurnius,
though dark and almost stern in its general expression,
yet unbends and relaxes frequently and suddenly, in a
manner that impresses you forcibly with an inward humanity
as the presiding though often concealed quality of
his nature. I can trace faintly the features which have
been stamped upon my memory — and the form too —
chiefly by the recollected scene of that bright morning,
when he, with our elder brother and venerable parent,
gave us each a last embrace, as they started for the tents
of Valerian. A warmer climate has deepened the olive
of his complexion, and at the same time added brilliancy
to an eye, by nature soft as a woman's. His Persian
dress increases greatly the effect of his rare beauty, yet I
heartily wish it off, as it contributes more, I believe, than
the lapse of so many years, to separate us. He will not
seem and feel as a brother, till he returns to the costume
of his native land. How great this power of mere dress
is upon our affections and our regard, you can yourself
bear witness, when those who parted from you to travel in
foreign countries, have returned metamorphosed into
Greeks, Egyptians, or Persians, according to the fashions
that have struck their foolish fancies. The assumed and
foreign air — chills the untravelled heart as it greets them.
They are no longer the same. However the reason
may strive to overcome what seems the mere prejudice of
a wayward nature, we strive in vain — nature will be uppermost—
and many, many times have I seen the former
friendships break away and perish.

I could not but be alive to the general justness of the
comparison instituted by Isaac, between Calpurnius and

[figure description] Page 044.[end figure description]

Julia. There are many points of resemblance. The
very same likeness in kind that we so often observe between
a brother and sister — such as we have often
remarked in your nephew and niece, Drusus and Lavinia—
whose dress being changed, and they are changed.

No sooner had I greeted and welcomed my brother,
than I turned to Isaac and saluted him, I am persuaded
with scarcely less cordiality.

`I sincerely bless the Gods,' said I, `that you have
escaped the perils of two such passages through the desert,
and are safe in Palmyra. May every wish of your
heart, concerning your beloved Jerusalem, be accomplished.
In the keeping of Demetrius will you find not only the
single talent agreed upon in case you returned, but the
two which were to be paid had you perished. One such
tempest upon the desert, escaped, is more and worse than
death itself, met softly upon one's bed.'

`Now, Jehovah be praised,' ejaculated Isaac, `who himself
has moved thy heart to this grace. Israel will feel
this bounty through every limb, it will be to her as the
oil of life.'

`And my debt,' said Calpurnius, `is greater yet, and
should in reason be more largely paid. Through the
hands of Demetrius I will discharge it.'

`We are all bound to you,' said Fausta, `more than
words can tell or money pay.'

`You owe more than you are perhaps aware of to the
rhetoric of Isaac,' added Calpurnius. `Had it not been
for the faithful zeal and cunning of your messenger, in
his arguments not less than his contrivances, I had hardly
now been sitting within the walls of Palmyra.'

`But then again, noble Roman,' said Isaac, `to be
honest I ought to say what I said not — for it had not
then occurred — in my letter to thy brother, how, by my

[figure description] Page 045.[end figure description]

indiscretion, I had nearly brought upon myself the wrath,
even unto death, of a foul Persian mob, and so sealed thy
fate, together with my own. Ye have heard, doubtless,
of Manes the Persian, who deems himself some great
one, and sent of God. It was noised abroad ere I left
Palmyra, that for failing in a much boasted attempt to
work a cure by miracle upon the Prince Hormisdas, he
had been strangled by order of Sapor. Had he done so
his love of death-doing had at length fallen upon a proper
object, a true child of Satan. But as I can testify, his
end was not such, and is not yet. He still walks the
earth, poisoning the air he breathes, and deluding the
souls of men. Him I encountered one day, the very day
I had despatched thy letter, in the streets of Ecbatana,
dogged at the heels by his twelve ragged apostles, dragging
along their thin and bloodless limbs, that seemed
each step ready to give way beneath the weight — little
as it was — they had to bear. Their master, puffed up
with the pride of a reformer — as forsooth he holds himself—
stalked by at their head, drawing the admiration
of the besotted people by his great show of sanctity, and
the wise saws which every now and then he let drop for
the edification of such as heard. Some of these sayings
fell upon my ear, and who was I to hear them and not
speak? Ye may know that this false prophet has made
it his aim to bring into one the Magian and Christian superstitions,
so that by such incongruous and deadly mixture,
he might feed the disciples of those two widely
sundered religions, retaining — as he foolishly hoped —
enough of the faith of each to satisfy all who should receive
the compound. In doing this he hath cast dirt
upon the religion of the Jew, blasphemously teaching
that our sacred books are the work of the author of evil,
while those of Christ are by the author of good. With

[figure description] Page 046.[end figure description]

more zeal, it must be confessed than wisdom, seeing
where I was, and why I was there, I resisted this father
of lies, and withstood him to his face. `Who art thou,
bold blasphemer,' I said, `that takest away the Godhead?
breaking into twain that which is infinite and indivisible?
Who art thou, to tread into the dust the faith
of Abraham, and Moses, and the prophets, imputing their
words, uttered by the spirit of Jehovah, to the great
enemy of mankind? I wonder, people of Ecbatana,
that the thunders of God sleep and strike him not to the
earth as a rebel — nay, that the earth cleaveth not beneath
him and swalloweth him not up, as once before the
rebels Korah, Dathan, and Abiram,' and much more in
the same mad way, till while I was yet speaking, those
lean and hungry followers of his set upon me with violence,
crying out against me as a Jew, and stirring up
the people, who were nothing unwilling, but fell upon me,
and throwing me down, dragged me to a gate of the city,
and casting me out as I had been a dead dog, returned
themselves, like dogs to their vomit — that accursed dish
of Manichean garbage. I believed myself for a long
while surely dead; and in my half conscious state, took
to myself, as I was bound to do, shame for meddling in
the affairs of Pagan misbelievers — putting thy safety at
risk. Through the compassion of an Arab woman,
dwelling without the walls, I was restored and healed —
for whose sake I shall ever bless the Ishmaelite. I doubt
not, Roman, while I lay at the hut of that good woman,
thou thoughtest me a false man?'

`I could not but think so,' said Calpurnius,' `and after
the strong desire of escape which you had at length kindled,
I assure you I heaped curses upon you in no stinted
measure.'

`But all has ended well and so all is well,' said Fausta,

[figure description] Page 047.[end figure description]

`and it was perhaps, too much to expect, Isaac, that
you should stand quietly by and hear the religion of your
fathers traduced. You are well rewarded for what you
did and suffered, by the light in which your tribe will
now regard you — as an almost-martyr, and owing to no
want of will or endeavor on your part, that almost did
not end in quite. Hannibal, good Isaac, will now see to
your entertainment.'

`One word if it please you,' said Isaac, `before I
depart. The gentile despises the Jew. He charges
upon him usury and extortion. He accuses him of avarice.
He believes him to subsist upon the very life-blood
of whomsoever he can draw into his meshes. I
have known those who have firm faith that the Jew feeds
but upon the flesh and blood of Pagan and Christian
infants, whom, by necromantic power, he beguiles from
their homes. He is held as the common enemy of man —
a universal robber — whom all are bound to hate and oppress.
Reward me now with your belief, better than even
the two gold talents I have earned, that all are not such.
This is the charity, and all that I would beg; and I beg it
of you — for that I love you all and would have your esteem.
Believe that in the Jew there is a heart of flesh as
well as in a dog. Believe that some noble ambition visits
his mind as well as yours. Credit it not — it is against
nature — that any tribe of man is what you make the
Jew. Look upon me, and behold the emblem of my
tribe. What do you see? A man bent with years and
toil — this ragged tunic his richest garb — his face worn
with the storms of all climates — a wanderer over the
earth — my home — Piso, thou hast seen it — a single
room, with my good dromedary's furniture for my bed at
night, and my seat by day; this pack — my only apparent
wealth. Yet here have I now received two gold talents

[figure description] Page 048.[end figure description]

of Jerusalem! — what most would say were wealth
enough, and this is not the tythe of that which I possess.
What then? Is it for that I love obscurity, slavery, and
a beggar's raiment, that I live and labor thus, when my
wealth would raise me to a prince's state? Or is it
that I love to sit and count my hoarded gains? Good
friends, for such you are — believe it not. You have
found me faithful and true to my engagements? believe
my word also. You have heard of Jerusalem, once the
chief city of the East, where stood the great temple of
our faith, and which was the very heart of our nation,
and you know how it was beleaguered by the Romans,
and its very foundations rooted up, and her inhabitants
driven abroad as outcasts, to wander over the face of the
earth, with every where a country, but no where a home.
And does the Jew, think you, sit down quietly under
these wrongs? Trajan's reign may answer that. Is
there no patriotism yet alive in the bosom of a Jew?
Will every other toil and die for his country, and not the
Jew? Believe me again, the prayers which go up morning,
noon and night, for the restoration of Jerusalem, are
not fewer than those which go up for Rome or Palmyra.
And their deeds are not less — for every prayer there are
two acts. It is for Jerusalem! that you behold me thus
in rags, and yet rich. It is for her glory that I am the
servant of all and the scorn of all, that I am now pinched
by the winters of Byzantium, now scorched by the heats
of Asia, and buried beneath the sands of the desert. All
that I have and am is for Jerusalem. And in telling you
of myself, I have told you of my tribe. What we do and
are is not for ourselves, but for our country. Friends,
the hour of our redemption draweth nigh. The Messiah
treads in the steps of Zenobia! And when the East
shall behold the disasters of Aurelian — as it will — it

[figure description] Page 049.[end figure description]

will behold the restoration of that empire, which is destined
in the lapse of ages to gather to itself the glory and
dominion of the whole earth.'

Saying these words, during which he seemed no longer
Isaac the Jew, but the very Prince of the Captivity himself,
he turned and took his departure.

Long and earnest conversation now ensued, in which we
received from Calpurnius the most exact accounts of his
whole manner of life, during his captivity — of his early
sufferings and disgraces, and his late honors and elevation,
and gave, in return, similar details concerning the history
of our family and of Rome, during the same period of
time. I will not pretend to set down the narrative of
Calpurnius. It was delivered with a grace which I can
by no means transfer to these pages. I trust you may
one day hear it from his own lips. Neither can I tell
you how beautiful it was to see Fausta hanging upon his
words, with an attention that made her insensible to all
else — her varying color and changing expression, showing
how deeply she sympathised with the narrator. When
he had ended, and we had become weary of the excitement
of this first interview, Fausta proposed that we should
separate to meet again at supper. To this we agreed.

According to the proposal of Fausta, we were again,
soon as evening had come, assembled around the table of
the princely Gracchus.

When we had partaken of the luxuries of the feast, and
various lighter discourse had caused the time to pass by
in an agreeable manner, I said thus, turning to my
brother:

`I would, Calpurnius, that the temper of one's mind
could as easily be changed as one's garments. You now
seem to me, having put off your Persian robes, far more
like Piso than before. Your dress, though but in part
Roman and part Palmyrene, still brings you nearer.

[figure description] Page 050.[end figure description]

Were it wholly Roman it were better. Is nothing of the
Persian really put off, and nothing of the Roman put on,
by this change?'

`Whatever of the Persian there was about me,' replied
Calpurnius, `I am free to say I have laid aside with my
Persian attire. I was a Persian not by choice and preference,
I need scarcely assure you, but by a sort of necessity—
just as it was with my costume. I could not procure
Roman clothes if I would. I could not help, too,
putting off the Roman — seeing how I was dealt by —
and putting on the Persian. Yet I part with whatever of
the Persian has cleaved to me without reluctance — would
it were so that I could again assume the Roman — but
that can never be. But Isaac has already told you all.'

`Isaac has indeed informed me, in his letter from Ecbatana,
that you had renounced your country, and that it
was the expectation of war with Rome that alone had
power to draw you from your captivity. But I have not
believed that you would stand by that determination.
The days of republican patriotism, I know, are passed,
but even now, under the empire, our country has claims,
and her children owe her duties.'

`The figure is a common one,' Calpurnius answered,
`by which our country is termed a parent, and we her
children. Allow it just. Do I owe obedience to an unjust
or tyrannical parent? to one who has abandoned
me in helplessness — or exposed me in infancy? Are not
the natural ties then sundered?'

`I think not,' I replied; `no provocation or injury can
justify a parricidal blow. Our parent is our creator — in
some sense a God to us. The tie that binds us to him is
like no other tie; to do it violence, is not only a wrong,
but an impiety.'

`I cannot think so,' he rejoined. `A parent is our

[figure description] Page 051.[end figure description]

creator, not so much for our good as his own pleasure.
In the case of the Gods, this is reversed. They have
given us being for our advantage, not theirs. We lie under
obligation to a parent, then, only as he fulfils the
proper duties of one. When he ceases to be virtuous, the
child must cease to respect. When he ceases to be just,
or careful, or kind, the child must cease to love. And
from whomsoever else, then, the child receives the treatment
becoming a parent, that person is to him the true
parent. It is idle to be governed by names rather than
things. It is more, it is mischievous and injurious.'

`I still am of opinion,' I replied, `that nature has ordained,
what I have asserted to be an everlasting and
universal truth, by the instincts which she has implanted.
All men, of all tribes, have united in expressions of horror
against him who does violence to his parents. And have
not the poets truly painted, when they have set before us
the parricide, forever after the guilty act, pursued by the
Furies, and delivered over to their judicial torments.'

`All instincts,' he replied, `are not to be defended.
Some animals devour their own young as soon as born.
Vice is instinctive. If it be instinctive to honor and love,
and obey a vicious parent, to be unresisting under the
most galling oppression, then, I say, the sooner reason
usurps the place of instinct, the safer for mankind. No
error can be more gross or hurtful, than to respect vice
because of the person in whom it is embodied, even though
that person be a parent. Vice is vice — injustice is injustice—
wrong is wrong — wheresoever they are found—
and are to be detested and withstood. But I might
admit that I am in an error here — and still maintain my
cause, by denying the justice of the figure by which our
country is made our parent, and our obligations to her
made to rest on the same ground. It is mere fancy — it

[figure description] Page 052.[end figure description]

is a nullity — unless it be true, as I think it is, that it has
been the source of great mischiefs to the world, in which
case it cannot be termed a nullity, but something positively
pernicious. What age of the world can be named,
when an insane devotion to one's country has not been
the mother of war upon war, evil upon evil, beyond the
power of memory to recount. Patriotism, — standing for
this instinctive slavery of the will — has cursed as much
as it has blessed mankind. Men have not reasoned, they
have only felt. They have not inquired, is the cause of
my country just — but is it her cause? That has ever
been the cry in Rome. “Our country! our country!
right or wrong — our country!” It is a maxim good for
conquest and despotism — bad, for peace and justice. It
has made Rome mistress of the world, and at the same
time the scourge of the world, and trodden down into
their own blood-stained soil the people of many a clime,
who had else dwelt in freedom. I am no Roman in this
sense — and ought never to have been. Admit that I am
not justified in raising my hand against the life of a parent—
though if I could defend myself against violence no
otherwise, I should raise that hand — I will never allow
that I am to approve and second with my best blood, all
the acts of my country, but when she errs am bound —
on the other hand — to blame, and, if need be, oppose?
Why not? What is this country? Men like myself.
Who enact the decrees by which I am to be thus bound?
Senators, no more profoundly wise, perhaps, and no
more irreproachably virtuous than myself. And do I owe
their judgments a dearer allegiance — and which I esteem
false — than I do to my own, which I esteem right and
true. Never. Such patriotism is a degradation and a
vice. Rome, Lucius, I think to have dealt by me and
the miserable men who, with me, fell into the hands of

[figure description] Page 053.[end figure description]

Sapor — after the manner of a selfish, cold-hearted, unnatural
parent, and I renounce her, and allegiance to her.
I am from this hour a Palmyrene — Zenobia is my mother,
Palmyra my country.'

`But,' I could not but still urge, `should no distinction
be made between your country and her emperor? Is the
country to rest under the imputation which is justly, perhaps,
cast upon its men? That were hardly right. To
renounce Gallienus, were he now emperor, were a defensible
act. But why Rome or Aurelian?'

`I freely grant, that had a just emperor been upon the
throne — a man with human feelings — the people, had
he projected our rescue or revenge, would have gone
with him. But how is their conduct to be defended during
the long reign of the son of Valerian? Was such a
people as the people of Rome to conform their minds and
acts to a monster like him? Was that the part of a great
nation? Is it credible, that the senate and the people together,
had no power to compel Gallienus to the performance
of his duties to his own father, and the brave legions
who fell with him? Alas! they, too, wanted the will.'

`Oh not so, Calpurnius,' I rejoined; `Gallienus wished
the death or the captivity of his father, that he might
reign. To release him, was the last act that wretch
could have been urged to do. And could he, then, have
been made to interpose for the others? He might have
been assassinated — but all the power of Rome could not
have compelled him to a war, the issue of which might
have been, by the rescue of Valerian, to lose him his
throne.'

`Then he should have been assassinated. Rome owed
herself a greater duty than allegiance to a beast in human
form.'

`But, Calpurnius, you are now at liberty. Why

[figure description] Page 054.[end figure description]

consider so curiously whence it comes? Besides, you have,
while in Persia, dwelt in comfort, and at last even in
magnificence. The Prince himself has been your companion
and friend.'

`What was it,' he replied, `what was it, when I reflected
upon myself, but so much deeper degradation, to
find that in spite of myself, I was every day sinking deeper
and deeper in Persian effeminacy. What was it but the
worst wretchedness of all to feel as I did, that I, a Roman
and a Piso, was losing my nature as I had lost my country.
If any thing seemed to turn my blood into one hot
current of bitterness and revenge, it was this. It will
never cool till I find myself, sword in hand, under the
banners of Zenobia. Urge me no more. It were as hopeful
an endeavor to stem the current of the Euphrates,
as to turn me from my purpose. I have reasoned with
you because you are a brother — not because you are a
Roman.'

`And I,' I replied, `can still love you — because you
are a brother, nor less because you are also a Palmyrene.
I greet you as the head of our house, the elder heir of an
illustrious name. I still will hope, that when these troubles
cease, Rome may claim you as her own.'

`No emperor,' he answered, `unless he were a Piso,
I fear, would permit a renegade of such rank ever to
dwell within the walls of Rome. Let me rather hope,
that when this war is ended, Portia may exchange Rome
for Palmyra, and that here, upon this fair and neutral
ground, the Pisos may once more dwell beneath the same
roof.'

`May it be so,' said Gracchus; and let not the heats of
political opposition change the kindly current of your
blood, or inflame it. You, Lucius Piso, are to remember
the provocations of Calpurnius, and are to feel that there

[figure description] Page 055.[end figure description]

was a nobleness in that sensibility to a declension into
Persian effeminacy that, to say the least, reflects quite as
much honor upon the name of Piso, and even Roman, as
any loyalty to an emperor like Gallienus, or that senate,
filled with his creatures. And you, Calpurnius Piso,
are to allow for that instinctive veneration for every thing
Roman which grows up with the Roman, and even in
spite of his better reason, ripens into a bigotry that deserves
the name of a crime rather than a virtue — and
are to consider, that while in you the growth of this false
sentiment has been checked by causes, in respect to
which you were the sport of fortune, so in Lucius it has
been quickened by other causes over which he also was
powerless. But to utter my belief, Lucius I think, is
now more than half Palmyrene, and I trust yet, if committed,
as he has been, to the further tuition of our patriot
Fausta, will be not only in part, but altogether of our
side.'

`In the mean time, let us rejoice,' said Fausta, `that
the noble Calpurnius joins our cause. If we may judge
by the eye, the soft life of a Persian Satrap has not quite
exhausted the native Roman vigor.'

`I have never intermitted,' replied Calpurnius, `martial
exercises. Especially have I studied the whole art of
horsemanship, so far as the chase and military discipline
can teach it. It is in her cavalry, as I learn, that Zenobia
places her strength. I shall there, I trust, do her good
service.'

`In the morning,' said Fausta, `it shall be my office to
bring you before our Queen.'

`And now, Fausta,' said Gracchus, `bring your harp,
and let music perfect the harmony which reason and philosophy
have already so well begun — music, which for
its power over our souls, may rather be held an

[figure description] Page 056.[end figure description]

influence of the Gods — a divine breathing — than any thing
of mortal birth.'

`I fear,' said Fausta, `as she touched the instrument—
the Greek, and not the Jewish harp — `I shall still
further task your philosophy — for I can sing nothing else
than the war-song, which is already heard all through the
streets of Palmyra, and whose author, it is said — is no
less than our chief spirit, Longinus. Lucius, you must
close your ears.'

`Never while your voice sounds, though bloody treason
were the only burden.'

`You are a gentle Roman.'

Then, after a brief but fiery prelude, which of itself,
struck by her fingers, was enough to send life into stones,
she broke forth into a strain, abrupt and impassioned, of
wild Pindaric energy, that seemed the very war-cry of a
people striking and dying for liberty. Her voice, inspired
by soul too large for mortal form, rang like a trumpet
through the apartment, and seemed to startle the Gods
themselves at their feast. As the hymn moved on to its
perfect close, and the voice of Fausta swelled with the
waxing theme, Calpurnius seemed like one entranced —
unconsciously he had left his seat, and there, in the midst
of the room, stood before the divine girl, converted to
a statue. As she ceased, the eyes of Calpurnius fell
quickly upon me, with an expression which I instantly interpreted,
and should have instantly returned, but that we
were all alike roused out of ourselves by the loud shouts
of a multitude without the palace, who apparently had
been drawn together by the far-reaching tones of Fausta's
voice, and who, as soon as the last strings of the harp
were touched, testified their delight by reiterated and enthusiastic
cries.'

[figure description] Page 057.[end figure description]

`When Zabdas and Zenobia fail,' said Calpurnius,
`you, daughter of Gracchus, may lead the armies of your
country by your harp and voice — they would inspire not
less than the fame of Cæsar or Aurelian.'

`But be it known to you, Piso,' said Gracchus, `that
this slight girl can wield a lance or a sword, while centaur-like,
she grows to the animal she rides, as well as
sweep these idle strings.'

`I will learn of her in either art,' replied my brother.
`As I acknowledge no instinct which is to bind me to an
unjust parent, but will give honor only where there is
virtue, so on the field of war I will enlist under any leader
in whom I behold the genius of a warrior, be that leader
man or woman, boy or girl.'

`I shall be satisfied,' said Fausta, `to become your
teacher in music, that is, if you can learn through the
force of example alone. Take now another lesson.
Zenobia shall teach you the art of war.'

With these words she again passed her fingers over her
harp, and after strains of melting sweetness, prolonged
till our souls were wholly subdued to the sway of the
gentler emotions, she sang in words of Sappho the praise
of love and peace, twin-sisters. And then as we urged,
or named to her Greek or Roman airs which we wished
to hear, did she sing and play till every sense was satisfied
and filled.

It needs not so much sagacity as I possess to perceive
the effect upon my brother of the beauty and powers of
Fausta. He speaks with difficulty when he addresses
her, and while arguing or conversing with me or Gracchus,
his eye seeks her countenance, and then falls as it
encounters hers, as if he had committed some crime.
Fausta, I am sure, is not insensible to the many rare and
striking qualities of Calpurnius. But her affections can

[figure description] Page 058.[end figure description]

be given only where there is a soul of very uncommon
elevation. Whether Calpurnius is throughout that which
he seems to be, and whether he is worthy the love of
a being like Fausta I know not yet, though I am
strong in faith that it is so. In the mean time, a mutual
affection is springing up and growing upon the thin soil
of the fancy, and may reach a quick and rank luxuriance
before it shall be discovered that there is nothing more
substantial beneath. But why indulge a single doubt?
only, I suppose, because I would rather Rome should fall
than that any harm come to the heart of Fausta.

It was a little after the noon of this day that the ambassadors,
Petronius and Varro, passed from out the gates
of Palmyra, bearing with them a virtual declaration of
war.

The greatest excitement prevails. The streets are already
filled with sights and sounds admonitory of the
scenes which are soon to be disclosed. There is the
utmost enthusiasm in every quarter, and upon every face
you behold the confidence and pride of those, who, accustomed
to conquest, are about to extend their dominion
over new territories, and to whom war is a game of pleasure
rather than a dark hazard, that may end in utter
desolation and ruin. Intrenched within these massy
walls, the people of this gay capital cannot realize war.
Its sounds are afar off — it has ever been so — beyond
the wide sweep of the deserts — and will be so — so they
judge now, and they are scarcely turned for a moment, or
by the least remove, from their accustomed cares or
pleasures.

LETTER XII.

[figure description] Page 059.[end figure description]

I lament to hear of the disturbance among your slaves,
and of the severity with which you have thought it necessary
to proceed against them. You will bear me witness
that I have often warned you that the cruelty with which
Tiro exercised his authority, would lead to difficulties, if
not to violence and murder. I am not surprised to learn
his fate. I am indeed very free to say that I rejoice at it.
I rejoice not that you are troubled in your affairs, but
that such an inhuman overseer as Tiro, a man wholly unworthy
the kindness and indulgence with which you have
treated him, should at length be overtaken by a just retribution.
That the poison took effect upon his wife and
children I sincerely regret, and wish that some other
mode of destruction had been chosen, and whose effects
could have been safely directed and limited, for I do not
believe that the least ill-will existed toward Claudia and
her little ones. But rest satisfied, I beseech you, with
the punishments already inflicted. Enough have been
scourged, put to the torture, and crucified. Let the rest
escape. Remember your disposition — now indulgent —
now tyrannical — and lay a restraint upon your passions
if you would save yourself from lasting regrets. It is
some proof that you are looking to yourself more than formerly,
that so many have been imprisoned to wait a further
deliberation—and that you are willing first to ask my
opinion. Be assured that further crucifixions would serve
only to exasperate those who survive, and totally alienate
them from you, so that your own life, instead of being the
more safe, would be much less so. They will be driven

[figure description] Page 060.[end figure description]

to despair, and say that they may as well terminate their
wretched lives in one way as another, and so end all at
once by an assault upon yourself and Lucilia, which,
while it destroyed you, and so glutted their revenge, could
do no more than destroy them — a fate which they dread
now — but which at all times, owing to their miseries,
they dread much less than we suppose, and so are more
willing than we imagine to take the lives of their masters
or governors, not caring for death themselves. A well-timed
lenity would now be an act of policy as well as of
virtue. Those whom you have reprieved, being pardoned,
will be bound to you by a sort of gratitude —
those of them at least who put a value upon their lives —
and now that Tiro is fairly out of the way, and his
scourgings at an end, they will all value their lives at a
higher rate than before.

But let me especially intercede for Laco and Cælia,
with their children. It was they, who, when I have been
at your farm, have chiefly attended upon me; they have
done me many acts of kindness beyond the mere duties
of their office, and have ever manifested dispositions so
gentle, and so much above their condition, that I feel
sure they cannot be guilty of taking any part in the
crime. They have been always too happy to put their
all at risk by such an attempt. Be assured they are innocent;
and they are too good to be sacrificed merely
for the effect. There are others — wretches in all respects—
who will serve for this — if enough have not already
suffered.

When will sentiments of justice assert their supremacy
in the human mind? When will our laws and institutions
recognise the rights inherent in every man, as man,
and compel their observance. When I reflect that I
myself possess upon one only of my estates, five hundred

[figure description] Page 061.[end figure description]

slaves, over whom I wield despotic power, and that each
one of these differs not from myself, except in the position
into which fortune and our laws have cast him, I look
with a sort of horror upon myself, the laws, and my country
which enacts and maintains them. But if we can
not at once new-model our institutions and laws, we can
do something. By a strict justice, and by merciful treatment,
we can mitigate the evils of their lot who are within
our own power. We can exercise the authority and
temper of fathers — and lay aside in a greater degree
than we do, the air and manner of tyrant. When upon
the fields of every farm, as I ride through our interior, I
hear the lash of the task-master, and behold the cross
rearing aloft its victim, to poison the air with fœtid exhalations,
and strike terror into all who toil within their
reach, I hate my country and my nature, and long for
some power to reveal itself, I care not of what kind nor
in what quarter, capable to reform a state of society,
rotten as this is to its very heart.

You, yourself, advocate as you are for the existing order
of things, would be agitated alternately by horror and compassion,
were I to relate to you the scenes described to
me by Milo, as having a thousand times been witnessed
by him when in the service of Gallienus. To torture
and destroy his slaves, by the most ingenious devices
of cruelty, was his daily pastime. They were purchased
for this very end. When I see you again, I will give to
you instances with which I could not soil these pages.
Antiochus, were he in Rome, would be a monster of the
same stamp. But all this is, as I have often mentioned,
a necessary accompaniment of such power as the laws
confer upon the owner.

And now, that war has actually broken out between
Palmyra and Rome, you will wish to know what part I

[figure description] Page 062.[end figure description]

intend to take. Your letters imply, that in such an event
you would expect my immediate return. But this pleasure
must, for the present at least, be deferred. I am too
deeply interested in too many here, to allow me to forsake
them in a time of so much anxiety, and, as I think, of
peril too. Zenobia's full consent I have already obtained.
Indeed, she is now desirous that I should remain. The
services that I have accidentally rendered her, have increased
the regard with which she treats me. I confess,
too, that I am less unwilling to remain than I was, out of
a rooted disapprobation of the violent course of Aurelian.
I cannot, as Calpurnius has done, renounce my country;
but I can blame our emperor. His purposes are without
a color of justice. Nor are they only unjust and iniquitous—
they are impolitic. I can enter fully into and defend
the feelings and arguments of Palmyra in this direction.
Her cause is in the main a just one. She has done
somewhat, indeed, to provoke a sensitive and jealous mind—
but nothing to warrant the step which Aurelian is
taking. And when I counsel peace, and by concessions
too, I do it not because I hold it right that such concessions
should be made, but because I deem it frantic on
the part of Zenobia, to encounter the combined power of
Rome, under such a soldier as Aurelian. My sympathies
are accordingly enlisted in behalf of this people as a people—
my heart is closely bound to both the house of
Gracchus and of Zenobia — and, therefore, I cannot
leave them. I shall not bear arms against my country —
I think I would sooner die — but in any case of extremity,
I shall not wear a sword in vain, if by using it I can save
the life or honor of persons dear to me. I am firm in the
belief, that no such extremity will ever present itself —
but should it come, I am ready for it. I cannot but hope
that a battle — one or more — upon the outskirts of the

[figure description] Page 063.[end figure description]

empire, will satisfy the pride of Aurelian, and convince
the Queen, that to contend for empire with him, and
Rome at his back, is vain, and that negotiation will therefore
end what passion has begun. I shall expect no other
issue than this. Then, having done all here, I shall return
to Italy — if the Queen relents not — to pass an
unhappy life upon the Tiburtine Farm.

Preparations of every kind for the approaching contest
are going forward with activity. The camp of the Queen
is forming without the walls upon a wide and beautiful
plain, stretching towards the south. One army will be
formed here chiefly consisting of cavalry — in which lies
the strength of the Queen, and another in the vicinity of
Antioch — where a junction will be effected, and whence
the whole will move either toward the Bosphorus or Egypt,
according to the route which, it shall be learned, Aurelian
intends to pursue.

During these few days that have elapsed since the
departure of the ambassadors, the stir and confusion incident
to such a time, have continually increased. In the
streets, I meet scarce any who are not engaged in some
service connected with the army. Troops of soldiers are
forming — exercising at their arms — and passing from
the city as they are severally equipped to join the camp.
The shops of the armourers resound with the blows of an
innumerable body of artisans, manufacturing or repairing
those brilliant suits of steel, for which the cavalry of
Zenobia are distinguished. Immense repositories of all
the various weapons of our modern warfare prepared by the
Queen, against seasons of emergency, furnish forth arms
of the most perfect workmanship and metal, to all who
offer themselves for the expedition. Without the walls,
in every direction, the eye behold clouds of dust raised
by different bodies of the Queen's forces, as they pour in

[figure description] Page 064.[end figure description]

from their various encampments to one central point.
Trains of sumptuary elephants and camels, making a part
of every legion as it comes up, and stretching their long
lines from the verge of the plain to the very walls, contribute
a fresh beauty and interest to the scene.

Within the camp, whatever the tumult and confusion
may be without, every thing is conducted with the most
admirable order, and with the observance of a discipline
as exact, if not as severe, as that of Vespasian, or Aurelian
himself. Here are to be seen the commanders of the
chief divisions of the army inspecting the arms and equipments
of each individual soldier, and not with less diligence,
inquiring into the mettle and points of the horse
he rides. Every horse, pronounced in any way defective,
is rejected from the service and another procured. The
Queen's stable has been exhausted in providing in this
manner substitutes for such as have been set aside as unworthy.

Zenobia herself is the most active and laborious of all.
She is in every place, seeing with her own eyes that every
arrangement and provision ordered to be made is completed,
and that in the most perfect manner. All the
duties of a general are performed by her, with a freedom,
a power, and a boldness, that fills one with astonishment
who is acquainted with those opposite qualities which
render her, as a woman, the most lovely and fascinating
of her sex. She is seen sometimes driving rapidly through
the streets in an open chariot, of the antique form; but
more frequently on horseback, with a small body of attendants,
who have quite enough to do to keep pace with
her, so as to catch from her the orders which she rapidly
issues, and then execute them in every part of the camp
and city. She inspires all who behold her with her own
spirit. In every soldier and leader you behold something

[figure description] Page 065.[end figure description]

of the same alertness and impetuosity of movement which
are so remarkable in her. She is the universal model.
and the confidence in the resources of her genius is universal
and boundless. `Let our courage and conduct,'
they say, `be only in some good proportion to our Queen's,
and we may defy Rome and the world.' As the idea of
nought but conquest ever crosses their minds, the animation
and even gayety that prevail in the camp and throughout
the ranks is scarcely to be believed, as it is, I doubt
not, unparalleled in the history of war. Were she a goddess,
and omnipotent, the trust in her could not be more
unwavering.

I have just encountered Calpurnius returning from the
palace of the Queen, whither he has been to offer his
services during the war, in any capacity in which it might
please her to employ him.

`What was your reception?' said I.

`Such as Fausta had assured me of. She gives me a
hearty welcome to her camp, and assigns me a legion of
horse. And, in addition, one more charge, dearer and
yet more anxious a thousand fold.'

`May I know it?' said I, `but readily surmising the
nature of it.'

`It is,' he replied, with visible emotion, `it is Fausta
herself.'

`It is fixed then, that she accompanies the Queen?'

`She entreats, and the Queen consents.'

`Would that she could be turned from this purpose,
but I suppose the united power of the East could not do
it. To be near Zenobia, and if evil should befall her, to
share it — or to throw herself as a shield between the
Queen and death — is what she pants for more than
for renown, though it should be double that of Semiramis.
'

[figure description] Page 066.[end figure description]

`Lucius, have you urged every reason, and used all the
power you possess over her, to dissuade her?'

`I have done all I have dared to do. The decisions
of some minds, you know, with the motives which sway
them, we too much revere to oppose to them our own.
Girl though Fausta be, yet when I see by the lofty expression
of her countenance, her firm and steadfast eye,
that she has taken her part, I have no assurance sufficient
to question the rectitude of her determination, or
essay to change it. I have more faith in her than in
myself.'

`Yet it must never be;' said my brother with earnestness,
`she could never support the fatigues of such a
campaign, and it must not be permitted that she should
encounter the dangers and horrors of actual combat. I
have learned that at the palace, which, while it has dismissed
the most painful apprehensions of one sort, has
filled me with others more tolerable, but yet intolerable.
How, Lucius, has it happened that your heart, soft in
most of its parts, on one side has been adamant.'

`The way of the heart,' I said, `like the way of Providence,
is mysterious — I know not. Perhaps it was that
I knew her longer in Rome and more closely than you,
and the sentiment always uppermost toward her has been
that of a brother's love. Her's toward me has never been
other than the free, unrestrained affection of a sister.
But you have not seen the Princess?'

`I have not.'

`That will complete the explanation. The Queen rejects
me; but I do not despair. But to return to Fausta.
As no force could withhold her from the army, I thank
the Gods that in you she will find a companion and defender,
and that to you the Queen has committed her.
Fail her not, Calpurnius, in the hour of need. You do

[figure description] Page 067.[end figure description]

not know, for your eye has but taken in her outward form,
what a jewel, richer than Eastern monarch ever knew, is
entrusted to your care. Keep it as you would your own
life — nay, your life will be well given for its safety.
Forgive me, if in this I seem to charge you as an elder.
Remember that you I do not know, Fausta I do. Of
you I scarcely know more than that you are a Piso,
and that the very soul of honor ought to dwell within you.
The Queen's ready confidence in you, lays you under obligations
heavy as injunctions from the Gods to fidelity.
If, as you journey on toward Antioch, the opportunities of
the way throw you together, and your heart is won by
your nearer knowledge of her sweet qualities as well
as great ones, as your eye has already been, ask not,
seek not for hers, but after a close questioning of yourself,
whether you are worthy of her. Of your life and the
true lineaments of your soul — you know every thing —
she knows nothing — but she is more free and unsuspicious
than a child, and without looking further than the
show and color of honesty and truth, will surrender up her
heart where her fancy leads, trusting to find according to
her faith — and to receive all that she gives. Brother
though you be, I here invoke the curses of the Gods upon
your head, if the faintest purpose of dishonest or deceptive
dealing have place within you.'

`Your words,' said Calpurnius in reply — a wholesome
and natural expression of indignation spreading over his
countenance, which inspired more confidence than any
thing he could say — `your words, Lucius, are earnest and
something sharp. But I bear them without complaint, for
the sake of the cause in which you have used them. I
blame you not. It is true, I am a stranger both to yourself
and Fausta, and it were monstrous to ask confidence before
time has proved me. Leave it all to time. My conduct

[figure description] Page 068.[end figure description]

under this trust shall be my trial. Not till our return
from Antioch will I aim at more than the happiness to
be her companion and guard. The noble Otho will be
near us, to whom you may commit us both.'

`Brother,' I rejoined, `I doubt you not; but where
our treasure is great, we are tormented by imaginary
fears, and we guard it by a thousand superfluous cares.
What I have said has implied the existence of doubts
and apprehensions. But in sober truth they were forced
into existence. My nature from the first, has been full
of trust in you; but this very promptness to confide, my
anxious fears converted to a fault, and urged suspicion
as a duty. Your countenance and your words have now
inspired me with an assurance, not, I am certain, to be
ever shaken, in your virtues. It shall be my joy to impart
the same to Gracchus. Fausta shall be left free to
the workings of her own mind and heart.'

I should not have been justified, it seems to me, in saying
less than this, though I said it with apprehensions,
many and grave, of a breach between us, which perhaps
time might never heal. It has ended in a deep and
settled conviction that the character of Calpurnius is
what it at first appears to be. Persian duplicity has
made no lodgment within him, of that I am sure. And
where you feel sure of sincerity, almost any other fault
may be borne.

The army has taken up its march, and the city is deprived
of its best and bravest spirits — Zenobia and
Fausta, those kindred souls are gone. How desolate is
this vast palace! The loss of Gracchus and Fausta
seems the loss of all. A hundred attendant slaves
leave it still empty.

A period of the most active preparation has been closed
to-day, by the departure of as well appointed an army as

[figure description] Page 069.[end figure description]

ever issued from the Prætorian camps. It was a spectacle
as beautiful as my eyes ever beheld — and as sad.
Let me set before you the events of the day. As I descended
to the apartment where we take together our
morning meal, and which we were now for the last time
to partake in each other's company, I found Fausta
already there, and surveying with sparkling eyes and a
flushed cheek, a suit of the most brilliant armour, which
having been made by the Queen's workmen, and by her
order, had just now been brought and delivered to her.

`I asked the honor,' said the person with whom she
was conversing, `to bring it myself, who have made it with
the same care as the queen's, of the same materials, and
after the same fashion. So it was her order to do. It
will set, lady, believe me, as easy as a riding dress,
though it be all of the most impenetrable steel. The
polish too, is such, that neither arrow nor javelin need be
feared, they can but touch and glance. Hercules could
not indent this surface. Let me reveal to you diverse
secret and perfect springs and clasps, the use of which
you should be well acquainted with. Yet it differs not
so much from that in which you have performed your
exercises, but what you will readily comprehend the manner
of its adjustment.'

He then went through with his demonstrations and departed.

`This is beautiful indeed,' I said, `as I surveyed and
handled parts of the armour, the eye can hardly bear it
when the rays of the sun fall upon it. But I wish it was
fairly back again in the shop of the armourer.'

`That would be,' said Fausta, `only to condemn me to
an older and worse one, and if you should wish that away
too, it would be only to send me into the ranks defenceless.
Surely that you would not do?'

[figure description] Page 070.[end figure description]

`The Gods forbid. I only mean that I would rather
these walls, Fausta, should be your defence. You were
not made, whatever you may think, to brave the dangers
of the desert, and the horrors of a war. Do you remember
at the amphitheatre you hid your eyes from the cruel
sights of the arena? I doubt not your courage. But it
is not after your heart.'

`From the useless barbarities of the circus I might
indeed turn away my eyes, and yet I think with perfect
consistency, strike my lance into the heart of a man who
came against my country or my Queen, nor even blench.
But do not suppose that it is with any light or childish joy
that I resolve to follow in the steps of Zenobia, even to
the field of slaughter. I would far rather sit here in the
midst of security and peace, making mimic war upon my
embroidery, or tuning my voice and harp, with Gracchus
and you to listen and applaud. But there is that within
me that forbids my stay. I am urged from within by a
voice which seems as the voice of a god, to do according
to my strength, for what may be the last struggle of our
country against the encroachments and ambition of
Rome. You may deem it little that a woman can do?'

`I confess I am of opinion that many a substitute could
do Palmyra a better service than even the arm of Fausta.
A woman may do much and bravely, but a man may do
more.'

`Therein, Lucius, am I persuaded you err. If it were
only that in the language of Zabdas, I added so many
pounds weight of bone and flesh, by adding myself to the
Queen's troops, I would stay at home. There are heavier
arms than mine — for mine are slight — and sturdier
limbs, for mine, in spite of the sports of the field, are still
a woman's. But you know nothing of Palmyra if you
know not this, that her victories have been won, not by

[figure description] Page 071.[end figure description]

the arm, but by the presence of Zenobia; to be led to
the onset by a woman, and that woman Zenobia — it is
this that has infused a spirit and an enthusiasm into our
soldiery that has rendered them irresistible. Were it a
thousand against ten thousand, not a native Palmyrene
would shrink from the trial, with Zenobia at their head.
I am not Zenobia, Lucius, but what she can do for an
army, I can do for a legion. Mark the sensation, when
this morning Zenobia presents herself to the army, and
even when Fausta wheels into the ranks, and acknowledge
that I have uttered a truth.'

`There must be truth in what you say, for were I in
your train, I can feel how far I should follow you and
when forsake you. But what you say, only fills me with
new apprehensions, and renders me the more anxious to
detain you. What but certain death awaits you if you
are to lead the way?'

`And why should I not die? — as well as another?
And is it of more consequence that Fausta, the daughter
of Gracchus should die upon a bed of down, and beneath
silken canopies, than that the common soldier should,
who falls at her side? How could I die better than at
the head of a legion, whom, as I fell, I saw sweeping on
like a tempest, to emulate and revenge my death?'

`But Gracchus — has he another Fausta or another
child?'

Her eyes were bent to the ground, and for a few moments
she was buried in thought. They were filled with
tears as she raised them and said,

`You may well suppose, Lucius, having witnessed, as
you have, what the love is which I bear Gracchus, and how
his life is bound up in mine, that this has been my heaviest
thought. But it has not prevailed with me to change
my purpose, and ought not to do so. Could I look into

[figure description] Page 072.[end figure description]

futurity, and know that while I fell upon the plains of
Antioch, or on the sands of the desert, he returned to
these walls to wear out childless and in solitude, the remnant
of his days, my weakness, I believe, would yield,
and I should prefer my parent to my country. But the
future is all dark. And it may as well be, that either we
shall both fall — or both return; or that he may fall and
I survive. It is unworthy of me, is it not, then, to consider
so anxiously such chances? The only thing certain
and of certain advantage is this — I can do my country,
as I deem it, a signal service, by joining her forces in this
hour of peril. To this I cleave, and leave the rest to the
disposal of the Gods. But come, urge me no more, Lucius,
my mind is finally resolved, and it but serves to
darken the remaining hours. See, Gracchus and Calpurnius
are come — let us to the tables.'

This last meal was eaten in silence, save the few required
words of courtesy.

`Soon as it was over, Fausta, springing from her seat,
disappeared, hastening to her apartments. She returned
in a few moments, her dress changed and prepared for
her armour.

`Now, Lucins, she exclaimed, `your hour of duty has
come, which is to fit upon me this queenly apparel. Show
your dexterity, and prove that you, too, have seen the
wars, by the grace with which you shall do your service.'

`These pieces differ not greatly,' I said, `from those
which I have worn in Gaul and Germany, and were they
to be fastened upon my own limbs, or a comrades, the task
were an easy one. I fear lest I may use too rough a
hand in binding on this heavy iron.'

`O, never fear — there, that is well. The Queen's
armourer has said truly; this is easy as a robe of silk.

[figure description] Page 073.[end figure description]

Now these clasps — are they not well made? will they not
catch?'

`The clasps are perfect, Fausta, but my eye is dim.
Here — clasp them yourself,' and I turned away.

`Lucius, Lucius, are you a Roman, with eyes so
melting? Julia were a better hand-maid. But one thing
remains, and that must be done by no other hand than
yours — crown me now, with this helmet.'

I took it from her and placed it upon her head, saying, as
I did it, `The Gods shield you from danger, dear Fausta,
and when you have either triumphed or suffered defeat,
return you again to this happy roof. Now for my services,
allow me this reward' — and for the first time since she
was a girl, I kissed her forehead.

She was now a beautiful vision to behold as ever lighted
upon the earth. Her armour revealed with exactness
the perfection of her form, and to her uncommon beauty
added its own, being of the most brilliant steel, and frequently
studded with jewels of dazzling lustre. Her sex
was revealed only by her hair, which, parting over her
forehead, fell toward either eye, and then was drawn up
and buried in her helmet. The ease with which she
moved showed how well she had accustomed herself,
by frequent exercises, to the cumbrous load she bore.
I could hardly believe, as she paced the apartment,
issuing her final orders to her slaves and attendants
who pressed around, that I was looking upon a woman
reared in all the luxury of the East. Much as I had
been accustomed to the sight of Zenobia, performing the
part of an emperor, I found it difficult to persuade myself,
that when I looked upon Fausta, changing so completely
her sex, it was any thing more than an illusion.

Gracchus and Calpurnius now joined us, each, like
Fausta, arrayed in the armour of the Queen's cavalry.

[figure description] Page 074.[end figure description]

`Fausta,' said Gracchus, hastily, `the hour is come
that we were at the camp, our horses wait us in the court-yard—
let us mount. Farewell, Lucius Piso,' continued
he, as we moved toward the rear of the palace, `would
you were to make one of our company, but as that cannot
be, I bequeath to you my place, my honors, and my house.
Be ready to receive us with large hospitality and a philosophic
composure, when we return loaded with the laurels
of victory, and the spoils of your countrymen. It is
fortunate, that as we lose you we have Calpurnius, who
seems of the true warrior breed. Never, Lucius, has my
eye lighted upon a nobler pair than this. Observe them.
The Queen, careful of our Fausta, has given her in
special charge to your brother. I thank her. By his
greater activity and my more prudent counsel, I trust, to
bring her again to Palmyra with a fame not less than
Zenobia's.'

`I can spare the fame,' I replied, `so I see her once
more in Palmyra, herself unharmed and her country at
peace.'

`Palmyra would no longer be itself without her,' rejoined
the fond father.

We were now in the court-yard, where we found the
horses, fully caparisoned, awaiting their riders. Fausta's
was her favorite Arab, of a jet black color, and of a fierce
and fiery temper — hardly to be managed by the Saracen,
whose sole office it was to attend upon him, while in the
hands of Fausta, though still spirited almost to wildness,
he was yet docile and obedient. Soon as her feet were
in the stirrups, although before it had been difficult to
hold him, he became quiet and calm.

`See the power of woman,' said Gracchus, `were Antiochus
here, he would look upon this as but another proof

[figure description] Page 075.[end figure description]

that the Gods are abandoning Palmyra to the sway of
women.'

`It is,' said Fausta, `simply the power of gentleness.
My Saracen operates through fear, and I through love.
My hand laid softly upon his neck, gains more a thousand
fold than the lash laid hardly upon his back.'

Mounting my horse, which Milo stood holding for me,
we then sallied out of the court-yard gate toward the
camp.

The city itself was all pouring forth upon the plains in
its vicinity. The crowds choked the streets as they
passed out, so that our progress was slow. Arriving at
length, we turned toward the pavilion of the Queen,
pitched over against the centre of the army. There we
stood, joined by others, awaiting her arrival — for she
had not yet left the palace. We had not stood long, before
the braying of trumpets and other warlike instruments
announced her approach. We turned, and looking toward
the gate of the city, through which we had but now passed,
saw Zenobia, having on either side Longinus and Zabdas,
and preceded and followed by a select troop of horse, advancing
at her usual speed toward the pavilion. She was
mounted upon her far-famed white Numidian, for power an
elephant, for endurance a dromedary, for fleetness a very
Nicœan, and who had been her companion in all the battles
by which she had gained her renown and her empire.

Calpurnius was beside himself: he had not before seen
her when assuming all her state. `Did eye ever look
upon aught so like a celestial apparition? It is a descent
from other regions; I can swear 't is no mortal — still
less a woman. Fausta — this puts to shame your eulogies,
swollen as I termed them.'

I did not wonder at his amazement, for I myself shared
it, though I had seen her so often. The object that

[figure description] Page 076.[end figure description]

approached us truly seemed rather a moving blaze of light
than an armed woman, which the eye and the reason declared
it to be, with such gorgeous magnificence was she
arrayed. The whole art of the armourer had been exhausted
in her appointments. The caparison of her steed,
sheathed with burnished gold, and thick studded with
precious stones of every various hue, reflected an almos
intolerable splendor as the rays of a hot morning sun
fell upon it. She too herself being clothed in armour
of polished steel, whose own fiery brightness was doubled
by the diamonds — that was the only jewel she wore —
sown with profusion all over its more prominent parts,
could be gazed upon scarcely with more ease than the
sun himself, whose beams were given back from it with
undiminished glory. In her right hand, she held the long
slender lance of the cavalry; over her shoulders hung a
quiver, well loaded with arrows, while at her side depended
a heavy Damascus blade. Her head was surmounted
by a steel helmet, which left her face wholly uncovered,
and showed her forehead, like Fausta's, shaded by the
dark hair, which, while it was the only circumstance that
revealed the woman, added to the effect of a countenance
unequalled for a marvellous union of feminine beauty,
queenly dignity, and masculine power. Sometimes it has
been her usage upon such occasions, to appear with arms
bare and gloved hands; they were now cased, like the
rest of the body, in plates of steel.

`Calpurnius,' said Fausta, `saw you ever in Persia
such horsemanship? See now, as she draws nearer, with
what grace and power she moves. Blame you the enthusiasm
of this people?'

`I more than share it,' he replied, `it is reward enough
for my long captivity, at last to follow such a leader.
Many a time, as Zenobia has in years past visited my

[figure description] Page 077.[end figure description]

dreams, and I almost fancied myself in her train, I little
thought that the happiness I now experience was to become
a reality. But, hark! how the shout of welcome
goes up from this innumerable host.'

No sooner was the Queen arrived where we stood, and
the whole extended lines became aware of her presence,
than the air was filled with the clang of trumpets and the
enthusiastic cries of the soldiery, who waved aloft their
arms and made a thousand expressive signs of most joyful
greeting. When this hearty salutation, commencing
at the centre, had died away along the wings, stretching
one way to the walls of the city, and the other
toward the desert, Zenobia rode up nearer the lines,
and being there surrounded by the ranks which were in
front, and by a crowd of the great officers of the army,
spoke to them in accordance with her custom. Stretching
out her hand, as if she would ask the attention of
the multitude — a deep silence ensued, and in a voice
clear and strong, she thus addressed them — `Men
and soldiers of Palmyra! Is this the last time that
you are to gather together in this glittering array,
and go forth as lords of the whole East? Conquerers in so
many wars, are you now about to make an offering of
ourselves and your homes to the emperor of Rome? Am
I, who have twice led you to the gates of Ctesiphon,
now to be your leader to the footstool of Aurelian? Are
you thinking of any thing but victory? Is there one in all
these ranks, who doubts whether the same fate that once
befel Probus shall now befall Aurelian? If there be, let
him stand forth! Let him go and intrench himself within
the walls of Palmyra. We want him not. — (The soldiers
brandished and clashed their arms.) — Victory, soldiers,
belongs to those who believe. Believe that you can do
so, and we will return with a Roman army captive at our

[figure description] Page 078.[end figure description]

chariot wheels. Who should put trust in themselves, if
not the men and soldiers of Palmyra? Whose memory is
long enough to reach backward to a defeat? What was
the reign of Odenatus but an unbroken triumph? Are you
now, for the first time, to fly or fall before an enemy?
And who the enemy? Forget it not — Rome! and Aurelian!
the greatest empire and the greatest soldier of the
world. Never before was so large a prize within your
reach. Never before fought you on a stage with the
whole world for spectators. Forget not, too — that defeat
will be not only defeat, but ruin! The loss of a battle will
be not only so many dead and wounded, but the loss of
empire! For Rome resolves upon our subjugation. We
must conquer, or we must perish; and forever lose our
city, our throne, and our name. Are you ready to write
yourselves subjects and slaves of Rome! — citizens of a
Roman province? and forfeit the proud name of Palmyrene? —
(Loud and indignant cries rose from the surrounding
ranks.) — If not, you have only to remember
the plains of Egypt and of Persia, and the spirit that burned
within your bosoms then, will save you now, and bring
you back to these walls, your brows bound about with the
garlands of victory. Soldiers! strike your tents! and
away to the desert!'

Shouts long and loud, mingled with the clash of arms,
followed these few words of the Queen. Her own name
was heard above all. `Long live the great Zenobia,'
ran along the ranks from the centre to the extremes, and
from the extremes back again to the centre. It seemed
as if, when her name had once been uttered, they could
not cease — through the operation of some charm — to
repeat it again and again, coupled, too, with a thousand
phrases of loyalty and affection.

The Queen, as she ended, turned toward the Pavilion,

[figure description] Page 079.[end figure description]

where dismounting, she entered, and together with her,
her councillors, the great officers of the army and empire,
her family and friends. Here was passed an hour in the
interchange of the words and signs of affection between
those who were about to depart upon this uncertain enterprise,
und those who were to remain. The Queen
would fain inspire all with her light, bold, and confident
spirit, but it could not prevail to banish the fears and
sorrows that filled many hearts. Julia's eyes never
moved from her mother's face, or only to rest on Fausta's
whose hand she held clasped in her own. Zenobia often
turned towards her with a look, in which the melting
tenderness of the mother, contended but too successfully
with the calm dignity of the Queen, and bore testimony
to the strong affection working at the heart. She would
then, saying a word or two, turn away again, and mingle
with those who made less demand upon her sympathies.
Livia was there too, and the flaxen-haired Faustula —
Livia, gay even, through excess of life — Faustula sad
and almost terrified at the scene, and clinging to Julia as
to her haven of safety. The Cæsars were also there, insignificant
as always — but the youngest, Vabalathus,
armed for the war — the others are not to be drawn away
from the luxuries and pleasures of the city. Antiochus,
sullen and silent, was of the number too — stalking with
folded arms apart from the company, or else arm in arm
with one of his own color, and seeming to be there rather
because he feared to be absent, than because he derived
any pleasure from the scene. It was with an effort, and
with reluctance, that he came forward from his hiding
places, and with supreme awkwardness, yet with an air
of haughtiness and pride, paid his court to the queen.
As he retreated from his audience, the Queen's eye
sought me, and approaching me she said, `Piso, I am not

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prone to suspicion, and fear is a stranger to my heart.
But I am told to distrust Antiochus. I have been warned
to observe him. I cannot now do it, for I depart while
he remains in Palmyra. It has been thrown out that he
has designs of a treasonable nature, and that the Princess
Julia is connected with them. He is an object too contemptible
to deserve my thought, and I have not been
willing so much as to name the circumstance to any of
the council. He may prove an amusing and interesting
subject for your contemplation while we are gone.'

This was said in a partly serious, partly trifling vein.
I answered her, saying, `that I could not but fear lest
there might be more foundation for the warnings that had
been given her than she was disposed to allow. He was
indeed insignificant and contemptible in character, but
he was malignant and restless. Many an insect, otherwise
every way despicable — is yet armed with a deadly
sting. A swarm may conquer even the monarch of the
forest. Antiochus, mean as he is, may yet inflict a secret
and fatal wound; and he is not alone. There are those
who affect him. I believe you have imposed no task
which as a Roman, I may not innocently perform. Rest
assured that if watchfulness of mine may avert the
shadow of an evil from your head, it shall not be wanting.
I would that you yourself could look more seriously upon
this information, but I perceive you to be utterly incredulous.
'

`It is so indeed,' she replied. `It were better for me
perhaps were it otherwise. Had I heeded the rumors
which reached me of the base Mæonius, Odenatus had
now perhaps been alive and at my side. But it is against
the grain of my nature. I can neither doubt nor fear.'

Sounds from without now indicated that the camp was
broken up, and the army in motion. The moment of

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separation had come. The Queen hastily approached her
daughters, and impressing a mother's kisses upon them,
turned quickly away, and springing upon her horse, was
soon lost to sight as she made her way through the ranks,
to assume her place at their head. Fausta lingered long
in the embraces of Julia, who, to part with her, seemed
as if about to lose as much more as she had just lost in
Zenobia.

`These our friends being now gone, let us,' said the
Princess, `who remain, together ascend the walls of the
city, and from the towers of the gate observe the progress
of the army so long as it shall remain in sight.'

Saying this, we returned to the city, and from the
highest part of the walls watched the departing glories
of the most magnificent military array I had ever beheld.
It was long after noon before the last of the train of
loaded elephants sank below the horizon. I have seen
larger armies upon the Danube, and in Gaul. But never
have I seen one that in all its appointments presented so
imposing a spectacle. This was partly owing to the
greater proportion of cavalry, and to the admixture of
the long lines of elephants with their burdens, their
towers and litters — but more, perhaps to the perfectness
with which each individual, be he on horse or foot, be he
servant, slave or master, is furnished, respecting both
arms, armour, and apparel. Julia beheld it if with sorrow,
with pride also.

`Between an army like this,' she said, `so appointed,
and so led and inflamed, and another like that of Rome
coming up under a leader like Aurelian, how sharp and
deadly must be the encounter. What a multitude of this
and that living host, now glorious in the blaze of arms,
and burning with desires of conquest, will fall and perish,
pierced by weapons, or crushed by elephants, nor ever

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hear the shout of victory. A horrid death, winding up
a feverish dream. And of that number how likely to be
Fausta and Zenobia.'

`Why sister,' said Faustula, whom I held, and in pointing
out to whom the most remarkable objects of the
strange scene I had been occupied, `why does our mother
love to go away and kill the Romans? I am sure she
would not like to kill you,' looking up in my face, `and
are not you a Roman? She will not let me hurt even
a little fly or ant, but tells me they feel as much to be
killed, as if Sapor were to put his great foot on me, and
tread me into the sand.'

`But the Romans,' said Julia, `are coming to take
away our city from us, and perhaps do us a great deal of
harm, and must they not be hindered?'

`But,' replied Faustula, `would they do it if Zenobia
asked them not to do it? Did you ever know any body
who could help doing as she asked them? I wish Aurelian
could only have come here and heard her speak, and
seen her smile, and I know he would not have wanted to
hurt her. If I were a Queen I would never fight.'

`I do not believe you would,' said I, `you do not seem
as if you could hurt any body or any thing.'

`And now is not Zenobia better than I? I think perhaps
she is only going to frighten the Romans, and then
coming home again.'

`O no — do not think so,' said Livia, `has not Zenobia
fought a great many battles before this? If she did
not fight battles, we should have no city to live in.'

`If it is so good to fight battles, why does she prevent
me from quarrelling, or even speaking unkindly. I think
she ought to teach me to fight. I do not believe that
men or women ought to fight any more than children —
and I dare say if they first saw and talked with one

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another before they fought, as I am told to do, they never
would do it. I find that if I talk and tell what I think,
then I do not want to quarrel.— See! is that Zenobia?
How bright she shines! I wish she would come back.'

`Wait a little while, and she will come again,' said
Livia, `and bring Aurelian perhaps with her? Should
you not like to see Aurelian?'

`No, I am sure I should not. I do not want to see
any one that does not love Zenobia.'

So the little child ran on, often uttering truths, too obviously
truths for mankind to be governed by, yet containing
the best philosophy of life. Truth and happiness
are both within easy reach. We miss them, in fact, because
they are so near. We look over them, and grasp
at distant and more imposing objects, wrapped in the
false charms which distance lends.

During the absence of the Queen and Fausta, we have
in agreement with the promise we made, repeated our
visit, more than once, to the retreat of the Christian
Hermit — from whom I have drawn almost all that remains
to be known, concerning the truths of his religion.
Both Julia and Livia have been my companions. Of the
conversations at these visits, I shall hope at some future
time to furnish you with full accounts.

In the meanwhile, Farewell.

LETTER XIII.

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These few days having passed in the manner I have
described, our impatience has been relieved by news from
the West. We learn that Aurelian, having appointed
Illyricum as the central point for assembling his forces,
has, marching thence through Thrace, and giving battle
on the way to the Goths, at length reached Byzantium,
whence crossing the Bosphorus, it is his purpose to
subdue the Asiatic provinces, and afterwards advance toward
Palmyra. The army of the Queen, judging by the
last accounts received by her messengers, must now have
reached the neighborhood of Antioch, and there already
perhaps have encountered the forces of the Emperor.

The citizens begin at length to put on the appearance
of those who feel that something of value is at stake.
The Portico is forsaken, or frequented only by such as
hope to hear news by going there. The streets are become
silent and solitary. I myself partake of the general
gloom. I am often at the palace and at the house of
Longinus. The dwelling, or rather should I not term it
the spacious palace of the minister, affords me delightful
hours of relaxation and instruction, as I sit and converse
with its accomplished lord, or wander among the compartments
of his vast library, or feast the senses and imagination
upon the choice specimens of sculpture and painting,
both ancient and modern, which adorn the walls, the ceilings,
the stair-ways, and, indeed, every part of the extensive
interior. Here I succeed in forgetting the world and
all its useless troubles, and am fairly transported into
those regions of the fancy, where the airs are always

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soft and the skies serene, where want is unknown, and
solicitations to vice come not, where men are just, and true,
and kind, and women the goddesses we make them in our
dreams, and the whole of existence is a calm summer's
day, without storm of the inward or outward world. And
when upon these delicious moments the philosopher himself
breaks in, the dream is not dissolved, but stands rather
converted to an absolute reality, for it then shines with
the actual presence of a God. It is with unwillingness
that I acknowledge my real state, and consent to return
to this living world of anxieties and apprehensions in
which I now dwell.

I am just returned from the Palace and the Princess
Julia. While there seated in conversation with her,
Longinus and Livia, a courier was suddenly announced
from Zenobia. He entered, woe stamped upon his features,
and delivered letters into the hands of Longinus.
Alas! Alas! for Palmyra. The intelligence is of disaster
and defeat. The countenance of the Greek grew pale as
he read. He placed the despatches in silence in the hands
of Julia, having finished them, and hastily withdrew.

The sum of the news is this. A battle has been fought
before Antioch, and the forces of the Queen completely
routed. It appears that upon the approach of Aurelian,
the several provinces of Asia Minor, which by negotiation
and conquest had by Zenobia been connected with her
kingdom, immediately returned to their former allegiance.
The cities opened their gates and admitted the armies
of the conqueror. Tyana alone of all the Queen's
dominions in that quarter, opposed the progress of the
Emperor, and this strong-hold was soon by treachery delivered
into his power. Thence he pressed on without
pause to Antioch, where he found the Queen awaiting
him. A battle immediately ensued. At first, the Queen's

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forces obtained decided advantages, and victory seemed
ready to declare for her as always before, when the Gods
decreed otherwise, and the day was lost — but lost in the
indignant language of the Queen, `not in fair and honorable
fight, but through the baseness of a stratagem rather
to have been expected from a Carthaginian than the great
Aurelian.' `Our troops,' she writes, `had driven the enemy
from his ground at every point. Notwithstanding the
presence of Aurelian, and the prodigies of valor by which
he distinguished himself anew, and animated his soldiers,
our cavalry, led by the incomparable Zabdas, bore him
and his legions backwards, till apparently discomfited by
the violence of the onset, the Roman horse gave way and
fled in all directions. The shout of victory arose from
our ranks, which now dissolved, and in the disorder of a
flushed and conquering army, scattered in hot pursuit of
the flying foe. Now, when too late, we saw the treachery
of the enemy. Our horse, heavy-armed, as you know—
were led on by the retreating Romans into a broken
and marshy ground, where their movements were in every
way impeded, and thousands were suddenly fixed immovable
in the deep morass. At this moment, the enemy, by
preconcerted signals, with inconceivable rapidity — being
light-armed — formed; and, returning upon our now
scattered and broken forces, made horrible slaughter of
all who had pushed farthest from the main body of the
army. Dismay seized our soldiers — the panic spread—
increased by the belief that a fresh army had come up
and was entering the field, and our whole duty centered
upon forming and covering our retreat. This, chiefly
through the conduct of Calpurnius Piso, was safely effected;
the Romans being kept at bay while we drew together,
and then under cover of the approaching night, fell back
to a new and strong position.

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