LETTER II. FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.

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You need not, dear Fausta, concern yourself on our
behalf. I cannot think that your apprehensions will be
realized. Rome never was more calm than now, nor
apparently has there ever a better temper possessed its
people. The number of those who are sufficiently enlightened
to know that the mind ought not to be in bondage
to man, but be held answerable to God alone for
its thoughts and opinions, is becoming too great for the
violences and cruelties of former ages to be again put in
practice against us. And Aurelian, although stern in
his nature, and superstitious beyond others, will not, I
am persuaded, lend himself either to priests or people to
annoy us. If no principle of humanity prevented him,
nor generosity of sentiment, he would be restrained, I
think, by his attachments to so many who bear the
hated name.

And this opinion I maintain, notwithstanding a recent
act on the part of the emperor, which some construe into
the expression of unfavorable sentiments toward us. I
allude to the appointment of Fronto, Nigridius Fronto,
to be chief priest of the temple of the Sun, which has
these several years been building, and is now just completed.
This man signalized himself, both under Decius
and Valerian, for his bitter hatred of the Christians, and
his untiring zeal in the work of their destruction. The

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tales which are told of his ferocious barbarity, would be
incredible, did we not know so well what the hard Roman
heart is capable of. It is reported of him, that he
informed against his own sisters, who had embraced the
Christian faith, was with those who hunted them with
blood-hounds from their place of concealment, and stood
by, a witness and an executioner, while they were torn
limb from limb, and devoured. I doubt not the truth of
the story. And from that day to this, has he made it
his sole office to see that all the laws that bear hard
upon the sect and deprive them of privileges and immunities,
are not permitted to become a dead letter. It is
this man, drunk with blood, whom Aurelian has put in
chief authority in his new temple, and made him, in
effect, the head of religion in the city. He is however
not only this. He possesses other traits, which with
reason might commend him to the regard of the emperor.
He is an accomplished man, of an ancient family,
and withal no mean scholar. He is a Roman, who for
Rome's honor or greatness, as he would on the one hand
sacrifice father, mother, daughter, so would he also himself.
And Rome, he believes, lives but in her religion;
it is the life-blood of the state. It is these traits, I doubt
not, that have recommended him to Aurelian, rather
than the others. He is a person eminently fitted for the
post to which he is exalted; and you well know that it
is the circumstance of fitness, Aurelian alone considers,
in appointing his own or the servants of the state.
Probus thinks differently. And although he sees no
cause to apprehend immediate violence, confesses his
fears for the future. He places less reliance than I do
upon the generosity or friendship of Aurelian. It is his

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conviction that superstition is the reigning power of his
nature, and will sooner or later assert its supremacy. It
may be so. Probus is an acute observer, and occupies
a position more favorable to impartial estimates, and the
formation of a dispassionate judgment, than I.

This reminds me that you asked for news of Probus,
my `Christian pedagogue,' as you are wont to
name him. He is here, adorning, by a life of severe
simplicity and divine benevolence, the doctrine he has
espoused. He is a frequent inmate of our house, and
Julia, not less than myself, ever greets him with affectionate
reverence, as both friend and instructer. He
holds the chief place in the hearts of the Roman Christians;
for even those of the sect who differ from him in
doctrine and in life, cannot but acknowledge that never
an apostle presented to the love and imitation of his followers
an example of rarer virtue. Yet he is not,
in the outward rank which he holds, at the head of
the Christian body. Their chiefs are, as you know,
the bishops, and Felix is Bishop of Rome, a man every
way inferior to Probus. But he has the good or
ill fortune to represent more popular opinions, in matters
both of doctrine and practice, than the other, and of
course easily rides into the posts of trust and honor.
He represents those among the Christians — for, alas!
there are such among them — who, in seeking the
elevation and extension of Christianity, do not hesitate
to accommodate both doctrine and manner to the prejudices
and tastes of both Pagan and Jew. They seek
converts, not by raising them to the height of Christian
principle and virtue, but by lowering these to the level
of their grosser conceptions. Thus it is easy to see

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that in the hands of such professors, the Christian doctrine
is undergoing a rapid process of deterioration.
Probus, and those who are on his part, see this, are
alarmed, and oppose it; but numbers are against them,
and consequently power and authority. Already,
strange as it may seem, when you compare such things
with the institution of Christianity, as effected by
its founder, do the bishops, both in Rome and in the
provinces, begin to assume the state and bearing of nobility.
Such is the number and wealth of the Christian
community, that the treasuries of the churches are
full; and from this source the pride and ambition of
their rulers are luxuriously fed. If, as you walk through
the street which crosses from the Quirinal to the Arch
of Titus, lined with private dwellings of unusual magnificence,
you ask whose is that with a portico, that for
beauty and costliness rather exceeds the rest, you are
told, `That is the dwelling of Felix, the Bishop of
Rome;' and if it chance to be a Christian who answers
the question, it is done with ill-suppressed pride or
shame, according to the party to which he belongs.
This Felix is the very man, through the easiness of his
dispositions, and his proneness to all the arts of self-indulgence,
and the imposing graciousness of his carriage,
to keep the favor of the people, and at the same
time sink them, without suspicion on their part, lower
and lower toward the sensual superstitions, from which,
through so much suffering and by so many labors, they
have but just escaped, and accomplish an adulterous and
fatal union between Christianity and Paganism; by
which indeed Paganism may be to some extent purified
and exalted, but Christianity annihilated. For

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Christianity, in its essence, is that which beckons and urges
onward, not to excellence only, but to perfection. Of
course its mark is always in advance of the present.
By such union with Paganism then, or Judaism, its essential
characteristic will disappear; Christianity will,
in effect, perish. You may suppose, accordingly, that
Probus, and others who with him rate Christianity so
differently, look on with anxiety upon this downward
progress, and with mingled sorrow and indignation upon
those who aid it — oftentimes actuated, as is notorious,
by most corrupt motives.

I am just returned from the shop of the learned Publius,
where I met Probus, and others of many ways of
thinking. You will gather from what occurred, better
than from anything else I could say, what occupies the
thoughts of our citizens, and how they stand affected.

I called to Milo to accompany me, and to take with
him a basket in which to bring back books, which it was
my intention to purchase.

`I trust, noble master,' said he, `that I am to bear
back no more Christian books.'

`Why so, knave?'

`Because the priests say that they have magical powers
over all who read them, or so much as handle them;
that a curse sticks wherever they are or have been. I
have heard of those who have withered away to a mere
wisp; of others who have suddenly caught on fire, and
vanished in flame and smoke; and of others whose
blood has stood still, frozen, or run out from all parts of
the body, changed to the very color of your shoe, at

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their bare touch. Who should doubt that it is so, when
the very boys in the streets have it, and it is taught in
the temples? I would rather Solon, noble master, went
in my stead. Mayhap his learning would protect him.'

I, laughing, bade him come on. `You are not withered
away yet, Milo, nor has your blood run out; yet
you have borne many a package of these horrible books.
Surely the gods befriend you.'

`I were else long since with the Scipios.' After a
pause of some length, he added, as he reluctantly, and
with features of increased paleness, followed in my steps:

`I would, my master, that you might be wrought with
to leave these ways. I sleep not, for thinking of your
danger. Never, when it was my sad mischance to depart
from the deserted palace of the great Gallienus, did
I look to know one to esteem like him. But it is the truth
when I affirm, that I place Piso before Gallienus, and
the lady Julia before the lady Salonina. Shall I tell
you a secret?'

`I will hear it, if it is not to be kept.'

`It is for you to do with it as shall please you. I am
the bosom friend, you may know, of Curio, the favorite
slave of Fronto —'

`Must I not publish it?'

`Nay, that is not the matter, though it is somewhat
to boast of. There is not Curio's fellow in all Rome.
But that may pass. Curio then, as I was with him at
the new temple, while he was busied in some of the last
offices before the dedication, among other things, said:
`Is not thy master Piso of these Christians?' `Yes,'
said I, `he is; and were they all such as he, there could
be no truth in what is said of them.' `Ah!' he replied,

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`there are few among the accursed tribe like him. He
has but just joined them; that 's the reason he is better
than the rest. Wait awhile, and see what he will become.
They are all alike in the end, cursers, and despisers,
and disbelievers, of the blessed gods. But lions
have teeth, tigers have claws, knives cut, fire burns, water
drowns.' There he stopped. `That's wise,' I said;
`who could have known it?' `Think you,' he rejoined,
`Piso knows it? If not, let him ask Fronto. Let me
advise thee,' he added, in a whisper, though in all the
temple there were none beside us, `let me advise thee,
as thy friend, to avoid dangerous company. Look to
thyself; the Christians are not safe.' `How say you,'
I replied, `not safe? What and whom are they to fear?
Gallienus vexed them not. Is Aurelian —' `Say
no more,' he replied, interrupting me, `and name not
what I have dropped, for your life. Fronto's ears are
more than the eyes of Argus, and his wrath more deadly
than the grave.'

`Just as he ended these words, a strong beam of red
light shot up from the altar, and threw a horrid glare
over the whole dark interior. I confess I cried out with
affright. Curio started at first, but quickly recovered,
saying that it was but the sudden flaming up of the fire
that had been burning on the altar, but which shortly
before he had quenched. `It is,' he said, `an omen of
the flames that are to be kindled throughout Rome.'
This was Curio's communication. Is is not a secret
worth knowing?'

`It tells nothing, Milo, but of the boiling over of the
wrath of the malignant Fronto, which is always boiling

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over. Doubtless I should fare ill, were his power equal
to his will to harm us. But Aurelian is above him.'

`That is true; and Aurelian, it is plain, is little like
Fronto.'

`Very little.'

`But still I would that, like Gallienus, thou couldst
only believe in the gods. The Christians, so it is reported,
worship and believe in but a man, — a Jew, —
who was crucified as a criminal, with thieves and murderers.
' He turned upon me a countenance full of
unaffected horror.

`Well, Milo, at another time I will tell you what
the truth about it is. Here we are now, at the shop of
Publius.'

The shop of Publius is remarkable for its extent and
magnificence, if such a word may be applied to a place
of traffic. Here resort all the idlers of learning and
of leisure, to turn over the books, hear the news, discuss
the times, and trifle with the learned bibliopole. As I
entered, he saluted me in his customary manner, and
bade me `welcome to his poor apartments, which for a
long time I had not honored with my presence.'

I replied that two things had kept me away: the civil
broils in which the city had just been involved, and the
care of ordering the appointments of a new dwelling.
I had come now to commence some considerable purchases
for my vacant shelves, if it might so happen that
the books I wanted were to be found in his rooms.

`There is not,' he replied, `a literature, a science, a
philosophy, an art, or a religion, whose principal authors
are not to be found upon the walls of Publius. My

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agents are in every corner of the empire, of the east
and west, searching out the curious and the rare, the
useful and the necessary, to swell the catalogue of my
intellectual riches. I believe it is established, that in no
time before me, as nowhere now, has there been heard
of a private collection like this for value and for
number.'

`I do not doubt what you say, Publius. This is a
grand display. Your ranges of rooms show like those
of the Ulpian. Yet you do not quite equal, I suppose,
Trajan's for number?'

`Truly not. But time may bring it to pass. What
shall I show you? It pleases me to give my time to
you. I am not slow to guess what it is you now, noble
Piso, chiefly covet. And I think, if you will follow me
to the proper apartment, I can set before you the very
things you are in search of. Here upon these shelves
are the Christian writers. Just let me offer you this
copy of Hegesippus, one of your oldest historians, if I
err not. And here are some beautifully executed copies,
I have just ordered to be made, of the Apologies of Justin
and Tertullian. Here, again, are Marcion and Valentinus;
but perhaps they are not in esteem with you. If
I have heard aright, you will prefer these tracts of Paul,
or Artemon. But hold, here is a catalogue. Be pleased
to inspect it.'

As I looked over the catalogue, I expressed my satisfaction
that a person of his repute was willing to keep
on sale works so generally condemned, and excluded
from the shops of most of his craft.

`I aim, my dear friend — most worthy Piso — to steer
a midway course among contending factions. I am

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myself a worshipper of the gods of my fathers. But I am
content that others should do as they please in the matter.
I am not, however, so much a worshipper — in
your ear — as a bookseller. That is my calling. The
Christians are become a most respectable people. They
are not to be overlooked. They are in my judgment,
the most intelligent part of our community. Wasting
none of their time at the baths and theatres, they have
more time for books. And then their numbers too!
They are not fewer than seventy thousand! — known
and counted. But the number, between ourselves, Piso,
of those who secretly favor or receive this doctrine, is
equal to the other! My books go to houses, ay, and to
palaces, people dream not of.'

`I think your statements a little broad,' said a smooth,
silvery voice, close at our ears. We started, and beheld
the Prefect Varus standing at our side. Publius was
for a moment a little disconcerted; but quickly recovered,
saying, in his easy way, `A fair morning to you! I
knew not that it behooved me to be upon my oath, being
in the presence of the Governor of Rome. I repeat,
noble Varus, but what I hear. I give what I say as the
current rumor. That is all — that is all. Things may
not be so, or they may; it is not for me to say. I wish
well to all; that is my creed.'

`In the public enumerations of the citizens,' replied
the Prefect, inclining with civility to Publius, `the Christians
have reached at no time fifty thousand. As for
the conjecture touching the numbers who secretly embrace
this injurious superstition, I hold it utterly baseless.
It may serve a dying cause to repeat such statements,
but they accord not with obvious fact.'

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`Suspect me not, Varus,' hastily rejoined the agitated
Publius, `of setting forth such statements with the purpose
to advance the cause of the Christians. I take no
part in this matter. Thou knowest that I am a Roman
of the old stamp. Not a Roman in my street is more
diligently attentive to the services of the temple than I.
I simply say again, what I hear as news of my customers.
The story which one rehearses, I retail to another.'

`I thank the gods it is so,' replied the man of power.

During these few words, I had stood partly concealed
by a slender marble pillar. I now turned, and the usual
greetings passed with the Prefect.

`Ah! Piso! I knew not with certainty my hearer.
Perhaps from you' — smiling as he spoke — `we may
learn the truth. Rome speaks loudly of your late desertion
of the religion and worship of your fathers, and
union with the Galileans. I should say, I hoped the
report ill founded, had I not heard it from quarters too
authentic to permit a doubt.'

`You have heard rightly, Varus,' I rejoined. `After
searching through all antiquity after truth, I congratulate
myself upon having at last discovered it, and where
I least expected, in a Jew. And the good which I have
found for myself. I am glad to know is enjoyed by so
many more of my fellow-citizens. I should not hesitate
to confirm the statement made by Publius, from whatever
authority he may have derived it, rather than that
which has been made by yourself. I have bestowed
attention not only upon the arguments which support
Christianity, but upon the actual condition of the Christian
community, here and throughout the empire. It is

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prosperous at this hour, beyond all former example. If
Pliny could complain, even in his day, of the desertion
of the temples of the gods, what may we now suppose
to be the relative numbers of the two great parties?
Only, Varus, allow the rescript of Gallienus to continue
in force, which merely releases us from oppressions, and
we shall see in what a fair trial of strength between the
two religions will issue.

`That dull profligate and parricide,' replied Varus,
`not content with killing himself with his vices, and his
father by connivance, must needs destroy his country by
his fatuity. I confess, that till that order be repealed,
the superstition will spread.'

`But it only places us upon equal ground.'

`It is precisely there where we never should be placed.
Should the conspirator be put upon the ground of a citizen?
Were the late rebels of the mint to be relieved
from all oppression, that they might safely intrigue and
conspire for the throne?'

`Christianity has nothing to do with the empire, as
such. It is a question of moral, philosophical, religious
truth. Is truth to be exalted or suppressed by edicts?'

`The religion of the state,' replied Varus, `is a part of
the state; and he who assails it, strikes at the dearest
life of the state, and — forgive me — is to be dealt with—
ought to be dealt with — as a traitor.'

`I trust,' I replied, `that that time will never again
come, but that reason and justice will continue to bear
sway. And it is both reasonable and just, that persons
who yield to none in love of country, and whose principles
of conduct are such as must make good subjects

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everywhere, because they first make good men, should
be protected in the enjoyment of rights and privileges
common to all others.'

`If the Christians,' he rejoined, `are virtuous men, it
is better for the state than if they were Christians and
corrupt men. But still that would make no change in
my judgment of their offence. They deny the gods
who preside over this nation, and have brought it up to
its present height of power and fame. Their crime
were less, I repeat, to deny the authority of Aurelian.
This religion of the Galileans is a sore, eating into the
vitals of an ancient and vigorous constitution, and must
be cut away. The knife of the surgeon is what the
evil cries out for and must have — else universal anarchy
is come. I mourn that from the ranks of the very
fathers of the state, they have received an accession like
this of the house of Piso.'

`I shall think my time and talent well employed,' I
replied, `in doing what I may to set the question of
Christianity in its true light before the city. It is this
very institution, Varus, which it needs to preserve it.
Christianize Rome, and you impart the very principle of
endurance, of immortality. Under its present corruptions,
it cannot but sink. Is it possible a community of
men can long hold together as vicious as this of Rome?—
whose people are either disbelievers of all divine existences,
or else ground to the earth by degrading superstitions?
A nation, either on the one hand governed by
superstition, or on the other, atheistical, contains within
itself the disease which sooner or later will destroy it.
You yourself, it is notorious, have never been within

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the walls of a temple, nor are Lares nor Penates to be
found within your doors.'

`I deny it not. Most who rise to any intelligence
must renounce, if they ever harbored it, all faith in the
absurdities and nonsense of the Roman religion. But
what then? These very absurdities, as we deem them,
are holy truth to the multitude, and do more than all
bolts, bars, axes, and gibbets, to keep them in subjection.
The intelligent are good citizens by reflection; the multitude,
through instincts of birth, and the power of superstition.
My idea is, as you perceive, Piso, but one.
Religion is the state, and for reasons of state must be
preserved in the very form in which it has so long upheld
the empire.'

`An idea more degrading than yours, to our species,
can hardly be conceived. I cannot but look upon man
as something more than a part of the state. He is, first
of all, a man, and is to be cared for as such. To legislate
for the state, to the ruin of the man, is to pamper
the body, and kill the soul. It is to invert the true process.
The individual is more than the abstraction which
we term the state. If governments cannot exist, nor
empires hold their sway, but by the destruction of the
human being, why let them fall. The lesser must yield
to the greater. As a Christian, my concern is for man
as man. This is the essence of the religion of Christ.
It is philanthropy. It sees in every human soul a
being of more value than empires, and its purpose is, by
furnishing it with truths and motives, equal to its wants,
to exalt it, purify it, and perfect it. If, in achieving this
work, existing religions or governments are necessarily

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overturned or annihilated, Christianity cares not, so long
as man is the gainer. And is it not certain, that no
government could really be injured, although it might
apparently, and for a season, by its subjects being raised
in all intelligence and all virtue? My work therefore,
Varus, will be to sow truth in the heart of the people,
which shall make that heart fertile and productive. I
do not believe that in doing this Rome will suffer injury,
but on the contrary receive benefit. Its religion, or
rather its degrading superstitions, may fall, but a principle
of almighty energy and divine purity will insensibly
be substituted in their room. I labor for man — not for
the state.'

`And never, accordingly, most noble Piso, did man, in
so unequivocal words, denounce himself traitor.'

`Patriot! friend! benefactor! rather;' cried a voice
at my side, which I instantly recognized as that of Probus.
Several beside himself had drawn near, listening
with interest to what was going on.

`That only shows, my good friend,' said Varus, in his
smiling way, and which seems the very contradiction of
all that is harsh and cruel, `how differently we estimate
things. Your palate esteems that to be wholesome and
nutritious food, which mine rejects as ashes to the taste,
and poison to the blood. I behold Rome torn and bleeding,
prostrate and dying, by reason of innovations upon
faith and manners, which to you appear the very means
of growth, strength, and life. How shall we resolve the
doubt? Who shall prescribe for the patient? I am
happy in the belief, that the Roman people have long
since decided for themselves, and confirm their decision
every day as it passes, by new acts and declarations.'

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`If you mean,' said Probus, `to say that numbers and
the general voice are still against the Christians, I grant
it so. But I am happy too in my belief, that the scale
is trembling on the beam. There are more and better
than you wot of, who hail with eager minds and glad
hearts, the truths which it is our glory, as servants of
Christ, to propound. Within many a palace upon the
seven hills, do prayers go up in his name; and what is
more, thousands upon thousands of the humbler ranks,
of those who but yesterday were without honor in their
own eyes, or others' — without faith — at war with
themselves and the world — fit tools for any foe of the
state to work with — are to-day reverers of themselves,
worshippers of God, lovers of mankind, patriots who
love their country better than ever before, because they
now behold in every citizen not only a citizen, but a
brother and an immortal. The doctrine of Christianity,
as a lover of man, so commends itself, Varus, to the
hearts of the people, that in a few more years of prosperity,
and the face of the Roman world will glow with
a new beauty; love and humanity will shine forth in all
its features.'

`That is very pretty,' said Varus, his lip slightly curling,
as he spoke, but retaining his courteous bearing,
`yet methinks, seeing this doctrine is so bewitching, and
is withal a heaven-inspired wisdom, the God working
behind it and urging it on, it moves onward with a pace
something of the slowest. Within a few of three hundred
years has it appealed to the human race, and appealed
in vain. The feeblest and the worst of mankind
have had power almost to annihilate it, and more than

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once has it seemed scarce to retain its life. Would it
have been so, had it been in reality what you claim for it,
of divine birth? Would the gods suffer their schemes for
man's good to be so thwarted, and driven aside by man?
What was this boasted faith doing during the long and
peaceful reigns of Hadrian, and the first Antonine? The
sword of persecution was then sheathed, or if it fell at
all, it was but on a few. So too under Vespasian, Titus,
Nerva, Commodus, Severus, Heliogabalus, the Philips,
Gallienus, and Claudius?'

`That is well said,' a Roman voice added, of one
standing by the side of Varus, `and is a general
wonder.'

`I marvel it should be a wonder,' rejoined Probus.
`Can you pour into a full measure? Must it not be
first emptied? Who, Varus, let him try as he may,
could plant the doctrine of Christ in thy heart? Could
I do it, think you? — or Piso?'

`I trow not.'

`And why, I pray you?'

`It is not hard to guess.'

`Is it not because you are already full of contrary notions,
to which you cling tenaciously, and from which,
perhaps, no human force could drag you? But yours is
a type of every other Roman mind to which Christianity
has been offered. If you receive it not at once,
should others? Suppose the soul to be full of sincere
convictions as to the popular faith, can the gospel easily
enter there? Suppose it skeptical, as to all spiritual
truth; can it enter there? Suppose it polluted by vice;
can it easily enter there? Suppose it like the soul of
Fronto, — '

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`Hush! hush!' said several voices. Probus heeded
them not.

`Suppose it like the soul of Fronto, could it enter
there? See you not then, by knowing your own hearts,
what time it must demand for a new, and specially a
strict doctrine to make its way into the minds of men?
'T is not easier to bore a rock with one's finger, than to
penetrate a heart hardened by sin or swelled with prejudice
and pride. And if we say, Varus, this was a work
for the God to do — that he who originated the faith
should propagate it — I answer, that would not be like
the other dealings of the divine power. He furnishes
you with earth and seed, but he ploughs not for you,
nor plants, nor reaps. He gives you reason, but he
pours not knowledge into your mind. So he offers
truth; but that is all. He compels no assent; he forces
no belief. All is voluntary and free. How then can
the march of truth be otherwise than slow? Truth, being
the greatest thing below, resembles in its port the
motion of the stars, which are the greatest things
above. But like theirs, if slow, it is ever sure and onward.
'

`The stars set in night.'

`But they rise again. Truth is eclipsed often, and it
sets for a night; but never is turned aside from its eternal
path.'

`Never, Publius,' said the Prefect, adjusting his gown,
and with the act filling the air with perfume, `never did
I think to find myself within a Christian church. Your
shop possesses many virtues. It is a place to be instructed
in.' Then turning to Probus, he soothingly
and in persuasive tones, added, `Be advised now, good

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

friend, and leave off thy office of teacher. Rome can
well spare thee. Take the judgment of others; we
need not thy doctrine. Let that alone which is well established
and secure. Spare these institutions, veneerable
through a thousand years. Leave changes to
the gods.'

Probus was about to reply, when we were strangely
interrupted. While we had been conversing, there
stood before me, in the midst of the floor of the apartment,
a man, whose figure, face, and demeanor were
such that I hardly could withdraw my eye from him.
He was tall and gaunt, beyond all I ever saw, and erect
as a Prætorian in the ranks. His face was strongly Roman,
thin and bony, with sunken cheeks, a brown and
wrinkled skin — not through age, but exposure — and
eyes more wild and fiery than ever glared in the head
of Hun or hyena. He seemed a living fire-brand of
death and ruin. As we talked, he stood there motionless,
sometimes casting glances at our group, but more
frequently fixing them upon a roll which he held in his
hands.

As Varus uttered the last words, this man suddenly
left his post, and reaching us with two or three strides,
shook his long finger at Varus, saying, at the same
time,

`Hold, blasphemer!'

The Prefect started as if struck, and gazing a moment
with unfeigned amazement at the figure, then immediately
burst into a laugh, crying out,

`Ha! ha! Who in the name of Hecate have we
here? Ha! ha! — he seems just escaped from the Vivaria.
'

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

`Thy laugh,' said the figure `is the music of a sick
and dying soul. It is a rebel's insult against the majesty
of Heaven; ay, laugh on! That is what the devils
do; it is the merriment of hell. What time they
burn not, they laugh. But enough. Hold now thy
scoffing, Prefect Varus, for high as thou art, I fear thee
not: no! not wert thou twice Aurelian, instead of Varus.
I have somewhat for thee. Wilt hear it?'

`With delight, Bubo. Say on.'

`It was thy word just now, `Rome needs not this doctrine,
' was it not?'

`If I said it not, it is a good saying, and I will father
it.'

“Rome needs not this doctrine; she is well enough;
let her alone!' These were thy words. Need not, Varus,
the streets of Rome a cleansing river to purify
them? Dost thou think them well enough, till all the
fountains have been let loose to purge them? Is Tarquin's
sewer a place to dwell in? Could all the waters
of Rome sweeten it? The people of Rome are fouler
than her highways. The sewers are sweeter than the
very worshippers of our temples. Thou knowest somewhat
of this. Wast ever present at the rites of Bacchus? —
or those of the Cyprian goddess? Nay, blush
not yet. Didst ever hear of the gladiator Pollex? — of
the woman Cæcina? — of the boy Lælius, and the fair
girl Fannia — proffered and sold by the parents, Pollex
and Cæcina, to the loose pleasures of Gallienus? Now
I give thee leave to blush! Is it nought that the one
half of Rome is sunk in a sensuality, a beastly drunkenness
and lust, fouler than that of old, which, in Judea,
called down the fiery vengeance of the insulted heavens?

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

Thou knowest well, both from early experience and because
of thy office, what the purlieus of the theatres are,
and places worse than those, and which to name were
an offence. But to you they need not be named. Is
all this, Varus, well enough? Is this that venerable order
thou wouldst not have disturbed? Is that to be
charged as impiety and atheism, which aims to change
and reform it? Are they conspirators, and rebels, and
traitors, whose sole office and labor is to mend these degenerate
morals, to heal these corrupting sores, to pour
a better life into the rotting carcass of this guilty city?
Is it for our pastime, or our profit, that we go about this
always dangerous work? Is it a pleasure to hear the
gibes, jests, and jeers of the streets and the places of
public resort? Will you not believe that it is for some
great end, that we do and bear as thou seest — even the
redemption, and purifying, and saving of Rome? I love
Rome, even as a mother, and for her am ready to die.
I have bled for her freely in battle, in Gaul, upon the
Danube, in Asia, and in Egypt. I am willing to bleed
for her at home, even unto death, if that blood might,
through the blessing of God, be a stream to cleanse her
putrifying members. But O, holy Jesus! why waste I
words upon one whose heart is harder than the nether
millstone! Thou preachedst not to Pilate, nor didst
thou work thy wonders for Herod. Varus, beware!'

And with these words, uttered with a wild and threatening
air, he abruptly turned away, and was lost in the
crowds of the street.

While he raved, the Prefect maintained the same unruffled
demeanor as before. His customary smile played
around his mouth, a smile like no other I ever saw. To

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

a casual observer, it would seem like every other smile,
but to one who watches him, it is evident that it denotes
no hilarity of heart, for the eyes accompany it not with
a corresponding expression, but on the contrary, look
forth from their beautiful cavities with glances that speak
of anything rather than of peace and good-will. So
soon as the strange being who had been declaiming had
disappeared, the Prefect, turning to me, as he drew up
his gown around him, said,

`I give you joy, Piso, of your coadjutor. A few more
of the same fashion, and Rome is safe.' And saluting
us with urbanity, he sallied from the shop.

I had been too much amazed, myself, during this
scene, to do anything else than stand still, and listen,
and observe. As for Probus, I saw him to be greatly
moved, and give signs of even deep distress. He evidently
knew who the person was — as I saw him make
more than one ineffectual effort to arrest him in his harangue—
and as evidently held him in respect, seeing
he abstained from all interruption of a speech that he
felt to be provoking wantonly the passions of the Prefect,
and of many who stood around, from whom, so soon as
the man of authority had withdrawn, angry words broke
forth abundantly.

`Well did the noble Prefect say, that that wild animal
had come forth like a half-famished tiger from the Vivaria,
' said one.

`It is singular,' observed another, `that a man who
pretends to reform the state, should think to do it by first
putting it into a rage with him, and all he utters.'

`Especially singular,' added a third, `that the advocate
of a religion that, as I hear, condemns violence, and

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

consists in the strictness with which the passions are
governed, should suppose that he was doing any other
work than entering a breach in his own citadel, by such
ferocity. But it is quite possible his wits are touched.'

`No, I presume not,' said the first; `this is a kind of
zeal which, if I have observed aright, the Christians hold
in esteem.'

As these separated to distant parts of the shop, I said
to Probus, who seemed heavily oppressed by what had
occurred, `What dæmon dwells in that body that has just
departed?'

`Well do you say dæmon. The better mind of that
man seems oft-times seized upon by some foul spirit, and
bound — and which then acts and speaks in its room.
But do you not know him?'

`No, truly; he is a stranger to me, as he appears to
be to all.'

`Nevertheless, you have been in his company. You
forget not the Mediterranean voyage?'

`By no means. I enjoyed it highly, and recall it ever
with delight.'

`Do you not remember, at the time I narrated to you
the brief story of my life, that, as I ended, a rough voice
from among the soldiers exclaimed, `Where now are the
gods of Rome?' This is that man, the soldier Macer;
then bound with fellow soldiers to the service in Africa,
now a Christian preacher.'

`I see it now. That man impressed me then with his
thin form and all-devouring eyes. But the African climate,
and the gash across his left cheek, and which
seems to have slightly disturbed the eye upon that side,

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

have made him a different being, and almost a terrific
one. Is he sound and sane?'

`Perfectly so,' replied Probus, `unless we may say
that souls earnestly devoted and zealous, are mad.
There is not a more righteous soul in Rome. His conscience
is bare, and shrinking like a fresh wound. His
breast is warm and fond as a woman's. His penitence
for the wild errors of his pagan youth, a consuming fire,
which, while it redoubles his ardor in doing what he
may in the cause of truth, rages in secret, and, if the
sword or the cross claim him not, will bring him to the
grave. He is utterly incapable of fear. All the racks
and dungeons of Rome, with their tormentors, could not
terrify him.'

`You now interest me in him. I must see and know
him. It might be of service to him and to all, Probus,
methinks, if he could be brought to associate with those
whose juster notions might influence his, and modify
them to the rule of truth.'

`I fear not. What he sees, he sees clearly and strongly,
and by itself. He understands nothing of one truth
bearing upon another, and adding to it, or taking from
it. Truth is truth with him — and as his own mind perceives
it — not another's. His conscience will allow
him in no accommodations to other men's opinions or
wishes. He is impatient under an argument as a warhorse
under the rein after the trumpet sounds. It is
unavoidable therefore but he should possess great power
among the Christians of Rome. His are the bold and
decisive qualities that strike the common mind. There
is glory and applause in following and enduring under

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

such a leader. Many are fain to believe him divinely
illuminated and impelled, to unite the characters of teacher
and prophet; and from knowing that he is so regarded
by others, Macer has come almost to believe it himself.
He is tending more and more to construe every impulse of
his own mind into a divine suggestion, and I believe honestly
experiences difficulty in discriminating between
them. Still, I do not deny that it would be of advantage
for him more and more to come in contact with
sober and enlightened minds. I shall take pleasure, at
some fitting moment, to accompany you to his humble
dwelling; the rather as I would show you also his wife
and children, all of whom are like himself Christians.'

`I shall not forget the promise.'

Whereupon we separated.

I then searched for Publius, and making my purchases,
returned home, Milo following with the books.

As Milo relieved himself of his burden, discharging it
upon the floor of the library, I overheard him to say,

`Lie there, accursed rolls! May the flames consume
you, ere you are again upon my shoulders! For none
but Piso would I have done what I have. Let me to
the temple and expiate.'

`What words are these?' cried Solon, emerging suddenly
at the sound from a recess. `Who dares to heap
curses upon books, which are the soul embalmed and
made imperishable? What have we here? Aha! a
new treasure for these vacant shelves, and most trimly
ordered.'

`These, venerable Greek,' exclaimed Milo, waving
him away, `are books of magic! oriental magic! Have

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

a care! A touch may be fatal! Our noble master affects
the Egyptians.'

`Magic!' exclaimed Solon, with supreme contempt;
`art thou so idiotic as to put credence in such fancies?
Away! — hinder me not!' And saying so, he eagerly
grasped a volume, and unrolling it, to the beginning of
the work, dropped it suddenly, as if bitten by a serpent.

`Ha!' cried Milo, `said I not so? Art thou so idiotic,
learned Solon, as to believe in such fancies? How is it
with thee? Is thy blood hot or cold? — thy teeth loose
or fast? — thy arm withered or swollen?'

Solon stood surveying the pile, with a look partly of
anger, partly of sorrow.

`Neither, fool!' he replied. `These possess not the
power nor worth fabled of magic. They are books of
dreams, visions, reveries, which are to the mind what
fogs would be for food, and air for drink, innutritive and
vain. Papias! — Irenæus! — Hegesippus! — Polycarp!
Origen — whose names are these, and to whom familiar?
Some are Greek, some are Latin, but not a name famous
in the world meets my eye. But we will order them on
their shelves, and trust that time, which accomplishes
all things, will restore reason to Piso. Milo, essay thy
strength — my limbs are feeble — and lift these upon
yonder marble; so may age deal gently with thee.'

`Not for their weight in wisdom, Solon, would I again
touch them. I have borne them hither, and if the priests
speak truly, my life is worth not an obolus. I were mad
to tempt my fate farther.'

`Avaunt thee, then, for a fool and a slave, as thou art!'

`Nay now, master Solon, thy own wisdom forsakes

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

thee. Philosophers, they say, are ever possessors of
themselves, though for the rest they be beggars.'

`Beggar! sayest thou? Avaunt! I say, or Papias
shall teach thee' — and he would have launched the
roll at the head of Milo, but that, with quick instincts,
he shot from the apartment, and left the pedagogue to
do his own bidding.

So Fausta, you see that Solon is still the irritable old
man he was, and Milo the fool he was. Think not me
worse than either, for hoping so to entertain you. I
know that in your solitude and grief, even such pictures
may be welcome.

When I related to Julia the scene and the conversation
at the shop of Publius, she listened not without agitation,
and expresses her fears lest such extravagances, repeated
and become common, should inflame the minds
both of the people and their rulers against the Christians.
Though I agree with her in lamenting the excess
of zeal displayed by many of the Christians, and
their needless assaults upon the characters and faith of
their opposers, I cannot apprehend serious consequences
from them, because they are so few and rare, and are
palpable exceptions to the general character which I believe
the whole city would unite in ascribing to the
Christians. Their mildness and pacific temper are perhaps
the very traits by which they are most distinguished,
with which they are indeed continually reproached.
Yet individual acts are often the remote
causes of vast universal evil — of bloodshed, war, and
revolution. Macer alone is enough to set on fire a city,
a continent, a world.

I rejoice, I cannot tell you how sincerely, in all your

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

progress. I do not doubt in the ultimate return of the
city to its former populousness and wealth, at least.
Aurelian has done well for you at last. His disbursements
for the Temple of the Sun alone are vast, and
must be more than equal to its perfect restoration. Yet
his overthrown column you will scarce be tempted to
rebuild. Forget not to assure Gracchus and Calpurnius
of my affection. Farewell.

LETTER III. FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.

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

You are right, Fausta, in your unfavorable judgment
of the Roman populace. The Romans are not a people
one would select to whom to propose a religion like this
of Christianity. All causes seem to combine to injure and
corrupt them. They are too rich. The wealth of subject
kingdoms and provinces finds its way to Rome; and not
only in the form of tribute to the treasury of the empire,
but in that of the private fortunes amassed by such as have
held offices in them for a few years, and who then return
to the capital to dissipate in extravagances and luxuries,
unknown to other parts of the world, the riches wrung
by violence, injustice and avarice from the wretched inhabitants
whom fortune had delivered into their power.
Yes, the wealth of Rome is accumulated in such masses,
not through the channels of industry nor commerce; it
arrives in bales and ship-loads, drained from foreign
lands by the hand of extortion. The palaces are not to
be numbered, built and adorned in a manner surpassing
those of the monarchs of other nations, which are the
private residences of those, or of the descendants of
those who for a few years have presided over some distant
province, but in that brief time, Verres-like, have
used their opportunities so well as to return home oppressed
with a wealth which life proves not long enough
to spend, notwithstanding the aid of dissolute and

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

spendthrift sons. Here have we a single source of evil equal
to the ruin of any people. The morals of no community
could be protected against such odds. It is a mountain
torrent tearing its way through the fields of the husbandman,
whose trees and plants possess no strength of
branch or root to resist the inundation.

Then in addition to all this, there are the largesses of
the emperor, not only to his armies, but to all the citizens
of Rome; which are now so much a matter of
expectation, that rebellions I believe would ensue were
they not bestowed. Aurelian, before his expedition to
Asia, promised to every citizen a couple of crowns — he
has redeemed the promise by the distribution, not of
money but of bread, two loaves to each, with the figure
of a crown stamped upon them. Besides this, there has
been an allowance of meat and pork — so much to all
the lower orders. He even contemplated the addition of
wine to the list, but was hindered by the judicious suggestion
of his friend and general, Mucapor, that if he
provided wine and pork he would next be obliged to furnish
them fowls also, or public tumults might break out.
This recalled him to his senses. Still however only in
part, for the other grants have not been withdrawn. In
this manner is this whole population supported in idleness.
Labor is confined to the slaves. The poor feed upon
the bounties of the emperor, and the wealth so abundantly
lavished by senators, nobles, and the retired proconsuls.
Their sole employment is, to wait upon the pleasure of
their many masters, serve them as they are ready
enough to do, in the toils and preparations of luxury,
and what time they are not thus occupied, pass the remainder
of their hours at the theatres, at the circuses,

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

at games of a thousand kinds, or in noisy groups at the
corners of the streets and in the market-places.

It is become a state necessity to provide amusements
for the populace, in order to be safe against their violence.
The theatres, the baths, with their ample provisions
for passing away time in some indolent amusement
or active game, are always open and always crowded.
Public or funeral games are also in progress without intermission
in different parts of the capital. Those instituted
in honor of the gods, and which make a part of
the very religion of the people, are seldom suspended
for even a day. At one temple or another, in this grove
or that, within or without the walls, are these lovers of
pleasure entertained by shows, processions, music, and
sacrifices. And as if these were not enough, or when
they perchance fail for a moment, and the sovereign people
are listless and dull, the Flavian is thrown open by
the imperial command, the Vivaria vomit forth their
maddened and howling tenants either to destroy each
other, or dye the dust of the arena with the blood of
gladiators, criminals or captives. These are the great
days of the Roman people; these their favorite pleasures.
The cry through the streets in the morning of even
women and boys, “Fifty captives to-day for the lions in
the Flavian,” together with the more solemn announcement
of the same by the public heralds, and by painted
bills at the corners of the streets, and on the public baths,
is sure to throw the city into a fever of excitement, and
rivet by a new bond the affections of this bloody people
to their indulgent emperor.

Hardly has the floor of the amphitheatre been renewed
since the cessation of the triumphal games of Aurelian,

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

before it is again to be soaked with blood in honor of
Apollo, whose magnificent temple is within a few days
to be dedicated.

Never before I believe was there a city whose inhabitants
so many and so powerful causes conspired to corrupt
and morally destroy. Were I to give you a picture
of the vices of Rome, it would be too dark and foul a
one for your eye to read, but not darker nor fouler than
you will suppose it must necessarily be to agree with
what I have already said. Where there is so little industry
and so much pleasure, the vices will flourish and
shoot up to their most gigantic growth. Not in the
days of Nero were they more luxuriant than now. Aurelian,
in the first year of his reign, laid upon them a
severe but useful restraint, and they were checked for a
time. But since he has himself departed from the simplicity
and rigor of that early day, and actually or virtually
repealed the laws which then were promulged for
the reformation of the city in its manners, the people
have also relapsed, and the ancient excesses are renewed.

This certainly is not a people who, in its whole mass,
will be eager to receive the truths of a religion like
this of Christianity. It will be repulsive to them. You
are right in believing that among the greater part it
will find no favor. But all are not such as I have described.
There are others different in all respects, and
who stand waiting the appearance of some principles of
philosophy or religion which shall be powerful enough
to redeem their country from idolatry and moral death,
as well as raise themselves from darkness to light.
Some of this sort are to be found among the nobles and

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

senators themselves, — a few among the very dregs of
the people, but most among those who, securing for
themselves competence and independence by their own
labor in some of the useful arts, and growing thoughtful
and intelligent with their labor, understand in some degree,
which others do not, what life is for and what they
are for, and hail with joy truths which commend themselves
to both their reason and affections. It is out of
these, the very best blood of Rome, that our Christians
are made. They are, in intelligence and virtue, the
very bone and muscle of the capital, and of our two millions
constitute no mean proportion, — large enough to
rule and control the whole, should they ever choose to
put forth their power. It is among these that the Christian
preachers aim to spread their doctrines, and when
they shall all, or in their greater part, be converted, as,
judging of the future by the past and present, will happen
in no long time, Rome will be safe and the empire
safe. For it needs, I am persuaded, for Rome to be as
pure as she is great to be eternal in her dominion, and
then the civilizer and saviour of the whole world. O,
glorious age! — not remote — when truth shall wield
the sceptre in Cæsar's seat, and subject nations of the
earth no longer come up to Rome to behold and copy
her vices, but to hear the law and be imbued with the
doctrine of Christ, so bearing back to the remotest province
precious seed, there to be planted, and spring up
and bear fruit, filling the earth with beauty and fragrance.

These things, Fausta, in answer to the questions at
the close of your letter, which betray just such an

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

interest in the subject which engrosses me, as it gives me
pleasure to witness.

I have before mentioned the completion of Aurelian's
Temple of the Sun and the proposed dedication. This
august ceremony is appointed for tomorrow, and this
evening we are bidden to the gardens of Sallust, where
is to be all the rank and beauty of Rome. O that thou,
Fausta, couldst be there!

I have been, I have seen, I have supped, I have returned;
and again seated at my table beneath the protecting
arm of my chosen divinity, I take my pen, and,
by a few magic flourishes and marks, cause you a
thousand leagues away, to see and hear what I have
seen and heard — alas! that I cannot cause you to sup
as I did also. But this is beyond the power of the pen.

Accompanied by Portia and Julia, I was within the
palace of the emperor early enough to enjoy the company
of Aurelian and Livia before the rest of the world
was there. We were carried to the more private apartments
of the empress, where it is her custom to receive
those whose friendship she values most highly. They
are in that part of the palace which has undergone no
alterations since it was the residence of the great historian,
but shines in all the lustre of a taste and an art
that adorned a more accomplished age than our own.
Especially, it seems to me, in the graceful disposition of
the interiors of their palaces, and the combined richness
and appropriateness of the art lavished upon them, did
the genius of the days of Hadrian and Vespasian surpass
our own. Not that I defend all that that genius

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

adopted and immortalized. It was not seldom licentious
and gross in its conceptions, however unrivalled in the
art and science by which they were made to glow upon
the walls, or actually speak and move in marble or
brass. In the favorite apartment of Livia, into which
we were now admitted, perfect in its forms and proportions,
the walls and ceilings are covered with the story
of Leda, wrought with an effect of drawing and color,
of which the present times afford no example. The
well-known Greek, Polymnestes, was the artist. And
this room in all its embellishments is chaste and cold
compared with others, whose subjects were furnished
to the painter by the profligate master himself.

The room of Leda, as it is termed, is — but how beautiful
it is I cannot tell. Words paint poorly to the eye.
Believe it not less beautiful, nor less exquisitely adorned
with all that woman loves most, hangings, carpets and
couches, than any in the palace of Gracchus or Zenobia.
It was here we found Aurelian and Livia, and his niece
Aurelia. The emperor — habited in silken robes richly
wrought with gold, the inseparable sword at his side,
from which, at the expense of whatever incongruity, he
never parts — advanced to the door to receive us, saying,

`I am happy that the mildness of this autumn day
permits this pleasure, to see the mother of the Pisos beneath
my roof. It is rare nowadays that Rome sees her
abroad.'

`Save to the palace of Aurelian,' replied my mother,
`I now, as is well known, never move beyond the precincts
of my own dwelling. Since the captivity and
death of your former companion in arms, my great husband,
Cneius Piso, the widow's hearth has been my hall

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

of state, these widow's weeds my only robes. But it
must be more than private grief, and more than the
storms of autumn or of winter, that would keep me back
when it is Aurelian who bids to the feast.'

`We owe you many thanks,' replied the emperor.
`Would that the loyalty of the parents were inherited
by the children;' casting towards me, as he saluted me
at the same time, a look which seemed to say that he
was partly serious if partly in jest. After mutual inquiries
and salutations, we were soon seated upon
couches beneath a blaze of light which, from the centre
of the apartment, darted its brightness, as it had been
the sun itself, to every part of the room.

`It is no light sorrow to a mother's heart,' said Portia,
`to know that her two sons, and her only sons, are, one
the open enemy of his country, the other — what shall
I term you, Lucius? — an innovator upon her ancient
institutions; and while he believes and calls himself —
sincerely, I doubt not — the friend of his country, is in
truth, as every good Roman would say — not an enemy,
my son, I cannot use that word, but as it were — an unconscious
injurer. Would that the conqueror of the
world had power to conquer this boy's will!'

`Aurelian, mother,' I replied, `did he possess the
power, would hesitate to use it in such a cause. But it
is easy to see that it would demand infinitely more
power to change one honest mind than to subdue even
the world by the sword.'

Aurelian for a brief moment looked as if he had received
a personal affront.

`How say you,' said he, `demands it more power to
change one mind than conquer a world? Methinks it

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

might be done with something less. My soldiers often
maintain with violence a certain opinion; but I find it
not difficult to cause them to let it go, and take mine in
its place. The arguments I use never fail.'

`That may be,' I replied, `in matters of little moment.
Even in these however, is it not plain, Aurelian, that
you cause them not to let go their opinion, but merely
to suppress it, or affect to change it. Your power may
compel them either to silence, or to an assertion of the
very contrary of what they but just before had declared
as their belief, but it cannot alter their minds. That is
to be done by reason only, not by force.'

`By reason first,' answered the emperor; `but if that
fail, then by force. The ignorant, and the presumptuous,
and the mischievous, must be dealt with as we deal
with children. If we argue with them, it is a favor.
It is our right, as it is better, to command and compel.'

`Only establish it that such and such are ignorant,
and erroneous, and presumptuous, and I allow that it
would be right to silence them. But that is the very
difficulty in the case. How are we to know that they,
who think differently from ourselves, are ignorant or erroneous?
Surely the fact of the difference is not satisfactory
proof.'

`They,' rejoined Aurelian, `who depart from a certain
standard in art are said to err. The thing in this case
is of no consequence to any, therefore no punishment
ensues. So there is a standard of religion in the state,
and they who depart from it may be said to err. But
as religion is essential to the state, they who err should
be brought back, by whatever application of force, and
compelled to conform to the standard.'

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

`In what sense,' said Portia, `can common and ignorant
people be regarded as fit judges of what constitutes
or does not constitute a true religion? It is a subject
level scarce to philosophers. If indeed the gods should
vouchsafe to descend to earth and converse with men,
and in that manner teach some new truth, then any one,
possessed of eyes and ears, might receive it, and retain
it without presumption. Nay, he could not but do so;
but not otherwise.'

`Now have you stated,' said I, `that which constitutes
the precise case of Christianity. They who received
Christianity in the first instance, did it not by balancing
against each other such refined arguments as philosophers
use. They were simply judges of matters of
fact — of what their eyes beheld and their ears heard.
God did vouchsafe to descend to earth, and by his messenger
converse with men, and teach new truth. All
that men had then to do was this, to see whether the evidence
was sufficient that it was a God speaking; and
that being made plain, to listen and record. And at
this day, all that is to be done is to inquire whether the
record be true. If the record be a well-authenticated
one of what the mouth of God spoke, it is then adopted
as the code of religious truth. As for what the word
contains — it requires no acute intellect to judge concerning
it — a child may understand it all.'

`Truly,' replied Portia, `this agrees but ill with what
I have heard and believed concerning Christianity. It
has ever been set forth as a thing full of darkness and
mystery, which it requires the most vigorous powers to
penetrate and comprehend.'

`So has it been ever presented to me,' added the

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

emperor. `I have conceived it to be but some new form
of Plato's dreams, neither more clear in itself, nor promising
to be of more use to mankind. So, if I err not,
the learned Porphyrus has stated it.'

`A good fact,' here interposed Julia, `is worth more
in this argument than the learning of the most learned.
Is it not sufficient proof, Aurelian, that Christianity is
somewhat sufficiently plain and easy, that women are
able to receive it so readily? Take me as an unanswerable
argument on the side of Piso.'

`The women of Palmyra,' replied the emperor, `as I
have good reason to know, are more than the men of
other climes. She who reads Plato and the last essays
of Plotinus, of a morning, seated idly beneath the
shadow of some spreading beech, just as a Roman girl
would the last child's story of Spurius about father Tiber
and the Milvian Bridge, is not to be received in this
question as but a woman, with a woman's powers of
judgment. When the women of Rome receive their
faith as easily as you do, then may it be held as an argument
for its simplicity. But let us now break off the
thread of this discourse, too severe for the occasion, and
mingle with our other friends, who by this must be arrived.
'

So with these words we left the apartment where we
had been sitting, the emperor having upon one side
Portia, and on the other Livia, and moved toward the
great central rooms of the palace, where guests are entertained
and the imperial banquets held.

The company was not numerous; it was rather remarkable
for its selectness. Among others not less distinguished,
there were the venerable Tacitus, the consul

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

Capitolinus, Marcellinus the senator, the prefect Varus,
the priest Fronto, the generals Probus and Mucapor,
and a few other of the military favorites of Aurelian.

Of the conversation at supper I remember little or
nothing, only that it was free and light, each seeming to
enjoy himself and the companion who reclined next to
him. Aurelian, with a condescending grace which no
one knows how better to assume than he, urged the
wine upon his friends, as they appeared occasionally to
forget it, offering frequently some new and unheard of
kind, brought from Asia, Greece or Africa, and which
he would exalt to the skies for its flavor. More than
once did he, as he is wont to do in his sporting mood,
deceive us; for, calling upon us to fill our goblets with
what he described as a liquor surpassing all of Italy, and
which might serve for Hebe to pour out for the gods,
and requiring us to drink it off in honor of Bacchus, Pan
or Ceres, we found upon lifting our cups to drain them
that they had been charged with some colored and perfumed
medicament more sour or bitter than the worst
compound of the apothecary, or than massican overheated
in the vats. These sallies, coming from the
master of the world, were sure to be well received; his
satellites, of whom not a few were near him, being ready
to die with excess of laughter, — the attendant slaves
catching the jest, and enjoying it with noisy vociferation.
I laughed with the rest, for it seems wise to propitiate,
by any act not absolutely base, one whose ambitious
and cruel nature, unless soothed and appeased by
such offerings, is so prone to reveal itself in deeds of
darkness.

When the feast was nearly ended, and the attending

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

slaves were employed in loading it for the last time
with fruits, olives, and confections, a troop of eunuchs,
richly habited, entered the apartment to the sound of flutes
and horns, bearing upon a platter of gold an immense
bowl or vase of the same metal, filled to the brim with
wine, which they placed in the centre of the table, and
then, at the command of the emperor, with a ladle of
the same precious material and ornamented with gems,
served out the wine to the company. At first, as the
glittering pageant advanced, astonishment kept us mute,
and caused us involuntarily to rise from our couches to
watch the ceremony of introducing it and fixing it in its
appointed place. For never before in Rome had there
been seen, I am sure, a golden vessel of such size, or
wrought with art so marvellous. The language of wonder
and pleasure was heard, on every side, from every
mouth. Even Livia and Julia, who in Palmyra had
been used to the goblets and wine cups of the eastern
Demetrius, showed amazement not less than the others
at a magnificence and a beauty that surpassed all experience
and all conception. Just above where the bowl
was placed hung the principal light, by which the table
and the apartment were illuminated, which, falling in
floods upon the wrought or polished gold and the thickly
strewed diamonds, caused it to blaze with a splendor
which the eyes could hardly bear, and, till accustomed
to it by gazing, prevented us from minutely examining
the sculptures, which, with lavish profusion
and consummate art, glowed and burned upon the pedestal,
the swelling sides, the rim and handles of the
vase, and covered the broad and golden plain upon
which it stood. I happily was near it, being seated

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

opposite Aurelian, and on the inner side of the table,
which, as the custom now is, was of the form of a bent
bow, so that I could study at my leisure the histories
and fables that were wrought over its whole surface.
Julia and Livia, being also near it on the other side of
the table, were in the same manner wholly absorbed in
the same agreeable task.

Livia, being quite carried out of herself by this sudden
and unexpected splendor — having evidently no knowledge
of its approach — like a girl as she still is in her
natural, unpremeditated movements, rose from her couch
and eagerly bent forward toward the vase, the better to
scan its beauties, saying, as she did so,

`The emperor must himself stand answerable for all
breaches of order under circumstances like these. Good
friends, let all who will freely approach, and, leaving for
a moment that of Bacchus, drink at the fountain of
Beauty.' Whereupon, all who were so disposed gathered
round the centre of the table.

`This,' said Varus, `both for size and the perfect art
lavished upon it, surpasses the glories fabled of the
buckler of Minerva, whose fame has reached us.'

`You say right; it does so,' said the emperor. `That
dish of Vitellius was inferior in workmanship, as it was
less in weight and size than this, which, before you all,
I here name “The Cup of Livia.” Let us fill again
from it, and drink to the empress of all the world.'

All sprang in eager haste to comply with a command
that carried with it its own enforcement.

`Whatever,' continued the emperor, when our cups
had been drained, `may have been the condition of art

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

in other branches of it, in the time of that emperor, there
was no one then whose power over the metals, or whose
knowledge of forms, was comparable with that of our
own Demetrius; for this, be it known, is the sole work
of the Roman — and yet, to speak more truly, it must be
said the Greek — Demetrius, aided by his brother from
the east, who is now with him. Let the music cease;
we need that disturbance no more; and call in the
brothers Demetrius. These are men who honor any
age and any presence.'

The brothers soon entered; and never were princes
or ambassadors greeted with higher honor. All seemed
to contend which should say the most flattering and
agreeable thing. `Slaves,' cried the emperor, `a couch
and cups for the Demetrii.'

The brothers received all this courtesy with the native
ease and dignity which ever accompany true genius.
There was no offensive boldness nor presuming vanity,
but neither was there any shrinking cowardice nor timidity.
They felt that they were men not less distinguished
by the gods than many or most of those in
whose presence they were, and they were sufficient to
themselves. The Roman Demetrius resembles much
his brother of Palmyra, but in both form and countenance
possesses beauty of a higher order. His look is
contemplative and inward; his countenance pale and yet
dark; his features even and exactly shaped, like a statue;
his hair short and black; his dress, as was that of him
of Palmyra, of the richest stuffs, and showing that wealth
had become their reward as well as fame.

`Let us,' cried the emperor, `in full cups drawn from
the Livian fount, do honor to ourselves, and the arts, by

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

drinking to the health of Demetrius of Palmyra and Demetrius
of Rome.' Every cup was filled and drained.
`We owe you thanks,' then added Aurelian, `that you
have completed this great work at the time promised,
though I fear it has been to your own cost, for the paleness
of your cheeks speaks not of health.'

`The work,' replied the Roman Demetrius, `could not
have been completed but for the timely and effectual aid
of my eastern brother, to whose learned hand, quicker
in its execution than my own, you are indebted for the
greater part of the sculptures upon both the bowl and
dish.'

`It is true, noble emperor,' said the impetuous brother,
`my hand is the quicker of the two, and in some parts of
this work, especially in whatever pertains to the east, and
to the forms of building or of vegetation, or costume seen
chiefly or only there, my knowledge was perhaps more
exact and minute than his; but let it be received, that the
head that could design these forms, and conceive and
arrange these histories, and these graceful ornaments —
to my mind more fruitful of genius than all else — observe
you them? have you scanned them all? — belongs
to no other than Demetrius of Rome. In my whole
hand there resides not the skill that is lodged in one of
his fingers — nor in my whole head the power that lies
behind one of his eyes.'

The enthusiasm of the eastern brother called up a
smile upon the faces of all, and a blush upon the white
cheek of the Roman.

`My brother is younger than I,' he said, `and his
blood runs quicker. All that he says, though it be a
picture of the truest heart ever lodged in man, is yet to

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

be taken with abatement. But for him, this work would
have been far below its present merit. Let me ask you
especially to mark the broad border where is set forth
the late triumph, and ambassadors, captives, and animals
of all parts of the earth, especially of the east, are seen
in their appropriate forms and habits. That is all from
the chisel of my brother. Behold here' — and rising he
approached the vase, and vast as it was, by a touch —
so was it constructed — turned it round — `behold here,
where is figured the queen of —' in the enthusiasm of
art he had forgotten for a moment to whom he was
speaking, for at that instant his eye fell upon the countenance
of Julia, who stood near him, and which he saw
cast down by an uncontrollable grief. He paused, confused
and grieved — saying, as he turned back the vase,
`Ah me! cruel and indiscreet! Pardon me, noble ladies!
and yet I deserve it not.”

`Go on, go on, Demetrius,' said Julia, assuming a
cheerful air. `You offend me not. The course of empire
must have its way; individuals are but emmets in
the path. I am now used to this, believe me. It is for
you rather, and the rest, to forgive in me a sudden
weakness.'

Demetrius, thus commanded, resumed, and then with
minuteness, with much learning and eloquence, discoursed
successively upon the histories or emblematic
devices of this the chief work of his hands. All were
sorry when he ceased.

`To what you have overlooked,' said Aurelian, as he
paused, `must I call you back, seeing it is that part of
the work which I most esteem, and in which at this
moment I and all, I trust, are most interested — the

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

sculptures upon the platter; and which represent the
new temple and ceremonies of the dedication, which tomorrow
we celebrate.'

`Of this,' replied Demetrius, `I said less, because perhaps
the work is inferior, having been committed, our
time being short, to the hands of a pupil — a pupil, however,
I beg to say, who, if the Divine Providence spare
him, will one day, and that not a remote one, cast a
shadow upon his teachers.'

`That will he,' said the brother; `Flaccus is full of
the truest inspiration.'

`But to the dedication — the dedication,' interrupted
the hoarse voice of Fronto.

Demetrius started and shrunk backward a step at
that sound, but instantly recovered himself, and read
into an intelligible language many of the otherwise obscure
and learned details of the sculpture. As he ended,
the emperor said,

`We thank you, Demetrius, for your learned lecture,
which has given a new value to your work. And now,
while it is in my mind, let me bespeak, as soon as leisure
and inclination shall serve, a silver statue gilded of
Apollo, for the great altar, which to-morrow will scarce
be graced with such a one as will agree with the temple
and its other ornaments.'

Demetrius, as this was uttered, again started, and his
countenance became of a deadly paleness. He hesitated
a moment, as if studying how to order his words so as to
express least offensively an offensive truth. On the instant
I suspected what the truth was; but I was wholly
unprepared for it. I had received no intimation of such
a thing.

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

`Great emperor,' he began, `I am sorry to say — and
yet not sorry — that I cannot now as once labor for the
decoration of the temples and their worship. I am —,

`Ye gods of Rome, —' cried Fronto.

`Peace,' said the emperor, `let him be heard. How
say you?'

`I am now a Christian, and I hold it not lawful to bestow
my power and skill in the workmanship of gods,
in whom I believe not, and thus become the instrument
of an erroneous faith in others.'

This was uttered firmly but with modesty. The
countenance of the emperor was overclouded for a moment.
But it partially cleared up again as he said,

`I lay not, Demetrius, the least constraint upon you.
The four years that I have held this power in Rome,
have been years of freedom to my people in this respect.
Whether I have done well in that for our city and the
empire, many would doubt. I almost doubt myself.'

`That would they, by Hercules,' said the soft voice of
Varus just at my ear, and intended chiefly for me.

`My brother,' said Demetrius, `will be happy to execute
for the emperor the work which he has been
pleased to ask of me. He remains steadfast in the faith
in which he was reared; the popular faith of Athens.'

`Apollo,' said Demetrius of Palmyra, `is my especial
favorite among all the gods, and of him I have wrought
more statues in silver, gold, or ivory, or of these variously
and curiously combined, than of all the others. If
I should be honored in this labor, I should request to
adopt the marble image now standing in the baths of
Caracalla, and once, it is said, the chief wonder of Otho's
palace of wonders, as a model after which, with some

[figure description] Page 080.[end figure description]

deviations, to mould it. I think I could make that that
should satisfy Aurelian and Rome.'

`Do it, do it,' said the emperor, `and let it be seen
that the worshipper of his country's gods is not behind
him who denies them, in his power to do them honor.'

`I shall not sleep,' said the enthusiastic artist, `till I
have made a model in wax at least of what at this moment
presents itself to my imagination.' Saying which,
with little ceremony — as if the empire depended upon
his reaching on the instant his chalk and wax — and to
the infinite amusement of the company, he rose and
darted from the apartment, the slaves making way as
for a missile that it might be dangerous to obstruct.

`But in what way,' said Aurelian, turning to the elder
Demetrius, `have you been wrought upon to abandon
the time-honored religion of Rome? Methinks the
whole world is becoming of this persuasion.'

`If I may speak freely —'

`With utmost freedom,' said Aurelian.

`I may then say that ever since the power to reflect
upon matters so deep and high had been mine, I had
doubted first the truth of the popular religion, and then
soon rejected it, as what brought to me neither comfort
nor hope, and was burdened with things essentially incredible
and monstrous. For many years, many weary
years — for the mind demands something positive in
this quarter, it cannot remain in suspense, and vacant —
I was without belief. Why it was so long before I
turned to the Christians I know not, unless because of
the reports which were so common to their disadvantage,
and the danger which has so often attended a profession
of their faith At length, in a fortunate hour,

[figure description] Page 081.[end figure description]

there fell into my hands the sacred books of the Christians,
and I needed little besides to show me that theirs
is a true and almighty faith, and that all that is current
in the city to its dishonor is false and calumnious. I
am now happy, not only as an artist and a Roman, but
as a man and an immortal.'

`You speak earnestly,' said Aurelian.

`I feel so,' replied Demetrius, a generous glow lighting
up his pale countenance.

`Would,' rejoined the emperor, `that some of the zeal
of these Christians might be infused into the sluggish
spirits of our own people. The ancient faith suffers
through neglect, and the prevailing impiety of those who
are its disciples.'

`May it not rather be,' said Fronto, `that the ancient
religion of the state, having so long been neglected by
those who are its appointed guardians, to the extent that
even Judaism and now Christianity — which are but
disguised forms of Atheism — have been allowed to insinuate
and intrench themselves in the empire — the
gods now in anger turn away from us, who have been
so unfaithful to ourselves, and thus this plausible impiety
is permitted to commit its havocs. I believe the gods
are ever faithful to the faithful.'

`What good citizen, too,' added Varus, `but must lament
to witness the undermining and supplanting of
those venerable forms under which this universal empire
has grown to its present height of power? He is
scarcely a Roman who denies the gods of Rome, however
observant he may be of her laws and other institutions.
Religion is her greatest law.'

`These are hard questions,' said the emperor. `For

[figure description] Page 082.[end figure description]

know you not that some of our noblest, and fairest, and
most beloved, have written themselves followers of this
Gallilean God? How can we deal sharply with a people
at whose head stands the head of the noble house of
the Pisos, and a princess of the blood of Palmyra?'

Although Aurelian uttered these words in a manner
almost sportive to the careless ear, yet I confess myself
to have discovered at the moment an inward expression
of the countenance and a tone in the voice, which for
the time gave me uneasiness. I was about to speak,
when the venerable Tacitus addressed the emperor and
said,

`I can never think it wise to interfere with violence
in the matter of men's worship. It is impossible, I believe,
to compel mankind to receive any one institution
of religion, because different tribes of men, different by
nature and by education, will and do demand, not
the same, but different forms of belief and worship.
Why should they be alike in this, while they separate
so widely in other matters? and can it be a more hopeful
enterprise to oblige them to submit to the same rules
in their religion, than it would be to compel them to
feed on the same food, and use the same forms of language
or dress? I know that former emperors have
thought and acted differently. They have deemed it a
possible thing to restore the ancient unity of worship, by
punishing with severity, by destroying the lives even of
such as should dare to think for themselves. But their
conduct is not to be defended, either as right in itself or
best for the state. It has not been true, as policy. For
is it not evident, how oppression of those who believe
themselves to be possessed of truth important to

[figure description] Page 083.[end figure description]

mankind, serves but to bind them the more closely to their
opinions? Are they, for a little suffering, to show themselves
such cowards as to desert their own convictions,
and prove false to the interests of multitudes? Rather,
say they, let us rejoice in such a cause to bear reproach.
This is the language of our nature. Nay, such persons
come to prize suffering, to make it a matter of pride and
boasting. Their rank among themselves is by and by
determined by the readiness with which they offer themselves
as sacrifices for truth and God. Are such persons
to be deterred by threats, or the actual infliction of
punishment?'

`The error has been,' here said the evil-boding Fronto,
`that the infliction of punishment went not to the extent
that is indispensable to the success of such a work.
The noble Piso will excuse me; we are but dealing
with abstractions. Oppress those who are in error only
to a certain degree, not extreme, and it is most true
they cling the closer to their error. We see this in the
punishment of children. Their obstinacy and pride
are increased by a suffering which is slight, and
which seems to say, `I am too timid, weak, or loving,
to inflict more.' So too with our slaves. Whose
slaves ever rose a second time against the master's
authority whose first offence, however slight, was
met, not by words or lashes, but by racks and the
cross?'

`Nay, good Fronto, hold; your zeal for the gods
bears you away beyond the bounds of courtesy.'

`Forgive me then, great sovereign, and you who are
here — if you may; but neither time nor place shall deter
me, a minister of the great god of light, from

[figure description] Page 084.[end figure description]

asserting the principles upon which his worship rests, and, as
I deem, the empire itself. Under Decius, had true Romans
sat on the tribunals, had no hearts too soft for
such offices turned traitors to the head, had no accursed
spirit of avarice received the bribes which procured security
to individuals, families, and communities; had
there been no commutations of punishment, then —'

`Peace, I say, Fronto; thou marrest the spirit of
the hour. How came we thus again to this point?
Such questions are for the council-room or the senate.
Yet, truth to say, so stirred seems the mind of this
whole people in the matter, that in battle one may as
well escape from the din of clashing arms or the groans
of the dying, as in Rome avoid this argument. Nay,
by my sword, not a voice can I hear, either applauding,
disputing or condemning, since I have set on foot this
new war in the east. Once, the city would have rung
with acclamations that an army was gathering for such an
enterprise. Now, it seems quite forgotten that Valerian
once fell, or that, late though it be, he ought to be revenged.
This Jewish and Christian argument fills all
heads, and clamors on every tongue. Come, let us
shake off this dæmon in a new cup, and drink deep to
the revenge of Valerian.'

`And of the gods,' ejaculated Fronto, as he lifted the
goblet to his lips.'

`There again?' quickly and sharply demanded Aurelian,
bending his dark brows upon the offender.

`Doubtless,' said Portia, `he means well, though over
zealous and rash in speech. His heart I am sure seconds
not the cruel language of his tongue. So at least
I will believe; and in the meantime hope that the zeal

[figure description] Page 085.[end figure description]

he has displayed for the ancient religion of our country
may not be without its use upon some present' — glancing
her eye towards me and Julia — `who, with what
I trust will prove a brief truancy, have wandered from
their household gods and the temples of their fathers.'

`May the gods grant it,' added Livia, `and restore
the harmony which should reign in our families and in
the capital. Life is over brief to be passed in quarrel.
Now let us abandon our cups. Sir Christian Piso!
lead me to the gardens, and let the others follow as they
may our good example.'

The gardens we found, as we passed from the palace,
to be most brilliantly illuminated with lamps of every
form and hue. We seemed suddenly to have passed to
another world, so dream-like was the effect of the multitudinous
lights as they fell with white, red, lurid, or
golden glare upon bush or tree, grotto, statue, or marble
fountain.

`Forget here, Lucius Piso,' said the kind-hearted
Livia, `what you have just heard from the lips of that
harsh bigot, the savage Fronto. Who could have
looked for such madness! Not again, if I possess the
power men say I do, shall he sit at the table of Aurelian.
Poor Julia too! But see! she walks with Tacitus.
Wisdom and mercy are married in him, and both will
shed comfort on her.'

`I cannot but lament,' I replied, `that a creature like
Fronto should have won his way so far into the confidence
of Aurelian. But I fear him not, and do not believe
that he will have power to urge the emperor to the
adoption of measures, to which his own wisdom and
native feelings must stand opposed. The rage of such

[figure description] Page 086.[end figure description]

men as Fronto, and the silent pity and scorn of men immeasurably
his superiors, we have both now learned to
bear without complaint, though not without some inward
suffering. To be shut out from the hearts of so many
who once ran to meet us on our approach, nor only that,
but to be held by them as impious and atheistical, monsters
whom the earth is sick of, and whom the gods are
besought to destroy — this is a part of our burden which
we feel to be heaviest. Heaven preserve to us the smiles
and the love of Livia.'

`Doubt not that they will ever be yours. But I trust
that sentiments like those of Tacitus will bear sway in
the councils of Aurelian, and that the present calm will
not be disturbed.'

Thus conversing we wandered on, beguiled by such
talk and the attractive splendors of the garden, till we
found ourselves separated, apparently by some distance,
from our other friends; none passed us and none met
us. We had reached a remote and solitary spot, where
fewer lamps had been hung, and the light was faint and
unequal. Not sorry to be thus alone, we seated ourselves
on the low pedestal of a group of statuary — once
the favorite resort of the fair and false Terentia — whose
forms could scarcely be defined, and which was enveloped
at a few paces distant with shrubs and flowers,
forming a thin wall of partition between us and another
walk, corresponding to the one we were in, but winding
away in a different direction. We had sat not long,
either silent or conversing, ere our attention was caught
by the sound of approaching voices apparently in earnest
discourse. A moment and we knew them to be those
of Fronto and Aurelian.

[figure description] Page 087.[end figure description]

`By the gods his life shall answer it,' said Aurelian
with vehemence, but with suppressed tones; `who but
he was to observe the omens? Was I to know that to-day
is the Ides and to-morrow the day after? The rites
must be postponed.'

`It were better not, in my judgment,' said Fronto;
`all the other signs are favorable. Never, Papirius assured
me, did the sacred chickens seize so eagerly the
crumbs. Many times, as he closely watched, did he
observe them — which is rare — drop them from their
mouths overfilled. The times he has exactly recorded.
A rite like this put off, when all Rome is in expectation,
would in the opinion of all the world be of a more unfavorable
interpretation, than if more than the day were
against us.'

`You counsel well. Let it go on.'

`But to ensure a fortunate event, and propitiate the
gods, I would early, and before the august ceremonies,
offer the most costly and acceptable sacrifice.'

`That were well also. In the prisons there are captives
of Germany, of Gaul, of Egypt and Palmyra.
Take what and as many as you will. If we ever make
sure of the favor of the gods, it is when we offer freely
that which we hold at the highest price.'

`I would rather they were Christians,' urged Fronto.

`That cannot be,' said Aurelian. `I question if there
be a Christian within the prison walls; and, were there
hundreds, it is not a criminal I would bring to the altar.
I would as soon offer a diseased or ill-shaped bull.'

`But it were an easy matter to seize such as we might
want. Not, O Aurelian, till this accursed race is

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exterminated, will the heavens smile as formerly upon our
country. Why are the altars thus forsaken? Why are
the temples no longer thronged as once? Why do the
great, and the rich, and the learned, silently withhold
their aid or openly scoff and jeer? Why are our sanctuaries
crowded only by the scum and refuse of the
city?'

`I know not. Question me not thus.'

`Is not the reason palpable and gross to the dullest
mind? Is it not because of the daily growth of this
blaspheming and atheistical crew, who, by horrid arts,
seduce the young, the timid, and above all the women,
who ever draw the world with them, to join them in
their unhallowed orgies, thus stripping the temples of
their worshippers and dragging the gods themselves
from their seats? Think you the gods look on with
pleasure while their altars and temples are profaned or
abandoned, and a religion that denies them rears itself
upon their ruins?'

`I know not. Say no more.'

`Is it possible religion or the state should prosper,
while he, who is not only Vicegerent of the gods, Universal
Monarch, but what is more, their sworn Pontifex
Maximus, connives at their existence and dissemination—
'

`Thou liest.'

`Harboring even beneath the imperial roof, and feasting
at the imperial table, the very heads and chief ministers
of this black mischief —'

`Hold, I say. I swear, by all the gods known and
unknown, that another word, and thy head shall answer

[figure description] Page 089.[end figure description]

it. Is my soul that of a lamb, that I need this stirring
up to deeds of blood? Am I so lame and backward,
when the gods are to be defended, that I am to be thus
charged? Let the lion sleep when he will; chafed too
much, and he may spring and slay at random. I love
not the Christians, nor any who flout the gods and their
worship — that thou knowest well. But I love Piso,
Aurelia, and the divine Julia — that thou knowest as
well. Now no more.'

`For my life,' said Fronto, `I hold it cheap, if I may
but be faithful to my office and the gods.'

`I believe it, Fronto. The gods will reward thee.
Let us on.'

In the earnestness of their talk they had paused and
stood just before us, being separated but by a thin screen
of shrubs. We continued rooted to our seats while this
conversation went on, held there both by the impossibility
of withdrawing without observation, and by a
desire to hear — I confess it — what was thus in a manner
forced upon me, and concerned so nearly, not only
myself, but thousands of my fellow-Christians.

When they were hidden from us by the winding of
the path, we rose and turned toward the palace.

`That savage!' said Livia. `How strange that Aurelian,
who knows so well how to subdue the world,
should have so little power to shake off this reptile.'

`There is power enough,' I replied; `but alas! I fear
the will is wanting. Superstition is as deep a principle
in the breast of Aurelian as ambition, and of that Fronto
is the most fitting high-priest. Aurelian places him at
the head of religion in the state for those very qualities,
whose fierce expression has now made us tremble. Let

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us hope that the emperor will remain where he now is,
in a position from which it seems Fronto is unable to
dislodge him, and all will go well.'

We soon reached the palace, where, joining Julia and
Portia, our chariot soon bore us to the Cœlian Hill,
Farewell.

LETTER IV. FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.

[figure description] Page 091.[end figure description]

I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach
you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe
the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication
of the new Temple of the Sun. The day has
now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest
to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to
fulfill my engagements.

Vast preparations had been making for the dedication
for many days or even months preceding, and the day
arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies
and games that were to reward their long and
patient waiting. For the season of the year the day
was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those
massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon
another, which, while they both please the eye by their
forms and veil the fierce splendors of the sun as they
now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend
wind and storm. All Rome was early astir. It was
ushered in by the criers traversing the streets and proclaiming
the rites and spectacles of the day, what they
were and where to be witnessed, followed by troops of
boys imitating in their grotesque way the pompous
declarations of the men of authority, not unfrequently
drawing down upon their heads the curses and the batons
of the insulted dignitaries. A troop of this sort

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passed the windows of the room in which Julia and
I were sitting at our morning meal. As the crier ended
his proclamation and the shouts of the applauding urchins
died away, Milo, who is our attendant in preference
to any other and all others, observed,

`That the fellow of a crier deserved to have his
head beat about with his own rod, for coming round
with his news not till after the greatest show of the day
was over.'

`What mean you?' I asked. `Explain.'

`What should I mean,' he replied, `but the morning
sacrifice at the temple.'

`And what so wonderful,' said Julia, `in a morning
sacrifice? The temples are open every morning, are
they not?'

`Yes, truly are they,' rejoined Milo; `but not for
so great a purpose. Curio wished me to have been
there, and says nothing could have been more propitious.
They died as the gods love to have them.'

`Was there no bellowing nor struggling, then?' said
Julia.

`Neither, Curio assures me; but they met the knife
of the priest as they would the sword of an enemy on
the field of battle.'

`How say you?' said Julia, quickly, turning pale;
`do I hear aright, Milo, or are you mocking? God forbid
that you should speak of a human sacrifice.'

`It is even so, mistress. And why should it not be
so? If the favor of the gods, upon whom we all depend,
as the priests tell us, is to be purchased so well in
no other way, what is the life of one man or of many in
such a cause? The great Gallienus, when his life had

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been less ordered than usual, after the rules of temperance
and religion, used to make amends by a few captives
slain to Jupiter; to which, doubtless, may be ascribed
his prosperous reign. But, as I was saying,
there was, as Curio informed me, at the market, not
long afterwards, a sacrifice, on the private altar of the
temple, of ten captives. Their blood flowed just as the
great god of the temple showed himself in the horizon.
It would have done you good, Curio said, to see with
what a hearty and dexterous zeal Fronto struck the
knife into their hearts — for to no inferior minister would
he delegate the sacred office.'

`Lucius,' cried Julia, `I thought that such offerings
were now no more. Is it so, that superstition yet delights
itself in the blood of murdered men?'

`It is just so,' I was obliged to reply. `With a people
naturally more gentle and humane than we of Rome
this custom would long ago have fallen into disuse.
They would have easily found a way, as all people do,
to conform their religious doctrine and offerings to their
feelings and instincts. But the Romans, by nature and
long training, lovers of blood, their country built upon
the ruins of others and cemented with blood — the taste
for it is not easily eradicated. There are temples where
human sacrifices have never ceased. Laws have restrained
their frequency — have forbidden them under
heaviest penalties unless permitted by the state — but
these laws ever have been, and are now evaded; and it
is the settled purpose of Fronto and others of his stamp to
restore to them their lost honors, and make them again,
as they used to be, the chief rite in the worship of the

[figure description] Page 094.[end figure description]

gods. I am not sorry, Julia, that your doubts, though so
painfully, have yet been so effectually removed.'

Julia had for some time blamed as over-ardent the
zeal of the Christians. She had thought that the evil of
the existing superstitions was over-estimated and that it
were wiser to pursue a course of more moderation; that
a system that nourished such virtues as she found in
Portia, in Tacitus, and others like them, could not be so
corrupting in its power as the Christians were in the
habit of representing it; that if we could succeed in substituting
Christianity quietly, without alienating the
affections or shocking too violently the prejudices of the
believers in the prevailing superstitions, our gain would
be double. To this mode of arguing I knew she was
impelled by her love and almost reverence of Portia; and
how could I blame it, springing from such a cause? I
had, almost criminally, allowed her to blind herself in a
way she never would have done had her strong mind
acted, as on other subjects, untramelled and free. I was
not sorry that Milo had brought before her mind a fact
which, however revolting in its horror to such a nature
as hers, could not but heal while it wounded.

`Milo,' said Julia, as I ended, `say now that you have
been jesting; that this is a piece of wit with which you
would begin in a suitable way an extraordinary day;
this is one of your Gallienus fictions.'

`Before the gods, if never before,' replied Milo, `I
have told you the naked truth. But not the whole —
for Curio left me not till he had shown how each had
died. Of the ten, but three, he averred, resisted, or died
unwillingly. The three were Germans from beyond

[figure description] Page 095.[end figure description]

the Danube — brothers, he said, who had long lain in
prison till their bones were ready to start through the
skin. Yet were they not ready to die. It seemed as if
there were something they longed — more even than
for life or freedom — to say; but they might as well
have been dumb and tongueless, for none understood
their barbarous jargon. When they found that their
words were in vain, they wrung their hands in their wo,
and cried out aloud in their agony. Then, however, at
the stern voice of Fronto warning them of the hour,
they ceased — embraced each other, and received the fatal
blow; the others signified their pleasure at dying
so rather than to be thrown to wild beasts or left to die
by slow degrees within their dungeon's walls. Two
rejoiced that it was their fate to pour out their blood
upon the altar of a god, and knelt devoutly before the
uplifted knife of Fronto. Never, said Curio, was there
a more fortunate offering. Aurelian heard the report of
it with lively joy, and said that `now all would go well.'
Curio is a good friend of mine; will it please you to
hear these things from his own lips?'

`No,' said Julia; `I would hear no more. I have
heard more than enough. How needful, Lucius, if
these things are so, that our Christian zeal abate not!
I see that this stern and bloody superstition requires that
they who would deal with it must carry their lives in
their hand, ready to part with nothing so easily, if by so
doing they can hew away one of the branches or tear
up one of the roots of this ancient and pernicious error.
I blame not Probus longer — no, nor the wild rage of
Macer.'

[figure description] Page 096.[end figure description]

`Two, lady, of the captives were of Palmyra; the
queen's name and yours were last upon their lips.'

`Great God! how retribution like a dark pursuing
shadow hangs upon the steps of guilt. Even here it
seeks us. Alas, my mother! Heaven grant that these
things fall not upon your ears!'

Julia was greatly moved, and sat a long time silent,
her face buried in her hands, and weeping. I motioned
to Milo to withdraw and say no more. Upon Julia, although
so innocent of all wrong — guiltless as an infant
of the blame, whatever it may be, which the world fixes
upon Zenobia — yet upon her as heavily as upon her
great mother fall the sorrows which sooner or later overtake
those who for any purpose, in whatever degree
selfish, have involved their fellow-creatures in useless
suffering. Being part of the royal house, Julia feels
that she must bear her portion of its burdens. Time
alone can cure this grief.

But you are waiting with a woman's impatient curiosity
to hear of the dedication.

At the appointed hour we were at the palace of Aurelian
on the Palatine, where a procession, pompous as
art and rank and numbers could make it, was formed, to
move thence by a winding and distant route to the temple
near the foot of the Quirinal. Julia repaired with
Portia to a place of observation near the temple — I to
the palace to join the company of the emperor. Of the
gorgeous magnificence of the procession I shall tell you
nothing. It was in extent and variety of pomp and costliness
of decoration, a copy of that of the late triumph,
and went even beyond the captivating splendor of the

[figure description] Page 097.[end figure description]

example. Roman music — which is not that of Palmyra—
lent such charms as it could to our passage
through the streets to the temple, from a thousand performers.

As we drew near to the lofty fabric, I thought that
no scene of such various beauty and magnificence had
ever met my eye. The temple itself is a work of unrivaled
art. In size it surpasses any other building of
the same kind in Rome, and for the excellence of workmanship
and purity of design, although it may fall below
the standard of Hadrian's age, yet for a certain air of
grandeur and luxuriance of invention in its details, and
lavish profusion of embellishment in gold and silver, no
temple nor other edifice of any preceding age ever perhaps
resembled it. Its order is the Corinthian, of the
Roman form, and the entire building is surrounded by
its slender columns, each composed of a single piece of
marble. Upon the front is wrought Apollo surrounded
by the Hours. The western extremity is approached by
a flight of steps of the same breadth as the temple itself.
At the eastern there extends beyond the walls to a distance
equal to the length of the building a marble platform,
upon which stands the altar of sacrifice, and which
is ascended by various flights of steps, some little more
than a gently rising plain, up which the beasts are led
that are destined to the altar.

When this vast extent of wall and column of the most
dazzling brightness came into view, everywhere covered,
together with the surrounding temples, palaces and theatres,
with a dense mass of human beings, of all climes
and regions, dressed out in their richest attire — music
from innumerable instruments filling the heavens with

[figure description] Page 098.[end figure description]

harmony — shouts of the proud and excited populace
every few moments and from different points, as Aurelian
advanced, shaking the air with its thrilling din —
the neighing of horses, the frequent blasts of the trumpet—
the whole made more solemnly imposing by the
vast masses of cloud which swept over the sky, now
suddenly unveiling and again eclipsing the sun, the great
god of this idolatry, and from which few could withdraw
their gaze; — when at once this all broke upon my eye
and ear, I was like a child who before had never seen
aught but his own village and his own rural temple, in
the effect wrought upon me, and the passiveness with
which I abandoned myself to the sway of the senses.
Not one there was more ravished by the outward circumstance
and show. I thought of Rome's thousand
years, of her power, her greatness and universal empire,
and for a moment my step was not less proud than that
of Aurelian. But after that moment — when the senses
had had their fill, when the eye had seen the glory, and
the ear had fed upon the harmony and the praise, then I
thought and felt very differently; sorrow and compassion
for these gay multitudes were at my heart; prophetic
forebodings of disaster, danger, and ruin to those
to whose sacred cause I had linked myself, made my
tongue to falter in its speech and my limbs to tremble.
I thought that the superstition that was upheld by the
wealth and the power, whose manifestations were before
me, had its roots in the very centre of the earth — far
too deep down for a few like myself ever to reach them.
I was like one whose last hope of life and escape is suddenly
struck away.

I was roused from these meditations by our arrival at

[figure description] Page 099.[end figure description]

the eastern front of the temple. Between the two central
columns, on a throne of gold and ivory, sat the emperor
of the world, surrounded by the senate, the colleges
of augurs and haruspices, and by the priests of the various
temples of the capital, all in their peculiar costume.
Then Fronto, the priest of the temple, when the crier
had proclaimed that the hour of worship and sacrifice
had come, and had commanded silence to be observed —
standing at the altar, glittering in his white and golden
robes like a messenger of light — bared his head, and
lifting his face up toward the sun, offered in clear and
sounding tones the prayer of dedication. As he came
toward the close of his prayer, he, as is so usual, with
loud and almost frantic cries and importunate repetition,
called upon the god to hear him, and then with appropriate
names and praises invoked the Father of gods
and men to be present and hear. Just as he had thus
solemnly invoked Jupiter by name, and was about to
call upon the other gods in the same manner, the clouds,
which had been deepening and darkening, suddenly obscured
the sun; a distant peal of thunder rolled along
the heavens, and at the same moment from the dark recesses
of the temple a voice of preternatural power came
forth, proclaiming so that the whole multitude heard the
words — `God is but one; the king eternal, immortal,
invisible.' It is impossible to describe the horror that
seized those multitudes. Many cried out with fear, and
each seemed to shrink behind the other. Paleness sat
upon every face. The priest paused as if struck by a
power from above. Even the brazen Fronto was appalled.
Aurelian leaped from his seat, and by his countenance,
white and awe-struck, showed that to him it

[figure description] Page 100.[end figure description]

came as a voice from the gods. He spoke not, but stood
gazing at the dark entrance into the temple from which
the sound had come. Fronto hastily approached him,
and whispering but one word as it were into his ear,
the emperor started; the spell that bound him was dissolved;
and recovering himself — making indeed as
though a very different feeling had possessed him —
cried out in fierce tones to his guards,

`Search the temple; some miscreant hid away among
the columns profanes thus the worship and the place.
Seize him and drag him forth to instant death.'

The guards of the emperor and the servants of the
temple rushed in at that bidding, and searched in every
part the interior of the building. They soon emerged,
saying that the search was fruitless. The temple in all
its aisles and apartments was empty.

The ceremonies, quiet being again restored, then went
on. Twelve bulls, of purest white and of perfect forms,
their horns bound about with fillets, were now led by
the servants of the temple up the marble steps to the
front of the altar, where stood the cultrarii and haruspices,
ready to slay them and examine their entrails.
The omens as gathered by the eyes of all from the fierce
strugglings and bellowings of the animals as they were
led toward the place of sacrifice — some even escaping
from the hands of those who had the management of
them — and from the violent and convulsive throes of
others as the blow fell upon their heads, or the knife
severed their throats, were of the darkest character, and
brought a deep gloom upon the brow of the emperor.
The report of the haruspices upon examination of the
entrails was little calculated to remove that gloom. It

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was for the most part unfavorable. Especially appalling
was the sight of a heart so lean and withered that it
scarce seemed possible it should ever have formed a part
of a living animal. But more harrowing than all was
the voice of Fronto, who prying with the haruspices
into the smoking carcass of one of the slaughtered bulls,
suddenly cried out with horror that `no heart was to be
found.'

The emperor, hardly to be restrained by those near
him from some expression of anger, ordered a more diligent
search to be made.

`It is not in nature that such a thing should be,' he
said. `Men are, in truth, sometimes without hearts;
but brutes, as I think, never.'

The report was however confidently confirmed. Fronto
himself approached, and said that his eye had from
the first been upon the beast, and the exact truth had
been stated.

The carcasses, such parts as were for the flames,
were then laid upon the vast altar, and the flames of the
sacrifice ascended.

The heavens were again obscured by thick clouds,
which accumulating into dark masses began now nearer
and nearer to shoot forth lightning and roll their thunders.
The priest commenced the last office, prayer to
the god to whom the new temple had been thus solemnly
consecrated. He again bowed his head, and
again lifted up his voice. But no sooner had he invoked
the god of the temple and besought his ear, than
again from its dark interior the same awful sounds issued
forth, this time saying `Thy gods, O Rome, are
false and lying gods. God is but one.'

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Aurelian, pale as it seemed to me with superstitious
fear, strove to shake it off, giving it artfully and with
violence the appearance of offended dignity. His voice
was a shriek rather than a human utterance, as he cried
out,

`This is but a Christian device; search the temple till
the accursed Nazarene be found, and hew him piecemeal—
' more he would have said, but at the instant a
bolt of lightning shot from the heavens, and lighting
upon a large sycamore which shaded a part of the temple
court, clove it in twain. The swollen cloud at the
same moment burst, and a deluge of rain poured upon
the city, the temple, the gazing multitudes, and the just
kindled altars. The sacred fires went out in hissing
and darkness; a tempest of wind whirled the limbs of
the slaughtered victims into the air, and abroad over the
neighboring streets. All was confusion, uproar, terror
and dismay. The crowds sought safety in the houses
of the nearest inhabitants, and the porches and of the
palaces. Aurelian and the senators, and those nearest
him, fled to the interior of the temple. The heavens
blazed with the quick flashing of the lightning, and
the temple itself seemed to rock beneath the voice
of the thunder. I never knew in Rome so terrific a
tempest. The stoutest trembled, for life hung by a
thread. Great numbers, it has now been found, in
every part of the capitol, fell a prey to the fiery bolts.
The capitol itself was struck, and the brass statue of
Vespasian in the forum thrown down and partly melted.
The Tiber in a few hours overran its banks, and laid
much of the city on its borders under water.

But ere long the storm was over. The retreating
clouds, but still sullenly muttering in the distance as

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they rolled away, were gaily lighted up by the sun,
which again shone forth in his splendor. The scattered
limbs of the victims were collected and again laid upon
the altar. Dry wood being brought, the flames quickly
shot upward and consumed to the last joint and bone
the sacred offerings. Fronto once more stood before the
altar, and now uninterrupted performed the last office of
the ceremony. Then around the tables spread within
the temple to the honor of the gods, feasting upon the
luxuries contributed by every quarter of the earth, and
filling high with wine, the adverse omens of the day
were by most forgotten. But not by Aurelian. No
smile was seen to light up his dark countenance. The
jests of Varus and the wisdom of Porphyrius alike failed
to reach him. Wrapped up in his own thoughts, he
brooded gloomily over what had happened, and strove
to read the interpretation of portents so unusual and
alarming.

I went not in to the feast, but returned home reflecting
as I went upon the events I had witnessed. I knew
not what to think. That in times past, long after the
departure from the earth of Jesus and his immediate followers,
the Deity had interposed in seasons of peculiar
perplexity to the church, and in a way to be observed
had manifested his power, I did not doubt. But for a
long time such revelations had wholly ceased. And I
could not see any such features in the present juncture,
as would, to speak as a man, justify and vindicate a departure
from the ordinary methods of the Divine Providence.
But then on the other hand I could not otherwise
account for the voice, nor discover any way in
which, had one been so disposed, he could so successfully
and securely have accomplished his work. Revolving

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these things, and perplexed by doubts, I reached the
Cœlian — when, as I entered my dwelling, I found to my
great satisfaction, Probus seated with Julia, who at an
early period foreseeing the tempest had with Portia withdrawn
to the security of her own roof.

`I am glad you are come at length,' said Julia as I
entered, `our friend has scarce spoken. I should think,
did I not know the contrary, that he had suddenly abandoned
the service of truth and become a disciple of
Novatus. He hath done little but groan and sigh.'

`Surely,' I replied, `the occasion warrants both sighs
and groans. But when came you from the temple?'

`On the appearance of the storm, just as Fronto approached
the altar the first time. The signs were not
to be mistaken by any who were not so much engrossed
by the scene as to be insensible to all else, that a tempest
was in the sky, and would soon break upon the crowds
in a deluge of rain and hail — as has happened. So
that warning Portia of the danger, we early retreated —
she with reluctance — but for myself. I was glad to be
driven away from a scene that brought so vividly before
me the events of the early morning.'

`I am glad it was so,' I replied; `you would have been
more severely tried, had you remained.' And I then
gave an account of the occurrences of the day.

`I know not what to make of it,' she said as I ended.
`Probus, teach us what to think. I am bewildered and
amazed.'

`Lady,' said Probus, `the Christian service is a hard
one.'

`I have not found it so, thus far, but on the other hand
a light and easy one.'

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