"Galileans, I order you to rid the sacred wood of Apollo of the relics of your co-religionist. We do not desire to use force against you, but if our will is not carried out, I must myself see that Helios is delivered from such sacrilege. I shall send here my soldiers, who will disinter the bones, burn them, and scatter the ashes to the winds."
The arch-priest coughed, and finally said in a humble tone—
"Most merciful Cæsar, that is hard on us, for these relics have long rested here, in a place blessed by the will of Cæsar Gallus. But as it is a matter beyond our jurisdiction, we are forced to refer it to the bishop."
A murmur ran through the crowd; an urchin hidden in a laurel bush shouted—
"The butcher comes
With a big, big knife!"
But he received such a buffet that he fled, howling.
The arch-priest, feeling that decency obliged him to defend the relics, coughed again and began—
"If it pleases your High Wisdom to give this order on account of the idol..." he quickly corrected himself.
"Of the Hellenic god, Helios...."
The Emperor's eyes sparkled with rage.