“Ah! yes,” said Hyacintha; “I am going to be sent to the noble Terentia Rufilla, the Vestal Maxima, in the temple of the goddess; but my brother was to have remained with Burrhus, and now——”
“Fret not for him,” said Caius. “I can bestow him in my home—a humble one, it may be—till orders can be received from the Governor of Britain or your father, the noble Severus; and I will conduct you and your attendant to the palace of the vestals. But we are not at Rome yet; there is a long voyage before us, though with this fresh wind and fair weather, we ought to make the Portus Augusti in a few days. We must make the best of it,” Caius added, “but I fear the accommodation on board my vessel is not what the fair Hyacintha has a right to expect.”
“Tell me,” Hyacintha said, “what will be the fate of Burrhus and all the people with him.”
“Nay, I cannot tell a maiden of thy tender age of all I fear may befall them, especially the women of the band. Let us thank the gods that thou art safe, and thy brother also, who looks little fitted to bear the brunt of war.”
“You know Rome well?” Casca asked. “I pray you tell me if I shall find it easy to frequent a school of learning there. Now that I am free of Burrhus, though I wish him no ill, yet I do feel that I lose a hard master. It is learning for which I crave.”
“Thy craving for learning can be satisfied, boy,” said Caius, “as all things can be satisfied in Rome. Rome holds within her hand all that her sons and daughters can need, be it for war, or fame, or pleasure, or learning. There is a school, kept by one Cassius, who may receive you for learning by day; and as for a home, I have a poor little villa not far from the schools, where my good mother lives, and there, as I have said, you will be welcome till the good pleasure of your father, the noble Severus, is known. For myself, I must present myself before the Emperor’s minions and report the loss of the chief part of the maniple under Burrhus, and the capture of the large galley and the small baggage vessel by the swart African pirates.
“May the gods protect us from further attacks from them! I did not forget to sacrifice to Neptune before we set sail. I think I was the only man who did so propitiate the god; and see how he has rewarded me! Ay, it is beyond a doubt that no sacrifice or libation poured out is in vain; and here I have proved it, as my good mother will be glad to hear. She is one who is always amongst the first in the temples at grand ceremonies, and the very sight of you, fair maiden, about to be vowed to the highest service, will fill her old heart with pride that she is allowed to touch your hand.
“And now it is time for rest. Your couch, and that of your slave, is made ready; and if Neptune and Æolus deign to favour us, we shall be well on our voyage ere you open your eyes on another day.”