The road grew steeper as they mounted.
“Oh merciful power!” sighed the worthy Baucis, “to think that these fine young men should be made to toil thus for an old woman! By Osiris! I am ashamed of myself. To carry you, sweet Claudia, is indeed a pleasure—but me, wrinkled old Baucis! If I had not sprained my ribs—as sure as I live...! But I will reward them for it; each man shall have a little jar of Nile-water.”
“Do not be uneasy on their account,” said Herodianus, wiping his brow. “Our Northmen are used to heavier burdens!” Then, turning to Magus, he went on: “By all the gods, I entreat you—a draught of Caecubum![56] I am bound to carry this weary load,” and he slapped his round paunch, “this Erymanthian boar,[57] like a second Hercules, to the top of the hill on my own unaided legs! and I am dropping with exhaustion.”
The Goth smiled and signed to one of the slaves, who was carrying wine and other refreshments.
“The wine of Caecubus,” said Herodianus, “is especially good against fatigue. Dionysus,[58] gracious giver, I sacrifice to thee!” and as he spoke he shed a few drops as a libation[59] on the earth and then emptied the cup with the promptitude of a practised drinker.
In about twenty minutes more they reached Octavia’s house; in the vestibule[60] a young girl came running out to meet them.
“Mother, dear, sweet mother!” she cried excitedly, “and Claudia, my darling! Here you are at last. Oh! we have been so dreadfully frightened, Quintus and I; that awful storm! the whole bay was churned up, as white as milk. But oh! I am glad to have you safe again! Quintus! Quintus!...”
And she flew back into the house, where they heard her fresh, happy voice still calling: “Quintus!”
“My adopted daughter,"[61] said Octavia, in answer to an enquiring glance from Aurelius.
“Lucilia,” added Claudia, “whom I love as if she were my own real sister.”