Lucius Licinius guessed his thoughts.
"You seek the dark Corsican, Furius Ahalla? You must not reckon upon him. I sounded him thoroughly, but he said: 'I am a Corsican--no Roman. My trade flourishes under Gothic protection. Leave me out your game.' And when I pressed him further--for I would gladly win his brave sword and the many thousands of hands which he commands--he said abruptly: 'I will not fight against Totila.'"
"The Gods alone know what binds the wild tiger to that milksop," said Piso.
Cethegus smiled, but frowned as well.
"I think we Romans will suffice," he said in a loud voice; and the youths looked at him with beating hearts.
"Open the assembly," said Scævola impatiently to Silverius. "You see how he talks over the young people; he will win them all. Interrupt him; speak!"
"Immediately. Are you sure that Albinus will come?"
"He will; he waits for the messengers at the Appian gate."
"Well," said the priest, "God be with us!"
And he stepped into the middle of the rotunda, raised the black cross which he held, and began: