"I have not forgotten the military oath or the discipline of the camp, Lucullus. I thought that this lad, being scarcely more than a child, might not be considered a prisoner. Do the commands of the emperor extend to children?"
"He makes no distinction of age. Have you not seen children as young as this lad suffer death in the Coliseum?"
"Alas I have," said Marcellus, as his thoughts reverted to those young girls whose death-song once struck so painfully and so sweetly upon his heart. "This young boy, then, must also suffer?"
"Yes," said Lucullus, "unless he abjures Christianity."
"And that he will never do."
"Then he will rush upon his fate. The law does this, not I, Marcellus. I am but the instrument. Do not blame me."
"I do not blame you. I know well how strongly you are bound to obedience. If you hold your office you must perform its duties. Yet let me make another proposal. Surrender of prisoners is not allowed, but an exchange is lawful."
"Yes."
"If I could tell you of a prisoner far more important than this boy, you would exchange, would you not?"
"But you have taken none of us prisoners?"