"What I predicted," replied the augur with dignity. "The Senate would not accept the abdication, and compelled the immortal Carinus to continue to wear the purple."
Mesembrius was obliged to lean on his crutches again.
"Oh, my poor feet! Oh, this terrible gout in my knees! Foolish old man that I am; what have I been saying? I swing myself on a horse? If I could at least sit comfortably in my wheel-chair! Such a foolish old fellow! How could I go to war when I see so badly that I cannot distinguish friend from foe? Laugh at me, my dear friends; laugh at such a silly old man. Oh, my feet——"
And, groaning painfully, he dragged himself forward. Then Manlius met him.
"Have you learned anything?" he asked.
"To-morrow I will force myself into Carinus's presence. And you?"
"I will seek Glyceria."
"That you may kill her ere she can speak."
"Have no anxiety. Even if she could use magic arts, she would die. We will meet in Carinus's atrium to-morrow. Be provided with a good sword."