“And what was that?”
“Why, that Fulvius had discovered a great conspiracy against Dioclesian; and from the wink of the old man’s awful eye, I understood he had hatched it first; and he has been sent with strong recommendations to Rome to be employed in the same line.”
“But I have no ability either to make or to discover conspiracies, though I may have to punish them.”
“One way, however, is easy.”
“What is that?”
“In my country there are large birds, which you may attempt in vain to run down with the fleetest horses; but which, if you look about for them quietly, are the first to betray themselves, for they only hide their heads.”
“What do you wish to represent by this?”
“The Christians. Is there not going to be a persecution of them soon?”
“Yes, and a most fierce one; such as has never been before.”
“Then follow my advice. Do not tire yourself with hunting them down, and catching, after all, but mean prey; keep your eyes open and look about for one or two good fat ones, half trying to conceal themselves; pounce upon them, get a good share of their confiscation, and come with one good handful to get two in return.”