'This Decree to be inscribed by the Temple Wardens in the Great Temple of Artemis, where other grants of citizens have been subscribed.
'That all men may know the people of Ephesus delight to honour such deeds of heroism, whether performed on behalf of a friend or an enemy.'
This read, Saronia the High Priestess bade Chios come to her, and taking the crown from an attendant, she placed it on the brow of the Greek, saying: 'Hail, honoured of the Ephesian people!' And at the same time she handed him the letter sealed with the seal of Rome.
As she did so, she looked steadfastly into his eyes, conveying her thought to him: 'Open it not here.'
He saw the oleander and the myrtle both entwined upon her bosom, and this he understood not.
He placed the parchment within the folds of his robe, and after thanking the givers, he retired with the Proconsul.
After passing the precincts of the Temple, the two men wished each other fortune and separated—the Roman to Nika, and Chios to wonder at the twin symbol which graced the bosom of Saronia.
He broke the seal of the parchment; between the folds he saw a tiny scrap. He read it—the other was nothing to him.
'To-morrow, when midnight has passed, haste to the bend of the river Cayster, which flows by the grove of Hecate. Fear nothing. The child of the Bride of Britain will be there.'
It was from Saronia, and he feared for her. He kissed the tiny scrap passionately.