He took it from her, broke open the seals, and read it, saying:
'It is all true. Thank the gods, she is safe at last, and where recompense may be made. Saronia, thou knowest of thy mother?'
'Yes.'
'And thou also knowest of thy father? He forsook her and thee.'
'Yes.'
'Thou didst not know him?'
'No, good sire.'
'Couldst thou forgive him, Saronia? Couldst thou forgive him, if he sought forgiveness?'
'Yea, for "mercy endureth for ever."'
'Then let Lucius kiss his child!'