“Well, well, well! I cannot please all. I have to steer my course among shoals and rocks. Keep the [pg 236]question of Christianity in the background and charge on other grounds. That is my line. I will do my best to please all parties. We must have sport for the games. The rabble desire to have some one punished for spoiling their pet image. But, by the Twins, could not the poor god hold his own head on his shoulders? If he had been worth an as, he would have done so. But there, I nettle you. You shall be satisfied along with the rest. Bring up the prisoners: Quincta, widow of Aulus Harpinius Læto, first of all.”
The mother of Perpetua was led forward in a condition of terror that rendered her almost unconscious, and unable to sustain herself.
“Quincta,” said the magistrate, “have no fear for yourself. I have no desire to deal sharply with you; if you will inform us where is your daughter, you shall be dismissed forthwith.”
“I do not know——” The poor woman could say no more.
“Give her a seat,” ordered Petronius. Then to the prisoner: “Compose yourself. No doubt that, as a mother, you desire to screen your daughter, supposing that her life is menaced. No such thing, madame. I have spoken with the priestess, and with [pg 237]my good friend here, Lucius Smerius, chief pontiff, Augustal flamen, and public haruspex.” He bowed to the priest at his side. “I am assured that the god, when he spoke, made no demand for a sacrifice. That is commuted. All he desires is that the young virgin should pass into his service, and be numbered among his priestesses.”
“She will not consent,” gasped Quincta.
“I hardly need to point out the honor and advantage offered her. The priestesses enjoy great favor with the people, have seats of honor at the theater, take a high position in all public ceremonies, and are maintained by rich endowments.”
“She will never consent,” repeated the mother.
“Of that we shall judge for ourselves. Where is the girl?”
“I do not know.”