The magistrate said: “Bring forward Perpetua, daughter of Aulus Harpinius Læto, that has lived.”
At once Æmilius sprang into the arena and advanced before Petronius.
“Suffer me to act as her advocate,” said he in an agitated voice. “You know me, I am Lentulus Varo.”
“I know you very well by repute, Æmilius,” answered the Quatuorvir; “but I think there is no occasion now for your services. This is not a court of justice in which your forensic eloquence can be heard, neither is this a case to be adjudicated upon, and calling for defence. The virgin was chosen by lot to be given to the god Nemausus, and was again demanded by him speaking at midnight, after she had been rescued from his fountain, if I mistake not, by you. Your power of interference ceased there. Now, she is accused of nothing. She is reconsigned to the god, whose she is.”
“I appeal to Cæsar.”
“If I were to allow the appeal, would that avail thy client? But it is no case in which an appeal is justifiable. The god is merciful. He does not exact the life of the damsel, he asks only that she enter into his service and be a priestess at his shrine, that she pour libations before his altar, and strew rose leaves on his fountain. Think you that the Cæsar will interfere in such a matter? Think you that, were it to come before him, he would forbid this? But ask thy client if the appeal be according to her desire.”
Perpetua shook her head.
“No, she is aware that it would be profitless. If thou desirest to serve her, then use thy persuasion and induce her to do sacrifice.”
“Sir,” said Æmilius in great agitation, “how can she become the votary of a god in whom she does not believe?”
“Oh, as to that,” answered the Quatuorvir, “it is a formality, nothing more; a matter of incense and rose leaves. As to belief,” he turned to his fellow-magistrate, and said, laughing, “listen to this man. He talks of belief, as though that were a necessary ingredient in worship! Thou, with thy [pg 276]plum-colored nose, hast thou full faith in Æsculapius to cure thee even of a chilblain?”