The decurion, meanwhile, had taken off his helmet, and the starry heavens were not more clear than his indignant, simple countenance.
"It is well," said Paulus. "I will ask for you at Formiæ. Go now."
Lygdus therefore went away.
"Decurion," said Paulus, "say to the esteemed Velleius Paterculus that I am very grateful to him; but what must be, must be."
"And what is that, noble sir?" answered the decurion, "in case my commanding officer should ask me for an explanation?"
"That I have given my word advertently, and will keep it faithfully," replied Paulus.
"Is this, noble sir," said the decurion, "what you mean by that which must be?"
"Have I, then," answered Paulus, "said any thing obscure or confused?"
"Only something unusual, excellent sir," said the decurion; "but not any thing confused or obscure. Permit me to add, that the whole camp knows the circumstances of this miserable undertaking, and wishes you well; and I feel in my single bosom the good wishes of the whole camp for your success."
"What is your name, brave decurion?"