When all was ready, with tears she bade her farewell.
"Child, child," she said, "you have become to me as my own daughter was, and now I know not how and when we shall meet again." "Perhaps sooner than you think," Miriam answered.

"But if not, if, indeed, I speak to you for the last time, why, then, my blessings on you who have played a mother's part to a helpless maid that was no kin of yours.

Yes, and on you Gallus also, who have kept me safe through so many dangers." "And who hopes, dear one, to keep you safe through many more.

Since I may not swear by the gods before you, I swear it by the Eagles that Domitian will do well to have a care how he deals by you.

To him I owe no fealty and, as has been proved before to-day, the sword of vengeance can reach the heart of princes." "Aye, Gallus," said Miriam gently, "but let it not be your sword, nor, I trust, shall you need to think of vengeance." Then the litter was brought into the courtyard, with the guards that were sent to accompany it, and they started for the gathering-place beyond the Triumphal Way.