He lay comfortably in his great chair and began to read them.

Presently his body straightened, the wrinkles deepened in his brow.

Soon he flung the letter he had been reading upon his table and leaned back, laughing quietly as he remarked to himself: "Innocent, beautiful son of Varro! He is making progress." An attendant came near.
"Find my young Appius at once and bring him to me," said the emperor, as he went on reading his letters.
Appius, quickly found, came with all haste to the great father of Rome.
"I have news for you," said the latter, quietly, with a glance at his young friend.

He continued to read his letters.
"News!" said Appius.
"'Tis of Vergilius--the apt and youthful Vergilius.

How swift, industrious, and capable is he! How versatile! How varied his attainments!" "I am delighted." The emperor turned his keen eyes on the young man, with a smile of amusement.