Immediately the young Roman laid hold of the silken cord.

Tracing it stealthily, to make sure of its owner, he drew his dagger and cut the girdle in twain, hiding an end of it in his bosom.
"The new king is in Rome," the speaker added.

"Presently you shall hear the voice of his herald, whose face I know not, but of whose fidelity and wisdom.

I have long been sure.

He will give you further revelation of our purposes." It was cunningly said, for the speaker knew that such a promise would delay the vengeance of Herod.
A little silence followed the ceasing of "the shrill voice." Vergilius could hear its owner moving away in the darkness.