Must this way of yours,
then, be paved with gold?"
"No," answered Saturius drily, "with pearls. Oh! I will be plain. Give
up that necklace--and its wearer. What do you answer?"
Now Marcus understood, and a saying that he heard on the lips of Miriam
arose in his mind, though he knew not whence it came.
"I answer," he said with set face and flashing eyes, "that I will not
cast pearls before swine."
"A pretty message from a prisoner to his judge," replied the chamberlain
with a curious smile. "But have no fear, noble Marcus, it shall not
be delivered. I am not paid to tell my royal master the truth. Think
again."
"I have thought," answered Marcus. "I do not know where the maiden is
and therefore cannot deliver her to Domitian, nor would I if I could.
Rather will I be disgraced and perish."
"I suppose," mused Saturius, "that this is what they call true love,
and to speak plainly," he added with a burst of candour, "I find it
admirable and worthy of a noble Roman. My lord Marcus, my mission has
failed, yet I pray that the Fates may order your deliverance from
your enemies, and, in reward for these persecutions, bring back to you
unharmed that maiden whom you desire, but whom I go to seek. Farewell.
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