AND RIVERS

WITH THEIR MODERN SITES AND NAMES

Abus Flumen Humber River.
Ad Fines Broughing, Hertfordshire.
Anderida Pevensey.
Aquae Solis Bath.
Bibracte _Unknown_.
Caledonia Scotland.
Calleva Silchester.
Corinium Cirencester.
Cunetio Folly Farm, near Marlborough.
Deva Chester.
Dubrae Dover.
Eboracum York.
Gobannium Abergavenny.
Glevum Gloucester.
Isca Silurum Carleon.
Leucarum Llychwr, county of Glamorgan.
Londinium London.
Noviomagus Holwood Hill, parish of Bromley.
Pontes Staines
Portus Magnus Porchester.
Ratae Leicester.
Regnum Chichester.
Rutupiae Richborough
Sabrina Flumen Severn River.
Serica China.
Tamesis Flumen Thames River.
Tripontium _Near_ Lilburne.
Uriconium Wroxeter.
Urus Flumen Ouse River.

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THE MANTLE OF MELCHIOR

BOOK I

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NICANOR: TELLER OF TALES

Book I

THE MANTLE OF MELCHIOR

I

Nicanor the story-teller was the son of Rathumus the wood-cutter, who
was the son of Razis the worker in bronze, who was the son of Melchior
the story-teller. So that Nicanor came honestly by his gift, and would
even believe that his great-grandsire had handed it down to him by
special act of bequest.

Now Rathumus the wood-cutter, tall and gaunt and fierce-eyed, coming
home with his fagots on his shoulder in the gloam of the evening, when
the fireflies twinkled low among the marshes, saw Nicanor on the side of
the hill against the sky, sitting with hands clasped about his knees,
crooning to the stars. Rathumus bowed his head and entered his house,
and to Susanna, his wife, he said:

"The gift of our father Melchior hath fallen upon the child. I have seen
it coming this long, long while. Now he singeth to the stars. When they
have heard him and have taught him, he will go and sing to men. He is
our child no longer, wife. His life hath claimed him."

Susanna, the mother, said:

"He will be a man among men. He will be a great man among great men. It
may be that the Lord Governor will send for him. But--oh, my boy--my