ercise mercy. He is in love--he was so gracious at the feast!
I myself was foremost among those who did their utmost to dispose Caesar
to clemency.. But he would not be moved, and, before the sun goes down
upon this day, the old man and the young one--the chiefest among the
nobles of Rome--will be no more. And it is Caracalla's love for you,
child, that sheds this blood. Ask yourself after this how many lives will
be sacrificed when your flight causes hatred and fury to reign supreme in
the soul of the cheated monarch!"

With quickened breath Euryale had listened to the philosopher, without
regarding the girl; but scarcely had Philostratus uttered his last words
than Melissa ran to her, and, clasping her hands passionately on the
matron's arm, she cried, "Ought I to obey you, Euryale, and the terrors
of my own heart, and flee?"

Then releasing the lady, she turned again to the philosopher, and burst
out: "Or are you in the right, Philostratus? Must I stay, to prevent the
misery that threatens to overtake others?"

Beside herself, torn by the storm that raged in her soul, she clasped her
hands upon her brow and continued, wildly: "You are both of you so wise,
and surely wish the best. How can you give me such opposite advice? And
my own heart?--why have the gods struck it dumb? Time was when it spoke
loudly enough if ever I was in doubt. One thing I know for certain: if by
the sacrifice of my life I could undo it all, I would joyfully cast
myself before the lions and panthers, like the Christian maiden whom my
mother saw smiling radiantly as she was led into the arena. Splendor and
power are as hateful to me as the flowers yonder with their false dew. I
was ever taught to close my ear to the voice of selfishness. If I have
any wish for myself, it is that I may keep my faith with him to whom it
was promised. But for love of my father, and if I could be certain of
saving many from death and misery, I would stay, though I should despise
myself and be separated forever from my beloved!"

"Submit to the inevitable," interposed the philosopher, with eager
entreaty. "The immortal gods will reward you with the blessings of
hundreds whom a word from you will have saved from ruin and destruction."

"And what say you?" asked the maiden, gazing with anxious expectancy into
the matron's face. "Follow your own heart!" replied the lady, deeply
moved.

Melissa had hearkened to both counselors with eager ear, and both hung
anxiousl