y built ships,
proved false and shamefully exaggerated: these unprincipled men,
corrupt, like nearly all the officials in the Empire, had concealed
their numerous defeats in which the Barbarians had gradually destroyed
these ships; they had then appropriated the money furnished to build
new ones, and reported them completed.

This was the discovery made by the Comes of Britannia, who announced
with fierce indignation--he had sent the treacherous quaestors and
nauarchs in chains to the Emperor at Vindonissa--that though he had
ordered work to be carried on in the little dockyard night and day, the
intended landing must be deferred to a considerably later period.
Energetic Saturninus was incensed by this enforced idleness: but he
could do nothing save vituperate the corruption of the magistracy, the
Empire, the whole age, and--wait.

The richly decorated tent intended for the Prefect of Gaul was pitched
upon the very summit of the height which is now occupied by the
cemetery of the village of Berg. Soft rugs, piled one above another,
covered the ground; a couch was placed against the back of the leather
tent, and beside it stood a table adorned with costly drinking-vessels.
An old freedman, a slave, and the cup-bearer were engaged in giving the
last touches. There were places for three on the horseshoe-shaped
couch, and a row of goblets stood on the table; for, though the c[oe]na
had been served in the Tribune's tent, the Prefect had invited him and
his nephew to take some choice wine after the meal in the Praetorian
one.

While the servants were busied in preparing the table, the loose
leather at the poles in the rear of the tent was repeatedly raised
noiselessly and then dropped again. No one observed it. Two of the men
now went out, but the cupbearer still lingered to wipe again and again
the inside of a magnificent silver goblet, which, supported by three
graceful female figures, bore the inscription: "The graces to their
favorite, Ausonius."

"Not ready yet, Davus?" the old freedman had asked in a tone of
vexation, as he turned away.

"No, Prosper. You know our master will drink only from this cup, the
Emperor's gift, and he is so particular about it."

The slave was scarcely alone when the leather flap of the tent was
again raised, a watchful face was thrust cautiously in. "Alone at
last!" a voice whispered.

"I was waiting for you, my lord."

"Well? To-day? At the nocturnal carouse?"

"No. I dare not a