was not Virginia that
was defended by Icilius, but that, being a restless man, and even now
breathing the spirit of the tribuneship, he was seeking an occasion for
a disturbance. That he would not afford him material on that day; but in
order that he may now know that the concession has been made not to his
petulance, but to the absent Virginius, to the name of father and to
liberty, that he would not decide the cause on that day, nor interpose a
decree: that he would request of Marcus Claudius to forego somewhat of
his right, and suffer the girl to be bailed till the next day. But
unless the father attended on the following day, he gave notice to
Icilius and to men like Icilius, that neither the founder would be
wanting to his own law, nor firmness to the decemvir; nor would he
assemble the lictors of his colleagues to put down the promoters of
sedition; that he would be content with his own lictors." When the time
of this act of injustice was deferred, and the friends of the maiden had
retired, it was first of all determined, that the brother of Icilius and
the son of Numitorius, both active young men, should proceed thence
straightforward to the gate, and that Virginius should be brought from
the camp with all possible haste. That the safety of the girl depended
on his being present next day at the proper time, as her protector from
injury. They proceed according to directions and with all speed carry
the account to her father. When the claimant of the maiden was pressing
Icilius to become defendant, and give sureties,[149] and Icilius said
that that was the very thing he was doing, designedly spinning out the
time, until the messengers sent to the camp might gain time for their
journey, the multitude raised their hands on all sides, and every one
showed himself ready to go surety for Icilius. And he with tears in his
eyes says, It is very kind of you; on to-morrow I will avail myself of
your assistance; at present I have sufficient sureties. Thus Virginia is
bailed on the security of her relations. Appius having delayed a short
time, that he might not appear to have sat on account of the present
case, when no one applied, all other concerns being given up by reason
of their solicitude about the one, betook himself home, and writes to
his colleagues to the camp, "not to grant leave of absence to Virginius,
and even to keep him in confinement." This wicked scheme was late, as it
deserved to be; for Virginius, having alr