THE INDIGNATION OF THARSOS.
Tharsos was speaking with deep but suppressed feeling.
"I have heard of the maiden," he continued, "and have seen her in my
native province. Her good deeds to the poor and the suffering have
been countless. Her whole life has been work and pity and
self-sacrifice. It represents the highest moral beauty."
"Strange," remarked Titanus sympathetically, "that the maiden has held
up under prison life so long."
"Though meek and modest," replied Tharsos, "she possesses a fortitude
that bears incredible strain. I almost believe, indeed I do believe,
that her power must come from Him whom they call Jesus of Nazareth."
"Our laws are evil," said Titanus reflectively, "or such a woman would
have known no strain but daily duty. But thou art becoming Christian,
Tharsos, yet I do not reproach thee--it were good if all men were."
At this stage the riderless steed kicked a pursuing guard on the palm
of his uplifted hand, raised in self defence, and the spectators
laughed heartily. Carnion's attention was diverted for a little from
the serious conversation, and he stepped a few feet away.
"'Evil,' didst thou say! Our heathen system is corrupt and cursed, an
only too ready tool of ignorant malice. For no other reason could the
enemies of the accomplished maiden lead her into this arena"; and
Tharsos writhed under the thought that justified his grave charge.
Titanus was astonished to see a man so loyal and reflective, and
hitherto so quiet and self-possessed, now quivering with indignation.
"Be tranquil, my friend, thou canst not mend matters, and thou hast
done thy duty. Hast thou not told me of thy hastening to the Praefect
to plead for postponement or release, and that this dignitary had
already gone to the Colosseum, with all of the lesser magistrates who
had any possible power?"
"I would that I had received the tidings earlier," was the answer,
spoken in a low tone of deep sadness, even despair.
"Content thee, my dear Tharsos, thou hast done thy best; and strive to
think that speedy death, even if cruel and revolting, is better than
prolonged prison-hardship and degradation."
Tharsos turned and looked up at the serried mass of living faces behind
him, his indignation now controlled, yet he saw no one--none but the
beautiful face of his affectionate sister whom he warmly loved; and
there flashed into his heart--"What if she were the victim!" His
colour changed and his lips tightened. Some strange thought seemed to
enter him, and he arose from his seat.
"Thou wilt, of course, wait and see the maiden?" said Titanus with a
perplexed inquiring look.
But Tharsos stood up to his full height, and cast one withering look
towards Titanus, as much as if to say--"What, witness the butchery of
one like my own sister!" Turning haughtily on his heel, he strode two
steps back to the staircase, muttering something in which there was the
distinct word Lion, and in a moment he was down and out of view.