Days had passed since the incident related in the last chapter. The
Romans had entered the country without encountering the slightest
resistance. After encamping on the summit of Meersburg and resting
during the following day, they had set forth again and, turning
somewhat inland from the lake and its swampy shores, reached the
Idisenhang.
Finding this commanding position undefended, they had formed a
permanent camp here at the spot agreed upon with the troops which had
embarked on the fleet. As soon as this seemed sufficiently fortified to
be defended by a small garrison left behind, and their comrades in
Arbon had the fleet ready, the latter were to cross, land, and begin
the pursuit of the invisible Barbarians.
But scarcely had Nannienus seen from Arbon on the opposite shore that
the column sent by land had reached the spot appointed and established
a camp, when he despatched by a swift fisher-boat tidings which
threatened to defer the progress of the enterprise for an indefinite
time. As soon as the experienced commander reached the Roman post he
discovered that the equipment of the necessary vessels would require
far more time than had been expected.
The reports of the magistrates and officers to the distant Emperor,
which represented a considerable portion of the old Roman fleet as
still in existence and, moreover, strengthened by newly 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 attempt it yet. Your uncle is as well as he was at home
in Burdigala. Let him first sicken under this Barbarian sky, the
unwonted fatigues of camp life in the rain and swamps; then it will be
easier. But now--in perfect health? No, no! Have patience. Wait a
little longer."
"I cannot. My creditors, the usurers, are hounding me to the death;
have followed me here to the camp. And this region, this neighborhood,
as you know, is more perilous to me than any other spot in the whole
world. So hasten!"
"As soon as he begins to ail a little I'll do it at once. But I must
confess--"
"What?"
"The vial of poison you gave me, I--"
"Lost? You blockhead!"
"No, it is broken. During the steep ascent of the mountain recently I
slipped, struck my breast against a boulder, and crushed the little
bottle, whose contents all poured out."
"Alas, then where else--"
"Have no fear, my lord. I've seen hemlock enough growing in these
marshy meadows to poison our whole army. I have already begun to gather
and dry it. Do you the same, and as soon--"
Loud voices and the clank of weapons were heard; the face vanished, and
the slave passed through the doorway of the tent into the open air.