Part 14 (1/2)
”Yes, many.”
”This is a boy.”
”I believe my men captured a boy a short time since.”
”This boy is too insignificant to merit capture. He is beneath the wrath of the emperor. He is yet in your power. I come, Lucullus, to implore his delivery.”
”Alas, Marcellus, what is it that you ask? Have you forgotten the discipline of the Roman army, or the military oath? Do you not know that if I did this I would violate that oath and make myself a traitor? If you asked me to fall upon my sword I would do it more readily than this.”
”I have not forgotten the military oath or the discipline of the camp, Lucullus. I thought that this lad, being scarcely more than a child, might not be considered a prisoner. Do the commands of the emperor extend to children?”
”He makes no distinction of age. Have you not seen children as young as this lad suffer death in the Coliseum?”
”Alas I have,” said Marcellus, as his thoughts reverted to those young girls whose death-song once struck so painfully and so sweetly upon his heart. ”This young boy, then, must also suffer?”
”Yes,” said Lucullus, ”unless he abjures Christianity.”
”And that he will never do.”
”Then he will rush upon his fate. The law does this, not I, Marcellus. I am but the instrument. Do not blame me.”
”I do not blame you. I know well how strongly you are bound to obedience. If you hold your office you must perform its duties. Yet let me make another proposal. Surrender of prisoners is not allowed, but an exchange is lawful.”
”Yes.”
”If I could tell you of a prisoner far more important than this boy, you would exchange, would you not?”
”But you have taken none of us prisoners?”
”No, but we have power over our own people. And there are some among us on whose heads the emperor has placed a large reward. For the capture of these a hundred lads like this boy would be gladly given.”
”Is it then a custom among Christians to betray one another?” asked Lucullus in surprise.
”No, but sometimes one Christian will offer his own life to save that of another.”
”Impossible!”
”It is so in this instance.”
”Who is it that is offered for this boy?”
”I Marcellus!”
At this astounding declaration Lucullus started back.
”You!” he cried.
”Yes, I myself.”
”You are jesting. It is impossible.”