But, when I made my salutation, to
my amazement, the Emperor took my hand and leaned over and kissed me as if
I had been a senator.
"I love you, Hedulio," he said, "and I am proud of you. I have heard very
laudatory reports of you. My agents all agree in reporting that you have,
in very difficult circumstances, done your utmost to avoid giving offence
to any of your neighbors in Sabinum, and that, if you have given offense,
it was not your fault. They also agree in reporting that, mild and
peaceful as you are by disposition, you know how to defend yourself when
attacked, that you are not only a bold and resolute man in a tight place,
but resourceful and prompt, a hard and quick hitter, and what is more, a
past master at quarter-staff play. I love brave men and good fighters. I
commend you."
He turned ironically to Vedius and asked:
"Did you miss any part of what I have just said to Andivius? I meant you
to hear every word of it."
Vedius, his mean face lead-gray, bowed and said:
"Your Majesty was completely audible."
Then Commodus similarly questioned Satronius. He, his big face brick-red,
his eyes popping out, seemed half strangled by his efforts to speak.
"I could hear it all," he managed to say.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174