. . .Mesembrius. It is dangerous to utter and to hear my words. Do not think that I am intoxicated and invent this tale. I saw this man breathe his last; for I came too late to save him. He did not curse his murderers. An expression of supernatural bliss rested upon his face, he raised his eyes rapturously toward heaven, and died blessing those who slew him. I drove them away and, to relieve his suffering, gave him some cold water. He thanked me and, with his last strength, whispered in my ear: 'Roman! do not cross the Tigris, for there lies the Eden of the invisible God, who is not to be offended.' I repeated the warning to the Cæsar's younger son, Numerian, who was the friend of every good soldier, and he car[Pg 20]ried it to the Augustus, who, struck by the ascetic's words, asked Quaterquartus to hold an augurium. My uncle's skill in announcing oracles which no one can contradict is well known."

"Your words are very bold, Sinister."

"Thus he once predict. . . Read More