Volume Ii Part 22 (1/2)

Witichis laid his hand upon the Prefect's shoulder, and looked into his face with eyes as clear as suns.h.i.+ne.

”With you, Prefect of Rome!”

”With me?” and Cethegus tried to smile, but could not.

”Do not deny what is dearest to you, man. It is not worthy of you. I know for whom you have built the gates and ramparts round this city; not for us and not for the Greeks! for yourself! Be quiet! I know you meditate, or I guess it. Not a word! Be it so. Shall Greek and Goth struggle for Rome, and no Roman? But listen: let not a second wearing war carry off our people. When we have overcome the Byzantines and driven them out of our Italy--then, Cethegus, I will expect you before the walls of Rome. Not for a battle between our people, but for single combat. Man against man, you and I will lose or win Rome.”

In the King's look and tone lay such dignity, magnanimity, and sublimity, that the Prefect was confused.

In secret he would have mocked at the simplicity of the barbarian, but it seemed to him as if he could never more respect himself, if he were incapable of esteeming, honouring, and responding to such greatness.

So he spoke without sarcasm.

”You dream, Witichis, like a Gothic boy.”

”No, I think and act like a Gothic man. Cethegus, you are the only Roman whom I would honour thus. I have seen you fight in the wars with the Gepidae. You are worthy of my sword. You are older than I; well, I will give you the advantage of the s.h.i.+eld!”

”You Germans are very singular,” said Cethegus involuntarily. ”What fancies!”

But now Witichis frowned.

”Fancies! Woe to you, if you are not able to feel what speaks in me.

Woe to you, if Teja be right! He laughed at my plan and said, 'The Roman will not understand that!' And _he_ advised me to take you with me a prisoner. I thought more highly of you and Rome. But know: Teja has surrounded your house; and are you so mean or so cowardly as not to comprehend me, we shall take you from your Rome in chains. Shame upon you, that you must be forced to do what is honourable!”

But now it was Cethegus's turn to get angry.

He felt abashed. The chivalry of Witichis was strange to him, and it vexed him that he could not mock at it. It vexed him to be compelled; that his free choice had been mistrusted. A furious hatred in return for Teja's contempt, and anger at the King's brutal frankness, flamed up in his soul. He would gladly have thrust his dagger into the Goth's broad breast.

He had been almost on the point of giving his word in good earnest from a soldierly feeling of honour.

But now a very different, hateful feeling of malignant joy flashed across his mind. The barbarians had mistrusted him, they had despised him; now they should certainly be deceived!

Coming forward with a keen look, he grasped the King's hand.

”Be it so!” he said.

”Be it so!” repeated Witichis, giving his hand a strong pressure. ”I am glad that I was right and not Teja. Farewell! Guard our Rome! From you I will demand her again in honourable combat.”

And he left the house.

”Well!” said Teja, who waited outside with the other Goths. ”Shall I storm the house?”

”No,” said Witichis; ”he has given his word.”

”If he will only keep it!”

Witichis started back in indignation.

”Teja! thy gloomy mind renders thee too unjust! Thou hast no right to doubt a hero's honour. Cethegus is a hero!”