Volume II Part 67 (1/2)
THE CRYSTAL GOBLET.
A TALE OF THE EMPEROR SEVERUS.[22]
It was midnight--yet a light was burning in a small chamber situated in one of the narrowest and least frequented streets of Eborac.u.m, then the metropolis of the world. York at that period being the residence of the Emperor Severus, his court and family were conveyed hither; and the government of the world transferred to an obscure island in the west, once the _ultima Thule_[vi] of civilisation, its native inhabitants hardly yet emerged from a state of barbarism, and addicted to the most gross and revolting superst.i.tions.
A lamp of coa.r.s.e earthenware was fastened on a bronze stand, having several beaks, and of a boat-like shape. Near it stood the oil-vase for replenis.h.i.+ng, almost empty--while the wicks, charred and heavy with exuviae, looked as though for some time untrimmed. On the same table was a Greek and a Coptic ma.n.u.script, an inkhorn, and the half of a silver penny, the Roman _symbolum_. Breaking a peace of money as a keepsake between two friends was, even at that period, a very ancient custom. A bra.s.s rhombus, used by magicians, lay on a _cathedra_ or easy chair, which stood as though suddenly pushed aside by its occupier in rising hastily from his studies. An iron chest was near, partly open, wherein papers and parchments lay tumbled about in apparent disorder. Vellum, so white and firm as to curl even with the warmth of the hand; purple skins emblazoned in gold and silver, and many others, of rare workmans.h.i.+p, were scattered about with unsparing profusion. It was evidently the study, the _librarium_ of some distinguished person, and consisted of an inner chamber beyond the court, having one window near the roof, and another opening into a small garden behind. From the ceiling there hung a dried ape, a lizard, and several uncouth, unintelligible reptiles, put together in shapes that nature's most fantastic forms never displayed. Vases of ointments, and unguents of strange odours, stood in rows upon a marble slab on one side of the apartment. _Scrinia_, or caskets for the admission of rolls and writing materials, were deposited on shelves, forming a library of reference to the individual whose _sanctum_ we are now describing: it was apparently undisturbed by any living occupant save a huge raven, now roosting on a wooden perch, his head buried under a glossy tissue of feathers, and to all appearance immovable as the grinning and hideous things that surrounded him. A magpie, confined in a cage above the door, was taught to salute those who entered with the word ”chaire” (Greek letters transcribed) a Grecian custom greatly in vogue amongst the most opulent of the Romans.
Ere long there came a footstep and a gentle summons at the door. The bird gave the usual response; and straightway entered a stout muscular figure, wrapped in a _chlamys_, fastened on the shoulder with a richly-embossed _fibula_. Beneath was the usual light leathern cuira.s.s, covered with scales of s.h.i.+ning metal; the centre, over the abdomen, ornamented with a gorgon's head and other warlike devices; a short sword being stuck in his girdle. From the lowest part hung leathern straps, or _lambrequins_, highly wrought and embellished. He wore breeches or drawers reaching to the knees, and his feet and the lower part of the leg were covered with the _cothurnus_, a sort of traveller's half-boot. A sumptuous mantle, made of leopard skin, was thrown carelessly about his head, hardly concealing his features, for the folds, relaxing in some measure as he entered, showed a youthful countenance, yet dark and ferocious, indicating a character of daring and vindictive energy, and a disposition where forgiveness or remorse rarely tempered the fiercer pa.s.sions. As he looked round the raven raised his head on a sudden, and peering at him with that curious and familiar eye so characteristic of the tribe, gave a loud and hollow croak, which again arrested the notice of the intruder.
”Most auspicious welcome truly, ill-omened bird. Is thy master visible?”
There was no reply; and the inquirer, after a cautious glance round the chamber, sat down, evidently disconcerted by this unexpected reception. Scarcely seated, he felt the clasp on his shoulder suddenly risen, as though by an intruder from behind. Looking round, he saw the raven with the bauble in his beak, hopping off with great alacrity to his perch. The magpie set up a loud scream, as though vexed he was not a partic.i.p.ator in the spoil. The owner, angry at his loss, pursued the thief, who defied every attempt to regain it, getting far above his reach; ever and anon the same ominous croak sounding dismally through the gloom by which he was concealed. Finding it fruitless, the stranger gave up the pursuit, and again sat down, examining carelessly the papers which lay open for perusal. But it might seem these feathered guardians were entrusted with the care of their master's chamber during his absence.
”Beware!” said the same querulous voice that before accosted him.
Looking up, he saw the magpie, his neck stretched to the utmost through the bars of his cage, and in the act of repeating the injunction.
”'Tis an ill augur to my suit,” he muttered, hastily. ”Destiny!”
Starting up at the word, which he spoke aloud, he clenched his hand.
”The inexorable G.o.ds may decree, but would it not be worthy of my purpose to brave them; to render even fate itself subservient to me!”
He hurried to and fro across the chamber with an agitated step.
Suddenly he stood still in the att.i.tude of listening. He drew the folds of his mantle closer about his head, when, by another entrance, there approached a tall majestic figure, clad in dark vestments, who, without speaking, came near and stood before him. A veil of rich net-work fell gracefully below his mantle, being in that era the distinctive garb of soothsayers and diviners. His hair, for he was an Asiatic, was twisted in the shape of a mitre, investing his form with every advantage from outward appearances.
”I would know,” said he, ”by what right thou art at this untimely hour an intruder on my privacy?”
”By a will which even thou darest not disobey,” was the answer.
”It is past midnight. Knowest thou of my long watching, and the dark portents of the stars?”
”Nay. But pa.s.sing, I saw the door of the vestibule partly open. The fates are propitious. I crossed the court, intending to consult the most famous soothsayer in the emperor's dominions.”
”Peradventure 'tis no accidental meeting. To-night I have read the stars, the book of heaven. Comest thou not, blind mortal, at their bidding?”
”I have neither skill nor knowledge in the art”----
The stranger hesitated, as though he had as lief the conversation was resumed by the diviner himself.
”Thy father. What of him?” said the Chaldean, with a look as though he had penetrated his inmost thoughts.
”True, 'tis mine errand,” said the intruder. ”But the event?”
”The augury is not complete!”
”Thine auguries are like my good fortune--long in compa.s.sing. The best augur, I trow, is this good steel. I would sooner trust it than the best thou canst bestow.”
”Rash mortal! Impatience will be thy destruction. Listen!”
The raven hopped down upon his shoulder. A low guttural sound appeared to come from this ill-omened bird. The augur bent his ear. Sounds shaped themselves into something like articulation, and the following couplet was distinctly heard:--