penetrating eye saw the ruin that was overspreading it; yet he saw not one ray of hope. Nor did Cineas. He, too, knew the vice of the capital, and did not know how it could end at last. And so the day ended, and late in the evening Carbo took his departure.

VI.

The Officer who Sailed with Paul.

FEW days afterwards, Cineas had a visit from Carbo again, and this time he was accompanied by his son Julius. The latter was of about the same age

as his friend, and wore the dress of a Roman Centurion. He looked much like his father, but there was more refinement in his face, and courtesy in his bearing. Cineas was outside as they rode up, and hastened to meet them. Julius flung himself from his horse, and tenderly embraced him.

"Health and happiness, my dearest friend," said Julius. "How rejoiced I am to see you again, and here too!" "Health and joy, dear Julius, and a thousand welcomes : "Who has restored thee back,-a Roman,

To native gods, and this Italian clime?'

as your Horace says; but come,—

"Come, let the vow to Jove be paid,

And rest, beneath my laurel shade,
Thy war-worn frame; nor spare the wine
Reserved for thee, best friend of mine !""

"What!" exclaimed Julius, laughingly, as he entered the house arm in arm with his friend, "you condescend to quote a Latin poet, do you?-you fanatical Greek!"

“Oh, on such an occasion as this, I would be guilty of any extravagance. With Horace,-—

The three were soon in the house, and reclining on couches, and wine was placed before them. Cineas plied his friend with questions. He had much to ask him, for he had not heard from him since they were in Athens together.

At length Cineas inquired by what fortune he had come to Rome.

At this question the manner of Julius underwent a change.

Cineas," said he, "my adventures on this voyage are the most marvellous that I have ever known."

"Tell me about it by all means," said Cineas, with much interest.

Julius thereupon began:

"There was a certain remarkable Jew in Palestine when I was there, named Paul. This man was distinguished for his bold and ardent advocacy of a new religion. In preaching this he had endured pains and perils without number. At last, his enemies got hold of him, and he was subjected to a trial. In the meantime he had used his rights as a Roman citizen,-he was a native of Tarsus,—and appealed unto Cæsar. Festus would have freed him if it had not been for this appeal; as it was, he sent him to Rome, with some other prisoners, and I was appointed to accompany them.

"I was struck by the first sight of my prisoner. His genial and courteous manner, his uncomplaining disposition, and thorough kind-heartedness, would of themselves have commended him to me. But there was something more in him, for behind all this there was a solemn, earnest purpose, the aim of his life.

"He loved to converse with any one who was at all accessible, and I soon found myself engaging in long discussions on those lofty themes for which you, Cineas, first gave me a taste,—the soul, immortality, and God. Never had I heard such sentiments as these, which this man had. At first, I compared him to

Socrates; afterwards, I felt that all of Socrates' teachings contained nothing like these.

"He won all my confidence.

I told him of my experience

in Athens, of my reform, of your kindness, of 'the master,' and his teachings; to all of which he listened with deep interest.

“After the usual course, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia, and there I found an Alexandrian vessel, on her way to Italy, laden with grain. In this vessel we all embarked."

Then Julius proceeded to give an account of one of the most memorable voyages on record: the dangers of the sea; the harbour of refuge sought once, and afterwards forsaken; the dreadful storm, before which the frail bark was driven helplessly; the despair of all on board; the heroic attitude of the one man, who, by his words, inspired all the others with calmness and fortitude and hope. He told how they were at last driven ashore, and not a life was lost, but all were saved, as Paul had foretold. Then he spoke of the wonderful acts of Paul in Melita, and the astonishment of all who witnessed them. After which he asked Cineas,-

"What do you think of that? and all this I have seen with my own eyes.

"It is amazing!"

"It is true, for I saw it. It is the power of that God, Cineas, whose servant Paul is."

Cineas said nothing.

Julius resumed his narrative:

Those

"We spent the winter on the island, and many and many a scene occurred there, which I never can forget. During this time Paul spoke more particularly to me of his great doctrine, for which he had toiled so long, and suffered so much. three months must always be remembered by me; and I have many things to tell you, Cineas, which must be reserved for another time, for I need a long time to talk with you, over such important things as these.

"But I will bring my narrative to a conclusion. We remained on the island about three months, and then, as the winter was over, we embarked in the Castor and Pollux, and arrived, after a time, at Puteoli. Thence we came to Rome.

"He seemed to have many friends here, who were expecting hirn, for numbers came to meet him, some even as far as Appii Forum and the Three Taverns. The meeting showed that this remarkable man had inspired among them the warmest sentiments of devotion."

"Have you seen him since ?" asked Cineas.

"Yes," replied Julius, "frequently. Indeed, my guardianship was not altogether ended till a few days ago, when I took him to Burrhus. He was well received. Burrhus himself respected him, and allowed him to live by himself, with a soldier that kept him."

"I heard from Burrhus of this interview," said Cineas. Julius looked surprised.

"I was in Rome a few days since and saw him.

in high terms of this man."

He spoke

"He is a marvellous man. His ascendency over others is wonderful. I heard a noble speech which he made before Festus and King Agrippa. They were charmed with his noble bearing and eloquence. On board the ship he exerted the same influence over all, from myself down to the meanest sailor. His attitude during the long and frightful storm was noble. Never for an instant did his courage falter. His calm face always preserved a lofty serenity; and when he spoke, it was always with a cheerful smile. In the darkest hour, when despair filled the hearts of all, he stood unmoved, as though he was in perfect safety. For my part, I think I have as much courage as ordinary men; but here was a man who, while we were mourning, and expecting every moment our last hour, stood among us with such unquailing steadfastness, that the very sight of him inspired courage into us."