The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

Beside Murtius , on the principal couch , reclmed his sister-in-law , Lais , a tall , fairhaired woman , with eyes of that cold uncertain colour , which hovers between light blue and gray , the index of a determined cruel heart . Her mouth was truly

beautiful , but it was the beauty of the serpent , so full of sensuality , as if the brand of voluptuousness had fired it . Grasping a chalice filled with Ohian wine , she looked a fierce Bacchantee , such as we find dancing around the drunken Silenus ,

and she laughed and jested with freedom and abandon , with the males of the company . On the other side of Murtius , and smiling languidly to the

blandishments of a man of forty , lay Phryne . She was , like her aunt , tall and exquisitely formed , with hair and eyes black as night . Phryne was a magnificent creature , but the haughty glance and scornful eyes as she swept the throng told that

fate , not her wish had cast her lot with them . Her proud lips , as they opened and disclosed the pearly teeth , charmed the sufferer writhing beneath her scornful words , even as much as did the smile , soft and tender , which at times rippled over her

countenance moved by memories of the past ; but such smiles were unfrequent visitors , and were quickly banished , while the" quick , sharp sob told of a woe that time could never heal . On the

adjacent couch , enjoying her languid favour , lay the Roman Balbus , who divided his attention between her and the wine before him . We will meet him anon , as owr history progresses . Round the room couches and tables were placed , and old aud

young men and women , the loveliest of Rome ' s daughters were there , votaries of Bacchus . "Any news in Rome , friend Balbus , " asked Murtius , turning to the Roman , " what treat does the Emperor intend to give us ?"

" I hear he intends to have some splendid spectacles in the Colosseum , ten thousand wild beasts have been ordered from the provinces , and the gladiators are to muster to the same number . " '

These gladiators are but poor hands , " said Lais , disdainfully , " they have lost the ancient love for sport , and fight like chickens . When they face each other , 'tis with a timidity that reminds one of the mouse iu the paws of a lion . Would

the Emperor could see the necessity for capturing a few score Christians . ' - ' "Trajan has a kindly nature , " said Murtius , with a sneer , " he loves not the hunting down of the Christians . "

"Hum ! I know not that , " said Balbus . " There can belittle doubt of it . You remember when Pliny wrote him in reference to the trial of the Christians in Bithynia , Trajan answered , f You have done perfectly right , my dear Pliny ,

in your proceedings against the Christians , who have been brought before you , it being impossible to establish any general or regular form in affairs of this kind . No search should , be made after them j but if they are accused and convicted , they

must be punished . Should the accused , however , deny that he is a Christian , and prove that he is not , by invoking the gods , then let him be pardoned , whatever may have been his former profession / "

" I see little in that of moment , " said Sulpicius "Verms , an old rake , " I know Pliny , a squeamish moralist , somewhat like Trajan , still the priests can move the Emperor by a breath . " And in the present case , they have done so , "

said Balbus , " Oassius , the High Priest of Vesta has denounced them in Rome , on secret information , and I heard to-day that letters were sent off to Carthage , ordering an immediate massacre of the the blasphemers in that city ; and doubtless the Colosseum will receive a share of them , or of some of those who may be in Rome . "

" By Bacchus , these are welcome tidings , " said . Lais , " and I will pour forth this libation to the god of wine , and may he send us plenty gladiators , stout in limb , and strong in courage . " " They are needed truly , " said Balbus , " but

Cassius will supply them , for he clearly loves a fight . Fair lady , " addressing Lais , " perhaps you will gladden us with an ode . " " Agreed , " answered Lais . " Juba fetch me my harbiton , and . friends I will sing you . Auacreon ' s Ode to himself . "

The slave set before her a beautiful instrument made of ivory , and inlaid with gold . It was in the shape of a lyre , with seven strings , and was a favourite instrument with the Greeks . Anacreon is said to have invented it . Striking a few chords

as a prelude , Lais sang the following ode ;—" Lot me upon a couch recline , Where lotus loaves aud myrtles twine And let me drench my thirsty soul Deep in the luscious mellow howl : And with his cloalc "bound round Ms neclr

, Let little Cupid wait my bech , Pilling up with his tiny hand The goblet ' s brim at my command . For life speeds on its giddy pace , As wheels rush in the chariot race ,