the aged Claudius Vindex and his nephew for the fault they were guilty of
on my account. For my sake would he deign to grant them life--and
liberty? Add to this that it is the first proof I have asked of his
magnanimity, and clothe it all in such winning words as Peitho can lay
upon your eloquent lips. If he grants pardon to these unfortunate ones,
it shall be a sign to me that I may be permitted to shield others from
his wrath. If he refuses, and they are put to death, then will he
himself have decided our fate otherwise, and he sees me for the last time
alive in the Circus. Thus shall it be--I have spoken."

The last words came like a stern order, and Philostratus seemed to have
some hopes of the emperor's clemency, for his love's sake, and the
philosopher's own eloquence. The moment Melissa ceased, he seized her
hand and cried, eagerly:

"I will try it; and, if he grant your request, you remain?"

"Yes," answered the maiden, firmly. "Pray Caesar to have mercy, soften
his heart as much as you are able. I expect an answer before going to
the Circus."

She hurried back into the sleeping-room without regarding Philostratus's
answer. Once there, she threw herself upon her knees and prayed, now to
the manes of her mother, now--it was for the first time--to the crucified
Saviour of the Christians, who had taken upon himself a painful death to
bring happiness to others. First she prayed for strength to keep her
vow, come what might; and then she prayed for Diodoros, that he might not
be made wretched if she found herself compelled to break her troth with
him. Her father and brothers, too, were not forgotten, as she commended
their lives to a higher power.