human
When all this occurred I had already returned to my cage here; but I heard from my brother Glaucus--who was captain of the watch in the palace, and who learned a good many things before other people did-- what was going on out there, and I succeeded in having the daughters of Philotas secretly brought to this temple, and preserved from sharing their parents' fate. That is now five years ago, and now you know how it happens, that the daughters of a man of rank carry water for the altar of Serapis, and that I would rather an injury should be done to me than to them, and that I would rather see Eulaeus eating some poisonous root than fragrant peaches.
gpt
And is Philotas still working in the mines?
human
Yes, Publius, replied the anchorite.
gpt
A 'yes' that it is easy to say, and it is just as easy too to clench one's fists in indignation--but it is hard to imagine the torments that must be endured by a man like Philotas; and a noble and innocent woman--as beautiful as Hera and Aphrodite in one--when they are driven to hard and unaccustomed labor under a burning sun by the lash of the overseer. Perhaps by this time they have been happy enough to die under their sufferings and their daughters are already orphans, poor children! No one here but the high- priest knows precisely who they are, for if Eulaeus were to learn the truth he would send them after their parents as surely as my name is Serapion.
human
Let him try it!
gpt
Softly, softly, my friend, said the recluse,
human
And even if he were, interrupted Publius with glowing cheeks,
gpt
I would bring him to ruin all the same, for a man like Philotas must not perish, and his cause henceforth is my own. Here is my hand upon it; and if I am happy in having descended from a noble race it is above all because the word of a son of the Cornelii is as good as the accomplished deed of any other man.
human
Take this, he said, handing it to the Roman,
gpt
I have here set forth all that I have told you, fully and truly with my own hand in the form of a petition. Such matters, as I very well know, are never regularly conducted to an issue at court unless they are set forth in writing. If the queen seems disposed to grant you a wish give her this roll, and entreat her for a letter of pardon. If you can effect this, all is won.
human
May the gods bless thee, and by thy means work the release of the noblest of men from his sufferings! I had quite ceased to hope, but if you come to our aid all is not yet wholly lost.
gpt
Pardon me if I disturb you.