` We talked long , Maximus asking keen questions that showed he knew much and had thought more about the Picts . He said presently to me : `` If I gave you the old Province of Valentia to govern , could you keep the Picts contented till I won Gaul ? Stand away , so that you do not see Allo 's face ; and speak your own thoughts . '' ' `` No , '' I said . `` You can not remake that Province . The Picts have been free too long . '' ' `` Leave them their village councils , and let them furnish their own soldiers , '' he said . `` You , I am sure , would hold the reins very lightly . '' `` Even then , no , '' I said . `` At least not now . They have been too oppressed by us to trust anything with a Roman name for years and years . '' ' I heard old Allo behind me mutter : `` Good child ! '' ' `` Then what do you recommend , '' said Maximus , `` to keep the North quiet till I win Gaul ? '' ' `` Leave the Picts alone , '' I said . `` Stop the heather-burning at once , and -- they are improvident little animals -- send them a shipload or two of corn now and then . '' ' `` Their own men must distribute it -- not some cheating Greek accountant , '' said Pertinax . ' `` Yes , and allow them to come to our hospitals when they are sick , '' I said . ' `` Surely they would die first , '' said Maximus . ' `` Not if Parnesius brought them in , '' said Allo . `` I could show you twenty wolf-bitten , bear-clawed Picts within twenty miles of here .
But XXXXX must stay with them in hospital , else they would go mad with fear . '' '
Allo Gaul Greek Maximus Parnesius Pertinax Picts heather-burning wolf-bitten years