` They said that Rome was falling , and that we must join them . They offered me all South Britain to govern after they had taken a tribute out of it . ' I answered , `` Patience . This Wall is not weighed off like plunder . Give me proof that my General is dead . '' ' `` Nay , '' said one elder , `` prove to us that he lives '' ; and another said cunningly , `` What will you give us if we read you his last words ? '' ' `` We are not merchants to bargain , '' cried Amal . `` Moreover , I owe this man my life . He shall have his proof . '' He threw across to me a letter -LRB- well I knew the seal -RRB- from Maximus . ' `` We took this out of the ship we sank , '' he cried . `` I can not read , but I know one sign , at least , which makes me believe . '' He showed me a dark stain on the outer roll that my heavy heart perceived was the valiant blood of Maximus . ' `` Read ! '' said Amal . `` Read , and then let us hear whose servants you are ! '' ` Said Pertinax , very softly , after he had looked through it : `` I will read it all . Listen , barbarians ! '' He read that which I have carried next my heart ever since . ' Parnesius drew from his neck a folded and spotted piece of parchment , and began in a hushed voice : -- ' '' To Parnesius and Pertinax , the not unworthy Captains of the Wall , from Maximus , once Emperor of Gaul and Britain , now prisoner waiting death by the sea in the camp of Theodosius -- Greeting and Good-bye !
'' ' `` Enough , '' said young XXXXX ; `` there is your proof !
Amal Britain Gaul General Maximus Parnesius Pertinax Rome letter roll