`` 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 Amal ; `` there is your proof ! You must join us now ! '' ` Pertinax looked long and silently at him , till that fair man blushed like a girl . Then read Pertinax : -- ' '' I have joyfully done much evil in my life to those who have wished me evil , but if ever I did any evil to you two I repent , and I ask your forgiveness . The three mules which I strove to drive have torn me in pieces as your Father prophesied . The naked swords wait at the tent door to give me the death I gave to Gratian . Therefore I , your General and your emperor , send you free and honourable dismissal from my service , which you entered , not for money or office , but , as it makes me warm to believe , because you loved me ! '' ' `` By the Light of the Sun , '' Amal broke in . `` This was in some sort a Man ! We may have been mistaken in his servants ! '' ` And Pertinax read on : '' You gave me the time for which I asked . If I have failed to use it , do not lament . We have gambled very splendidly against the Gods , but they hold weighted dice , and I must pay the forfeit . Remember , I have been ; but Rome is ; and Rome will be . Tell Pertinax his Mother is in safety at Nicaea , and her monies are in charge of the Prefect at Antipolis .
Make my remembrances to your Father and to your XXXXX , whose friendship was great gain to me .
Britain Father Gaul General Maximus Mother Nicaea Parnesius Pertinax Sun