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 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 XXXXX : -- ' '' 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 .
Amal Britain Gaul General Maximus Parnesius Pertinax girl heart neck