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 Mother , whose friendship was great gain to me . Give also to my little Picts and to the Winged Hats such messages as their thick heads can understand . I would have sent you three Legions this very day if all had gone aright . Do not forget me . We have worked together . Farewell ! Farewell ! Farewell ! '' ` Now , that was my Emperor 's last letter . ' -LRB- The children heard the parchment crackle as Parnesius returned it to its place . -RRB- ' `` I was mistaken , '' said Amal . `` The servants of such a man will sell nothing except over the sword . I am glad of it . '' He held out his hand to me . ' `` But Maximus has given you your dismissal , '' said an elder . `` You are certainly free to serve -- or to rule -- whom you please . Join -- do not follow -- join us ! '' '
`` We thank you , '' said XXXXX .
Amal Emperor Father Mother Nicaea Parnesius Pertinax Picts Rome day