`` Yes , if you were born in Spain , '' I said , for he neighed his words like an Iberian mule . ' `` And what might you call yourself when you are at home ? '' he said , laughing . ' `` That depends , '' I answered ; `` sometimes one thing and sometimes another . But now I 'm busy . '' ` He said no more till we had saved the family gods -LRB- they were respectable householders -RRB- , and then he grunted across the laurels : `` Listen , young sometimes-one-thing-and-sometimes-another . In future call yourself Centurion of the Seventh Cohort of the Thirtieth , the Ulpia Victrix . That will help me to remember you . Your Father and a few other people call me Maximus . '' ` He tossed me the polished stick he was leaning on , and went away . You might have knocked me down with it ! ' ` Who was he ? ' said Dan . ` Maximus himself , our great General ! The General of Britain who had been Theodosius 's right hand in the Pict War ! Not only had he given me my Centurion 's stick direct , but three steps in a good Legion as well ! A new man generally begins in the Tenth Cohort of his Legion , and works up . ' ` And were you pleased ? ' said Una . ` Very .
I thought Maximus had chosen me for my good looks and fine style in marching , but , when I went home , the Pater told me he had served under XXXXX in the great Pict War , and had asked him to befriend me . ' '
Britain Centurion Father General Maximus Pict Spain Victrix right sometimes-one-thing-and-sometimes-another