Page:The Children's Plutarch, Romans.djvu/128

 was not because he hated his own country, but because he thought Rome had fallen into the power of men who would do no real good.

One day a Spaniard brought to General Sertorius a beautiful young deer. The little creature was white all over, and soon became attached to her Roman master, following him about like a dog, even amid the clash and bustle of the camp. At length the idea occurred to him that he might make great use of the white fawn. He told the Spaniards this creature had been given him by the huntress Diana, goddess of the crescent moon.

One day he brought out the white fawn covered with flowers.

“Victory! victory!” he cried to the Spanish folk who crowded round. “My troops have gained a victory over the army of Sulla.”

“How do you know that, sir?”

“My friend the fawn has told me so.”

“Can the creature speak?”

“Yes. The goddess Diana has given it the power to tell me secrets.”

The simple Spaniards believed the story. As a matter of fact, news of the battle had been brought to him by a messenger; and he kept the tidings quiet till after he had led out the white fawn. Then the messenger appeared in public, as if he had only just arrived, and gave out the news of the victory! No doubt Sertorius found