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All auguries for these forty days have been inauspicious; and that proves that we may place trust in them; for in all that time our affairs have made but scant headway. But now, you see, my Oribases,—now that I have a fresh enterprise in view

Ah! Maximus!

[Entering from the plain.] The army is already on the march, sire; get to horse!

The auguries—the auguries?

Oh—the auguries! Ask not about the auguries.

Speak! I demand to know what they say.

All auguries are silent.

Silent?

I went to the priests; the entrails of the sacrifices gave no sign. I went to the Etruscan jugglers; the flight and cries of the birds said nothing. I went also to the Magians; their writings had no answer to give. And I myself

You yourself, my Maximus?