WHAT THE FOREST LADY SAID
“That is what I told you to do. And have you built the house for the twenty Heralds?”
“Yes, Lady. If we have any quarrel with any tribe, we shall not think of going to war unless the Heralds give us leave.”
“Have you made the eleven shields?”
“I have had them made by a clever smith. He copied very carefully the one which fell from the sky, and which the gods sent us. They look so alike, you could not tell which was the gift of the gods and which are copied. Well, I have chosen twelve lively young men to wear them, and to perform the dance. What did you tell me they were to do?”
“This is the manner of the dancing, Numa. You know it can only be done in one particular month—”
“Yes, the month of March, in honor of the great Mars, the lord of war.”
“That is so, Numa. The twelve young men must wear purple jackets and shiny brass belts and brass helmets. They must carry short swords, and, as they leap along the street, they must keep time by beating the shields with short swords.”
“The show will please the Romans.”
“Yes, Numa, and it will cause them to remember that the city is strong, not by its walls, but by its brave men, who carry shield and sword for
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