BOYS OF LONG AGO

Taranaki Daily News, 20 June 1931, Page 20 (Supplement)

BOYS OF LONG AGO

TRANIO. 'Wrapped in a purple cloak which some noble had flung to him in contempt as he fled through the city with his pursuers at his heels, Tranio limped painfully in the darkness, his eyes searching the shadows ahead. “Asylum!” he whispered. “I must reach the temple before morning, or 1 am lost.” He was a 14-year-old slave, fleeing from a cruel master. Aye, he had dared to leave his master, knowing that death awaited him when captured; even if he reached sanctuary, he knew not what his future might be. But at least he could lie down for a little while and allow the stripes on his back to heal. Then the sweet perfume of cypress, cedar and yew was wafted on the air to Tranio, and he knew he was in the sacred grove of trees leading to the temple. A flash of steel caused him to pause for an instant, but it was only a man in armour running. Gathering all his strength, Tranio the slave ran in the man's wake, and they reached the temple at the same moment. A pale light gleamed inside, but, as the two fugitives gained the threshold, a great cry rang out in the sacred grove, and the soldier dropped, exhausted. in

fiiimmimmmiiimimmiimimiiiimmmiHmimm’immii “Asylum, my lord! Asylum! ’ cried Tranio. And, gripping the armed man by the shoulders, he dragged him over the threshold as his enemies fell upon him. Safety at last—asylum! < Tranio crouched beside the man till the rising sun burst into the temple. Then the boy 'beheld the great general who had fallen into disgrace through defeat, and who had 'been condemned to death by the Greeks. “Remember, slave, that it is more difficult to lose well than to win well, smiled the general, as they walked to the further side of the temple where a number of criminals and debtors had sought asylum also. Now no law could force a man to leave Sanctuary, but it was within the rights of the rulers of Athens to induce a man to walk out of his own accord. And that day the enemies of the general commanded the roof to be taken off the temple and all food removed, that the fugitives might die of cold and hunger. “Flee with the others at night, Tranio,” said the general. ‘‘l will not leave, but I shall bring misfortune upon you all.” “I follow you, my lord,” smiled the boy. Three days later, bundles of faggots were piled outside the temple. The general besought the slave to leave him, 'but Tranio shook his head. As the two stood alone, with the faggots beginning to blaze around them, there was a thunder of hoofs. Then a messenger arrived with a reprieve for. the general, praying him to come quickly and take his place at the head of the army, for enemies were approaching the city and there was no suitable man to lead the soldiers. “I come only if Tranio, my adopted son, walks beside me—free,” cried the general. A moment later, they walked out together.