But it is no longer with the Goths that our narrative is concerned; the
connection with them which it has hitherto maintained closes with the
end of the first siege of Rome. We can claim the reader's attention for
historical events no more--the march of our little pageant, arrayed for
his pleasure, is over. If, however, he has felt, and still retains,
some interest in Antonina, he will not refuse to follow us, and look on
her again ere we part.
More than a month had passed since the besieging army had retired to
their winter quarters, when several of the citizens of Rome assembled
themselves on the plains beyond the walls, to enjoy one of those rustic
festivals of ancient times, which are still celebrated, under different
usages, but with the same spirit, by the Italians of modern days.
The place was a level plot of ground beyond the Pincian Gate, backed by
a thick grove of pine trees, and looking towards the north over the
smooth extent of the country round Rome. The persons congregated were
mostly of the lower class.
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