Questions
that I have addressed to her during her recovery have informed me of
much in her history that I knew not before; and have induced me to
purchase, for reasons of my own, a farm-house and its lands, beyond the
suburbs. (The extent of the place and its situation are written on the
vellum that is within this.) The husbandman who cultivated the property
had survived the famine, and will continue to cultivate it for me. But
it is my desire that the garden, and all that it contains, shall remain
entirely at the disposal of Numerian and his daughter, who may often
repair to it; and who must henceforth be regarded there as occupying my
place and having my authority. You will divide your time between
overlooking the few slaves whom I leave at the palace in my absence, and
the husbandman and his labourers whom I have installed at the farm; and
you will answer to me for the due performance of your own duties and the
duties of those under you--being assured that by well filling this
office you will serve your own interests in these, and in all things
besides.
Pages:
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832