The unwilling vestal

the long version

That day he was returning from an inspection amid a large and gorgeous retinue, Brinnaria had a blurred vision of splendid uniforms and dazzling accoutrements. Her vision was blurred because her eyes were filled with tears; she turned hot and cold and almost fainted with emotion, when the Emperor's twenty-four victors lovered their faces, the whole procession halted, the escort and the Emperor himself swerved their horses aside to let her pass and remained at the salute until she had passed. The sudden realization of the importance of her official position overwhelmed her.