Quintus Claudius, Volume 1 of 2

brought a saucy smile to the lips of the shrewd Lucilia. But he had nevertheless preferred the more comfortable sea-voyage

nd preparing the litters in the forecourt. The noise and bustle aroused Quintus, and being unable to get to sleep again he rose, dressed for the jou

of Juno,[114] that you set all the house in an uproar in the darkness of

s?" retorted Lucilia. "Punctuality is

ia's ambitions aim at

d alone, you have got into all sorts of mischief. But what is it that you want here, you ugly Satyr? Do you not see that you are

the things, which remind us here of Rome, you are the most Roman. You have nothing but your little snub-nose to redeem you a little. But, by Hercules! when I see you bustling around here, I can pi

ow

own to Cumae. In Rome it rises through smoke and mist; while here-oh! h

aughed Lucilia. "Well, make haste and come

us wrapped himself in his ample lacerna,[

nd time and opportunity for self-study and reflection. He had now been living with his family in their quiet villa ever since the end of April, and had spent many hours in serious meditation, in congenial literary pleasures and diligent study. He had once more learned the real value of retirement, which in Rome was so unattainable. A long winter of dissipation had left him satiated, and Baiae's aromatic air, a simple existence in the b

e at hand. To his right a by-path led down towards the palace of the Empress, and the huge portico, with its Corinthian columns, gleamed pale and visionary in the doubtful light. But what attracted the young man's attention was a little side-door, which slowly turned on its pivot[11

en the young woman was within a few st

aid with a faint smile. "Re

ve you been doing at this hour in Domitia's palace? Has she been giving a f

I was playing at night in the house of the wealthy Timotheus, Agathon the seer gave me herbs and salves-they cost me a heavy sum-and since then I

one; I know full well, that though among slaves there is many a scamp, there are also worthy

you could only see him, poor Eurymachus! If yo

hat being despe

I can accuse myself of many sins, but Eurym

e a sin

marr

e not wont to

I had always known Eurymac

how do you

s; I know now how dee

, who converts fair sinne

exclaimed Euterp

ur praise. Does he b

phanus. Ah! my lord,

they

him flogged till he was raw, and then tied him up in the park in the noontide sun. T

Eurymachus-a pale face with a dark beard-quiet, cont

ying half-dead on his bed; his whole back is one dreadful wound, and yet not a complaint, not a word of reproach! Fortunately the gate-keeper is my very good f

en in the person of a slave. Here, take this gold and spend it for the benefit of the sufferer, a

re like the gods for graciousness and kindness. Do I und

"The chief point is, that you should remind me of it at the

month I am going to the capital with Diphilus, my husband. He is a master-carpenter, and will have work to do

o, Eu

y heart. The man who is protected by Quintus C

bly moved to stroke her cheek, and in the excess of her delight she submitted to the car

and anger had driven her to seek the air soon after midnight, and for hours the slaves had to carry her about the wooded ravines of the landward side of the hills, or along the deserted roads, until, wearied out at last, she was fain to turn homewards. Quintus, some

was borne away, and shrugged his shou

stinct tones. "You will find me in Ro

e hurried down to Cumae, and disappeared behind the ridge at the sam

view Titus Claudius took of his duties, and how much would devolve upon him in these agitated times. Claudia too was graver than usual. Only Aurelius and Lucilia looked bright and contented.-Lucilia,

he left untouched; the egg he was about to empty with a spoon[122] broke under his fingers. Aurelius was on the point of taking the matter seriously, when the mystery found a natural solution. When, presently, Blepyrus appeared to announce that it was time to start, the ponderous ponderer rose,

it went on and on, apparently endless, Lucilia, who from the first had had great difficulty in keeping coun

ess of real events. Twelve times already have you resolutely asserted: 'Far must we wander, far from hence!' but our feet are still rooted to the

his master's gift, but his gaze lingered for a while in silent protest on Lucilia. However, he presently joined the rest

d bustle. There lay the proud trireme before their surprised eyes, gaily dressed out like a bride waiting for the bridegroom. Long garlands of flowers floated from the spars, tied with purple knots and blue streamers; magnificent carpets from Alexandria and Massilia hung from the poop, and the crew we

sat under the awning with Octavia, talking of Rome. Beautiful Baiae sank farther and farther into the background with all its palaces and temples. Still, above the trees, a corner of t

, while Lucilia in a clear, ringin

l, lovel