human
Charming, quite delightful, cried the Emperor, as he entered his room.
gpt
One might fancy you had some industrious demons at your command. Pour some water over my hands, Mastor, and then to supper! I am as hungry as a beggar's clog.
human
I think we shall find all you need,
gpt
Have you eaten all that I sent down to Lochias to-day, my dear Pontius?
human
Alas! we have,
gpt
But I gave orders that a supper for five should be sent.
human
It sufficed for six hungry artists, answered the architect,
gpt
That must satisfy us, said the Emperor, as he wiped his face.
human
In the Dacian war, in Numidia, and often when out hunting, I have been glad if only one or the other was to be obtained.
gpt
But youth needs something more to live upon than bread and wine. You pointed out to me just now the residence of the palace-steward. Might we not find there a morsel of meat or cheese, or something of the kind?
human
Hardly, replied Pontius.
gpt
For the man stuffs his fat stomach and his eight children with bread and porridge. But an attempt will at any rate be worth making.
human
Then send to him; but conduct us at once to the hall where the Muses have preserved some bread and wine for me and these good fellows, though they do not always provide them for their disciples.
gpt
Is the steward so miserably paid that he is forced to content himself with such meagre fare?
human
He has a residence rent free, and two hundred drachmae a month.
gpt
That is not so very little. What is the man's name, and of what kith and kin is he?
human
He is called Keraunus, and is of ancient Macedonian descent. His ancestors from time immemorial have held the office he now fills, and he even supposes himself to be related to the extinct royal dynasty through the mistress of some one of the Lagides. Keraunus sits in the town council and never stirs out in the streets without his slave, who is one of the sort which the merchants in the slave market throw into the bargain with the buyer. He is as fat as a stuffed pig, dresses like a senator, loves antiquities and curiosities, for which he will let himself be cheated of his last coin, and bears his poverty with more of pride than of dignity; and still he is an honorable man, and can be made useful, if he is taken on the right side.
gpt
Altogether a queer fellow. And you say he is fat, is he jolly?
human
As far from it as possible.
gpt
Ah, people who are fat and cross are my aversion. What is this by way of an erection?
human
Behind that screen works Papias' best scholar. His name is Pollux, and he is the son of the couple who keep the gate-house. You will be pleased with him.
gpt
Call him here,