Then it foamed at the mouth, was seized with convulsions, and within a quarter of an hour by the water-clock was dead.
"It would seem that those figs are poisoned, friend," I said, "and therefore it is fortunate for you that you ate too much fruit yesterday.
Now, man, what do you know of this matter ?" "Nothing, sir," he answered, falling on his knees.

"I swear to you by Christ, nothing.

Only I doubted.

The fruits were brought by a woman whom I thought that once I had seen in the household of the Augustus Constantine, and I knew----" and he paused.
"Well, what did you know, man?
It would be best to tell me quickly, who have power here." "I knew, sir, what all the world knows, that Constantine would be rid of his uncles, whom he fears, though they are maimed.

No more, I swear it, no more." "Perhaps before the Augusta returns you may remember something more," I said.