By Peter and Paul and as many more saints as you can remember, I am glad to hold your hand! What news do you bring ?' 'Little enough,' answered Marcian, with a shrug of the shoulders.

The natural tune of his voice harmonised with his visage, and he spoke as one who feels a scornful impatience with the affairs of men.

'At Rome, they wrangle about goats' wool, as is their wont.

Anything else?
Why, yes; the freedman Chrysanthus glories in an ex-consulate.

It cost him the trifle of thirty pounds of gold.' Basil laughed contemptuously, half angrily.
'We must look to our honours,' he exclaimed.