So would you be so good as to lend me half a talent of silver--a thousand shekels in cash and the rest in bills of exchange on your agents at Brundisium ?" "No," said Benoni, sternly.
"Yes," replied Marcus, with conviction.

"Look you, friend Benoni, the security is excellent.

If I don't get drowned, or have my throat slit between here and Italy, I am going to be one of the richest men in Rome; so this is your last chance of lending me a trifle.

You don't believe it?
Then read this letter from Caius, my uncle, and this rescript signed by Nero the Caesar." Benoni perused the documents and returned them.
"I offer you my congratulations," he said.

"If God permits it and you will walk steadily, your future should be brilliant, since you are of a pleasant countenance, and when you choose to use it, behind that countenance lies a brain.