All stared upward, but saw nothing, for the canopy was still in the shadow of the velarium which covered all the outer edge of the cavea, leaving the centre open to the sky.

It would appear, however, that Agrippa did see something, for he who had risen to declare the games open, suddenly sank back upon his throne, and remained thus lost in thought.

Then Anna limped forward to join her company, who once more were driven through the little gate in the wall of the arena.
For a second time, with an effort, Agrippa lifted himself from his throne.

As he rose the first level rays of sunrise struck full upon him.
He was a tall and noble-looking man, and his dress was glorious.

To the thousands who gazed upon him from the shadow, set in that point of burning light he seemed to be clothed in a garment of glittering silver.
Silver was his crown, silver his vest, silver the wide robe that flowed from his shoulders to the ground.
"In the name of Caesar, to the glory of Caesar, I declare these games open!" he cried.
Then, as though moved by a sudden impulse, all the multitude rose shouting: "The voice of a god! The voice of a god! The voice of the god Agrippa!" Nor did Agrippa say them nay; the glory of such worship thundered at him from twenty thousand throats made him drunken.