But doves are not human creatures, and I know at once what my answer shall be.

Give me the fibula, Publius, that clasps that cloak in which you look like one of your own messengers.

I will write my answer on the wax." The Roman handed to Lysias the golden circlet armed with a strong pin, and while he stood holding his cloak together with his hands, as he was anxious to avoid recognition by the passers-by that frequented this street, the Corinthian wrote as follows: "When doves are courting the lover adorns himself only; But when a youth loves, he fain would adorn his beloved." "Am I allowed to hear it ?" asked Publius, and his friend at once read him the lines; then he gave the tablet to the boy, with the bracelet which he hastily wrapped up again, and desired him to take it back immediately to the fair Irene.

But the Roman detained the lad, and laying his hand on the Greek's shoulder, he asked him: "And if the young girl accepts this gift, and after it many more besides--since you are rich enough to make her presents to her heart's content--what then, Lysias ?" "What then ?" repeated the other with more indecision and embarrassment than was his wont.

"Then I wait for Klea's return home and--Aye! you may laugh at me, but I have been thinking seriously of marrying this girl, and taking her with me to Corinth.