It was horrible! Yet my courage remained steadfast, even when a squadron--it was commanded by Aruntius--pressed upon the fleet.

I saw another line of galleys steering directly towards us, and a Roman vessel assailed by one of mine--I had named her the Selene--turn on her side and sink.

This pleased me and seemed like the first presage of victory.
I again ordered Alexas to have the ship's prow turned as soon as the result of the battle was decided.

Ere I had ceased speaking, Jason, the steward--you know him--appeared with refreshments.

I took the beaker, but, ere I could raise it to my lips, he fell to the deck with a cloven skull, mingling his blood with the spilled juice of the grape.