Even before Hadrian, under the prefect's guidance, had reached the last room in which restorations were being carried out, Pontius was ready with his arrangements, and could assure the Emperor that to-night he would find a good bed and very tolerable quarters, and that by to-morrow he should have a really elegantly-furnished room.
"Charming, quite delightful," cried the Emperor, as he entered his room.
"One might fancy you had some industrious demons at your command.

Pour some water over my hands, Mastor, and then to supper! I am as hungry as a beggar's clog." "I think we shall find all you need," replied Titianus, while Hadrian washed his hands and his bearded face.
"Have you eaten all that I sent down to Lochias to-day, my dear Pontius ?" "Alas! we have," sighed Pontius.
"But I gave orders that a supper for five should be sent." "It sufficed for six hungry artists," answered the architect, "if only I could have guessed for whom the food was intended! And now what is to be done?
There are wine and bread still in the hall of the Muses, meanwhile." "That must satisfy us," said the Emperor, as he wiped his face.

"In the Dacian war, in Numidia, and often when out hunting, I have been glad if only one or the other was to be obtained." Antinous, who was very hungry and tired, made a melancholy face at these words of his master, and Hadrian perceiving it, added with a smile: "But youth needs something more to live upon than bread and wine.

You pointed out to me just now the residence of the palace-steward.

Might we not find there a morsel of meat or cheese, or something of the kind ?" "Hardly," replied Pontius.