Pollux obeyed her wish, not merely to please her, but because he liked to watch the gay little bird that sat warming and sheltering her nestlings.

Close to the cage stood the huge wine-jar and his mother's cup, decorated by his own hand.

His eye fell on these, and he pushed them aside in silence.

Then, taking courage, he said, laughing: "The Emperor will often pass by here, mother; give up celebrating your Dionysiac festival.

How would it do if you filled the jar with one-fourth wine and three-fourths water?
It does not taste badly." "Spoiling good gifts," replied his mother.
"One-fourth wine-to please me," Pollux entreated, taking his mother by the shoulders and kissing her forehead.
"To please you, you great boy!" said Doris, as her eyes filled with tears.