But at that time the best master of rhetoric and argument was the best man, and my father, who himself could shine in the senate as an ardent and elegant orator, looked upon me as a half idiotic ne'er-do-weel, until one clay a learned client of our house presented him with a pebble on which was carved an epigram to this effect: 'He who would see the noblest gifts of the Greek race, should visit the house of Herophilus, for there he might admire strength and vigor of body in Menander, and the same qualities of mind in Apollonius.' These lines, which were written in the form of a lute, passed from mouth to mouth, and gratified my father's ambition; from that time he had words of praise for me when my quadriga won the race in the Hippodrome, or when I came home crowned from the wrestling-ring, or the singing match.

My whole life was spent in the baths and the palaestra, or in gay feasting." "I know it all," exclaimed Stephanus interrupting him, "and the memory of it all often disturbs me.

Did you find it easy to banish these images from your mind ?" "At first I had a hard fight," sighed Paulus.

"But for some time now, since I have passed my fortieth year, the temptations of the world torment me less often.

Only I must keep out of the way of the carriers who bring fish from the fishing towns on the sea, and from Raithu to the oasis." Stephanus looked enquiringly at the speaker, and Paulus went on: "Yes, it is very strange.