Some sixty thousand persons were present, and but for the fact that the streets were almost impassable, it is fair to presume that the house would have been full.

His august Majesty, the Emperor Aurelius, occupied the imperial box, and was the cynosure of all eyes.

Many illustrious nobles and generals of the Empire graced the occasion with their presence, and not the least among them was the young patrician lieutenant whose laurels, won in the ranks of the "Thundering Legion," are still so green upon his brow.

The cheer which greeted his entrance was heard beyond the Tiber! "The late repairs and decorations add both to the comeliness and the comfort of the Coliseum.

The new cushions are a great improvement upon the hard marble seats we have been so long accustomed to.