First pick out a pair of cornel-wood swords, entirely to your mind." When Capito had selected a pair of swords which suited both him and the Emperor, he went off to change.

While he was gone Commodus had the armorer drill a tiny hole near the point of one sword and insert in it one of those thorn-like little steel points which are commonly used on the ends of donkey-goads.
When Capito returned he showed him the two swords.

Capito looked up at him questioningly and amazedly.
"The idea is this," Commodus explained.

"I mean to demonstrate my perfect ability to defend myself, as well as my dangerousness in attack.

You are to use the sword with the goad point set in it; so that, if you succeed in hitting me, you will tear a long slash in my hide; for I am going to fence with you in my skin only, stark; mother-naked as I was born.