It was a pleading as to the value of a slave, and the amount of pecuniary responsibility attaching to Roscius on account of the slave, who had been murdered when in his charge.

As to the murder, no question is made.

The slave was valuable, and the injury done to his master was a matter of importance.

He, having been a slave, could have no stronger a claim for an injury done to himself than would a dog or a horse.

The slave, whose name was Panurge--a name which has since been made famous as having been borrowed by Rabelais, probably from this occurrence, and given to his demon of mischief--showed aptitude for acting, and was therefore valuable.