CHAPTER 3.
"He is more honored than Jupiter these days," the philosopher was saying as Vergilius re-entered.
"Who ?" inquired the young man.
"Who else but Caesar, and it is well.

The gods--who are they ?" "The adopted children of Vergil and Homer," said Appius, brother of Arria, who had just returned from the baths.
"But our great father Augustus--who can doubt that he deserves our worship ?" said the philosopher, a subtle irony in his voice.

It was this learned man who had long been the instructor of Vergilius.
"Who, indeed ?" was the remark of another.
"But these gods!" "At least they are not likely to cut off one's head," said Aulus.
"Speak not lightly of the gods," said Vergilius.

"They are still a power with the people, and the people have great need of them.

What shall become of Rome when the gods fall ?" "It shall sicken," said the philosopher, with a lift of his hand.