Three Moorish children were playing about his knees, and a senator was talking with him.
"My public services are familiar to you," said the senator, as the young knights waited some twenty paces off.

"A gift of two hundred thousand denarii would be fitting, and, if you will permit me to say so, it would delight the populace.

Indeed, 'tis generally believed you have already given me a large sum." "But see that you do not believe it," blandly spake the strange emperor, for albeit Rome was then a republic in name it was an empire in fact, and Augustus, wielding the power of an emperor, refused the title.

Turning, he began to play with the children.
"Great and beloved father! I hope, at least, you will consider my prayer." "Good senator, I have considered.

You ask for two hundred thousand denarii.