The place was a centre of artists and scholars in those days.

Many a simple question was framed here, to fit the two-edged biting answer, repeated from mouth to mouth, and carefully written down among Pasquino's epigrams.

First of all the low-born Roman hates all that is, and his next thought is to express his hatred in a stinging satire without being found out.
Like every real Roman, Marzio thought of old Marforio as he strolled up the narrow street towards the Capitol, and regretted the lawless days of conspiracy and treacherous deeds when every man's hand was against his fellow.

He wandered on, his eyes cast down, and his head bent.

Some one jostled against him, walking quickly in the opposite direction.