Della Scala was the companion of an emperor; Morus, the Englishman, was the right arm of a king.

And I, Caesar Basterga of Padua, bred in the pure Latinity of our Master Manucius, yield to none of these.

Yet am I, if I would live, forced to stoop 'ad vulgus captandum!' I must kneel that I may rise! I must wade through the mire of this base pursuit that I may reach the firm ground of wealth and learned ease.

But think you that I am the dupe of the art wherewith I dupe others?
Or, that once I have my foot on firm ground I will stoop again to the things of matter and sense?
No, by Hercules!" the big man continued, his eye kindling, his form dilating.
"This scheme once successful, this feat that should supply me for life, once performed, Caesar Basterga of Padua will know how to add, to those laurels which he has already gained, The bays of Scala and the wreath of More, Erasmus' palm and that which Lipsius wore." And in a kind of frenzy of enthusiasm the scholar fell to pacing the floor, now mouthing hexameters, now spurning with his foot a pot or an alembic which had the ill-luck to lie in his path.

Grio watched him, and watching him, grew only more puzzled--and more puzzled.