There was a struggle with some strong feeling; when it was conquered, he turned to the tribune.
"What pursuit would I follow ?" he asked.
"Yes." "Tribune, I will tell thee truly.

Only the night before the dreadful day of which I have spoken, I obtained permission to be a soldier.
I am of the same mind yet; and, as in all the earth there is but one school of war, thither I would go." "The palaestra!" exclaimed Arrius.
"No; a Roman camp." "But thou must first acquaint thyself with the use of arms." Now a master may never safely advise a slave.

Arrius saw his indiscretion, and, in a breath, chilled his voice and manner.
"Go now," he said, "and do not build upon what has passed between us.
Perhaps I do but play with thee.

Or"-- he looked away musingly--"or, if thou dost think of it with any hope, choose between the renown of a gladiator and the service of a soldier.

The former may come of the favor of the emperor; there is no reward for thee in the latter.
Thou art not a Roman.