"I will throw with thee, Messala--for a denarius." A very boyish person was looking over the table watching the scene.
Suddenly Messala turned to him.
"Who art thou ?" he asked.
The lad drew back.
"Nay, by Castor! and his brother too! I meant not offence.

It is a rule among men, in matters other than dice, to keep the record closest when the deal is least.

I have need of a clerk.

Wilt thou serve me ?" The young fellow drew his tablets ready to keep the score: the manner was irresistible.
"Hold, Messala, hold!" cried Drusus.

"I know not if it be ominous to stay the poised dice with a question; but one occurs to me, and I must ask it though Venus slap me with her girdle." "Nay, my Drusus, Venus with her girdle off is Venus in love.