But here no one takes things otherwise than superficially.

His is rather a wretched and dull little book, which people have begun to read passionately only when the author is banished.

Now one hears on every side, 'Scandala! scandala!' and it may be that Veiento invented some things; but I, who know the city, know our patres and our women, assure thee that it is all paler than reality.

Meanwhile every man is searching in the book,--for himself with alarm, for his acquaintances with delight.

At the book-shop of Avirnus a hundred copyists are writing at dictation, and its success is assured." "Are not thy affairs in it ?" "They are; but the author is mistaken, for I am at once worse and less flat than he represents me.