Know too that it is sweet to desire, but sweeter to be desired." Chrysothemis had her own and a somewhat different opinion on this point; but Petronius, calling her his vestal and his dove, began to explain the difference which must exist between a trained charioteer of the Circus and the youth who sits on the quadriga for the first time.

Then, turning to Vinicius, he continued,--"Win her confidence, make her joyful, be magnanimous.

I have no wish to see a gloomy feast.

Swear to her, by Hades even, that thou wilt return her to Pomponia, and it will be thy affair that to-morrow she prefers to stay with thee." Then pointing to Chrysothemis, he added,--"For five years I have acted thus more or less with this timid dove, and I cannot complain of her harshness." Chrysothemis struck him with her fan of peacock feathers, and said,--"But I did not resist, thou satyr!" "Out of consideration for my predecessor--" "But wert thou not at my feet ?" "Yes; to put rings on thy toes." Chrysothemis looked involuntarily at her feet, on the toes of which diamonds were really glittering; and she and Petronius began to laugh.
But Vinicius did not give ear to their bantering.

His heart was beating unquietly under the robes of a Syrian priest, in which he had arrayed himself to receive Lygia.
"They must have left the palace," said he, as if in a monologue.
"They must," answered Petronius.