"Meanwhile I may mention the predictions of Apollonius of Tyana, or that history of Rufinus which I have not finished, I do not remember why." But Vinicius cared no more for Apollonius of Tyana than for the history of Rufinus.

His mind was with Lygia; and though he felt that it was more appropriate to receive her at home than to go in the role of a myrmidon to the palace, he was sorry at moments that he had not gone, for the single reason that he might have seen her sooner, and sat near her in the dark, in the double litter.
Meanwhile slaves brought in a tripod ornamented with rams' heads, bronze dishes with coals, on which they sprinkled bits of myrrh and nard.
"Now they are turning toward the Carinae," said Vinicius, again.
"He cannot wait; he will run to meet the litter, and is likely to miss them!" exclaimed Chrysothemis.
Vinicius smiled without thinking, and said,--"On the contrary, I will wait." But he distended his nostrils and panted; seeing which, Petronius shrugged his shoulders, and said,--"There is not in him a philosopher to the value of one sestertium, and I shall never make a man of that son of Mars." "They are now in the Carinae." In fact, they were turning toward the Carinae.

The slaves called lampadarii were in front; others called pedisequii, were on both sides of the litter.

Atacinus was right behind, overseeing the advance.

But they moved slowly, for lamps showed the way badly in a place not lighted at all.