After a time Aulus sprang up to frighten the fish in the transparent water, but Vinicius continued the conversation begun during the walk.
"Yes," said he, in a low, quivering voice, scarcely audible; "barely had I cast aside the pretexta, when I was sent to the legions in Asia.

I had not become acquainted with the city, nor with life, nor with love.
I know a small bit of Anacreon by heart, and Horace; but I cannot like Petronius quote verses, when reason is dumb from admiration and unable to find its own words.

While a youth I went to school to Musonius, who told me that happiness consists in wishing what the gods wish, and therefore depends on our will.

I think, however, that it is something else,--something greater and more precious, which depends not on the will, for love only can give it.

The gods themselves seek that happiness; hence I too, O Lygia, who have not known love thus far, follow in their footsteps.