A weaver must have taught thee gymnastics, and a blacksmith thy manners." On his face not even anger was evident, but in his eyes there was a certain pale reflection of energy and daring.

After a while he let the hands of Vinicius drop.

Vinicius stood before him shamefaced and enraged.
"Thou hast a steel hand," said he; "but if thou hast betrayed me, I swear, by all the infernal gods, that I will thrust a knife into thy body, though thou be in the chambers of Caesar." "Let us talk calmly," said Petronius.

"Steel is stronger, as thou seest, than iron; hence, though out of one of thy arms two as large as mine might be made, I have no need to fear thee.

On the contrary, I grieve over thy rudeness, and if the ingratitude of men could astonish me yet, I should be astonished at thy ingratitude." "Where is Lygia ?" "In a brothel,--that is, in the house of Caesar." "Petronius!" "Calm thyself, and be seated.