Roxana, restored
to life. It has been proved by irrefragable evidence in the presence of
Philostratus."

The priest of Alexander here exclaimed, in a tone of firm conviction:

"A marvel indeed! We bow down to the noble vessel of the soul of
Alexander. I, the priest of that hero, attest that great Caesar has found
that in which Roxana's soul now exists." And as he spoke he pressed his
hand to his heart, bowing low before Caesar; the rest imitated his
example. Even Julius Paulinus, the satirist, followed the Roman priest's
lead; but he whispered in the ear of Cassius Dio "Alexander's soul was
inquisitive, and wanted to see how it could live in the body which, of
all mortal tenements on earth, least resembles his own."

A mocking word was on the ex-consul's lips as to the amiable frame of
mind which had so suddenly come over Caesar; but he preferred to watch
and listen, as Caracalla beckoned Theocritus to him and begged him to
give up the appointment of Zminis, though, as a rule, he indulged the
favorite's every whim. He could not bear, he said, to intrust the defense
of his own person and of the city of Alexander to an Egyptian, so long as
a Greek could be found capable of the duty. He proposed presently to have
the two candidates brought before him, and to decide between them in the
presence of the prefect of the praetorians. Then, turning to those of his
captains who stood around him, he said:

"Greet my soldiers from me. I could not show myself to them yesterday. I
saw just now, with deep regret, how the rain has drenched them in this
luxurious city. I will no longer endure it. The praetorians and the
Macedonian legion shall be housed in quarters of which they will tell
wonders for a long time to come. I would rather see them sleeping in
white wool and eating off silver than these vile traders. Tell them
that."

He was here interrupted, for Epagathos announced a deputation from the
Museum, and, at the same time, the painter Alexander, who had been
brought from prison. At this Caracalla exclaimed with disgust:

"Spare me the hair-splitting logicians!--Do you, Philostratus, receive
them in my name. If they make any impudent demands, you may tell them my
opinion of them and their Museum. Go, but come back quickly. Bring in the
painter. I will speak with him alone.--You, my friends, withdraw with our
idiologos, the priest of Alexander, who is well known here, and visit the
city. I shall not require you at present."