irty
assistants at anything that is ordered of him, so long as it brings him
money. His last things certainly amaze me, particularly the Hygyeia for
Dositheus the Jew, and the bust of Plutarch put up in the Caesareum;
they are full of grace and power. But who can distinguish what is his
work and what that of his scholars? Enough, he knows how things should
be done; and if a good sum is to be got by it he will hew you out a
whole sea-fight in marble in five days."

"Then give Papias the commission but the hapless mutilated
pavements-what will you do with them?"

"Gypsum and paint must mend them," said Pontius, "and where that
will not do, we must lay carpets on the floor in the Eastern fashion.
Merciful night! how dark it is growing; give me the plan Keraunus and
provide us with torches and lamps for to-day, and the next following
ones must have twenty-four hours apiece, full measure. I must ask you
for half a dozen trustworthy slaves Titianus; I shall want them for
messengers. What are you standing there for man? Lights, I said. You
have had half a lifetime to rest in, and when Caesar is gone you will
have as many more years for the same laudable purpose--"

As he spoke the steward had silently gone off, but the architect did not
spare him the end of the sentence; he shouted after him:

"Unless by that time you are smothered in your own fat. Is it Nile-mud
or blood that runs in that huge mortal's veins?"

"I am sure I do not care," said the prefect, "so long as the glorious
fire that flows in yours only holds out till the work is done. Do not
allow yourself to be overworked at first, nor require the impossible of
your strength, for Rome and the world still expect great things of you.
I can now write in perfect security to the Emperor that all will be
ready for him in Lochias, and as a farewell speech, I can only say, it
is folly to be discouraged if only Pontius is at hand to support and
assist me."

CHAPTER III.

The prefect ordered the lictors, who were awaiting him with his chariot,
to hasten to his house, and to conduct to Pontius several most worthy
slaves, familiar with Alexandria--some of whom he named--and at the same
time to send the architect a good couch with pillows and coverlets, and
to despatch a good meal and fine wine to the old palace at Lochias. Then
he mounted his chariot and drove through the Bruchiom along the shore to
the great edifice known as the Caesareum. He got on but slowly, for