ill fight with his vizor down.'

'But surely a net and a spear are poor arms against a shield and sword?'

'That shows how innocent you are, my dear Fulvia; the retiarius has
generally the best of it.'

'But who is yon handsome gladiator, nearly naked--is it not quite
improper? By Venus! but his limbs are beautifully shaped!'

'It is Lydon, a young untried man! he has the rashness to fight yon
other gladiator similarly dressed, or rather undressed--Tetraides. They
fight first in the Greek fashion, with the cestus; afterwards they put
on armor, and try sword and shield.'

'He is a proper man, this Lydon; and the women, I am sure, are on his
side.'

'So are not the experienced betters; Clodius offers three to one against
him!'

'Oh, Jove! how beautiful!' exclaimed the widow, as two gladiators, armed
cap-a-pie, rode round the arena on light and prancing steeds. Resembling
much the combatants in the tilts of the middle age, they bore lances and
round shields beautifully inlaid: their armor was woven intricately with
bands of iron, but it covered only the thighs and the right arms; short
cloaks, extending to the seat, gave a picturesque and graceful air to
their costume; their legs were naked, with the exception of sandals,
which were fastened a little above the ankle. 'Oh, beautiful! Who are
these?' asked the widow.

'The one is named Berbix--he has conquered twelve times; the other
assumes the arrogant name of Nobilior. They are both Gauls.'

While thus conversing, the first formalities of the show were over. To
these succeeded a feigned combat with wooden swords between the various
gladiators matched against each other. Amongst these, the skill of two
Roman gladiators, hired for the occasion, was the most admired; and next
to them the most graceful combatant was Lydon. This sham contest did
not last above an hour, nor did it attract any very lively interest,
except among those connoisseurs of the arena to whom art was preferable
to more coarse excitement; the body of the spectators were rejoiced when
it was over, and when the sympathy rose to terror. The combatants were
now arranged in pairs, as agreed beforehand; their weapons examined; and
the grave sports of the day commenced amidst the deepest silence--broken
only by an exciting and preliminary blast of warlike music.

It was often customary to begin the sports by the most cruel of all, and
some bestiarius, or gladiator appointed to the beasts, was s