ring of elaborate and most exquisite workmanship; the sleeves of the
tunic were loose, and fringed at the hand with gold: and across the
waist a girdle wrought in arabesque designs, and of the same material as
the fringe, served in lieu of pockets for the receptacle of the
handkerchief and the purse, the stilus and the tablets.

'My dear Glaucus!' said Clodius, 'I rejoice to see that your losses have
so little affected your mien. Why, you seem as if you had been inspired
by Apollo, and your face shines with happiness like a glory; any one
might take you for the winner, and me for the loser.'

'And what is there in the loss or gain of those dull pieces of metal
that should change our spirit, my Clodius? By Venus, while yet young,
we can cover our full locks with chaplets--while yet the cithara sounds
on unsated ears--while yet the smile of Lydia or of Chloe flashes over
our veins in which the blood runs so swiftly, so long shall we find
delight in the sunny air, and make bald time itself but the treasurer of
our joys. You sup with me to-night, you know.'

'Who ever forgets the invitation of Glaucus!'

'But which way go you now?'

'Why, I thought of visiting the baths: but it wants yet an hour to the
usual time.'

'Well, I will dismiss my chariot, and go with you. So, so, my Phylias,'
stroking the horse nearest to him, which by a low neigh and with
backward ears playfully acknowledged the courtesy: 'a holiday for you
to-day. Is he not handsome, Clodius?'