"And if Caesar does not keep his word?" asked Euphorion gloomily.
"What sort of a life shall we live then?"

"A bad one-a dog's life; and for that very reason it is wiser to enjoy
now what we still possess. A cup of wine, Pollux, for me and your
father. But there must be no water in it to-day."

"I cannot drink," sighed Euphorion.

"Then I will drink your share and my own too." Nay-nay, mother,"
remonstrated Pollux.

"Well put some water in, lad, just a little water, only do not make such
a pitiful face. Is that the way a young fellow should look who has his
art, and plenty of strength in his hands, and the sweetest of sweethearts
in his heart?"

"It is certainly not for myself, mother," retorted the sculptor, "that I
am anxious. But how am I ever to get into the palace again to see
Arsinoe, and how am I to deal with that ferocious old Keraunus?"

"Leave that question for time to answer," replied Doris.

"Time may give a good answer, but it may also give a bad one."

"And the best she only gives to those who wait for her in the antechamber
of Patience."

"A bad place for me, and for those like me," sighed Pollux.