lying city offered me. Do you understand? Yes? Well, then, how are we
to detect the guilty? Where are we to find spies and executioners
enough? How can we punish worst those whose wickedness has involved the
rest in guilt, especially the epigramatists of the Museum? How are we to
discover the ringleaders of those who insulted me yesterday in the
Circus, and of those among the youths in the stadium who have dared to
express their vile disapproval by whistling in my very face? What steps
will you take to hinder a single one from escaping? Consider. How is it
to be done so effectually that I may lie down and say 'They have had
their deserts. I am content'?"

The Egyptian's eyes wandered round the floor, but he presently drew
himself up and answered briefly and positively, as though he were issuing
an order to his men:

"Kill them all!"

Caracalla started, and repeated dully, "All?"

"All!" repeated Zminis, with a hideous grin. "The young ones are all
there, safe in the stadium. The men in the Museum fear nothing. Those
who are in the streets can be cut down. Locked doors can be broken in."

At this, Caesar, who had dropped on to his throne, started to his feet,
flung the wine-cup he held across the room, laughed loudly, and
exclaimed:

"You are the man for me! To work at once! This will be a day!--
Macrinus, Theocritus, Antigonus, we need your troops. Send up the
legates. Those who do not like the taste of blood, may sweeten it with