"Thessalos! My friend! Greeting to thee!"
A hand descended on the Greek's shoulder. He turned.
"Ah, Nisos! To thee, greeting. This is a surprise. I heard thou wert in Rome."
Nisos laughed.
"I have been in Mitylene and in Syracuse as well as Rome. Thou seest me greatly changed. I did not enjoy myself in Rome. They expect us there, to teach them how to understand our philosophers, how to appreciate our statues, how to copy our architecture; but they hate us for the birthright they can never have, yet which is ours without asking. They did not make things easy for me; in return I will admit I lavished no affection on them. And here I am. Alexandria is more to my liking."
Thessalos smiled, stroking his beard. Nisos resumed.
"All that matters little, now. In this
