prince of that city, observing her lofty port, her beautiful countenance, and wise conduct, offered ten golden sestertia.
Leno. I will give twenty.
Athanag. And I, thirty.
Leno. Forty.
Athanag. Fifty.
Leno. Eighty.
Athanag. Ninety.
Leno. I will give a hundred sestertia in ready money; if any one offer more I will give ten gold sestertia above.
"Why should I contend any farther with Leno," thought Athanagoras. "I may purchase a dozen for the price she will cost him. Let him have her; and by and by I will enter covertly his dwelling and solicit her love."
Tharsia was conducted by Leno to a house of ill-fame, in an apartment of which there was a golden Priapus[1], richly ornamented with gems.
"Girl! worship that image;" said Leno.
Tharsia. I may not worship any such thing.
- ↑ Priapus, the Latin god of gardens.
