Ausonius, keeping in his breath in order not to breathe the vitiated air, bowed low.
"Are bread and wine distributed every day?"
"Yes, as you have ordered, divine Augustus...."
"What filth!"
"They are Galileans. To wash, is for them a sin. It's impossible to make them take baths."
"Bring me the account-books!" ordered Julian.
The inspector fell on his knees, and for long could not utter a word. Finally he faltered—
"Sire ... everything is in due order, ... but unfortunately ... the books have been burnt...."
The Emperor's brow clouded.
At that moment, cries arose from the crowd of sick persons—