Marsyas put out his hand and the courier laid in it a package wrapped in silk. Marsyas broke the seal and read the contents.
"O MARSYAS:
"Gossip hath it now that thou art no longer confused when a woman addresses thee: wherefore I write with less trepidation and more confidence.
"I am in Rome these seven days, under my father's roof, for a little space before we are commanded to join Cæsar in Capri. In this time I have not seen thee nor thy lord.
"If not myself, then perchance the news I bring from Alexandria may urge thee to accept the invitation I extend.
"There exists no greater claim than thine upon my hospitality.
"Come thou, and make me welcome in mine own city.
"JUNIA."
Marsyas sprang up, the last of the languor gone from his face.
"Thou shalt conduct me," he said to the messenger.