Antonius’s house was one of the most magnificent in the valley below the Quirinal and Esquiline Hills.
Besides the spacious atrium, or large outer court, there was a third large peristyle, from which immense apartments opened, furnished in the most magnificent style. There were carpets from Eastern looms, and many coloured curtains of purple and gold embroidery, from Babylon. Curious carving in ivory and metal were on every side; and Antonius said, as he led Casca to one of the most magnificent chambers—
“Well, there is no great hardship in taking up your abode with me. The emperor himself is pleased to frequent this house, and we are ready with a banquet for him at any moment. A penalty, you may say, to pay for imperial favour. Now we will take that couch and throw aside these parchments, and have a light repast.”
Antonius clapped his hands, and as if by magic a retinue of slaves appeared, bearing all kinds of refreshments, in silver and gold cups and flagons, with dishes of all the viands then most in favour with the luxurious Romans, the degenerate representatives of the noble and hardy race which had laid the foundation of the great empire, even now hastening to its fall!
Antonius led the usual life of the Roman nobles of that time. He lounged, drank, and played for high stakes at the gaming-tables at the baths. He sauntered into the Forum, and listened to some favourite orator, or later in the day he attended the Court, and either drove in his gaily-decorated chariot, or sauntered in the gardens where the beauty and fashion of Rome resorted. Then he would bid guests to his supper, who were never unwilling to respond to his invitation, for his board was always spread with sumptuous fare, and the emperor himself was frequently announced by heralds as deigning to confer the favour of his presence upon Antonius.
When Antonius had dismissed the slaves and attendants, he said—
“Here is your father’s letter. He begs me to make a Roman of you, and mentions that by reason of robbers by land, and pirates by sea, you had arrived in a sorry plight. You can be equipped by my people in native attire, and it is time that you left off that prætexta, if your father’s version of your age be true—near fifteen. He says, and truly, that you are small and slender, and a contrast to him in all things. He does not think you will make a soldier.”
Antonius laughed. “And I agree with him; we must turn you into a Roman, befitting in manners and appearance your high rank. You have a sister a vestal, I hear.”
“Yes, a young sister received as a disciple,” Casca said.
“A vestal’s brother must needs be careful to do her honour, and you must submit yourself to the hands of my dresser, and acquire some accomplishment, play on some instrument, as well as play high at other games. The Emperor may look kindly on you, and I will get you a place in his household.”