"There are only my poor sister and the children to be considered. If, during the first few months I should find myself falling short—"
"We will manage to pull through. It is high time that you yourself should reap from what you sow."
"So it seems to me, for my own sake and Arsinoe's; if only Keraunus—"
"Aye—there will be a battle to fight with him."
"A hard one, a hard one," sighed Pollux.
"The thought of the old man troubles my happiness."
"Folly!" cried Doris. "Avoid all useless anxiety. It is almost as injurious as remorse gnawing at your heart. Take a workshop of your own, do some great work in a joyful spirit, something to astonish the world, and I will wager anything that the old fool of a steward will only be vexed to think that he destroyed the first work of the celebrated Pollux, instead of treasuring it in his cabinet of curiosities. Just imagine that no such person exists in the world and enjoy your happiness."
"I will stick to that."
"One thing more my lad: take good care of Arsinoe. She is young and inexperienced and you must not persuade her to do anything you would advise her not to do if she were betrothed to your brother instead of to yourself."
Doris had not done speaking when Antinous came into the gate-house and delivered the commands of the architect Claudius Venator, to escort him through the city. Pollux hesitated with his answer, for he had still much to do in the palace, and he hoped to see Arsinoe again in the course of the day. After such a morning what could noon and evening be to him without her? Dame Doris noticed his indecision and cried: