Is it wholesome to eat seaweed and raw fish?
A Courtier.
Is it wholesome to have to devour meat in great lumps, all bloody, as it comes from the butcher?
Heraclius.
’Tis little enough meat I have seen for the past week. Most of it goes to the altars. Ere long, methinks, we shall be able to say that the ever-venerable gods are the only meat-eaters in Antioch.
Oribases.
Still the same old mocker, Heraclius.
Heraclius.
Why, of what are you thinking, friend? Far be it from me to mock at the Emperor’s wise decrees. Blessed be the Emperor Julian! Does he not follow in the footsteps of the immortals? For, tell me, does not a certain frugality seem nowadays to reign, even in the heavenly housekeeping?
A Courtier.