Quartilla.
[Dancing for joy.] Thumbs up! Don’t spare him, Pertinax! Thumbs up! [She presses her thumbs upward in the manner of the spectators at a gladiatorial contest when they wished the vanquished contestant to be slain.]
Valentinus.
[Interposing, rescues Nerva.] There, there! That is punishment enough for youthful levity!
Pertinax.
[Sinks into a seat and wipes a heated brow.] Levity? No cork on water was ever of character more light! Had I you under me at the farm ... [Threatens Nerva who runs off.] ... I’d change your tune!
Nerva.
[As he goes, taunting.] Anacreon! Ha, ha! Anacreon!
Pertinax.