Nerva.
Wine! Honied wine! What next! [He goes.]
Pertinax.
[Who fled hastily at Nerva’s approach.] There are occasions when one may dispense with such ceremonies!
Tertulla.
Nothing shall be lacking from the feast, not only as propitiation for favours hoped for, but in gratitude for benefits received! Bethink you how wonderful the scroll you have spread out before me, painting the dark chambers of my spirit with blossoms of many colours, and filling my life with sweet savours, and with fancies no less sweet!
Pertinax.
Asteria Tertia, I speak truly in saying that at too high a value do you estimate the service I, all-joyful, have rendered you! Your own imagination divinely gifted is the Apelles that has so pleasingly depicted the wonders of nature, heightened, I grant you, by assiduous cultivation, in a manner to adorn the chambers of your spirit!
Tertulla.