I do not know; and all this does not seem to me so very discouraging. After all, why afflict one’s self with what the gods created for pleasure?... Appius, therefore, wished me to cure you, by my wise counsels, of an ill that saddens you needlessly. But, first, do you love her as much as Appius declares? His talk is often extravagant and heedless....
Verus
I desired her, I still desire her, as I have never desired any woman....
Silanus
You speak wisely in not separating, from the outset, desire and love. Besides, I understand. She is certainly the loveliest of all the many women whom I have admired in my life.
Verus
What!... You have seen her?... Is she at Jerusalem then?
Silanus
She is even nearer to us than Jerusalem, which is fifteen stadia from Bethany.... (Drawing him a little to the right). Come to this portico and look over there, at the bottom of the valley.... What do you see?...
Verus