Manlius knew that Carinus liked to be called Apollo.
The courtiers were horrified at this bold assertion.
"I repeat that Apollo's face is adorned with freckles. For Apollo's image is the sun, and is not the sun itself full of spots? Is not the sky strewn with stars, and are not the stars the freckles of the sky, as freckles are the stars of the human face? Therefore, O Marcius, do not censure this magnificent taste of mine."
Carinus motioned to his barber to remove the paint from his face.
"Divine countenance!" cried Manlius rapturously. "O you profaners of the sanctuary, who conceal the freckles which the graces have scattered with lavish generosity over these features. Come, friends, let this face be the model of ours."
And the courtiers instantly sat down in turn before Marcius and had freckles painted on their faces that they might resemble Carinus.
From that moment it was the fashion in Rome to have freckles painted on the face.
"Manlius," said the Cæsar, "I appoint you Prefect of Rome."
All the imperial favourites were supplanted by the young Tribune.
Ævius was in despair.