“Macedonians of Rhodes,” came the laughing answer.

And then Parrhasius with a generous gesture of gift said—

“They shall both brighten your bed this night. As for me I have others left with my valuables. But you are alone, friend. Accept these rosy flowers of flesh from my hands. Their bright youthful skins will be strikingly beautiful contrasted with a couch of sombre purple....”

We approached the great market. He stopped and regarded me.

“Indeed, you do not even ask me what it is that I come here to seek!”

“I would not dare.”

“Can you divine it?”

“No; certainly not. I do not think you can want slaves, for Philip gives you his own. Nor girls, since as you say....”

“I have come from Athens to Chalcis to find a model, my friend. Now you seem to be surprised.”

“A model for you. Are there not any then between the Academe and the Piræus?”