During the conversation between Zoilus and Sisinnius, the jests and laughter of the "vernae" were heard above all other sounds.
"Observe Zoilus," said one, "he looks as sober and serious as Rhadamanthus on the judgment-seat. What is the matter with him?"
"He is expecting to be a freedman one of these days, and thinks it time to become a gentleman and quit his old habits and associates."
"Why, as to that matter, he is as free as the wind on the hill-side. He is in and out of the city as often as he likes. What induces master to give him so much freedom? There is something in it."
"See Murena, too! He expects in a few months to buy himself out with the profits of his peculium."
"That accounts for his being so great a miser. The barber told me that, after having his hair cut and nails pared the other day, Murena gathered the cuttings in order to make a denarius on them!"
This observation of the physician Tritonios caused laughter and was not unheard by Murena, who replied:
"O doctor! that is a stale joke stolen from Plautus. Next time I will preserve the parings for your amulets, they may be as good for the toothache or the colic as the hairs on the goat's chin which you hung upon the arm of Marcus!"
"Take care, Murena!" said a third, "you don't know how soon you may require Tritonios to assist you."
"Yes, and share the fate of Procax, who only saw the doctor in a dream, and awoke no more, though he carried an amulet."