“And why?” asked the master.
“They hate a Greek slave,” answered the boy.
“But thy back is not healed.”
“I can run and jump. See!” he said, as he ran and jumped around the room, concealing his pain like a little Stoic.
“Rest content; thou mayst go with me,” relented Gyges.
The little slave nearly danced with joy.
“O Nana,” continued Gyges, “I know not what to do. Who will now care for my horses? They know my walk, my every motion. Their gentle eyes follow me whenever I am with them. They place their noses against my face and caress me like human beings.”
“They were restless when I left the stable, O master. They missed thee,” said Aldo.
“Ah, Ambrosia, Phaeo, Zephyrus, and Notus, who will love you as I did? But come, Nana!” he quickly called. “A light! I must write two letters!”
Nana took a small terra-cotta lamp and preceded Gyges into the small dining-room.