tches away--far away to the infinite distance
beyond.

The beauty of the late summer's day was accepted as a matter of course:
as part and parcel of the holidays and festivals ordered by the Caesar.
These too were the people's just dues: emperors had to justify their
existence by entertaining their people. Grumblings at their luxury and
extravagances were only withheld because of other luxuries and
extravagances perpetrated for the amusement of the people.

And from early dawn there was plenty to see. Even though you did not
watch the citron-coloured sky overhead as it slowly changed its
diaphanous draperies for others that were rose, then crimson, and then
gold, finally casting off these two, and showing its blue magnificence
unadorned. There were the soldiers on guard at the doors, their yellow
helmets shining in the sun, their naked legs bronzed below their tunics.
There were the late-comers to watch, those who had not cared for a
midnight vigil and were arriving late, like lazy ants creeping to their
heaps, finding all places occupied, running hither and thither in search
of an empty place.

Then, on the north side there were the tribunals of the senators, the
patricians, and the knights, with--in the centre--gorgeous with purple
draperies and standards--that which the Caesar would occupy. Rich stuffs
covered with gold embroideries fell over the edge of these tribunes and
fluttered lazily in the morning breeze; chairs and cushions were
disposed there, and it was interesting to make vague guesses as to who
would occupy them.

The Emperor's tribune was decorated with flowers: huge bunches of lilies
in pots of earthenware and crimson roses trailed in festoons overhead.
There was no doubt that the Augusta Dea Flavia would be present then,
lilies were her favourite flowers, they were always to be seen wherever
she appeared.

The tribunes of the rich were so disposed that the sun would never shed
an unpleasant glare into them, and over that part of the Amphitheatre an
awning of white and purple striped stuff threw a pleasing and restful
shadow.

Soon after the second hour the spectacle began. Processions of men and
beasts who would take part in the combats and the shows. The Numidian
lions--in heavy iron cages, drawn by eight pack horses--were snarling as
they were dragged along, lean and hungry-looking, with bloodshot eyes
that threatened, and dribbling jaws waiting to devour. The pack of
hyenas from the desert,