the right corner of the theater was allotted to Caesar,
one Vatinius, a senator, commander of the praetorian band, asked of
Cluvius, one that sat by him, and was of consular dignity also, whether
he had heard any thing of news, or not? but took care that nobody should
hear what he said; and when Cluvius replied, that he had heard no news,
"Know then," said Vatinius, "that the game of the slaughter of tyrants
is to be played this day." But Cluvius replied "O brave comrade hold thy
peace, lest some other of the Achaians hear thy tale." And as there was
abundance of autumnal fruit thrown among the spectators, and a great
number of birds, that were of great value to such as possessed them, on
account of their rareness, Caius was pleased with the birds fighting for
the fruits, and with the violence wherewith the spectators seized upon
them: and here he perceived two prodigies that happened there; for an
actor was introduced, by whom a leader of robbers was crucified, and the
pantomime brought in a play called Cinyras, wherein he himself was to
be slain, as well as his daughter Myrrha, and wherein a great deal of
fictitious blood was shed, both about him that was crucified, and also
about Cinyras. It was also confessed that this was the same day wherein
Pausanias, a friend of Philip, the son of Amyntas, who was king of
Macedonia, slew him, as he was entering into the theater. And now Caius
was in doubt whether he should tarry to the end of the shows, because it
was the last day, or whether he should not go first to the bath, and to
dinner, and then return and sit down as before. Hereupon Minucianus, who
sat over Caius, and was afraid that the opportunity should fail them,
got up, because he saw Cherea was already gone out, and made haste out,
to confirm him in his resolution; but Caius took hold of his garment, in
an obliging way, and said to him, "O brave man! whither art thou going?"
Whereupon, out of reverence to Caesar, as it seemed, he sat down again;
but his fear prevailed over him, and in a little time he got up again,
and then Caius did no way oppose his going out, as thinking that he went
out to perform some necessities of nature. And Asprenas, who was one of
the confederates, persuaded Caius to go out to the bath, and to dinner,
and then to come in again, as desirous that what had been resolved on
might be brought to a conclusion immediately.

14. So Cherea's associates placed themselves in order, as the time would