"
He knew the price of all, from the hewer of wood to the crowned king,
but only he could afford a slave like that.
"I should prefer a wise man," said the young knight.
"Philosophers are more expensive," the father continued,
craftily--"twenty thousand denarii, and dear at that. They will teach
you little but discontent. I recommend a grammarian."
The old emperor turned his cunning eyes upon the face of Vergilius.
"Forty thousand, at least, for a good one," he added; "but a youth of
your talent should remember the value of immortal fame." Word and look
were a hint to the young man that he should prepare himself with all
diligence for an active career in the senate. The youth understood
their meaning and was a trifle comforted. There was no promise nor the
least warrant for a claim--it was only the emperor's way of guiding.
They were now passing a row of shops on the Via Claudia. The emperor,
putting his hand out of the door, motioned to his lecticarii and they
halted.
"Come with me," said the great man. They left the litter and entered a
large shop.
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