Chapter 25

“He insists, most glorious Caesar,” said the chamberlain, “that his business is of the utmost importance and that it is only because he felt that the safety of the Emperor is at stake that he came at this hour.” “Bring him here then,” commanded Validus, and, as the chamberlain turned away, “Am I never to have a moment’s relaxation without some fool like Fulvus Fupus breaking in upon me with some silly story?” he grumbled to one of his companions. When Fulvus approached the Emperor a moment later, he was received wi…