As the wise King Solomon said, 'Everything has its place and time.' It is good to repent you of your sins and to think about your soul, but I pray you do so no more at my feasts, especially when they are given in your honour.
Last night you sat at the board like a mummy at an Egyptian banquet.

Had your skull stood on it, filled with wine, it could scarce have looked grimmer than did your face.

Be more cheerful, I pray you, or I will have you tonsured and promoted to be a bishop, like that old heretic Barnabas of whom you are so fond.

Ah! you smile at last, and I am glad to see it.
Now hearken again.

This afternoon there comes to the palace a certain old Egyptian named Magas, whom I place in your especial charge, and with him his wife--at least, I think she is his wife." "Nay, Mistress, his daughter," interrupted Martina.
"Oh! his daughter," said the Augusta suspiciously.