It was not long before Stychus brought a white shroud and a purple-bordered toga into the dining-room, and Trimalchio requested us to feel them and see if they were pure wool.

Then, with a smile, "Take care, Stychus, that the mice don't get at these things and gnaw them, or the moths either.

I'll burn you alive if they do.

I want to be carried out in all my glory so all the people will wish me well." Then, opening a jar of nard, he had us all anointed.

"I hope I'll enjoy this as well when I'm dead," he remarked, "as I do while I'm alive." He then ordered wine to be poured into the punch-bowl.