Yet the praetor Lucius Priscillianus was ready with an answer.

He was the most malicious and ill-natured scandal-monger at court; and he hated the prefect, for he himself had coveted the post, which was the highest in the state next to Caesar's.

He had always some slaves set to spy upon Macrinus, and he now said, with a contemptuous shrug: "It is a marvel to me that so zealous a man--though he is already beginning to break down under his heavy duties--should be so late.
However, he here spends his evenings and nights in special occupations, which must of course be far from beneficial to the health and peace of mind which his office demands." "What can those be ?" asked Caracalla; but the praetor added without a pause: "Merciful gods! Who would not crave to glance into the future ?" "And it is that which makes him late ?" said Caesar, with more curiosity than anger.
"Hardly by broad daylight," replied Priscillianus.

"The spirits he would fain evoke shun the light of day, it is said.

But he may be weary with late watching and painful agitations." "Then he calls up spirits at night ?" "Undoubtedly, great Caesar.