I gave myself up." "Of your own accord ?" "To procure my father's release, as he had been put in prison." "Most magnanimous!" said Caesar, ironically.

"Such a deed sounds well, but is apt to cost a man his life.

You seem to have overlooked that." "No, great Caesar; I expected to die." "Then you are a philosopher, a contemner of life." "Neither.

I value life above all else; for, if it is taken from me, there is an end of enjoying its best gifts." "Best gifts!" echoed Caesar.

"I should like to know which you honor with the epithet." "Love and art." "Indeed ?" said Caracalla, with a swift glance at Melissa.