The choice lay, Theocritus explained, between two equally good men.

One, Aristides, was a Greek of high repute, and the other was only an Egyptian, but so distinguished for zealous severity that, for his part, he should vote for him.
At this the high-priest broke in, saying that the man favored by Theocritus did in fact possess the qualities for which he was commended, but in such a measure that he was utterly hated by the Greek population; and in Alexandria more could be achieved by justice and mercy than by defiant severity.
But at this the favorite laughed, and said that he was convinced of the contrary.

A populace which could dare to mock at the divine Caesar, the guest of their city, with such gross audacity, must be made to smart under the power of Rome and its ruler.

The deposed magistrate had lost his place for the absurd measures he had proposed, and Aristides was in danger of following in his footsteps.
"By no means," the high-priest said, with calm dignity.

"The Greek, whom I would propose, is a worthy and determined man.