But in that matter he was bound to ancient custom by fetters of his own making.

Once--he was then emperor of Rome but not of his own spirit--he had punished a slave by crucifixion for killing a pet quail.

For that act, one cannot help thinking, he must have been harassed with regret.

The sting of it tempered his elation that November day.

He was, however, pleased with the spirit of the people and his heart was full of sympathy and good-will.
On his table were letters from the south.