The gleam of a jewel on a finger helped him not a little to the silence which ensued.
"Romans--most noble Romans--I salute you!" he said.
"Easy, by Jupiter! Who is he ?" asked Drusus.
"A dog of Israel--Sanballat by name--purveyor for the army; residence, Rome; vastly rich; grown so as a contractor of furnishments which he never furnishes.

He spins mischiefs, nevertheless, finer than spiders spin their webs.

Come--by the girdle of Venus! let us catch him!" Messala arose as he spoke, and, with Drusus, joined the mass crowded about the purveyor.
"It came to me on the street," said that person, producing his tablets, and opening them on the table with an impressive air of business, "that there was great discomfort in the palace because offers on Messala were going without takers.

The gods, you know, must have sacrifices; and here am I.You see my color; let us to the matter.

Odds first, amounts next.