They drove in from the city and the surrounding towns all the Greek ruffians, who filled the arena with such a vile odor of sweat and garlic that I thank the gods that, instead of sitting in the first rows with the Augustians, I was behind the scenes with Ahenobarbus.

And wilt thou believe it, he was afraid really! He took my hand and put it to his heart, which was beating with increased pulsation; his breath was short; and at the moment when he had to appear he grew as pale as a parchment, and his forehead was covered with drops of sweat.

Still he saw that in every row of seats were pretorians, armed with clubs, to rouse enthusiasm if the need came.

But there was no need.

No herd of monkeys from the environs of Carthage could howl as did this rabble.