If he knew anything of the tastes of his
countrymen the price which would be paid for her must prove a record
even in that ring. He was aware that among the vulgar a great, almost
a divine name had been coupled with that of this captive. Well, he knew
nothing, except this, that he was certain that if there was any truth
in the matter the owner of the name, as became a noble and a generous
nature, would wish to obtain his prize fairly and openly. The bidding
was as free to the humblest there--provided, of course, that he could
pay, and he might remark that not an hour's credit would be given except
to those who were known to him--as to Caesar himself. Now, as the light
was failing, he would order the torches to be lit and commence the sale.
The beauteous Pearl-Maiden, he might add, was Lot No. 7.
So the torches were lit, and presently the first victim was led out and
placed upon a stand of marble in the centre of the flaring ring. She was
a dark-haired child of about sixteen years of age, who stared round her
with a frightened gaze.
The bidding began at five sestertia and ran up to fifteen, or about L120
of our money, at which price she was knocked down to a Greek, who led
her back into the receiving house, paid the gold to a clerk who was in
attendance, and took her away, sobbing as she went.
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