Was coming round to lunch.

"By Hercules!" he murmured low
Unto his lordly self,
"There are not many dainties left
Upon my pantry shelf!

"But what I have shall Julius share.
What, ho!" he proudly cried,
"Great Cæsar comes this way anon
To sit my chair beside.

"A dish of lampreys quickly stew,
And cook them with a turn,
For that's his favorite pabulum
From Mamurra I learn."

* * * * *

His slaves obey their lord's command;
The table soon is laid
For two distinguished gentlemen,--
One rather bald, 'tis said.

When lo! a messenger appears
To sound approach--and then,
"Brave Cæsar comes to greet his friend
With _twice a thousand men_!

"His cohorts rend the air with shouts;