"And he was not avaricious about it?"

"So far from it that you will be astonished. The man must know the
secret of Midas, of turning stones into gold."

"And are there many like him among your Jews?"

"A good number."

"Then I wish that they would attempt a revolt, for if this led to the
destruction of the rich ones, their gold, at any rate, would remain."

"Meanwhile I will try and keep them alive, as being good rate-payers."

"And does Hadrian share your wish?"

"Without doubt."

"Your successor may perhaps bring him to another mind."

"He always acts according to his own judgment, and for the present I am
in office," answered Titianus haughtily.

"And may the God of the Jews long preserve you in it!" retorted Sabina
scornfully.




CHAPTER VII.