crowned the statues with flowers and ribbons, as required by the ritual,
or the processions of priests in their various rank. Carrying sacred
relics and figures of the gods on trays or boats, with emblematic
standards, scepters, and cymbals, they moved about the sacred precinct in
prescribed order, and most of them fulfilled their duties with devotion
and edification.

But Caesar's presence seemed to have banished these solemn feelings.
From morning till night the great temple swarmed with visitors, but their
appearance and demeanor were more befitting the market-place or public
bath than the sanctuary. It was now no more than the anteroom to
Caesar's audience-chamber, and thronged with Roman senators, legates,
tribunes, and other men of rank, and the clients and "friends" of Caesar,
mingled with soldiers of inferior grades, scribes, freedmen, and slaves,
who had followed in Caracalla's train. There were, too, many
Alexandrians who expected to gain some benefit, promotion, or distinction
through the emperor's favorites. Most of these kept close to his friends
and intimates, to make what profit they could out of them. Some were
corn and wine dealers, or armorers, who wished to obtain contracts for
supplying the army; others were usurers, who had money to lend on the
costly objects which warriors often acquired as booty; and here, as
everywhere, bedizened and painted women were crowding round the free-
handed strangers. There were Magians, astrologers, and magicians by the
dozen, who considered this sacred spot the most suitable place in which
to offer their services to the Romans, always inquisitive for signs and
charms. They knew how highly Egyptian magic was esteemed throughout the
empire; though their arts were in fact prohibited, each outdid the other
in urgency, and not less in a style of dress which should excite
curiosity and expectancy.