Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/288

276 prince of that city, observing her lofty port, her beautiful countenance, and wise conduct, offered ten golden sestertia.

Leno. I will give twenty.

Athanag. And I, thirty.

Leno. Forty.

Athanag. Fifty.

Leno. Eighty.

Athanag. Ninety.

Leno. I will give a hundred sestertia in ready money; if any one offer more I will give ten gold sestertia above.

"Why should I contend any farther with Leno," thought Athanagoras. "I may purchase a dozen for the price she will cost him. Let him have her; and by and by I will enter covertly his dwelling and solicit her love."

Tharsia was conducted by Leno to a house of ill-fame, in an apartment of which there was a golden Priapus, richly ornamented with gems.

"Girl! worship that image;" said Leno.

Tharsia. I may not worship any such thing.