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Oh!

and, that done, you may tell him from me, that he is a fool if he thinks himself honoured by a purple robe, having not the power of the purple.—Go; and come for the shoes to-morrow!

[The Corn Merchant slinks away, amid the laughter of the citizens; the Courtiers, Orators, Poets, and the rest clap their hands, with loud exclamations of approval.

[Stepping forward from the crowd.] Praised be the Emperor's justice! Oh how richly this envious corn-miser deserves his punishment! Oh hear me, and let your favour

Aha; methinks I know that face. Were not you one of those who shouted before my chariot as I drove into the city?

None shouted louder than I, incomparable Emperor! I am Malchus, the tax-gatherer. Ah, grant me your aid! I am engaged in a law-suit with an evil and grasping man

And therefore you come to me? Are there not judges?

The affair is somewhat involved, noble Emperor. It concerns a field, which I leased to this bad man,