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On these occasions he always appeared in the purple, but in his writing-room, which he had not changed for another, he laid aside the imperial mantle and was no more splendid in his garb than the architect Claudius Venator had been.
He once more urgently charged the sculptor to look about for his young friend and, if he should find him at Lochias, to tell him that he, Claudius Venator, would return home ere long. Then the artist went his way.
While Pollux and his mother, who was much grieved, waited for Euphorion's return, and while Papias was ingratiating himself with the Emperor by pretending still to believe that Hadrian was nothing more than Claudius Venator, the architect, Aurelius Verus, nicknamed by the Alexandrians, "the sham Eros" had lived through strange experiences.
"Am I standing before the new visitor to Lochias, the architect Claudius Venator of Rome?" "You are standing " replied the Emperor, with a roguish side glance at Antinous. "You have met with a friendly reception to this palace. Like my fathers, who have enjoyed the stewardship of it for centuries, I know how to exercise the sacred duties of hospitality."
The young man had heard the approaching voices and steps; he greeted the prefect respectfully from his elevated position, and after satisfying his curiosity was about to spring down from the stool on which he had climbed when Pontius called to him that Claudius Venator, the architect from Rome, wished to make his acquaintance.
You shall take me to see the artists, who are, no doubt, swarming in the old castle, as the architect Claudius Venator from Rome, who is to assist Pontius with his advice. But this Pontius, who carried out such fine works for Herodes Atticus, the rich Sophist, met me at his house, and will certainly recognize me. Tell him, therefore, what I propose doing.
"Anything but that; but the two have no secrets from each other and Venator talks a good deal cannot hold his tongue " "I thank you and will be on my guard." "Aye do so I mean it honestly." The Bithynian held out his hand to the artist with an expression of warm regard on his handsome features and with an indescribably graceful gesture.
He laid his hand on his shoulder and said in a low voice but impressively: "Venator stands very near to Caesar. Beware of saying anything before him that is not in Hadrian's favor." "Is your master Caesar's spy?" asked Pollux, looking suspiciously at Antinous. "Pontius has already, given me a similar warning, and if that is the case " "No, no," interrupted the lad hastily.
Dame Doris noticed his indecision and cried: "Yes, go; the festival is for pleasure, besides, the architect can perhaps advise you on many points, and recommend you to his friends." "Your mother is right," said Antinous. "Claudius Venator can be very touchy, but he can also be grateful, and I wish you sincerely well "
"It is well it is well, boy," returned the old man, fumbling at his wallet; "honestly offered, and not unthankfully declined but it cannot be; no, it can never be." "Venerable venator," said Dr. Battius; "there are obligations, which every man owes to society and to human nature.
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