I was obsequiously invited to
enter the litter, the panels were slid, the curtains drawn, and the
bearers set off. They carried me to the Palace!
There I was received by the new Chamberlain in person, to be sure with
four armed guardsmen accompanying him, but himself as deferential as
possible. By him I was conducted to a luxurious apartment, consisting of a
large anteroom, a private library, a private _triclinium_, a private
bathroom, and two bedrooms, all furnished with the most lavish abundance
and in perfect taste.
I found a small regiment of servants to minister to my wants: a valet, a
masseur, a cook, waiters, errand-pages, a reader and yet others. I could
have anything I asked for in that apartment, but a guard at its outer door
saw to it that I remained in it.
There I was bathed, massaged, obsequiously asked what dainties and wines I
preferred, supplied with all I suggested and clothed in garments to my
liking; huge heaps of togas, mantles, wraps, tunics and shoes being
brought in for me to choose from. There I spent some comfortable days,
sleeping much, having myself read to, mostly from the private letters of
the Emperors, and from the Anticatones of the Divine Julius; and, from the
balcony of the ante-room enjoying the splendid view southwestwards, over
the Circus Maximus, the lower reaches of the Tiber and the Campagna, for
my apartment was on that side of the Palace and high up.
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