"And then Vinicius will protect me in case of need," thought he; "of course he does not send to deliver me to death."
Summoning some courage, therefore, he said: "My good man, has not my friend the noble Vinicius sent a litter? My feet are swollen; I cannot walk so far."
"He has not," answered Ursus; "we shall go on foot."
"But if I refuse?"
"Do not, for thou wilt have to go."
"And I will go, but of my own will. No one could force me, for I am a free man, and a friend of the prefect of the city. As a sage, I have also means to overcome others, and I know how to turn people into trees and wild beasts. But I will go, I will go! I will only put on a mantle somewhat warmer, and a hood, lest the slaves of that quarter might recognize me; they would stop me every moment to kiss my hands."