the senators. [Sidenote:—­15—­] “Her” husband was Hierocles, a Carian slave [once the favorite of Gordius], from whom he had learned chariot-driving.  It was in this connection, also, that by a most unexpected chance he won the imperial approbation.  At a horse-race Heirocles fell out of his chariot just opposite the seat of Sardanapalus, losing his helmet in his fall.  Being still beardless and adorned with a crown of yellow hair, he attracted the attention of the prince and was at once carried hastily to the palace; and by his nocturnal feats he captivated Sardanapalus more than ever and rose to still greater power.  Consequently his influence became even greater than his patron’s and it was thought a small thing that his mother, while still a slave, should be brought to Rome by soldiers and be numbered among the wives of ex-consuls.  Certain other persons, too, were not seldom honored by the emperor and became powerful, some because they had joined in his uprising and others because they committed adultery with him.  For he was anxious to have the reputation of committing adultery, that in this respect, too, he might imitate the most lascivious women; and he would often get caught voluntarily and in the very act.  Then, for his conduct, he would be brutally abused by his husband and would be beaten, so that he had black eyes.  His affection for this “husband” was no light inclination, but a serious matter and a firmly fixed passion, so much so that he did not become vexed at any such harsh treatment, but on the contrary loved him the more for it and actually wished to appoint him Caesar;—­he threatened his grandmother when she interfered, and chiefly on this man’s account he became at odds with the soldiers.  It was this that was destined to lead his destruction.

[Sidenote:—­16—­] As for Aurelius Zoticus, a native of Smyrna, whom they also called “Cook” (from his father’s trade), he incurred the sovereign’s thorough love and thorough hatred, and consequently his life was saved.  This Aurelius had a body that was beautiful all over, as if ready for a gymnastic contest, and he surpassed everybody in the size of his private parts.  The fact was reported to the emperor by those who were on the lookout for such features and the man was suddenly snatched away from the games and taken to Rome, accompanied by an immense procession, larger than Abgarus had in the reign of Severus or Tiridates in that of Nero.  He was appointed cubicularius before he had been even seen by the emperor, [was honored by the name of his grandfather, Avitus, was adorned with garlands as at a festival,] and entered the palace the center of a great glare of lights.  Sardanapalus, on seeing him, rose with modesty; the newcomer addressed him, as was usual, “My Lord Emperor, hail!” whereupon the other, bending his neck so as to assume a ravishing feminine pose, and turning his eyes wide open upon him, answered without hesitation:  “Call me Not Lord, for I am a Lady.”  Then Sardanapalus