The deputation entered, bowing low, headed by the exegetes, the head of the city, and Timotheus, the chief-priest of Serapis.  After these came the civic authorities, the members of the senate, and then, as representing the large Jewish colony in the city, their alabarch or head-man.  It was easy to see in each one as he came in, that the presence of the lion, who had raised his head at their approach, was far from encouraging; and a faint, scornful smile parted Caracalla’s lips as he noted the cowering knees of these gorgeously habited courtiers.  The high-priest alone, who, as Caesar’s host, had gone up to the side of the throne, and two or three others, among them the governor of the town, a tall, elderly man of Macedonian descent, paid no heed to the brute.  The Macedonian bowed to his sovereign with calm dignity, and in the name of the municipally hoped he had rested well.  He then informed Caesar what shows and performances were prepared in his honor, and finally named the considerable sum which had been voted by the town of Alexandria to express to him their joy at his visit.  Caracalla waved his hand, and said, carelessly: 

“The priest of Alexander, as idiologos, will receive the gold with the temple tribute.  We can find use for it.  We knew that you were rich.  But what do you want for your money?  What have you to ask?”

“Nothing, noble Caesar,” replied the governor.  “Thy gracious presence—­”

Caracalla interrupted him with a long-drawn “Indeed!” Then, leaning forward, he gave him a keen, oblique look.  “No one but the gods has nothing to wish for; so it must be that you are afraid to ask.  What can that avail, unless to teach me that you look for nothing but evil from me; that you are suspicious of me?  And if that is so, you fear me; and if you fear, you hate me.  The insults I have received in this house sufficiently prove the fact.  And if you hate me,” and he sprang up and shook his fist, “I must protect myself!”

“Great Caesar,” the exegetes began, in humble deprecation, but Caracalla went on, wrathfully: 

“I know when I have to protect myself, and from whom.  It is not well to trifle with me!  An insolent tongue is easily hidden behind the lips; but heads are less easy to hide, and I shall be content with them.  Tell that to your Alexandrian wits!  Macrinus will inform you of all else.  You may go.”

During this speech the lion, excited by his master’s furious gestures, had risen on his feet and showed his terrible teeth to the delegates.  At this their courage sank.  Some laid their hands on their bent knees, as if to shield them; others had gradually sidled to the door before Caesar had uttered the last word.  Then, in spite of the efforts of the governor and the alabarch to detain them, in the hope of pacifying the potentate, as soon as they heard the word “go,” they hurried out; and, for better or for worse, the few bolder spirits had to follow.