65 



CHAPTER VI. 

 A CAUTION TO FANCIERS. 



THERE are several things I wish to mention on 

 which experience has taught me a wrinkle. I 

 own it a ticklish task to act the part of guide, 

 counsellor, and friend especially when you put 

 what apparently is incredulous on paper it 

 makes your " credit stand on such slippery 

 ground." When I visited the ruins of the 

 Roman Forum my guide pointed out several 

 fragments of broken marble beautifully carved, 

 and said, " This is a portion of the Rostra from 

 which Marc Antony pronounced his famous 

 funeral oration over the body of ' sweet ' Caesar." 

 My enthusiasm quickened upon receiving this com- 

 munication. I looked at the Rostra with added 

 interest. I looked about hoping to find a relic 

 that had belonged to Marc which I could carry 

 home and show my friends. One is ever on the 

 look-out for relics in Italy. You can buy plenty 



