[Sidenote:--29--] Nero continued to commit many ridiculous acts, among which may be cited his descending at a kind of popular festival to the orchestra of the theatre, where he read some Trojan lays of his own: and in honor of these there were offered numerous sacrifices, as there were over everything else that he did. He was now making preparations to compile in verse a narration of all the achievements of the Romans: before composing any of it, however, he began to consider the proper number of books, and took as his adviser Annaeus Cornutus, who at this time was famed for his learning. This man he came very near putting to death and did deport to an island, because, while some were urging him to write four hundred books, Cornutus said that was too many and nobody would read them. And when some one objected: "Yet Chrysippus, whom you praise and imitate, has composed many more," the savant retorted: "But they are a help to the conduct of men's lives." So Cornutus was punished with exile for this. And Lucanus was enjoined from writing poetry because he was securing great praise for his work. DIO'S ROMAN HISTORY 63 Nero, receiving Tiridates with imposing state, places a crown upon his head (chapters 1-7). He journeys to Greece in order to become Periodonikes (chapters 8-10). With the help of Tigillinus and Crispinilla he lays Greece waste: Helius and Polycletus perform the same office for Rome and Italy (chapters 11, 12). Nero's marriages and abominations with Sporus and Pythagoras (chapter 13). His victories and proclamation: frenzy against Apollo: hatred toward the senators (chapters 14, 15). Digging a canal through the Isthmus (chapter 16). Demise of the Scribonii, of Corbulo, of Paris, of the Sulpicii (chapters 17, 18). At the solicitation of Helius, Nero returning conducts an Iselasticum triumph (chapters 19-21). Vindex's conspiracy against Nero, and his extinction (chapters 22-24). Rufus, saluted as Caesar and Augustus, refuses the sovereignty (chapter 25). Nero's flight and demise (chapters 26-29). DURATION OF TIME. C. Lucius Telesinus, C. Suetonius Paulinus. (A.D. 66 = a.u. 819 = Thirteenth of Nero, from Oct. 13th). Fonteius Capito, Iunius Rufus. (A.D. 67 = a.u. 820 = Fourteenth of Nero). C. Silius Italicus, Galerius Trachalus Turpilianus. (A.D. 68 = a.u. 821, to June 9th).