If it is a fault not to reveal the defects of the thing sold, it is a still graver one, and one which becomes a fraud, to ascribe to it qualities or advantages it has not. Cicero cites on this subject a charming and well-known anecdote. The Roman patrician, C. Canius, a man lacking neither in personal attractions nor learning, having gone to Syracuse, _not on business, but to do nothing_,[29] as he expressed it, said everywhere that he wished to buy a pleasure-house, to which he might invite his friends, and amuse himself with them away from intruders. Upon this report, a certain Pythius, a Syracuse banker, came to tell him that he had a pleasure-house which was not for sale, but which he offered him and begged him to use as his own, inviting him at the same time to supper for the next day. Canius having accepted, Pythius, who in his quality of banker had much influence among people of all professions, assembled some fishermen, requesting them to go fishing the next day in front of his pleasure-house, giving them his orders. Canius did not fail to present himself at the supper hour. He found prepared a splendid banquet, and a multitude of boats before the grounds of his host. Each of the fishermen brought the fish he had caught, and threw them at Pythius' feet. Canius wondered: "What means this, Pythius? How! so many fish here, and so many boats!" "Nothing to wonder at," says Pythius; "all the fish of Syracuse come up here. It is here the fishermen come for water. They could not do without this house." Canius then becomes excited; he presses, solicits Pythius to sell him the house. Pythius first holds back, but at last gives in. The Roman patrician gives him all he asks for it, and buys it all furnished. The contract is drawn up, and the bargain concluded. The next day, Canius invites his friends, and comes himself early in the morning; but not a boat is in sight. He inquires of the first neighbor if it was a holiday with the fishermen, that he did not see any about. "Not that I know of," replied the neighbor; "but they never come this way, and I did not know, seeing them yesterday, what it all meant." Canius was no less indignant than surprised. But what remedy? Aquillius, my colleague and friend, had not yet established his formulas on fraudulent acts.[30]