[255] WHITE ROBE. The priests of Isis wore light robes, usually of linen (_linum_) from which the goddess is called in Ovid: “Isis in linen garments,” (_Isis linigera_). Byssus is a kind of cotton. [256] SMALL TONSURE. The ancient Oriental custom of shaving the crown of the head was enjoined upon the priests of Isis. Herodotus, II, 37. [257] RUBIES, EMERALDS AND CHRYSOLITES. In ancient times the chrysolite ranked next to the diamond among precious stones. The finest came from Scythia. Next to the emerald, the beryl and opal were highly esteemed. (Plin. _Hist. Nat._ XXXVII, 85.) [258] ALL THREE WERE WRAPPED IN THICK CLOAKS. The lacerna, the outer garment worn over the toga, not infrequently had a hood (_cucullus_). [259] WE MUST FIND AN ADVENTURE YET, PARTHENIUS. Such nocturnal rambles incognito were not at all unusual among aristocratic gentlemen. The incident is not expressly related of Domitian, but is told of Nero, Suet. _Ner._ 26, where the author says: “As soon as night came, he put on a hat or cap, went to the taverns and roamed about the streets, only in jest, it is true, but not without working mischief.” Domitian’s encounter with the slave Parmenio has its counterpart in an adventure of Nero, who once, assailing a noble lady, was almost beaten to death by her husband. (Suet.) [260] SWARTHY NEGRESS. See Suet. _Dom._ 22, where it is stated that the emperor now and then associated with the lowest wenches. CHAPTER XIII. At the hour when Cornelia was setting out on her expedition to the temple of Isis, Lucilia and Claudia, escorted by their brother, reached home. The Flamen was still at work in his study; his grave and anxious face could be seen through the half-open door, bowed over his table. Even the sound of steps, which rang through the silence of the atrium, did not interrupt his busy labors. Quintus hesitated; he would gladly have gone in to embrace his father, but after brief reflection he decided not to interrupt his late studies. He bid his sisters good-night, waved his hand affectionately towards the motionless figure that leaned over the desk, and left the house. His slaves and freedmen were waiting for him outside. “All go home!” he said shortly. His people were accustomed to his moods, and no one was surprised. But Blepyrus reminded him, with a shudder, of the attack in the Cyprius street. “Fear nothing,” replied Quintus; “I am armed. Besides, who could expect to meet me to-night in the streets.”