“The Venus throw!” the group exclaimed.
“Is that good?” Catus asked.
They all looked at each other and laughed. “Of course it is, grandfather! You win!”
“Io Saturnalia!” Catus howled, his face red and laughing. “You keep my winnings, boys! My gift to you this fine day!” he said, standing up and leaving.
“Io Saturnalia!” they returned as he waived back at them.
Catus had left with a heavy purse which he fully intended to lighten, but first, he wanted to ensure his presence at the great sacrifice at the temple of Saturn.
He made his way through the thickening crowds, along the Via Sacra of the Forum Romanum.
People were everywhere, surrounding the tables that had been set out for the convivium publicum. They gathered in the shadow of the arch of Titus, and upon the steps of the temple
