dies festus (1)

Unit 2 Stage 19

dies festus I

The citizens were happy, for winter was finished. Now the first day of spring was here. Now the priests were accustomed to carrying the goddess Isis through the city streets. The priests would bring a statue of Isis to the harbor every year. The procession, which many Alexandrians wanted to watch, was splendid.

This procession, however, Barbillus refused to watch.

"It's not convenient for me to go to the city today," he said. "I often see this procession, but you never have. Therefore, my friend, Aristo, wants to lead you to the procession."

I gave thanks to Barbillus and went to the harbor with Aristo. Galatea and her daughter, Helena, went with us. The city streets were already filled with Alexandrian citizens. When we approached the harbor, Galatea continually scolded her husband and daughter:

"Helena! You refuse to hurry! Lift up your head! Aristo! Clear away this crowd! The Alexandrian crowd fills up the whole street. We are in great danger."