praefect

Many there were in Rome who at this moment would gladly have changed places with the praefect.

The praefect in the discharge of his functions—second only to the Cæsar—was all-powerful where he stood.

But at her words the last vestige of deference fled from the praefect's manner; pity now would have been weak folly.

And then did a cry of horror escape my lips, and the praefect looked down into my face.

He raised his hand and pointed a finger at the praefect and shouted, still laughing: 'Thou a patrician of Rome?