XX1. He was of average height, very bald, with blue
eyes and a hooked nose. His hands and feet were so distorted by
gout that he could not endure a shoe for long, unroll a book,
or even hold one. The flesh on his right side too had grown out
and hung down to such an extent, that it could with difficulty
be held in place by a bandage.
XXII. It is said that he was a heavy eater and in
winter time was in the habit of taking food even before daylight,
while at dinner he helped himself so lavishly that he would have
the leavings which remained in a heap before him passed along
and distributed among the attendants who waited on him. He was
more inclined to unnatural desire, and in gratifying it preferred
full-grown, strong men. They say that when Icelus, one of his
old-time favourites, brought him news in Spain of Nero's death,
he not only received him openly with the fondest kisses, but begged
him to prepare himself without delay and took him one side.
Source.
From: [Loeb Translation, 1914]
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© Paul Halsall, 1997, 2023
