Slaves wove through the unruly crowd, fulfilling the drunken guests’ every demand, but although everyone seemed to be having a good time, Batiatus had begun to fret that the two people he most wanted to attend might not make an appearance at all. As soon as they entered, therefore, he swept toward them with open arms, a grin of relief and welcome on his face. “Welcome honored guests!” he cried. “The House of Batiatus greets you! The sight of you balms weary eyes!” As Crassus looked around with what appeared to be an expression of mild disapproval, Batiatus beckoned forward a bare-breasted slave girl. “Wine for these men! Quickly!” He beamed as each man took a goblet from the tray the girl offered, Crassus grudgingly. He beamed even as Crassus took a sniff of the ruby-red liquid and crinkled his nose in disgust. “Opimian,” Batiatus could not resist boasting.
