midday
Every moment the crowd applauded new ideas of Nero , who , proud of them , and made happy by plaudits , did not take the emerald from his eye for one instant while looking at white bodies torn with iron , and the convulsive quivering of victims . Pictures were given also from the history of the city . After the maidens they saw Mucius Scævola , whose hand fastened over a fire to a tripod filled the amphitheatre with the odor of burnt flesh ; but this man , like the real Scævola , remained without a groan , his eyes raised and the murmur of prayer on his blackening lips . When he had expired and his body was dragged to the spoliarium , the usual midday interlude followed . Cæsar with the vestals and the Augustians left the amphitheatre , and withdrew to an immense scarlet tent erected purposely ; in this was prepared for him and the guests a magnificent prandium . The spectators for the greater part followed his example , and , streaming out , disposed themselves in picturesque groups around the tent , to rest their limbs wearied from long sitting , and enjoy the food which , through Cæsar 's favor , was served by slaves to them . Only the most curious descended to the arena itself , and , touching with their fingers lumps of sand held together by blood , conversed , as specialists and amateurs , of that which had happened and of that which was to follow .