Crossword-Solution: CATASTA 7 letters, 1 clue 🏆 scrabble score: 9

Now and then at a word from a likely purchaser he would with a sign order a lictor to pick out one of his wares, to drag him forward out of a compact group and set him up on the catasta.

Shall we say ten aurei for the girl? she might be made to learn a trade." As the auctioneer started on his peroration those among the crowd who were here for business, and not for idle gaping, turned back towards the catasta.

The few likely buyers who had been attracted to the catasta by the youthful appearance of the girl--hoping to find willingness, even if skill were wanting--now quickly drew away.

But this is no place for the delivery of my judgment upon thee, and the sale must proceed as the law directs; thy daughter must stand upon the catasta, thou canst renew thy bid of twenty aurei for her, and," he added with unmistakable significance, as throwing his head back his imperious glance swept over the assembled crowd, "as there will be no higher bid for Nola, daughter of Menecreta, she will become thy property as by law decreed." The true meaning of this last sentence was quite unmistakable.

Put the girl up on the catasta," he added, speaking in his usual harsh, curt way, "and take this woman's arms from round my shins." And it was characteristic of him that this time he did not interfere with his lictors when they handled the woman with their accustomed roughness.