History records many magnificent and valuable opals, not the least of which was that of Nonius, who declined to give it to Mark Antony, choosing exile rather than part with so rare a jewel, which Pliny describes as being existent in his day, and of a value which, in present English computation, would exceed one hundred thousand pounds.
"The Chemistry, Properties and Tests of Precious Stones"
John Mastin
Accordingly, Catullus calls Nonius an "ulcer-spot," though "sitting in the curule chair."
"The Consolation of Philosophy"
Boethius
For they ignominiously rejected Nonius, his nephew, and Servius, who stood for offices of state by his interest, and elected others as magistrates, by honoring whom they thought they should most annoy him.
"Plutarch-Lives-of-the-noble-Grecians-and-Romans"
Clough, Arthur Hugh