Gellius sets the stage for a morality tale.

"In Circo Maximo," inquit, "venationis amplissimae, pugna populo dabatur."

“In the Circus Maximus,” he said, “a most magnificent hunt and fight was being given to the people.”

In Circo Maximo: in the Circus Maximus

Inquit: he said

Venationis: of a hunt

Amplissimae: most magnificent (superlative agreeing with venationis)

Pugna: fight, combat

Populo: for the people

Dabatur: was being given