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