"All this," Nero said angrily, "is of course but a cloak under which to attack me. Piso and Plautus, Seneca and Lucan, do but assume this severity of manners. They have plotted and intrigued7 against me. I shall never be safe while they live."
"Caesar," Beric said gravely, "I am but a soldier, but born a free Briton and a chief. I cannot sell my service, but must give it loyally and heartily8. You honour me with your favour and confidence; I believe that I am worthy9 of it. I do not serve you for money. Already I have begged you not to heap presents upon me. Wealth would be useless to me did I desire it. Not only have you offered to bestow10 estates upon me, but I have learned already that there are many others who, seeing that I am favoured by you, would purchase my friendship or my advocacy by large sums. I should despise myself if I cared for money. You would, I know honour me not only with your trust that I can be relied upon to do my duty as your guard, but by treating me as one in your confidence in other matters. At the risk, then, of exciting your displeasure and forfeiting11 your favour, I must again pray you not to burden me with state matters. Of these I know nothing, and wish to know nothing. Save that of Seneca, I scarce know the names of the others of whom you have spoken. I am wholly ignorant of the intrigues12 of court life, and I seek to know nothing of them, and am therefore in no position to give any opinion on these matters; and did I speak from only partial knowledge I should do these men great wrong.
"In the next place, Caesar, I am not one who has a double face, and if you ask my opinion of a matter in which I thought that others had ill advised you, I should frankly13 say that I thought you were wrong; and the truth is never palatable14 to the great. I try, therefore, to shut my ears to everything that is going on around me, for did I take note of rumours15 my loyalty16 to you might be shaken."
"Perhaps you are right," Nero said, after a long pause. "But tell me, once and for all, what you do think on general matters. It is good to have the opinion of one whom I know to be honest."
"On one subject only are my convictions strong, Caesar. I think that the terrible persecution17 of the Christians19 is in itself horrible, and contrary to all the traditions of Rome. These are harmless people. They make no disturbances20; they do injury to no one; they are guilty of no act that would justify21 in any way the tortures inflicted22 upon them. I am not a Christian18, I know nothing of their doctrines23; but I am unable to understand how one naturally clement24 and kind hearted as you are can give way to the clamour of the populace against these people. As to those of whom you speak, and others, I have no opinions; but were I Caesar, strong in the support of the Praetorian guards, and in the affection of the people at large, I would simply despise plotters. The people may vaguely25 admire the doctrines of the Stoics26, but they themselves love pleasure and amusements and spectacles, and live upon your bounty27 and generosity28. There can then be nothing to fear from open force. Should there be conspirators29 who would attempt to compass their ends by assassination30, you have your guards to protect you. You have myself and my little band of countrymen ready to watch over you unceasingly."
"No care and caution will avail against the knife of the assassin," Nero said gloomily. "It is only by striking down conspirators and assassins that one can guard one's self against their weapons. Julius Caesar was killed when surrounded by men whom he deemed his friends."
Beric could not deny the truth of Nero's words. "That is true, Caesar, and therefore I do not presume to criticise31 or even to have an opinion upon acts of state policy. These are matters utterly32 beyond me. I know nothing of the history of the families of Rome. I know not who may, with or without reason, deem that they have cause of complaint against you, or who may be hostile to you either from private grievances33 or personal ambitions, and knowing nothing I wish to know nothing. I desire, as I said when you first spoke1 to me, to be regarded as a watchdog, to be attached to you by personal kindness, and to guard you night and day against conspirators and assassins. I beseech34 you not to expect more from me, or to deem it possible that a Briton can be qualified35 to give any opinion whatever as to a matter so alien to him as the intrigues and conspiracies36 of an imperial city. Did I agree with you, you would soon doubt my honesty; did I differ from you, I should incur37 your displeasure."
Nero looked up at the frank countenance38 of the young Briton.
"Enough," he said smiling, "you shall be my watchdog and nothing more."
As time went on Nero's confidence in his British guard steadily39 increased. He had his spies, and knew how entirely40 Beric kept himself aloof41 from intimate acquaintanceship with any save the family of Norbanus, and learned, too, that he had refused many large bribes42 from suitors. For a time, although he knew it not, Beric was constantly watched. His footsteps were followed when he went abroad, his conversations with others in the baths, which formed the great centres of meeting, and stood to the Romans in the place of modern clubs, were listened to and noted43. It was observed that he seldom went to convivial44 gatherings45, and that at any place when the conversation turned on public affairs he speedily withdrew; that he avoided all display of wealth, dressed as quietly as it was possible for one in the court circle to do, and bore himself as simply as when he had been training in the ludus of Scopus. There he still went very frequently, practising constantly in arms with his former companions, preferring this to the more formal exercises of the gymnasium. Thus, after a time, Nero became confirmed in his opinion of Beric's straightforward46 honesty, and felt that there was no fear of his being tampered47 with by his enemies.
One result of this increased confidence was that Beric's hours of leisure became much restricted, for Nero came to require his attendance whenever he appeared in public. With Beric and Boduoc among the group of courtiers that followed him, the emperor felt assured there was no occasion to fear the knife of the assassin; and it was only when he was at the baths, where only his most chosen friends were admitted, or during the long carousals that followed the suppers, that Beric was at liberty, and in the latter case Boduoc was always near at hand in case of need.
Nero's precautions were redoubled after the detection of the conspiracy48 of Piso. That this plot was a real one, and not a mere49 invention of Nero to justify his designs upon those he hated and feared, is undoubted. The hour for the attempt at assassination had been fixed50, the chief actor was prepared and the knife sharpened. But the executions that followed embraced many who had no knowledge whatever of the plot. Seneca was among the victims against whom there was no shadow of proof.
After the discovery of this plot Beric found his position more and more irksome in spite of the favour Nero showed him. Do what he would he could not close his ears to what was public talk in Rome. The fabulous51 extravagances of Nero, the public and unbounded profligacy52 of himself and his court, the open defiance53 of decency54, the stupendous waste of public money on the new and most sumptuous55 palace into which he had now removed, were matters that scandalized even the population of Rome. Senators, patricians56, grave councillors, noble matrons were alike willingly or unwillingly57 obliged to join in the saturnalia that prevailed. The provinces were ruined to minister to the luxury of Rome. The wealth of the noblest families was sequestrated to the state. All law, order, and decency were set at defiance.
To the Britons, simple in their tastes and habits, this profusion58 of luxury, this universal profligacy seemed absolutely monstrous59. When they met together and talked of their former life in their rude huts, it seemed that the vengeance60 of the gods must surely fall upon a people who seemed to have lost all sense of virtue61, all respect for things human and divine. To Beric the only bearable portions of his existence were the mornings he spent in reading, and in the study of Greek with Chiton, and in the house of Norbanus. Of Lesbia he saw little. She spent her life in a whirl of dissipation and gaiety, accompanying members of her family to all the fetes in defiance of the wishes of Norbanus, whose authority in this matter she absolutely set at naught62.
"The emperor's invitations override63 the authority of one who makes himself absurd by his presumption64 of philosophy. I live as do other Roman ladies of good family. Divorce me if you like; I have the fortune I brought you, and should prefer vastly to go my own way."
This step Norbanus would have taken but for the sake of Aemilia. By his orders the latter never went abroad with her mother or attended any of the public entertainments, but lived in the quiet society of the personal friends of Norbanus. Lesbia had yielded the point, for she did not care to be accompanied by a daughter of marriageable age, as by dint65 of cosmetics66 and paint she posed as still a young woman. Aemilia had long since recovered her spirits, and was again the merry girl Beric had known at Massilia.
One day when Beric called he saw that Norbanus, who was seldom put out by any passing circumstance, was disturbed in mind.
"I am troubled indeed," he said, in answer to Beric's inquiry67. "Lesbia has been proposing to me the marriage of Rufinus Sulla, a connection of hers, and, as you know, one of Nero's intimates, with Aemilia."
Beric uttered an exclamation68 of anger.
"He is one of the worst of profligates," he exclaimed. "I would slay69 him with my own hand rather than that Aemilia should be sacrificed to him."
"And I would slay her first," Norbanus said calmly; "but, as Lesbia threatened when I indignantly refused the proposal, Rufinus has but to ask Nero's approval, and before his orders my authority as a father goes for nothing. I see but one way. It has seemed to me for a long time, Beric, that you yourself felt more warmly towards Aemilia than a mere friend. Putting aside our obligations to you for having risked your life in defence of Ennia, there is no one to whom I would more willingly give her. Have I been mistaken in your thoughts of her?"
"By no means," Beric said. "I love your daughter Aemilia, but I have never spoken of it to you for two reasons. In the first place I shall not be for some years of the age at which we Britons marry, and in the second I am but a captive. At present I stand high in the favour of Nero, but that favour may fail me at any day, and my life at the palace is becoming unbearable70; but besides, it is impossible that this orgy of crime and debauchery can continue. The vengeance of heaven cannot be much longer delayed. The legions in the provinces are utterly discontented and well nigh mutinous71, and even if Rome continues to support Nero the time cannot be far off when the legions proclaim either Galba, or Vespasian, or some other general, as emperor, and then the downfall of Nero must come. How then could I ask you for the hand of Aemilia, a maiden72 of noble family, when the future is all so dark and troubled and my own lot so uncertain?
"I cannot raise my sword against Caesar, for, however foul73 his crimes, he has treated me well. Had it not been for that I would have made for Praeneste, when the gladiators rose there the other day, and for the same reason I can do nothing to prepare the way for a rising here. I know the ludus of Scopus would join to a man. There is great discontent among the other schools, for the people have become so accustomed to bloodshed that they seem steeled to all pity, and invariably give the signal for the despatch74 of the conquered. As to your offer, Norbanus, I thank you with all my heart; but were it not for this danger that threatens from Rufinus, I would say that at the present time I dare not link her lot to mine. The danger is too great, the future too dark. It seems to me that the city and all in it are seized with madness, and above all, at the present time, I would not for worlds take her to the palace of Nero. But if Aemilia will consent to a betrothal75 to me, putting off the period of marriage until the times are changed, I will, with delight, accept the offer of her hand, if she too is willing, for in Briton, as in Gaul, our maidens76 have a voice in their own disposal."
Norbanus smiled. "Methinks, Beric, you need not fear on that score. Since the day when you fought the lion in the arena77 you have been her hero and the lord of her heart. Even I, although but short sighted as to matters unconnected with my work, could mark that, and I believe it is because her mother sees and fears it that she has determined78 to marry her to Rufinus. I will call her down to find out whether she is ready to obey my wishes."
In a minute or two Aemilia came down from the women's apartments above.
"My child," Norbanus said, "I have offered you in marriage to Beric. He has accepted, saving only that you must come to him not in obedience80 to my orders but of your own free will, since it is the custom of his country that both parties should be equally free of choice. What do you say, my child?"
Aemilia had flushed with a sudden glow of colour as her father began, and stood with downcast eyes until he had finished.
"One moment before you decide, Aemilia," Beric said. "You know how I am situated81, and that at any moment I may be involved in peril82 or death; that life with me can scarcely be one of ease or luxury, and that even at the best you may be an exile for ever from Rome."
She looked up now. "I love you, Beric," she said. "I would rather live in a cottage with you for my lord and master than in a palace with any other. I would die with you were there need. Your wishes shall always be my law."
"That is not the way in Britain," Beric said, as he drew her to him and kissed her. "The husband is not the lord of his wife, they are friends and equals, and such will we be. There is honour and respect on both sides."
"It will be but your betrothal at present," Norbanus said. "Neither Beric nor I would like to see you in the palace of Caesar; but the sponsalia shall take place today, and then he can claim you when he will. Come again this evening, Beric. I will have the conditions drawn83 up, and some friends shall be here to witness the form of betrothal. This haste, child, is in order to give Beric power to protect you. Were you free, Rufinus might obtain an order from Nero for me to give you to him, but once the conditions are signed they cannot be broken save by your mutual84 consent; and moreover, Beric can use his influence with the emperor on behalf of his betrothed85 wife, while so long as you remain under my authority he could scarcely interfere86 did Nero give his promise to Rufinus."
"Will my mother be here?"
"She will not, nor do I desire her presence," Norbanus said decidedly. "She has defied my authority and has gone her own path, and it is only for your sake that I have not divorced her. She comes and she goes as she chooses, but her home is with her family, not here. She has no right by law to a voice in your marriage. You are under my authority and mine alone. It is but right that a good mother should have an influence and a voice as to her daughter's marriage; but a woman who frequents the saturnalia of Nero has forfeited87 her mother's rights. It will be time enough for her to hear of it when it is too late for her to cause trouble. Now do you two go into the garden together, for I have arrangements to make."
At six o'clock Beric returned to the house. In the atrium were gathered a number of guests; some were members of the family of Norbanus, others were his colleagues in office--all were men of standing88 and family. Beric was already known to most of them, having met them at suppers at the house. When all were assembled Norbanus left the room, and presently returned leading Aemilia by the hand.
"My friends," he said, "you already know why you are assembled here, namely to be witnesses to the betrothal of my daughter to Beric the Briton. Vitrio, the notary89, will read the conditions under which they are betrothed."
The document was a formal one, and stated that Norbanus gave up his potestas or authority over his daughter Aemilia to Beric, and that he bound himself to complete the further ceremony of marriage either by the religious or civil form as Beric might select whenever the latter should demand it, and that further he agreed to give her on her marriage the sum of three thousand denarii, and to leave the whole of his property to her at his death; while Beric on his part bound himself to complete the ceremonies of marriage whenever called upon by Norbanus to do so, and to pay him at the present time one thousand denarii on the consideration of his signing the present agreement, and on his delivering up to him his authority over his daughter.
"You have heard this document read, Norbanus," the notary said, when he had concluded the reading. "Do you assent90 to it? And are you ready to affix91 your signature to the contract?"
"I am ready," Norbanus said.
"And you, Beric?"
"I am also ready," Beric replied.
"Then do you both write your signatures here."
Both signed, and four of the guests affixed93 their signatures as witnesses. Norbanus then placed Aemilia's hand in Beric's. "You are now betrothed man and wife," he said. "I transfer to you, Beric, my authority over my daughter; henceforth she is your property to claim as you will."
A minute later there was a sudden movement at the door, and Lesbia entered in haste. "News has just been brought to me of your intention, Norbanus, and I am here to say that I will not permit this betrothal."
"You have no voice or authority in the matter," Norbanus said calmly. "Legal right to interfere you never had. Your moral right you have forfeited. The conditions have been signed. Aemilia is betrothed to Beric."
Lesbia broke out into passionate94 reproaches and threats, but Norbanus advanced a step or two towards her, and said with quiet dignity, "I have borne with you for her sake, Lesbia. Now that she belongs to Beric and not to me, I need not restrain my just indignation longer. I return your property to your hands."
Lesbia stepped back as if struck. The words were the well known formula by which a Roman divorced his wife. She had not dreamed that Norbanus would summon up resolution to put this disgrace upon her, and to bring upon himself the hostility95 of her family. Her pride quickly came to her aid.
"Thanks for the release," she said sarcastically96; "far too much of my life has already been wasted on a dotard, and my family will see that the restitution97 of my property is full and complete: but beware, Norbanus, I am not to be outraged98 with impunity99, and you will learn to your cost that a woman of my family knows how to revenge herself."
Then turning she passed out of the door, entered her lectica and was carried away.
"I must apologize to you, my friends," Norbanus said calmly, "for having brought you to be present at an unpleasant family scene, but I had not expected it, and know not through whom Lesbia obtained the news of what was doing here. I suppose one of the slaves carried it to her. But these things trouble not a philosopher; for myself I marvel100 at my long patience, and feel rejoiced that at last I shall be free to live my own life."
"You have done well, Norbanus," one of his colleagues said, "though I know not what Nero will say when he hears of it, for severity among husbands is not popular at present in Rome."
"I can open my veins101 as Seneca did," Norbanus said calmly; "neither death nor exile have any terrors for me. Rome has gone mad, and life for a reasoning being is worthless here."
"I shall represent the matter to Nero," Beric said, "and as it is seldom that I ask aught of him, I doubt not he will listen to me. When he is not personally concerned, Nero desires to act justly, and moreover, I think that he can weigh the advantages of the friendship of a faithful guard against that of his boon102 companions. I will speak to him the first thing in the morning. He frequently comes into the library and reads for an hour. At any rate there is no chance of Lesbia being beforehand with me. It is too late for her to see Rufinus and get him to approach Nero tonight."
"Let us talk of other matters," Norbanus said, "all these things are but transitory." He then began to talk on his favourite topic--the religions of the world, while Beric drew Aemilia, who had been weeping since the scene between her parents, into the tablinum.
"It is unlucky to weep on the day of your betrothal, Aemilia."
"Who could help it, Beric? Besides, as it is not for my own troubles the omen79 will have no avail. But it is all so strange and so rapid. This morning I was in trouble, alarmed at what my mother told me of her intentions, fearful that my father, who has so long yielded to her, would permit her to have her own way in this also. Then came the great joy when he told me that he would give me to you--that you, who of all men I thought most of, was henceforth to be my lord. Then, just when my happiness was complete, and I was formally bound to you, came my mother. Ennia and I always loved our father most, he was ever thoughtful and kind to us, while even as children our mother did not care for us. As we grew up she cared still less, thinking only of her own pleasures and friends, and leaving us almost wholly in charge of the slaves; but it was not until Ennia was seized as a Christian that I knew how little she loved us. Then she raved103 and stormed, lamented104 and wept, not because of the fate of Ennia, not because of the terrible death that awaited her, but because of the disgrace it brought upon herself. Even after she was brought here she scarce came in to see her, and loudly said that it would be best for her to die. Lately, as you know, I have seen little of her; she spends all her time abroad, has defied my father's authority; and brought grief and trouble upon him. Still, to a daughter it is terrible that her mother should be divorced."
"Let us not think of it now, Aemilia. Your father has acted, as he always does, rightly and well. I know much more of what is going on than you do, and I can tell you that Lesbia, who was so jealous of the honour of her name when Ennia was concerned, is bringing far greater dishonour105 upon her name by her own actions. And now let us talk of ourselves. The act you have just done, dear, may bring all sorts of sacrifices upon you. At any moment I may be a fugitive106, and, as you know, the families of those who incur Nero's wrath107 share in their disgrace; and if I am forced to fly, you too may be obliged to become a fugitive."
She looked up brightly. "I shall not mind any hardships I suffer for your sake, Beric. Rome is hateful to me since Ennia stood in the arena. I would rather share a hut with you among the savage108 mountains of the north than a palace here."
"I trust that trouble is still far distant, but I shall, as soon as I can, find a retreat where, in case I fall under Nero's displeasure, you can lie hid until I can send for you."
"I have such a retreat, Beric. Since Ennia's death I have seen a good deal of the Christians. Lycoris, you know, was captured at the same time as Ennia, and was put to death by fire; but her daughter, married to a freedman who had purchased her liberty from my father, managed to escape with her husband when the place was surrounded. I have met her several times since. She and her husband are living hidden in the catacombs, where she tells me many of their sect109 have taken refuge from the persecutions.
"The last time I saw her she said to me, 'No one's life is safe in this terrible city, and none, however high in station, can say that they may not require refuge. Should you need an asylum110, Aemilia, go to the house of a freedman, one Mincius, living in the third house on the right of a street known as the Narrow one, close behind the amphitheatre at the foot of the Palatine Hill, and knock thrice at the door. When they open, say, 'In the name of Christ,' then they will take you in. Tell them that you desire to see me, and that you are the sister of Ennia, the daughter of Norbanus, and they will lead you to us. There is an entrance to the catacombs under the house. As the sister of Ennia you will be warmly received by all there, even although you yourself may not belong to us. The galleries and passages are of a vast extent and known only to us. There is no fear of pursuit there.'"
"That is good news, Aemilia; it is sad that, but an hour betrothed, we are forced to think of refuges, but it will be happiness to me to know that if danger threatens, you have a place of retreat. You see this ring; Nero himself gave it me; mark it well, so that you may know it again. It is a figure of Mercury carved on an amethyst111. When you receive it, by night or day, tarry not a moment, but wrap yourself in a sombre mantle112 like that of a slave, and hie you to this refuge you speak of; but first see your father, tell him where you are going and why, so that he may fly too, if he choose."
"He will not do that," Aemilia said, "and how can I leave him?"
"You must leave him because you belong to me, Aemilia, and because you are acting113 on my orders. The danger to you is far greater than to him. You are my wife, he only my father in law, and they would strike at me first through you. Besides, there are other reasons. Your father is a Roman of the old type, and like Seneca and Plautus, and others of the same school, will deem it no loss when the time comes to quit life. However, you will tell him of the danger, and he must make his own choice. I shall beg him to hand to you at once the money which I placed in his care now a year ago. Do you hand it over to the woman you speak of, and ask her to hide it away in the caves till you ask for it again; these Christians are to be trusted. I have much money besides, for Nero is lavishly114 generous, and it would anger him to refuse his bounty. This money I have placed in several hands, some in Rome, some elsewhere, so that if forced to fly I can at any rate obtain some of my store without having to run into danger."
"One more question, Beric. Should I ever have to take refuge among the Christians, and like Ennia come to love their doctrines, would you be angered if I joined their sect? If you would I will not listen to them, but will tell them that I cannot talk or think of these things without my husband's consent."
"You are free to do as you like, Aemilia. Since Ennia died I have resolved upon the first opportunity to study the doctrines of these people, for truly it must be a wonderful religion that enables those who profess115 it to meet a cruel death not only without fear but with joy. You know Ennia said we should meet again, and I think she meant that I, too, should become a Christian. Ask the woman if I also, as a last resource, may take refuge among them."
"I will ask her, Beric; but I am sure they will gladly receive you. Have you not already risked your life to save a Christian?"
The other guests having now left, Norbanus joined them, and Beric told him of the arrangements they had made in case of danger. He warmly approved of them.
"It will be a relief to me as to you, Beric, to know that Aemilia's safety is provided for. As for myself, fate has no terrors for me; but for you and her it is different. She is yours now, for although but betrothed she is virtually your wife. You have but to take her by the hand and to declare her your wife in the presence of witnesses, and all is done. There is, it is true, a religious ceremony in use only among the wealthier classes, but this is rather an occasion for pomp and feasting, and is by no means needful, especially as you have no faith in the Roman gods. What are the rites116 among your own people, Beric?"
"We simply take a woman by the hand and declare her our wife. Then there is feasting, and the bride is carried home, and there is the semblance117 of a fight, the members of her family making a show of preventing us; but this is no part of the actual rite92, which is merely public assent on both sides. And now I must be going. Nero will be feasting for a long time yet; but Boduoc has been on guard for many hours and I must relieve him. Farewell, Norbanus; we have been preparing for the worst, but I trust we shall escape misfortune. Farewell, my Aemilia!" and kissing her tenderly Beric strode away to the palace of Nero.
He had not seen Boduoc since early morning, and the latter, standing on guard outside the private entrance to Nero's apartments, greeted his arrival, "Why, Beric, I began to fear that some harm had befallen you. I came in this morning after the bath and found you had gone out. I returned again at six and found your chamber118 again empty, but saw that you had returned during my absence; I went on guard, and here have I been for four hours listening to all that foolish singing and laughter inside. How Caesar, who has the world at his command, can spend his time with actors and buffoons119, is more than I can understand. But what has kept you?"
As there was no fear of his voice being heard through the heavy hangings, Beric, to Boduoc's intense surprise, related the events of the day.
"So you have married a Roman girl, Beric! Well, I suspected what would come of it when you spent half your time at the house of Norbanus. I would rather that you had married one of our own maidens; but as I see no chance of our return to Britain for years, if ever, one could hardly expect you to wait for that. At any rate she is the best of the Roman maidens I have seen. She neither dyes her hair nor paints her face, and although she lacks stature120, she is comely121, and is always bright and pleasant when I have accompanied you there. I am inclined to feel half jealous that you have another to love you besides myself, but I will try and not grudge122 her a share of your affection."
"Well, hand me your sword, Boduoc, and betake yourself to your bed. I will remain on guard for the next four hours, or until the feasting is over. Nero often opens the hangings the last thing to see if we are watchful123, and he likes to see me at my post. I wish to find him in a good temper in the morning."
The next morning, to Beric's satisfaction, Nero came into the library early. Chiton, as was his custom, retired124 at once.
"I was inspired last night, Beric," the emperor said. "Listen to these verses I composed at the table;" and he recited some stanzas125 in praise of wine.
"I am no great judge of these matters, Caesar," Beric said; "but they seem to me to be admirable indeed. How could it be otherwise, when even the Greeks awarded you the crown for your recitations at their contests? Yesterday was a fortunate day for me, also, Caesar, for Norbanus betrothed his daughter to me."
The emperor's face clouded, and Beric hastened to say:
"There is no talk of marriage at present, Caesar, for marriage would interfere with my duties to you. Therefore it is only when you have no longer an occasion for my services that the betrothal will be converted into marriage. My first duty is to you, and I shall allow nothing to interfere with that."
Nero's face cleared. "That is right," he said graciously. "You might have married better, seeing that you enjoy my favour; but perhaps it is as well as it is. Norbanus is a worthy man and a good official, although his ideas are old fashioned; but it is reported of him that he thinks of nothing but his work, and mixes himself up in no way in politics, living the life almost of a recluse126. It was one of his daughters you championed in the arena. She died soon afterwards, I heard. Has he other children?"
"Only the maiden I am betrothed to, Caesar. He is now alone, for his wife has long been altogether separated from him, being devoted127 to gaiety and belonging to a family richer and more powerful than his, and looking down upon her husband as a mere bookworm. He has borne with her neglect and disobedience to his wishes for a long time, and has shown, as it seemed to me, far too great a weakness in exerting his authority; but his patience has at last failed, and when yesterday, in defiance of him, she would have interfered128 to prevent my betrothal to his daughter, he divorced her."
"Divorce is the fashion," Nero said carelessly. "I know his wife Lesbia, she has frequently been present with members of her family at my entertainments. She is a fine woman, and I wonder not that she and the recluse her husband did not get on well together. She will soon be consoled."
"I have mentioned it to you, Caesar, because she is a revengeful woman, and might cause rumours unfavourable to her husband to be reported to you. He is the most simple and single minded of men, and his thoughts are entirely occupied, as you say, with the duties of his office and with the learned book upon which he has long been engaged; but although a philosopher in his habits he holds aloof from all parties, and even in his own family never discusses public affairs. Had it been otherwise, you may be sure that I, your majesty's attendant and guard, should have abstained130 from visiting his house."
"I know this to be the case, Beric. Naturally, when I first placed you near my person, I was interested in knowing who were your intimates, and caused strict inquiries131 to be made as to the household of Norbanus and his associates; all that I heard was favourable129 to him, and convinced me that he was in no way a dangerous person."
Nero left the room, and returned shortly bearing a casket. "Give these jewels to your betrothed, Beric, as a present from Caesar to the wife of his faithful guard."
Beric thanked the emperor in becoming terms, and in the afternoon carried the jewels, which were of great value, to Aemilia.
"They are a fortune in themselves," he said; "in case of danger, take them from the casket and conceal132 them in your garments. No one could have been more cordial than Nero was this morning; but he is fickle133 as the wind, and when Rufinus and others of his boon companions obtain his ear his mood may change altogether."

点击
收听单词发音

1
spoke
![]() |
|
n.(车轮的)辐条;轮辐;破坏某人的计划;阻挠某人的行动 v.讲,谈(speak的过去式);说;演说;从某种观点来说 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
2
apprehension
![]() |
|
n.理解,领悟;逮捕,拘捕;忧虑 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
3
reverted
![]() |
|
恢复( revert的过去式和过去分词 ); 重提; 回到…上; 归还 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
4
stoic
![]() |
|
n.坚忍克己之人,禁欲主义者 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
5
precept
![]() |
|
n.戒律;格言 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
6
simplicity
![]() |
|
n.简单,简易;朴素;直率,单纯 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
7
intrigued
![]() |
|
adj.好奇的,被迷住了的v.搞阴谋诡计(intrigue的过去式);激起…的兴趣或好奇心;“intrigue”的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
8
heartily
![]() |
|
adv.衷心地,诚恳地,十分,很 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
9
worthy
![]() |
|
adj.(of)值得的,配得上的;有价值的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
10
bestow
![]() |
|
v.把…赠与,把…授予;花费 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
11
forfeiting
![]() |
|
(因违反协议、犯规、受罚等)丧失,失去( forfeit的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
12
intrigues
![]() |
|
n.密谋策划( intrigue的名词复数 );神秘气氛;引人入胜的复杂情节v.搞阴谋诡计( intrigue的第三人称单数 );激起…的好奇心 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
13
frankly
![]() |
|
adv.坦白地,直率地;坦率地说 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
14
palatable
![]() |
|
adj.可口的,美味的;惬意的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
15
rumours
![]() |
|
n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 );风闻;谣言;谣传 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
16
loyalty
![]() |
|
n.忠诚,忠心 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
17
persecution
![]() |
|
n. 迫害,烦扰 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
18
Christian
![]() |
|
adj.基督教徒的;n.基督教徒 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
19
Christians
![]() |
|
n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
20
disturbances
![]() |
|
n.骚乱( disturbance的名词复数 );打扰;困扰;障碍 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
21
justify
![]() |
|
vt.证明…正当(或有理),为…辩护 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
22
inflicted
![]() |
|
把…强加给,使承受,遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
23
doctrines
![]() |
|
n.教条( doctrine的名词复数 );教义;学说;(政府政策的)正式声明 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
24
clement
![]() |
|
adj.仁慈的;温和的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
25
vaguely
![]() |
|
adv.含糊地,暖昧地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
26
stoics
![]() |
|
禁欲主义者,恬淡寡欲的人,不以苦乐为意的人( stoic的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
27
bounty
![]() |
|
n.慷慨的赠予物,奖金;慷慨,大方;施与 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
28
generosity
![]() |
|
n.大度,慷慨,慷慨的行为 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
29
conspirators
![]() |
|
n.共谋者,阴谋家( conspirator的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
30
assassination
![]() |
|
n.暗杀;暗杀事件 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
31
criticise
![]() |
|
v.批评,评论;非难 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
32
utterly
![]() |
|
adv.完全地,绝对地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
33
grievances
![]() |
|
n.委屈( grievance的名词复数 );苦衷;不满;牢骚 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
34
beseech
![]() |
|
v.祈求,恳求 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
35
qualified
![]() |
|
adj.合格的,有资格的,胜任的,有限制的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
36
conspiracies
![]() |
|
n.阴谋,密谋( conspiracy的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
37
incur
![]() |
|
vt.招致,蒙受,遭遇 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
38
countenance
![]() |
|
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
39
steadily
![]() |
|
adv.稳定地;不变地;持续地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
40
entirely
![]() |
|
ad.全部地,完整地;完全地,彻底地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
41
aloof
![]() |
|
adj.远离的;冷淡的,漠不关心的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
42
bribes
![]() |
|
n.贿赂( bribe的名词复数 );向(某人)行贿,贿赂v.贿赂( bribe的第三人称单数 );向(某人)行贿,贿赂 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
43
noted
![]() |
|
adj.著名的,知名的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
44
convivial
![]() |
|
adj.狂欢的,欢乐的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
45
gatherings
![]() |
|
聚集( gathering的名词复数 ); 收集; 采集; 搜集 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
46
straightforward
![]() |
|
adj.正直的,坦率的;易懂的,简单的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
47
tampered
![]() |
|
v.窜改( tamper的过去式 );篡改;(用不正当手段)影响;瞎摆弄 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
48
conspiracy
![]() |
|
n.阴谋,密谋,共谋 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
49
mere
![]() |
|
adj.纯粹的;仅仅,只不过 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
50
fixed
![]() |
|
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
51
fabulous
![]() |
|
adj.极好的;极为巨大的;寓言中的,传说中的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
52
profligacy
![]() |
|
n.放荡,不检点,肆意挥霍 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
53
defiance
![]() |
|
n.挑战,挑衅,蔑视,违抗 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
54
decency
![]() |
|
n.体面,得体,合宜,正派,庄重 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
55
sumptuous
![]() |
|
adj.豪华的,奢侈的,华丽的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
56
patricians
![]() |
|
n.(古罗马的)统治阶层成员( patrician的名词复数 );贵族,显贵 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
57
unwillingly
![]() |
|
adv.不情愿地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
58
profusion
![]() |
|
n.挥霍;丰富 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
59
monstrous
![]() |
|
adj.巨大的;恐怖的;可耻的,丢脸的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
60
vengeance
![]() |
|
n.报复,报仇,复仇 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
61
virtue
![]() |
|
n.德行,美德;贞操;优点;功效,效力 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
62
naught
![]() |
|
n.无,零 [=nought] | |
参考例句: |
|
|
63
override
![]() |
|
vt.不顾,不理睬,否决;压倒,优先于 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
64
presumption
![]() |
|
n.推测,可能性,冒昧,放肆,[法律]推定 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
65
dint
![]() |
|
n.由于,靠;凹坑 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
66
cosmetics
![]() |
|
n.化妆品 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
67
inquiry
![]() |
|
n.打听,询问,调查,查问 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
68
exclamation
![]() |
|
n.感叹号,惊呼,惊叹词 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
69
slay
![]() |
|
v.杀死,宰杀,杀戮 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
70
unbearable
![]() |
|
adj.不能容忍的;忍受不住的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
71
mutinous
![]() |
|
adj.叛变的,反抗的;adv.反抗地,叛变地;n.反抗,叛变 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
72
maiden
![]() |
|
n.少女,处女;adj.未婚的,纯洁的,无经验的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
73
foul
![]() |
|
adj.污秽的;邪恶的;v.弄脏;妨害;犯规;n.犯规 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
74
despatch
![]() |
|
n./v.(dispatch)派遣;发送;n.急件;新闻报道 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
75
betrothal
![]() |
|
n. 婚约, 订婚 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
76
maidens
![]() |
|
处女( maiden的名词复数 ); 少女; 未婚女子; (板球运动)未得分的一轮投球 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
77
arena
![]() |
|
n.竞技场,运动场所;竞争场所,舞台 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
78
determined
![]() |
|
adj.坚定的;有决心的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
79
omen
![]() |
|
n.征兆,预兆;vt.预示 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
80
obedience
![]() |
|
n.服从,顺从 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
81
situated
![]() |
|
adj.坐落在...的,处于某种境地的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
82
peril
![]() |
|
n.(严重的)危险;危险的事物 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
83
drawn
![]() |
|
v.拖,拉,拔出;adj.憔悴的,紧张的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
84
mutual
![]() |
|
adj.相互的,彼此的;共同的,共有的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
85
betrothed
![]() |
|
n. 已订婚者 动词betroth的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
86
interfere
![]() |
|
v.(in)干涉,干预;(with)妨碍,打扰 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
87
forfeited
![]() |
|
(因违反协议、犯规、受罚等)丧失,失去( forfeit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
88
standing
![]() |
|
n.持续,地位;adj.永久的,不动的,直立的,不流动的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
89
notary
![]() |
|
n.公证人,公证员 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
90
assent
![]() |
|
v.批准,认可;n.批准,认可 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
91
affix
![]() |
|
n.附件,附录 vt.附贴,盖(章),签署 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
92
rite
![]() |
|
n.典礼,惯例,习俗 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
93
affixed
![]() |
|
adj.[医]附着的,附着的v.附加( affix的过去式和过去分词 );粘贴;加以;盖(印章) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
94
passionate
![]() |
|
adj.热情的,热烈的,激昂的,易动情的,易怒的,性情暴躁的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
95
hostility
![]() |
|
n.敌对,敌意;抵制[pl.]交战,战争 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
96
sarcastically
![]() |
|
adv.挖苦地,讽刺地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
97
restitution
![]() |
|
n.赔偿;恢复原状 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
98
outraged
![]() |
|
a.震惊的,义愤填膺的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
99
impunity
![]() |
|
n.(惩罚、损失、伤害等的)免除 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
100
marvel
![]() |
|
vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异;n.令人惊异的事 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
101
veins
![]() |
|
n.纹理;矿脉( vein的名词复数 );静脉;叶脉;纹理 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
102
boon
![]() |
|
n.恩赐,恩物,恩惠 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
103
raved
![]() |
|
v.胡言乱语( rave的过去式和过去分词 );愤怒地说;咆哮;痴心地说 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
104
lamented
![]() |
|
adj.被哀悼的,令人遗憾的v.(为…)哀悼,痛哭,悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
105
dishonour
![]() |
|
n./vt.拒付(支票、汇票、票据等);vt.凌辱,使丢脸;n.不名誉,耻辱,不光彩 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
106
fugitive
![]() |
|
adj.逃亡的,易逝的;n.逃犯,逃亡者 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
107
wrath
![]() |
|
n.愤怒,愤慨,暴怒 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
108
savage
![]() |
|
adj.野蛮的;凶恶的,残暴的;n.未开化的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
109
sect
![]() |
|
n.派别,宗教,学派,派系 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
110
asylum
![]() |
|
n.避难所,庇护所,避难 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
111
amethyst
![]() |
|
n.紫水晶 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
112
mantle
![]() |
|
n.斗篷,覆罩之物,罩子;v.罩住,覆盖,脸红 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
113
acting
![]() |
|
n.演戏,行为,假装;adj.代理的,临时的,演出用的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
114
lavishly
![]() |
|
adv.慷慨地,大方地 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
115
profess
![]() |
|
v.声称,冒称,以...为业,正式接受入教,表明信仰 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
116
rites
![]() |
|
仪式,典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
117
semblance
![]() |
|
n.外貌,外表 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
118
chamber
![]() |
|
n.房间,寝室;会议厅;议院;会所 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
119
buffoons
![]() |
|
n.愚蠢的人( buffoon的名词复数 );傻瓜;逗乐小丑;滑稽的人 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
120
stature
![]() |
|
n.(高度)水平,(高度)境界,身高,身材 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
121
comely
![]() |
|
adj.漂亮的,合宜的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
122
grudge
![]() |
|
n.不满,怨恨,妒嫉;vt.勉强给,不情愿做 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
123
watchful
![]() |
|
adj.注意的,警惕的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
124
retired
![]() |
|
adj.隐退的,退休的,退役的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
125
stanzas
![]() |
|
节,段( stanza的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
126
recluse
![]() |
|
n.隐居者 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
127
devoted
![]() |
|
adj.忠诚的,忠实的,热心的,献身于...的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
128
interfered
![]() |
|
v.干预( interfere的过去式和过去分词 );调停;妨碍;干涉 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
129
favourable
![]() |
|
adj.赞成的,称赞的,有利的,良好的,顺利的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
130
abstained
![]() |
|
v.戒(尤指酒),戒除( abstain的过去式和过去分词 );弃权(不投票) | |
参考例句: |
|
|
131
inquiries
![]() |
|
n.调查( inquiry的名词复数 );疑问;探究;打听 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
132
conceal
![]() |
|
v.隐藏,隐瞒,隐蔽 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
133
fickle
![]() |
|
adj.(爱情或友谊上)易变的,不坚定的 | |
参考例句: |
|
|
欢迎访问英文小说网 |