On, on, they marched, the perspiration rolling like little rivulets down the soldiers’ cheeks, through the coating of dust. The beasts’ flanks were also wet with a mixture of dust and sweat. Occasionally the officer in charge would give an order so as to encourage the men. Some of the horses began to stumble as they dragged one foot after another. One of them with its sides bloody from the constant spurring of its rider, was gradually left behind the others. The rider dismounted, and with the flat of his sword began to beat the beast. After vain efforts to keep up, the poor horse finally stumbled and dropped upon the burning road to die. The rider proceeded on foot. The sun still relentlessly blazed, and scorched the party. There was no tree along the road, no place where shelter could be found, and there was nothing to do but to travel on. On, on, on, they went, becoming more and more fatigued as each mile-post was passed. The carriage rolled along the road like a funeral car. From time to time there came from within the drawn curtains the noise of clanking chains. Coughs and gasps, produced by the stifling dust and heat, were mingled with deep and prolonged sighs. When the party arrived at the almost stagnant stream, a boat conveyed the carriage from one side to the other. While the carriage was in the stream, the curtains were drawn aside and one of the occupants looked out, but immediately drew back. The sun burnt too fiercely. The horses walked through the poisonous waters and became slightly refreshed by the passage, but the respite endured only a short time. Again they were on the hot road, proceeding towards Terracina. The occupants of the carriage were Agrippina and Psyche. Agrippina’s wrists were bound together by chains. She rested her head on Psyche’s shoulder. All night long they had been on the move and she had had no rest. “Is it not possible to obtain more air?” asked Agrippina. “I fear not, my lady,” said Psyche, in a tone of forced cheerfulness. “Would that I could bathe thy head with water, but even water is denied us.” “Ah! these chains are too heavy. Look how they have cut my wrists.” “Place the weight on the seat, my lady. There--does not that ease thee a little?” “Ay, my child. Why should I be shackled?” she said, as she ground her teeth. “What do they fear that I will do? They wish to humble me. Ay, they treat me worse than a barbarian!” “I wish I could but help thee, O my lady.” “Oh! But this heat is stifling. Feel how it comes through the cover. Ah, I must have water, I must have water, I must have water!” she feverishly stammered. Psyche noticed a gradual increase of heaviness upon her shoulder. She looked at Agrippina and found that she had fainted. “Stop the carriage!” she cried. “Help! help!” The order “Halt!” was given, and the party came to a standstill. Through the dust the officer approached the carriage. He heard a call for water.