“Ay, my lord.” “Bid him quickly come!” repeated the emperor. When the astrologer arrived, he quieted the terror-stricken emperor by telling him that an enemy who had long been victorious would soon be crushed. “But who is mine enemy that has been long victorious?” asked Tiberius. The astrologer did not directly reply, but asked in turn, “Is there no one who rules over thee, O emperor of the Romans?” “Mine enemies are either dead or in prison,” replied the emperor. “All thine enemies?” the astrologer asked doubtfully. “Ay, all mine enemies. Wherefore dost thou doubt?” demanded Tiberius. “I doubt thee not, O worthy emperor. I have long warned thee that some one was subtly plotting against thee, but thou wouldst not believe me.” “Nay; I must have proofs,” said the emperor. “What better proof couldst thou demand, O mighty emperor, than that which has just been shown thee? The statue fell to-day; proofs should then arrive to-day.” “Who would dare venture upon the water to-day?” asked Tiberius, mockingly. “Ah, thou readest signs badly. No one-- By the infernal gods! hear that thunderclap!” he exclaimed, greatly terrified. “Ay, my lord Tiberius. The storm has now spent its force and will soon abate,” prophesied the astrologer. “The Villa Jovis is well named,” cried the emperor. “The ruler of the gods has protected his august name.” Although intended for a residence, the Villa Jovis was in reality a fortress. It was built on an elevation, on three sides of which cliffs dropped perpendicularly into the water. The fourth side, which connected with the lowlands by steps, was protected by a massive wall. Two gates led into the villa. The first gate was easy of access; and between it and the second the visitor was carefully searched before he was allowed to enter. A feeling of insecurity had seized the emperor, and he had stationed soldiers on the walls and around the grounds, as if the villa were in a state of siege. On the mainland heights of Surrentum, not far distant, soldiers were also placed, to give warning by flag-signals when a boat approached the island. For one whole day no one had dared venture upon the turbulent waters. The emperor therefore anxiously awaited reports from Rome. After the last violent peal of thunder there was a breaking of the clouds. The lightning became less violent. Tiberius then crawled from his hiding-place, like an animal afraid of a revenging attack. He called Caligula, and together they approached the small portico outside of the semicircular triclinium, or dining-room. The emperor still wore on his head the wreath of laurel. “Hast thou no fear in a storm, my Caligula?” asked Tiberius. “Nay, my father,” replied Caligula. The poor prince was compelled to address the persecutor of his family by that name.