“Ay, thou art the only man who dost understand my wishes. I love and trust thee. I confide in thee as I confide in no other man. But what knowest thou about Drusus, O truthful friend?” “Goest thou to his dinner this night?” inquired Sejanus. “Ay; and thou?” asked the emperor. “Business in the camp prevents me.” “Always on duty, O faithful Sejanus! Would that others were as attentive as thou art!” “I shall appear later,” he said. He paused a moment, and then continued, “But how can I inform thee of thy danger?” “By Hercules! To what danger dost thou refer?” “Thou wouldst not believe me if I should tell thee,” replied Sejanus. “Have I ever doubted thy word?” “Nay, O Tiberius; but this is incredible.” “Incredible, sayest thou? But hast thou proofs?” “Ay, convincing and undeniable proofs.” “Then be silent no longer.” “Give me thine ear, O Tiberius,” he said dramatically. “_There is a plot against thy life!_” “Ah-h-h! By the gods! Some one wishes me dead? Continue, O Sejanus!” “Ay; but there is no danger. I have worked with my spies and know all the details,” said the minister, assuringly. “This night, whilst thou drinkest with Drusus, an attempt will be made to poison thee.” “Drusus will try to poison me?” “Said I not that it was incredible?” “Surely thou art wrong!” shouted the emperor. “His mind is too weak to plot. He indulges too much in the pleasures of life to wish to rule.” “What I have said, O Tiberius, is true. At the end of the dinner he will approach thee with a cup of wine. Drink not the first cup. Heed my words; for of a truth I know of what I speak.” “Who has told thee this?” “An honest spy, who never loses sight of thy son,” replied Sejanus. “Drusus bought some poison. He also purchased a golden cup. In that cup death will lurk. Touch it not!” “Have I not said he hates me? Yet never did I believe that he would go so far,” said Tiberius, fearfully impressed by the announcement of the minister. “Was he at the audience?” asked Sejanus. “Ay,” replied the emperor. “Well do I remember the anxiety he expressed to have me present at the dinner this night. By Jupiter! I will remain at home.” “Remain at home if it be thy pleasure,” said the minister; “but in remaining at home thou losest the opportunity for proof. Continually wilt thou be liable to danger from him. Go, O noble Tiberius! Watch carefully, eat fearlessly, but drink ever cautiously.” Tiberius paused a short time, and then with an air of determination said: “I will go. But fail not to meet me before the evening is over.” Chapter VII “What mellow wine is sold here, O Sulpicius!” said a young Roman named Sabinus. “Ay, near the Grape God’s Temple good wine only must be sold, O Sabinus,” replied Sulpicius.