“I do not fear thee, O Sejanus. I trust no one,” she said calmly. “’Tis no secret that the Julian family dislikes Tiberius,” he ventured. “’Tis no secret that Tiberius dislikes the Julian family,” she returned. “Come, O granddaughter of the Divine Augustus, tell me thy complaints.” “My complaints? I have none.” “But thou sufferest!” “I suffer not.” “Ay, thou art distrustful.” “But distrust is not always suffering!” she exclaimed. “I lack resolution.” “Then thou hast fear,” he asserted. “Nay, nor have I fear, O Sejanus. Distrust has stunted the growth of my faith. Mine eyes are shadowed by anxiety, my life is clouded by doubts, but I do not fear.” “Then if thou art so brave, I will withhold my warnings.” “To be distrustful, O Sejanus, hinders me not from being grateful.” “Thou hast said the emperor dislikes thee,” he said. “I will add that thou art in danger.” “Ha! the emperor wishes my death also?” “Then thou accusest the emperor of causing the deaths of thy relatives?” “I said not so.” “Thou didst use the word ‘also.’” “Ay; but well dost thou understand my meaning. I repeat it in other words. Besides the indignities to which my family are already subjected, he also wishes my death?” “I will say, O Agrippina, that I advise thee to refrain from eating at his table.” “And then--” “Good news, O mother!” cried Nero, joyfully, as he rushed into the atrium, followed by Drusus. At the sight of Sejanus Nero checked his enthusiasm. “What has taken place in the Senate?” asked Agrippina. “When we entered the Temple of Concord, we were led directly to the emperor,” said Nero. “He took our hands in his and spoke. Repeat his words, Drusus. Thou hast the better memory.” “He said,” began Drusus, “‘These fatherless youths I committed to my son Drusus to rear and nourish as his own blood, to train them so that they might be worthy of him and of posterity. Now that my son has been snatched from us, I address the same prayers to you, O Conscript Fathers--’” “Some of the Senators, at these words, burst into tears,” interrupted Nero. “Proceed, brother.” “He said, still addressing the Senate,” continued Drusus: “‘In the presence of the gods, the face of your country, I conjure you, receive into your protection, take under your tuition, the great-grandchildren of the Divine Augustus,--children descended from ancestors the most glorious in the state; towards them fulfil your own and my duty!’” Drusus delivered these words like a young orator, using graceful gestures, and giving well-marked emphasis to the phrases. “He added more,” said Nero. “He said to us: ‘Nero and Drusus, to you these Senators stand in the place of fathers. Such are the circumstances of your birth that the good and evil which befalls you must needs extend to the commonwealth.’”