The whole of Lochias flared and shone in a purple and golden glow. It formed the nucleus of a wide spreading radiance of tender red of which the extent and intensity alternately grew and diminished. Verus met the poetess at the door that led from the garden into the Empress' apartments. He omitted on this occasion to offer his customary greeting, but hastily asked her: "Has Sabina been told?" "I think not yet." "Then have her called. Greet her from me--I must go to Lochias" "We will follow you." "No, stay here; you will be in the way there." "I do not take much room and I shall go. What a magnificent spectacle." "Eternal gods! the flames are breaking out too below the palace, by the King's harbor. Where can the chariots be?" "Take me with you." "No you must wake the Empress." "And Lucilla?" "You women must stay where you are." "For my part I certainly will not. Caesar will be in no danger?" "Hardly--the old stones cannot burn." "Only look! how splendid! the sky is one crimson tent. I entreat you, Verus, let me go with you." "No, no, pretty one. Men are wanted down there." "How unkind you are." "At last! here are the chariots! You women stay here; do you understand me?" "I will not take any orders; I shall go to Lochias." "To see Antinous in the flames! such a sight is not to be seen every day, to be sure!" cried Verus, ironically, as he sprang into his chariot, and took the reins into his own hand. Balbilla stamped with rage. She went to Sabina's rooms fully resolved to go to the scene of the fire. The Empress would not let herself be seen by any one, not even by Balbilla, till she was completely dressed. A waiting-woman told Balbilla that Sabina would get up certainly, but that for the sake of her health she could not venture out in the night-air. The poetess then sought Lucilla and begged her to accompany her to Lochias; she was perfectly willing and ready, but when she heard that her husband had wished that the women should remain at the Caesareum she declared that she owed him obedience and tried to keep back her friend. But the perverse curly-haired girl was fully determined, precisely because Verus had forbidden her--and forbidden her with mocking words, to carry out her purpose. After a short altercation with Lucilla she left her, sought her companion Claudia, told her what she intended doing, dismissed that lady's remonstrance with a very positive command, gave orders herself to the house-steward to have horses put to a chariot and reached the imperilled palace an hour and a half after Verus.