From prison this, in face of martyrdom! Whatever fell, Paul's victory was secure. Such love, such faith, such hope, such power in Christ Of joy, such hold on heaven, was to defeat Present or future, harm or threat of harm-- From earth, from hell, aimed--inaccessible, Safe as a star smiling above a storm. So then Paul wrote, and such himself he was, While those vain wicked wished to work him ill. Though the twain listened with all courteous heed To what Drusilla told and acted then, Nor Nero nor Poppæa was deceived; But both admired, and this Drusilla felt. Having retrieved thus in some part her loss, She heard demurely while the emperor said: "Thou understandest, madam, this is not A formal sitting of our court august. I oft advise myself beforehand thus-- Though seldom, lady, so agreeably-- What the real merits of an issue are. I have much enjoyed thy story--and thyself-- And I shall hope to see thee yet again. Meantime, I pray thee, send thy Simon to me; I might find use for such a man as he." Poppæa, to play out her part of queen, Added a gracious word: "And come thyself To see me--by the emperor's leave assumed-- And teach me to be Jewess, such as thou. It must be lovely beyond anything To hate so and abide so beautiful!" She had mixed a cunning bitter with her sweet; Perhaps her Nero so would be forewarned! BOOK XXIII. NERO AND SIMON. Simon, sent by Drusilla to the emperor, finds it impossible to reach the imperial presence without help from Poppæa, who grants him her favor only on condition that he will serve her wish at need. The crafty sorcerer buys his way with the necessary promises. Nero flouts Simon with disdainful irony and sarcasm, which excites the sorcerer's resentment. This feeling he dissembles, while he counsels the unfaithful imperial husband how to rid himself of his young empress Octavia--the sorcerer being all the time in doubt whether it is with Drusilla or with Poppæa that the emperor, who speaks darkly, would supplant her.