'Oh, what a conclusion to the adventure! I confess it, Vetranio, such consequences as these are beyond all imagination!' 'You laugh, Julia,' returned the senator, a little piqued; 'but hear me to the end, and you will find that I have not yet resigned myself to defeat.

For the few days that I have remained here, Antonina's image has incessantly troubled my thoughts.

I perceive that my inclination, as well as my reputation, is concerned in subduing her ungrateful aversion.

I suspect that my anxiety to gain her will, if unremoved, so far influence my character, that from Vetranio the Serene, I shall be changed into Vetranio the Sardonic.

Pride, honour, curiosity, and love all urge me to her conquest.