When the party of violence and tyranny falls, then too will fall the power of Lentulus to outrage your right and mine! Ours shall be a triumph of Venus as well as of Mars, and until that time, may you and I endure faithful unto our fathers, ourselves, and one another!" Hardly had he spoken ere loud voices were heard calling through the grove.

Torches were glaring among the trees, and the harsh tones of Lentulus burst out:-- "Take the wretched girl into the house when you find her; but as for her lover, let him not escape!" "My uncle!" groaned Cornelia, quivering with terror; "one of my maids has betrayed me! Flee! run! He has called out all his slaves; they will kill you!" "Kill me ?" gasped Drusus, incredulously; "commit deliberate murder ?" "Yes," moaned Cornelia; "he dares anything.

He is all fury and violence.

Escape! Do not throw yourself away in vain!" The lights flashed nearer; the slaves were shouting and blundering through the bushes.
"Two philippi to the man who strikes Drusus down!" bawled Lentulus.
It was no time for delay and affectionate leave-taking.

The young man threw his arms around Cornelia, kissed her once, twice, and then bounded into the thicket.