After all, she was only a girl--perhaps more mature for her years than the average maiden of her age of to-day, but almost friendless, hopeless, and beset with many trials.

And this new one was almost more than she could bear.

We have said that to her suicide had but just before appeared a refuge to be desired; but to have Quintus die, to have him taken out of that life that ought to be so fair for him, no matter how darksome it was for her; to have him never realize her ambition that he become a statesman, warrior, philosopher, in short her ideal hero--this was unbearable! This phase of the question was so overpowering that she forgot to feel rage against Ahenobarbus and his wily ally.

Cornelia threw herself down upon the floor, and cried to Agias to slay her quickly.

She did not care to live; she could endure no more.
Agias here manifested exquisite tact.