Acte was the only person who could explain everything, and there was need to see her before others.
Convinced of this, he commanded the slaves to hasten; and along the road he thought without order, now of Lygia, now of revenge.

He had heard that Egyptian priests of the goddess Pasht could bring disease on whomever they wished, and he determined to learn the means of doing this.

In the Orient they had told him, too, that Jews have certain invocations by which they cover their enemies' bodies with ulcers.
He had a number of Jews among his domestic slaves; hence he promised himself to torture them on his return till they divulged the secret.

He found most delight, however, in thinking of the short Roman sword which lets out a stream of blood such as had gushed from Caius Caligula and made ineffaceable stains on the columns of the portico.

He was ready to exterminate all Rome; and had vengeful gods promised that all people should die except him and Lygia, he would have accepted the promise.
In front of the arch he regained presence of mind, and thought when he saw the pretorian guard, "If they make the least difficulty in admitting me, they will prove that Lygia is in the palace by the will of Caesar." But the chief centurion smiled at him in a friendly manner, then advanced a number of steps, and said,--"A greeting, noble tribune.
If thou desire to give an obeisance to Caesar, thou hast found an unfortunate moment.