How couldst thou help being carried away by his beauty, his virtue, his singing, his declamation, his chariot-driving, and his verses?
Why didst thou not glorify the death of Britannicus, and repeat panegyrics in honor of the mother-slayer, and not offer congratulations after the stifling of Octavia?
Thou art lacking in foresight, Aulus, which we who live happily at the court possess in proper measure." Thus speaking, he raised a goblet which he carried at his belt, took water from a fountain at the impluvium, freshened his burning lips, and continued,--"Ah, Nero has a grateful heart.

He loves thee because thou hast served Rome and glorified its name at the ends of the earth; he loves me because I was his master in youth.

Therefore, seest thou, I know that this water is not poisoned, and I drink it in peace.

Wine in my own house would be less reliable.

If thou art thirsty, drink boldly of this water.