The beating of his heart with unusual throb was evident under his scarlet tunic; his breathing grew short, and the expressions that fell from his lips were broken.

For the first time, too, he was so near her.

His thoughts grew disturbed; he felt a flame in his veins which he tried in vain to quench with wine.
Not wine, but her marvellous face, her bare arms, her maiden breast heaving under the golden tunic, and her form hidden in the white folds of the peplus, intoxicated him more and more.

Finally, he seized her arm above the wrist, as he had done once at Aulus's, and drawing her toward him whispered, with trembling lips,--"I love thee, Callina,--divine one." "Let me go, Marcus," said Lygia.
But he continued, his eyes mist-covered, "Love me, my goddess!" But at that moment was heard the voice of Acte, who was reclining on the other side of Lygia.
"Caesar is looking at you both." Vinicius was carried away by sudden anger at Caesar and at Acte.

Her words had broken the charm of his intoxication.