Yet at sight of the notorious Poppaea, considered by the confessors of Christ as crime and evil incarnate, it seemed to her that angels or spirits of heaven might look like her.

She was unable simply to take her eyes from Poppaea; and from her lips was wrested involuntarily the question,--"Ah, Marcus, can it be possible ?" But he, roused by wine, and as it were impatient that so many things had scattered her attention, and taken her from him and his words, said,--"Yes, she is beautiful, but thou art a hundred times more beautiful.

Thou dost not know thyself, or thou wouldst be in love with thyself, as Narcissus was; she bathes in asses' milk, but Venus bathed thee in her own milk.

Thou dost not know thyself, Ocelle mi! Look not at her.

Turn thy eyes to me, Ocelle mi! Touch this goblet of wine with thy lips, and I will put mine on the same place." And he pushed up nearer and nearer, and she began to withdraw toward Acte.