Ursus rose too, and, holding to the bench, looked at his mistress, waiting for her words.
But it grew dark in her eyes, and after a time two great tears rolled down her checks slowly.
"May God bless Pomponia and Aulus," said she.

"It is not permitted me to bring ruin on them; therefore I shall never see them again." Then turning to Ursus she said that he alone remained to her in the world; that he must be to her as a protector and a father.

They could not seek refuge in the house of Aulus, for they would bring on it the anger of Caesar.

But neither could she remain in the house of Caesar or that of Vinicius.

Let Ursus take her then; let him conduct her out of the city; let him conceal her in some place where neither Vinicius nor his servants could find her.