I am here against my will." "And wouldst thou return to Pomponia ?" This last question Poppaea gave with a softer and milder voice; hence a sudden hope rose in Lygia's heart.
"Lady," said she, extending her hand to her, "Caesar promised to give me as a slave to Vinicius, but do thou intercede and return me to Pomponia." "Then Petronius persuaded Caesar to take thee from Aulus, and give thee to Vinicius ?" "True, lady.

Vinicius is to send for me to-day, but thou art good, have compassion on me." When she had said this, she inclined, and, seizing the border of Poppaea's robe, waited for her word with beating heart.
Poppaea looked at her for a while, with a face lighted by an evil smile, and said,--"Then I promise that thou wilt become the slave of Vinicius this day." And she went on, beautiful as a vision, but evil.

To the ears of Lygia and Acte came only the wail of the infant, which began to cry, it was unknown for what reason.
Lygia's eyes too were filled with tears; but after a while she took Acte's hand and said,--"Let us return.

Help is to be looked for only whence it can come." And they returned to the atrium, which they did not leave till evening.
When darkness had come and slaves brought in tapers with great flames, both women were very pale.

Their conversation failed every moment.