‘I am not going thither because I am unable to exist without you,’ she remarked quietly.
‘Certainly not; I should be the last to entertain such a mad idea,’ he replied, with a satisfied laugh which belied his words.
‘No, I am going because I wish to go, and because I will go: and you, Aelius Sejanus, must contrive to convey me thither, openly or in secret.’
‘Oh, openly would be, of course, the most sensible and politic plan for me, as I am situated,’ he said ironically; and [pg 112]then he added sternly, ‘What silly whim is this? It is impossible.’
‘It is possible and shall be.’
‘You mean to enslave Caesar with your charms. Ambition inspires others, it seems, than myself.’
‘I care nothing for Caesar. As little for a foul old man in purple as a foul old man in rags. I seek him not.’
‘It would come to the same thing, sweet Plautia, were you to set foot in the island, supposing you were able to do so; for you would, most surely, arrive before the ruler of the world in the end, willingly or unwillingly.’
‘That would be my business. I would take care of myself.’
‘Humph! You have done so hitherto, it is true; but then you have had no difficulties to overcome. The pretty, autocratic ways of Plautia have always been carefully humoured. If you will take my advice, you will remain where you are, the queen of your own domain, in Rome. If you step outside into the world,—into Capreae, for instance, you may probably taste of a different experience.’