"Yes," assented Sublatus. "My son wishes to marry your daughter, Dilecta, and it is also my wish, for thus would the two most powerful families of Castra Sanguinarius be united and the future of the empire assured."
"But our daughter, Dilecta, is betrothed to another," said Splendidus.
"To Maximus Praeclarus?" inquired Sublatus.
"Yes," replied the senator.
"Then let me tell you that she shall never wed Maximus Praeclarus," said the Emperor.
"Why?" inquired Splendidus.
"Because Maximus Praeclarus is about to die."
"I do not understand," said Splendidus.
"Perhaps when I tell you that the white barbarian, Tarzan, has been captured, you will understand why Praeclarus is about to die," said Sublatus, with a sneer.
Dion Splendidus shook his head negatively. "I regret," he said, "that I do not follow Caesar."