[265] State.
[266] Discussing matters.
[267] He refers to the occasion when Nehemiah, on presenting the wine, as cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes, appeared sorrowful, and, on being asked the reason of it, entreated the king to allow Jerusalem to be rebuilt.—Nehemiah ii. 1.
[268] This can hardly be called a marriage, as, at the time of the intrigue, Messalina was the wife of Claudius; but she forced Caius Silius, of whom she was deeply enamored, to divorce his own wife, that she herself might enjoy his society. The intrigue was disclosed to Claudius by Narcissus, who was his freedman, and the pander to his infamous vices; on which Silius was put to death. Vide Tac. Ann. xi. 29, seq.
[269] To speak in his turn.
[270] Be questioned upon.
[271] Kept on good terms.
[272] Desire it.
[273] “That he did not have various hopes in view, but solely the safety of the emperor.” Tigellinus was the profligate minister of Nero, and Africanus Burrhus was the chief of the Prætorian Guards.—Tac. Ann. xiv. 57.
[274] As Nathan did, when he reproved David for his criminality with Bathsheba.—2 Samuel xii.