[Another knock on the inside of the door. RUFINIUS responds. Unintelligible words from within. RUFINIUS turns, empties the two goblets, takes another flask from the table, and refills them. The musicians keep droning softly]

PAULA

What is that stuff?

RUFINIUS

The wine from Britain, brought to the Emperor by Caius Macrinus.

PAULA

You mean that stuff that tastes like smoke? Wine your grandpa! So he's going to try that on that poor girl! The third degree!

[RUFINIUS passes in the two goblets]

RUFINIUS

It is somewhat heady.