“Do what ye like with me, but I will not go to the games!” cried he, in desperation.
Nero looked at him for a while, and, turning to Tigellinus, said,—
“Have a care that this Stoic is near me in the gardens. I want to see what impression our torches will make on him.”
Chilo was afraid of the threat which quivered in Cæsar’s voice. “O lord,” said he, “I shall see nothing, for I cannot see in the night-time.”
“The night will be as bright as day,” replied Cæsar, with a threatening laugh.
Turning then to the Augustians, Nero talked about races which he intended to have when the games were over.
Petronius approached Chilo, and asked, pushing him on the shoulder,—
“Have I not said that thou wouldst not hold out?”
“I wish to drink,” said Chilo, stretching his trembling hand toward a goblet of wine; but he was unable to raise it to his lips. Seeing this, Vestinius took the vessel; but later he drew near, and inquired with curious and frightened face,—
“Are the Furies pursuing thee?”