“I shall take good heed to that.”
“Hear me out, Domitian. I have but one child, Julia. The voice of the people has proclaimed itself well pleased with our house. We have given to Rome peace and prosperity at home, and victory abroad. I believe that there are few who regard me unfavorably. But it is not so with thee. Thy folly, thy disorders, thy violence, before our father came to Rome, have not been forgotten or forgiven, and Senate and people look on thee with mistrust. I will give thee Julia to wife. It is true she is thy niece—but since Claudius took Agrippina——”
“Thanks, Titus, I have no appetite for mushrooms.”[8]
“Tut! you know Julia, a good-hearted jade.”
“I will not consent,” said Domitian surlily.
“Hear me out, brother, before making thy decision. If thou wilt not take Julia, then I shall give her to another——”
“To whom?” asked Domitian looking up. He at once perceived that a danger to himself lurked behind this proposal. The husband of Julia might contest his claims to the throne, should the popularity of Titus grow with years, and his own decline.
“I shall give her to our cousin, Flavius Sabinus.”
Domitian was silent, and moved his hands and feet uneasily.
Looking furtively out of the corners of his eyes, he saw a flash of hope in those of Domitia.