“To be executed immediately:—
In the Tullianum, by strangulation,
Lucius Ælius Lamia Plautius Ælianus.
To be torn by dogs:—
The Chaldæan Elymas, otherwise called Ascletarion.”
On the second leaf:
“To be executed on the morrow:—
By decapitation:
Petronius Secundus, Præfect of the Prætorium.
Norbanus, likewise Præfect of the Prætorium.
By strangling, in the Tullianum:
Parthenius and Sigerius, Chamberlains of the Palace.
To be bled to death:
Stephanus: steward to my niece Domitilla.
Entellus: Secretary a libellis.”
The words applying to Lamia acted on her as a blow against her heart. She staggered to a stool, sank on it and struggled for breath.
But the urgency of the danger allowed no delay—she rallied her strength immediately, flew from the room and summoned Eboracus.
To him, breathless, she said: “Fly—summon me at once Stephanus the steward, Petronius and Norbanus, præfects, and the chamberlains Parthenius and Sigerius. Bid them come to me at once—not make a moment’s delay.”
She sank again on the stool and put her hands to her temples and pressed them.
The lightning continued to flare and the thunder to roll. There ensued a turmoil, and a sound of voices crying; then a rush of feet. Euphrosyne entered with startled mien—“My mistress! The bolt of heaven has fallen on the Palatine, and the chamber of the Augustus has been struck. The Temple of the Flavians is on fire, and is burning in despite of the rain.”
The chamberlain, Parthenius, entered.
“Augusta!” said he, “the lightning has struck that part of the palace occupied by Cæsar. He must have his apartment for the night on this side.”