“To be distrustful, O Sejanus, hinders me not from being grateful.”
“Thou hast said the emperor dislikes thee,” he said. “I will add that thou art in danger.”
“Ha! the emperor wishes my death also?”
“Then thou accusest the emperor of causing the deaths of thy relatives?”
“I said not so.”
“Thou didst use the word ‘also.’”
“Ay; but well dost thou understand my meaning. I repeat it in other words. Besides the indignities to which my family are already subjected, he also wishes my death?”
“I will say, O Agrippina, that I advise thee to refrain from eating at his table.”
“And then—”
“Good news, O mother!” cried Nero, joyfully, as he rushed into the atrium, followed by Drusus. At the sight of Sejanus Nero checked his enthusiasm.