“Ay, my lord Tiberius. The storm has now spent its force and will soon abate,” prophesied the astrologer.
“The Villa Jovis is well named,” cried the emperor. “The ruler of the gods has protected his august name.”
Although intended for a residence, the Villa Jovis was in reality a fortress. It was built on an elevation, on three sides of which cliffs dropped perpendicularly into the water. The fourth side, which connected with the lowlands by steps, was protected by a massive wall. Two gates led into the villa. The first gate was easy of access; and between it and the second the visitor was carefully searched before he was allowed to enter. A feeling of insecurity had seized the emperor, and he had stationed soldiers on the walls and around the grounds, as if the villa were in a state of siege. On the mainland heights of Surrentum, not far distant, soldiers were also placed, to give warning by flag-signals when a boat approached the island.
For one whole day no one had dared venture upon the turbulent waters. The emperor therefore anxiously awaited reports from Rome. After the last violent peal of thunder there was a breaking of the clouds. The lightning became less violent. Tiberius then crawled from his hiding-place, like an animal afraid of a revenging attack. He called Caligula, and together they approached the small portico outside of the semicircular triclinium, or dining-room. The emperor still wore on his head the wreath of laurel.
“Hast thou no fear in a storm, my Caligula?” asked Tiberius.
“Nay, my father,” replied Caligula. The poor prince was compelled to address the persecutor of his family by that name.
“Thy Divine ancestor, Augustus, always wore a sack of sealskin when it lightened. Jupiter, however, never touches the laurel with his thunderbolts. Look at the water! By the infernal gods! no one will dare attempt to bring my letters to-day. Go, child, to the tower and inquire if there are any signals from the shore.”
Caligula departed and quickly returned.
“A boat rowed by four men approaches the island, my father,” said Caligula.
“At last I shall receive my letters!” exclaimed Tiberius, with satisfaction. “Where is the little Tiberius?”