“Sejanus has destroyed it.”

“Where are the lad’s parents?”

“They are still in prison, my lord.”

“And the maiden Psyche?”

“She is a prisoner at Pandataria.”

“Ah, is she, then, the criminal that Sejanus has described to me?” asked the emperor, now truly surprised.

“Believe me, O mighty emperor, she is as pure and innocent as a Vestal Virgin!” cried the young charioteer. “Can she not be freed, my lord?”

“She shall suffer no harm at Pandataria,” said Tiberius, in a tone that gave Gyges hopeful assurance.

“I thank thee, my lord, I thank thee!” exclaimed Gyges, with tremulous emotion.

“Now leave me,” ordered Tiberius. “On the morrow at daybreak thou shalt carry from Capri letters to Macro.”