“Tell him that I refuse.”
The officer withdrew. He sent a letter to Capri, asking for further instructions. The answer was borne by a new officer, the previous one having been arrested for disobedience.
The new officer was a man with a brutal face. He spoke with a growl. He entered Agrippina’s room, accompanied by two soldiers equally brutal in appearance. He said to Agrippina: “The old officer has lost his position for disobedience. That wrong is punishable by death at Capri. I have been ordered to make thee eat.”
“Does the emperor think that he can force me?” asked Agrippina.
“Ay; and I have brought thee some bread and water.”
Agrippina made no reply.
“I insist that thou shalt eat.”
“I refuse.”
“Again I insist,” said the officer, becoming angry.
“Again I refuse.”