“Surely thou art wrong!” shouted the emperor. “His mind is too weak to plot. He indulges too much in the pleasures of life to wish to rule.”
“What I have said, O Tiberius, is true. At the end of the dinner he will approach thee with a cup of wine. Drink not the first cup. Heed my words; for of a truth I know of what I speak.”
“Who has told thee this?”
“An honest spy, who never loses sight of thy son,” replied Sejanus. “Drusus bought some poison. He also purchased a golden cup. In that cup death will lurk. Touch it not!”
“Have I not said he hates me? Yet never did I believe that he would go so far,” said Tiberius, fearfully impressed by the announcement of the minister.
“Was he at the audience?” asked Sejanus.
“Ay,” replied the emperor. “Well do I remember the anxiety he expressed to have me present at the dinner this night. By Jupiter! I will remain at home.”
“Remain at home if it be thy pleasure,” said the minister; “but in remaining at home thou losest the opportunity for proof. Continually wilt thou be liable to danger from him. Go, O noble Tiberius! Watch carefully, eat fearlessly, but drink ever cautiously.”
Tiberius paused a short time, and then with an air of determination said: “I will go. But fail not to meet me before the evening is over.”