“We sometimes press the thumbs until they are flat, in order to learn the truth. ’Twould be a pity to press thy pretty thumbs—”
“Oh! Sejanus,” she cried in terror, “thou wilt not torture me?”
“Ay. A soldier will do anything to learn the truth,” he cruelly replied.
“But I tell thee the truth.”
“And I believe thee not.”
“Thou wilt not torture me!” she cried, now thoroughly alarmed. “Nay, nay, nay, O Sejanus! Where are my parents?”
“Thou wilt never see them again.”
“Never see them again!” screamed Psyche. “Are they dead too?”
“Nay; calm thyself. They are in prison. Now tell me, didst thou read the message?”
“I have already answered thee.”