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Ay, hitherto; after all his lesser encounters. But this time, Myrrha! This great, fearful battle. All these conflicting rumours. If Caesar were victorious, why should he have sent that letter to the city magistrates, forbidding them to meet him with shows of honour outside the gates?

Oh, you know well, my lady, how little your noble husband cares for such things.

Yes, yes, that is true. And had he been defeated—they must have known it in Rome—would the Emperor have sent us this envoy who is to arrive to-day, and whose courier has brought me all these rich ornaments and gifts? Ah, Eutherius! Well? Well?

[From the back.] My Princess, it is impossible to obtain any trustworthy tidings

Impossible? You are deceiving me! The soldiers themselves must surely know

They are only barbarian auxiliaries who are coming in—Batavians and others—and they know nothing.

[Wringing her hands.] Oh, have I deserved this