CHAPTER X. While you here do snoring lie, His time doth take. If of life you keep a care, Shake off slumber, and beware; Awake! Awake! SONG IN THE TEMPEST. WHILE Pudens was sleeping, his enemies were maturing a conspiracy against him, the object of which was to discover Claudia's residence, and perhaps through his means, to gain access to her for Tigellinus. Early the next morning, as he was about to go forth in quest of another lodging, a magnificent litter accompanied by a numerous retinue, who cleared the portico to make room for it, deposited the wretch, for whom these efforts were being made in the Atrium, on a visit to Pudens. The wily courtier, assuming an air of the most friendly familiarity, told the invalid that he had heard of his accident, and was come to offer him his condolence, and likewise to beg him to accept the shelter of his own roof, until better provided for. Pudens politely declined the last offer; and, after a mutual interchange of compliments, and a brief conversation on indifferent topics, Tigellinus thus artfully introduced the object of his visit: 66 Why you look as pale, and as interesting as a poet in love. Do you court the muses?" 66 'Very little; I might almost say not at all," answered Pudens. "Their sex are not very propitious to me." 66 "I am sure, then, that the ladies do not show their discernment," was the courteous reply. "But you must be referring to the women of Britain," subjoined the speaker; "for I am sure that repulsiveness is not a very general fault among our Roman beauties." "I have spent so little time in Rome," said Pudens," that I do not know much of the Roman ladies; but different suitors, I suppose, meet different receptions. A person who would disdain the obscure Pudens, would think herself too honoured, and too happy, to receive attentions from the noble Tigellinus." "I have no reason to complain," observed the self-complacent courtier; "but what sort of women are they in Britain-a set of savages I suppose?" "Not so bad as they are represented," was the reply. "I wonder how they would bear schooling. in Rome," said Tigellinus. "Did you ever try one ?" Pudens was a little posed at this question; he, however, replied, "The Gods forefend that I should ever have the trouble of importing a woman from Britain to Rome: I should think to import a British mastiff would be a much better speculation. I suppose you know the strength and courage of these dogs, do you not?" "I know something about them," answered his visitor, "for I have three, which cost me more than my two lions; and the purchase of my lions took very nearly half my share of the confiscation of old Lucullus's estate. But we shall know something more of the pluck of these dogs to-day; for there is to be a grand hunt of Christians in the circus. These horrible wretches are to don the skins of wild beasts, and we are to have a glorious hunt; which, indeed, it was one of my objects in calling, to ask you to accompany me to witness." Pudens could hardly conceal an involuntary shudder at this proposal; but excused himself, on account of his ill health; which, having been referred to by his visitor himself, was a ground of apology which he could not refuse. Our hero was just pluming himself on his success in giving the conversation such a turn, when Tigellinus, by a skilful manœuvre, brought it back again to the point from which it had diverged. "Talking about the circus, and about British women," said he, "you know, Lucan, I dare say. He once brought a splendid British girl to the theatre with his wife. Did you ever see her?" There was no evading this question; Pudens, therefore, answered in the affirmative. "I have not seen her for a long time," observed Tigellinus; "do you know where she is ?" "No, I do not, indeed," replied Pudens. The courtier put several other very ingenious interrogatories to elicit the residence of Claudia ; but was not, of course, successful, because Pudens was as ignorant as himself:—a fact, however, of which all his asseverations failed to convince Tigellinus. The monster at last took his leave, with many protestations of friendship, but with a determination, nevertheless, to make what use he could of Pudens in promoting his designs, without the least scruple of sacrificing him, should it be necessary, or even convenient. On quitting the house, he left strict injunctions with Epaphroditus to keep strict, but private watch over his guest, who, he doubted not, would soon direct his steps towards the abode of his mistress, and thus reveal the secret which he was so anxious to discover. In this expectation, however, he was disappointed; for Epictetus had heard the wily scheme, and immediately forewarned Pudens against it, who consequently remained, though very reluctantly, a close prisoner. Things continued in this perplexing state for a considerable time; when, one day, Carus, an |