undly in the straw, was wakened by the
raising of the trap-door. Again a rope was let down. This time two of the
Executioner's helpers slid down the dangling rope. They addressed me most
deferentially and asked permission to prepare me to be hauled up,
thereupon adjusting the ropes about me.

In the upper chamber of the prison I was rubbed down and clothed in the
best sort of tunic, shod with the ceremonial boots of a nobleman and
wrapped in a nobleman's outer garments. Then I was led off to the nearest
point to which a litter may approach the Mamertine Prison. The brilliant
sunrays blinded me and the sight of Rome in the glory of a mellow July
afternoon brought the tears to my eyes and made me gulp and swallow. But
the tears did not blind me too much to recognize Imperial liveries on the
litter-bearers and runners and intendant. I was obsequiously invited to
enter the litter, the panels were slid, the curtains drawn, and the
bearers set off. They carried me to the Palace!

There I was received by the new Chamberlain in person, to be sure with
four armed guardsmen accompanying him, but himself as deferential as
possible. By him I was conducted to a luxurious apartment, consisting of a
large anteroom, a private library, a private _triclinium_, a private
bathroom, and two bedrooms, all furnished with the most lavish abundance
and in perfect taste.

I found a small regiment of servants to minister to my wants: a valet, a
masseur, a cook, waiters, errand-pages, a reader and yet others. I could
have anything I asked for in that apartment, but a guard at its outer door
saw to it that I remained in it.

There I was bathed, massaged, obsequiously asked what dainties and wines I
preferred, supplied with all I suggested and clothed in garments to my
liking; huge heaps of togas, mantles, wraps, tunics and shoes being
brought in for me to choose from. There I spent some comfortable days,
sleeping much, having myself read to, mostly from the private letters of
the Emperors, and from the Anticatones of the Divine Julius; and, from the
balcony of the ante-room enjoying the splendid view southwestwards, over
the Circus Maximus, the lower reaches of the Tiber and the Campagna, for
my apartment was on that side of the Palace and high up.

When I asked if I might despatch letters to my friends I was told that the
Emperor had given orders that I was to communicate with no one and no one
with me. I worried over Vedia's anxiety and almos