"Fair self-defence, by Hercules!" said Marcus Coelius. "Bear
witness, you all saw him draw his dagger."

He is not dead--he breathes," said Ligarius. " Carry him into
the house; he is dreadfully bruised."

The rest of the party retired with Clodius. Coelius turned to
Caesar.

"By all the Gods, Caius! you have won your lady fairly. A
splendid victory! You deserve a triumph."

"What a madman Clodius has become!"

"Intolerable. But come and sup with me on the Nones. You have
no objection to meet the Consul?"

Cicero? None at all. We need not talk politics. Our old dispute
about Plato and Epicurus will furnish us with plenty of
conversation. So reckon upon me, my dear Marcus, and farewell."

Caesar and Zoe turned away. As soon as they were beyond hearing,
she began in great agitation:--

"Caesar, you are in danger. I know all. I overheard Catiline
and Cethegus. You are engaged in a project which must lead to
certain destruction."

"My beautiful Zoe, I live only for glory and pleasure. For these