I have never hesitated to hazard an existence which they alone
render valuable to me. In the present case, I can assure you
that our scheme presents the fairest hopes of success."

"So much the worse. You do not know--you do not understand me.
I speak not of open peril, but of secret treachery. Catiline
hates you;--Cethegus hates you;--your destruction is resolved.
If you survive the contest, you perish in the first hour of
victory. They detest you for your moderation; they are eager for
blood and plunder. I have risked my life to bring you this
warning; but that is of little moment. Farewell!--Be happy."

Caesar stopped her. "Do you fly from my thanks, dear Zoe?"

"I wish not for your thanks, but for your safety;--I desire not
to defraud Valeria or Servilia of one caress, extorted from
gratitude or pity. Be my feelings what they may, I have learnt
in a fearful school to endure and to suppress them. I have been
taught to abase a proud spirit to the claps and hisses of the
vulgar;--to smile on suitors who united the insults of a
despicable pride to the endearments of a loathsome fondness;-- to
affect sprightliness with an aching head, and eyes from which
tears were ready to gush;--to feign love with curses on my lips,
and madness in my brain. Who feels for me any esteem,--any
tenderness? Who will shed a tear over the nameless grave which
will soon shelter from cruelty and scorn the broken heart of the
poor Athenian girl? But you, who alone have addressed her in her
degradation with a voice of kindness and respect, farewell.
Sometimes think of me,--not with sorrow;--no; I could bear your
ingratitude, but not your distress. Yet, if it will not pain you