"Hast thou spoken with Caesar?"
"No, Augusta."
"Why dost thou choose to be here rather than in the house of Aulus?"
"I do not choose, lady. Petronius persuaded Caesar to take me from Pomponia. I am here against my will."
"And wouldst thou return to Pomponia?"
This last question Poppaea gave with a softer and milder voice; hence a sudden hope rose in Lygia's heart.
"Lady," said she, extending her hand to her, "Caesar promised to give me as a slave to Vinicius, but do thou intercede and return me to Pomponia."