Calpurnius (_nods_): My summons. Gleva!
Gleva: My Lord will bid farewell to his slaves. (_She calls aloud_):
Bran, Caransius.
Calpurnius: Oh, before they come! (_He holds out his arms to her._)
Gleva! (_She comes slowly into his embrace._) I shall remember this
night. Some of our poets say that we are born again in another age. So
may it be with us! We shall grow old and die, you here, I where my
Emperor shall send me. May we be born again, love again, under a
happier star.
[_He kisses her, she clings to him. Behind enter Bran, Caransius.
They approach carefully._]
But now there's Rome in front of me.
[_He tries to draw away from her. She clings about his neck._]
And I must go.
Gleva: Not yet, my Lord--Calpurnius.
Calpurnius: Farewell! and the Gods prosper you. (_He is seized from
behind on a gesture from Gleva. She utters a cry._)
Gleva: Do him no hurt! Yet hold him safe. (_They bind him. Calpurnius
struggles._)
Calpurnius: Help! Romans, help!
[_The two men gag him._]
Gleva: Do him no hurt!
[_They lay him on the bank. Gleva goes to him._]
No, I cannot conquer Rome, but one Roman--yes. You taught me,
Calpurnius, the lesson of the road. I thank you. I learn another
lesson. (_She is speaking very gently._) On that long, crowded way
from the edge of Gaul to Rome many a soldier of your legion will be
lost--lost and remain unheard of. Calpurnius, you shall stay with me,
reign with me, over me. You shall forget Rome.
[_Once more the trumpet sounds only more faintly. Calpurnius utters
a stifled groan. The morning broadens. A cracking of bushes is
heard. From the right enters third attendant excitedly._]
Attendant: Mistress! Mistress!
Gleva: Well?
[_She turns, stands between Calpurnius and attendants, e. g._:
Bran.
Third Attendant. Gleva. Calpurnius.