click to read pdf file - The Preterist Archive

300 DARKNESS AND DAWN
the rhythmic strokes of the rowers the sea flashed into brighter
phosphorescence in the shadow of the boat, and the waves
rolled away in molten gold. From the near coast, as they
steered northwards, the air seemed to come laden with the
perfume of flowers from the gardens and blossoming trees.
Countless spectators watched the gilded barque, and their
torches glimmered along the crowded sands, and the music of
their gay songs and serenades came to the happy voyagers.
The balm and peacefulness and beauty of the night seemed to
set its seal on the reunion of hearts too long divided, and for
that hour of blessedness it almost seemed worth while to have
lived.
as she re-
Acerronia, bending over the feet of the Empress
clined on the couch, was congratulating her with all her
heart on the warmth with which she had been received, and
was indulging in a hundred flattering auguries of the future.
Surely Agrippina would now be restored to her full honours as
Augusta Once more she would have her home in the Palace
!
of the Caesars, and ride in a carriage to the capital, and be
surrounded by her tall and '
glittering body-guard He
!
kissed your eyes, Augusta/ said Acerronia, ' as though he
would embrace your very soul.' l To Agrippina also at that
moment
'
Hope enchanted smiled, and waved her golden hair. '
Crepereius stood near them, only joining in the conversation
by an occasional word of congratulation, but enjoying with the
two ladies the happy events of the day and the splendour of
the balmy night.
Suddenly a whistle was heard from near the prow, where
Anicetus was standing. The whistle was followed by a frightful
crash. The gay canopy over the Empress had been weighted
with lead, and so contrived that by the pulling of a rope it
could be freed from its supports. Down it rushed upon the
heads of the unsuspecting victims. Crepereius, who was
standing up, was instantly crushed to death but not so
;
the two ladies. They were protected by the side of the boat
and of the couch on which the Empress was resting. Half
stunned by the terrible accident, they had scarcely realised
what had occurred before they saw the galley in a state of
1 '
Pliny, A". H. xi. 54 : Oculos cum osculamur, animum ipsum
attingere.'