"True!" answered Nero, sadly, "I will write a hymn in her honor, and compose music for it."
"And then thou wilt find the warm sun in Baiae."
"And afterward—forgetfulness in Greece."
"In the birthplace of poetry and song."
And his stony, gloomy state of mind passed away gradually, as clouds pass that are covering the sun; and then a conversation began which, though full of sadness, yet was full of plans for the future,—touching a journey, artistic exhibitions, and even the receptions required at the promised coming of Tiridates, King of Armenia. Tigellinus tried, it is true, to bring forward again the enchantment; but Petronius, sure now of victory, took up the challenge directly.