A moment of silence followed, which was broken by the cry of Vinicius,—
"Vae misero mihi!"
And the young man, casting his toga aside, rushed forth in his tunic. Nero raised his hands and exclaimed,—
"Woe to thee, sacred city of Priam!"
Chapter 42
VINICIUS had barely time to command a few slaves to follow him; then, springing on his horse, he rushed forth in the deep night along the empty streets toward Laurentum. Through the influence of the dreadful news he had fallen as it were into frenzy and mental distraction. At moments he did not know clearly what was happening in his mind; he had merely the feeling that misfortune was on the horse with him, sitting behind his shoulders, and shouting in his ears, "Rome is burning!" that it was lashing his horse and him, urging them toward the fire. Laying his bare head on the beast's neck, he rushed on, in his single tunic, alone, at random, not looking ahead, and taking no note of obstacles against which he might perchance dash himself.