Third Page

Question 1

Messalina non amore in maritum, sed verita ne Silius summa adeptus se sperneret, diu haesitavit;

Answer 1

Messalina, not from love to her husband, but fearing lest Silius might cast aside herself, (once) having obtained the heights (of power), for a long time hesitated;

Question 2

sed tandem persuasum.

Answer 2

But at last it was persuaded it (to her).

Question 3

nomen enim matrimonii concupivit ob magnitudinem infamiae;

Answer 3

For she desired the name of marriage on account of the greatness of her ill-repute;

Question 4

nec ultra morata quam dum sacrificii gratia Claudius Ostiam proficisceretur, cuncta nuptiarum sollemnia celebrat.

Answer 4

and not having delayed longer than until Claudius should set out for Ostia,for the purpose of sacrifice, she celebrates all the ceremonies of marriage.

Question 5

igitur domus principis inhorruit, maximeque ei qui potentiam habebant timuerunt ne res verterentur;

Answer 5

Therefore the household of the emperor shuddered, and in particular those who had influence feared lest things should be changed;

Question 6

spem tamen habebant, si Claudio de atrocitate sceleris persuasissent Messalinam posse opprimi sine quaestione damnatam;

Answer 6

however they had hope if they should have persuaded to Claudius about the enormity of the crime, Messalina could be crushed and condemned without a trial;

Question 7

sed periculum esse ne ille defensionem audiret, neve clausae aures etiam confitenti non essent.

Answer 7

but danger to be lest he should hear a defending, or lest his ears should not be closed even to (one) confessing guilt.