he was more ashamed when she collected herself , and spoke softly , about what she 'd tried to do in the way of diplomacy , about her time in velzna , about how many people she still knew there , and how they would put all their weight behind rome if only the city moved softly , taking care not to upset the major cities ; and about how it was important not to frighten off their etruscan allies , how the slave revolts could imperil everything she 'd worked for .