midday
Meanwhile Cæsar had passed ; and immediately after him eight Africans bore a magnificent litter , in which sat Poppæa , who was detested by the people . Arrayed , as was Nero , in amethyst color , with a thick application of cosmetics on her face , immovable , thoughtful , indifferent , she looked like some beautiful and wicked divinity carried in procession . In her wake followed a whole court of servants , male and female , next a line of wagons bearing materials of dress and use . The sun had sunk sensibly from midday when the passage of Augustians began , -- a brilliant glittering line gleaming like an endless serpent . The indolent Petronius , greeted kindly by the multitude , had given command to bear him and his godlike slave in a litter . Tigellinus went in a chariot drawn by ponies ornamented with white and purple feathers , They saw him as he rose in the chariot repeatedly , and stretched his neck to see if Cæsar was preparing to give him the sign to go his chariot . Among others the crowd greeted Licinianus with applause , Vitelius with laughter , Vatinius with hissing .