“What do you really think of Pompeius’ condition,” he asked, when the conversation had drifted into silence for some minutes.

Pompeia considered Caesar's question. She took a sip of wine from her goblet, "We have heard nothing of Pompeius for months now. If he is not dead, he must remain permanently injured, never to return to the politics of Roma." Pompeia watched Caesar closely and smiled slightly. "Would be a shame really."

Caesar's right eyebrow raised imperceptably. "How so, my dear?" Caesar felt that Pompeia might be goading him gently.