All this Cornelia saw while, sword in hand, she flew toward the knot of writhing men.

She pushed aside the slaves by sheer force.
She asked no civilities, received none.
"Pull her away!" shouted Lucius, and started himself to accomplish his purpose.

A rude hand smote her in the face; she staggered, fell; but as she fell a hand snatched the sword out of her grasp.

She released her hold gladly, for did she not know that hand?
When she rose to her feet there were shrieks of fear and pain on every side.

The slaves were cringing in dread before him.