Cassius.

That will I, my lord; Knowing that thou deservest more than all.

Ruf. Help! help!—(To Flavus.) Now, man, strike now or never.

Fla. Hush! I am the last. (Rufus is seized after a struggle.)

Ner. (stepping down). Now will I mount myself the judge’s seat. (Fla. rushes forward to stab Nero.)

Ner. Ha! Murder! (Tigellinus, who has watched Flavus, intercepts him. Flavus is seized.)

Tig. Clear the Court!

The inner line of Guards faces outwards, and all present except the prisoners are driven from centre into the wings, and the court begins to clear.

Ner. (to Flavus, who is held before him). Who art thou, sir?

Fla. A tribune and an honest soldier, Cæsar; And none more faithful, while you well deserved. But I began to hate you from the day You killed your mother, and debased yourself, Performing to the people: and I am freed From all my oaths, by all the gods in heaven, With all the world; and sworn with half the world To kill thee or be killed.

Ner. Fool! I shall kill thee, With thy half world, and rule the other half.

(The curtain fells, or scene shuts across.)