Lucan.

My dear uncle, good morning.

LATERANUS and others.

Good morning, my lord.

Sen. Welcome, good nephew Lucan. Welcome, my lords. Thee, Lateranus, first Let me congratulate: thou’rt chosen consul I hear.

Lat. That’s a month hence. I care not, Seneca, If I shall live to sacrifice my ox.

Sen. Most ominous words!

Lat. Excuse my liberty.

Luc. Liberty! nay, if thou have any of that, Thou mayst indeed despair to live a month.

Sen. What purpose brings you, sirs? Pray you be seated.

(They sit. Priscus apart.)

What would you with me now?

Lat. We are come as friends.

Sen. No need to tell me this.

Luc. But yet there is, Uncle; thy friends decrease.

FLAVUS ┌────┐ LATERANUS SENECA │ │ PRISCUS LUCAN └────┘

Sen. That may well be. ’Tis what old age must look for. I have my books.