Rufus.

’Tis urgency, my lord. We have met to-day, and voted with one voice Immediate action. That madman Scevinus Hath taken the whole affair upon himself, And full of mystery walks at large, parading His self-importance; wearing on his face The secret of our lives. You must come forward, Or we are lost.

Pis. I shall not move.

Ruf. My lord! My lord! my lord! (A servant has been speaking with Natalis at the door.)

NATALIS (to Piso).

Here is another come.

Pis. Bring him in.—(To Ruf.) Nay, Rufus, I shall not move. [Exit Nat. Why should you come to me? I made no promise But this, when Nero is dead, to be your Cæsar.