Rufus.

’Twere well for form’s sake, Cæsar, To state the purpose of this court, and read The names of those denounced. Where are the informers?

Ner. Bring in the prisoners.—As for this court, general, ’Tis called to inquire upon a matter known To most here: they that know it not may gather it As we proceed; I will premise thus far:— You will hear certain citizens confess That they, with others whom they name, were joined In a conspiracy to murder another, And him your chiefest citizen, myself. Rome at the first had kings, and being returned To an autocratic rule, in the exigency Of wide dominion, I, her king, her Cæsar, Her prætor, tribune, consul, typify The general weal: who aims at my life, aims At Rome and all. Therefore, though Cæsar needs No sanction to his sentence, he invites The public ear unto the public wrong, That all, before the guilty are arrested, May hear the evidence, and self-impeachment Of the two chief informers. There they are; Natalis and Scevinus.—(They have been brought in guarded during Nero’s speech, and now stand up. R.) As plaintiff I shall watch the case, as Cæsar I watch the judge. Proceed!

TIGELLINUS. Scevinus.

SCEVINUS. Here, sir.

Tig. Thou in this writing hast confessed the truth Of all the several charges brought against thee By thy slave Milichus.

Sce. I have, my lord.

Tig. ’Tis true there was a plot ’gainst Cæsar’s life, And thou the instrument?

Sce. My lord, ’tis true: I crave great Cæsar’s mercy.

Tig. In hope of that, And moved by late contrition, thou hast revealed The names of thy confederates.

Sce. I have.

Ruf. Will Cæsar let me scan the information?

Ner. No need. Take each in turn.

Tig. (to Sce.). I ask thee, therefore, Now to confirm this paper in open court. Who was the head of this conspiracy? The man who thought to sit in Cæsar’s place, When ye had murdered Cæsar?

Sce. Calpurnius Piso.

Tig. Stand forth, Natalis.

NATALIS. Here, my lord.

Tig. Art thou Of Piso’s household?

Nat. I am, my lord.

Tig. Then thou Shouldst know: was Piso head of this conspiracy?

Nat. He was, my lord.

Ner. Judgment!—

Ruf. Arrest Calpurnius Piso on this charge.

Ner. (to Tig.). Send and arrest him. (Tig. speaks to those behind.)

Fla. (to Ruf.). Let me by thee, Rufus!— Send me to Cæsar with some paper, Rufus!— Now I may reach him.—To save Piso, Rufus!—

Ruf. (to Flav., thrusting him back). Be still!

Tig. (looking up). Order! who speaks?

Ner. whispers to Tigellinus, who sets two Guards before Nero’s seat.

Ruf. (to Flav.). See, fool; he hath smelt thee.

Tig. I’ll ask Natalis further if he knew Of any other chief man in the state Cognizant of this plot, or joined therein.

Nat. Calpurnius Piso was the chief, my lord.

Tig. No other? and I have here thy writing!

Fla. (aside to Rufus). Now, General, thy turn is come.

Ruf. (to Natalis). Speak, sir!

Nat. I pray, Rufus, to urge not this: nay, from my heart I say ...

Tig. ’Tis written here.

Ruf. This witness, Cæsar, I do not trust.

Tig. Carry Natalis out To torture.

Nat. I will speak.

Tig. Then name, sir, name!

Nat. Seneca.

Ruf. Seneca!

Tig. Yes, Seneca. Let Seneca be arrested. Judge, what sayst thou?

Ruf. Let Seneca be arrested.

Fla. (to Ruf.). Villain thou art!

Ner. (to Tigell. who has whispered to him). Leave Seneca to me.

Tig. These are the heads. Now will I read three names: Tell me, Scevinus, if I read aright: Quintian, Senecio, Lucan.

Sce. I denounce them.

Ner. Three hypocritical and fawning curs, The lap-dogs of the palace. Where áre they?

Tig. They are here, Cæsar.—Quintian, stánd forth.