Thrasea.

’Tis well we meet. How went it in the senate?

Pr. As you said. A message read from Nero.

Thr. Seneca?

Pr. No doubt.

Thr. And in what terms touched he the murder?

Pr. With double tongue, as being an ill which none, And Cæsar least, could have desired; and yet A good none should lament.

Thr. He is very prompt. What glozing for the hasty burial?

Pr. The speech was thus; that ’twas the better custom Of simple times to shun all vain parade: That private grief was mocked by frigid pomp, And public business and quiet thereby Idly disturbed;—Then for myself, it ran, To have lost the aid and comfort of a brother Demands your sympathy. Of your goodwill I make no doubt; the more that my misfortune Throws me upon it, seeing that all my hopes Now anchor wholly on the commonwealth. Wherefore to you, my lords, and to the people, I look so much the more for maintenance And favour, since I now am left alone Of all my family, to bear the cares Your empire throws upon me.

Thr. This was well.

Pr. Then were there gifts decreed to all his friends.

Thr. Hush-money. Did none murmur?

Pr. There were none So much as frowned.

Thr. See, Lucan! let us speak with him.

Enter Lucan.

If now he be not shaken, I mistake His temper.