And yet, notwithstanding all this, such was the estimate which public sentiment really entertained of the true character of Nero, that it was considered extremely doubtful at the time, and has, in fact, been so considered ever since, whether there ever was any conspiracy at all. It was very extensively believed that the whole pretended discovery of the plot was an ingenious device on the part of Nero, to furnish him with plausible pretexts for destroying a great number of men who were personally obnoxious to him. And were it not almost impossible to believe that such monstrous wickedness and tyranny as that of Nero could riot so long over Romans without arousing them to some desperate attempts to destroy him, we might ourselves adopt this view, and suppose that this celebrated plot was wholly a fabrication. CHAPTER XII. THE EXPEDITION INTO GREECE. A.D. 65 Nero becomes more depraved and abandoned than ever.--Nero appears on the public stage.--Estimation in which players were held.--Action of the Senate.--Theatrical excitements.--Humiliating demeanor of the emperor.--Rewards and honors conferred upon Nero.--The Olympic games.--The plain.--Rules.--Preliminary arrangements of the Olympic games.--Various contests and spectacles at the Olympic games.--Nero sets out for Greece.--His retinue.--Nero's progress through Greece.--Crowds of auditors.--Nero is received with great applause.--The crown of olive leaves.--Ceremonies.--Sacrifices and festivities.--Nero at Olympia.--His chariot race.--Nero receives the prizes.--Nero sends despatches to Rome.--His plan for cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth.--Breaking ground.--The golden pick-axe.--Helius calls upon Nero to return to Rome.--Nero returns.--His train.--His prizes.--His voyage.--Danger of shipwreck.--Journey to Rome.--His triumphal entry into Rome.--His proceedings.--He continues the training of his voice.--The _Phonascus_.--Public performances.--Pecuniary embarassments.--Bessus's story.--Nero sends to Egypt for the treasure.--His disappointment.--The dream. As the excitement which had been produced by the discovery, real or pretended, of Piso's conspiracy, and by the innumerable executions which were attendant upon it, passed away, Nero returned to his usual mode of life, and in fact abandoned himself to the indulgence of his brutal propensities and passions more recklessly than ever. He spent his days in sloth, and his nights in rioting and carousals, and was rapidly becoming an object of general contempt and detestation. The only ambition which seemed to animate him was to excel, or rather to have the credit of excelling, as a player and singer on the public stage.