_Sen._ ’Tis a matter Of heavy import. _Bur._ I demanded audience. _Sen._ Well? _Bur._ All is settled. _Sen._ And who has the commission To undertake the Parthian? _Bur._ Corbulo. _Sen._ ’Tis good. I like the choice. And what said Nero? _Bur._ He told me well and wisely what to do, When I had shown him all that must be done. _Sen._ I wish his judgment were as tractable 420 With me. Took he your word? _Bur._ The affair went pat. What luck for Corbulo! _Sen._ Pray sit, good Burrus, And let us talk: my thought is most at ease When I am sitting. _Bur._ I pray you then be seated. _Sen._ (_sitting_). Burrus, my difficulties day by day Increase. The cares of empire are as nothing To managing an emperor. _Bur._ Why, what’s the matter? _Sen._ Give but attention to me. _Bur._ I attend. _Sen._ Do so most carefully: ’tis not a business That may be brushed aside. _Bur._ I am all attention. 430 _Sen._ Nero has broken with Britannicus: Heard you of that? _Bur._ Heard of it? I was there. _Sen._ Well, that has brought to head the jealous difference ’Twixt Cæsar and his mother. Since he first, At our advice, as was most fit, denied her A place in power, she has striven to force a title Out of her power for mischief: this you have seen: But now to hear how she hath edged her practice; She overskins her old accustomed hate Of young Britannicus, speaks kindly of him, 440 Hints of his right; nay, even hath dared upbraid Cæsar with usurpation. This was matched With words from him, which she no sooner heard Than in her rage disordered flew she hither To win me to her part; when seeing that I Stood firm, she fled in furious passion, saying That I should learn what temper she was of. _Bur._ I would that all the gods and goddesses Might burn them up to cinders. _Sen._ Peace, I say. Cannot you sit? I need your best advice. 450 _Bur._ Except the lad.—Advice concerning what? _Sen_. Why this new phase of court affairs. See you, [_Takes a paper._