_Petr._ Ay, ’tis sadly out of place, This business at this time. Look, Anicetus, Thou’rt new to Cæsar’s suppers; let me tell thee There’s ever something wrong. See how he takes it! Mad, mad! 2050 _Ner._ (_aside_). I see. Plautus. This hits my life: Britannicus being dead, that hope cut off, She looks to Plautus’ claim: and I to be Poisoned or what appears not: yet I doubt not Poisoned. ’Tis found in time. Now ’tis plain war; The strongest wins. Poison! ’Tis life for life. Nay, maybe already I have swallowed down Some death-steeped morsel; ay, this very night Have tasted of it, and the subtle drug Runs in my veins concocting: my spirit sickens, I faint and tremble. What is it? _Anic._ (_advancing_). Cæsar, a word. 2060 _Ner._ What would’st thou say? _Anic._ (_to Ner._) ’Tis I can do this thing. None that be here lack will: I have the means. ’Twere easy, would you give me the command. _Ner._ What would be easy? _Anic._ Why, this thing that hangs, Which you for Rome so wisely, and for you Rome and your friends have wished. If but your foe Step on a ship of mine, I’ll beg my death If it touch land again. We go to Baiæ, And there upon the hazard of the sea May this disorder sleep. _Enter Burrus with Tigellinus._ _Ner._ (_to Anic._) I thank thy zeal; 2070 There is no need; give way.—Burrus, thou’rt called Upon a stern occasion. Is’t not death To any man or woman whosoe’er That plots to murder Cæsar? _BURRUS._ Death deserved. _Ner._ Here be the names of some who thus offend. Thine is amongst them: of thine honesty I am too well persuaded to demand More proof than this, that thou do execute All these conspirators to-night. _Bur._ —Cæsar Is not mistaken in me. Let me see 2080 The names. [_Takes paper and reads._ _Par._ (_aside_). Now may Jove blast the general’s wits, Else we be lost. _Petr._ (_to Anic._) Take my advice. (_going_). _Anic._ (_to Petr._) Nay, nay, I’ll see it out. [_Exit Petronius._ _Bur._ (_aside_). What’s this? Why, ’tis mere nonsense.— What evidence hath Cæsar of this plot? _Ner._ Confession of the traitors. Paris brings it Fresh from Domitia. _Bur._ Now, with your permission, I’ll question Paris.