_Ner._ Question! why, is’t not plain? Question is treasonous; and thou to question, Whose name the black suspicion pricks! wilt thou Question?—who hast the deepest cause of all 2090 For sure conviction? Is’t not horrible That I, to whose security the empire Looks for stability, should most of all Live an uneasy and precarious life, And find no remedy because my ministers, Who should be over-zealous to protect me Even from imagined danger, shut their eyes And ears to plots and perils which I hear My slaves and women prate of? _Bur._ Cæsar, the matter Demands inquiry. That you have been much wronged Is clear: by whom is doubtful. Let me pray 2101 You save your judgment from reproach of haste, And hear what I advise. _Ner._ Speak; I will hear. Speak. _Bur._ First dismiss the company: ’tis ill To have had this audience. _Ner._ Friends, you are all dismissed. Begone without a word: this business presses. _Pop._ (_to Nero_). Have some one with you, Nero; are you advised? Keep a guard while you can. _Ner._ (_to Pop._) Nay, have no fear. _Pop._ I would not trust him. Did not Paris say His name was with the rest? _Ner._ (_to Pop._) Be not afraid.— 2110 Good night, my lords. (_To Bur._) Shall Paris stay? _Bur._ No, none. _Ner._ Paris, await without; the rest go home. [_Anic. Tig. and Par. go out: Poppæa tarries._ _Pop._ (_to Nero_). Oh, do not trust this man! _Ner._ (_to Pop._) He’s not my enemy. _Pop._ I fear to leave thee with him. _Ner._ Have no fear. _Pop._ Could he not kill thee? _Ner._ Nay, nay. _Pop._ Oh, he will. Alas! alas! Oh! oh! [_Faints._ _Ner._ Why, thou must go. [_Exit Nero carrying out Poppæa._ _Bur._ (_solus_). Be hanged! the fool’s gone too. _Re-enter Nero._ _Ner._ Now, Burrus, now. Art thou my friend? _Bur._ —We are alone, and while There’s none to hear, you must excuse a soldier If he speak plainly, Cæsar. _Ner._ Indeed, Burrus, 2120 Thou art my only friend; speak as a friend.