_Bur._ This mischief, Cæsar, Being thus arisen is the Augusta’s death. Though I bewail the occasion, yet I say ’Twere most untimely justice to endanger 3040 The public peace for her whose life hath been So long the shame of justice. Since the sentence We know is just, and that necessity O’errides the common forms, the less delay The better. Let her die. _Ner._ I thank thee, Burrus. How were this best performed? _Tig._ Now, if none speak, I’ll say that Burrus, being the advocate Of what is planned, and as pretorian prefect Possessed of means, is fittest for the work. _Bur._ Look not on me, Seneca, as if to say 3050 ’Tis well; as if ’twere thy thought that my office Covered this deed. I pardon Tigellinus, That, unacquainted with a soldier’s honour, He thinks it passable in time of peace, Entering in private houses there to slay Defenceless citizens. But that the guards Would thus lay hands on one that bears the name Of Agrippina, that they could forget Their loved Germanicus, who would think this? To such a deed they would not follow me, 3060 Far less another; and if Cæsar now Look for it from me, lo, I here throw down My prefecture to any man soe’er Who durst with this condition take it up. _Ner._ Nay, Burrus, I’ll not ask thee that. Thou’rt right. And yet, if thou could’st do it— See here the man. _Enter Anicetus in haste, Paris following._ Thou hast been my ruin! _ANICETUS._ Pardon, Cæsar, pardon. I am strangely foiled. Give me one hour, and yet I’ll make amends. _Ner._ If thou canst make amends, Come hither, speak with me. [_They go aside to front._ _Bur._ Is the thing known? _PARIS._ Ay ay. _Ner._ (_to Anic._) What canst thou do? _Ani._ I have set a guard 3071 Around her villa, fearing lest the people Should force their way within, or she escape. Give me the word and I will slay her there. _Ner._ Fool, I can give no word. Think when ’tis done, If I should punish thee less for that deed Than for thy late misdoing. What is this? _Enter Officer of the Guard. Petronius follows._ _OFFICER._ The Augusta, Cæsar, sends a freedman hither, One Agerinus, with a letter. _Ner._ (_to Anic._) Now What to do? _Ani._ Bid him enter: when he comes 3080 I am prepared. Lend me thy dagger, friend (_to Tig._). [_Takes Tigellinus’ dagger._ _Enter Agerinus, who runs to Cæsar._ _AGERINUS._ Lo, Cæsar, I am sent...