_Ner._ Jest not; ’tis done. [_Exit Tig._ _Pop._ You have talked too long, Nero; come in & rest. _Ner._ He was my tutor once, and once I loved him. _Pop._ You might have done it with a nod. _Ner._ He is old: I rob him not of much. The end of life Is tedious, I believe. Come back, Poppæa; And while we are in our prime, let us be merry And thank the gods. [_Exeunt._ SCENE ·• 5 (_As epilogue._) _Scene withdraws and shows Seneca’s garden in the suburbs: a table set out under a tree._ _Enter SENECA, THRASEA, and PRISCUS._ _SENECA._ This way: I have bid them set a table, Thrasea, Under my favourite tree. Here let us sit, And watch the April sunset; the mild air Permits this summer pleasure. _THRASEA._ I long doubted Whether to come upon an invitation Written before these troubles. 2575 _Sen._ You did well Not to desert me. Fannia too shall comfort My grieved Paullina.—Here is the best wine Of all my vineyards: drink to my long journey:— But first remember solemnly our friends Who have already died to-day: I pour This cup to them, and specially must name My nephew Lucan. _Thr._ ’Tis an ancient custom. _Sen._ (_offering to Thrasea_). And should be kept. _Thr._ (_taking and sprinkling_). I’ll name the gentle Piso. _PRISCUS_ (_taking from Thrasea_). This to Epicharis. (_Sprinkling._) _Thr._ Well spoken, son. No better wish than that we all may die Bravely as she. _Sen._ So be it! Now let us sit. (_They sit._) And I between (_sitting_). I would so spend this hour,. That ye shall not forget it in after-days, When ye think of me. ’Tis the last time, friends, That ye will sup with me. _Pr._ Nay, say not so: I trust you have escaped. _Sen._ Look on yon sun: An hour hence he will set; and now he sinks Smiling eternal promises. Ye both Shall see him rise, but I—I shall not see it. This tree shall hang its branches, and another May sit and comfort his poetic sadness. As I have done, only not I: I only Not here ... not there, where I have been: all things Have hitherto existed with me, henceforth All will exist without me. _Pr._ Have more hope. 2600 _Sen._ Nay, it is so; what else could Cæsar mean? _Thr._ Your answer may convince him.