_Fla._ Priscus ruined us. _Lat._ There’s no choice for us now; and I doubt not we can make Piso emperor. He hath a wider following than Seneca. But when we have set him up, ’twill be in the power of any to pull him down. _Fla._ And then Seneca: why not Seneca then? _Lat._ Hush! who comes? _Fla._ ’Tis Rufus. _Enter Rufus._ _RUFUS._ Good evening, gentlemen; go you to Petronius’? _Fla._ We do, general. 1171 _Lat._ We wait for Natalis. _Ruf._ Flavus, I’m glad of thee; hast thou heard of any new adherents? _Fla._ Too many, general: and not the least some of Cæsar’s bosom friends. _Ruf._ Who are they? _Fla._ There’s Scevinus, hot as fire, who drags with him Senecio and Quintian, with one or two more filibustering fellows. _Ruf._ The household contingent should help us when we come to close quarters. _Fla._ If they are to be trusted. _Ruf._ If a man cannot be trusted to hate Nero for a week or ten days, there’s little to reckon on in this world. _Lat._ Here is Natalis. _Enter Natalis._ _NATALIS._ All’s well. Piso is at Petronius’s. _Ruf._ Hath he consented to head our party? _Nat._ Yes, believe me. But you will find him cautious and delicate in speaking of it. _Fla._ If he speak not, how shall we trust him? He may turn on us. _Nat._ My life for yours; my assurance; what oath you will ... _Ruf._ We know, Natalis, thou art a man of honour, One that would not deceive us, wert thou not As heartily with us as I know thou art. _Nat._ I am much hurt that Flavus questions Piso. _Ruf._ He knows not, sir, the perfect intimacy ’Twixt Piso and thee. For my part, I should think Piso unreliable, if I should find him 1201 Hasty and indiscreet in such a matter. _Fla._ I use but the same caution. _Nat._ I do not blame you: But be assured he is won.—My part is done. Go you and prosper. Farewell, sirs. (_Going._) _All._ Farewell. [_Exit Natalis._ _Ruf._ ’Tis good, now let us to Petronius’. [_Exeunt._ SCENE ·• 2 _The previous scene withdraws, showing a supper-room in the house of PETRONIUS. Slaves removing the last of the feast. PETRONIUS, PISO, LUCAN, SCEVINUS, SENECIO, and QUINTIAN. Three places are empty._ _PETRONIUS_ (_to Piso_). That’s the last dish, my lord: a little banquet Of fruit remains, and, best of all my supper, Three jars of Otho’s wine. _PISO._ Ha! merry Otho, Become a man of affairs. Drink we to him And Lusitania. _LUCAN_ (_rising excitedly_). A toast with Otho’s name! Republican integrity! _Pet._ What a fuss, Lucan, you make, because a gentleman Is honest. What else could you expect of Otho? _SENECIO._ When, too, there’s nought worth stealing in his province.