_Luc._ Ye too abjure the bloody tyrant’s guilt? Would ye see Rome free, let us make an oath By black Styx, and invoke the gods of crime! _Pet._ Hey-day! here’s tinsel!—Let me refill your cup, Piso; the gold mellows this ruby juice, 1271 As music comforts poetry, and the eye Assists the palate (_pouring_). _Luc._ Is’t not true, Petronius, Thou dost hate Nero too? Thou hast held aloof From all his crimes. Thou sippest an exile’s wine, Thou laughest and art comfortable: ah! man, Stop well thine ears with luxury, lest thou hear The shrieks in Cæsar’s garden, where men burn To light his revels up. _Se^{o.}_ Ay, burned alive, Because he saith they burned the city,—and he Did it himself: would he were burned. _Qu._ I heard him Whisper to Tigellinus, ‘I had liefer ’Twere all burnt than a little; help it, master!’ And so it was.— _Pet._ I have come to see the purpose of this supper. (_To Piso_) The company, my lord, was gathered here By Fænius Rufus: he and other two Have disappointed me ... My lord, I see My house was chosen for security. I’ll take it as a compliment: you are welcome To all but my attention. Ha! I think Here be the others.—(_Letting in Rufus, Lateranus and Flavus._) Welcome, my lords! _Ruf._ I fear we are late, Petronius. _Pet._ Make excuse To my most honoured guest. (_They bow to Piso._) _Pis._ Ye are come in time To share the best of wine. _Pet._ Pray serve yourselves: I go to close the door ’gainst listeners. _Ruf._ (_to Luc._). Ye have broached the business? _Luc._ (_to Ruf._). Yes. (_Motioning._) _Ruf._ Nay, I’ll sit here, And fill my cup. (_Sitting._) _Pis._ And you too, sirs, be seated. _Ruf._ (_pouring_). I saw a sight as I came here: the mob Dragging some wretched Christian to be burned. And all the while his sister ran beside, 1301 With her vain anguish heightening their fury: And he! ... believe me, I never saw a man In all my life look better pleased.—I quaff To Piso. _All_ (_toasting_). Piso! Piso! _Ruf._ And what saith Calpurnius Piso? _Pis_. How, general? _Ruf._ You consent? _Pis._ Consent to what? _Luc._ Speak, Rufus. _Lat._ Let the general Make our proposals to his lordship. _All._ Hear, hear! (_Petronius returns._)