_Se^{o.}_ Why fix the time or place? Let all here swear That the first one of us who can approach him Shall stab him to the heart. _Ruf._ Yes, and be killed for it. ’Tis rare that Cæsar goes unguarded now. 1360 _Luc._ You bid us sacrifice our lives, but I Would gaze, like Cassius, on my glorious deed. _Pet._ Then, Lucan, have you a plan? _Luc._ I should propose To leave the deed to Rufus: he commands The needful force. _Pet._ Well, Rufus? _Ruf._ ’Tis not easy, As Lucan thinks: and if he escape our swords, ’Tis death to us all. There is but one way free Of personal risk.—If my lord would invite him To an entertainment at his house at Naples, We might be sure of him. _Pis._ (_rising_). What! Good Heavens, General! Take you me for a Jew? An entertainment! My house! _Pet._ Hear, hear! _Pis._ Rufus, and all my friends, Hear me. While Nero lives, my life’s in danger: Yet will I never move to take him off. If you shall choose to do it, or if he die, I’ll be your Cæsar: there’s no more to say. I leave you to consult. (_Going._) _Pet._ Not in my house. As chairman I adjourn the meeting: nay, I have done more than my duty. _Luc._ And why, Petronius, Wilt thou not join us? _Pet._ Rather, I beg you each, 1380 Whoever may be Cæsar, to remember My innocence, and leave me to myself. _Pis._ Why, for your very virtue I shall need you. _Pet._ Indeed, my lord, you know me not: my habits Are incompatible with business. You have eaten with me now, but, late as ’tis, Your supper is my breakfast; and while you Go to your beds, I shall begin my day: Like an old lion.... _Luc._ Or like an owl.