_Ep._ Nothing truly; and yet I have no share in Rome’s reproach; I laugh Rather to see my country’s conquerors Themselves enslaved. I have no pride in Cæsar: Let him be a madman, one day burn his city, The next day wreck his fleet,—poison his brother,— Murder his mother,—behead his wife,—I care not. Let all his courtiers be curs, and he Sing in the theatre.... In Greece a tyrant Had little heart for singing; nay, at night He slept not, thinking what undaunted spirits Were lying wide-awake for torturing shame Till they could kill him. _Pro._ By Jove, thou hast a tongue! _Ep._ And they that like it not may cut it out. _Pro._ Drink with me, lass (_offers his cup_). _Ep._ I would I were a Roman But for one day. _Pro._ I love thee for thy spirit. _Ep._ Thou lov’st to hear the words thou dar’st not say. _Pro._ Well, give me more. _Ep._ Greek as I am, my lord, And woman, were I now as near to Cæsar As I am to you, I’d stab him to the heart. _Pro._ I would not stay thee. _Ep._ But thou wouldst not do it. _Pro._ Bah! thou’rt a Greek to brag what thou wouldst do: 1675 I am a Roman, and would do the thing Before I spake it. _Ep._ Yet mightst never do it. _Pro._ Thou know’st me not. _Ep._ Then none knows thee, my lord. Were there a plot among the brave in Rome, Which they should fear to break to thee, and say We know him not, we cannot risk to sound him, A woman might; then should they send a woman, Some woman that thou lov’st, to learn thy mind, What wouldst thou say? _Pro._ Then were it time to speak. _Ep._ The brave in Rome have plotted: I am the woman— Their messenger. _Pro._ What! a conspiracy? ’Gainst Cæsar’s life? _Ep._ They bid thee bring the navy. _Pro._ Art thou in earnest? _Ep._ I am a Greek, my lord; And risk my life for Roman liberty. _Pro._ What are their names? _Ep._ The best in Rome. _Pro._ Who are they? _Ep._ In time I’ll tell their names. _Pro._ And what the plot? _Ep._ In three days Cæsar will be slain: ’tis asked Of thee that thou wilt bring thy ships to Ostia, And seize the granaries till Rome is ours. _Pro._ What are their names? _Ep._ With fair security I will tell all. _Pro._ And what security For me? _Ep._ Enough, my lord, even in this risk To well content thee. _Pro._ Tell me the chief names. _Ep._ When I have won thee. _Pro._ Thou hast won me: tell. _Ep._ In good time all. _Pro._ What would they have me do?