My lords, we are all in danger: there’s no time To investigate. Act,—act ere we be lost! _Ruf._ But how to act? _Lat._ The plan I have always urged: Remember, sirs, how Julius fell. To-morrow Are the Circensian games, Nero will come: I, under the pretence of some request, Will kneel to him, as Cimber knelt to Cæsar; And as I beg my boon I’ll drag him down, If one of you will slay him. _Fla._ That will I. _Asp._ And I. _Se^{o.}_ Or Lord Scevinus. _Ruf._ Better, Sir, Do without him. And I still hold my plan The best, that Cæsar should be asked to supper: 1925 Then nought were risked. Once more I pray Lord Piso To save unneeded bloodshed. _Pis._ I could not do it: Nor were it wise, in face of the great pity Such treachery would stir. _Asp._ And the delay: To-morrow is late. _Ruf._ Then Lateranus hath it: We adopt his disposition. You, my lord, Must be by dawn to-morrow in Ceres’ temple Clad in imperial purple: I with my guards Will keep the doors; and when the deed is done Will bring you forth, and lead you through the city, Proclaiming you with shouts. _Pis._ Well, let it be so. I give consent. Let nothing stop you now: But each man learn his part and act it bravely. Your lives are forfeit. Secrecy and despatch— And now depart. _Ruf._ Be you in Ceres’ temple. _Pis._ I understand. I shall await you there. Action, Rufus, is now your only hope; Let nothing stop you. Fail me not. _Ruf._ Nay, trust me. _Lat._ Bravo, Lord Piso. _Fla. and Asp._ Hail, great Cæsar! _Pis._ Hush! Depart your different ways: be no more seen Than cannot be avoided. I see none Until to-morrow. _All_ (_going_). To-morrow! to-morrow! [_Exeunt._ SCENE ·• 5 _A room in the palace. Enter NERO and TIGELLINUS with a drawn sword_ (R.). _Ner._ Fury and Hell! Murder me, would he! A plot, A damnable hellish plot! Stab me! by God, Arrest him and fetch him hither. 1950 _Tig._ Bethink you, Cæsar, Now of Epicharis. _Ner._ Ah, true, by heaven! The impudent drab: she knew it all. Send straight To the prison, and have her questioned. Rack and fire: Torture truth from her. _Tig._ I will. Whist! Cæsar, I see The man himself. _Ner._ Come out! he may be armed. We’ll close the doors upon him and shut him in, Till we have got assistance. [_Exeunt hastily_ (L.). _Enter Scevinus and Quintian_ (R.). _SCEVINUS._ How the sun shines to-day, Quintian! Great Phœbus, The Python-slayer, smiles upon my deed. _QUINTIAN._