"Wilt ply again thy skill of go-between, And faithfully, for me?" the emperor said. A question fairly asked, which must be met: Could it concern--Poppæa? In such case, The office of the 'go-between'--as pleased This jocular young ruler of mankind To name him ignominiously--might take A dignity almost imperial on; Simon would frame reply comportably: "If the august will of his majesty, The emperor of the world, should condescend To make one most unworthy of the grace In any wise elect ambassador To serve the imperial pleasure at what court Soever of such beauty as were fit To be assumed for partner of his throne-- Why, Simon could but pledge his loyalty, And trust his wonted fortune might not fail." "Thou takest thy pander's part full seriously," The emperor, bantering still, but curious, said: "Perhaps our grave ambassador of love Might, from his pregnant wit, even nominate The court of beauty where befitting were The majesty of empire should pay suit. The Roman state impersonate in me Gives ear." Played with in such ambiguous wise Simon was much perplexed to choose his way. He flung himself on rumor, and replied: "The Roman state, embodied in thyself Most worthily, most worthily has made Its choice already; mine to serve that choice." "Thou art an oracle; who knows so much, Should needs know more," the emperor teasing said. "Advise me, thou who knowest so easily What my choice is, how I may win my choice. Consider that the emperor of the world Is after all the veriest slave in Rome; The rascal people lord it over him. I have no trouble with the senators, They follow like whipped spaniels at my heels-- The reverend 'conscript fathers,' to be sure! But the great Roman people is a spell I am afraid of; I must please the mob, Who will not let me marry as I would; The many-headed monster mob of Rome." The emperor gave his peevish humor vent, Contemptuously regardless of who heard.