_Ep._ Plague-spotted, abhorred for ever—by all—accurst—
_Epicharis’ last words are spoken as the Soldiers surround her. She struggles on the litter violently, and falls back dead. Other Guards arrest Asper._
_Asp._ My name is Asper. I am centurion under Rufus.
_Ruf._ I grieve, sire, it is true: He is one of my centurions.
_Tig._ (_who is standing by Epicharis, to Nero_). Epicharis is dead.
_Ner._ Ye have killed her, fools? Hath she got quit?
_Tig._ ’Twas her own doing, Cæsar: She meshed her neck among the cords, and so Hath reft her of what little life remained.
_Ner._ Remove her to the prison, and let physicians Attend her at once.
_Tig._ She is dead. (_They carry Epicharis out._)
_Ner._ Rufus, proceed With thy centurion.
_Asp._ If all hate thee, Cæsar, How wilt thou bid that hater question this?
_Asp._ Thou that sittest there to judge, And shouldst stand here, wilt thou dare question me?
_Ruf._ With anger I turn pale, that in your presence A traitor should defame me.
_Ner._ Be cool, sir: Thou wast suspected, now accused thou art. Thou hast but one appeal: In thy worst case 2423 ’Tis to thy friends (_pointing to accused_).
_Ner._ I’ll see. Speak, traitors all; was Rufus with you?
_Luc., Sce., and others._ He was. He is guilty.
_Ruf._ Who dares? What officer of mine dares raise his hand Against his general?
That will I, my lord; Knowing that thou deservest more than all.
_Ruf._ Help! help!—(_To Flavus._) Now, man, strike now or never.
_Fla._ Hush! I am the last. (_Rufus is seized after a struggle._)
_Ner._ (_stepping down_). Now will I mount myself the judge’s seat. (_Fla. rushes forward to stab Nero._)
_Ner._ Ha! Murder! (_Tigellinus, who has watched Flavus, intercepts him. Flavus is seized._)
_The inner line of Guards faces outwards, and all present except the prisoners are driven from centre into the wings, and the court begins to clear._
Ner. (_to Flavus, who is held before him_). Who art thou, sir?
_Fla._ A tribune and an honest soldier, Cæsar; And none more faithful, while you well deserved. But I began to hate you from the day You killed your mother, and debased yourself, Performing to the people: and I am freed From all my oaths, by all the gods in heaven, With all the world; and sworn with half the world To kill thee or be killed.