Cam. I would applaud him,
Were he saluted Cæsar: but I fear
These long protracted counsels will undo us;
And 'tis beyond my reason, he being dead,
You should conceal your self, or hope it can
Continue undiscover'd.
Aper. That I have kill'd him,
Yet feed these ignorant fools with hopes he lives,
Has a main end in't. The Pannonian Cohorts
(That are my own, and sure) are not come up,
The German Legions waver, and Charinus
(Brother to this dead dog) (hells plagues on Niger)
Is jealous of the murther; and, I hear,
Is marching up against me. 'Tis not safe,
Till I have power, to justifie the Act,
To shew my self the authour: be therefore careful
For an hour or two (till I have fully sounded
How the Tribunes and Centurio[n]s stand affected)
That none come near the Litter. If I find them
Firm on my part, I dare profess my self,
And then live Aper's equal.
Cam. Does not the body
Begin to putrifie?
Aper. That exacts my haste:
When, but even now, I feign'd obedience to it,
As I had some great business to impart,
The scent had almost choak'd me: be therefore curious:
All keep at distance. [Exit.
Cam. I am taught my part;
Haste you to perfect yours.
1 Guard. I had rather meet
An enemy in the field, than stand thus nodding
Like to a rug-gown'd Watch-man.
Enter Diocles, Maximinian, Geta.
Geta. The Watch at noon?
This is a new device.
Cam. Stand.
Dio. I am arm'd
Against all danger.