And Nero is but Lucius in the wreck!

Nero

Croak on! Each croak’s a dagger in that neck,

You vulture with the hideous dripping beak,

The clutching tearing talons that now reek

With what dear sacred veins!

Anicetus

O Caesar, hear!

So keen the news I bear you, that I fear

To loose it like the arrow it must be.