Prefect: The people's rage by slaughter of a few,
Who most resistance made is overcome.
Nero: Is that enough? Was that my word to thee?
"Is overcome?" Where then is my revenge?
Prefect: The guilty leaders of the mob are dead.850
Nero: Nay, but the mob itself, which dared to assail
My house with flames, to dictate laws to me,
To drag my noble wife from off my bed,
And with unhallowed hands and angry threats
To affront her majesty—are they unscathed?855