Asterius.
[Outside.] Open! Open! Open, I say!
Pertinax.
[Looks up.] It is Asterius! In this state bordering on distraction I cannot meet him! [Goes out.]
Nerva.
[In a panic.] My master! [Hastens to open the door.]
Asterius.
Why in the daytime is the door locked?
Nerva.
Master, is it not a prison?