Sent by your royal aunt Domitia

To unmask a thing, which, though the gods be praised

That in discovery have wrought prevention,

Is yet a damnèd plot ....

Ner. (rising). A plot, a plot![All rise.

Stand off; stand off! a plot, thou say’st? a plot?

Pop. (aside to Nero). Pray heaven this prove not now

some fresh contrivance

Of the empress.

Ner.Stand all aside. Art thou in earnest?