Around her villa, fearing lest the people

Should force their way within, or she escape.

Give me the word and I will slay her there.

Ner. Fool, I can give no word. Think when ’tis done,

If I should punish thee less for that deed

Than for thy late misdoing. What is this?

Enter Officer of the Guard. Petronius follows.

OFFICER.

The Augusta, Cæsar, sends a freedman hither,

One Agerinus, with a letter.