Lat.Let the general

Make our proposals to his lordship.

(Petronius returns.)

All.Hear, hear!

Ruf. My lords and gentlemen, since I am chosen

To expound the common thought.... It sprang at first,

I think, of the earthquake: seeing Cæsar’s life

So near extinguished, as it was, at Naples,

It came into our minds that no provision

Was made for the succession; which neglect,