Pop.Why! if ’tis a lady.

Ner. Pooh! ’tis some state affair.

[Exit.

Pop.I hate affairs.

Ner. Marriage rúins a woman: and how quickly!

And I to lead the ape-dance, who am sworn

To rid the world of this and all its plagues!

Enter Tigellinus with Proculus and Epicharis; Vatinius following.

Ner. Good-day, Lord Proculus; what brings you here?

PROCULUS. Forgive the intrusion, Cæsar.