[Exeunt COUNCILLORS.
[Meanwhile POPPAEA appears behind in a gorgeous dress with white arms extended against the curtains.
SCENE IV
SCENE.—The same—glittering starlight
Enter various servants bearing wine-jars and dishes from the inner suffer-room, in procession. Then BURRUS, SENECA, ANICETUS, and TIGELLINUS
BURRUS. 'Tis not man's work to witness this. I have fought
Neck-deep in blood and spared not when the fit
Was on me, but I cannot gaze on this.
Have you a heart, old man?
TIGELLINUS. No, not in hours
Like these: the brain is all. I fear, I fear him
The last farewell—he will not bear it out!
SENECA. How to excuse my soul, yet I am here.
Was this mere acting, or a true emotion?
ANICETUS. A little of both, but most, I fear it, true.
TIGELLINUS. Is all prepared and timed? No hazard left?