NERO. No, no!
SENECA. At least bear witness, sir,
I had no hand in this: but was compelled,
A loth spectator, to behold thy deed!
ANICETUS. Caesar, you'll not forget the service done?
NERO. Never shall I forget thee, Anicetus.
Leave me alone.
[Exeunt all but TIGELLINUS, who creeps back again.
TIGELLINUS. Sole master of the world!
Caesar at last: the Emperor of the earth,
Now thou art free—to write immortal verse,
To give thy genius wing, to strike the stars.
And thou hast made this tragic sacrifice,
Slaying what is most dear, most close to thee,
To give thy being vent and utterance.
Apollo shall reward thee for this deed.
NERO. Go to thy room, old man, and—wilt thou sleep?
TIGELLINUS. Already I am drowsing; early then
To-morrow I will come to you.
NERO. Good-night.
TIGELLINUS. Caesar, good-night.