Petron. How came this fire? by whom?
Seneca. Wast chance or purpose?
Petron. Why is't not quencht?
Rom. Alas, there are a many there with weapons, And whether it be for pray or by command They hinder, nay, they throwe on fire-brands.[49]
Enter Antonius to them.
Anton. The fire increaseth and will not be staid,
But like a stream[50] that tumbling from a hill
Orewhelmes the fields, orewhelmes the hopefull toyle
Oth' husbandman and headlong beares the woods;
The unweeting Shepheard on a Rocke afarre
Amazed heares the feareful noyse; so here
Danger and Terror strive which shall exceed.
Some cry and yet are well; some are kild silent;
Some kindly runne to helpe their neighbours house,
The whilest their own's afire;[51] some save their goods
And leave their dearer pledges in the flame;
One takes his little sonnes with trembling hands;
Tother his house-Gods saves, which could not him;
All bann the doer, and with wishes kill
Their absent Murderer.
Petron. What, are the Gauls returnd? Doth Brennus brandish fire-brands againe?
Seneca. What can Heaven now unto our suffrings adde?
Enter another Romane to them.
Rom. O all goes downe, Rome falleth from the Roofe; The winds aloft, the conquering flame turnes all Into it selfe. Nor doe the Gods escape; Plei[a]des burnes; Iupiter, Saturne burnes; The Altar now is made a sacrifice, And Vesta mournes to see her Virgin fires Mingle with prophane ashes.