[Ex. Ner. Nimph. Tig. and attendants.
Mane[n]t Neophilus, Epaphroditus.
Neoph. I wonder what makes him so confident
In this revolt now growne unto a warre,
And ensignes in the field; when in the other,
Being but a plot of a conspiracie,
He shew'd himselfe so wretchedly dismaid?
Epaphr. Faith, the right nature of a coward to set light
Dangers that seeme farre off. Piso was here,
Ready to enter at the Presence doore
And dragge him out of his abused chaire;
And then he trembled. Vindex is in France,
And many woods and seas and hills betweene.
Neoph. 'Twas strange that Piso was so soone supprest.
Epaphr. Strange? strange indeed; for had he but come up
And taken the Court in that affright and stirre
While unresolv'd for whom or what to doe,
Each on [of?] the other had in iealousie
(While as apaled Maiestie not yet
Had time to set the countenance), he would
Have hazarded the royall seat.
Neoph. Nay, had it without hazard; all the Court
Had for him bin and those disclos'd their love
And favour in the cause, which now to hide
And colour their good meanings ready were
To shew their forwardnesse against it most.
Epaphr. But for a stranger with a naked province,
Without allies or friends ith' state, to challenge
A Prince upheld with thirty Legions,
Rooted in foure discents of Ancestors
And foureteene yeares continuance of raigne,
Why it is—
Enter Nero, Nimphidius, Tigellinus to them.
Nero. Galba and Spaine? What? Spaine and Gala too?