Anton. I thinke so great a gift was never heard of. Galba, they say, is frugally inclinde: Will he avow so great a gift as this?
Nimph. Howere he like of it he must avow it, If by our promise he be once ingaged; And since the souldiers care belongs to mee, I will have care of them and of their good. Let them thank me if I through this occasion Procure for them so great a donative. [Ex. Nimph.
Anton. So you be thankt it skils not who prevaile,
Galba or Nero,—traitor to them both.
You give it out that Neroes fled to Egypt,
Who, with the frights of your reports amaz'd,
By our device doth lurke for better newes,
Whilst you inevitably doe betray him.
Workes he all this for Galba then? Not so:
I have long seene his climbing to the Empire
By secret practises of gracious women.
And other instruments of the late Court.
That was his love to her that me refus'd;
And now by this he would [gain?] give the souldiers favour.
Now is the time to quit Poppaeas scorne
And his rivallity. Ile straight reveale
His treacheries to Galbaes agents here.
[Exit.
(SCENE 3.)
Enter Tigellinus with the Guard.
Tigell. You see what issue things doe sort unto; Yet may we hope not only impunitie But with our fellowes part oth' guift proclaim'd.
Nero meets them.
Nero. Whether goe you? stay, my friends; 'Tis Caesar calls you; stay, my loving friends.
Tigell. We were his slaves, his footstooles, and must crouch But now with such observance to his feet; It is his misery that calles us friends.
Nero. And moves you not the misery of a Prince? O stay, my friends, stay, harken to the voyce Which once yee knew.