NERO: It is right to extort by force what entreaties can not accomplish?
SENECA: It is difficult to refuse.
NERO: It is a crime for an emperor to be forced.
SENECA: Let him yield.
NERO: Rumor will report him conquered.
SENECA: Rumor is light and airy.
NERO: Although that may be, it brands many people.
SENECA: It fears men in lofty positions.
NERO: Yet not less does it censure.
SENECA: Rumor can easily be suppressed. Let the favors of divine Claudius, and the youth, fidelity, and modesty of Octavia appease thee.