NERO: And is this all? Dost thou, a soldier, thus obey thy leader’s commands? Why dost thou cease thy endeavors? Is this the vengeance due me?
PREFECT: The leaders of the rebellion have fallen.
NERO: Why have not all perished who dared to seek my palace with torches, to lay down the law to the emperor, to remove such a wife from my couch, and to dishonor her in every way? Shall they escape richly deserved punishment?
PREFECT: Will thy indignation prepare punishment for thy own citizens?
NERO: It will prepare a punishment which will never be forgotten.
PREFECT: Let thy wrath, not our fear, restrain us.
NERO: The first age which has deserved my wrath shall expiate it.
PREFECT: Disclose what thy anger demands so that we may punish the culprit.
NERO: It demands my sister’s death and her severed head.
PREFECT: Chilling horror holds me spellbound.