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Who sought on human folly to erect
A kind of fancied greatness for himself?

SULPICIUS.

I know not which, great Nero.

NERO.

And did'st thou not advise me earnestly

To rid the state of such a pestilence?

SULPICIUS.

And so I still advise thee; for this Greek

Is dang'rous above all, who, with their lives,
Have yet paid forfeit for their strange belief.
They come: the prisoner in foreign garb
So closely wrapp'd, I scarcely see his face.

Enter Prisoner, attended.

PONTIFF.

If it in truth be he.

NERO.

(To the Pontiff.) Dost thou still doubt?

(To the Prisoner.) Stand forth, audacious rebel to my will!
Dost thou still brave it, false and subtle spirit?

CORDENIUS (throwing off his Grecian cloak, and advancing to Nero).

I am not false, Augustus; but if subtle,

Add to my punishment what shall be deem'd
Meet retribution. I have truly sworn,