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NERO.

I charge thee cease!

ORCERES.

Nay, Emperor! might I entreat for him?

CORDENIUS (catching hold of Orceres eagerly).

Not for my life.

ORCERES.

No; not for that, brave Maro!

(To Nero.) Let me entreat that he may freely speak.
Fear'st thou he should convince thee by his words?
That were a foul affront to thine own reason,
Or to the high divinities of Rome.

NERO.

Cease, Prince of Parthia! nor too far presume

Upon a noble stranger's privilege.

PONTIFF.

Shall words so bold be to thine ear august

So freely utter'd with impunity?

ORCERES.

Pontiff; I much revere thy sacred office,

But scorn thy paltry words. Not freely speak!
Not with impunity! Is this a threat?
Let Rome's great master, or his angry slaves,
Shed one drop of my blood, and on our plains,