_Nero_. All this fierce talk's but "Vindex doth rebell"; And I will hang him.
_Tigell_. How long came you forth after the other messenger?
_Mess_. Foure dayes, but by the benefit of sea and Weather am arrivd with him.
_Nimph_. How strong was _Vindex_ at your setting forth?
_Mess_. He was esteem'd a hundred thousand.
_Nimph_. And souldiers few enough; Tumultuary troops, undisciplin'd, Untrain'd in service; to wast victuals good, But when they come to look on warres black wounds, And but afarre off see the face of death--
_Nero_. It falles out for my empty coffers well, The spoyle of such a large and goodly Province Enricht with trade and long enioyed peace.
_Tigell_. What order will your Maiestie have taken For levying forces to suppresse this stirre?
_Nero_. What order should we take? weele laugh and drinke. Thinkst thou it fit my pleasures be disturb'd When any French-man list to breake his necke! They have not heard of _Pisoes_ fortune yet; Let that Tale fight with them.
_Nimph_. What order needs? Your Maiestie shal finde This French heat quickly of it selfe grow cold.
_Nero_. Come away: Nothing shall come that this nights sport shall stay.
_Neoph_. I wonder what makes him so confident In this revolt now growne unto a warre, And ensignes in the field; when in the other, Being but a plot of a conspiracie, He shew'd himselfe so wretchedly dismaid?
_Epaphr_. Faith, the right nature of a coward to set light Dangers that seeme farre off. _Piso_ was here, Ready to enter at the Presence doore And dragge him out of his abused chaire; And then he trembled. _Vindex_ is in France, And many woods and seas and hills betweene.
_Neoph_. 'Twas strange that _Piso_ was so soone supprest.
_Epaphr_. Strange? strange indeed; for had he but come up And taken the Court in that affright and stirre While unresolv'd for whom or what to doe, Each on [of?] the other had in iealousie (While as apaled Maiestie not yet Had time to set the countenance), he would Have hazarded the royall seat.
_Neoph_. Nay, had it without hazard; all the Court Had for him bin and those disclos'd their love And favour in the cause, which now to hide And colour their good meanings ready were To shew their forwardnesse against it most.