I gasp for air.
[_To_ OTHERS.] Do you suppose the very elements
Are conscious of the workings of this mind?
So careful not to seem to share my guilt?
Yet dark is the record of wind and wave;
This ocean that creeps fawning to our feet
Comes purring o'er a million wrecks and bones.
If the cold moon hath sinned not, she hath been privy.
She aids me not, but watches quietly.
A placid sea, still air, and bright starlight.

ANICETUS. But Caesar, see, a gradual cloud hath spread
Over the moon; the ship's light disappears.
She is vanished.

NERO. She is veiled from sight.

TIGELLINUS. My eyes
Can find her not; she is enwrapped in mist.

SENECA. A dimness and no more.

BURRUS. And silence.

NERO. Hush!
How wonderful this waiting and this pause.
Could one convey this in the theatre?
This deep suspense, this breathlessness? Perhaps.
The air weighs on the brain----what sound was that?

TIGELLINUS. Nothing, sir.

NERO. In this thrill a leaf would thunder.

[_A pause._

I never noted so exactly how
The shadow of that cypress falls aslant
Upon the dark bank yonder.

BURRUS. Would it were over!

NERO. Feel you no shuddering pleasure in this pause?
But me this fraught expectancy allures;
The tingling stillness, for each moment now
The crash, a cry, may come, but it comes not.

TIGELLINUS. Anicetus, have you bungled?

[_A cry is heard far off, and a crash, then silence._

NERO. It is done.
I cannot look: peer seaward, one of you--
What do you see?

SENECA. Darkness, and veiled stars.

NERO. Is there no shimmer of a floating robe?
Pierce through the darkness!

BURRUS. Nothing visible.

NERO. I seem to see her lying amid shells,
And strange sea-things come round her wondering,
Inspecting her with cold and rheumy eyes.
The water sways her helpless up and down.

BURRUS. Caesar, you have no further need of me?

NERO. [_Dreamily._] No, sir.

BURRUS. Good-night, and pleasant be thy dreams.

SENECA. Or me?

NERO. No, no!

SENECA. At least bear witness, sir,
I had no hand in this: but was compelled,
A loth spectator, to behold thy deed!

ANICETUS. Caesar, you'll not forget the service done?

NERO. Never shall I forget thee, Anicetus.
Leave me alone.

[_Exeunt all but_ TIGELLINUS, _who creeps back aga