sadnes, and declaring the whole order of Atimetus tale, did so terrifie and daunt the Prince, that he determined to kill not onely his mother, and Plautus; but discharge Burrhus of his office, as aduaunced by Agrippinaes fauour; and readie therefore to requite her with as good a turne. Fabius Rusticus reporteth, that letters were writ∣ten to Caenina Tuschus, to come and take charge of the guard; but that Burrhus credit was saued, and kept in his office by Senecaes meanes. Plinie and Cluuius seeme there was no doubt made of Burrhus loyaltie: and in verie deede Fabius inclineth much to the commendation of Seneca, as one of his preferment. But our meaning is to fol∣low the consent of authors; and if any affirme contrarie, we will deliuer it vnder their names. Nero trembling for feare, and exceeding desirous of the death of his mother, could not indure the delay, vntill Burrhus had promised to performe it, if she were conuicted of the crime. But euerie man might alleage what he could for his defence; much more a mother. Neither were there any accusers present, and no∣thing to ground on but one mans report out of an enimies house. He was to cōsider that it was night, and that spent in banqueting; and therefore all would seeme to smell of rashnes and folly. The Princes feare somewhat lightened by these speeches and the day come, one went to Agrippina to let her vnderstand of the accusation, & to purge her selfe, or looke to suffer. Burrhus was to do the message in presence of Seneca, with some freed men as witnes of the speeches. Then Burrhus hauing decla∣red the accusation, and the authors of it, vsed threatning termes: and Agrippina not forgetting her old fiercenes, returned him his answere: saying, I maruell not if Silana neuer hauing had childe, know not what the affections of mothers are: neither are children changed by their parents, as adulterers by shamelesse women. Neither if Iturius and Caluisius, hauing wasted their substance, bestow this their last labour in vndertaking this accusation: therefore am I to sustaine the infamie of parricide, or Caesar haue scruple of conscience, that I would commit it: as for Domitia I would thanke her for the hate she beareth me, if she would likewise in good will and loue towards my Nero, striue with me. Now by her concubine Atimetus, and Paris the stage player she doth as it were compose fables for the stage. She was busie about her fish pooles of Baia, when by my counsels, Neroes adoption; proconsularie autho∣ritie; election to be Consull; and other steps to mount to the Empire were procu∣red. Or else let some one be brought foorth to make it appeere, that I haue practised with the citie-cohorts; corrupted the loyaltie of the Prouinces; or sollicited bond-men, or freedmen to rebellion. I might haue liued if Britannicus had beene soue∣raigne: but if Plautus or some other should get the rule of the common-wealth, for∣sooth there should want accusers to laye to my charge, not wordes sometimes vn∣aduisedly escaped thorough feruencie of loue; but such crimes also from which I could not be acquited, but as a mother by hir son. The assistance moued with these speeches and endeuoring to appease her anger; she requireth to speake with her sonne: before whom she spake nothing in defence of her innocencie, as if she had distrusted; or of her benefits, as to vpbrayd him: but obteined reuenge of her accu∣sers; and rewards for hir friends. The charge and office of prouision of corne was giuen to Senius Rufus; the commission of plaies which Caesar was a preparing, to Aruntius Stella: Aegypt to C. Balbillus: Syria was appointed to P. Anteius, then abused with diuers deuises, and in the ende detained in the citie. But Silana was banished; Caluisius also and Iturius: Atimetus was executed: Paris being in grea∣ter credit (by reason of pleasures ministred to the Prince) then that he should be put to death. Plautus was sent away for the time with silence. Pallas after this and Burrhus were accused to haue practised to call Cornelius Sylla, for noblenes of birth