accusations, confiscations, and executions take place;
that the Christians are still exposed to horrible persecutions
and tortures; that a gloom hangs over society, and
that no man of wealth and high station can regard
himself as safe, it is only a vague rumour of these
things that I hear; and by keeping my ears sealed
and refusing to learn particulars, to listen to private
griefs and individual suffering, I am still able to
feel that I can do my duty to Caesar.”
Norbanus and Lesbia alike agreed with Beric’s
reasoning; the former, indeed, himself took but comparatively
little interest in what passed around him. The
latter was, on the other hand, absorbed in the politics
of the hour. She was connected with many noble
families, and knew that a member of these might fall
at any moment under Nero’s displeasure.
To have a friend, then, high in the favour of Nero
was a matter of great importance; and she therefore
impressed upon all her intimates that when they found
Beric at her house they should scrupulously avoid
all discussion of public affairs.
Nero had, within a short time of Beric’s establishment
in the palace, spoken to him of his apprehension of
the increasing power of the party who, having reverted
to the opinions of the Stoic philosophers, were ever
denouncing the luxury and extravagance of modern ways,
and endeavouring, both by example and precept, to
reintroduce the simplicity and severity of former times.
“All this,” Nero said angrily, “is
of course but a cloak under which to attack me.
Piso and Plautus, Seneca and Lucan, do but assume
this severity of manners. They have plotted and
intrigued against me. I shall never be safe while
they live.”
“Caesar,” Beric said gravely, “I
am but a soldier, but born a free Briton and a chief.
I cannot sell my service, but must give it loyally
and heartily. You honour me with your favour and
confidence; I believe that I am worthy of it.
I do not serve you for money. Already I have
begged you not to heap presents upon me. Wealth
would be useless to me did I desire it. Not only
have you offered to bestow estates upon me, but I
have learned already that there are many others who,
seeing that I am favoured by you, would purchase my
friendship or my advocacy by large sums. I should
despise myself if I cared for money. You would,
I know honour me not only with your trust that I can
be relied upon to do my duty as your guard, but by
treating me as one in your confidence in other matters.
At the risk, then, of exciting your displeasure and
forfeiting your favour, I must again pray you not
to burden me with state matters. Of these I know
nothing, and wish to know nothing. Save that
of Seneca, I scarce know the names of the others of
whom you have spoken. I am wholly ignorant of
the intrigues of court life, and I seek to know nothing
of them, and am therefore in no position to give any
opinion on these matters; and did I speak from only
partial knowledge I should do these men great wrong.
