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206 DARKNESS AND DAWN
'Why?'
'
Because that day is the fifteenth birthday of Britanuicus ;
and I presume that then you will let him assume the manly
toga.'
'
You are always dragging in the name of Britannicus,' said
'
Nero.
I hate it, and I hate him.'
I should say that
'
On the said the Praetorian
'
contrary,'
you love him very much. Who can ; may be
your successor '
?
'
My successor '
? '
answered Nero, scowling. What do you
mean ?
'
'
'
I meant no offence, Caesar/ said Tigellinus ; forgive the
faithfulness of a friend and an honest soldier who loves you.
Do you not see what a fine young fellow Britannicus is growing
? Octavia brings you no children. He must in any case
succeed you.'
Nero paced the room, as he always did when he felt agitated ;
and, after leaving his remarks to work, Tigellinus added
'
Besides it is not easy to divine the plans of the Augusta,
with whom at present you are on such bad terms ? '
Nero strode up and down with still more passion, and
Tigellinus continued at intervals to heap fuel on the flames of
his fury.
'You heard the murmurs of applause which greeted his
insolent song the other '
night ?
Nero nodded.
'
Do you think that the Praetorians are absolutely loyal to
you ? I have heard them talking about Britannicus among
themselves. Pudens, I know, is a favourite officer of theirs,
and he adores Britannicus. Supposing it came to civil war,
do you think that you would be quite sure to win ?'
Nero still said nothing.
'
Why not put an end to the difficulty
? Rome is sick at
the thought of another civil war. Every one would be glad
if
you put your brother out of the way. And really, why
should you hesitate ? You have attempted it twice already,
only you have been unlucky.'
By this time the subtle tempter had worked the Emperor
into a frenzy of wrath and fear. The crime had long been
assuming shape in his mind, and in point of fact he had
already incurred its guilt.