Meanwhile the Senate, as they were now on the eve of the quinquennial
contest, wishing to avert scandal, offered the emperor the "victory in
song," and added the "crown of eloquence," that thus a veil might be thrown
over a shameful exposure on the stage. Nero, however, repeatedly declared
that he wanted neither favour nor the Senate's influence, as he was a match
for his rivals, and was certain, in the conscientious opinion of the judges,
to win the honour by merit. First, he |