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-<pre>
-
-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Poetical Works of Robert Bridges (Volume 3), by 
-Robert Bridges
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-Title: Poetical Works of Robert Bridges (Volume 3)
-
-Author: Robert Bridges
-
-Release Date: August 7, 2017 [EBook #55294]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK POETICAL WORKS--ROBERT BRIDGES, VOL 3 ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Les Galloway and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
-file was produced from images generously made available
-by The Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
-
-<div class="content">
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_title.jpg" alt="Title Page" />
-</div>
-
-<h1>
-<span class="smcap"><small>Poetical Works</small></span><br />
-
-<small>of</small><br />
-
-ROBERT BRIDGES</h1>
-
-<p class="center">Volume III</p>
-
-
-<p class="center space-below">London<br />
-Smith, Elder &amp; Co<br />
-15 Waterloo Place<br />
-1898</p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-
-
-
-<p class="center spaced xs">
-OXFORD: HORACE HART<br />
-PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY
-</p>
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_iii.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="half-title"><i>POETICAL WORKS OF<br />
-ROBERT BRIDGES</i></p>
-
-<hr class="spec" />
-<p class="half-title"><i>VOLUME THE THIRD<br />
-CONTAINING</i></p>
-<hr class="spec" />
-
-<div class="center">
-<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>THE FIRST PART OF NERO</i> &nbsp;</td>
-  <td align="right">&nbsp; <i>p.</i> <a href="#p1">1</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>ACHILLES IN SCYROS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><a href="#p179">179</a></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>NOTES</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><a href="#NOTES">261</a></td>
-</tr>
-</table></div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_iii.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 4]</span></p>
-
-
-<p class="center space-above">LIST OF PREVIOUS EDITIONS</p>
-
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_iv.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-<div class="blocktext">
-<p><i>THE FIRST PART OF NERO.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang1">1. <i>NERO. An historical Tragedy of the first part
-of the reign of the emperor Nero. Published by
-Ewd. Bumpus. London, 1885. 4to.</i></p>
-
-
-<p><i>ACHILLES IN SCYROS.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang1">1. <i>ACHILLES IN SCYROS. A drama in a mixed
-manner. Published by Ewd. Bumpus. London,
-1890. 4to.</i></p>
-
-<p class="hang1">2. <i>ACHILLES IN SCYROS.</i> <i>Uniform with</i> Shorter
-Poems (I). <i>George Bell &amp; Sons, 1892.</i></p></div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_iv.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 5]</span></p>
-
-
-
-
-<h2><a id="p1"></a>
-<small>THE FIRST PART</small><br />
-<span class="xs">OF THE</span><br />
-HISTORY<br />
-<span class="xs">OF</span><br />
-NERO</h2>
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_001a.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="center">
-A HISTORICAL<br />
-TRAGEDY</p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_001b.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 6]</span></p>
-
-
-
-<div class="figcenter" >
-<img src="images/i_006.jpg"  alt="" />
-</div>
-
-<h3>DRAMATIS PERSONÆ</h3>
-
-
-<div class="center small">
-<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>NERO</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>BRITANNICUS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>stepson to Agrippina</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>BURRUS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>praetorian prefect</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>SENECA</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>tutor to Nero</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>LUCAN, the poet, nephew to Seneca</i></td>
-  <td align="right" rowspan="3"><span class="brace3">}</span><i>friends of Nero</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>OTHO</i></td>
-  <td align="left" rowspan="2"><span class="brace2">}</span><i>gentlemen of Rome</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>PETRONIUS</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>PALLAS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>master of the imperial household</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>TIGELLINUS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>successor to Pallas</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>THRASEA, a Stoic</i></td>
-  <td align="right" rowspan="2"><span class="brace2">}</span><i>honest senators</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>PRISCUS</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>ANICETUS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>an admiral</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>PARIS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>a player, favourite of Nero</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>SELEUCUS</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>an astrologer</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2">&nbsp; &nbsp;<i>Messengers, Servants, &amp;c.</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>AGRIPPINA AUGUSTA</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>mother to Nero</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>OCTAVIA</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>wife to Nero, sister to Britannicus</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>POPPÆA</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>wife to Otho, loved of Nero</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>DOMITIA</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>sister-in-law to Agrippina</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>FULVIA</i></td>
-  <td align="right"><i>attendant on Agrippina</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2">&nbsp; &nbsp;<i>Maids, &amp;c.</i></td>
-</tr>
-</table>
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="center"><i>Scene. The first four acts are laid in ROME; the fifth
-is at BAIÆ.</i></p>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 7]</span></p>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<div class="center">
-<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
-<tr>
-  <td colspan="3"><div class="figcenter">
-  <img src="images/i_003a.jpg" alt="Decoration" /></div></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-<td><div class="figcenter" ><img src="images/i_003b.jpg" alt="" />
-</div></td>
-<td><span class="xxl">NERO</span></td>
-<td><div class="figcenter" ><img src="images/i_003b.jpg" alt="" />
-</div></td>
-</tr>
-<tr><td colspan="3"><div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003c.jpg" alt="" /></div></td></tr>
-<tr><td colspan="3"><span class="xl">ACT · I</span></td></tr>
-<tr><td colspan="3"><div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="" /></div></td></tr>
-</table></div>
-
-<div class="prose">
-<h4>SCENE · 1</h4>
-
-<p class="center"><i>On the Palatine. THRASEA &amp; PRISCUS.</i></p>
-
-<p class="heading1"><i>THRASEA.</i></p>
-
-<p><span class="drop-cap">I</span>F you ask my advice then, it is silence. You are
-yet new to the senate, and must learn to give
-your opinion with least offence.</p>
-
-<p class="heading1"><i>PRISCUS.</i></p>
-
-<p>Can you mean this?</p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> Yes—it is my serious advice.</p>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> Now, unless it were the silence of Brutus ...</p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> Hush, hush! Were this repeated, there is no
-greater peril than that word of yours.</p>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> But to you I know I may speak freely.</p>
-
-<p><span class="prlinenum">10</span><i>Thr.</i> What know you of me?</p>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> I know Thrasea is brave, and resents his country’s
-wrongs; that he has insight to see that liberty
-was never more outraged than now.</p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> Believe me, sir, this tale of things being at their
-worst is common to all times. Your judgment has gone
-astray upon a contempt for Cæsar’s follies, or a hatred
-of his mother’s crimes. Measure Nero but by what he
-has already done, and you may even find cause for
-congratulation.</p>  <span class="prlinenum">19</span>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> We shall be ruled like the Britons by a Queen.</p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> O nay. It is not possible that Nero will suffer
-Agrippina’s ambition to take such a place. ’Tis already
-a quarrel between them, and Seneca declares for him.</p>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> Then, I ask you, may there not be found in this
-quarrel an opportunity to bring in Britannicus? Now
-he is of age, he can no longer be held disqualified.</p>
-
-<p><span class="prlinenum">28</span><i>Thr.</i> There is no question of qualification or of claim.  </p>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> How so? The late emperor Claudius in his will
-mentioned Britannicus for his successor, as being his
-own son ....</p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> May be. But then, sir, his empress made away
-with both him and his will; and the Roman people chose
-for Cæsar the son of the murderess, rather than the heir
-of the idiot they were glad to be rid of. Since which
-day Nero is as truly our Cæsar as Britannicus could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>
-ever have been. Those who swore to Nero will remain
-by him; as ’tis well they should, else were no stability.</p>
-
-<p><span class="prlinenum">39</span><i>Pr.</i> Shall we then do nothing? </p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> You take things by the wrong handle. Let us
-make the best of what we have. Our Cæsar is the pupil
-of a philosopher and guided in everything by his
-master’s counsels.</p>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> You are very tolerant and hopeful.</p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> Try and be so too, and I shall wish to see
-more of you. If you will visit my house, you will indeed
-be most welcome and may find congenial company.
-Only no more of Brutus.</p>
-
-<p><i>Pr.</i> Thank you for your kindness, if it is an earnest
-of your confidence—On another occasion ... <span class="prlinenum">50</span></p>
-
-<p><i>Thr.</i> O we will find many. (<i>Shouts heard.</i>) What is
-that? (<i>More shouts.</i>) It must be Cæsar: he is coming
-this way. Be not seen talking with me: go you that
-way: I will remain. Farewell.</p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pr.</i> Farewell, Thrasea.<span class="indent45">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> Young blood, hot blood and true:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet is his energetic patriotism</div>
-  <div class="verse">Useless,—nay, like a weapon out of date,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Looks not to be a warlike weapon more.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">60</span><div class="verse">
-  I think in me it had been truer wisdom,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Knowing the forces of this drowning time,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To have said outright—Good, honest Priscus,
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Be good no longer, let thine honesty</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rot, it can stead thee nothing; there’s no man</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will be the better for it; there’s no field</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where thou canst exercise it, not a place</div>
-  <div class="verse">In all the world where in secure possession</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou mayst retire with it: cast it away;</div>
-  <div class="verse">For ’tis a burden far beyond thy freight.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">70</span><div class="verse">If thou wilt swim at all, swim with the times,</div>
-  <div class="verse">An empty bottom on a shallow tide:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be that thy seamanship—No; I am bold to say</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our virtue hath the topmost vaunt of honour;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seeing we are true to it in spite of shame,</div>
-  <div class="verse">When its incompetence before the world</div>
-  <div class="verse">Gives it the lie; nor can the fawning curs,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That bask in Cæsar’s sunshine, when they mock us,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dream that we wish them other than they are.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I give them joy. See here is folly’s king,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">80</span><div class="verse">The hare-brained boy to whom injurious fortune</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has given the throne and grandeur of the world:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now if I bow my head ’tis in thy game,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ridiculous fate; and my soul laughs at thee.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Retires aside.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Nero, Otho, Lucan, Tigellinus, and Paris.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">This is the place: enlarge it on this side</div>
-  <div class="verse">To take in all the hill. That house of Rufus
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That blocks the way must down, and all the piles</div>
-  <div class="verse">On the south slope. Now say, is’t fine or no?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">LUCAN.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Magnificent.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">OTHO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent12">It shows the mind of Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">TIGELLINUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Splendid.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent5">At least the best: we still regret</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">90</span><div class="verse">
-  A better than the best; and I can see</div>
-  <div class="verse">These possibilities. Think if the hill</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were raised some hundred feet, till it o’ertopped</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Capitol—eh! lords. And so ’twere best;</div>
-  <div class="verse">But still ’twill pass for good.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> <span class="indent30">’Twill be a palace</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For site and size the first in all the world.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> To kill the Jews’ brag of Jerusalem?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> I think it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">You, my friends, who know my scheme,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">May mete and judge my general scope in this,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">99</span><div class="verse">
-  A sample of my temper coined and uttered</div>
-  <div class="verse">For the world’s model, that all men’s endeavours</div>
-  <div class="verse">May rise with mine to have all things at best,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not only for myself but for the world;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Riches and joy and heart’s content for all.
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">It may be done, and who should do it but I?</div>
-  <div class="verse">See now my years at best, my youth and strength</div>
-  <div class="verse">With form and gifts agreeing, and my power,....</div>
-  <div class="verse">Know’st thou my power?—Oh! Otho, I tell thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Cæsars which have been have never known</div>
-  <div class="verse">What ’tis to be full Cæsar. Dost thou think?</div>
-  <span class="linenum">110</span><div class="verse">
-  There’s nothing good on earth but may be won</div>
-  <div class="verse">With power and money; and I have them both;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, and the will.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent15">Much may be done, no doubt.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Much! Why there’s nothing, man, may not be</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">done.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The curse of life is of our own devising,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Born of man’s ignorance and selfishness.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He wounds his happiness against a cage</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of his own make, and only waits the word</div>
-  <div class="verse">For one to set his door open,—and look,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Having his liberty is he not glad</div>
-  <div class="verse">As heaven’s birds are?—Now when fate’s ordinance</div>
-  <span class="linenum">121</span><div class="verse">
-  Sends him a liberator, ay, and one</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not to cajole or preach, but, will or nill,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who’ll force him forth and crush up his old cage,</div>
-  <div class="verse">With all who would hang back and skulk therein,</div>
-  <div class="verse">How shall he not be happy?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent28">This shall be</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The world’s last crown, by man with utmost power
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Endowed to drive him to the good he shuns.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Ay. Be all human hopes summed up in mine</div>
-  <div class="verse">And reach their goal. I say there shall be peace,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">130</span><div class="verse">
-  There shall be plenty, pleasure, and content:</div>
-  <div class="verse">The god on earth shall work the good whereof</div>
-  <div class="verse">The folly of man hath baulked the gods in heaven:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And good that men desire shall be as common</div>
-  <div class="verse">As ills they now repine at. When I say</div>
-  <div class="verse">There shall be justice, see, even at my word</div>
-  <div class="verse">Injustice is no more.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PARIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent14">The house of Rufus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Standing on justice there, will mar thy palace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Fool. Why, I say to Rufus—I am Cæsar,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And need thy house.—Says he—It cost my sire</div>
-  <span class="linenum">140</span><div class="verse">Ten million sesterces.—A trifle that,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Say I, and give him twenty: and down it goes.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is not this more than justice?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent35">Ay, ’tis power.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Thou quibbling meddler, learn this point of wit,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To keep thy sphere; answer in that: last night</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sang I divinely? Wert thou envious</div>
-  <div class="verse">When I put on the lion’s skin, and did</div>
-  <div class="verse">The choice of Hercules?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent25">Most mighty Cæsar,</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I wished that I had asses ears to hear;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Mine are not long enough.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Plague on thy jesting.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">150</span><div class="verse">
-  See static virtue stalks with folded arm</div>
-  <div class="verse">To set thee down.<span class="indent20">[<i>Thrasea comes forward.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent15">Hail, Cæsar!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent30">Thy opinion,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thrasea, come, thy opinion. What dost thou think</div>
-  <div class="verse">If I extend my palace to take in</div>
-  <div class="verse">The hill whereon we stand?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent30">The plan no doubt</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is worthy of the site, and for the site,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why, ’tis the darling spot of Rome.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent42">Well said.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Stay. I would ask my fellow senator</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wherefore he left the house three days ago</div>
-  <div class="verse">Without his voice or vote.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">159</span><div class="verse indent2">
-  <i>Thr.</i><span class="indent28">I judged the time</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Unmeet to speak; and, for my vote, the senate</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was of one mind: a vote was of no count.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Thou show’dst a sense against us in not voting.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> That must thou look for, Cæsar, in the senate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Well, I would have thee speak. We are not full</div>
-  <div class="verse">Without thy voice: nay more, such conduct makes</div>
-  <div class="verse">The senate but a name; for times have been</div>
-  <div class="verse">When silence was well justified by fear.
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Now we court criticism, ay, and look ill</div>
-  <span class="linenum">169</span><div class="verse">
-  On those that grudge their approbation.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> Cæsar commands my service and my praise;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall not lack.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent12">We look for much from thee.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> Long live your majesty.<span class="indent32">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent35">There’s something good</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">In that man, Otho; spite of his dry mien</div>
-  <div class="verse">And Stoic fashion.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, I like him not.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He’s hardly flesh and blood. Old Seneca</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is stiff and prosy enough; but if you pinch him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">You find he yields, shows softness here and there.</div>
-  <div class="verse">This man is merely stone, foursquare by rule.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Do you despise divine philosophy?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">180</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Well, as I take it, all philosophy</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is questionable guessing, but the sense</div>
-  <div class="verse">A man grows up with bears the stamp of nature.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> How mean you that?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent30">At best this fine-spun system</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is but a part of man’s experience</div>
-  <div class="verse">Drawn out to contradiction of the rest.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis a fool’s wisdom.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent22">’Tis a form of pleasure.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> True. Though there be no theory of life</div>
-  <div class="verse">That’s worth a button, yet the search for one
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Seems to content some men better than life.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Call him not fool, Otho!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent38">Unless I wrong him,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">191</span><div class="verse">
-  I speak as well of him as he of me.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or if he say nothing, his guarded manner</div>
-  <div class="verse">Covers, be sure, a more unkind contempt.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>apeing Thr.</i>). That must thou look for, Cæsar, in the senate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i> Ha! ha! Excellent!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Paris would make a senator.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Well, give me life.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Ay, that is wisdom. Live.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Enjoy the hour; which minds me, for to-night</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have time well disposed: we sup with Actè;</div>
-  <div class="verse">She will inaugurate the new pavilion,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">200</span><div class="verse">
-  And after, there are masks and clubs provided.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou’lt join us, eh!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent20">With all my heart.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Tig. and Luc.</i>).<span class="indent15">And you.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And you. And, Paris, see Petronius comes,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And Anicetus. Hence, and bid them now.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exit Paris.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Good news for them I think; pleasure in store.</div>
-  <div class="verse">We’ll make a merry night. Now tell me, Otho,</div>
-  <div class="verse">You’re a good judge, have you ever seen a woman</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fit to compare with Actè?
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent28">I say no.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I mean not, man, for what our grandsires praised,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">209</span><div class="verse">
-  Who knew no better; I mean the perfect art</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which makes each moment feverous.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent50">I know none.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> ’Tis spoke as if thy judgment or thy envy</div>
-  <div class="verse">Grudged me the word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent20">Nay, Cæsar.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">O, I know</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou’rt a good husband, thy good wife commands thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Say, my good fortune, Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">Now if thy boast</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Be true as it is rare, thy lady’s presence</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would add much spirit to our gaieties.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have never seen Poppæa, say that to-night</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou bring her.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent12">In this thing, for friendship’s sake,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Hold me excused.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, no constraint; thy wish</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">220</span><div class="verse">
-  Is all in all. Wrong me not; I would not have,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And least to thee, my pleasures a command;</div>
-  <div class="verse">But my commands are pleasures. Let us go.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt.</i>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-<h4>SCENE · 2</h4>
-
-<p class="center"><i>A room in the palace. Enter OCTAVIA
-and BRITANNICUS.</i></p>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">BRITANNICUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Why art thou weeping, dearest? Has Nero been</div>
-  <div class="verse">Again unkind?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">OCTAVIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent10">Most unkind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent30">Weep not so.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Octavia, weep not so.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Count but my tears as thine, so shall my pity</div>
-  <div class="verse">Comfort thy wrongs. Nay, wert thou not my sister,</div>
-  <div class="verse">How must I feel to see so base a rival</div>
-  <div class="verse">Honoured before thyself in Cæsar’s palace!</div>
-  <span class="linenum">230</span><div class="verse">Why even his mother could not grant him that</div>
-  <div class="verse">Unmoved, but wept with rage: while he himself,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I saw, was touched with shame.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent35">Hush, hush! nay, ’tis not that;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I mind not that: at least they tell me now</div>
-  <div class="verse">I must not mind; and since he never loved me</div>
-  <div class="verse">It matters little. ’Tis not that at all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> Then something fresh; what more?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent48">I scarce dare tell.</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What hast thou said or done, Britannicus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That so could anger him?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent28">Ah! is’t with me then</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He is angry? Dost thou weep for me?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent45">For both.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> Now tell me all, sister.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">240</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent35">O, ’tis the worst.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Here as I sat this morning strode he in,</div>
-  <div class="verse">More fired with rage than ever I have seen him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">More like his wicked mother, when her fury</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has made me tremble. All he said I heard not,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But this, that I, his wife, had turned against him</div>
-  <div class="verse">To plot with thee, and led thee on to boast</div>
-  <div class="verse">That being of age thou wert the rightful heir,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And more: what is his meaning?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent38">’Tis his spite</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To seek my fault in thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, that were nothing.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">250</span><div class="verse">Brother, I fear thou wilt be sent from Rome.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He dare not face the truth. He cannot brook</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy title: thou must go, ay, thou wilt go</div>
-  <div class="verse">And leave me in my prison.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent30">’Twas last night</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I vexed him suddenly in his cups, but thought</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twould be as soon forgotten.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent32">Say, how was it?</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br</i>. It was the feast of Saturn,—and as it chanced</div>
-  <div class="verse">(Or rather, I should say, ’twas so arranged</div>
-  <div class="verse">To please him, at his own desire) he drew</div>
-  <div class="verse">The lot of king of the feast, and when the company</div>
-  <span class="linenum">260</span><div class="verse">Were drunk he used his silly privilege</div>
-  <div class="verse">To have me be their fool.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent28">Didst thou rebuke him?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> It happened thus. When all the guests in turn</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had answered to their forfeit, as his humour</div>
-  <div class="verse">Prescribed to each, he turned on me, and bade me</div>
-  <div class="verse">Show them a tragic scene, foreseeing how</div>
-  <div class="verse">The incongruence of time and place, the audience</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of drunken sots would turn my best to worst,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And smother passion in a sea of laughter.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But, for the wine I had been constrained to taste</div>
-  <span class="linenum">270</span><div class="verse">Had mounted to my head, I felt at heart</div>
-  <div class="verse">A force to wither up their sottish jeers,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And ere I knew my purpose I was sitting</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upright upon the couch, and with full passion</div>
-  <div class="verse">Singing the old Greek song thou saidst so well</div>
-  <div class="verse">Suited our fortunes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent20">O, would I had been there!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">They could not laugh at thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent35">They did not laugh.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The sadness and the sweetness of the music,
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">After their low hoarse songs, startled to sense</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their sodden, maudlin brains: they listened all</div>
-  <span class="linenum">280</span><div class="verse">To the end, and then with daunted appetite</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sat in constraint and silence.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent35">Oh! well done!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And what said Nero?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent20">He but smiled until</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The tale tells how the poor child disinherited</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was put to death by his usurping brother;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then his eye sank; and last, when Paris rose</div>
-  <div class="verse">At the end and praised my acting, he grew wild,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And said the feast was o’er, and bade us go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> Alas! ’twas done too well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent42">I mind it not:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I wear no mask: and manifold occasion</div>
-  <span class="linenum">290</span><div class="verse">Will oft surprise our closest guard, provoking</div>
-  <div class="verse">Unbidden motions that betray the heart:</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twere vain to seek to quell them: they are like our shadows,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which, if the sun shine forth, appear and show</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our form and figure. Such haps cannot be helped.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Agrippina and attendants.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ATTENDANT.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">The Augusta, your royal mother.
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGRIPPINA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Good day, my son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent15">Good morrow, mother.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Octavia still here! Child, why, know you not</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis long past noon, and Dionysius</div>
-  <div class="verse">Waits in the library? Begone, begone!</div>
-  <span class="linenum">300</span><div class="verse">What! crying? Here’s a picture to recover</div>
-  <div class="verse">A husband’s favour!—Fulvia, attend my daughter</div>
-  <div class="verse">Into my tiring-room, and treat her eyes</div>
-  <div class="verse">To hide these scalded rings: and then, Octavia,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Go to the library, talk thy full hour;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy Greek is shameful. The rest go.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Octavia and attendants.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent35">My son,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’d speak with thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> My mother’s pleasure?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent30">Thou art my pleasure, child.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Fear me no more. I can be kinder to thee</div>
-  <span class="linenum">309</span><div class="verse">Than ever I have been to my own true son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I thank your majesty.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent30">Nay, now ’tis spoilt.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Best call me mother. Thou hast need of me.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have heard all; what happed last night at supper.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou hast offended Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent30">He does wrong</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To use the freedom of the feast to insult me,
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And then resent my freedom in repelling</div>
-  <div class="verse">His right-aimed insult.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent25">True; the liberty</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Should cover it: but in thy veins there runs</div>
-  <div class="verse">That which outcries thy speech; which, wert thou dumb,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would speak thee guilty, and being tongued proclaims</div>
-  <span class="linenum">320</span><div class="verse">Thy needful sentence. ’Twas done bitterly.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I know thy song. Dost thou believe, Britannicus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I could give the tale another ending?—</div>
-  <div class="verse">—Suppose, I say, I read it in some book</div>
-  <div class="verse">Writ differently: how that the proud usurper,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Owing all to his mother—dost thou follow me?—</div>
-  <div class="verse">How, when he came to power, instead of sharing</div>
-  <div class="verse">With her who had toiled for him, and in her love</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had parted from all praise, looking to reap</div>
-  <div class="verse">In him the fuller recompense of glory,</div>
-  <div class="verse">How he, when time came he should make return,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">331</span><div class="verse">Denied her even the common duty owed</div>
-  <div class="verse">By son to mother, set her will aside,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Laughed at her, added to her shames, reproached her,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Mocked her with presents taken openly</div>
-  <div class="verse">Out of her treasures,—as to say outright,</div>
-  <div class="verse">All now is mine, thou hast no claim at all;</div>
-  <div class="verse">See what I choose to give, thank me for these—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Held her as nothing, hated her, brought in</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">His strumpet to her chamber,—that was the sum—</div>
-  <span class="linenum">340</span><div class="verse">And she then, when she saw her love derided,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I say, repented, came to the boy she had wronged....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I know, I know.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent25">Then, if thou knowest, say;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What said he, when she told him she would turn</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her love on him, would set him in the place</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whence she had thrust him out? What said he?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent60">Nothing.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Nothing!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, I remember he said thus:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Wronged have I been by all, and none can right me;</div>
-  <div class="verse">All hath been false to me save sorrow only;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">349</span><div class="verse">Justice and truth forsworn: There is no word</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I dare speak; yet if thou stoop to insult me</div>
-  <div class="verse">My tongue will show my wrongs are not forgotten.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> My dearest boy, believe me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent45">The last time</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou call’dst me thus ’twas when my father died.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I thought then ’twas in kindness, afterwards</div>
-  <div class="verse">I found the meaning.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">Yea, I confess I wronged thee;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That is my meaning now: had I not wronged thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My speech would have no sense at all: ’tis this</div>
-  <div class="verse">I come to urge: in this thou must believe me.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Canst thou not see, had I no pity in me,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">360</span><div class="verse">No true remorseful pangs, yet still my wrongs</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would move me thus? Though thou trust not my love,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Read in these tears of anger and despair</div>
-  <div class="verse">The depth of my set purpose, my revenge.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I partly do believe thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent35">Believe me wholly,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And my revenge is thine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, think not so.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s blood in thy revenge; I’ll none of it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What are my private wrongs to Rome? If Cæsar</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stablish the empire, where’s the citizen</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will take exception that he hath wronged his brother?</div>
-  <span class="linenum">370</span><div class="verse">Since were I Cæsar I would vail my rights</div>
-  <div class="verse">To theirs, I still will act as I were Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> O could’st thou see this offer as thy last</div>
-  <div class="verse">And only safety thou would’st not refuse me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I rather hope to be forgiven the thing</div>
-  <div class="verse">I never thought, than win by doing it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Thou wilt not join with me?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent40">There’s nought to join,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Save to thy will to right me I might join</div>
-  <div class="verse">A hope of justice, to vain will vain hope.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Think for thy sister, boy. She cannot long</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be Cæsar’s wife. Then, were her brother Cæsar,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">381</span><div class="verse">She might be matched with any excellence.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Octavia’s happiness lies on thy word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> Octavia, dear Octavia—Now if thou’rt true</div>
-  <div class="verse">There is a way. This matter’s full presentment</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath not been strange to me, though I have barred the thought</div>
-  <div class="verse">And held no purpose in it; there’s one way:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Those that have wronged can right. If thou would’st speak</div>
-  <div class="verse">With Burrus, he is plain and honourable,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And if he think there’s gain in the exchange,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">390</span><div class="verse">And his heart goes with it, he has the guards,—my name,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The sense of right, the promise of a largess,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will win them to a man. The senate follows:</div>
-  <div class="verse">In a day, an hour, without a drop of blood</div>
-  <div class="verse">My wrongs are righted. Wilt thou speak with Burrus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I dare not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent18">Then do nothing. Or if thou canst,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Assure thy son that from my helpless state</div>
-  <div class="verse">And suffering spirit he has nought to fear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Nay, thou wert right: and though ’tis difficult,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll speak with Burrus. ’Tis a most bold stroke,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But I can dare it. Good Burrus owes me much.<span class="indent22">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">401</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> Strange, strange indeed. I have heard it said that murder</div>
-  <div class="verse">Falls on itself: that in the guilty breast</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">The implacable crime ploughs up with rooting tusk</div>
-  <div class="verse">The bleeding strings of nature: and in this woman</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of no remorse hath fated vengeance stirred</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her heart to hate her son. O, I did wrong</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yielding a little. Yet, since Burrus loves me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That he should rule my fate is my best safety.</div>
-  <div class="verse">For her, if she’s my foe, he may work on her.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">These days have brought much change and food for</div>
-  <span class="linenum">410</span><div class="verse indent2">fear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_023.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003c.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<h3 id="ACT_II">ACT · II</h3>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<h4>SCENE · I</h4>
-
-<p class="center"><i>A room in Seneca’s house, SENECA and BURRUS.</i></p>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SENECA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse"><span class="xl smcap">The</span> Armenian papers came through me last evening;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I sent them on at once.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> BURRUS (refusing a seat).</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent22">Nay, thank ye, Seneca:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have been two hours in the saddle.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent45">’Tis a matter</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of heavy import.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">I demanded audience.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Well?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i>     All is settled.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent25">And who has the commission</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To undertake the Parthian?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent28">Corbulo.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> ’Tis good. I like the choice. And what said Nero?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> He told me well and wisely what to do,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">When I had shown him all that must be done.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">420</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> I wish his judgment were as tractable</div>
-  <div class="verse">With me. Took he your word?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent32">The affair went pat.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What luck for Corbulo!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent22">Pray sit, good Burrus,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And let us talk: my thought is most at ease</div>
-  <div class="verse">When I am sitting.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">I pray you then be seated.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> (<i>sitting</i>). Burrus, my difficulties day by day</div>
-  <div class="verse">Increase. The cares of empire are as nothing</div>
-  <div class="verse">To managing an emperor.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">Why, what’s the matter?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Give but attention to me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent38">I attend.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Do so most carefully: ’tis not a business</div>
-  <div class="verse">That may be brushed aside.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent28">I am all attention.</span><span class="linenum">430</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Nero has broken with Britannicus:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Heard you of that?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">Heard of it? I was there.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Well, that has brought to head the jealous difference</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twixt Cæsar and his mother. Since he first,</div>
-  <div class="verse">At our advice, as was most fit, denied her</div>
-  <div class="verse">A place in power, she has striven to force a title</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Out of her power for mischief: this you have seen:</div>
-  <div class="verse">But now to hear how she hath edged her practice;</div>
-  <div class="verse">She overskins her old accustomed hate</div>
-  <span class="linenum">440</span><div class="verse">Of young Britannicus, speaks kindly of him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hints of his right; nay, even hath dared upbraid</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cæsar with usurpation. This was matched</div>
-  <div class="verse">With words from him, which she no sooner heard</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than in her rage disordered flew she hither</div>
-  <div class="verse">To win me to her part; when seeing that I</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stood firm, she fled in furious passion, saying</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I should learn what temper she was of.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> I would that all the gods and goddesses</div>
-  <div class="verse">Might burn them up to cinders.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent35">Peace, I say.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">450</span><div class="verse">Cannot you sit? I need your best advice.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Except the lad.—Advice concerning what?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen</i>. Why this new phase of court affairs. See you,</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Takes a paper.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">’Twas my just counterpoise of warring forces</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ensured stability. Here Agrippina,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Saved from her own ambition in the splendour</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of her son’s estate, serves in his interest</div>
-  <div class="verse">To guard Britannicus, whom else he had feared.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The boy, in favour of his sister’s title,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sinks his own right. Then Nero’s youthful passions,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">460</span><div class="verse">Growing to hatred of Octavia’s bed,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Are stayed at equilibrium, as my judgment</div>
-  <div class="verse">And knowledge of the world enables me;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And all goes well, when an important factor,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The empress, rounds, and plays me false to her motive,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As here assumed, and vitiates with that flaw</div>
-  <div class="verse">The nice adjustment of each several item.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">I go to expound you this; you scarce attend,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or answer with an oath.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">A pious prayer</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To extricate you from a world of trouble.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">470</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> O, I can do it, Burrus, trust to me.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I place them all as chessmen, and I find</div>
-  <div class="verse">Delight in difficulty: but ’tis hard,</div>
-  <div class="verse">When one has chosen, strengthened a position,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To change the value of a piece. I think</div>
-  <div class="verse">Much of your judgment, and I ask you now</div>
-  <div class="verse">What you would do. I must decide to-day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Why must?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent15">As if you knew not.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent42">If your art</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Be to adapt yourself to every change ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> You know ’tis not. I say, should Nero now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Banish his mother?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">Hark ye, Seneca,</span><span class="linenum">480</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If you remember, I foresaw this trouble.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I know no remedy, nor is’t my office</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To arrange the affairs of the palace, gods be praised.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But this is clear to me, that our three friends</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will never live together: what I urge</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is, separate them: if you cannot that,</div>
-  <div class="verse">We must not stick in balance when they break.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whene’er that happens, our pre-eminent duty</div>
-  <span class="linenum">489</span><div class="verse">Lies in our oath to Cæsar, and our second</div>
-  <div class="verse">May be his mother’s pleasure, to whose schemes</div>
-  <div class="verse">We owe our place.<span class="indent45">[<i>Knocking heard.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent15">Who’s there? come in.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Servant.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SERVANT.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent40">The Augusta</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has come in private, and desires an audience.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Again, you see, the Augusta.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent45">Eh! I’ll be off.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> One moment, pray. (<i>To Servt.</i>) Beg her be</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">pleased to enter.<span class="indent45">[<i>Exit Servt.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Burrus, I adjure you not to go, your presence</div>
-  <div class="verse">May moderate her passion: or, if not,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twere best you saw it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">Well, all’s one to me.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Agrippina.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGRIPPINA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Be not surprised that I so soon return:</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I have repented. Ha! the general here!</div>
-  <span class="linenum">500</span><div class="verse">Thou seest me, Burrus, on a woman’s errand.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, no apology; thou hast o’erheard</div>
-  <div class="verse">My merit, not my fault.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">I thank your majesty.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I will withdraw.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, I desire thee stay.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I came not here to find thee; but thy presence</div>
-  <div class="verse">Mends my intention. Let us hold a council.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis not the first time our triumvirate,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Secretly gathered in the nick of time,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath preordained the changes which should fall</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the earth like fate. To-day’s decree,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">510</span><div class="verse">If we combine, will be as big with action</div>
-  <div class="verse">As any we have uttered.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">I fear I stand</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">In ignorance of the question.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent32">I will explain.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Listen to me. We three who here are met</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stand in such place, that, if we but unite,</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s none can say us nay. I do not ask</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who raised thee, Burrus, or thee, Seneca,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To where ye are: nay, if I asked you that</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’d look for no more answer than if asking</div>
-  <div class="verse">What two and two make; ’tis self-evident,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">520</span><div class="verse">Unquestioned; it was I; and if you owe</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Allegiance to another, ’tis to one</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whom I made more than I made you; ay, one</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who has nothing but what was mine, and is mine:</div>
-  <div class="verse">His body mine, his life and being mine,</div>
-  <div class="verse">His power, his place, his honour mine, my son,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My Nero, who, when my husband late deceased,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The honest Claudius, passed to join the gods,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was raised and set by me under your guidance,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To share with me the empire of the world.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">530</span><div class="verse">Now what it may be that hath warped his heart</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is from the matter: enough that so it is.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I might blame one of you, sure not myself,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who have ever held in love and kindness towards him</div>
-  <div class="verse">The same intention; nay, and from my kindness</div>
-  <div class="verse">I swerve not now, though for a wholesome end</div>
-  <div class="verse">I mask that kindness in severity.</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s but this choice, I must withdraw my favour,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or suffer my disgrace: ay, and for you,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Burrus and Seneca, be sure, the same.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">540</span><div class="verse">If I fall, ye will fall. Therefore being one</div>
-  <div class="verse">In interest with me, I look to find you ready</div>
-  <div class="verse">To stand by me in any scheme of action</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which may preserve our station, while we may.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Your majesty says well. We have hitherto</div>
-  <div class="verse">All held one purpose, and if now we are foiled</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or thwarted, none is thwarted more than I.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And since it is my pride, in the high place</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whereto your judgment called me, to exceed</div>
-  <div class="verse">The measure which might justify your choice,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">550</span><div class="verse">I shall not fail. In these new difficulties</div>
-  <div class="verse">I would make no display of fresh resource;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Full means there will be, yet what means it is</div>
-  <div class="verse">I am not ripe to say.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">What say’st thou, Burrus?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The matter Seneca avoids is this:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall I be driven to exile, or will ye</div>
-  <div class="verse">Join with me to forbid it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent28">Hath your majesty,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">In urging opposition, any scheme</div>
-  <div class="verse">That might give life to policy?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent38">Ay, something.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I would protect Britannicus: his claim</div>
-  <span class="linenum">560</span><div class="verse">And popularity being pressed, must drive</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nero upon my side.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">Such act were merely</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The boy’s destruction, were’t not done in earnest</div>
-  <div class="verse">And backed by force.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent20">Then, since the case demands</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">All earnestness, and since we lack not force .....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Between your son’s rule and your stepson’s claim</div>
-  <div class="verse">There lies no middle way.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent28">I never held</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That a stout purpose chose a middle way.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> What, what! Consider, madam, what you urge</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is to dethrone your son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent25">I am desperate.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Indeed, indeed!<span class="linenum">570</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> What say’st thou, Burrus? Hast thou not a hope</div>
-  <div class="verse">The rightful heir might prove the better Cæsar?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Were this in earnest, yet my oath to Cæsar</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forbids me even to think the thing you say.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Thy oath to him! Rather to me ’twas sworn;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who raised thee up to swear, and made the Cæsar</div>
-  <div class="verse">For thee to swear to? I can dispense your oaths:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or rather, since they were unjustly sworn,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Justice dispenses them. ’Twould be a deed</div>
-  <span class="linenum">580</span><div class="verse">Truer than oaths to break the oaths ye swore.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Justice is still against you. ’Twas unjust</div>
-  <div class="verse">To burn the will of Claudius; ’twas unjust</div>
-  <div class="verse">To hide Britannicus, and to bring forth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your own son in his place: these things were wrongs,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And these old wrongs would you redub with new.</div>
-  <div class="verse">For when upon your wrongs Rome set her seal,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her choice made right of wrong, and we that swore,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Swore not to Nero or Britannicus,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">589</span><div class="verse">But unto Rome and to her chosen Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Nay, Seneca, I think, will scarce say thus.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Burrus is right; and were he wrong, your scheme</div>
-  <div class="verse">But complicates the mischief.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">Then ye desert me?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Nay, nay, in other ways I may do much.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I may win Nero back.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">The thought is folly;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We fight against him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent22">Oh! ’tis open treason.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Eh! Why, I think my son’s ingratitude</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is nought to this; he had the right to expect</div>
-  <div class="verse">My favours: but for you, whom I chose out</div>
-  <div class="verse">And set above the rest because I chose,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">600</span><div class="verse">Made you my friends because I chose, for you</div>
-  <div class="verse">There is no excuse. Had ye no motive, yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">To see a woman in distress like mine,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wronged by her son, and injured as no woman</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has ever been, should rouse a manly spirit,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, make a coward burn to do me right.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But ye stand there aloof, and not a word.</div>
-  <div class="verse">O good Seneca,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rememberest thou thy days in Corsica?</div>
-  <div class="verse">The stoic letters of thine exile, writ</div>
-  <span class="linenum">610</span><div class="verse">With Naso’s pang, and that exuberant page</div>
-  <div class="verse">To me, at the first tidings of recall.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have it still, the letter, superscribed</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse"><i>Your most devoted slave.</i> Was not that felt?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had’st thou not cause? Now is the opportunity</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of my distress, now I stand to lose all,</div>
-  <div class="verse">All that those hard times strove for, all they won.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The faith thou owest me, still may make all mine;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wilt thou deny it me?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent22">Alas, good lady!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent45">Alas!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is this the vein? Think you I come to hear</div>
-  <span class="linenum">620</span><div class="verse">Your lamentations? Ah! ye dare, I see,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pity me while ye wrong me: but the truth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye dare not say. Ye dare not say, Lo, we,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Raised by your clemency, sworn to your service,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seeing your fair wind is changed, and there’s no hope</div>
-  <div class="verse">Left to your following, do as all knaves do,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Leave you to perish. Ah, all’s lost, all’s lost!<span class="indent15">[<i>Weeps.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> (<i>to Sen.</i>). Business attending me at home, I go.<span class="indent10">[<i>Going.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Thou goest! Then go, thou wooden counterfeit.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, I’ll be with thee yet. (<i>Exit Bur.</i>) Pooh! let him go,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">630</span><div class="verse">An ugly, one-armed, upstart, sneaking knave:</div>
-  <div class="verse">A title seeker, a subservient villain.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thou,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Philosopher! come, teach me thy philosophy.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Tell me how I may be a dauntless Stoic</div>
-  <div class="verse">And a most pitiful ass. Show me thy method</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of magnanimity and self-denial,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which makes of slaves the richest men in Rome.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Philosopher! Ay, thou that teachest youth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dishonesty, and coinest honied speeches</div>
-  <span class="linenum">640</span><div class="verse">To gloss iniquity, sand without lime.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Out, out upon thee!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou miserable, painful, hackney-themed</div>
-  <div class="verse">Botcher of tragedies, that deem’st thyself</div>
-  <div class="verse">A new Euripides, a second Cato:</div>
-  <div class="verse">A pedant rather, pander and murderer.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll let Rome know how pumpkin Claudius died;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll not be ashamed to say, ’twas I that spiced</div>
-  <div class="verse">His fatal mushroom. Honest Seneca</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stood by and smiled. True, true! I’ll be true yet;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">650</span><div class="verse">I’ll right Britannicus. I’ll tell the soldiers</div>
-  <div class="verse">What they should look for. Hear’st thou not their shouts?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seneca to the Tiber! the philosopher,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The murderer to the Tiber! Fulvia, Fulvia!—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fulvia, I go. Come, I will leave; lead on.<span class="indent5">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> And I to train the cub of such a dam!<span class="indent10">[<i>Exit.</i></span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 2</h4>
-
-
-  <p class="center"><i>Room in Domitia’s house. Enter DOMITIA
-and SELEUCUS.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">DOMITIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2">’Tis a most shrewd surmise, but nothing more;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I cannot listen to it. Though I hate</div>
-  <div class="verse">My sister, and would take some risk to crush her,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet must I set my foot on surer ground.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">660</span><div class="verse">My better engine is Poppæa’s dream,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of which thou’st told me: I can build on that.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou should’st be there, I think, to-night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SELEUCUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent40">Ay, madam.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I go at once.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent10">Speak nothing waveringly.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> Nay, madam.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent15">’Tis her fate to marry Cæsar.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> My art needs no instruction.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent42">It must be so.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> It is so, madam.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent25">See, thy prophecy</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is that which should determine it. Go now.<span class="indent20">[<i>To door.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Her purse will satisfy thee well.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent40">Yet once</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Ere I be gone, madam, I’ll make a stand</div>
-  <span class="linenum">670</span><div class="verse">To win thy credit.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent15">Thou must show me cause.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou say’st the Augusta plots against her son,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Supports Britannicus, tampers with Burrus.</div>
-  <div class="verse">How know’st thou this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent22">Why should I lie?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent45">I think</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">There may be some who make it worth thy while.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> I would not meddle in this thing for money.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Why tell me then at all?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent38">To win thy help.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> To what?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent10">To save the prince.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent38">If thou’rt in earnest,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Where is thy confidence? Assure me first,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">680</span><div class="verse">At least, of what thou say’st. Whence know’st thou this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> Fulvia, thy sister’s maid, rewards my love</div>
-  <div class="verse">With many trifles: what she overhears</div>
-  <div class="verse">I piece together.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent12">What of this was heard,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And how much pieced?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent22">The Augusta sent all out,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And spake long time in private with the prince.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">What passed I guess from this; that ere she left,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Being risen to go, as Fulvia at the door</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stood just without, she heard her voice most plainly</div>
-  <div class="verse">Angrily entreating, saying, that though he doubted,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">690</span><div class="verse">Yet she would still with him regain her power:</div>
-  <div class="verse">If he held off yet he so far was right,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As that ’twas best to speak with Burrus first.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> And has she since seen Burrus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent50">I think she hath.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He lately came from Seneca’s, and there</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Augusta must have met with him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent45">What passed?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> I know not yet. Fulvia will know and tell me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> But can’st thou trust her?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent40">Ay, she hath no purpose.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Whate’er she hears is mine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent30">Then make this thine.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Her tampering with Britannicus is nought:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">700</span><div class="verse">But if she speak with Burrus, there is matter</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I can work on. Ay, if that should be—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Make sure of that, and bring me word at once.</div>
-  <div class="verse">To-night thou hast thy business; go and do it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Poppæa marries Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent25">Madam, I go.</span><span class="indent28">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Now, my good sister, if this tale is true,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy fortune turns: I trample on thee now.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, if she have spoke with Burrus, then one word</div>
-  <div class="verse">To Nero, and she is doomed. Patience and time</div>
-  <div class="verse">Bring us all opportunities: we need</div>
-  <span class="linenum">710</span><div class="verse">But watch and wait. The way I least expected</div>
-  <div class="verse">She runs within the reach of my revenge.<span class="indent28">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 3</h4>
-
-
-  <p class="center"><i>Room in Otho’s house. Enter POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">My dream was strange: but why of all strange dreams</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stands forth this dream, to say it hath a meaning?</div>
-  <div class="verse">There lies the mystery: the dream were nothing.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis such a dream as I have prayed to dream.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis such a dream as an astrologer</div>
-  <div class="verse">Must love to interpret. Nay, there’s but one way</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seleucus can explain it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Seleucus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent22">I looked for thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">An hour ago: thou’rt late.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SELEUCUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent25">The seasons, lady,<span class="linenum">720</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of divination are determinate</div>
-  <div class="verse">By stars and special omens: ’tis our skill</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To observe their presage. The hour is favourable.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy dream ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent10">Is’t good?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent25">Beyond thy hope.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent50">Then tell it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> Two thousand sesterces ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent40">I have it here.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">See! I was ready for thee.<span class="indent30">[<i>Gives him a purse.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent28">I thank thee, lady.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Now for thy message.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent32">I have sought out thy dream</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">By every means our art ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent28">Mind not the means.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> There is one interpretation clear throughout....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> And that?<span class="linenum">730</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent15">Thou shalt be wife unto two Cæsars.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Two! Now be Isis praised. Two! O, Seleucus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou’rt an astrologer. Two! this is life,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seleucus; this is life as well as fortune.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What are the names?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent18">There ends my message, lady.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> ’Tis good so far, but stays unkindly. Search,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I must know more. Above all things, the affair</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is secret. (<i>Knocking heard.</i>) I will send my servant to thee.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Thou must be gone: our business will not suffer</div>
-  <div class="verse">My husband stumbling on thee here. This way.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exit Seleucus, being put out.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">My dream was true: my hopes and schemes inspired</div>
-  <span class="linenum">741</span><div class="verse">Of heaven; yet this is far beyond them all.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wife to two Cæsars; maybe, mother of Cæsars.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Noise at door.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">To sit upon their rare, successive thrones,</div>
-  <div class="verse">A manifold Augusta! Here’s my husband.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What would he say? Two Cæsars, ay, two Cæsars!</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Laughing heard without.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="verse center"><i>Enter Otho.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">OTHO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Good evening, love.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent18">Who laughed with thee without?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Lucan. He walked with me from Cæsar’s supper.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Was Cæsar riotous?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent28">Beyond all bounds.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> See what you husbands are. You go abroad</div>
-  <span class="linenum">750</span><div class="verse">For pleasure, and when met among yourselves</div>
-  <div class="verse">Push all to excess, and never think how patiently</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your wives must mope at home, and wait your coming.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And when you do return, up to the door</div>
-  <div class="verse">You bring your merriment; but at the door</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis left, and in you come, in solemn glumness,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To vent the sour reaction of your revels</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon your housekeeper.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent25">Enough, Poppæa;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I would be cheered.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent18">Then I will cheer thee, love.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But what’s the matter?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent22">Listen. Thou hast reproached me</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">760</span><div class="verse">With going forth alone. What else could be?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would’st thou consent to sit there at my side,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where I, a man, am oft ashamed to sit?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would’st thou, could’st thou be one among the women</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of Cæsar’s fancy?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent15">I spake not seriously.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> See, but I do. I tell thee, love, this night</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou wert invited.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent15">I!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent18">He would have pressed it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Who would have pressed it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent42">Cæsar.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent50">What dost thou say?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">(<i>Aside.</i>) He treads on prophecy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent38">Knowing thy mind,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And mine, I begged him for our friendship’s sake</div>
-  <div class="verse">Urge me no further.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent18">Thou did’st well, and he?</span><span class="linenum">770</span></div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Again to-night he asked for thee. ’Twas this</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which made me sad and thoughtful.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent42">Why be sad?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> The meaning, love, the meaning: thou must guess it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> The very reason, Otho, which thou urgest</div>
-  <div class="verse">Against my going, is in truth the reason</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why such as I should go. As Cæsar’s friend,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou would’st do well to save him from the slough</div>
-  <div class="verse">He daily sinks in.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, but such a stake</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For such a flimsy hope.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent25">I see a hope</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">780</span><div class="verse">In the invitation. Otho, let us see</div>
-  <div class="verse">What may be done among his friends.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent45">Poppæa,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis generously thought, but ’tis a thing</div>
-  <div class="verse">Must not be thought. Trust to my judgment, love.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis Cæsar’s love of power that threats us here;</div>
-  <div class="verse">He would have nought held from him. Thee I hold,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And most because I know thou would’st be mine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Then thou must trust me, Otho.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent50">And so I do.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Why, I were well his match. Let us go in.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt.</i>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 4</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>Room in the Palace. Enter AGRIPPINA and
-PALLAS.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGRIPPINA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2">Pallas, thy date is out: thou art dismissed;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">790</span><div class="verse">Thou goest from the court: yet what thou takest</div>
-  <div class="verse">May soften thy regrets. Thy shiny days</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were not misspent, and thou may’st live like Cæsar.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Farewell, we still are friends: the debt I owe</div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall remember: ’twas thy power that first</div>
-  <div class="verse">Gave root to mine: for thee, I think my favours</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were once thy pleasure. If those days are gone,</div>
-  <div class="verse">We can look time in the face; we have not wasted</div>
-  <div class="verse">The days that flew: ’tis now with what remain</div>
-  <div class="verse">Still to be careful. Friends and firm allies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pal.</i> Ay, firm as ever.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent25">Nay, though thou goest first,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">801</span><div class="verse">That is not much: even that I cannot save thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is sign that I am fallen ere thou could’st fall:</div>
-  <div class="verse">A deeper, deadlier fall, unless indeed</div>
-  <div class="verse">My wit can save me still.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pal.</i><span class="indent28">Alas, dear queen,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Fear makes this parting sad. But if there’s hope,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis this, to gain thy son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent30">Ay, till our schemes be ripe;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And even though Seneca betray me,—and that</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is sure,—I fear not him. I know my son</div>
-  <div class="verse">Better than he, and I shall win him yet.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">810</span><div class="verse">My plan is now to seem resigned to all:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I will pretend my purpose is to leave him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And fly from Rome to voluntary exile.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twill work upon his fear and duty both,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To cut himself quite off from me, and all</div>
-  <div class="verse">That goes with me. He will entreat me stay;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And if I stay—</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pal.</i><span class="indent10">Ay, if this storm go by,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The turns of time may offer us reprisals.</div>
-  <div class="verse">At present use all means to gain thy son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I shall. Farewell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pal.</i><span class="indent28">Be bold. The gods protect you.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">820</span><div class="verse">Farewell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent5">Farewell.</span><span class="indent32">[<i>Exeunt severally.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Tigellinus and Paris.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">TIGELLINUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Look from the window: thou wilt see ’tis true;</div>
-  <div class="verse">He takes all with him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PARIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent18">Nay, if this is all.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i> This much were all: and yet this caravan</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is but the least of six; His monstrous Grace</div>
-  <div class="verse">Brings up the rear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent18">’Tis nobly done of Cæsar.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i> ’Tis noble, say you, that the thief go quit</div>
-  <div class="verse">With all his plunder from the house he plundered?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Hark how the weasel can upbraid the fox!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Good Tigellinus, there’s no need to grudge</div>
-  <span class="linenum">830</span><div class="verse">Pallas his scrapings; the sea is full of fish:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rather thou should’st rejoice because thou seest</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy probable hap. Pray that as many mules,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Litters and bags and bales, women and slaves</div>
-  <div class="verse">May comfort thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Nero with Domitia.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent14">Paris, what do you here?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> I comfort Tigellinus on the fate</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of his predecessor.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>at window</i>). Gods! see what a train</div>
-  <div class="verse">Drags out the very bowels of the palace.</div>
-  <div class="verse">No wonder my good mother’s man resigns</div>
-  <div class="verse">With resignation.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i><span class="indent15">Ha! ha!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">I seek the Augusta.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">840</span><div class="verse">She late was here; go find her; say I wait her.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Tigellinus and Paris.</i>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>DOMITIA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2">Through my discovery, Nero, thy good fortune</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lifts thee a corner of the veil whereunder</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy mother plots. Be not thou now deceived</div>
-  <div class="verse">To further trust. She is bent upon thy ruin.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Though it be true she urged Britannicus</div>
-  <div class="verse">Even in those words, we lack the surety yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">She spoke them in good faith.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> <span class="indent30">O, there’s no doubt.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> My mother is very deep, and often looks</div>
-  <div class="verse">Far from her meaning. She will use this way</div>
-  <span class="linenum">850</span><div class="verse">To worm a confidence.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent20">She did not then.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Ner. Yet must the boy have thought so, for you said</div>
-  <div class="verse">That what she urged he took not all in kindness.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> He bade her speak with Burrus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent40">The villainous brat!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Drive not the fault on him. Did Burrus waver,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nothing could save thee. And it seems thy mother</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had hope to win him. She comes; now be thou firm.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I will be gone.<span class="indent50"><i>[Exit.</i>.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>solus</i>). Now she cannot deceive me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Agrippina.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> My son, thy mother comes at thy command.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> O excellent mother!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent10">What would’st thou with me, son?</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">860</span><div class="verse">I come to hear, and yet I scarce am fit</div>
-  <div class="verse">For banter or abuse. I am ill to-day.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> No wonder; ’tis you do too much. ’Twere better</div>
-  <div class="verse">You spared yourself. Go rest; my business</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will not cure headaches.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent20">Speak whate’er it be.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Nay, if you’re ill—</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">My sickness will not pass.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To-morrow I shall leave thee; that last grief</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will soon engulph the rest: speak while thou may’st.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> What’s this! leave me to-morrow?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent40">I would spare thee</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That worst disgrace of sending me away.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">870</span><div class="verse">I go of myself.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent5">What now?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">’Tis well resolved.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have been foolish; ’twas a mother’s fault,</div>
-  <div class="verse">A tender fault: forget it, and hereafter</div>
-  <div class="verse">Know my love better. If my presence bred</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dislike, thy kinder mind may yet return</div>
-  <div class="verse">When I am gone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">Why, what has happed, I pray?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Nothing. I have only come to see my error.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I thought, ’twas I that gave him all....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent40">Tut! tut!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis the old story told a thousand times.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Ay, and forgot as oft. Thy constant wrongs,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I think, have dug my grave. Dost thou remember</div>
-  <span class="linenum">881</span><div class="verse">What answer once I made the sorcerer</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who prophesied thy fortune? Thy son, he said,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall reign, and kill his mother. Let him kill me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">So that he reign, I cried. He spake the truth,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But ’tis by grief thou slay’st me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">That old rubbish</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Were best forgotten.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent18">Indeed, I had forgot it:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But yesternight I dreamed it all again;</div>
-  <div class="verse">A frightful dream: plain as I see thee now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stood’st thou before me thus, with angry words</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="psig">[<i>She acts.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">890</span><div class="verse">Mocking, until I wept for shame; but thou</div>
-  <div class="verse">Did’st only laugh the more. Then ran I to thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And bared my breast, and cried, Kill me, O son!</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thou fastened’st thy snaky eyes upon me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">So that I could not see what thy hand did.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But, oh! I knew. I heard thy weapon grate</div>
-  <div class="verse">Leaving the scabbard, and a fiery pang</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pierced through my heart. Ah!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>aside</i>). Heavens, is she mad?—</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">899</span><div class="verse">Mother, good mother, mother!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> ’Twas nothing. Nay, where am I? I was come</div>
-  <div class="verse">To hear thy speech. What is’t thou hast to say?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>aside</i>). If this were trickery? Let the fact try.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas this: what speech you held the other morning</div>
-  <div class="verse">With young Britannicus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> (<i>aside</i>).<span class="indent8">Ah! knows he that?—</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy spies are most alert. This time, at least,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I praise their zeal: though thou art slow to thank me</div>
-  <div class="verse">For my kind service done to thee and him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Whether is it kinder, say you, to him to urge him</div>
-  <div class="verse">To embrace the desperate plot, of which already</div>
-  <span class="linenum">910</span><div class="verse">He stood suspected, or more kind to me</div>
-  <div class="verse">To water this rebellion with the tears</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of your insidious passion?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent28">Your man’s a fool: I heard</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Your quarrel, and took pains to sound the boy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Next you saw Burrus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">Well, and what said he?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Nay, that’s for you to tell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent42">’Twas this: Britannicus</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Most truly said that nought could help his claim,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Except the guards and Burrus: at which word</div>
-  <div class="verse">I flew to Burrus, offered him the bait;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And when he showed the scruple of his oath,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">920</span><div class="verse">Three words from me confirmed him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">If this were true!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> How much you need me, Nero, will be plain</div>
-  <div class="verse">When I am gone. Who has deceived you now?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who works this madness in you, to conceive</div>
-  <div class="verse">That your disaster could be gain to me?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have you believed what angry words I spoke</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were born of purpose, that my threats against you</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were aught but passion? You count not the tears,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The bitter, secret tears, for every pang</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your wrongs have wrought in me; and bitterer far,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">930</span><div class="verse">The sharp remorse for each retaliation</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of speech provoked in anger. Let it end;</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis best I go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">See! if you had gone before</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We had never quarrelled; now there’s nought to lose</div>
-  <div class="verse">By going, ’tis a quarrel that you go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> No quarrel, nay. ’Tis only this: I thought</div>
-  <div class="verse">That in your love I held perpetual office.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis not so. Now my time is out: I go</div>
-  <div class="verse">As Pallas goes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">The sleek, extortionate Pallas,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Dost thou defend the despicable Pallas?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">940</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I would be kind to friends; none will stand by you,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">If you cast off those to whom most you owe.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas first through him I came to seize the power</div>
-  <div class="verse">That made you Cæsar. Look! you have lost a friend.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be wiser when I am gone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">I have good friends,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Burrus and Seneca: I trust them both.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Cannot you read the cause why still they urge you</div>
-  <div class="verse">To cast me off?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">’Tis the disgrace they feel</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To see the empire managed by a woman.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> ’Tis the constraint they feel in all their actions</div>
-  <span class="linenum">950</span><div class="verse">Being overruled by me. Do you not see</div>
-  <div class="verse">They are my ministers, and you are ruled</div>
-  <div class="verse">By them in all they counsel? Rid of me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">They rule the world. Think you, when they have cast</div>
-  <div class="verse">What was above them underneath their feet,</div>
-  <div class="verse">They will have care to exalt what was below?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> They both are honest men; you chose them well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> You are too trustful, Nero. As you love</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your life, I say, be jealous of these men;</div>
-  <div class="verse">These men that now would rule thee but to take</div>
-  <span class="linenum">960</span><div class="verse">The empire from thy hands. They may speak ill</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of me,—believe that if thou list,—but oh!</div>
-  <div class="verse">If once they seem to encroach, delay not then;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Hear no excuse nor explanation; strike,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Kill them, I say, before they murder thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> But, mother, Seneca loves me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent45">As a master</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Will love a pupil while he takes instruction.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He’ll love you while you let him reign. Alas!</div>
-  <div class="verse">I scarce dare leave you to him. You are too kind;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will shrink to use the sword as it is needful</div>
-  <div class="verse">For one who rules to wield.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">You cannot think</span><span class="linenum">970</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">These men would serve me so.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">What is my purpose?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My life’s one object, my supreme ambition?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was’t not to raise thee where thou art, and now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is’t not to keep thee there?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">So once I thought.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> O think it yet. Look! there is none can love you,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nero, as I must love you; there’s not one</div>
-  <div class="verse">Can guard you as I can. Have I not proved</div>
-  <div class="verse">My power? While I am by you, it is yours.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Stay then.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">O that it might be!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent42">Thou shalt not go.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">980</span><div class="verse">Resign thy outward power; be in all else</div>
-  <div class="verse">As heretofore. Forget what I suspected.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Be still my mother.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent18">Alas!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">Yea, I will have it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> It cannot be.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">Why not?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">Seneca, my son,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Will not permit it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">Who is Seneca</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To say me nay?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent10">Unless you join with me</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He will o’errule you.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">He shall not o’errule me.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> For that I’d stay. I would give up all else</div>
-  <div class="verse">To stand by you: ay, and be happy so.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> And so it shall be. Have thy private fortune,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Remain in Rome.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent12">But can you trust me, Nero?</span><span class="linenum">990</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Nay, I will never more suspect thee. Kiss me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> O, now you are good and kind. Tell me, who was it</div>
-  <div class="verse">Did me this wrong?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">It was Domitia told me.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">She spied on thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">My sister! ha! you know not</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The grudge between us?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">Yes, I know of that.</span>
-  <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></div>
-<div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> And not suspect her slander? Did she also</div>
-  <div class="verse">Commit Britannicus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">She cast all blame</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">On thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent5">I feared she might have wronged the boy.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Is he, then, innocent?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">I went so far</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1000</span><div class="verse">In sounding him as even to risk my credit.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let not unjust suspicion add a weight</div>
-  <div class="verse">To the just blame we bear. You must protect him.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Promise me that.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">I will ask Seneca.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Forgive, at least, his foolish indiscretion.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He begged me make his peace. Now have I made it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I’ll think no more of that.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent40">My dearest son,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The joy of a good action will be yours</div>
-  <div class="verse">As well as mine. O, I am happy now—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Indeed, most happy now.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">Come then, dear mother.</span></div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p>
-</div>
-</div></div></div>
-<div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003c.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<h3 id="ACT_III">ACT · III</h3>
-
-<div class="figcenter" >
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<h4>SCENE · 1</h4>
-
-<p class="center"><i>The same. SENECA.</i></p>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SENECA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse"><span class="xl smcap">Burrus</span> was right. The more I think of it,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The time has come that one or both must go;</div>
-  <div class="verse">So the more dangerous first, then are we quit</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1013</span><div class="verse">At once of all our mischief and disgrace.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis past belief that she who plunged in crime</div>
-  <div class="verse">To enthrone her son should now plot to dethrone him.</div>
-  <div class="verse">There is no bridle for a wicked woman.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Men may despise the venerable path</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of virtue, and refuse the wholesome laws</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of plain philosophy, but still they lean</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1020</span><div class="verse">Towards reason, even in their wickedness.</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s an accountable consistency</div>
-  <div class="verse">Found in their actions; but if once a woman</div>
-  <div class="verse">Throw off, as men soon do, the first restraints</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of credulous childhood; if her nature lack</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tenderness, modesty, and that respect</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To self which sees in self a thing to guard</div>
-  <div class="verse">From passion and caprice, and in the pleasure</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of fitness finds a law,—if she lack that</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or overpass it,—there’s no further bound:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1030</span><div class="verse">All things are mixed together; virtue, crime,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wisdom and folly. For they have a spirit</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of infinite wrong genius. Rule, I say,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Such women if you can; rule them with iron.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Nero.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Good-morrow, Seneca. Thou comest in time;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I need thy counsel.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent18">I am here to give it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Then tell me: Where I have been lately threatened,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Am I in danger? I will use thy judgment.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is’t needful for my safety to remove</div>
-  <div class="verse">Britannicus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent5">I have well considered all.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1040</span><div class="verse">You must dismiss your mother.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent35">Not so, Seneca.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">She now resigns all power and sign of empire,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And is content to live in quiet, retired</div>
-  <div class="verse">With few attendants and contracted state.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> She offered terms?</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">See, since she now concedes</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">All reasonable claims, my duty towards her</div>
-  <div class="verse">Patches our quarrel.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent20">Whence this newborn trust?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> She must remain. What of Britannicus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> He need not trouble you.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">So said my mother.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I had thought differently, and even had made</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1050</span><div class="verse">Full preparation for his going hence.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would’st thou too bid me think there is no danger?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> None, if your mother goes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent40">But nay, she stays.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> That makes him dangerous.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent40">Thy reason, Seneca?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> I well can guess, Nero, your mother’s vein</div>
-  <div class="verse">With you in private: but ’twould much divert</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your inclination from it, could you know</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her latest way with me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">What hath she said?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Will you now think she hath urged Burrus and me</div>
-  <div class="verse">To set our honoured oaths and firm allegiance</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1060</span><div class="verse">To you aside, as being unjustly sworn;</div>
-  <div class="verse">To undo all she has done, and bring Britannicus</div>
-  <div class="verse">Back to the people as Rome’s rightful heir?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I knew this, Seneca; and if ’twere meant,
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Where lies the danger?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent22">True; but then she vows</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Plainly that, rather than resign her power,</div>
-  <div class="verse">She will make known her crimes, nor spare herself,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If in the implication of her ruin</div>
-  <div class="verse">She may involve us too. Know you of that?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> She could not mean it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent32">Certainly ’twas in passion</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1070</span><div class="verse">Spoken, and fury: but ’tis such a thing</div>
-  <div class="verse">As might be done in passion.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">And what says Burrus?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> He too would urge, as I, the Augusta’s exile.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Yet must she stay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, Nero, she must go.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I bade thee, Seneca, to counsel me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Call’st thou this counsel? ’Tis in the exigence</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of such affairs that their necessity</div>
-  <div class="verse">Precludes the true decision: this thou’st taught me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And that the man of counsel is but he</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who handles best the circumstance, most gently</div>
-  <div class="verse">Resolves the knot, not cuts it. In this difficulty</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1081</span><div class="verse">Is there no course?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent18">I go not back from this;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If both remain there’s none.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">Is my life threatened?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Ay.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent5">Then Britannicus must go, and shall go,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">As first I purposed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent20">Whither will you send him?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Far out of hearing of his claim. ’Tis not</div>
-  <div class="verse">A trifling matter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent15">See now to the other extreme</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">How you o’erleap the mean from wrong to wrong!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Such wrongs the title of my power condones.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall I at the outset of a world-wide policy</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1090</span><div class="verse">Stick at a household scruple, and for fear</div>
-  <div class="verse">To do a private wrong forfeit the power</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which makes me Cæsar? See my glory trip</div>
-  <div class="verse">At a little ill because I will not level</div>
-  <div class="verse">My safety with the welfare of the world?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> But what you must not, that you cannot do.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Rather what Cæsar must do, that he may.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rome understands not empire yet: we learned</div>
-  <div class="verse">Something of Herod.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent18">O the injustice, Nero!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The wrong! How! Will you sooner spill a life</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1100</span><div class="verse">So innocent, your creditor in kindness,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than do disgrace to another, one so guilty</div>
-  <div class="verse">As to deserve, sinking all exigency,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The fearful penalty you now misplace?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Think twice.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i>     Why, if I think of it again,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Is not thy error fourfold more than mine?</div>
-  <div class="verse">This need is granted to all tyrannies,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To slay pretenders, ay, and most of all</div>
-  <div class="verse">Those of the family: but for a mother,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The very Persian or the unrivalled Jew</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1110</span><div class="verse">Would shrink from her dishonour.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> (<i>aside</i>).     What to say?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Being out of kinship ’twere the lesser blot—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet there’s his innocence. Necessity</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cannot suborn morality so far</div>
-  <div class="verse">As such confusion,—nor the alternative</div>
-  <div class="verse">May yet be shunned,—and when the best is wrong ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> What thinkest thou?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent28">Wait: it shall be my office</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To find some better means.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">’Twill be thine office</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To show in such a speech as I may make</div>
-  <div class="verse">After his death, that, howsoe’er he died,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which you shall know no more than shall my hearers,—</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1121</span><div class="verse">’Twas for the general good.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent30">Be counselled, Nero.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">This is not my advice.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">Thou offerest none</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Which can be taken.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent18">See, I have brought your speech</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Touching the Parthian war.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">’Tis long.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent42">The matter</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Being very weighty, ’twill be looked for from you</div>
-  <div class="verse">To say thus much: but if it seem too long,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis so composed that with these brackets here,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Skipped as you list, the speech is any length.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I thank thee. I shall need that other speech.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1130</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> I pray you may not need it. My advice</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is wait.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent5">Is it? Stay—Seneca, dost thou think</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My mother was in earnest when she urged</div>
-  <div class="verse">Treason on thee and Burrus? And dost thou think</div>
-  <div class="verse">She fooled me in saying that she made proposal</div>
-  <div class="verse">To Burrus but to sound his honesty?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Eh! with that tale she took you?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent50">Is’t not true?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> That true!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">She was in earnest though in passion?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Answer me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i>    Ay, she was.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">I pray thee leave me.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall not wait.<span class="indent50">[<i>Exit Seneca.</i></span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1140</span><div class="verse">I stand alone. Such officers as share</div>
-  <div class="verse">The functions of tyrannic government</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cannot be looked to for a policy</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of personal security; they lack</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">The motive that abates the fear of crime.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Britannicus must go, and ’tis my hand</div>
-  <div class="verse">Must aim his death. I have a medicine</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which he must drink for me, to save my life.</div>
-  <div class="verse">To-night shall do it. But for my other enemy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My mother, who with such dissimulation</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1150</span><div class="verse">Won me, spite of foreknowledge of her deeds,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And judgment of her purpose—Ha! indeed;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seneca’s laughing-stock! Now, what I do</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will much surprise her. If it kill her hope</div>
-  <div class="verse">And prove my temper towards her, ’twill be well.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exit.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 450px;">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" width="450" height="27" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 2</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>Room in Domitia’s house. Enter DOMITIA
- and PARIS.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">DOMITIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Come hither, Paris!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou art my freedman.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PARIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent14">Ay, madam.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent35">Hitherto</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou hast served me well.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent28">Ay, madam.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent42">Would’st thou now</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Retrieve thy purchase money?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent35">Dost thou say</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou wilt restore me that for any service</div>
-  <div class="verse">I can perform?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent10">I do.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent15">But name the deed.</span><span class="linenum">1160</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Dost thou remember Crispus Passienus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Could I forget thy honoured husband, madam,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That was my master?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent18">Paris, thou hast a wife,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And thy wife hath a sister ..</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent32">Ay.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent35">How think’st thou</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy wife would love her sister, if that sister</div>
-  <div class="verse">Supplanted her with thee, sowed seeds of hate,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Contrived divorce, and when thou wert divorced</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should marry thee herself?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent28">Madam, I know</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy wrong, and share thy hate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent35">That was not all.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Not all?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1170</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent10">Nay, listen, Paris: if I forget</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My kinship in my hatred, I have cause.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I loved him, and have now no thought in life</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">But to avenge his murder.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent28">Why! can’st thou think?...</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Think! do I think? I cannot speak of it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">If ’tis suspicion, be it so—and yet ...</div>
-  <div class="verse">Well, thou hast seen my heart—even were my sister</div>
-  <div class="verse">Kind I should not forgive: but seeing she works</div>
-  <div class="verse">Against me still to drive me from the court,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I put my strength with Cæsar, to disbarrass</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1180</span><div class="verse">The palace of this plague. Say wilt thou aid me?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> The favour Cæsar shows me binds me, lady,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To have no thought but his; and if his mother</div>
-  <div class="verse">Misses his love, ’tis not made up by mine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> I’d have thee on my side whate’er I do.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have now contrived a scheme which hangs on thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">To bring it home.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent15">I will do anything</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That will not touch my life.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent32">She is hard to catch.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Late, when she plotted with Britannicus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Though ’twas as clear as day, when brought to question</div>
-  <div class="verse">She quite out-faced us all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Servant.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SERVANT.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent20">Madam, Seleucus<span class="linenum">1190</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The astrologer would speak with you.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent45">Admit him.</span><span class="indent10">[<i>Exit Servt.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Paris, I’ll tell thee later of my plans.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Meanwhile keep close with Nero: let me hear</div>
-  <div class="verse">Aught he lets fall that might advance our matter:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seleucus’ visit is a part of it;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll speak with him alone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent28">Madam, I go.</span><span class="indent30">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Seleucus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> How now, Seleucus? Foiled!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SELEUCUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent24">I warned you, lady,</div>
-  <div class="verse">How impotent and vain an arm hath truth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Unhelped by art.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent15">Thou did’st but well, and now</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1200</span><div class="verse">I shall lean more on thee. Hast thou persuaded</div>
-  <div class="verse">Poppæa of her fortune?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent22">Ay, my lady,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I promised her two Cæsars.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent28">Two! how two?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i> A secret that of art; our divination</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath many such. The gods are favourable.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Talk not to me of gods. One was enough;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet the other matters not. Two Cæsars indeed!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Most favourable gods!—See, here I give you</div>
-  <div class="verse">Two hundred sesterces: but for that sum</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Require another service.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent25">I thank you, madam.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Locusta hath been seen with Nero.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent50">Ah,</span><span class="linenum">1210</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">How knew you that?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent15">Attend to what I say.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I fear ’tis for Britannicus: the Empress,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ridding herself, cannot have quitted him.</div>
-  <div class="verse">If ’tis his death is aimed at—and ’tis for thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">To probe and reach the truth—then if ’tis possible</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou must prevent it. Go, give him a message,</div>
-  <div class="verse">He must not sup with Cæsar if he is bid.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Find you the probabilities, and lay</div>
-  <div class="verse">The warning where is need.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent28">’Twere a good office, lady.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Go quickly then. If thou do well in this,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1221</span><div class="verse">I will reward thee well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sel.</i><span class="indent25">I will deserve it.</span><span class="indent22">[<i>Exeunt.</i></span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></div>
-<div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 3</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>The room in Otho’s house. Enter POPPÆA
-and MAID.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">MAID.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Madam, the litter waits.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Give me my mirror, miss.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why, see how slovenly thou’st done my hair;</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis out already.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Maid.</i><span class="indent12">With your pardon, madam,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis very well. Nay, ’tis as firm as a rock.</div>
-  <div class="verse">You look your best to-night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent32">Where is the flower</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I gave thee?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Maid.</i><span class="indent5">Here, my lady.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent30">Put it in.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">There, there. Ay, that will do. Now where’s my</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">cloak?<span class="indent60">[<i>Exit Maid.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Otho.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">OTHO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">So then you are going?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">Yes, I go alone,</span><span class="linenum">1230</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Since you will not come with me.</div>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent38">You are always free</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To have your way; but when your wish is mine,</div>
-  <div class="verse">It is twice yours. This time you know ’tis not:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And were I used to set constraint upon you,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Could it be said Otho e’er crossed his wife</div>
-  <div class="verse">With a command, it should be now: I’d say</div>
-  <div class="verse">This I forbid.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent10">And why?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent22">I entreat you, dearest.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I am pledged to go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent28">Go not.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent38">There’s now no choice.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> A light excuse would serve: a sudden sickness,</div>
-  <div class="verse">A cold, a headache. Do not go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent35">Why, look!</span><span class="linenum">1240</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If you are not jealous, Otho! jealous, jealous.</div>
-  <div class="verse">You see not straight.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent20">I see you smile on Cæsar.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> And think you, then, I must have turned my love</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where I have smiled? that I would play you false</div>
-  <div class="verse">For the pleasure of it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent22">Why then sup with Cæsar?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> A trifle hangs upon him I would wear,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">The world.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent5">So dazzled by the imperial splendour!</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Think: to be Cæsar’s mistress for a year</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is not to rule the world.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent25">I will be Cæsar’s wife.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Ah! look you then so high?<span class="linenum">1250</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Who shall be called my rival?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent45">Cæsar’s wife.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> She hinders not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent25">Oh, thou would’st never dare it,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Did’st thou not love him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent28">What should I not dare?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Hast thou considered well the ambiguous style</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou goest to take, and yet determined?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent50">Ay.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> ’Tis death, ’tis death. I speak now but for thee:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not for myself. The cup Octavia drinks</div>
-  <div class="verse">To quit thy place thou too wilt come to taste.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> That is my risk. The sport were tame without it:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1260</span><div class="verse">The game can boast a sting.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent30">Weigh well the danger:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Think of it thus; to live on a caprice</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose jealousy is death; where for the reason</div>
-  <div class="verse">One seems to love thee will be ten to hate thee;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where not to be beforehand with a treachery</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is to be victim.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent12">I can steer my way.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></div></div>
-<div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> And for this desperate venture wilt cast off</div>
-  <div class="verse">My love, our love?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent15">What is love?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent35">Art thou Poppæa?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Wer’t any else but thou that questioned thus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My answer then were ready: I should say</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1270</span><div class="verse">Ask of Poppæa, ’tis the thing she knows;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ask Otho’s wife what love is, she can tell.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thou to ask! as if ’twere some strange matter</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wide of experience, and to ask of me</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who won thee for my teacher!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent32">’Tis true the impeachment</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I make of love is that he hath exhausted</div>
-  <div class="verse">His treasure rather than denied us aught.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Exhausted love! how mean you?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent50">See! I am made</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of other stuff and passions besides love.</div>
-  <div class="verse">You cannot wish that all my life should move</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1280</span><div class="verse">Pent in this narrow circle, day by day</div>
-  <div class="verse">Keeping the pretty game up which I learned</div>
-  <div class="verse">When I was green: that I should ne’er do else</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than this one thing, and that so constantly</div>
-  <div class="verse">That even the habit and the practice of it</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are scarce employment; that I should grow grey,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And see the wide and seasonable field</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of life’s exertion and excitement fallow</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">With this one weed of love?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent30">A weed, you say!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I have other motions in me. I’ve an itch</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1290</span><div class="verse">Men call ambition, and I see a prize</div>
-  <div class="verse">Looks worth the having.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent25">’Tis not worth the having.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Why, what were I to thee, could’st thou be Cæsar?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Even all thou art; I have no itch to rule</div>
-  <div class="verse">Merely to see that game played out, and cry</div>
-  <div class="verse">At the end—what is ambition?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent32">It hath no end.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> ’Tis plain love hath an end.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent40">Nay, as I love thee,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I still shall love thee. Only, Otho ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent45">What?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I thought your eye was open to perceive</div>
-  <div class="verse">The grandeur of my scheme.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent30">Thou wert mistaken.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Upon what falls to-night, let us decide.<span class="linenum">1300</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have no secrets from you: if I prosper,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Desert me if you will, but blame me not:</div>
-  <div class="verse">For dared I combat Cæsar’s inclination</div>
-  <div class="verse">There were as much to lose. The thing I do</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will be your safety.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent20">Rather would I die,</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, rather far that thou should’st die than do</div>
-  <div class="verse">This baseness willingly.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent25">Nay, speak not so.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall do nothing base.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent25">Thou must succeed.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Only before thou goest I’ll kiss thee once.<span class="indent15">[<i>Kisses Pop.</i></span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1310</span><div class="verse">Otho’s last kiss. Farewell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent30">Good night. I go.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Lesbia, my cloak! I shall have news ere morn.<span class="indent22">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> Gone! With a grace</div>
-  <div class="verse">As firm, as pleasant, gay and self-possessed</div>
-  <div class="verse">As that with which she hath come a thousand times</div>
-  <div class="verse">To meet me, kiss me, and call me hers, she goes</div>
-  <div class="verse">To change her husband .. gone! and not a sign</div>
-  <div class="verse">To show that leaving me was losing aught!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fool that I was! To the soul I knew her vain,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Self-seeking, light, petulant at the breath</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1320</span><div class="verse">Of contradiction, and yet I trusted. What,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Asks she, is love. Ay, what? I love my dog;</div>
-  <div class="verse">He is devoted beyond reason, pitiful</div>
-  <div class="verse">In his dependence; he will scarce reproach me</div>
-  <div class="verse">With some short wondering sorrow, if I strike him—</div>
-  <div class="verse">I love my horse; he bears me willingly,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Answering spiritedly; with all his strength</div>
-  <div class="verse">Generous and gentle. But woman, if man love her,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seeing she is less devoted than the hound,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Less noble than the horse,—’tis that we deem,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1330</span><div class="verse">That being human she can gauge the worth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of our intensity, and in kind somewhat</div>
-  <div class="verse">Repay it: ’tis a delusion; spite of shew,</div>
-  <div class="verse">She hath not in her heart that which her eyes</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fondly declare. There is no passion possible</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which beauty can interpret or soft speech</div>
-  <div class="verse">Express, which was not mine; ay, by that title</div>
-  <div class="verse">O’er and o’er; yet I think no dog in Rome</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would leave the meanest slave that fed him once,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As hath this woman left the man that loved her.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Knocking.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Lucan and Petronius.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">LUCAN.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Ha! here he is. We have come to fetch you, Otho.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> I do not go to-night.<span class="linenum">1341</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PETRONIUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Not go! What is’t, man?—ill?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> My wife has gone, therefore I do not go:—</div>
-  <div class="verse">You see the matter, maybe have foreseen it;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I was too blind. Spare me your condolence;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I do not wish even sympathy. You know</div>
-  <div class="verse">I loved her, but ’tis over. Let me give you</div>
-  <div class="verse">Such knowledge as I wish my friends to have,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Else might they mistake somewhat. See! she is gone</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">1350</span><div class="verse">To-night against my wish: ’tis nothing more:</div>
-  <div class="verse">But this will lead to much. I let my house;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sell you my wine, Petronius, if you wish it,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And take—I shall not want for interest—</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Lusitanian proconsulate.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> You go from Rome?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent30">I do.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent32">Break not with Cæsar.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> I’ll take employment.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent32">Jove! I think you’re wise,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Otho; you’re wise. I’ve half a mind myself</div>
-  <div class="verse">To give my friends the slip. But as it is,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Well..come, I’ll take the wine; what is your price?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1360</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> The price I gave.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent25">A bargain. I shall send for it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> (<i>to Otho</i>). Otho, I will not go. Although thy wrong</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cannot be stayed, yet would I rather die</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than sit and smile on it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i><span class="indent28">I thank thee, Lucan.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I’d ask thee rather look upon the matter</div>
-  <div class="verse">As on a thing of course: I think it is.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Go, take no note of it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent25">If ’tis thy wish.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oth.</i> It is. Good night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc. and Petr.</i><span class="indent10">Good night.</span><span class="indent18">[<i>Exeunt.</i></span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></div>
-<div class="stanza">
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 4</h4>
-
-
-  <p class="center"><i> A room in the Palace. Enter AGRIPPINA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGRIPPINA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Thus must it be then. I must be cast out,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Turned from the palace, lodged in a private house,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1370</span><div class="verse">Retired, reduced, forgotten, like any relic</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of barbarous royalty, caged out of reach</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of good or ill; my state just so much show</div>
-  <div class="verse">As has no meaning. Now may some god of mischief</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dare set me in the roll of puny spirits.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ah!—Hath this my seal, seemeth it? O may my foes</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be fooled so far to think that guile will stay</div>
-  <div class="verse">First in catastrophe. Nay, if I crouch,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis but to plant a foot whence I may bound</div>
-  <div class="verse">With braver spring.—I am clear; the right’s my hope.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1380</span><div class="verse">Right against blood hath still been honourable.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Men love the name of Brutus. The first Brutus</div>
-  <div class="verse">Slew his own son; the last his Cæsar. Ha!</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis madness; nay, that’s not my thought, not that.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twould fright the world that there should be a woman</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who could slay Cæsar and son in one. Nay, nay,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That lies beyond all fate. Yet, short of that,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">O blood, thou sacrament and bond of nature,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Look to the strain: summon thy best allies,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy yearnings and thy shudderings, thy terrors</div>
-  <div class="verse">And dreams of dread; marshal the myriad fingers</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1391</span><div class="verse">Of scorn and hate: else, O thy rottenness</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will out. Indeed I think thou’rt a weak thing,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Bred of opinion; when I would have trusted thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath not that other rivet of thy chain</div>
-  <div class="verse">Snapped at the mutual end? Thy boasted anchor</div>
-  <div class="verse">Drags on the bottom, and my ship drifts on</div>
-  <div class="verse">To the rocks, to the rocks: missing that hold, the sense</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is dizzy with madness; ay, and whither I go</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is hidden; nor aught I know, save that the future,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1400</span><div class="verse">Whate’er it be, I shall do much to make.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Britannicus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Ah! ah! ’tis thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Speak softly, for these walls have ears.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">BRITANNICUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent24">Thou thinkest</div>
-  <div class="verse">That Cæsar watches me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent25">To-day thy spies</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Are mine, but must not hear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent35">Hast thou seen Burrus?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> He is thine enemy: no hope from him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I would not have this spoken of as my hope.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> True, boy. I mentioned not thy name, and Nero,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Being now persuaded thou art innocent,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forgives thee. Let the risk I ran for thee</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1410</span><div class="verse">Be earnest of more good.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent28">I thank thee for it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> ’Tis nothing, this. Thou yet shalt reign.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent60">I pray thee</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Draw me not into thy deep-plotted schemes</div>
-  <div class="verse">That rush on guilt. If I have hope or wish,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis but to live till the divorce be writ</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twixt Cæsar and my sister: that is not long</div>
-  <div class="verse">To wait; and then her exile, which must follow,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If I may share, I think some days of peace</div>
-  <div class="verse">May be in store for both. That is my hope,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not Rome, nor empire, but some tranquil spot</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1420</span><div class="verse">Where innocence may dwell, and be allowed</div>
-  <div class="verse">To be its own protection.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent28">Are you that fool?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I would none doubted it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent35">Can it be possible</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That thou, who in thy veins hast the best blood</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of Rome, should’st own so beggarly a spirit,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And being the heir of all the world should’st wish</div>
-  <div class="verse">Only to hide thy claim, so thou may’st live</div>
-  <div class="verse">The life which broken-hearted slaves, and men</div>
-  <div class="verse">Diseased and aged scarce prize?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent38">I hear, I hear,</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And am not shamed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent18">Nay, then I have more to say.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I too might say somewhat. Is it not strange,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1431</span><div class="verse">Thou being a lady, should’st possess a heart</div>
-  <div class="verse">So fond of wrong, and blood, and wrathful deeds?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Ah, ah! Thou thinkest that thou know’st me rightly,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And yet would’st dare to taunt me, and to thwart</div>
-  <div class="verse">My stablished purpose? Child, I say, remember</div>
-  <div class="verse">The deeds thou castest in my teeth, and think</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whether it were not much better now at last</div>
-  <div class="verse">To side with me, and take the help I proffer.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have sworn to set thee on the throne; think twice</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ere thou oppose my will.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent28">Did’st thou not say</span><span class="linenum">1440</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou had’st persuaded Nero of my innocence?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Say I was wrong.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent25">Nay, thou wert right in that,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Wrong now returning on disclaimed ambition.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Art thou content to see thyself deposed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy sister thus dishonoured ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent38">Say no more.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Consider!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, I’ll not consider.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent45">Now</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">This once again I bid thee, child, consider.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Doubt not my power.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent20">No more. I will not join thee.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Then hear me, child. Whether thou join or not,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1450</span><div class="verse">Whether thou wilt be Cæsar, or refusest,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou shalt be Cæsar. If thou wilt not plot,</div>
-  <div class="verse">It shall be plotted for thee: in my hands</div>
-  <div class="verse">I hold thy life, and guard it but for this,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To make thee Cæsar. Ay, and if thou shrinkest</div>
-  <div class="verse">When the day comes, I’ll have a doll made like thee;</div>
-  <div class="verse">My men shall carry it about, and style it</div>
-  <div class="verse">Britannicus, and shout to it as to Cæsar.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I say thou shalt be Cæsar, think it o’er.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dare not refuse me: ’tis not yet too late;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1460</span><div class="verse">To-morrow I will speak with thee again.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now to thy better thought.<span class="indent45">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent30">O murderess!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And for this last turn must I thank my folly,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That partly trusted her. Now would to heaven,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If live I must, that I might change my lot</div>
-  <div class="verse">With any man soe’er, though he be chosen</div>
-  <div class="verse">And picked for misery. Surely there’s none</div>
-  <div class="verse">In all the empire can show cause to stand</div>
-  <div class="verse">And weigh his woe with mine. Find me the man,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If such there be, that hath an only sister</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1470</span><div class="verse">’Spoused to a murderer and adulterer,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Who hates her virtue, since it shames pretext</div>
-  <div class="verse">To cast her off: or, if such man be found,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath he for mother one that slew his father,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And threats him with like death? or if all this</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be matched in one, hath he no remedy?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is his speech treason? Is his silence treason?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is he quite friendless, helpless?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forbidden to budge a foot from the dread focus</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of crime and anguish? ’Mongst his lesser wrongs</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath he this brag, that he hath been robbed, as I,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1481</span><div class="verse">Of the empire of the world? O happy hinds,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who toil under clear skies, and for complaint</div>
-  <div class="verse">Discuss long hours, low wages, meagre food,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hard beds and scanty covering: ye who trail</div>
-  <div class="verse">A pike in German swamps, or shield your heads</div>
-  <div class="verse">On Asian sands, I’d welcome all your griefs</div>
-  <div class="verse">So I might taste the common nameless joys</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which ye light-heartedly so lightly prize,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And know not what a text for happiness</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lies in a thoughtless laugh: what long, impassable,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1491</span><div class="verse">Unmeasured gulfs of joy sunder it off</div>
-  <div class="verse">From my heart-stifling woe.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Octavia.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent25">Thou art welcome, sister.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">OCTAVIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Brother, a request you must grant.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent42">Anything,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Dearest, to thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent15">Sup not to-night with Cæsar.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> I must. Yet what’s thy reason? Thou art moved</div>
-  <div class="verse">Strangely beyond the matter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent32">Read this paper.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> (<i>reads</i>). <i>Britannicus, sup not to-day with Cæsar.</i></div>
-  <div class="verse">How came you by it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent18">’Tis from Fulvia,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The maid that loves Seleucus; whence ’tis his.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> Most like; I know the turbaned mountebank</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1500</span><div class="verse">Keeps an old kindness for me. Yet nay, nay—</div>
-  <div class="verse">If this should now be found—nay, he’s too shrewd</div>
-  <div class="verse">To put himself in writing.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent28">He might dare</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">With Fulvia.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent10">Nay. I cannot think ’tis his.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And were it, what’s his credit? I do not trust</div>
-  <div class="verse">These fellows far. They trade in mystery,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And love to thicken water,—and if there be</div>
-  <div class="verse">A plot to poison me, to-day’s occasion</div>
-  <div class="verse">Offers no easier vantage than to-morrow’s.</div>
-  <div class="verse">My safety lies elsewhere.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent28">O do not go.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1510</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> Fear not, Octavia, I am very careful,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And eat but sparingly of any dish,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor aught but what goes round. To stay away</div>
-  <div class="verse">Might show suspicion, and could serve no end.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> Brother, be warned, go not to-night;</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">to-morrow</div>
-  <div class="verse">We may learn more. I beg ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent32">Nay, urge me not,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Since with this warning I am doubly safe.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> Oh, I dread Nero’s anger; ’tis most certain</div>
-  <div class="verse">That ill will come of it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, fear him not.</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1519</span><div class="verse">Let us go sup. I will use all precaution,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou may’st be sure, since for thy sake I do it:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And while thou livest I shall have both reason</div>
-  <div class="verse">And wish to live. Have care, too, for thyself;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I think thy peril is no less than mine.<span class="indent28">[<i>Exeunt.</i></span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter" >
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 5</h4>
-
-<p class="center"><i>Supper-room in the Palace. All are reclined at two
-tables, thus</i>:</p>
-
-
-<div class="center small">
-<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
-<tr>
-  <td class="tdlbr" colspan="2"><i>Agrippina</i>, <i>Nero</i>, <i>Poppæa</i>.</td>
-  <td align="left" colspan="2"><i>A gentm.</i>, <i>Octavia</i>, <i>A lady</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>Tigellinus</i>,</td>
-  <td class="tdlbr"><i>A gentm.</i></td>
-  <td align="left"><i>Britannicus</i>,</td>
-  <td align="left"><i>Paris</i>.</td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>A lady</i>,</td>
-  <td class="tdlbr"><i>Domitia.</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="left"><i>Petronius</i>,</td>
-  <td class="tdlbr"><i>Lucan.</i></td>
-</tr>
-<tr>
-  <td align="center" colspan="4"><i>Waiters, tasters, etc. Some are talking.</i></td>
-</tr>
-</table></div>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">I will propose a question to the table:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which of the arts is greatest? Lucan, these sausages</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are something new: try them.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="heading1"><i>POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent28">You question, Cæsar,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which of the arts is greatest? I would answer</div>
-  <div class="verse">The one which Cæsar honours.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">TIGELLINUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent28">But if Cæsar</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should honour more than one?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PETRONIUS.</p>
-  <div class="verse indent2"></div>
-  <div class="verse indent25">The sausages<span class="linenum">1529</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Are good enough. As for the arts, here’s Lucan</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Can speak for poetry.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">If any man</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Could prove one art beyond contention first,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I would reward him excellently. With me</div>
-  <div class="verse">To know the best and follow it are one:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Success being easy in all, my difficulty</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lies in distraction: show me then the best,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll perfect that.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent15">What! Cæsar give up singing?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> For better things.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i><span class="indent28">Which be the arts?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> (<i>to servants</i>).<span class="indent30">Here, vermin,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">This wine’s half-way to vinegar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">Who will name</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1540</span><div class="verse">The arts? There’s sculpture, painting, poetry,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Singing ..</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PARIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent8">And acting.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">Well, what more?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i><span class="indent45">Horse-racing.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>across</i>). Ruling I think’s an art.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>AGRIPPINA</i> (<i>across</i>).</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent40">And making love.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> ’Tis of the fine arts we would speak.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent28">(<i>To servants</i>) Ho! fellows,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Pour out the wine! Ah, here’s a lovely mullet.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has this been tasted?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">TASTER.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent16">Ay, Cæsar. ’Tis stuffed with truffles.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner</i>. A mullet stuffed with truffles. Now, Poppæa,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will not this please?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">I thank you.—(<i>aside</i>) Prithee, bid</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Lucan to speak for poetry.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="heading1"><i>BRITANNICUS</i> (<i>to servant</i>).</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent28">Nay, the mullet.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Lucan, what say you for your art?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">LUCAN.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent40">I claim</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1550</span><div class="verse">The first place for it, and I say ’tis proved</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nobler than any plastic art in this;</div>
-  <div class="verse">It needs not tools nor gross material,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hath twin doors to the mind, both eye and ear.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, even of drama Aristotle held,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Though a good play must act well, that ’tis perfect</div>
-  <div class="verse">Without the stage: which shows that poetry</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stains not her excellence by being kind</div>
-  <div class="verse">To those encumbrances, which, in my judgment,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are pushed to fetter fancy.—Then hath our art</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1560</span><div class="verse">Such strong and universal mastery</div>
-  <div class="verse">O’er heart and mind, that here ’tis only music</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Competes, and she is second far in scope,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Directness, and distinction.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">You think that?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> Ay, Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Do you! you who have ever been</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">More gracious to my voice than to my pen!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Am I a better singer then than poet,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Think you?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent5">Nay, Cæsar; but ....</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Ha! then you are envious.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">You would not have me write because, forsooth,</div>
-  <div class="verse">You write yourself. Now, by the god, I swear</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1570</span><div class="verse">Thou shalt not publish nor recite a verse</div>
-  <div class="verse">Within my empire till I give thee leave.</div>
-  <div class="verse">One man to keep the muses to himself!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Monstrous!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent5">And serve him right.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> (<i>aside</i>).     Monstrous indeed!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to servants</i>). Heat me some wine.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come, lords, ye drink not. Eh! what have we here?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Servant.</i> Cherubim, Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">What is Cherubim?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> The gods of the Jews.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent35">Hoo! let us eat their gods.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">They are much like pheasants.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Servt.</i><span class="indent32">’Tis a pheasant, Cæsar,</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And stuffed with woodcock.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent30">Cæsar, there’s one art</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Has not been mentioned; though I think at table</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1581</span><div class="verse">It should not be passed o’er.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">What art is that?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> I shall contend it is the first of all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Name it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent10">It hath no name. It scarce exists.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I think the goddess never walked the earth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Ranks she with poetry?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent32">I avouch above.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Cæsar, if this be proved, thou must rescind</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy poet’s sentence.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">Let him prove it first.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> I see in other arts some wit or fancy</div>
-  <div class="verse">Extrinsical to nature. I can find</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1590</span><div class="verse">No ground of need in any, save maybe</div>
-  <div class="verse">In architecture,—which ranks not so well</div>
-  <div class="verse">As to be mentioned by you.—Now, if I</div>
-  <div class="verse">Show you an art whose matter every day</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is life’s necessity, which gives more scope</div>
-  <div class="verse">To skill than any other, which delights</div>
-  <div class="verse">Among the senses one which the other arts</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wholly neglect, would you not say this art</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath the first claim? See, I could live without</div>
-  <div class="verse">The joys of harmony, colour, or form,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">1600</span><div class="verse">But without this it were impossible</div>
-  <div class="verse">To outlast the week.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent20">Oh! Cookery.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Several.</i><span class="indent30">Cookery, cookery!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> There’s the mistake I gird at. None of you</div>
-  <div class="verse">But thinks this art I speak of, which includes</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pleasures of entertainment, ease and elegance,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The mind’s best recreation, the satisfaction</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of the body’s nearest needs, the preservation</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of health, and with all this, the gratifying</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of that one sense, which above all the senses</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is subtle, difficult, discerning, ticklish,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1610</span><div class="verse">And most importunate,—that this great art</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is a cook’s province.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">True, Petronius, true;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s room for bettering these things.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent50">Why, wine—</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Just think of wine. A hundred vintages</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lie in my cellar; by my taste I tell</div>
-  <div class="verse">Each one; are eye or ear so delicate?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Here’s half a case already.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent40">Then again,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Look on this side. You bid your friends to supper:</div>
-  <div class="verse">That is a promise; and hath all your life</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1619</span><div class="verse">An hour more suitable for skilful kindness?</div>
-  <div class="verse">They come perturbed, fatigued, hungry and thirsty;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Nature exhausts them for you, drains them empty</div>
-  <div class="verse">To take all kinds of pleasure; their grated nerves</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ask music, their wearied limbs soft cushioned couches,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their harassed mind wise cheerful conversation,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their body’s appetites fawn at the word</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of food and wine: and yet we see these things,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which should be studied, ordered, suited, measured,</div>
-  <div class="verse">All jumbled in confusion, till a feast,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Instead of relaxation and renewal,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1630</span><div class="verse">Becomes, I say, for body and for mind</div>
-  <div class="verse">The worst discomfort and the stiffest trial</div>
-  <div class="verse">That life can show.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent18">Bravo! bravo!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">For one,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I am converted. Thou shalt be henceforth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Arbiter of my table.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> (<i>to servt.</i>) ’Tis boiling hot;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Taste it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Petron.</i>) Accept you the office?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent50">This would make me</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">A Cæsar above Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">In the province</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of imperial æsthetics.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Servt. to Brit.</i><span class="indent5">Pardon, your highness,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I will add water to it: ’tis yet unmixed.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>They pour in the poison.</i></p>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> ’Twill be a tyranny. For look, I hold</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1640</span><div class="verse">Man’s stomach is not to be trifled with.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not only should your table give delight</div>
-  <div class="verse">Even to the ravishment of every palate,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But since the end and final cause of food</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is not to breed diseases in the flesh,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor heat the spirits more than they can bear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But rather to build up and comfort health,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’d order first that there be served at table</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nothing but what is wholesome.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i> (<i>after drinking nubile Petr. speaks</i>). Ah!</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Falls back.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> The wine, the wine!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Br.</i><span class="indent32">Ah!</span><span class="indent40">[<i>Dies.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> He is dead. O dead! O dead!<span class="linenum">1650</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lucan, Petronius and Paris go to Britannicus</i>.</div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>Domitia follows.—All rising.</i></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> What is this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">He hath a fit.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent38">He doth not breathe.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> (<i>has come round to front</i>). Alas, alas! my brother; he is dead.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Nay, sit you down; look not aghast, I say.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He hath the falling sickness, and will oft</div>
-  <div class="verse">Faint on a sudden, as ye see. He lies</div>
-  <div class="verse">An hour as dead, and then awakes again</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">With nought amiss. Best take him out in quiet.</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>To servants.</i>) Carry him from the room.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent38">Lift you his feet, Petronius.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We two will take him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">Let him be, I say.</span><span class="linenum">1660</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">His servants will attend him. Return to table:</div>
-  <div class="verse">We cannot spare you.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>to Oct.</i>)<span class="indent10">Honoured lady, be hopeful:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For hath your noble brother e’er been taken</div>
-  <div class="verse">Like this, he may recover.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> (<i>to Par.</i>)<span class="indent5">Never—</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Never! O never! he is dead! I knew it!<span class="indent32">[<i>Going.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Oct.</i>) Heh, sit you down. What could you do, I pray?</div>
-  <div class="verse">He will come round.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent18">Oh! I will follow him.</span></div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exit with servants who are carrying Brit.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> (<i>to Par.</i>) How happened it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>to Petr.</i>)<span class="indent25">He drank a draught of wine</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Fresh mixed, and then fell back just as you saw.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What think you?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> (<i>to Par.</i>) Think you ’twas aught?<span class="linenum">1670</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>to Luc.</i>)<span class="indent35">What think you?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> Impossible.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> (<i>aside</i>). He is poisoned. Yet my sister</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was nothing privy to it. She is pale.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Come, sit you down, aunt: come, Petronius,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lucan, be seated. Let not the horrid sight</div>
-  <div class="verse">Unwhet your appetites.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> (<i>to Luc.</i>)<span class="indent5">That was no fit.</span><span class="indent25">[<i>To Par.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He is dead. What if ’twere poison? Where’s the drink?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> ’Twas hurried out.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent28">O God!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to servts.</i>)     Serve out the wine.</div>
-  <div class="verse">We all must need a bumper; ’tis most natural.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have known the mere revulsion to provoke</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1680</span><div class="verse">In a strong man a seizure similar</div>
-  <div class="verse">To that which frighted him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>aside</i>).    ’Twould not amaze me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had he such drink to cheer him.<span class="indent25">[<i>All refuse drink.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>to Nero</i>).<span class="indent20">I will not drink.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> From my cup.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent18">Well, from thine.</span><span class="indent30">[<i>Drinks.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> (<i>aside</i>).<span class="indent28">He is self-betrayed.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Where were we?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent20">At the point where Cæsar made me</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Arbiter of his table. I shall ask</div>
-  <div class="verse">To inaugurate my office.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">Do so, Petronius.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> Then know you are all dismissed. Let all go home,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And for the prince’s safety offer up<span class="indent28">[<i>All rise.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What vows ye may unto the gods. Myself,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I set the example, and go first. Come, Lucan.<span class="indent18">[<i>Going.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Eh! eh! yet thus ’tis best. Good night, Petronius,<span class="linenum">1691</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou hast spoken well; may the gods hear thy prayers.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I wish you all good night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>In disorder of going curtain falls.</i></p>
-</div></div></div>
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003c.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-
-<h3 id="ACT_IV">ACT · IV</h3>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">
-<h4>SCENE · 1</h4>
-
-<p class="center"><i>The same. A public place. THRASEA and PRISCUS
-meeting.</i></p>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PRISCUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse"><span class="xl smcap">I was</span> coming to your house.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">THRASEA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent25">’Tis well we meet.</div>
-  <div class="verse">How went it in the senate?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pr.</i><span class="indent30">As you said.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">A message read from Nero.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent28">Seneca?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pr.</i> No doubt.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> And in what terms touched he the murder?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pr.</i> With double tongue, as being an ill which none,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And Cæsar least, could have desired; and yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">A good none should lament.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent28">He is very prompt.</span><span class="linenum">1700</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What glozing for the hasty burial?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pr.</i> The speech was thus; that ’twas the better custom</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Of simple times to shun all vain parade:</div>
-  <div class="verse">That private grief was mocked by frigid pomp,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And public business and quiet thereby</div>
-  <div class="verse">Idly disturbed;—<i>Then for myself</i>, it ran,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>To have lost the aid and comfort of a brother</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>Demands your sympathy. Of your goodwill</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>I make no doubt; the more that my misfortune</i></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1710</span><div class="verse"><i>Throws me upon it, seeing that all my hopes</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>Now anchor wholly on the commonwealth.</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>Wherefore to you, my lords, and to the people,</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>I look so much the more for maintenance</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>And favour, since I now am left alone</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>Of all my family, to bear the cares</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>Your empire throws upon me.</i></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent32">This was well.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pr.</i> Then were there gifts decreed to all his friends.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> Hush-money. Did none murmur?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pr.</i><span class="indent45">There were none</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">So much as frowned.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent20">See, Lucan! let us speak with him.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Lucan.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1720</span><div class="verse">If now he be not shaken, I mistake</div>
-  <div class="verse">His temper.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">LUCAN.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent10">Good day, Thrasea.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent35">A dull morning.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> Comest thou from the house?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent42">Nay, more’s the pity.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">There was a distribution, as I hear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To friends of order. Say, how didst thou fare?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> In many things, Thrasea, I hold not with thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor will pretend that I can see in virtue</div>
-  <div class="verse">A self-sufficiency invulnerable</div>
-  <div class="verse">Against the crime of others. I believe</div>
-  <div class="verse">The world is wronged, and burn to avenge the wrong.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1730</span><div class="verse">But, as an honest man, I take thy hand.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> I looked for this, Lucan, and take thy hand.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Frivolity and crime are most unworthy</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of thy companionship.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent22">My uncle’s hope</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Tainted my judgment. I have been blind, and wronged thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i> Where I am misconceived I blame myself.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i> Hear me abjure.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent22">Spare words. There’s no more fear</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou wilt be duped. Cæsar, in slaying his brother,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has doffed the mask.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Luc.</i><span class="indent15">The heart of Rome must swell</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To put the monster down.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thr.</i><span class="indent25">We have our part:</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1740</span><div class="verse">But in the sorry tragedy he makes</div>
-  <div class="verse">We can be but spectators. On his stage</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">There’s nought but folly. Come thou home with me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll show thee how we may regard this play,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Take note of all the actors, and watch the end.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 2</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>The room in Domitia’s house, Enter DOMITIA and
-PARIS.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">DOMITIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">’Twas a most shameful deed; we take upon us</div>
-  <div class="verse">A just revenge.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PARIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent14">But ’tis the general thought</div>
-  <div class="verse">That Nero killed his brother; that his mother</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had no hand in it, rather would have saved him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> ’Twas her intrigues determined him, and they</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1750</span><div class="verse">Who egg on others are the real movers.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now will he hate her more a thousand-fold</div>
-  <div class="verse">For driving him to crime. She will not ’scape:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our plot will stand.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent20">Is it thy scheme to push</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Silana’s accusation?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent20">Ay, ’tis that.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We shall accuse the Augusta of intent</div>
-  <div class="verse">To marry Plautus, to assert his claim,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thus assail the throne.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent30">How wilt thou broach it?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> We have fixed to-night. Cæsar will dine at home,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And with convenient company. ’Tis agreed</div>
-  <div class="verse">When he’s well drunk, you enter, announce the plot</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1761</span><div class="verse">As freshly hatched, and so unmask the affair</div>
-  <div class="verse">That he shall be persuaded.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent30">How glibly, madam,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Speech can glide o’er the hitch; I must feel flattered</div>
-  <div class="verse">That just in the awkward place I am shovelled in</div>
-  <div class="verse">To carry it through, who have no heart in the matter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> No heart! had you no ear then to my promise?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> ’Tis little for the risk. But what of Burrus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Seeing that without his name the plot were weak,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And that to avouch his treason would discredit it,</div>
-  <div class="verse">We say he is suspected.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent25">’Twill not stand.</span><span class="linenum">1770</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We lack confederates.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent22">You forget Poppæa.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have sent for her to try her. If I mistake not,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis she that knocks. Get you behind the door,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And watch what passes. There!<span class="indent35">[<i>Paris hides.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Poppæa.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent40">Now this is kind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">I am bounden, lady, to wait on Cæsar’s aunt.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> I count the days, Poppæa, when you yourself</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will call me aunt: and in that happy hope</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll stand thy friend.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">I shall have full need, madam,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of all good offices.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent20">Maybe: my sister</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1780</span><div class="verse">Is an unscrupulous enemy. Beware!</div>
-  <div class="verse">She stole from me a husband, and will now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Keep you from winning one.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent28">She doth not hide</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Her disapproval of my love to Cæsar,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thus appears my foe; but in truth, madam,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Half of my heart sides with her, and the fear</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lest the full passion which I bear your nephew</div>
-  <div class="verse">May shame his rank, conquers my love so far</div>
-  <div class="verse">That oft I doubt if I have a heart to bear</div>
-  <div class="verse">The honour I have dreamed of, or a love</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1790</span><div class="verse">Worthy of him, since it so much can fear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Tut, tut! if you’re the woman that I think</div>
-  <div class="verse">You’re just what I would wish his wife to be.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Wronged in his marriage, he since hath wronged himself:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Octavia is a ninny, but his low</div>
-  <div class="verse">And last intrigues have scandalized the court:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our family is hurt. You are his equal</div>
-  <div class="verse">In wit and manners, and can hold your place;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor in opposing you is it his good</div>
-  <div class="verse">His mother weighs: rather it suits her schemes</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1800</span><div class="verse">To have his wife a fool. ’Tis not unknown</div>
-  <div class="verse">What lately she had dared to keep her place,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But that Britannicus’ so sudden death</div>
-  <div class="verse">Blasted her plots: now in her constant project</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your marriage threatens her.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent32">The more I see</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">It blackens more. May I dare ask you, madam,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To tell your sister that I willingly</div>
-  <div class="verse">Retire, if she prevail upon her son</div>
-  <div class="verse">Quite to forget his love and put me by?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Which side to take? that must you first determine;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1810</span><div class="verse">’Tis Cæsar or his mother. I supposed</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas him you loved, not her. Now should I tell you</div>
-  <div class="verse">That she is deeply pledged to take his life,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And seize the empire ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent25">Oh! what wicked crimes!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Impossible!</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent5">But if I prove it to you?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I could not hear it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent30">Nay, but if ’tis true,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Side you with us who hinder it, or her</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who pushes it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent10">O madam, ’tis incredible.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> Ay, and to-night, as Nero sits at supper,</div>
-  <div class="verse">When Paris brings the news he’ll not believe it.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1820</span><div class="verse">But then a word from you might turn the scale,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And rouse his better judgment.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent35">The very thought</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That her destruction were my safety, madam,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would hold my tongue. Indeed you have wronged me much,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Telling me this.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent12">Why, such things you will hear.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Nay, let me go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent22">Ay, go, but think upon it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Farewell.<span class="indent40">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> (<i>sola</i>). Was I mistaken?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>re-entering</i>).<span class="indent12">My mind is changed.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i> How now! what say you?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Madam, the plot will stand.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent40">Did you hear all?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> And saw.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent10">All that compunction ...</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Ay, be sure of it.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1830</span><div class="verse">Why she and I could carry anything.</div>
-  <div class="verse">She’s a born actress: we must keep good friends</div>
-  <div class="verse">With her.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dom.</i><span class="indent5">Then this is well; go learn your part.</span></div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 3</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>At the tomb of Britannicus, Enter OCTAVIA and
-ATTENDANTS.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">OCTAVIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Hang there, sweet roses, while your blooms are wet,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hang there and weep unblamed; ay, weep one hour,</div>
-  <div class="verse">While yet your tender, fleshly hues remember</div>
-  <div class="verse">His fair young prime; then wither, droop, and die,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And with your changèd tissues paint my grief.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, let those old wreaths lie, the shrivelled petals</div>
-  <div class="verse">Speak feelingly of sorrow; strew them down</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1840</span><div class="verse">About the steps: we mock death being trim.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now here another. Ah! see, set it you:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I cannot reach. Have you not thought these roses</div>
-  <div class="verse">Weave a fit emblem—how they wait for noon</div>
-  <div class="verse">That comes to kill their promise, and the crown</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is but a mock one?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ATTENDANT.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent14">’Tis a good custom, lady,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To honour thus the tombs of those we love.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> Custom! Is this a custom? Then I think</div>
-  <div class="verse">I wrong my sorrow in such common shows.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Att.</i> Nay, it doth ease affliction to be busy;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1850</span><div class="verse">And grief, that cannot reckon with a mystery,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is comforted by trifles.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent25">Why, thou’rt wrong;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">It brings no comfort.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Att.</i><span class="indent22">And ’tis kindly done</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To hide the fresh-cut stone. Death is hard featured</div>
-  <div class="verse">In a new-built tomb.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent20">O, hold thy peace! I see</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou canst not be my comforter. Alas,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I blame thee not. But yet, whate’er be said,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Think not our gracious deed finds its account</div>
-  <div class="verse">In the honour done: the wreaths I bring were woven</div>
-  <div class="verse">More for myself; the tears I shed, I shed</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1860</span><div class="verse">The more abundantly that they are crimes</div>
-  <div class="verse">In the sight of him that slew him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Att.</i><span class="indent40">Speak not so,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Lady; thou’rt o’er-distraught.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent35">What would’st thou have me?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Knowing my sorrow thou should’st rather wonder,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And think it well that I speak sense at all.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Att.</i> Let not such passion kill thy courage, lady;</div>
-  <div class="verse">The greatest die. There stands the tomb of Julius,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose mighty march was no less foully stayed</div>
-  <div class="verse">At noon of power: there is Augustus’ tomb,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wherein so many lie ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent22">Why, what are they</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1870</span><div class="verse">To me? Is’t not my brother that is dead?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose life was mine, as needful to my day</div>
-  <div class="verse">As is the sun; as natural, old a want</div>
-  <div class="verse">To very life as is the bathing air</div>
-  <div class="verse">That my blood battens on. Take these away</div>
-  <div class="verse">And give him back; it then were likelier</div>
-  <div class="verse">I should not gasp, fret, pale, nor starve, nor pine.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He is gone! O miserably, suddenly,</div>
-  <div class="verse">For ever; alas! alas!—See, who comes hither?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Att.</i> ’Tis Agrippina, lady; and she carries</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1880</span><div class="verse">Wreaths such as ours.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent22">Let us begone in haste.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Att.</i> Alas! she hath seen us, lady: ’tis too late.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> I’ll but salute her. I pray you all keep back,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor speak with her attendants.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Agrippina, Fulvia, and Attendants.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGRIPPINA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent30">My dearest daughter,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have longed for this embrace. Where else but here</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Beside this sacred tomb should we have met?</div>
-  <div class="verse">I should have been much with thee in thy sorrow,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But am forbidden the palace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent32">I must thank thee</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Doing this grace to my unhappy brother.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The gods grant thee kind messages. Farewell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Nay, go not thus. See how I hang these garlands.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> Not there, nay, not on mine; not there! thy grief<span class="linenum">1891</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Must own a lower place; mix not its show</div>
-  <div class="verse">With mine. He was my brother.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent35">Thou art right.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Set them here, Fulvia. If my heart is wronged,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis done unwittingly; thou canst not know.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> I leave thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent20">Grant one word.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent45">Would’st thou be kind</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twill be but one.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">’Tis this then: I am kind.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">In sum ’twas this I came to say.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent38">If hither</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou didst but come to seek me, know I had chosen</div>
-  <div class="verse">The hour to be alone.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">My dearest child,</span><span class="linenum">1900</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My injured child! See, I would have thee trust</div>
-  <div class="verse">My friendship. ’Twas my constant, loving wish</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To right thy brother’s wrongs, and now my heart</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is wholly turned on thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent28">Think not of me.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Am I not past all help? nor do I crave</div>
-  <div class="verse">The help that leads to death.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">O never dream</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That I had hand in that accursèd deed.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The terror of it rather hath possessed</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1909</span><div class="verse">My purpose with the justice of revenge.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> I cannot thank thee, and from thy messengers</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have gathered all. There’s nought to say. Farewell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Thou dost not know Poppæa marries Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> Ay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Thou consentest?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i><span class="indent25">Say, would my refusal</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Or my consent be counted?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent28">It shall not be.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> It matters not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">Thou lookest for divorce?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> Can I remain his wife who killed my brother?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Thou art the last branch of the house of Claudius,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And if thou wilt forget the hurt now done thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">May’st yet retrieve thy blood; but being too proud,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wilt more dishonour what thou seemest to honour.</div>
-  <div class="verse">If now thou’rt brave, and wilt join hands with me ....</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Oct.</i> O never, never! was it not that hand</div>
-  <div class="verse">That .... O my brother, with thy trait’rous foe</div>
-  <div class="verse">Make peace, and at thy tomb! Ask clemency</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of him that murdered thee! O never.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou most dear shade, who wast too mild and kind,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If death seal not thy spiritual sense</div>
-  <div class="verse">To my loud sorrow, hear me! O thou my joy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">By whom the bitterness of life, my lot</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1930</span><div class="verse">Of horror, was quite sweetened,—cruelly,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Most cruelly slain. Ay, I will all forget</div>
-  <div class="verse">When he who wrought this thing can bring again</div>
-  <div class="verse">Out of thy cold unmotionable ashes</div>
-  <div class="verse">The well-compacted body and grace of life.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, if he make one smile of thine, although</div>
-  <div class="verse">It last no time, I will forget: but else,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I say, the thing he hath done, since so ’tis done</div>
-  <div class="verse">That he cannot undo it, he must o’er-do</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ere I forget.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent10">I will be yet thy friend—</span></div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exit Oct. with Attendants.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">There comes no help from her. Maybe her grief</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1941</span><div class="verse">Is yet too fresh. Come, Fulvia, let us go.</div>
-  <div class="verse">She would not speak with me. Now on all hands</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou seest I am set aside, and count for nought.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet not for this am I a whit discouraged;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall rise yet. Am I not Agrippina?<span class="indent32">[<i>Exeunt.</i></span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 4</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>A room in the Palace. Enter through a door from the
-supper-room NERO and POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Now ere they follow, Poppæa, ease my heart,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And tell me thy request.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent22">Thou’lt grant it me?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Whate’er it be, if thou wilt come to Baiæ.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I’ll have it without bargain or not at all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1950</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I grant it: ask.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">’Tis that you give my husband</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The post in Lusitania which he begs.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> ’Tis his. Would he were there.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent45">My thanks.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent60">I prithee</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Call him not husband.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">Ah, now I pierce this veil</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of generosity: why, when he goes</div>
-  <div class="verse">I must go with him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">Eh! if that’s the case</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I grant not his commission.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent30">’Tis a promise.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I had a promise once.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent32">That was conditioned.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> And what condition have I not fulfilled?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Heavens! is’t forgotten?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">Say, what have I lacked in?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Or did I dream ’twas promised me? ’Twas this;<span class="linenum">1960</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Marriage.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> By Juno, I will marry thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But come to Baiæ.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent15">Nay; thine oath is vain</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the point of honour. There are things</div>
-  <div class="verse">Idle and ceremonial, and that count</div>
-  <div class="verse">In love as nought, but which alone can make</div>
-  <div class="verse">Divorce from Otho honourable, nay,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To me, I say, possible. Till the day</div>
-  <div class="verse">Octavia is divorced I am Otho’s wife,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, and am well content to be: he loves me,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1970</span><div class="verse">And lacks in nothing that a gentlema.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And lover should observe. I sometimes think</div>
-  <div class="verse">That you mistake ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">Ah!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">But to mistake in that!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Seem to forget! I fly.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">O most impatient!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have yet no pretext.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">Nay, nor ever will.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Besides, your mother rules: she would not suffer it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have no desire to taste her dishes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">Hush!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">They come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter through the door Petronius, Tigellinus and</i><br />
-  <i>Anicetus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent8">Where be the others?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">TIGELLINUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent28">They have taken</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cæsar’s gracious permission, and gone home.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis late.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent5">Why, who art thou to say ’tis late?</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1980</span><div class="verse">Be seated, be seated. I’ll tell thee, Anicetus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">More of my scheme anon; but for the present</div>
-  <div class="verse">We keep Minerva’s feast at Baiæ; thither</div>
-  <div class="verse">Must thou convey the court. Combine high pomp</div>
-  <div class="verse">With masterly dispatch; our games shall reach</div>
-  <div class="verse">The limit of invention, and ourselves</div>
-  <div class="verse">Take part. To thee I say, come not behind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ANICETUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Grant me the means to be great Cæsar’s herald,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll make a wonder that shall fetch the nymphs</div>
-  <div class="verse">From their blue depths in ravishment to see</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">1990</span><div class="verse">His ships upon the waters.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">I shall be liberal,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And give thee full instruction. (<i>To Pop.</i>) Think, my love,</div>
-  <div class="verse">What could be pleasanter, now spring is come,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than to confide our vexed and careful spirits</div>
-  <div class="verse">To nature’s flush; to leave our memories</div>
-  <div class="verse">With the din and smoke of Rome, and force a pageant</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the lazy mirror of the bay,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">One to make Venus jealous, and confound</div>
-  <div class="verse">The richness of the season. Thou dost not guess</div>
-  <div class="verse">What I can do. Say, would’st thou miss the seeing</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2000</span><div class="verse">Of my magnificence?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Paris.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent18">See, here is Paris.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> He comes to make us merry. The gods defend us!</div>
-  <div class="verse">He has seen a ghost.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent20">He has something to deliver.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Patience! I know his mood: he will be tragic;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And you shall see the severe and tearful muse</div>
-  <div class="verse">Outstride her dignity, and fall along.</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>To Paris</i>) Begin!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PARIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent16">Most mighty and most honoured Cæsar,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I cannot speak for shame.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent25">Why, man, thou’st spoken.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> He opens well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> Like the nurse in Seneca’s tragedy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> The tale I bring, my lords, is little suited</div>
-  <div class="verse">To make your sport.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent15">No?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">This is excellent.</span><span class="linenum">2011</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I think he is in earnest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">’Tis his art.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> I am a messenger now, and no actor,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sent by your royal aunt Domitia</div>
-  <div class="verse">To unmask a thing, which, though the gods be praised</div>
-  <div class="verse">That in discovery have wrought prevention,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is yet a damnèd plot ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>rising</i>).     A plot, a plot!<span class="indent15">[<i>All rise.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Stand off; stand off! a plot, thou say’st? a plot?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>aside to Nero</i>). Pray heaven this prove not now</div>
-  <div class="verse">some fresh contrivance</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2020</span><div class="verse">Of the empress.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">Stand all aside. Art thou in earnest?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> Pardon me, Cæsar. Did this plot concern</div>
-  <div class="verse">Less than thy life ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">My life! by all the gods,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Speak but his name who dares.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent32">Will Cæsar’s ear</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Grant me indulgence?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">Speak, fool, or thou diest.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> The matter is disclosed by certain freedmen</div>
-  <div class="verse">Engaged by the empress.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">Ah!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>to Nero</i>).<span class="indent12">Said I not so?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Be this proved, ’tis the last.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>to Nero</i>).<span class="indent20">Ay, till the next.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Paris, as thou would’st live another moment,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Speak now but truth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>shows a paper</i>). See here the evidence.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2030</span><div class="verse">If Cæsar read this, ’twill give certain colour</div>
-  <div class="verse">To worst suspicion. Here are writ the names.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Read me the names.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent28">Rubellius Plautus.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent60">Ha!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Enough. I know ’tis true the villain’s blood</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath from Augustus equal claim with mine.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who else?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i>    Balbillus and Arruntius Stella,</div>
-  <div class="verse">With Fænius Rufus, and your royal mother,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And some who ’scape the crime disclosing it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I’ll have their lives to-night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i><span class="indent45">I pray now, Cæsar,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Grant me this order.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i><span class="indent18">Or me.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, who are ye?</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2040</span><div class="verse">Go, Tigellinus, fetch me Burrus hither.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> I have his name set down with the conspiracy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Burrus?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent10">’Tis question of him, nothing certain.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Escort him here unarmed; I’ll speak with him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i> Cæsar, I go.<span class="indent60">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">Give me thy paper, sirrah.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">What have we here?<span class="indent60">[<i>Reads.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> (<i>to Servt.</i>) Call me my servant there.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i> Wilt thou go?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent20">Ay, ’tis sadly out of place,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">This business at this time. Look, Anicetus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou’rt new to Cæsar’s suppers; let me tell thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s ever something wrong. See how he takes it!</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2050</span><div class="verse">Mad, mad!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>aside</i>). I see. Plautus. This hits my life:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Britannicus being dead, that hope cut off,</div>
-  <div class="verse">She looks to Plautus’ claim: and I to be</div>
-  <div class="verse">Poisoned or what appears not: yet I doubt not</div>
-  <div class="verse">Poisoned. ’Tis found in time. Now ’tis plain war;</div>
-  <div class="verse">The strongest wins. Poison! ’Tis life for life.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, maybe already I have swallowed down</div>
-  <div class="verse">Some death-steeped morsel; ay, this very night</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have tasted of it, and the subtle drug</div>
-  <div class="verse">Runs in my veins concocting: my spirit sickens,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I faint and tremble. What is it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i> (<i>advancing</i>).<span class="indent15">Cæsar, a word.</span><span class="linenum">2060</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> What would’st thou say?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i> (<i>to Ner.</i>)<span class="indent15">’Tis I can do this thing.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">None that be here lack will: I have the means.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twere easy, would you give me the command.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> What would be easy?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i><span class="indent28">Why, this thing that hangs,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Which you for Rome so wisely, and for you</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rome and your friends have wished. If but your foe</div>
-  <div class="verse">Step on a ship of mine, I’ll beg my death</div>
-  <div class="verse">If it touch land again. We go to Baiæ,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And there upon the hazard of the sea</div>
-  <div class="verse">May this disorder sleep.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Burrus with Tigellinus.</i></p>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Anic.</i>)<span class="indent10">I thank thy zeal;</span><span class="linenum">2070</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">There is no need; give way.—Burrus, thou’rt called</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon a stern occasion. Is’t not death</div>
-  <div class="verse">To any man or woman whosoe’er</div>
-  <div class="verse">That plots to murder Cæsar?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">BURRUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent24">Death deserved.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Here be the names of some who thus offend.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thine is amongst them: of thine honesty</div>
-  <div class="verse">I am too well persuaded to demand</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">More proof than this, that thou do execute</div>
-  <div class="verse">All these conspirators to-night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent38">—Cæsar</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2080</span><div class="verse">Is not mistaken in me. Let me see</div>
-  <div class="verse">The names.<span class="indent45">[<i>Takes paper and reads.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> (<i>aside</i>). Now may Jove blast the general’s wits,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Else we be lost.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> (<i>to Anic.</i>) Take my advice. (<i>going</i>).</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i> (<i>to Petr.</i>)<span class="indent22">Nay, nay,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll see it out.<span class="indent50">[<i>Exit Petronius.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> (<i>aside</i>). What’s this? Why, ’tis mere nonsense.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">What evidence hath Cæsar of this plot?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Confession of the traitors. Paris brings it</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fresh from Domitia.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent18">Now, with your permission,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll question Paris.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">Question! why, is’t not plain?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Question is treasonous; and thou to question,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose name the black suspicion pricks! wilt thou</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2090</span><div class="verse">Question?—who hast the deepest cause of all</div>
-  <div class="verse">For sure conviction? Is’t not horrible</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I, to whose security the empire</div>
-  <div class="verse">Looks for stability, should most of all</div>
-  <div class="verse">Live an uneasy and precarious life,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And find no remedy because my ministers,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Who should be over-zealous to protect me</div>
-  <div class="verse">Even from imagined danger, shut their eyes</div>
-  <div class="verse">And ears to plots and perils which I hear</div>
-  <div class="verse">My slaves and women prate of?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent32">Cæsar, the matter</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Demands inquiry. That you have been much wronged</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2101</span><div class="verse">Is clear: by whom is doubtful. Let me pray</div>
-  <div class="verse">You save your judgment from reproach of haste,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hear what I advise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">Speak; I will hear.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Speak.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> First dismiss the company: ’tis ill</div>
-  <div class="verse">To have had this audience.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Friends, you are all dismissed.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Begone without a word: this business presses.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>to Nero</i>). Have some one with you, Nero; are you advised?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Keep a guard while you can.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Pop.</i>)<span class="indent12">Nay, have no fear.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I would not trust him. Did not Paris say</div>
-  <div class="verse">His name was with the rest?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Pop.</i>)<span class="indent10">Be not afraid.—</span><span class="linenum">2110</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Good night, my lords. (<i>To Bur.</i>) Shall Paris stay?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent60">No, none.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Paris, await without; the rest go home.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent40">[<i>Anic. Tig. and Par. go out: Poppæa tarries.</i></div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>to Nero</i>). Oh, do not trust this man!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Pop.</i>)<span class="indent40">He’s not my enemy.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> I fear to leave thee with him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">Have no fear.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Could he not kill thee?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent35">Nay, nay.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent45">Oh, he will.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Alas! alas! Oh! oh!<span class="indent60">[<i>Faints.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">Why, thou must go.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exit Nero carrying out Poppæa.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> (<i>solus</i>). Be hanged! the fool’s gone too.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Re-enter Nero.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">Now, Burrus, now.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Art thou my friend?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent18">—We are alone, and while</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s none to hear, you must excuse a soldier</div>
-  <div class="verse">If he speak plainly, Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent30">Indeed, Burrus,</span><span class="linenum">2120</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou art my only friend; speak as a friend.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> I have heard it said the German warriors,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Meet o’er their cups, and, hot with wine, resolve</div>
-  <div class="verse">Matters of state; but ere they put in act</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their midnight policy, they meet again</div>
-  <div class="verse">In morning hours to see if sober sense</div>
-  <div class="verse">Approve what frenzied zeal inspired. The custom</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Has been applauded. Chance has given to you</div>
-  <div class="verse">The one half of the method: use the other.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">2130</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I am not drunk.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Such wandering judgment, Cæsar,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Asks such excuse.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">My judgment wanders not.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I am cool. My face is flushed?....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent40">How will this look</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If, sitting here at table, at a breath</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of hearsay you commit to instant death</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your mother and four noble citizens,</div>
-  <div class="verse">With others of less note?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Choose I the time?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall the conspirators be pardoned then</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Cause Cæsar sups? or say Cæsar must fast</div>
-  <div class="verse">And touch no wine, lest when his blood be warm</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2140</span><div class="verse">Some treasonous practice creep into his ears,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And they who would befriend conspiracy</div>
-  <div class="verse">May point suspicion on his judgment! Now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is a good hour for treason; Cæsar sups,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And must not credit it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">I do not blame</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Your feast.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> No more then: let it be to-night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> What! on a charge unproven?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent40">Thou may’st prove it.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> See, you acquit me; why not then the rest?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Acquit my mother! would’st thou persuade me, Burrus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">She can be acquitted?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Of the deeds she has done</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">She is guilty; for this action charged against her,</div>
-  <div class="verse">It is not hers.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">Oh, more, much more is hers</span><span class="linenum">2151</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Than thou dost dream. The crime men charge on me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My brother’s death, Burrus, indeed, I swear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Though thou believe me not, yet if my part</div>
-  <div class="verse">In that were separate and weighed ’gainst hers ...</div>
-  <div class="verse">I would not tell thee... Oh, I had been happy had I</div>
-  <div class="verse">But heard thee then.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent20">Your peace even now as much</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Hangs on good counsel. You are hot: be guided, Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Nay, now thou’rt changed, thou’rt wrong: thou goest round</div>
-  <div class="verse">To the other side. If thou would’st give the advice</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2161</span><div class="verse">I need, I’d take it gladly. Listen, Burrus:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have another secret; if I tell thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou may’st befriend me. I will tell thee. Hark!</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis this: I fear my mother; I cannot sound</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her heartlessness; my terror shames the shows</div>
-  <div class="verse">And feeble efforts of my trust and love.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I have read her eyes—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Oh, there’s no tenderness, no pious scruple</div>
-  <div class="verse">Writ in my favour there; nothing but hate.</div>
-  <div class="verse">To think that I am her son but whets to fierceness</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2171</span><div class="verse">Her fury, and her hellish plots are laid</div>
-  <div class="verse">More recklessly and safely that she deems</div>
-  <div class="verse">I am not knit of that obdurate nerve</div>
-  <div class="verse">To sear the tender place of natural love.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I would not do it, Burrus, though I fear her</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hate her, as I must; but let it end</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ere it be worse. I pray thee do it, Burrus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> The cause of fear is magnified by terror:</div>
-  <div class="verse">The present circumstance were amply met</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2180</span><div class="verse">By Agrippina’s exile, which I urge,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As ever, now. But let such sentence rest</div>
-  <div class="verse">On proven crime.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Oh, thus were ne’er an end.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Done, we stand clear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Thus done, ’twere a foul crime:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And if you have found remorse in what before</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was schemed in fear and haste, consider, Cæsar,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If you would thank me for subserviency</div>
-  <div class="verse">Did I obey; for your sake I refuse.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Eh!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent5">I refuse.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">I have other friends.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent45">So be it.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Take my demission. But remember, Cæsar,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2190</span><div class="verse">That he who fills my place, handles the power</div>
-  <div class="verse">That holds you up; he that hath strength to help</div>
-  <div class="verse">May find the will to hurt you.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent35">I meant not that.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I trust thee, Burrus: I’ll be guided by thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What wilt thou do?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">The wisest course is thus:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To-morrow Seneca and I will go</div>
-  <div class="verse">With chosen witnesses to Agrippina,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And lay the charge. If she draw quit of it,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Well; but if not, I promise that her place</div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall not win favour of me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent30">Dost thou promise?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> I promise that.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">And if there be a doubt,</span><span class="linenum">2200</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou’lt wrest it to my side?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent32">I promise that.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> ’Tis death.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">Ay, death.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent30">If that be thy last word</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I am free. I would I had more such friends as thou.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But bring it not back; take all my power. Thou saidst</div>
-  <div class="verse">I had no cause for fear?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">What should you fear?</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I think thou’rt right.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent32">Now, Cæsar, I will leave you.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Your spirits are much moved.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">Indeed I swear</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I am not moved. There was no need to blame</div>
-  <div class="verse">My supper, Burrus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, I blamed it not.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">2210</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I am not sensible to wine as others.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of all I meet there’s none, no, not the best,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Can eat and drink as I. There’s something, Burrus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">In that. I think if I, who rule the world,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Could not enjoy my wine, that were a blemish</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which scorn might hit.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">I never blamed your supper.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Hadst thou been there, thou would’st have praised it well.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have learned much lately in these things. Petronius,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, he’s the man—I’m blessed in this Petronius.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou know’st him?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">Ay, and would not keep his hours.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis late, to bed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Well, Burrus, I’ll to bed.</span><span class="linenum">2220</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But thou must sup with me. I’d gladly have thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">One of our party. I shall tell Petronius.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Cæsar, good night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">By heaven, I had forgot;</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Where did I leave Poppæa? I remember.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Good night, Burrus, good night.<span class="indent42">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent38">Now may brave Bacchus</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Reclaim the field; for me, I’ll gather up</div>
-  <div class="verse">This quenched brand, and be off. What must men think</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of Cæsar, who would fetch him with such trash?</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Augusta marry Plautus! Master Paris</div>
-  <div class="verse">For this will need his wit to save his skin.<span class="indent22">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 5</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>A small room in Agrippina’s house. Enter AGRIPPINA
-and FULVIA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGRIPPINA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">2231</span><div class="verse">My days are weary, Fulvia. Know you not</div>
-  <div class="verse">Some art to make time fly? another month</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of prison and neglect would kill me quite.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">FULVIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Is’t not the change more than the solitude</div>
-  <div class="verse">Vexes your majesty?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent18">Nay, I was never made</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For isolation, and even by my friends</div>
-  <div class="verse">I am utterly forsaken.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent22">Junia Silana</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Was very constant, tho’ we have not seen her</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now for four days.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">Bah! she’s my foe. I wronged her</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2240</span><div class="verse">That way a woman ne’er forgives. ’Twas I</div>
-  <div class="verse">Broke off her match with Sextius, you remember.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> Your true friends dare not come: they stand aloof,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Watching the time to do you service, madam.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> You speak of Pallas: there’s none else.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent60">The lot</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of late befallen your majesty is such</div>
-  <div class="verse">As all our sex have borne, who have not raised</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor much demeaned themselves beyond the rest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> True; but ’twas never mine; I made escape.</div>
-  <div class="verse">They that would lock us up in idleness,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2250</span><div class="verse">Shut us from all affairs, treat us as dolls</div>
-  <div class="verse">Appointed for their pleasure; these but make it</div>
-  <div class="verse">The easier for a woman with a will</div>
-  <div class="verse">To have her way. Life lacks machinery</div>
-  <div class="verse">To thwart us. Had I been a man, methinks</div>
-  <div class="verse">I had done as well, but never with the means</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have used. Nay, nay, ’tis easy for a woman,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be she but quick and brave, to have her will.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Servant, who speaks to Fulvia, and she to<br />
-  Agrippina.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Burrus and Seneca you say! Admit them.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fulvia, here’s one apiece: make your own choice;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2260</span><div class="verse">I’ve none, and can be generous. Pray come in.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Burrus and Seneca with two others.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Come in, my lords, come in. You are very welcome.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Look, Fulvia, now if Mercury have not heard</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our prayers and sent us noble visitors!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pray you be seated. Alas, in this poor house</div>
-  <div class="verse">I fear I cannot show you the reception</div>
-  <div class="verse">You and your gallant followers deserve.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis not what thou’rt accustomed to at home,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seneca, I know: pardon it. Thou lookest cold.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come near the fire: pray heaven this bitter weather</div>
-  <div class="verse">May not have touched thy chest. A Gallic winter!</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2271</span><div class="verse">I can remember no such fall of snow</div>
-  <div class="verse">In March these twenty years; but looking back,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I find one noted in my journal then.</div>
-  <div class="verse">How goes your health, my lords?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SENECA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent30">Well, thank you, madam.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I am very glad: your visit is well meant;</div>
-  <div class="verse">It cheers me much.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">BURRUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent16">The truth is, madam, we come</div>
-  <div class="verse">At Nero’s order.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">Ha! then I strike you off</span><span class="indent22">[<i>Rising.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My list of friends again. I thought as much;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I wondered how you dared me this affront</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2280</span><div class="verse">In my last poor retreat, here where I sit</div>
-  <div class="verse">Alone and friendless, in the worst disgrace</div>
-  <div class="verse">Woman can suffer;—ay, and caused by you.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But learn that, if nought else, this house is mine;</div>
-  <div class="verse">If ’tis so small that it can welcome little,</div>
-  <div class="verse">It can exclude the more. At Cæsar’s order</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye have forgot your manners, now at mine</div>
-  <div class="verse">Resume them. Ye have done his hest, begone!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Begone!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent5">I pray you, madam, hear the message;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We may not leave without delivering it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Burrus will speak it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">Oh—Burrus speak it.</span><span class="linenum">2290</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If Burrus speak, the affair is mighty black.</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s none like him to break an ugly business.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Sitting.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Hey! Well, we have nought to do, so let us hear</div>
-  <div class="verse">The last of the court. Octavia’s divorce?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Believe me, lady, I feel much aggrieved</div>
-  <div class="verse">In all that hurts you here.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent20">Stranger than fiction.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Now what’s the matter?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">There has been information</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To Cæsar of plots against his life, the which</div>
-  <div class="verse">The informers charge on you. This the chief item,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2300</span><div class="verse">That you have entered with Rubellius Plautus</div>
-  <div class="verse">Into conspiracy to set him up</div>
-  <div class="verse">In Nero’s place, and to dethrone your son.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I come with Seneca and these witnesses</div>
-  <div class="verse">To hear the answer, which your majesty</div>
-  <div class="verse">No doubt hath very ready, and accordingly</div>
-  <div class="verse">To acquit you of the charge.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">—Excellent!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Now, Seneca, ’s thy turn; or will these gentlemen?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fulvia, we have depositions to be made:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fetch pens and paper; all shall be in order.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Madam, remember on what past occasions</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2311</span><div class="verse">Cæsar hath shown suspicion, and believe,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whate’er your innocency, there is cause</div>
-  <div class="verse">To make it clear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">Thy prudence, Seneca,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is vanity, not kindness; spare it, pray.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Here is your paper, gentlemen: I’ll give you</div>
-  <div class="verse">Matter for Cæsar’s reading. Tell me first</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who’s my accuser?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">There are two—the first</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Junia Silana, the other is your sister</div>
-  <div class="verse">Domitia: they bring forth as evidence</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2320</span><div class="verse">The informers, certain freedmen, Atimetus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Iturius, and Calvisius, who affirm</div>
-  <div class="verse">That you have lately been on terms with Plautus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stirring him up to make an enterprise</div>
-  <div class="verse">Against the state; that you, by marrying him</div>
-  <div class="verse">(Who by the mother’s side may claim a line</div>
-  <div class="verse">As rightly from Augustus as doth Nero),</div>
-  <div class="verse">Might reinstate yourself, dethrone your son,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And bring disaster to the commonwealth.</div>
-  <div class="verse">That is the charge, of which we are come to hear</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2330</span><div class="verse">The refutation, not to press the count.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Pah! You’re a brace of idiots, if ye think</div>
-  <div class="verse">This needs refuting. Who’s Silana, pray,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That if she speak, the very bonds of nature</div>
-  <div class="verse">And heaven must be repealed to give her credit,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Saying a mother plots to kill her son?</div>
-  <div class="verse">I marvel not that she, being childless, dares</div>
-  <div class="verse">Avouch such madness, never having known</div>
-  <div class="verse">How near the affections of all mothers are,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor that a mother cannot shift her love</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2340</span><div class="verse">Like an adulteress;—nay, nor do I wonder</div>
-  <div class="verse">That she should find among her freedmen those,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who, having in luxury spent all their substance,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will for the promise of the old lady’s purse</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Sustain the accusation: but that for this</div>
-  <div class="verse">I should be seriously held suspect</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of the infamy of parricide, or Cæsar</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of giving ear to it, this I marvel at.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">As for Domitia, I would thank my sister</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2349</span><div class="verse">Even for her jealousy, were but the strife</div>
-  <div class="verse">One of good will and kindness towards my Nero.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But now she wastes her time with her man Paris,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Composing as ’twere fables for the stage.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let her go back to Baiæ and her fishpools;</div>
-  <div class="verse">They kept her trifling spirit well employed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">When by my efforts Nero’s first adoption,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Proconsular authority, consulate,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And other steps to empire were procured.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are ye now answered?—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or is there any can be brought to show</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2360</span><div class="verse">That I have practised with the city cohorts,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Corrupted the loyalty of the provinces,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Solicited the freedmen to rebellion?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or to what purpose think ye? Had Britannicus</div>
-  <div class="verse">Been Cæsar, then I grant I might have lived;</div>
-  <div class="verse">But if ’tis Plautus, or whoever else</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should get the power, how should I lack accusers</div>
-  <div class="verse">To charge me, not with words escaped in passion,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But deeds and crimes—crimes—ay, Seneca, crimes,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of which I could not hope to be acquitted</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">2370</span><div class="verse">Save as a mother by her son? And ye</div>
-  <div class="verse">Think I shall here defend myself to you!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Send Cæsar to me. By the gods I swear</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll be revenged on all who have had a hand</div>
-  <div class="verse">In this most cowardly and senseless plot.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I wait him here: tell him that to none other</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will I resolve this matter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent30">Be content</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To say so much in form, that our report</div>
-  <div class="verse">Suffice for your acquittal.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent30">I bid you go.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Cæsar shall hear your message.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent45">Madam, we go.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Ay, go, good fellows; though ye have roused</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">my passion,<span class="linenum">2380</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Your coming here hath cheered me wondrously.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, if ye have ever such another matter,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Bring it again; be not abashed, but come;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or send your wives, and those two gentlemen,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose names I know not. My lords, your humble servant.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Burrus and Seneca and two Gentlemen.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Plautus! now is it possible I was wrong</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not to have thought of Plautus? No, I laugh,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis merely laughable. At forty-five</div>
-  <div class="verse">To marry a pretender; and Plautus too!</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">2390</span><div class="verse">He would not have me. Fulvia, do you think</div>
-  <div class="verse">That Plautus wants to marry me? Ha! ha!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is it my beauty, think you, or my virtue,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or my good fortune tempts the stoic? Oh,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Domitia, oh, you are dull. I cannot fear</div>
-  <div class="verse">This plot. We shall retire with more than honour.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas strange, I think, that Pallas was not struck;</div>
-  <div class="verse">His name escaped.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent15">There is ample reason, madam.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">They say that in his house he holds such caution</div>
-  <div class="verse">As not to speak before his slaves. His orders</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2400</span><div class="verse">Are given by nod and sign, or if there’s need</div>
-  <div class="verse">He writes: there’s none can say they have heard him speak.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> May good come of it. ’Twould be hard indeed</div>
-  <div class="verse">If they should exile Plautus for a fear</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lest I should marry him. That were a fate</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of irony. Why, give the man his choice</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of marrying me and exile, would he not</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fly to the pole? Poor Plautus! marry Plautus!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Both.</i> Ha! ha! ha! he! he!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Nero. Agrippina is seated.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">I find you merry, mother; the gods be praised</div>
-  <div class="verse">That you deny the impeachment.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent35">Really, Nero,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Burrus’ memory is getting very short</div>
-  <div class="verse">If he said I denied it. I did not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> You did not?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent18">Nay, I’d not be at the pains.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Called you me hither?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">Ay, you seem misled.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I guess who ’tis. But let that pass. I hoped</div>
-  <div class="verse">I might advise you privately; I knew</div>
-  <div class="verse">You would not wish it known. Now, was I wrong?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Do you deny what is affirmed against you?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> No, son: for if you wished to take my life,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2420</span><div class="verse">Why should I rob you of this grand pretence?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet since you cannot, and the charge itself</div>
-  <div class="verse">But moves my laughter, as you overheard,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My only wish is you should now retire</div>
-  <div class="verse">With dignity, and act as Cæsar ought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>aside</i>). This then is added to my shames.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent60">What say you?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Fulvia, await without. [<i>Exit Fulvia.</i>] Who brought this to thee?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Paris.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent10">The player! when?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">Last night at supper.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Tell me, didst thou believe it? is it possible?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou didst! Whence gottest thou thy wits I wonder;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Certain they are not mine, no, nor thy father’s:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2431</span><div class="verse">I think they came of Claudius by adoption.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dost thou believe it still?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent30">Whate’er I have done</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Was on advice.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent10">A pious caution truly.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is this thy trust? Yet, yet I must forgive thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">See, I was angered. Nay, ’twas not thy judgment:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I know who leads. But for these foolish women</div>
-  <div class="verse">I sentence exile.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Sentence whom to exile?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> The two devisers. Yet I think my sister</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is harmless; but the other, that Silana—</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Silana must be banished?<span class="linenum">2440</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent38">Judge her, Nero,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">When thou hast heard. She and thy aunt Domitia</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have been the two who, in my sad retirement,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have visited me most. Day after day</div>
-  <div class="verse">They have made a show of kindness, finding joy</div>
-  <div class="verse">In my disgrace, to view it; and have but left me</div>
-  <div class="verse">To try this trick.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>aside</i>). ’Tis plain I have been fooled.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> For those that brought the tale, thou knowest that they</div>
-  <div class="verse">Must taste the penalties they sought to inflict;</div>
-  <div class="verse">That thou must know; but ’tis not all. The acquittal</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">2450</span><div class="verse">Of those accused will not be full without</div>
-  <div class="verse">Some honour shown them. Best among the names</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stand Fænius Rufus and Arruntius Stella,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who may have city posts: gentle Balbillus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who has long deserved it, must be paid at last</div>
-  <div class="verse">With a proconsulate. For myself, thou knowest</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have taken all disgrace so patiently</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I expect some boon, though yet I fear</div>
-  <div class="verse">To ask; but when I have seen my slandered friends</div>
-  <div class="verse">Honoured, I’ll write it thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">I shall be quick</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2460</span><div class="verse">To punish and to make amends. ’Tis just</div>
-  <div class="verse">Towards Burrus, I should tell you from the first</div>
-  <div class="verse">He took your part.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent15">What could he else? Now, Nero,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have done: go home, and there resolve the matter</div>
-  <div class="verse">With common sense; take Burrus into counsel</div>
-  <div class="verse">As to what penalties and what promotions</div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall be distributed. Before the people</div>
-  <div class="verse">Remember that some feeling must be shown,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And anger for effronteries attempted</div>
-  <div class="verse">Against your majesty. Now go, the affair</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2470</span><div class="verse">Has somewhat tired me.—Nay, touch me not; farewell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> I see you are right; farewell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent45">I have more advice,</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Which I will write to thee.<span class="indent42">[<i>Exit Nero.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Excellent this—I have not had my way</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thus for a long long while: ay, now is my time</div>
-  <div class="verse">To strike. I’ll venture with a letter to him</div>
-  <div class="verse">And claim my boon, that he dismiss Poppæa.</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s much to say on that which may seem aimed</div>
-  <div class="verse">More at his good than mine; and if she have plunged</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2479</span><div class="verse">In this false step, his vanity being touched</div>
-  <div class="verse">May shake his liking. I will do it at once.<span class="indent25">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-  <h4>SCENE · 6</h4>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> A room in the Palace. Enter NERO and POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">All for thy sake was planned, and now my pleasure</div>
-  <div class="verse">In scheming thine is fled; for what is Baiæ,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And what Minerva’s feast, blue skies and seas,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or games, or mirth, or wine, or the soft season,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If thou deny me? Prithee say thou’lt come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> POPPÆA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Nay, I’ll not go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Thou wilt not?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent35">Nay, I cannot.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Cannot to Cæsar?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent25">Prove me then thou’rt Cæsar,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And not a ward.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">A ward!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent22">I said a ward.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">May I not see thee vexed? ’Tis what men whisper,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who dare not vex thee. Well, thy mother’s child,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2491</span><div class="verse">So much that at her beck thou forfeitest</div>
-  <div class="verse">Empire and liberty.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">Wouldst thou enrage me!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What dost thou mean, Poppæa?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent32">Deny not that:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If ’tis not that hinders our marriage, then</div>
-  <div class="verse">The case, I fear, blackens. I, who can smile</div>
-  <div class="verse">At that, must weep another cause. I’ll think</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou’rt tired of me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">Now by what sign?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent45">Maybe</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou hast seen a better beauty, and repented</div>
-  <div class="verse">The promise given to me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">O treason, treason!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">2500</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Thinkest my blood unworthy of alliance</div>
-  <div class="verse">With thine—tho’, truth, my ancestors have triumphed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Who dares that lie shall bleed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent45">Or that our bed</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is not like to be blest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">The fruitful gods</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">With all their oracles avert the omen.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Or that I urge my marriage for advancement;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thou, doubting my love, pressest denial</div>
-  <div class="verse">To proof of faith.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Ay, that is it; thou’st hit it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Or that I, once thy wife, would cross thy mother,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Divulge her crimes, the hate the senate bear her,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And last, though that’s well known, how she hates thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Speak of this once for all, then let the jest</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be dead.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent5">Nay, ’tis no jest, for Agrippina</span><span class="linenum">2512</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Will never love a daughter who loves thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Restore me to my husband. I were happier</div>
-  <div class="verse">In any place, howe’er remote from Rome,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where thy disgrace and wrongs can but be spoken,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not seen and felt as here. See why I go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Poppæa, since I have never hid from thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">My quarrel with my mother, thou mayst know</div>
-  <div class="verse">It draws to end.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent15">Oh, is’t the turn for kindness?</span><span class="linenum">2520</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath she been kind again? Why, ’tis deception.</div>
-  <div class="verse">When her plot failed she cast it off, and now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Exults: ’tis her fresh confidence seems kind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> ’Twas not her plot. Or else I’d rather think</div>
-  <div class="verse">She put the snare to catch my foolish aunt,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who blindly took the bait.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent28">Then she pretended</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Treason, that she might better hurt her sister:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And yet can win thy trust!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, heaven forbid;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I trust her not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent15">She hates me.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">Nay, her kinship</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is jealous for Octavia; but ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent35">Ah, true!</span><span class="linenum">2530</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To kill one’s husband, plot against one’s son,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should leave unsatisfied some tender feelings</div>
-  <div class="verse">To spend upon a step-child. Why, she knows</div>
-  <div class="verse">Those arts which manage you would not gull me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">A woman not her child. Her whole design</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is bent to thwart our marriage; and she will.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I know it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i>    I swear that were this proved against her,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Came it to a question ’twixt herself and thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which to take, which to lose, then not a moment</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2540</span><div class="verse">Would I delay: the blow I have often sworn</div>
-  <div class="verse">To strike should fall.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Messenger.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">MESSENGER.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent20">A letter from the Augusta.<span class="indent18">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Now, as she loves me, this is mine.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent50">Not so.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Then as thou lovest me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent35">Well.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>reading</i>).<span class="indent15">Ho! ho! ho! ho!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Now shines the sun at noon.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent30">What is’t?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent45">I read?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Read then.</div>
-</div></div></div>
-
-  <div class="prose">
-  <p><i>Pop.</i> (<i>reads</i>). <i>To her dearest son</i>. Ha! ha! ha!<br />
-  <i>When last we met thou wilt remember to have confessed
-  some shame for wrong done to me. The wrong I forgive,
-  but eagerly seize on thy sorrow to ask of thee, in regard
-  for thine own happiness, this only favour. ’Tis my earnest
-  prayer and advice that thou dismiss Poppæa.</i>
-  <span class="prlinenum">2551</span></p>
-
-  <p><i>Ner.</i> Ha! writes she so?</p>
-
-  <p><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent30">Attend, the reasons follow.</span><br />
-  (<i>Reading.</i>) <i>Beware of her: nor think that I grudge thee
-  the happiness which thou now findest in her. Marriage
-  with her can lead only to thy misery. I know her well.</i><br />
-  Now hear my character.</p>
-
-  <p><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">Give me the letter.</span></p>
-
-   <p><i>Pop.</i> <i>She is vain, deceitful, self-seeking, and, being by
-  nature cold, hath the art to assume the mask of passion;
-  and ’neath the show of virtue designedly conceals her
-  wickedness and mischief. She loves thee no better than
-  she loves Otho.</i>
-<span class="prlinenum">2561</span></p>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
-
-  <p><i>Ner.</i> Give me the letter.</p>
-
-  <p><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, one sentence more.</span><br />
-  <i>Believe a woman sees further than a man, since to her eyes
-  beauty is no veil.</i><br />
-  She grants me beauty then.<span class="indent20">[<i>Gives letter to Nero.</i></span></p>
-</div>
-
-<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>reading</i>). ’Tis so, ’tis so. Ye gods! and thou</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">wert right.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Poppæa, this is the end. Come not to Baiæ.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wait my return.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent10">What’s now to do, I pray?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Ask not: when I return I shall be free.</div>
-  <div class="verse">We will be married.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent18">Will you banish her?</span><span class="linenum">2570</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Ask nothing.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent18">From her exile still her plottings</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Will reach to Rome.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">Not so, for she shall go</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Whence nothing reaches Rome.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i><span class="indent32">Oh, now I fear</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have said too much; let not my love o’ercome thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Maybe she meant not this.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Thou meddle not!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> Oh, but at least no crimes, Nero, no crimes!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Promise me that; rather I’ll fly to-night.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Poppæa, in earnest of the happy day</div>
-  <div class="verse">When thou wilt be my wife, I bid thee now</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">2580</span><div class="verse">Depart.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Pop.</i> (<i>kissing him</i>). Husband, I go.<span class="indent40">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">What ho! what ho!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter a Servant.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Is Anicetus in the palace?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SERVANT.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent25">Ay, Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Go, bid him hither straight.<span class="indent28">[<i>Exit Servant.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent35">It shall be done.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, now it shall be done. Let me consider;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I must be cool, lest I be foiled once more.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where lies my hindrance? not in her; she has twice</div>
-  <div class="verse">Deceived me and escaped: now in my turn</div>
-  <div class="verse">I steal her weapon, and can use it better,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Having been plain before. Then Seneca ...</div>
-  <div class="verse">He shall not know, so are his scruples quiet.</div>
-  <div class="verse">For mine, they are hushed already; but ’twere best</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2591</span><div class="verse">Recount the terms which reason can oppose</div>
-  <div class="verse">To too rebellious nature: first there’s my motive,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Huge as the earth; liberty, happiness,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Empire: that cannot slide, I fear not that.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then there’s the ground of justice; Claudius’ death,</div>
-  <div class="verse">O’er which the executive too long hath slept</div>
-  <div class="verse">In Cæsar’s piety: the sentence now</div>
-  <div class="verse">O’ertakes the murderess with a double score,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Since she by her conspiracy contrived</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2600</span><div class="verse">Britannicus should die ... ay, for his death</div>
-  <div class="verse">The heavy penalty hangs o’er some head;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now let it fall on hers,—so I am quit.</div>
-  <div class="verse">All this condemns her, long-expected justice</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cries, and occasion hurries on the hand.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, ay, I am clear. Poppæa being my stake,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I cannot shrink nor swerve. What was’t she wrote?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why here is more.<span class="indent60">[<i>Reads.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent16"><i>Be with me in this matter,</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>But if thou should’st refuse, we are worse foes.</i></div>
-  <div class="verse">She dares the threat.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Anicetus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ANICETUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent18">Cæsar hath summoned me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">2610</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Good Anicetus, tell me, is there none</div>
-  <div class="verse">Greater than Cæsar?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i><span class="indent15">Nay, Cæsar, there is none.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> But were there one to whom it might be said</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cæsar owed life and fortune—dost thou take me?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i> Cæsar would say the Augusta.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">Nay, thou’rt dull:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas thee I meant.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i><span class="indent18">Me, Cæsar!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">Dost remember</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Boasting to me that thou hadst sailor means</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To do a certain thing?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i><span class="indent22">Ay.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Do it now.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll owe thee life and fortune. Canst thou be trusted?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i> My love for Cæsar follows hand in hand</div>
-  <div class="verse">With his command in this.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Then do it, I say;</span><span class="linenum">2620</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">No words, no explanation. Agrippina</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will come to Baiæ: there have thou thy ship.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i> I will have one at Bauli, one at Baiæ:</div>
-  <div class="verse">If she take either it shall serve the turn.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Go now contrive thy means; let nothing ’scape thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">To me or any other: when ’tis done</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hold thy head high.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Anic.</i><span class="indent15">Cæsar, I go to do it.</span><span class="indent22">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Now comes my part: ay, though it vex my soul</div>
-  <div class="verse">To stoop; tho’ this be Cæsar’s greatest wrong,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That he must patch his faultless power with guile,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2631</span><div class="verse">And having all command, miss of his will</div>
-  <div class="verse">But for a subterfuge .... yet for this once</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll do it—’tis little; but to write a letter,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Feign to discard Poppæa, as mistrusting</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her love and character; and from that vantage</div>
-  <div class="verse">I surely win my mother to come forth</div>
-  <div class="verse">And join the court at Baiæ—she will come.</div>
-</div></div></div>
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p>
-
-<div class="figcenter" >
-<img src="images/i_003c.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<h3 id="ACT_V">ACT · V</h3>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">
-
-<h4>SCENE · 1</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>Baiæ. A room in Agrippina’s villa; the back gives out
-  on the sea, where a galley is seen moored to quay of
-  villa. AGRIPPINA and FULVIA.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGRIPPINA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Is not this charming, Fulvia? what a day!</div>
-  <div class="verse">I feel I have never breathed spring air before.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2640</span><div class="verse">And how the people cheered! it did me good.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Here’s my old seat. The villa’s looking well.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Could but Domitia see us now! How smoothly</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her little plot went off! My first suspicions,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fulvia, I am sure were wrong: this invitation</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was most well meant; and see the tenderness</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has even called up my tears. You cannot know</div>
-  <div class="verse">What fond associations make this house</div>
-  <div class="verse">A home indeed. I wish I had not refused</div>
-  <div class="verse">To take the yacht at Bauli: ’twas an error,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Over-precaution.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">FULVIA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent15">Madam, I but told you<span class="linenum">2650</span></div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">The very words Seleucus ....<span class="indent28">[<i>A noise without.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent30">What is that noise?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> ’Tis Cæsar coming with a company.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Oh, I will see. (<i>Looking forth.</i>) And there is</div>
-  <div class="verse indent3">Seneca</div>
-  <div class="verse">And Burrus. There’s much meaning in this visit.</div>
-  <div class="verse">How grand he looks with all his lords about him!</div>
-  <div class="verse">There never was a Cæsar like him: others</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have been but Cæsars; he’s an emperor,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And wears the full magnificence of state</div>
-  <div class="verse">In beardless boyhood.—Fulvia, I do love splendour.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2660</span><div class="verse">To be so young and rule the world!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Nero, Seneca, and Burrus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent32">Now, welcome,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Welcome, my son!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent15">Welcome to Baiæ, mother.</div>
-  <div class="verse">We are come the first day of the feast to pay you</div>
-  <div class="verse">The season’s compliments.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent28">A prompt return.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What pleasure ’tis, Nero, I cannot say.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Welcome, my lords.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SENECA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent16">My loving service, lady.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Crossed you the bay from Bauli?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent45">Nay, you’ll laugh;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas foolish; but I wished the folk to see</div>
-  <div class="verse">My joy and reconcilement, and in the thought</div>
-  <div class="verse">To please so many friends I kept my litter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> You’ll all sup with us?<span class="linenum">2670</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">I look for nothing better.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Whom will you bring?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent28">I have no one with me here</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But Polla Acerronia.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent20">And where is she?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> She took the yacht, and so arrived before us,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But has not left it: like the child she is,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The new toy quite distracts her: she is there.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Row you this afternoon upon the bay?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I had thought of it; and now, if you would come</div>
-  <div class="verse">That were a double pleasure.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">I am sorry, I must go</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Order to-morrow’s games.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent25">Your lords mayhap</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2680</span><div class="verse">Will join me. I can take them to your villa.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> I’ll gladly come: the dust the crowd treads up</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has filled my throat and set me coughing shrewdly.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Nay, I shall want you both.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent40">Some other time</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I hope, my lords.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">BURRUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent15">I thank your majesty.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Farewell till supper.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent32">Why! so short a visit!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> We shall meet soon.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent28">Well, I will sail alone</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">With Polla; ’tis her wish. Escort me, Nero?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Ay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent5">For the sake of that I’ll go at once.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I love the sea.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Nero with Agr. and Fulv. down the quay,</i></p>
-  <div class="verse indent35"><i>where they are still seen.</i></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent10">Burrus, what say you now!</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2690</span><div class="verse">Has not the thing I looked for come to pass?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> There’s as you say a most astounding change;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Can you explain it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent18">Well, you see it, Burrus.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> How came it all about?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent32">See now how tenderly</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">They both embrace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">Who would have thought it?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent50">I;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I should have thought it: and I point to this</div>
-  <div class="verse">To justify my words those many times</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our speech has come to difference.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Re-enter Nero. Fulvia goes into house.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">Now, lords,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I go.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur. and Sen.</i> We follow, Cæsar.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">I have changed my mind;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I want you not.<span class="indent60">[<i>Going.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent10">Will Cæsar name the hour</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2700</span><div class="verse">When we shall wait on him?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent28">Why, come at once.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I cannot tell what hour I may not want you.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Attend me at my villa.<span class="indent50">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Of a sudden</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He is changed again.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent20">You see how easily</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He is overcome with kindness. Would you know</div>
-  <div class="verse">The noble sacrifice he has made?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent38">What’s that?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Why, he has renounced Poppæa.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent45">Nay!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent45">Ay.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent50">Who told you?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> I saw the letter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">How! Poppæa shows it?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> ’Twas writ his mother.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent32">Then he has deceived her.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Can you think that?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent28">The letter makes all plain.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Why did he write it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent20">Why?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">Well, well.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent40">Oh, Burrus,</span><span class="linenum">2710</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have every cause for hope; and here to-day</div>
-  <div class="verse">The meeting in this house more than assures me</div>
-  <div class="verse">He must redeem the promise of his youth.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas in this very room, ten years ago,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I first saw Nero—Ay, ’tis now ten years—</div>
-  <div class="verse">I was arrived from Corsica at Rome,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And there found summons to attend the Augusta</div>
-  <div class="verse">At Baiæ: hither in all haste I came.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The yearnings and the miseries of exile</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2720</span><div class="verse">Would make a mean deliverer seem a god,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And my return drave me half mad with joy.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I entered: in that chair sat Agrippina,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My kind deliverer, my friend, the empress.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Time had not marred her beauty, and as she spake</div>
-  <div class="verse">Impatience flushed her cheek—she shared my joy.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I knelt in tears there, nor ashamed of tears,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Though at her side I was aware was standing</div>
-  <div class="verse">A boy of some twelve years; whom, when I rose,</div>
-  <div class="verse">She then presented as her son, and bade me</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2730</span><div class="verse">Take him for pupil. As I saw him then</div>
-  <div class="verse">In fullest grace of boyhood, apt in all</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Boys should be manly in, and gifted further</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than boys are wont with insight, and the touch</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of human sympathy and learned taste,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Proficient in some arts and dull in none,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But coy withal and generous, ’twas no wonder</div>
-  <div class="verse">If ere that evening passed I had admitted</div>
-  <div class="verse">The schemes his mother had laid, which in short time</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were brought to pass.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">’Twas a black day.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent45">And yet,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2740</span><div class="verse">Burrus, if after you had seen how kindly</div>
-  <div class="verse">He took instruction, how he came to love me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">You would not wonder—nay, I can remember</div>
-  <div class="verse">Claudius himself was shamed if his Britannicus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Being younger but by some two years, were by</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where Nero was: and had I been the father</div>
-  <div class="verse">I might have wished, I think, to have done as he,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And called the best my son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent32">He killed Britannicus.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Burrus, if as it seems you quite distrust him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why hold you still the office which establishes</div>
-  <div class="verse">His power?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent5">Because it is an office, Seneca,</span><span class="linenum">2750</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The top of my profession: yet, by the gods,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Find you a better man, and I’ll be gone.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But, as a soldier, I’ll not see the guards</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Commanded by some brute like Tigellinus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Nay, be not angry.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent28">Would not you be angry</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thus to be questioned?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent22">Nay, indeed, by habit</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I question oft myself.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Then, for one question</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll be appeased. I know you, Seneca,</div>
-  <div class="verse">For a man of many parts, a scholar, poet,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2760</span><div class="verse">Lawyer, and politician, what you will;</div>
-  <div class="verse">A courtier too besides, a man of business,</div>
-  <div class="verse">A money-maker; in short, a man of the world,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That like a ship lifting to every wave,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Heeling to every blast, makes good her way</div>
-  <div class="verse">And leaves no track. Now what I ask is this:</div>
-  <div class="verse">How ride so lightly with the times, and yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be the unbending stoic, the philosopher,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The rock, I say, that planted in the deep</div>
-  <div class="verse">Moves not a hair, but sees the buffeting breakers</div>
-  <div class="verse">Boil and withdraw? Which is the matter, Seneca?</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2771</span><div class="verse">Nay, ’tis a pertinent and friendly question—</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll take your answer as we go along.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Burrus and Seneca.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Re-enter Fulvia.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> Of all delights I think that liberty</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Is the prime element: nothing is pleasant</div>
-  <div class="verse">Joined with a must. Why, even this journey hither</div>
-  <div class="verse">That has so cheered my mistress, all the talk</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of sky and fields and trees, tired me to death.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’m sick of servitude, with ’time for this’</div>
-  <div class="verse">And ’time for that’: I’d give my ears for freedom;</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>She sits in Agrippina’s chair.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">To have my servants, and say—Prithee, Fulvia,</div>
-  <div class="verse">What is o’clock?—Fetch me the little kerchief</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2782</span><div class="verse">I left upon my bed—Come, Fulvia, quick;</div>
-  <div class="verse">I want you—Fulvia, go, order my litter—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fulvia, be gone; we’ve business—Fulvia, stay,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Amuse me for a while.—I would to heaven</div>
-  <div class="verse">I were in Rome again! (<i>Shouts heard.</i>) Hey, what a noise!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cheering my lady! here’s a change indeed.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Well, I shan’t lose by that. Gods, how they cheer!</div>
-  <div class="verse">She might have taken me with her. I know well</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2790</span><div class="verse">I shan’t see the outside of these villa walls</div>
-  <div class="verse">Till bound for home. And here no visitors,</div>
-  <div class="verse">At least for me. Cheer on, my lads! and yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">If I should get the chance I’d like to see</div>
-  <div class="verse">These famous Neapolitans: I’m told</div>
-  <div class="verse">They’re wondrous saucy, and ingenious singers.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What’s that? a boat! my lady! gracious heavens!</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>A boat rows up to quay.</i></p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">My lady, O my lady, what’s the matter?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Agrippina up from the quay, clothes dripping; the
-  boat remains.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> An accident, and I am escaped by swimming:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet thou must know, Fulvia, ’twas a contrivance</div>
-  <div class="verse">To take my life—the kindness was all hollow—</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2801</span><div class="verse">A dastardly contrivance: ’twas the ship</div>
-  <div class="verse">Seleucus spoke of. Look, I am hurt in the shoulder,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet ’tis not much.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent15">Alack, alack, my lady!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I am cold and faint. I must at once go shift</div>
-  <div class="verse">These dripping habits. When I am rested somewhat</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou shalt hear all: meanwhile, call in the sailors</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who rowed me hither: get from them whate’er</div>
-  <div class="verse">They saw or know, and promise a reward</div>
-  <div class="verse">Worthy of my deliverance.<span class="indent45">[<i>Going.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent28">Praised be the gods,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My lady, that thou’rt safe.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i> Agr.</i> (<i>turning</i>).<span class="indent10">Polla is killed.</span><span class="indent25">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> What, Polla! Killed! she said killed. Polla killed!<span class="linenum">2811</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Ho! fellows, come within, nay, come within.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Sailors enter.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SAILOR.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">We are not fit, my lady. By thy leave,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">We are poor fishermen.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent22">Come, fellows, come.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Which is the captain?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i><span class="indent20">Me, so please thee, lady.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> Ye have brought the empress safe, and for that service</div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall have a good reward. But, tell me now,</div>
-  <div class="verse">How came she in your boat?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i><span class="indent28">’Twas thus, my lady.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">It being the feast, we smartened up the boat</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2820</span><div class="verse">And pulled her close along the shore, to find</div>
-  <div class="verse">A party of landsmen, such as love to visit</div>
-  <div class="verse">Misenum, or be rowed across the bay</div>
-  <div class="verse">To Pausilypum, lady, and Virgil’s villa.</div>
-  <div class="verse">When, as we lay, the Augusta’s galley passed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not half a cable’s length, and then we cheered,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And after took no note of her, till Gripus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">He cries, Look! see the galley. And there she was</div>
-  <div class="verse">Laid on her beam-ends in the offing. Ho!</div>
-  <div class="verse">We cried, and gave the alarm, and led the chase</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2830</span><div class="verse">To reach her first: when presently she righted,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Steadied, and trimmed her oars, and drew away.</div>
-  <div class="verse">While we were wondering and talking of it</div>
-  <div class="verse">I spied a something floating, and again</div>
-  <div class="verse">Putting about, saw ’twas a swimmer’s head.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Four other boats with ours made for it too;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">But we gave way with a will and held our own,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And coming alongside, found ’twas the Augusta.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I reached her out an oar, and I and my mate</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lifted her in handsomely. Then she bad us</div>
-  <div class="verse">Straight row her hither. She’s a most brave lady,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2841</span><div class="verse">Ay, and can swim.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent15">Know you no more?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i><span class="indent38">No, lady.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We looked, but saw naught else, not even a spar.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Augusta told us there was none but she.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> What was the reason why the galley heeled?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i> I cannot tell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent22">What could it be?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i><span class="indent45">D’ye see,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My lady, ’tis the Admiral’s boat, this galley.</div>
-  <div class="verse">It’s not for me ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent18">There’s not a breath of wind.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i> The mischief was aboard.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent38">You know no more?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i> Nothing, my lady.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent28">Then begone; to-morrow</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2850</span><div class="verse">Come for your recompense. I know not yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Augusta’s pleasure.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>The Sailors.</i> Thank thee, thank thee, my lady.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Sailors.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> ’Tis plain the men know nothing.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sailor</i> (<i>returning</i>).    Please thee, lady,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If not too bold, we’ll ask thee if the Augusta</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has taken harm from being so long in the water.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> Thank you, my men. I pray she’s none the worse.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i> ’Tis bitter cold, indeed. But I can tell</div>
-  <div class="verse">She’s of good stuff; ay, and can swim.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent45">Be sure</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">You are fortunate to have done her this good service.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sail.</i> I make my humble duties.<span class="indent40">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent38">Alas, alas!</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2860</span><div class="verse">What can this mystery mean? I die to hear.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I must now go attend her; ah! here she comes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Agrippina.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> Fetch me some wine and a warm coverlet;</div>
-  <div class="verse">The fur one from my bed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent25">Ay, madam, quickly.</span><span class="indent28">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I have no friend here but her and the few servants</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the place: ’tis plotted well indeed</div>
-  <div class="verse">To catch me thus alone: Mistress Poppæa</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is seen in this. Yet being escaped, I think</div>
-  <div class="verse">I yet will prove her match.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Re-enter Fulvia.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent25">Ah, thank you, so.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> Are you recovered, madam, from the shock?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> I am warm again. I think too that my hurt</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2871</span><div class="verse">Is very little: but I am somewhat shaken.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> What is it that hath happed? The sailors knew</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nothing but that they found you.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent38">Did they see</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Nothing?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> They saw the galley lurch, and say</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Admiral must know.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">’Tis likely enough</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas his contrivance. Now I’ll tell thee all,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fulvia, and thou must help me all thou canst</div>
-  <div class="verse">When thou hast heard: indeed I tell thee partly</div>
-  <div class="verse">To clear my judgment.—We had rowed about a mile,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2880</span><div class="verse">Polla and I, and sat upon the poop,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Taking our pleasure, when, all on a sudden,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Darkness; the awning fell, with such a crash</div>
-  <div class="verse">As took away my spirits, and Polla and I</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were thrown down from our couches by the weight</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of falling cloth and spars: one heavy beam</div>
-  <div class="verse">Grazed my left shoulder, and we lay crushed down</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the deck. Then I heard Polla laugh,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Finding we were not hurt, and she crept forth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forward, beneath the curtains; the oars stopped:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2890</span><div class="verse">I heard a rush of feet, and presently</div>
-  <div class="verse">Came Polla’s voice, ’Hold, slay me not, ye villains,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I am Agrippina.’ Then, ’Ah me, I am slain!’</div>
-  <div class="verse">And one long deathly groan. This, when I heard,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Taught me my part, and towards the other side,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Crawling, I came to the window o’er the stern,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where lay my only escape; and silently,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Feet foremost, I crept out, and by the ladder</div>
-  <div class="verse">Slipped down without a sound into the sea.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The galley still held way, and in few strokes</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2900</span><div class="verse">I saw that I was left and unperceived;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And so swam on until the fishermen</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hailed me by name, and took me in their boat.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> Who can have laid this plot to kill you, madam?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i> ’Tis Nero, Fulvia, he who seemed but late</div>
-  <div class="verse">So kind and dutiful: ’twas all hollowness,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Part of the plot, to bring me here alone,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Away from friends: ay, and perceive this too,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To lay my death to charge of an accident,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hide, maybe, even my dead body, drowned</div>
-  <div class="verse">And lost in the depths of the sea. Now, being alone,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall need thee to aid me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent32">Dearest madam,</span><span class="linenum">2911</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What can I do?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent10">Thou must be faithful to me</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Whatever happens. Hearken, I said ’twas Nero</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had done this: ’tis not so; my real enemy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The mover, is Poppæa. I blame not Nero:</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I bade him to discard her: he was driven</div>
-  <div class="verse">To choose between us: she hath carried it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But being escaped, and she not here, I yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">Can right myself with him. ’Tis not too late;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2920</span><div class="verse">Nay, I can amply trust those broad affections,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which ’twixt a mother and her son remain</div>
-  <div class="verse">At bottom, spite of all. Ay, they remain.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The common knowledge of this guilty attempt</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will clear the way: and when I show the path,</div>
-  <div class="verse">He will be glad to escape. I have writ a letter,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which, if he read, will work. ’Tis pure submission.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Remember, we must ever speak of this</div>
-  <div class="verse">But as an accident. Here is the letter;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Send Agerinus with it straight to Cæsar;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2930</span><div class="verse">Of all my servants he’s the one must bear it:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nero has known him from a child, will trust him;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, he hath rid so oft upon his shoulders</div>
-  <div class="verse">That he is half a brother, half a father.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Send him at once: I have bidden him await:</div>
-  <div class="verse">He should be here.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i><span class="indent15">Alas, this is a day</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Of sorrow indeed. I pray Minerva guard</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her feast from ill.<span class="indent42">[<i>Exit with letter.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent18">Indeed I have little fear,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If he but read. Yet now, after this warning,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2939</span><div class="verse">I must beware. ’Tis plain the people love me;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">They cheered me so. My escape will add to favour.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ful.</i> (<i>re-entering</i>). He waited at the gate, and with</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">full speed</div>
-  <div class="verse">Runs with the letter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Agr.</i><span class="indent22">Come; one business</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Must now be not neglected; there’s poor Polla.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Bring pens and ink and wax: we will seal up</div>
-  <div class="verse">All her effects, and make an inventory</div>
-  <div class="verse">In proper form, and do whate’er we may</div>
-  <div class="verse">While we have time. Let us go see to it.<span class="indent28">[<i>Exeunt.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003d.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<h4>SCENE · 2</h4>
-
-  <p class="center"><i>A room in Nero’s villa. A table with papers. Enter
-  NERO, SENECA, BURRUS, and TIGELLINUS.</i></p>
-
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">NERO.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">We have an hour: sit down, my lords, we’ll hold</div>
-  <div class="verse">A privy council. I have in my mind a matter</div>
-  <div class="verse">Touching the subsidies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">BURRUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent22">The day is good<span class="linenum">2950</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For market matters, ’tis Minerva’s peace:</div>
-  <div class="verse">The sword is sheathed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Servants</i>). Set light upon the table.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">SENECA.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">To talk of subsidies hurts no man’s conscience.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What is the business, Cæsar?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">I am vexed</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">By the complaints against the imperial household</div>
-  <div class="verse">In the gathering of tolls.—Here in these papers</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are weighty charges ’gainst Pomponius</div>
-  <div class="verse">Silvanus, and Sulpicius Camerinus:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Read them at leisure. But I ask you first</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2960</span><div class="verse">Whether there be not cause for discontent</div>
-  <div class="verse">In present management?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent22">’Tis a deep evil.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But never was the empire better governed;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor is there more extortion now, I think,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than ever was.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">And were there no extortion?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Nay, while you farm the taxes there will be</div>
-  <div class="verse">Extortion still.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">You all think that, my lords?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Ay, ay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">And so say I. You have my grounds.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Now hear my scheme, by which for once and all</div>
-  <div class="verse">I rid the empire of this blot. ’Tis this.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2970</span><div class="verse">I will have no more tolls or tallages,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Customs or duties levied: nay, not one</div>
-  <div class="verse">Through all the empire. I will make this present</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To the human race: I say, their old vexation</div>
-  <div class="verse">And burden shall away.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">TIGELLINUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent22">Magnificent.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> ’Tis generously meant, most generously.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But is it possible?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent18">Why not?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent28">The treasury,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Eased of this sum, must fill the deficit</div>
-  <div class="verse">By other means. If you cut off the customs,</div>
-  <div class="verse">You must increase the tributes, rates, and rents.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">2980</span><div class="verse">If one shoe pinches, ’tis no remedy</div>
-  <div class="verse">To stuff both feet in the other.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">But my scheme</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Has precedent; there was no tallage taken</div>
-  <div class="verse">Throughout all Italy for some six years</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ere Julius.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i>    Ay, but he restored the customs</div>
-  <div class="verse">As needful.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i>    Whence they seemed the price of empire.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Unjustly. In the times of greatest liberty</div>
-  <div class="verse">Consuls and tribunes have ordained new customs,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which yet remain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i><span class="indent15">I praise the scheme.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Bur.</i>)<span class="indent25">And you?</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Where look you then for revenue?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">The rents,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2990</span><div class="verse">We’ll have the rents. The land ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Messenger with Officer of the Guard.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent32">Why, who is this?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whence come you, man?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">MESSENGER.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent20">Cæsar, from Anicetus.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He asks great Cæsar’s pardon ere I tell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Thou’rt free to speak.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Mess.</i><span class="indent32">There has an accident</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Befallen the Augusta’s yacht.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent32">Hey! what was that?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Mess.</i> At a lurch of the ship the awning fell and dragged</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Augusta overboard.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent22">Speak, man, speak on.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Mess.</i> We thought her drowned.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent38">Ha!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Mess.</i><span class="indent38">But by the grace of the gods</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">She is escaped.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent10">Escaped!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Mess.</i><span class="indent22">She swam to shore unharmed.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent60">Thou wretch,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">2999</span><div class="verse">And comest thou here in thy master’s place</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To bate mine anger? Forth and send him hither.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fly, or I kill thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Mess.</i><span class="indent18">Pardon, great Cæsar, pardon.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The Admiral follows and will straight be here.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Runs out.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>aside</i>). Escaped! after such boast, escaped!</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">I am lost.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">To have done this thing had tried me; to have attempted it</div>
-  <div class="verse">And failed is ruin.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> (<i>aside from Nero</i>). What is this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> (<i>to Sen.</i>)<span class="indent32">’Tis clear</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Cæsar knows what: and her escape not being</div>
-  <div class="verse">His pleasure tells us that ’twas not his purpose.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> (<i>aloud</i>). Alas, alas!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent40">What friend there cries Alas?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Who now stands by me? who will aid me now?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i> If Cæsar make his will but known ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">Thou dullard!</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">3011</span><div class="verse">I need the brains of them that know my will.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now is no time for parley. Seneca,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Speak what thou thinkest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Cæsar, I am so much grieved that ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent45">What’s thy pain</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To mine? Speak, man!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent20">Alas, what shall I say?</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> How hast thou guessed this thing without a word,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And yet hast not foreseen it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent32">Oh, is’t then true?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The letter false; the Augusta hither brought</div>
-  <div class="verse">But to be drowned!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">See if ye know it not.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">3020</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Let her escape belie thy guilty purpose.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Why, nay, the failure damns a thousand-fold</div>
-  <div class="verse">More than her death—I am henceforth the man</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who would have killed his mother, and could not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> Alas, alas!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">Hast thou no word but that?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou that hast ever warned me, ay, and gone</div>
-  <div class="verse">So far upon this path that thou hast sought</div>
-  <div class="verse">To dull the natural feeling which so long</div>
-  <div class="verse">Held off my hand, hast argued ’gainst repugnance,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3029</span><div class="verse">Crying, ’tis she that is the guilty one,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The dangerous one, there is no peace with her:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And now the day the thing thou hast foreseen,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, and hast led me to, is done, thou’rt silent.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hast thou no word?—Thou that wast ever ready,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hast thou no word?—What strikes thee on a sudden</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dumb? Be my counsellor now that I need thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Speak now! Why, thou dost weep! surely thou weepest!</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Burrus, what sayest thou?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent28">This mischief, Cæsar,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Being thus arisen is the Augusta’s death.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Though I bewail the occasion, yet I say</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3040</span><div class="verse">’Twere most untimely justice to endanger</div>
-  <div class="verse">The public peace for her whose life hath been</div>
-  <div class="verse">So long the shame of justice. Since the sentence</div>
-  <div class="verse">We know is just, and that necessity</div>
-  <div class="verse">O’errides the common forms, the less delay</div>
-  <div class="verse">The better. Let her die.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent25">I thank thee, Burrus.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">How were this best performed?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i><span class="indent32">Now, if none speak,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll say that Burrus, being the advocate</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of what is planned, and as pretorian prefect</div>
-  <div class="verse">Possessed of means, is fittest for the work.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">3050</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> Look not on me, Seneca, as if to say</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis well; as if ’twere thy thought that my office</div>
-  <div class="verse">Covered this deed. I pardon Tigellinus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That, unacquainted with a soldier’s honour,</div>
-  <div class="verse">He thinks it passable in time of peace,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Entering in private houses there to slay</div>
-  <div class="verse">Defenceless citizens. But that the guards</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would thus lay hands on one that bears the name</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of Agrippina, that they could forget</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their loved Germanicus, who would think this?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">3060</span><div class="verse">To such a deed they would not follow me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Far less another; and if Cæsar now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Look for it from me, lo, I here throw down</div>
-  <div class="verse">My prefecture to any man soe’er</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who durst with this condition take it up.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Nay, Burrus, I’ll not ask thee that. Thou’rt right.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And yet, if thou could’st do it— See here the man.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Anicetus in haste, Paris following.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Thou hast been my ruin!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ANICETUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent22">Pardon, Cæsar, pardon.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I am strangely foiled. Give me one hour, and yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll make amends.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">If thou canst make amends,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Come hither, speak with me.<span class="indent22">[<i>They go aside to front.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Is the thing known?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PARIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Ay ay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Anic.</i>) What canst thou do?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ani.</i><span class="indent45">I have set a guard</span><span class="linenum">3071</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Around her villa, fearing lest the people</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should force their way within, or she escape.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Give me the word and I will slay her there.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> Fool, I can give no word. Think when ’tis done,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If I should punish thee less for that deed</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than for thy late misdoing. What is this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Officer of the Guard. Petronius follows.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">OFFICER.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">The Augusta, Cæsar, sends a freedman hither,</div>
-  <div class="verse">One Agerinus, with a letter.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> (<i>to Anic.</i>)<span class="indent15">Now</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What to do?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ani.</i><span class="indent5">Bid him enter: when he comes</span><span class="linenum">3080</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I am prepared. Lend me thy dagger, friend (<i>to Tig.</i>).</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Takes Tigellinus’ dagger.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Agerinus, who runs to Cæsar.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">AGERINUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Lo, Cæsar, I am sent ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ani.</i><span class="indent25">Ha! where’s thy hand?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, as I thought, a dagger well concealed</div>
-  <div class="verse">Under his cloak.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Age.</i><span class="indent15">Indeed, indeed, good sir,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I have no dagger.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ani.</i><span class="indent15">How no dagger? See!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Had I not caught thee! Ho! the guard, the guard!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Take him to prison till he can be questioned.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Age.</i> You do force treason on me. Cæsar! Cæsar!</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>He is borne off by Guards.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ani.</i> This villain having come, as he confessed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">From the empress armed, will Cæsar leave the enquiry</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now in my hands?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i><span class="indent15">I do.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ani.</i><span class="indent20">With me who will!</span><span class="linenum">3091</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i> I follow, lead the way.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Anicetus and Tigellinus. Paris follows</i><br />
-  <span class="indent20"><i>them. Exit Nero within doors.</i></span></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">PETRONIUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">What will they go to do?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">’Tis thus: the Admiral</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Has gone to kill the Augusta.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent32">Gods forbid!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">His orders?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i>    Humph!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent10">Why, men, what thing ye do!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He is shamed for ever.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Ay, and were’t not done</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Were shamed no less.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent20">Alas! ’tis true, ’tis true.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And thou wert right, Burrus; but dost thou well</div>
-  <div class="verse">Permitting this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent15">I see ’tis necessary,</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">3100</span><div class="verse">And am not shamed to say I think the thing</div>
-  <div class="verse">Itself is good. As for the motives, Seneca,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, and the manner of it, to defend them</div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall not meddle.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> (<i>to Sen.</i>) And thou wilt take thy share?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> ’Tis not my counsel.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent28">’Twill be held as thine,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And rightly, seeing that thou let it not.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I could have stayed it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent25">Nay, be not so sure.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And if thou could’st have let it, could’st thou too</div>
-  <div class="verse">Prevent the consequences?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent25">But remember,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">She is his mother. Oh, I thought him better.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3110</span><div class="verse">Is it too late now think you, if I ran ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i> They are there by now. Believe ’tis for the best.</div>
-  <div class="verse">If she should live but till to-morrow morn,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis civil war. Consider what a party</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would stir upon the tale of Claudius’ death,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or to revenge Britannicus. I say</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’s nought to gain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent22">Why, ’tis his mother, Burrus,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">His mother. I’ll be sworn he had not dared</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thus to commit himself had I been by.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He that should be a model to the world,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3120</span><div class="verse">The mirror of good manners, to offend</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Thus against taste!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent18">If ’twere no worse ...</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent45">Why, see,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">There are a hundred subtle ways by which,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had Cæsar done the thing, he had not been blamed.</div>
-  <div class="verse">This vulgar butchery displays to all</div>
-  <div class="verse">The motive, which so hurts your sense of right</div>
-  <div class="verse">That ye neglect the manner. Why, I say,</div>
-  <div class="verse">A just attention to the circumstance</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would hide the doing; but thus done, the doing</div>
-  <div class="verse">Proclaims the deed. And is’t not plain that ye</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3130</span><div class="verse">Must share the guilt? Seneca, look for that.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i> ’Tis very well for you, Petronius,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To take upon yourself the criticism</div>
-  <div class="verse">And ordering of appearances, and say</div>
-  <div class="verse">’If aught goes ill, blame me.’ You lay your hand</div>
-  <div class="verse">On any object you mislike, remove it,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Replace it as you will, can please yourself:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, you can blame their taste who are not pleased.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But he who deals with men, and seeks to mould</div>
-  <div class="verse">A character to that high rule of right</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3140</span><div class="verse">Which so few can attain, he works, I say,</div>
-  <div class="verse">With different matter, nor can he be blamed</div>
-  <div class="verse">By any measure of his ill success.</div>
-  <div class="verse">His best endeavours are like little dams</div>
-  <div class="verse">Built ’gainst the ocean, on a sinking shore.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Nature asserts her force—and the wise man</div>
-  <div class="verse">Blames not himself for his defeat. For me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Much as my soul is grieved, ay, and my pride</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wounded—tho’ yet, I thank philosophy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I can be glad for that,—my hopes—for this</div>
-  <div class="verse">I mourn—my hopes blasted; yet, hear me say,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3151</span><div class="verse">I take unto myself no self-reproach,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, not a tittle of the part of mischief</div>
-  <div class="verse">A vulgar mind might credit to my score.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have done my best, and that’s the utmost good</div>
-  <div class="verse">A man can do; and if a better man</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had in my place done more, ’tis perverse Fortune</div>
-  <div class="verse">That placed me ill. Thus far I argue with you,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who look on me askance, and think my heart</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is tainted; as if I would in such case</div>
-  <div class="verse">Do such thing, as—poison my brother at table,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3161</span><div class="verse">Contrive to kill my mother: ’Tis so far</div>
-  <div class="verse">From possible, that to my ears the words</div>
-  <div class="verse">Carry no sense: nay, and I think such crimes</div>
-  <div class="verse">May seem more horrible to other men,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose passions make them fear them, than to me</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who cannot think them mine. As for the rest,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I stand with you, and never from this hour</div>
-  <div class="verse">Shall mix with Cæsar more with any hope</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of good. Indeed I have hoped too long, and yet</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3170</span><div class="verse">The end has come too soon.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Re-enter Anicetus, Tigellinus, and Paris.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Tig.</i> ’Tis done, ’tis done.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ani.</i> Where is Cæsar?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent22">Within.</span></div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Anicetus and Tigellinus hurry within.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i> Paris, is it true?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent28">The Augusta lives no longer,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Most brutally and miserably slain:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet died she bravely.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Petr.</i><span class="indent20">And why wentest thou</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To soil thy hand?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i><span class="indent15">I went not to take part:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But Fortune holding nature’s ruffians up,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I took their pattern.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent22">Say, who did the deed?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Par.</i> I’ll tell thee what I saw. As forth we went,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The coward Tigellinus, pale as death,</div>
-  <div class="verse">In needless haste foremost where was no danger,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3181</span><div class="verse">Hurried us on so fast, that thro’ the street</div>
-  <div class="verse">We scarce kept pace, but when he reached the wall</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of the garden, and saw there the soldiers placed</div>
-  <div class="verse">By Anicetus, knowing not their purpose,</div>
-  <div class="verse">He shrank behind. These men being bidden seized</div>
-  <div class="verse">The servants; then we entered, and with us</div>
-  <div class="verse">Came the centurion. Within the room</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sat Agrippina with a single maid,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Who seeing the Admiral’s sword fled past us out:</div>
-  <div class="verse">At which the Augusta called to her, ’Dost thou,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3191</span><div class="verse">Fulvia, desert me too?’ Then to the Admiral</div>
-  <div class="verse">She spoke. ’If here thou comest to enquire</div>
-  <div class="verse">From Cæsar of my health, know I am well,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Recovered from my shock, and little hurt.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But if, as your men’s looks would mean, ye are come</div>
-  <div class="verse">Deeming that Cæsar wills that I should suffer</div>
-  <div class="verse">The like I late escaped, know you mistake.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas not of his contrivance, and my foe</div>
-  <div class="verse">In this is his.’ None answered, and awhile</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3200</span><div class="verse">Was such delay as makes the indivisible</div>
-  <div class="verse">And smallest point of time various and broad;</div>
-  <div class="verse">For Agrippina, when she saw her lie</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fail of its aim, ventured no more, as knowing</div>
-  <div class="verse">There was no wiser plea; but let her eyes</div>
-  <div class="verse">Indifferently wander round her foes,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Counting their strength. Then looked I to have seen</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her spring, for her cheek swelled, and ’neath her robe</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her foot moved; ay, and had she been but armed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">One would have fallen. But if she had the thought</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3210</span><div class="verse">She set it by, choosing to take her death</div>
-  <div class="verse">With dignity. Then Anicetus raised</div>
-  <div class="verse">His sword, and I fled out beyond the door</div>
-  <div class="verse">To see no more. First Tigellinus’ voice,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’To death, thou wretch!’ then blows, but not a groan;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Only she showed her spirit to the last,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And made some choice of death, offering her body,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’That bare the monster,’ crying with that curse,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Strike here, strike here!’</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Sen.</i><span class="indent30">Alas, poor lady,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">3219</span><div class="verse">Was that the end of thy unscrupulous,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Towering ambition? Thou didst win indeed</div>
-  <div class="verse">The best and worst of Fortune.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Bur.</i><span class="indent35">Give her her due,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Such courage as deserved the best, such crimes</div>
-  <div class="verse">As make her death seem gentler than deserved.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Nero between Anicetus and Tigellinus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ner.</i> My lords, ’tis done. Nay, look not grieved. There’s none</div>
-  <div class="verse">Suffers as much as I; all share the good.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And think not that to keep the world at peace</div>
-  <div class="verse">I grudge this sacrifice: the general care</div>
-  <div class="verse">I set before my own, and therefore bid</div>
-  <div class="verse">There be no public mourning, nay, to-morrow</div>
-  <span class="linenum">3230</span><div class="verse">We shall attend the spectacles and games,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Appear as usual before the people:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, and I partly look, my lords, to you</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I be well received. Good night to all!</div>
-</div></div></div>
-
-<div class="figcenter" >
-<img src="images/i_177.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a>
-<a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-
-<h2><a id="p179"></a>
-<a name="ACHILLES" id="ACHILLES">ACHILLES
-IN
-SCYROS</a></h2>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_001b.jpg" alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_180.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-
-<p class="center">DRAMATIS PERSONÆ</p>
-
-
-<div class="center small">
-<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
-<tr><td align="left"><i>THETIS</i></td><td align="right"><i>Mother of Achilles</i>.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><i>ACHILLES</i></td><td align="right"><i>disguised as PYRRHA</i>.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><i>LYCOMEDES</i></td><td align="right"><i>King of Scyros</i>.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><i>ULYSSES</i></td><td align="right"><i>Prince of Ithaca</i>.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><i>DIOMEDE</i></td><td align="right"><i>compassion of Ulysses</i>.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><i>ABAS</i></td><td align="right"><i>servant to Ulysses</i>.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="left"><i>DEIDAMIA</i></td><td align="right"><i>daughter of Lycomedes</i>.</td></tr>
-<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><i>CHORUS of SCYRIAN MAIDENS.</i></td></tr>
-</table></div>
-
-<p class="center"><i>The scene is on the Island of Scyros, in the gardens of the
-palace.</i></p>
-
-
-<p class="center"><i>Thetis prologises.</i></p>
-
-<div class="chapter"></div>
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
-
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_181.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<p class="center xl">ACHILLES</p>
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_003c.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">THETIS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse"><span class="xl smcap">The</span> deep recesses of this rocky isle,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That far from undersea riseth to crown</div>
-  <div class="verse">Its flowery head above the circling waves,</div>
-  <div class="verse">A home for men with groves and gardens green,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I chose not ill to be the hiding-place</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of my loved son. Alas, I could not take him</div>
-  <div class="verse">To live in my blue caverns, where the nymphs</div>
-  <div class="verse">Own me for queen: and hateful is the earth</div>
-  <div class="verse">To me, and all remembrance, since that morn,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">10</span><div class="verse">When, in the train of May wandering too far,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I trafficked with my shells and pearls to buy</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her fragrant roses and fresh lilies white.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Accurst the day and thou, ah, wretched Peleus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who forcedst me to learn the fears that women</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have for their mortal offspring: who but I,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thetis, Poseidon’s daughter, who alone</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">But I of all the immortals have known this,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To bear and love a son in human kind?</div>
-  <div class="verse">And yet not wholly ill is the constraint,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">20</span><div class="verse">Nor do I pity mortals to be born</div>
-  <div class="verse">Heirs of desire and death, and the rich thought</div>
-  <div class="verse">Denied to easy pleasure in the days</div>
-  <div class="verse">That neither bring nor take; tho’ more to me</div>
-  <div class="verse">Embittered with foreknowledge of a doom</div>
-  <div class="verse">Threatened by fate, and labour how to avert.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">For to me, questioning the high decrees</div>
-  <div class="verse">By which the sweetly tyrannous stars allot</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their lives and deaths to men, answer was given</div>
-  <div class="verse">That for my son Achilles there was ruled</div>
-  <span class="linenum">30</span><div class="verse">One of two things, and neither good; the better</div>
-  <div class="verse">A long and easy life, the worse a death</div>
-  <div class="verse">Untimely-glorious, which should set his name</div>
-  <div class="verse">First of the Greeks;—for so must seem to me</div>
-  <div class="verse">Better and worse, so even an earthly mother</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had for him chosen, tho’ for the right he died,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And conquered all the gods that succour Troy.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">But when I, thinking he must share my fear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Showed him the choice, he made a mortal plunge</div>
-  <div class="verse">For glorious death, and would have straight gone forth</div>
-  <span class="linenum">40</span><div class="verse">To seek it; but in tenderness for me,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whom without shame he honours, and in this</div>
-  <div class="verse">My love repays,—he to my tears consented</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To hide him from his fate; and here he dwells</div>
-  <div class="verse">Disguised among the maidens like a maiden;—</div>
-  <div class="verse">For so his beauty and youth permit,—to serve</div>
-  <div class="verse">The daughter of the king of this fair isle,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who calls him Pyrrha for his golden hair,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And knowing not prefers him o’er the rest.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But I with frequent visitings assure me</div>
-  <span class="linenum">50</span><div class="verse">That he obeys; and,—for I have the power</div>
-  <div class="verse">To change my semblance,—I will sometimes run</div>
-  <div class="verse">In likeness of a young and timorous fawn</div>
-  <div class="verse">Before the maiden train, that give me chase</div>
-  <div class="verse">Far in the woods, till he outstrip them all;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then turn I quick at bay with loved surprise,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And bid him hail: or like a snake I glide</div>
-  <div class="verse">Under the flowers, where they sit at play,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And showing suddenly my gleaming eyes,</div>
-  <div class="verse">All fly but he, and we may speak alone.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">60</span><div class="verse">Thus oft my love will lead me, but to-day</div>
-  <div class="verse">More special need hath brought: for on the seas</div>
-  <div class="verse">I met at dawn a royal ship of Greece</div>
-  <div class="verse">Slow stemming toward this isle. What that might bode,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And who might sail thereon, I guessed; and taking</div>
-  <div class="verse">A dolphin’s shape, that thro’ the heavy waters</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tumbles in sport, around the labouring prow</div>
-  <div class="verse">I gambolled, till her idle crew stood by</div>
-  <div class="verse">To watch me from the wooden battlements.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And surely among them there full soon I saw,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">70</span><div class="verse">Even as I feared, the man I feared, agaze</div>
-  <div class="verse">With hypocrite eyes, the prince of Ithaca,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That searcheth for Achilles: of all the Greeks</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whom most I dread, for his own endless wiles,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And for Athena’s aid. Him when I saw,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lest I should be too late, I hither sped</div>
-  <div class="verse">To warn my son, and here shall meet him soon,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ yet he hath not come,—for on these lawns</div>
-  <div class="verse">The damsels of the court are wont to play,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And he with them. Hark! see! even now. Nay, nay.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">80</span><div class="verse">Alas! who cometh thus? Ah, by that gait</div>
-  <div class="verse">Crouching along, it is my persecutor,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ulysses. Woe is me! I must fly hence.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ he should know me not, I fear to face him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My hated foe, alert, invincible</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of will, full of self-love and mortal guile.<span class="indent22">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Ulysses from the bushes, followed by Diomede, who
-  wears a Lion’s skin.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">DIOMEDE.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">We have made the circuit of the hill, and here</div>
-  <div class="verse">Into the gardens are come round again.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What now?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ULYSSES.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Hush thou! Look there! Some one hath seen us.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">He flies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i><span class="indent5">I see not.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent18">Where the myrtle tops</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">90</span><div class="verse">Stir each in turn. He goeth toward the shore.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I must see him that seeth me. Bide thou.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exit among the bushes.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> Were I a dog, now, I might learn. Heigh ho!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Two hours and more we have wandered on this mountain,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Round and round, up and down, and round again,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Gardens, and lawns, meadows, and groves, and walks,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thickets, and woods, the windings of the glades,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have them all by rote. Each petty rill</div>
-  <div class="verse">We have tracked by rocky steps and paths about,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And peeped into its dank and mossy caves.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">100</span><div class="verse">What sort of game should this Achilles be,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That we should seek him thus? Ah! back so soon?</div>
-  <div class="verse">What sport?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> (<i>re-entering</i>). Well hit. ’Twas but a milk-white doe,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Some petted plaything of the young princess,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That fled our stranger steps.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i><span class="indent32">And whither now</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Turn we to seek Achilles?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent32">Hark, Diomede:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My plot is laid and ready for thine ears.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Thou madest offer of thine aid; be patient,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hear me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i>     I will hearken.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent30">First, thou knowest</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">How since the day the Danaan kings took oath</div>
-  <span class="linenum">110</span><div class="verse">To avenge the wrong done by the Trojan Paris</div>
-  <div class="verse">Against his host, the Spartan Menelaus,</div>
-  <div class="verse">One oracle hath thwarted us, which said</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our purpose should not prosper with the gods</div>
-  <div class="verse">Unless Achilles the young son of Thetis</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should lead our armies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i><span class="indent25">Certainly, so far</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I am with you.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent10">Next, when he was sought in vain,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Men looked to me; ay, and to me it fell</div>
-  <div class="verse">To learn that he was lurking in this isle</div>
-  <span class="linenum">119</span><div class="verse">Of Scyros, in the court of Lycomedes.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The king denied the charge, adding in challenge,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I might come and make what search I pleased;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now mark ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio</i>.<span class="indent5">I listen, but thou tellest nothing.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Why search we not the court if he be there,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Instead of this old hill?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent28">’Tis that I come to.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">King Lycomedes hath been one of those</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who have held their arms aloof from our alliance,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">On the main plea of this Achilles’ absence.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What if he play the game here for his friends,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hide the lad lest they be forced to fight?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">130</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> That well might be. And if the king would hide him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy hope would hit upon him thus at hazard?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> Call me not fool. Attend and hear my plot:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor marvel, Diomede, to learn that he,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whom the high gods name champion of the Greeks,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lurks in the habit of a girl disguised</div>
-  <div class="verse">Amid the maidens of this island court.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> That were too strange. How guess you that?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent40">My spies,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Who have searched the isle, say there’s no youth thereon,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Having Achilles’ age of sixteen years,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">140</span><div class="verse">But is well known of native parentage.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now Thetis’ son must be of wondrous beauty,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That could not scape inquiry; we therefore look</div>
-  <div class="verse">For what is hid, and not to be disguised</div>
-  <div class="verse">Save as I guess.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i><span class="indent15">If this be so, thy purpose</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Is darker still.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent15">I lead thee by the steps</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I came myself to take, slowly and surely ..</div>
-  <div class="verse">And next this, that ’twere dull to ask the king</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To help to find the thing he goes to hide:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Therefore the search must be without his knowledge.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">150</span><div class="verse">’Twas thus I sent up Abas to the court,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Idly to engage him in preliminaries,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The while I work; my only hope being this,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To come myself to parley with the maidens;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which to procure I brought with me aboard</div>
-  <div class="verse">A pedlar’s gear, and with such gawds and trinkets</div>
-  <div class="verse">As tickle girlish fancies, I shall steal</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon them at their play; my hoary beard</div>
-  <div class="verse">And rags will set them at their ease; and while</div>
-  <div class="verse">They come about me, and turn o’er my pack,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">160</span><div class="verse">I spy. If then Achilles be among them,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The lad’s indifference soon will mark him out;</div>
-  <div class="verse">When, watching my occasion, I’ll exhibit</div>
-  <div class="verse">Something that should provoke his eye and tongue.</div>
-  <div class="verse">If he betray himself, thou being at hand ....</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> Why, ’tis a dirty trick.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent38">Not if it wins.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> Fie! fie!</div>
-  <div class="verse">In rags and a white beard?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent30">No better way.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> The better way were not to lose the hour</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hearkening to oracles, while our good ships</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rot, and our men grow stale. Why, you may see</div>
-  <span class="linenum">171</span><div class="verse">Imperial Agamemnon in the eyes</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Of all his armament walk daily forth</div>
-  <div class="verse">To take fresh note of sparrows and of snakes:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And if he spy an eagle, ’twill make talk</div>
-  <div class="verse">For twenty days. Would you have oracles,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Give me the whipping of the priests. Zeus help me!</div>
-  <div class="verse">If half the chiefs knew but their minds as I,</div>
-  <div class="verse">There’d be no parleying. I’ll to war alone</div>
-  <div class="verse">And with my eighty ships do what I may</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Gainst gods and men. Ay, and the greater odds</div>
-  <div class="verse">The better fighting.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent22">Now ’tis thou that talkest.</span><span class="linenum">181</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> Tell me then why we are prowling on this hill.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> Excellent reasons. First that when I come</div>
-  <div class="verse">I may know how to come, and where to hide</div>
-  <div class="verse">From them I would not meet: and thereto this,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That if Achilles fly, he should not take us</div>
-  <div class="verse">At too great disadvantage: thou mayst head him,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Knowing the ground about, while I pursue.</div>
-  <div class="verse">He must not scape. But hark, ’tis time the plot</div>
-  <span class="linenum">190</span><div class="verse">Were put to proof; already it must be noon;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And I hear steps and voices. Let us return</div>
-  <div class="verse">To the ship. If they that come be those we seek,...</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hark, and ’tis they,—we can look back upon them.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll be amongst them soon.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i><span class="indent28">’Tis a girl’s game.</span></div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt into the bushes.</i></p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Enter Deidamia, Achilles as Pyrrha, with the chorus of
-  maidens.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>DEIDAMIA</i> (<i>without</i>).</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Follow me, follow. I lead the race.<span class="indent32">[<i>Enters.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">CHORUS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Follow, we follow, we give thee chase.<span class="indent25">[<i>Entering.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Follow me, follow.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> We come, we come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Here is my home;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">200</span><div class="verse">I choose this tree: this is the ground</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where we will make our play. Stand all around,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And let us beg the dwellers in this glade</div>
-  <div class="verse">To bear us company. Be not afraid,</div>
-  <div class="verse">(I will begin) sweet birds, whose flowery songs</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sprinkle with joy the budding boughs above,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The airy city where your light folk throngs,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Each with his special exquisite of love,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Red-throat and white-throat, finch and golden-crest,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Deep-murmuring pigeon, and soft-cooing dove,—</div>
-  <span class="linenum">210</span><div class="verse">Unto his mate addrest, that close in nest</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sits on the dun and dappled eggs all day.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come red-throat, white-throat, finch and golden-crest,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let not our merry play drive you away.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> And ye brown squirrels, up the rugged bark</div>
-  <div class="verse">That fly, and leap from bending spray to spray,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And bite the luscious shoots, if I should mark,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Slip not behind the trunks, nor hide away.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye earthy moles, that burrowing in the dark</div>
-  <span class="linenum">219</span><div class="verse">Your glossy velvet coats so much abuse;—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye watchful dormice, and small skipping shrews,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stay not from foraging; dive not from sight.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come moles and mice, squirrels and skipping shrews,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come all, come forth, and join in our delight.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Enough. Now while the Dryads of the hill</div>
-  <div class="verse">Interpret to the creatures our good will,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Listen, and I will tell you a new game</div>
-  <div class="verse">That we can play together.—As hither I came,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I marked that in the hazel copse below,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where we so oft have hidden and loved to go</div>
-  <span class="linenum">230</span><div class="verse">To hear the night-bird, or to take unseen</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our noontide walks beneath the tangled screen,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The woodcutter hath been with cruel blade,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And of the tasselled plumes his strewage made:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And by the mossy moots the covert shorn</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now lieth low in swathe like autumn corn.</div>
-  <div class="verse">These ere he lop and into bundles bind,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let us go choose the fairest we may find,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And of their feathered orphan saplings weave</div>
-  <div class="verse">A bowery dome, until the birds believe</div>
-  <span class="linenum">240</span><div class="verse">We build a nest, and are come here to dwell.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hie forth, ye Scyrian maids; do as I tell:</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And having built our bower amid the green,</div>
-  <div class="verse">We will choose one among us for a queen,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And be the Amazons, whose maiden clan</div>
-  <div class="verse">By broad Thermodon dwells, apart from man;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who rule themselves, from his dominion free,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And do all things he doth, better than he.</div>
-  <div class="verse">First, Amazons, your queen: to choose her now:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who shall she be?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent15">Thyself, thou. Who but thou?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Deidamia.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent5">Where then were the play,</span><span class="linenum">250</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If I should still command, and ye obey?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Choose thou for all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent28">Nor will I name her, lest</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye say my favour sets one o’er the rest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Thy choice is ours.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent25">If then I gave my voice</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For Pyrrha?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i>     Pyrrha, Pyrrha is our choice.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hail, Pyrrha, hail! Queen of the Amazons!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> (<i>To Ach.</i>). To thee I abdicate my place, and give</div>
-  <div class="verse">My wreath for crown. Long, my queen, mayst thou live!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now, fellow-subjects, hie we off at once.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ACHILLES.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">260</span><div class="verse">Stay, stay! Is this the privilege of the throne?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Am I preferred but to be left alone?</div>
-  <div class="verse">No guard, no counsellor, no company!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Deidamia, stay!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent10">Thy word must be</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">My law, O queen: I will abide. But ye</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forth quickly, as I said; ye know the place.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Follow me, follow: I lead the race.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Follow, we follow, we give thee chase.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent12">Follow me, follow.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent12">We come, we come.<span class="indent32">[<i>Exeunt Chor.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">270</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I could not bear that thou shouldst strain thy hands</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dragging those branches up the sunny hill;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor for a thousand honours thou shouldst do me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Making me here thy queen, would I consent</div>
-  <div class="verse">To lose thy company, even for an hour.</div>
-  <div class="verse">See, while the maids warm in their busy play,</div>
-  <div class="verse">We may enjoy in quiet the sweet air,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thro’ the quivering golden green look up</div>
-  <div class="verse">To the deep sky, and have high thoughts as idle</div>
-  <div class="verse">And bright, as are the small white clouds becalmed</div>
-  <span class="linenum">280</span><div class="verse">In disappointed voyage to the noon:</div>
-  <div class="verse">There is no better pastime.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent28">I will sit with thee</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">In idleness, while idleness can please.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> It is not idleness to steep the soul</div>
-  <div class="verse">In nature’s beauty: rather every day</div>
-  <div class="verse">We are idle letting beauteous things go by</div>
-  <div class="verse">Unheld, or scarce perceived. We cannot dream</div>
-  <div class="verse">Too deeply, nor o’erprize the mood of love,</div>
-  <div class="verse">When it comes on us strongly, and the hour</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is ripe for thought.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent18">I have a thought, a dream;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If thou canst keep it secret.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent22">I am thy slave.</span><span class="linenum">290</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Suppose—’tis more than that, yet I’ll but say</div>
-  <div class="verse">Suppose—we played this game of Amazons</div>
-  <div class="verse">In earnest. What an isle this Scyros were;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rich and wellplanted, and its rocky coast</div>
-  <div class="verse">Easy of defence: the women now upon it</div>
-  <div class="verse">Could hold it. Nay, I have often thought it out:</div>
-  <div class="verse">The king my sire is threescore years and more,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hath no heir: suppose that when he dies,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">The gods defer it long, but when he dies,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">300</span><div class="verse">If thou and I should plan to seize this isle,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Drive out the men, and rule it for our own ...</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wouldst thou work with me, Pyrrha, the thing could be.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why shouldst thou smile? I do not say that I</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would rate my strength with men; but on the farms</div>
-  <div class="verse">Women are thicker sinewed; and in thee</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">I see what all might be. I am sure for speed</div>
-  <div class="verse">No man could match thee, and thou hast an arm</div>
-  <div class="verse">To tug an oar or hurl the heaviest spear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or wrestle with the best. Why dost thou smile?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> When thou art queen, I’ll be thy general.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> That was my thought. What dost thou think?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent60">I think</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">312</span><div class="verse">That Fate hath marked me for a general.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Nay, but I jest not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent32">Then shall I forecast</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And weigh impediments against thee? as men</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will in like case, who think no scheme mature</div>
-  <div class="verse">Till counsel hath forestalled all obstacles.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> If thou canst think of any.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent42">First is this,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Whence shall we get our subjects when our isle</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is peopled but by women?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent25">Fairly asked,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">320</span><div class="verse">Had I not thought of it. We shall import them</div>
-  <div class="verse">From other isles. Girl children everywhere</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are held of small account: these we will buy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Bartering for them our fruits and tapestries,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And chiefly from the country whence thou comest;</div>
-  <div class="verse">For there I think the women must be taller</div>
-  <div class="verse">And stronger than with us.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent28">And who will act</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Persuader to the maidens of the isle</div>
-  <div class="verse">To banish all their lovers?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent28">O Pyrrha, shame!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Man’s love is nothing; what knowst thou of it</div>
-  <span class="linenum">330</span><div class="verse">To magnify its folly? ’Tis a mischief</div>
-  <div class="verse">To thwart our good: therefore I banish it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">A woman’s love may be as much to woman</div>
-  <div class="verse">As a man’s love can be. ’Tis reasonable</div>
-  <div class="verse">This, and no dream. ’Tis my experience.</div>
-  <div class="verse">When I am with thee, Pyrrha, I want nothing.</div>
-  <div class="verse">No woman sitting by her silly lover</div>
-  <div class="verse">Could take such pleasure from his flatteries</div>
-  <div class="verse">As I from thy speech. When thou lookest on me</div>
-  <div class="verse">I am all joy; and if ’tis so with thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why need we argue? Tell me, when I am with thee</div>
-  <span class="linenum">341</span><div class="verse">Dost thou lack aught, or wish I were a man?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> In truth nay, but ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent30">A wretched but: I know</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What that would say; this thing cannot be done</div>
-  <div class="verse">Because ’twas never done. But that’s with me</div>
-  <div class="verse">The reason why it should be done.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent40">I see.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet novelty hath no wear. Remember too</div>
-  <div class="verse">We must grow old. The spirit of such adventure</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tires as the body ages.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent22">For that I think</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I make the best provision. Nay, I have seen</div>
-  <span class="linenum">350</span><div class="verse">Full many an old dame left in last neglect,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose keen gray eye, peaked face, and silver hair</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were god-like set beneath a helm of brass.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Here be the maids: ask them their mind at once.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Nay, for the world no word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Chorus, with flowers.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Why run they breathlessly in merry fear?</div>
-  <div class="verse">What have ye seen? What now?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent32">The king. Fly, fly!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Why should we fly the king?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> A man is with him, and they come this way.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Who is it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent18">Nay, we know not.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent40">What hath happed?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> We went forth as ye bade, and all together</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ran down the hill, the straightest way we might,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">362</span><div class="verse">Into the copse, and lo! ’twas as thou saidst;</div>
-  <div class="verse">The hazels are all felled, but on the ground,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That ’neath the straight trunks of the airy trees</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lies in the spotted sunlight, are upsprung</div>
-  <div class="verse">Countless anemones, white, red, and blue,</div>
-  <div class="verse">In the bright glade. Forgetting why we came,</div>
-  <div class="verse">We fell to gathering these. I chose the blue,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">As ye may see, loving blue blossoms best,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That are content with heaven.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>2nd Speaker.</i><span class="indent22">And I the red,</span><span class="linenum">370</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Love’s passionate colour; and the love in these</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is mixed with heavenly to a royal purple.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>3rd.</i> And I the white: whose praise I will not tell,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lest it should blush.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>4th.</i><span class="indent22">And I have mixed together</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The red and white.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>5th.</i><span class="indent15">And I the red and blue.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>6th.</i> And I the blue and white.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent38">Well, but the matter.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What happened next, tell me?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> (<i>1st.</i>)<span class="indent20">Still at this game,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Like to a hungry herd that stops and feeds,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Snatching what tempts it on, we made advance</div>
-  <div class="verse">To the entrance of the combe; and then one cried,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Look up! Look there! And from the open brow,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">382</span><div class="verse">Whence we looked down upon the sea, we saw</div>
-  <div class="verse">A great war-ship in the harbour: and one said,</div>
-  <div class="verse">She comes from Athens; and another, nay,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her build is Rhodian: when as there we gazed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Counting her ports, and wondering of her name,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">We heard men’s voices and beheld the king</div>
-  <div class="verse">Mounting the hill-side, with a stranger clad</div>
-  <div class="verse">In short Greek robes. Then ran we back to thee,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">390</span><div class="verse">Ere we were seen, in haste; that we may hide,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And not be called within to attend the guests.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> So did ye well, whoe’er it be, and best</div>
-  <div class="verse">If ’tis the prince of Melos, as I fear:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who late my father said would come to woo me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">But he must find me first.<span class="indent45">[<i>Going.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent28">I’ll be thine eyes</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And take his measure. Let me lurk behind,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll learn his height, the colour of his beard,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And bring thee word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent18">I pray, no beards for me.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Those that love beards remain. The rest with me.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Follow me, follow: I lead the race.<span class="indent25">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Follow, we follow. We give thee chase—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Follow me, follow—<span class="linenum">402</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">—We come, we come.<span class="indent35">[<i>Exeunt Chor.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I wish I had had Apollo for my sire;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or that old Cheiron, when he taught me arms,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hunting the beasts on bushy Pelion,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had led and trained me rather, as well he knew,</div>
-  <div class="verse">In that fair park of fancy and delight,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where but the Graces and the Muses come.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">410</span><div class="verse">For he could sing: and oft took down at eve</div>
-  <div class="verse">From the high pillar of his rocky cave</div>
-  <div class="verse">The lyre or pipe, and whiled the darksome hours.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Which would I had learned, to touch the stops and strings,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor only harked thereto: for nought he sang,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whether of gods or men, of peace or war,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had any theme of sweetness to compare</div>
-  <div class="verse">With my new world, here, where I am king, and rule</div>
-  <div class="verse">The sweetest thing in nature. Had I skill</div>
-  <div class="verse">To give translation to my joy, I think</div>
-  <div class="verse">I could make music that should charm the world.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">421</span><div class="verse">O Deidamia, thou Queen of my heart,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I would enchant thee and thine isle. Alas!</div>
-  <div class="verse">How wilt thou learn thou art mine? How can I tell</div>
-  <div class="verse">And with the word not lose thee? Now this suitor</div>
-  <div class="verse">Threats my betrayal ... He comes. I’ll watch. Yet not</div>
-  <div class="verse">With jealous eyes, but heedful of my fate.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Hides in bushes.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Lycomedes and Abas.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">LYCOMEDES.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">’Tis folly and impertinence. I say it</div>
-  <div class="verse">With due respect unto the prince, thy master,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who am as much his elder as the king</div>
-  <div class="verse">His father is. He ne’er would so have wronged me,—</div>
-  <span class="linenum">431</span><div class="verse">The mild and good Laertes.—In this isle</div>
-  <div class="verse">Think’st thou ’twere possible a man should hide,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And I not know it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-<p class="heading1">ABAS.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent16">My Lord Ulysses, sire,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Bade me assure your majesty he came</div>
-  <div class="verse">More with the purpose to acquit your honour,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which suffers greatly in the common tongue,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than with a hope to find what he pretends</div>
-  <div class="verse">He comes to seek.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent15">Why should he come at all?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i> Taking your invitation in the sense</div>
-  <div class="verse">That I have spoken ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent22">Thinks he, if I chose</span><span class="linenum">440</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To hide the man in Scyros, that a stranger</div>
-  <div class="verse">From Ithaca could find him?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent22">Nay ...</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent28">It follows</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Your search can never quit my honesty,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where I am held accomplice; but no less</div>
-  <div class="verse">Must put a slight upon my wits, implying</div>
-  <div class="verse">Me the deceived.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent15">Your invitation, sire,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Covers that charge.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent18">My invitation, sir,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Was but my seal of full denial, a challenge</div>
-  <div class="verse">For honour’s eye, not to be taken up.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your master hath slipped in manners: yet fear not</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">451</span><div class="verse">But I will meet and treat him as his birth</div>
-  <div class="verse">And name require. Speak we no more of this.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What think’st thou of our isle?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent38">The famed Ægean</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath not a finer jewel on her breast.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Come, come! you overpraise us: there’s no need.</div>
-  <div class="verse">We Scyrians are contented.—Now we are climbed</div>
-  <div class="verse">Above the town to the east; and you may see</div>
-  <div class="verse">The western seaboard, and our other port.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The island narrows here to twenty stades,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">460</span><div class="verse">Cut like a wasp; the shoulder where we stand</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is its best natured spot: It falls to the sun,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And at this time of the year takes not too much.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i> ’Tis strange how in all points the lie of the land</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is like our Ithaca, but better clothed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> And larger, is’t not?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent32">Past comparison.—</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> What navy bring ye to the war?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent45">Ah, sire!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We have no ships to boast of—with our own</div>
-  <div class="verse">Zakynthus, Cephallenia, and the rest,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Joining their numbers, raise but ten or twelve.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> And these your prince commands?<span class="linenum">470</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent45">Such as they be.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Tidings come slowly to us here. I pray you</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Tell me the latest of your preparations.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The thing must drag: there was some talk awhile</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of coldness ’twixt the chiefs: ’twould be no wonder.</div>
-  <div class="verse">They that combine upon one private grudge</div>
-  <div class="verse">May split upon another.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent25">Still their zeal</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Increases: ’tis as fire spread from a spark.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> A spark? well—Menelaus. At this time</div>
-  <div class="verse">What numbers hath he drawn, and whence?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent40">The ships</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">480</span><div class="verse">Number above a thousand: a tenth of these</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are sent by Corinth, Sicyon and Mycenæ;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sixty are Spartan, and king Agamemnon</div>
-  <div class="verse">Provides as many as these all told together.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then from Ægina, Epidaurus, Argos,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And Tiryns Diomede brings eighty: Nestor</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ninety from Pylos; from Bœotia</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come eighty; Phocis and Phthiotis each</div>
-  <div class="verse">Send forty; Athens fifty; and Eubœa</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forty; from Salamis Ajax brings twelve;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">490</span><div class="verse">Oilean Ajax with the Locrians</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forty more; from our neighbours in the west,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dulichium and Ætolia, eighty sail;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Again as many from hundred-citied Crete</div>
-  <div class="verse">Under the king Idomeneus, and nine</div>
-  <div class="verse">From Rhodes: All these, with others that escape</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">My hasty summing, lie drawn up at Aulis.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis such a sight as, I am bold to say,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If but your majesty could see it, would move you</div>
-  <div class="verse">To make a part of the splendour.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent38">Nay, I have seen them.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i> Your majesty hath been at Aulis?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent45">Nay,</span><span class="linenum">500</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor yet at Aulis: but the tale thou tellest</div>
-  <div class="verse">Coming unto my ears a month ago,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Some of my lords and I one idle morn</div>
-  <div class="verse">Crossed to Eubœa,—’tis a pleasure trip,</div>
-  <div class="verse">On a clear day scarce out of sight of home—</div>
-  <div class="verse">We landed ’neath Œchalia by noon,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And, crossing o’er the isle on mules, were lodged</div>
-  <div class="verse">That night at Chalcis. The next day at dawn</div>
-  <div class="verse">I played the spy. ’Twas such a breathless morning</div>
-  <span class="linenum">510</span><div class="verse">When all the sound and motion of the sea</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is short and sullen, like a dreaming beast:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or as ’twere mixed of heavier elements</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than the bright water, that obeys the wind.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hiring a fishing-boat we bade the sailors</div>
-  <div class="verse">Row us to Aulis; when midway the straits,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The morning mist lifted, and lo, a sight</div>
-  <div class="verse">Unpicturable.—High upon our left</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where we supposed was nothing, suddenly</div>
-  <div class="verse">A tall and shadowy figure loomed: then two,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">And three, and four, and more towering above us:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">521</span><div class="verse">But whether poised upon the leaden sea</div>
-  <div class="verse">They stood, or floated in the misty air,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That baffling our best vision held entangled</div>
-  <div class="verse">The silver of the half-awakened sun,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or whether near or far, we could not tell,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor what: at first I thought them rocks, but ere</div>
-  <div class="verse">That error could be told, they were upon us</div>
-  <div class="verse">Bearing down swiftly athwart our course; and all</div>
-  <div class="verse">Saw ’twas a fleet of ships, not three or four</div>
-  <span class="linenum">530</span><div class="verse">Now, but unnumber’d: like a floating city,</div>
-  <div class="verse">If such could be, with walls and battlements</div>
-  <div class="verse">Spread on the wondering water: and now the sun</div>
-  <div class="verse">Broke thro’ the haze, and from the shields outhung</div>
-  <div class="verse">Blazed back his dazzling beams, and round their prows</div>
-  <div class="verse">On the divided water played; as still</div>
-  <div class="verse">They rode the tide in silence, all their oars</div>
-  <div class="verse">Stretched out aloft, as are the balanced wings</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of storm-fowl, which returned from battling flight</div>
-  <div class="verse">Across the sea, steady their aching plumes</div>
-  <span class="linenum">540</span><div class="verse">And skim along the shuddering cliffs at ease:</div>
-  <div class="verse">So came they gliding on the sullen plain,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Out of the dark, in silent state, by force</div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet unexpended of their nightlong speed.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">Those were the Cretan ships, who when they saw us</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hailed for a pilot, and of our native sailors</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Took one aboard, and dipping all their oars</div>
-  <div class="verse">Passed on, and we with them, into the bay.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">Then from all round, where the dark hulls were moored</div>
-  <div class="verse">Against the shore, and from the tents above</div>
-  <span class="linenum">550</span><div class="verse">A shout of joy went up, re-echoing</div>
-  <div class="verse">From point to point; and we too cheered and caught</div>
-  <div class="verse">The zeal of that great gathering.—Where man is met</div>
-  <div class="verse">The gods will come; or shall I say man’s spirit</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath operative faculties to mix</div>
-  <div class="verse">And make his gods at will? Howe’er that be,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Soon a swift galley shot out from the rest</div>
-  <div class="verse">To meet the comers. That was Agamemnon’s,</div>
-  <div class="verse">They told me; and I doubt not he was in it,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And gave his welcome to Idomeneus,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">560</span><div class="verse">And took him to his tent. On such a day</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our little boat rowed where we would unmarked:</div>
-  <div class="verse">We were but Chalcian pilots. So I saw</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whate’er I wished to see, and came away</div>
-  <div class="verse">Across the strait that night, and the next day</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was home by sundown.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent22">All this could you see</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Without the wish to join?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent28">I say not that;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For wish I did that I was young again.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then, sir, I would have left whate’er I had,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">My kingdom to another, for the pride,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">570</span><div class="verse">Of high place in such war; now I am old.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i> But older men than thou have joined us, sire.</div>
-  <div class="verse">War needs experience.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent22">Concerning war</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I am divided in opinion, Abas:</div>
-  <div class="verse">But lean to think it hath a wholesome root</div>
-  <div class="verse">Supportive to our earthly habit. I see</div>
-  <div class="verse">The noblest beasts will love to fight, and man</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is body as well as spirit: his mind that’s set</div>
-  <div class="verse">In judgment o’er those twain must oft admit</div>
-  <div class="verse">The grosser part hath a preponderant claim.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">580</span><div class="verse">But I regret this, and my discontent</div>
-  <div class="verse">Puts me this question, Shall man never come</div>
-  <div class="verse">To a better state with his desire? What think you?</div>
-  <div class="verse">What if our race yet young should with the time</div>
-  <div class="verse">Throw off the baser passions, as I find</div>
-  <div class="verse">Myself by age affected? I know not ...</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have a little statue in my house,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which, if you look on’t long, begets belief</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of absolute perfectionment; the artist</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should have been present when man’s clay was mixed.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">590</span><div class="verse">Prometheus, or whoever ’twas that made us,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had his head turned with natural history:</div>
-  <div class="verse">All excellent contrivance, but betraying</div>
-  <div class="verse">Commonness and complexity. Well! well!</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">No need of my philosophies in Scyros—</div>
-  <div class="verse">War must have motive, and the men I rule</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are simple and contented with their lot.</div>
-  <div class="verse">None in my land would wish an atom changed:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were even Achilles here ’twould be no wonder</div>
-  <div class="verse">If he had caught our temper.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i><span class="indent32">All men witness</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">600</span><div class="verse">To thy good rule, O king: but in the wars</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fame may be won.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent15">Nor do I ask for fame.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Come that to whom it will; to Agamemnon,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To Ajax or Ulysses or Achilles.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i> To Achilles no: ’tis not in the gods’ grace</div>
-  <div class="verse">To succour pigritude. To him, a lad,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The prize of honour above all the Greeks</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was offered: by the poor effeminacy</div>
-  <div class="verse">With which he hath rejected it, he is judged</div>
-  <div class="verse">Meanest of all. But since we cannot win</div>
-  <span class="linenum">610</span><div class="verse">Without him, we must have him. Little glory</div>
-  <div class="verse">To him, except to be Fate’s dullest tool.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Maybe. Now come we on. I had thought to find</div>
-  <div class="verse">My daughter and her train. I’ll take thee round</div>
-  <div class="verse">Another way to the palace: thither no doubt</div>
-  <div class="verse">She is now returned.<span class="indent50">[<i>Exeunt.</i></span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Achilles from the bushes.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Villain, I thank the gods that sent thee hither.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But thou wast near thy death. Walk off secure,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not knowing that I heard. <i>Effeminate!</i></div>
-  <div class="verse"><i>The meanest of the Greeks!</i> were he the best,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">620</span><div class="verse">I’d slay him in this garment. Yet he is but</div>
-  <div class="verse">A tongue to troll opinion of me, a slave,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fetcher and carrier of others’ tales, and doth</div>
-  <div class="verse">The drudgery honestly; for that I’ll thank him</div>
-  <div class="verse">And profit by his slander. Ay, so I’ll do—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now in good time—I’ll get me a man’s dress</div>
-  <div class="verse">And meet them here, ere they suspect me:—or, stay!</div>
-  <div class="verse">I can outwit them better. I’ll take a boat,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cross o’er to Aulis, like good Lycomede,</div>
-  <div class="verse">This very night, and there to Agamemnon</div>
-  <span class="linenum">630</span><div class="verse">Declare myself; and men shall never know</div>
-  <div class="verse">How I was hid, nor whence I came.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Thetis.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent40">My son!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> My goddess mother, welcome! yet I am shamed</div>
-  <div class="verse">That thou shouldst find me thus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent40">How art thou shamed?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> This dress. O thou canst help me: thou art ready</div>
-  <div class="verse">At every need. And here hath been a man</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Who, thinking not I heard, spake to the king</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of thy Achilles with such scorn, that I</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should have leaped forth upon him in my rage,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And strangled him, but that he seemed to be</div>
-  <span class="linenum">640</span><div class="verse">Another’s servant.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent18">Then thou hast seen them, son?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Who are they?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent22">Those I came to warn thee of;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Ulysses and his friends. Knowst thou ’tis they</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are come unto the isle to seek thee?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent45">Ay.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But thou art ready to outwit their wile.</div>
-  <div class="verse">As thou didst bring me hither on that night</div>
-  <div class="verse">When all thy nymphs, assembling ’neath the moon</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the Achæan shore, bore me away</div>
-  <div class="verse">Across the sea, even so to Aulis now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Convey me secretly, and set me there,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ere men know whence I come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent32">What hear I, son?</span><span class="linenum">650</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To Aulis? to thy foes?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent22">A thousand ships</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Moored idle in the bay wait but for me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And round the shore the captains of the Greeks</div>
-  <div class="verse">Impatient in their tents but call for me.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be they my foes to speak or wish me ill,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis only that I come not. I must go.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> There let them tarry till the sea-worm bore</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their ships to rottenness; or, sail they forth,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let them be butchered by the sword of Hector,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">660</span><div class="verse">Ere thou be snared to serve their empty pride.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> But louder than their need my honour calls:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hast thou no thought of this in all thy love?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Who then is honoured more or more desired</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than thou art now? but they, if once they had thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would slight thee, and pretend they were the men.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> But those are honoured best that hear their praise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Is not high Zeus himself, holding aloof,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Worshipped the more? Let the world say of thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">When these have perished, that they went their way</div>
-  <span class="linenum">670</span><div class="verse">Because the son of Thetis would not aid them.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> But if ’twere said because he feared to die?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Fearst thou reproach of fear that fearst not death?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I fear not, but by proof would shun reproach.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Men, son, are what they are; and thou art brave.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis asked of poor and questionable spirits</div>
-  <div class="verse">To prove their worth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent22">I prove myself a coward.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> How! when it needed heavenly prayers and tears,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The force of duty and a goddess’ will</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To keep thee back from death! when all the joys</div>
-  <span class="linenum">680</span><div class="verse">That I have set about thee, and a love</div>
-  <div class="verse">More beautiful than Helen’s cannot hold thee!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Fate, that from men hideth her pitiless face,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Offered to me this kindness, that my will</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should be of force in predetermined deeds:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Allowing me to take which life I would</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of two incomparable lots; I ever</div>
-  <div class="verse">Leaned one way, the other thou; and still at heart</div>
-  <div class="verse">I hold to my first choice.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent30">O child of man,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Though child of mine, wouldst thou know wisdom’s way,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">690</span><div class="verse">Learn it of me. If I had said to thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou being a mortal shouldst love death and darkness;</div>
-  <div class="verse">For in the brief date of thy heedless term</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis vain to strive with evil: and since the end</div>
-  <div class="verse">Cometh the same, and at the latest cometh</div>
-  <div class="verse">So soon, that there’s no difference to be told</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twixt early and late, ’tis wisdom to despair:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then would thy tongue have boldly answered me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And said, Man hath his life; that it must end</div>
-  <div class="verse">Condemns it not for nought. Are rivers salt</div>
-  <span class="linenum">700</span><div class="verse">Because they travel to the bitter sea?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is the day dark because the gorgeous west</div>
-  <div class="verse">Must fade in gloom, when the ungazeable sun</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Is fallen beneath the waves? Or hath the spring</div>
-  <div class="verse">No charm in her pavilions, are her floors</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not starred, for that we see her birth is slow</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of niggard winter, and her blossoms smirched</div>
-  <div class="verse">By summer’s tyranny? Hadst thou said this,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And that Earth’s changeful pride, the life of man,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is exquisite in such a quality</div>
-  <div class="verse">To make the high gods envious could they guess:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">711</span><div class="verse">Then had I found no answer: but when I</div>
-  <div class="verse">Told thee of joy, and set thee in the midst,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That thou shouldst argue with me that ’tis best</div>
-  <div class="verse">To die at once, and for an empty name</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pass to the trivial shades; then must I fear</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have as thankless and unwise a son,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As disobedient.—Yet when first I taught thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou gav’st me promise to be wise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent40">But never</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Wilt thou then free me from my promise given?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">720</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Not to thy hurt.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent22">See now what shame I bear!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Why make so much of shame? If thou despise</div>
-  <div class="verse">The pleasure of the earth, why not the shame?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I wrong, too, this old king.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent45">His daughter more,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If thou desert her.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent18">But ’twould hurt her less</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To lose me now than know me when disgraced.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> I plead not in her name, nor charge thee, son,</div>
-  <div class="verse">With loving her in my contempt. A dream</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of mortal fancy or honour may becloud</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy mind awhile, but ne’er canst thou forget</div>
-  <span class="linenum">730</span><div class="verse">Thy bond to me; the care that never left thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Till thou wert out of hand; the love that dared</div>
-  <div class="verse">To send thee from my sight when thou wast able,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And to strange lands; my secret visitings</div>
-  <div class="verse">There, and revisitings; the dreams I sent thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Warnings of ill, and ecstasies of pride;</div>
-  <div class="verse">The thousand miracles I wrought to save thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And guard thee to thy prime;—and now men say</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou art the first of the Greeks: their homaged kings</div>
-  <span class="linenum">739</span><div class="verse">The gods condemn to death if thou withhold</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy single arm. Why so? What hast thou done?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where have men seen thee? Hast thou ruled like Nestor?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Conquered like Agamemnon, fought like Ajax?</div>
-  <div class="verse">What is thy prowess, what thy skill but this,</div>
-  <div class="verse">That thou art son of Thetis? Disobey not,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor question now my bidding. Must I kneel,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Embrace thy knees, or melt before thy face</div>
-  <div class="verse">In supplicating tears? O if thy birth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Did cost the tenderest tears that god e’er shed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Make not those bitter drops to have flowed in vain.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">750</span><div class="verse">Whate’er fate portion thee my joy is this—</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">That thou dost love me. Dost thou cease to love,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I am most miserable.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent20">O fear not that,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Mother and goddess! Pardon me, weep not.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let all men curse me, be my name abhorred,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rather than thou be grieved. ’Twas anger moved me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I will forget this, and obey thee. Say</div>
-  <div class="verse">What I must do, how best avoid these men:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And how refuse their call if I be found.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Kiss me, my son. By the gods’ life, I love thee:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">760</span><div class="verse">My grief is to deny thee. But there’s need</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of counsel, for the day is critical</div>
-  <div class="verse">And glides apace. And first if they should find thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then ’tis thy fate to go: I cannot stay thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And since to bear thee hence were sure betrayal,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I urge thee to be true to thy disguise.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And better to escape thy foes, learn now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whom most to dread. Of all the Argives shun</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ulysses; come not near him in the halls;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And should he speak to thee, answer no word.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">770</span><div class="verse">Him thou wilt know by his preëminence:</div>
-  <div class="verse">In person he is beardless yet, and smooth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of face and tongue, alluring, gentle in voice</div>
-  <div class="verse">But sturdy of body, and ’neath his helm his locks</div>
-  <div class="verse">O’er a wide brow and restless eye curl forth</div>
-  <div class="verse">In ruddy brown; nor less for his attire</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Notable is he, wearing the best of all,</div>
-  <div class="verse">His linen broidered, and broad jewels to hold</div>
-  <div class="verse">A robe of gray and purple.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent28">He shall not spy me.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But if by any warning from the gods</div>
-  <span class="linenum">780</span><div class="verse">He know and call to me, how then to escape</div>
-  <div class="verse">The shame of this Ionian skirt?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent40">That chance</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I can provide for, and shall give thee now</div>
-  <div class="verse">A magic garment fitting to thy body,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which worn beneath thy robe will seem as weft</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of linen thread, but if it meet the light</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twill be a gilded armour, and serve well</div>
-  <div class="verse">In proof as show. Come, I will set it on thee.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Deidamia and Chorus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> The ground is clear, we have deceived them mightily,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Running around.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent15">Where is our queen?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">(<i>2</i>)<span class="indent45">Not here.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> I’ll call her. Pyrrha!—Call all together.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent60">Pyrrha!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> She will come presently.—Did ye not mark</div>
-  <span class="linenum">792</span><div class="verse">How resonant this glade is? that our voices</div>
-  <div class="verse">Neither return nor fly, but stay about us?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">It is the trunks of the trees that cage the sound;</div>
-  <div class="verse">As in an open temple, where the pillars</div>
-  <div class="verse">Enrich the music. In my father’s hall</div>
-  <div class="verse">The echo of each note burdens the next.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twould be well done to cut a theatre</div>
-  <div class="verse">Deep in some wooded dale. Till Pyrrha come,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Alexia, sing thou here.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent25">What shall I sing?</span><span class="linenum">800</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> There is a Lydian chant I call to mind</div>
-  <div class="verse">In honour of music-makers: it beginneth</div>
-  <div class="verse">With praise of the soft spring, and heavenly love—</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twill suit our mood, if thou remember it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Chorus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent4">The earth loveth the spring,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Nor of her coming despaireth,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Withheld by nightly sting,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Snow, and icy fling,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The snarl of the North:</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">But nevertheless she prepareth<span class="linenum">810</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And setteth in order her nurselings to bring them forth,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The jewels of her delight,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">What shall be blue, what yellow or white;</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">What softest above the rest,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The primrose, that loveth best</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Woodland skirts and the copses shorn.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-  <p class="center">2.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">And on the day of relenting she suddenly weareth</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her budding crowns. O then, in the early morn,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Is any song that compareth</div>
-  <div class="verse">With the gaiety of birds, that thrill the gladdened air</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">In inexhaustible chorus<span class="linenum">821</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">To awake the sons of the soil</div>
-  <div class="verse">With music more than in brilliant halls sonorous</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">(—It cannot compare—)</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Is fed to the ears of kings</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">From the reeds and hirèd strings?</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">For love maketh them glad;</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And if a soul be sad,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Or a heart oracle dumb,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">830</span><div class="verse">Here may it taste the promise of joy to come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-  <p class="center">3.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">For the Earth knoweth the love which made her,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The omnipotent one desire,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Which burns at her heart like fire,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And hath in gladness arrayed her.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And man with the Maker shareth,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Him also to rival throughout the lands,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">To make a work with his hands</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And have his children adore it:</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">The Creator smileth on him who is wise and dareth</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">In understanding with pride:<span class="linenum">840</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For God, where’er he hath builded, dwelleth wide,—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And he careth,—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">To set a task to the smallest atom,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The law-abiding grains,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">That hearken each and rejoice:</div>
-  <div class="verse">For he guideth the world as a horse with reins;</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">It obeyeth his voice,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And lo! he hath set a beautiful end before it:</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-  <p class="center">4.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent4">Whereto it leapeth and striveth continually,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And pitieth nought, nor spareth:<span class="linenum">850</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The mother’s wail for her children slain,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The stain of disease,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The darts of pain,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The waste of the fruits of trees,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The slaughter of cattle,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Unbrotherly lust, the war</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Of hunger, blood, and the yells of battle,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">It heedeth no more</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than a carver regardeth the wood that he cutteth away:</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The grainèd shavings fall at his feet,<span class="linenum">860</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">But that which his tool hath spared shall stand</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">For men to praise the work of his hand;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse indent4">For he cutteth so far, and there it lay,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And his work is complete.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-  <p class="center">5.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">But I will praise ’mong men the masters of mind</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">In music and song,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who follow the love of God to bless their kind:</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And I pray they find</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">A marriage of mirth—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And a life long<span class="linenum">870</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">With the gaiety of the Earth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> There stands an old man down beneath the bank,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Gazing, and beckoning to us.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent30">He is a stranger,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That burdened with some package to the palace</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath missed his way about, and fears to intrude.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Go some and show him.<span class="indent45">[<i>Some run out.</i></span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent22">Meanwhile what do we?</div>
-  <div class="verse">We have no sport when Pyrrha is away.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our game is broken. Come, a thought, a thought!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath none a thought?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent22">We have never built the bower.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Ye idled gathering flowers. Now ’tis too late.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Let us play ball.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent22">The sun is still so high.</span><span class="linenum">881</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall go feed my doves.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">(<i>Re-enter one of Chorus.</i>)</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent22">The old man saith</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That he is a pedlar, and hath wares to sell</div>
-  <div class="verse">If he may show them. Shall he come?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent40">Now Hermes,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The father of device and jugglery,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be thanked for this; ’tis he hath sent him.—Call him.</div>
-  <div class="verse">His tales may be good hearing, tho’ his pack</div>
-  <div class="verse">Repay not search. But be advised: beware,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lest he bear off more than he bring: these fellows</div>
-  <span class="linenum">890</span><div class="verse">Have fingers to unclasp a brooch or pin</div>
-  <div class="verse">While the eye winks that watches. There was one</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who as he ran a race would steal the shoes</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of any that ran with him. The prince of all</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was merry Autolycus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter, with those who had gone out, Ulysses as a pedlar.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent18">Good day, old man.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come, let us see thy wares.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent32">I have no breath left,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Wherewith to thank you, ladies; the little hill</div>
-  <div class="verse">Has ta’en it from me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent20">Rest awhile, and tell us</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Whence thou art come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent22">In a Greek ship this morn.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I pray you, that I lack not courtesy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Art thou the princess of this isle?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent40">I am.</span><span class="linenum">900</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> My true and humble service to your highness.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> In turn say who art thou, and whence thy ship.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> Fair, honoured daughter of a famous king,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have no story worthy of thine ear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Being but a poor artificer of Smyrna,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where many years I wrought, and ye shall see</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not without skill, in silver and in gold.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But happiness hath wrecked me, and I say</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis ill to marry young; for from that joy</div>
-  <span class="linenum">910</span><div class="verse">I gat a son, who as the time went on,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Grew to be old and gray and wise as I;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And bettering much the art which I had taught him</div>
-  <div class="verse">Longed to be master in my place, for which</div>
-  <div class="verse">He grew unkind, and his sons hated me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And when one day he wished me dead, I feared</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lest I should kill myself; and so that night</div>
-  <div class="verse">I made me up a pack of little things</div>
-  <div class="verse">He should not grieve for, and took ship for Greece.</div>
-  <div class="verse">There have I trafficked, lady, a year and more,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">920</span><div class="verse">And kept myself alive hawking small ware</div>
-  <div class="verse">From place to place, and on occasion found</div>
-  <div class="verse">A market for my jewels, and be come here</div>
-  <div class="verse">Making the round of the isles in any ship</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">That chances: and this last I came aboard</div>
-  <div class="verse">At Andros, where I was: but whence she hailed</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have even forgot. May it please thee see my wares?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Thy tale is very sad. I am sorry for thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why would thy son, being as thou sayst so skilled,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not ply his trade apart?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent28">My house in Smyrna</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">930</span><div class="verse">Was head of all the goldsmiths: ’twas for that,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lady, he envied me. See now my wares.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> What beauteous work! I’m glad thou’rt come. I’ll buy</div>
-  <div class="verse">A trinket for myself, and let my maids</div>
-  <div class="verse">Choose each what she may fancy. Hear ye, girls?</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll make a gift to each.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent28">O thanks.—To all?—</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And may we choose?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent15">Yes.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent22">Anything we please?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Why, that is choosing.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent38">O we thank thee.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent60">Now</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I see, princess, thou’rt of a bounteous blood,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To make all round thee happy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent32">What is this brooch?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> If for thyself thou fancy a brooch, I’ll show thee</div>
-  <span class="linenum">941</span><div class="verse">The best jewel in my box, and not be shamed</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">To say I have no better.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent28">See, oh, see!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What lovely things!—A rare old man!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent45">Here ’tis.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">What thinkest thou?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent15">Is’t not a ruby?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent42">And fine!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> I think thy son will have missed this.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent60">Nay, lady:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I had it of a sailor, who, poor fool,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Knew not its worth; and thou mayst buy it of me</div>
-  <div class="verse">For half its value.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent15">May I take these two</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To view them nearly?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent22">All take as ye will.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye do me honour, ladies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent25">Hear ye, girls,</span><span class="linenum">950</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Make each her choice. I will o’erlook your taste</div>
-  <div class="verse">When all is done.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent15">Come, buy my wares: come buy.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Come, come buy; I’ve wares for all,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were ye each and all princesses.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Clasps and brooches, large and small,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Handy for holding your flowing dresses.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> What is this little box for?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent42">Open it.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> What is this vial?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent28">Smell it. Buy, come buy!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Charms for lovers, charms to break,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Charms to bind them to you wholly.<span class="linenum">960</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Medicines fit for every ache,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Fever and fanciful melancholy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> O smell this scent.—Here be fine pins.—See this!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> (<i>aside</i>). I spy none here to match my notion yet.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> I have found amber beads.—What is it is tied</div>
-  <div class="verse">In little packets?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent18">Toilet secrets those,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Perfumes, and rare cosmetics ’gainst decay.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> (<i>to one apart</i>). Alexia, see. I will buy this for Pyrrha.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis pity she is not here. What thinkest thou of it?</div>
-  <span class="linenum">970</span><div class="verse">He said it was his best. This other one</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll give to thee if thou find nothing better.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Go see. I will seek Pyrrha.<span class="indent45">[<i>Exit.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent32">Buy, come buy!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Tassels, fringes, silken strings,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Girdles, ties, and Asian pockets,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Armlets, necklaces and rings,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Images, amulets, lovers’ lockets.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Pray, what are these, good man?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent45">Of soft doe-skin</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">These gilded thongs are made for dancers’ wear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To tie their sandals.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent22">And is this a pin,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">This golden grasshopper?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent28">Ay, for the hair.</span><span class="linenum">980</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The Athenian ladies use nought else. See here</div>
-  <div class="verse">This little cup.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent15">Didst thou make that?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent45">Nay, ladies.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Show us some work of thine which thou didst make</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy very self.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent10">See then this silver snake.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Fear not. Come near and mark him well: my trade is,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or was, I should say, in such nice devices.</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twill coil and curl, uncoil, dart and recoil.<span class="indent15">[<i>Showing.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>The Chorus crowd about him, when enter unperceived
-  by him Achilles and Deidamia</i>.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Come, come, there never hath been one like him here.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hark! see the girls: they crowd and chatter round</div>
-  <div class="verse">As greedily as birds being fed. I bade them choose</div>
-  <span class="linenum">991</span><div class="verse">Each one a present, but I took the best,</div>
-  <div class="verse">This ruby brooch. Look at it: ’tis for thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let me now put it on thee. I’ll unclasp</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Thy robe and set it in the place of the other.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Nay, Deidamia, unfasten not my robe!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Why, ’twould not matter if he looked this way.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Nay, prithee.—</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent22">Well, thou must take my gift.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Then must I give thee somewhat in return.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> But ’tis my will to-day to give to all.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1000</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Then let me take my choice, some smaller thing.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Come then ere all is ransacked.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> (<i>aside</i>).<span class="indent35">I scarce escaped</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The uncovering of my magic coat.—<span class="indent20">[<i>They go to Ulysses.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent42">Come buy,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Needles for your broideries rare,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Dainty bodkins silver-hafted.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Pins to fix your plaited hair,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Ivory-headed and golden-shafted.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> What hast thou in thy pack for me, old man?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> There’s nought but trifles left me, lady, now,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As dice and dolls; the very dregs of the box.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Athenian owls. And who’s this red-baked lady</div>
-  <div class="verse">Clothed in a net?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent15">Princess, ’tis Britomartis,</span><span class="linenum">1011</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The Cretan goddess worshipped at Ægina.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> This little serpent too?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent40">Nothing to thee:</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">But the Erechtheidæ use to fasten such</div>
-  <div class="verse">About their children’s necks. Nay, not a babe</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is born but they must don him one of these,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or ever he be swaddled or have suck.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> This blinking pygmy here, with a man’s body</div>
-  <div class="verse">And a dog’s head, squatting upon a button ...</div>
-  <div class="verse">What’s he?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i>    ’Tis an Egyptian charm, to ban<span class="linenum">1020</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">The evil spirits bred of Nilus’ slime.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> And this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent15">That. See, ’tis a Medusa, lady,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Cut in an oyster-shell, with flaming snakes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> These are all nothings. Thou must have the brooch.</div>
-  <div class="verse">See, now ’tis thine; thou hast it. (<i>Pins it upon Achilles’ robe.</i>)</div>
-  <div class="verse indent24">(<i>To Ul.</i>) What is its price?</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>To Ach.</i>) Nay, be content.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent30">To thee I’ll sell it, lady,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For a tenfold weight of gold.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent32">Oh! ’tis too much.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Spend not such store on me. And for the ruby,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis dark and small.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent22">The purple is its merit:</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1030</span><div class="verse">Were it three times the size and half the tint,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twere of slight cost.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent22">So might I like it better.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And that—what’s that, which thou dost put aside?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is that a toy?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent10">Nay, lady; that is no toy.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis a sharp sword. But I will show it thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">For its strange quality: the which methinks</div>
-  <div class="verse">Might pass for magic, were’t not that an Arian,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Late come to Sardis, knows the art to make it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ wrought of iron, look ye, ’tis blue as flint,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And if I bend it, it springs back like a bow:</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis sharper too than flint; but the edge is straight,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And will not chip. Nay, touch it not; have care!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Pray, let me see it, and take it in my hand.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Takes it and comes to front.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> (<i>aside</i>). This should be he.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> (<i>aside</i>).<span class="indent25">My arm writhes at the touch.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> There is a hunter, with his game, a lion,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1045</span><div class="verse">Inlaid upon it: and on the other side</div>
-  <div class="verse">Two men that fight to death.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent32">’Tis light in the hand.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> (<i>to Ach.</i>). Canst thou imagine any use for this?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> (<i>to Deid.</i>). Not when thy father dies?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent60">Ladies, have care.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">For if the sword should wound you, I were blamed.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Why, thinkest thou ’tis only bearded men</div>
-  <div class="verse">Can wield a sword? The queen of the Amazons</div>
-  <div class="verse">Could teach thee something maugre thy white hair.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> (<i>aside</i>). The game hath run into the snare;</div>
-  <div class="verse">He is mine.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> See, Deidamia, here’s my choice; buy this</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1055</span><div class="verse">If thou wilt give me something; thou dost like</div>
-  <div class="verse">The ruby; if thou wilt let me give thee that,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou in return buy me this little sword.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Such presents are ill-omened, and ’tis said</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will shrewdly cut in twain the love they pledge.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> But we may make a bond of this divider.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Wilt thou in earnest take it for thy choice?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> If thou wert late in earnest, thou couldst do</div>
-  <div class="verse">No better than arm all thy girls with these.</div>
-  <div class="verse">The weapon wins the battle, and I think</div>
-  <div class="verse">With such advantage women might be feared.</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>To Ul.</i>) Old man, I like thy blade; and I will have it.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I see ’twould thrust well: tell me if ’tis mettle</div>
-  <div class="verse">To give a stroke. Suppose I were thy foe,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And standing o’er thee thus to cut thee down</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1070</span><div class="verse">Should choose to cleave thy pate. Would this sword do it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> (<i>aside</i>). He knows me!</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Pulling off his beard and head-dress and leaping up.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent22">Achilles!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid. and Ch.</i><span class="indent20">Help! help! treachery!</span></div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>They fly.</i></p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Diomede comes out of bushes where he stands unseen
-  by Achilles.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Beardless—and smooth of face as tongue:</div>
-  <div class="verse">In voice</div>
-  <div class="verse">Gentle, but sturdy of body: ruddy locks,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And restless eye .. Ulysses!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent35">Thou hast it.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1075</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I knew that thou wert here, but looked to meet thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Without disguises, as an honest man.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> Thou needest a mirror, lady, for thyself.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Ach.</i> (<i>suddenly casts off his long robe and appears in</i></p>
-  <div class="verse indent4"><i>shining armour, still holding the sword</i>).</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Behold!.... Be thou my mirror!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent35">If I be not,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Tis shame to thee, the cause of my disguise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I own thee not. I knew thee for a prince,</div>
-  <div class="verse">But seeing thee so vilely disfigured ...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent50">Stay!</span><span class="linenum">1081</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">We both have used disguise: I call for judgment</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the motive. Mine I donned for valour,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And care for thy renown; thine was for fear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Fear! By the gods: take up thy beard again,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thy mock dotage shield thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent40">Nay, Achilles;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">If I spake wrong I will recall the word.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Thou didst unutterably lie. Recall it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> Wilt thou then sail to Aulis in my ship?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I can sail thither and not sail with thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> But wilt thou come?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent28">I answer not to thee</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Because thou questionest me: but since I know</div>
-  <div class="verse">What will be, and hear thee in ignorance</div>
-  <div class="verse">Slander fair names, I tell thee that Achilles</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will come to Aulis.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent20">Wherefore now so long</span><span class="linenum">1095</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Hast thou denied thyself to thy renown?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Thou saidst for fear; nor hast recalled the word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> ’Twas first thy taunt which drew my mind from me:</div>
-  <div class="verse">But, if it wrong thee, I recall the word.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I think thou hast judged me by thyself, Ulysses.</div>
-  <div class="verse">When thou wast summoned to the war,—who wert</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not free to choose as I, but bound by oath</div>
-  <div class="verse">To Menelaus to help him,—what didst thou?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Why thou didst feign; and looking for disguise</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy wit persuaded thee that they who knew thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Would never deem that thou wouldst willingly</div>
-  <div class="verse">Make mock of that: so thou didst put on madness,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Babbling and scrabbling even before thy friends:</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hadst been slavering on thy native rocks</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">1110</span><div class="verse">Unto this day, had not one fellow there</div>
-  <div class="verse">Lightly unravelled thee, and in the furrow,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Which thou with dumb delusion, morn and eve,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Didst plough in the sea sand (that was thy trick),</div>
-  <div class="verse">He placed thy new-born babe. That thou brok’st down</div>
-  <div class="verse">Then in thine acting, that thou drav’st not on</div>
-  <div class="verse">The share thro’ thine own flesh, is the best praise</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have to give thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent22">Distinguish! if I feigned,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas that I had a child and wife, whose ties</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of tenderness I am not ashamed to own.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1120</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I say thou wentest not unto this war</div>
-  <div class="verse">But by compulsion, thou, that chargest me</div>
-  <div class="verse">With fear. ’Tis thou that art the stay-at-home,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not I; my heart was ever for the war,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And ’gainst my will I have been withheld: that thou</div>
-  <div class="verse">Mistakest in this my duty for my leaning,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is more impeachment of thy boasted wits,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than was thy empty husbandry. Are not</div>
-  <div class="verse">The Argive chiefs more subject, one and all,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To this reproach of fear? Why need they me</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1130</span><div class="verse">A boy of sixteen years to lead them on?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Did they lack ships or men, what are my people</div>
-  <div class="verse">In number? who am I in strength? what rank</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have I in Hellas? Where’s the burly Ajax?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where is the son of Herakles? and Nestor</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">The aged? Teucer and Idomeneus?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Menestheus, Menelaus? and not least</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where’s Diomede?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> (<i>coming forward</i>). By chance he’s here.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent60">Ah! now</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I hear a soldier’s voice. Brave Diomede,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I give thee welcome, tho’ thou comest behind.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> Hail, son of Thetis, champion of the Greeks!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Anon, anon. What dost thou here? Wert thou<span class="linenum">1141</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Sat in an ambush or arrived by chance,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As thou didst say?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i><span class="indent15">By heaven I cannot tell.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I serve Ulysses, and he serves the gods:</div>
-  <div class="verse">If thou’rt displeased with them, gibe not at me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I see the plan—The pedlar here in front,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The lion behind. And so ye thought to seize me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> Have we not done it?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent28">Nay.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent35">Thou canst not scape.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I give that back to thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent40">What wilt thou now?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1150</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Diomede and I have swords: thou mayst stand by</div>
-  <div class="verse">Until ’tis time thou show me how to escape.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll drive you to your ship.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> (<i>aside to Dio.</i>).</div>
-  <div class="verse">Answer him not. He cannot leave the isle:</div>
-  <div class="verse">When the king learns of our discovery</div>
-  <div class="verse">He must deliver him up. Let’s to the palace.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> (<i>to Ul.</i>). Nay, I must speak—</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent45">Thou wilt but anger him.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He will yield better if we cross him not.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> (<i>to Ach.</i>). Brave son of Thetis, I’d not yield</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">to thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">In any trial of strength, tho’ thou be clad</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1160</span><div class="verse">In heavenly armour; but I came not here</div>
-  <div class="verse">To fight, and least with thee: put up thy sword.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And since I heard thee say thou wilt to Aulis,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our mission is accomplished, nought remains</div>
-  <div class="verse">But to renounce our acting, and atone</div>
-  <div class="verse">For what we have ventured. First I speak thee free</div>
-  <div class="verse">To follow thine own way. Unless the king</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or other here be in thy secrecy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">None know but we, nor shall know: be it thy will,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My lips are sealed, and in whatever else</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou wilt command me, I shall be glad to obey.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Thank thee, good Diomede. What saith Ulysses?<span class="linenum">1171</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> I’ll do whate’er will knit thee to our cause.</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>Aside.</i>) Yet shall men hear I found thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Return then to your ship; and when Ulysses</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Is there restored proceed ye to the court.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But what in the surprise and consequence</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of my discovery to the king, as well</div>
-  <div class="verse">As to some others may arise, I know not;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor can instruct your good behaviours further.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1180</span><div class="verse">Time grants me but short counsel for myself.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> We too should study how to meet the king.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Stay yet, Ulysses. Thou hast parted here</div>
-  <div class="verse">With goods appraised to them that meant to buy.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have a full purse with me. Be content,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Take it. I’d give as much for the little sword.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now let me do this favour to the ladies.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> (<i>taking</i>). ’Tis fit, and fairly done. I did not think</div>
-  <div class="verse">To go off robbed. The sword is worth the gold.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1189</span><div class="verse">We part in honest dealing. Fare thee well.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> (<i>aside</i>). Thrashed like a witless cur!</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>To Ach.</i>)<span class="indent50">Farewell, Achilles.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">An hour hence we will meet thee at the palace.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Ul. and Dio.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> In spite of warning taken in a silly trap,</div>
-  <div class="verse">By the common plotter! Thus to be known Achilles—</div>
-  <div class="verse">To have my wish forced on me against my will</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath rudely cleared my sight. Where lies the gain?</div>
-  <div class="verse">The dancing ship on which I sailed is wrecked</div>
-  <div class="verse">On an unlovely shore, and I must climb</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Out of the wreck upon a loveless shore,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Saving what best I love. ’Tis so. I see</div>
-  <div class="verse">I shall command these men, and in their service</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1201</span><div class="verse">Find little solace. I have a harder task</div>
-  <div class="verse">Than chieftainship, and how to wear my arms</div>
-  <div class="verse">With as much nature as yon girlish robe:</div>
-  <div class="verse">To pass from that to this without reproach</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of honour, and beneath my breastplate keep</div>
-  <div class="verse">With the high generalship of all the Greeks</div>
-  <div class="verse">My tenderest love. ’Tis now to unmask that,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hold uninjured. I’ll make no excuse</div>
-  <div class="verse">To the old king but my necessity,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And boldly appease him. Here by chance he comes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter hurriedly Lycomedes and Abas.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Was it not here, they said?<span class="linenum">1211</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">An insolent ruffian: Let me come across him!</div>
-  <div class="verse">By heav’n, still here! And armed from head to foot!</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>To Ach.</i>) Young man,—as now thou’lt not deny to be—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou’st done—ay, tho’ thou seem of princely make—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Dishonour and offence to me the king</div>
-  <div class="verse">In venturing here to parley with the princess</div>
-  <div class="verse">In mock disguise, for whatsoever cause,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Strangely put on and suddenly cast off,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1220</span><div class="verse">I am amazed to think. I bid thee tell me</div>
-  <div class="verse">What was thy purpose hither.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent32">O honoured king,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ I came here disguised I am not he</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou thinkest.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent10">Nay I think not who thou art.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">All wonders that I have seen are lost in thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Thou takest me for Ulysses.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent40">Nay, not I.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I am Achilles, sire, the son of Thetis.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Achilles! Ah! Thou sayst at least a name</div>
-  <div class="verse">That fits thy starlike presence, my rebuke</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not knowing who thou wert. But now I see thee</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1230</span><div class="verse">I need no witness, and forget my wonder</div>
-  <div class="verse">Wherefore the Argives tarry on the shore</div>
-  <div class="verse">And the gods speak thy praise. Welcome then hither,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Achilles, son of Thetis; welcome hither!</div>
-  <div class="verse">And be I first to honour thee, who was</div>
-  <div class="verse">Most blamèd in thine absence.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent32">Gracious sire,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy welcome is all kingly, if it bear</div>
-  <div class="verse">Forgiveness of offence.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent25">To speak of that,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Another might have wronged me, but not thou.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1239</span><div class="verse">Tho’ much I crave to learn both how and why</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou camest hither. Was’t in the Argive ship?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Nay, king, I came not in the Argive ship:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor am I that false trespasser thou seekest.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Whether then hast thou mounted from the deep,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where the sea nymphs till now have loved and held thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">From men’s desire; or whether from the sky</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath some god wrapt thee in a morning cloud,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And laid thee with the sunlight on this isle,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where they that seek should find thee?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent45">A god it was</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Brought me, but not to-day: seven times the moon</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath lost her lamp with loitering, since the night</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1251</span><div class="verse">She shone upon my passage; and so long</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have served thee in disguise, and won thy love.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> So long hast thou been here! And I unknowing</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have pledged my kingly oath—The gods forbid—</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Yet was I here because a goddess bade.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Have I then ever seen thee?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent40">Every hour</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou hast seen me, and sheltered me beneath thy roof.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But since thou knewest me not, thy royal word</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was hurt not by denial.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent25">Who wert thou? Say.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1260</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I was called Pyrrha.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent30">O shame.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent40">Yet hearken, sire!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Wast thou the close attendant of my daughter,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her favoured comrade, and she held it hid</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">’Neath a familiar countenance before me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">So false unto her modesty and me?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Alas! alas!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> O sire, she hath known me but as thou, and loved</div>
-  <div class="verse">Not knowing whom.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent15">Thou sayst she hath not known?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> For ’twas a goddess framed me this disguise.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> And never guessed?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent28">Nay, sire. Nor blame the goddess</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Whom I obeyed: nor where I have done no wrong,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1271</span><div class="verse">Make my necessity a crime against thee.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Can I believe?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent22">’Tis true I have loved her, sire:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And by strange wooing if I have won her love,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And now in the discovery can but offer</div>
-  <div class="verse">A soldier’s lot,—she is free to choose: but thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">First I implore, be gracious to my suit,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor scorn me for thy son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent28">My son! Achilles!</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">This day shall be the feast-day of my year,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ I be made to all men a rebuke</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1280</span><div class="verse">For being thy shelter, when I swore to all</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou wert not here. Now I rejoice thou wert.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come to my palace as thyself: be now</div>
-  <div class="verse">My guest in earnest: we will seal at once</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">This happy contract.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent20">Let me first be known</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Unto the princess and bespeak her will.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> She is thine, I say she is thine. Stay yet; that pedlar,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was he Ulysses?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent10">So he stole upon us;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And when I bought this sword he marked me out.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> I cannot brook his mastery in deceit.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where is he now?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent15">I sent him to the ship,</span><span class="linenum">1290</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">To find a fit apparel for thy sight.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Would I had caught him in his mean disguise!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> So mayst thou yet. Come with me the short way</div>
-  <div class="verse">And we will intercept him.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent28">Abas, follow.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou too hast played a part I cannot like.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ab.</i> My liege, I have but unwittingly obeyed.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I have no higher trust.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent25">Now obey me.</span><span class="indent22">[<i>Exeunt.</i></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Deidamia and Chorus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Pyrrha, where art thou, Pyrrha?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent45">She turned not back.—</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">They are not here.—She would not fly.—</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Pyrrha, Pyrrha!<span class="linenum">1300</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> She hath driven the ugly pedlar and his pack</div>
-  <div class="verse">Home to his ship—would we had all been by!</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Would we had joined the chase!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> He was no pedlar: I could see his face</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">When he pulled off his beard.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent5">There as she stood,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Waving the sword, I feared</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">To see a mortal stroke—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">He hath fled into the wood—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Had he no sword too, did none spy,<span class="linenum">1310</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Beneath his ragged cloke?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Alas, alas!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent5">What hast thou found?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Woe, woe! alas, alas!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pyrrha’s robe torn, and trampled on the ground.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent10">See! see! O misery!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i>    ’Tis hers—’tis true—we see.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Misery, misery! help who can.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i>    I have no help to give.—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">I have no word to say.<span class="linenum">1320</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Gods! do I live</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">To see this woe? The man</div>
-  <div class="verse">Like some wild beast hath dragged her body away,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And left her robe. Ah, see the gift she spurned,</div>
-  <div class="verse">My ruby jewel to my hand returned;</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse indent6">When forcing my accord</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">She chose the fatal sword.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The fool hath quite mistook her play.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> He will have harmed her, if she be not slain.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Ah, Pyrrha, Pyrrha!<span class="linenum">1330</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Why ran we away?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Why stand we here?</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">To the rescue: follow me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent5">Whither—our cries are vain.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Maybe she lieth now close by</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">And hears but cannot make reply.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">’Tis told how men have bound</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">The mouths of them they bore away,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Lest by their cry</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">They should be found.—<span class="linenum">1340</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Spread our company into the woods around,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And shouting as we go keep within hail.—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or banding in parties search the paths about:</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">If many together shout</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">The sound is of more avail.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Once more, together call her name once more.</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>Calling.</i>) Pyrrha—Pyrrha!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thetis</i> (<i>within</i>).<span class="indent15">Ha!</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> An answer. Heard ye not?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> ’Twas but the nymph, that from her hidden grot</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1350</span><div class="verse">Mocks men with the repeated syllables</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Of their own voice, and nothing tells.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Such sound the answer bore.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent38">Nay, nay.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Hark, for if ’twere but echo as ye say</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twill answer if I call again.</div>
-  <div class="verse">(<i>Calls.</i>) Pyrrha, come! Pyrrha, come!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Thetis</i> (<i>within</i>). I come, I come.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Heard ye not then?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> I heard the selfsame sound.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> ’Twas Pyrrha. Why she is found.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1360</span><div class="verse">I know her voice. I hear her footing stir.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> True, some one comes.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent28">’Tis she.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Thetis.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Pyrrha! O joy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent10">Why call ye her?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent32">Pyrrha! Nay.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And yet so like. Alas, beseech thee, lady</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or goddess, for I think that such thou art,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who answering from the wood our sorrowing call</div>
-  <div class="verse">Now to our sight appearest,—hast thou regard</div>
-  <div class="verse">For her, whom thou so much resemblest, speak</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1368</span><div class="verse">And tell us of thy pity if yet she lives</div>
-  <div class="verse">Safe and unhurt, whom we have lost and mourn.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> ’Tis vain to weep her, as ’twere vain to seek.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whom think ye that ye have lost?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent38">Pyrrha, my Pyrrha.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">As late we all fled frighted by a man,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who stole on us disguised, she stayed behind:</div>
-  <div class="verse">For when we were got safe, she was not with us.</div>
-  <div class="verse">So we returned to seek her; but alas!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our fear is turned to terror. Lady, see!</div>
-  <div class="verse">This is her garment trampled on the ground.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> And so ye have found her. There was never more</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of her ye have callèd Pyrrha than that robe.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1380</span><div class="verse">The golden-headed maiden, the enchantress,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And laughter-loving idol of your hearts</div>
-  <div class="verse">Had in your empty thought her only being.</div>
-  <div class="verse">When ye have played with her, chosen her for queen,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And leader of your games, or when ye have sat</div>
-  <div class="verse">Rapt by the music of her voice, that sang</div>
-  <div class="verse">Heroic songs and histories of the gods,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or at brisk morn, or long-delaying eve,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have paced the shores of sunlight hand in hand,</div>
-  <div class="verse">’Twas but a robe ye held: ye were deceived;</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1390</span><div class="verse">There was no Pyrrha.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i><span class="indent22">What strange speech is this?</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Was there no Pyrrha? What shall we believe!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Lady, thy speech troubles mine ear in vain.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> ’Tis then thine ear is vain; and not my speech.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> My ears and eyes and hands have I believed,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">But not thy words. A moment since I held her.</div>
-  <div class="verse">What wilt thou say?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i><span class="indent20">That eyes and hands and ears</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Deceived thy trust, but now thou hearest truth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Have we then dreamed, deluded by a shade</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fashioned of air or cloud, and as it seems</div>
-  <div class="verse">Made in thy likeness, or hath some god chosen</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1401</span><div class="verse">To dwell awhile with us in privity</div>
-  <div class="verse">And mutual share of all our petty deeds?</div>
-  <div class="verse">Say what thy dark words hint and who thou art.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> I Thetis am, daughter of that old god,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose wisdom buried in the deep hath made</div>
-  <div class="verse">The unfathomed water solemn, and I rule</div>
-  <div class="verse">The ocean-nymphs, who for their pastime play</div>
-  <div class="verse">In the blue glooms, and darting here and there</div>
-  <div class="verse">Checquer the dark and widespread melancholy</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1410</span><div class="verse">With everlasting laughter and bright smiles.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of me thou hast heard, and of my son Achilles,</div>
-  <div class="verse">By prescient fame renowned first of the Greeks:</div>
-  <div class="verse">He is on this island: for ’twas here I set him</div>
-  <div class="verse">To hide him from his foes, and he was safe</div>
-  <div class="verse">Till thou betray’dst him—for unwittingly</div>
-  <div class="verse">That hast thou done to-day. The seeming pedlar,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To whom thou leddest Pyrrha, was Ulysses,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who spied to find Achilles, and thro’ thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Found him, alas! Thy Pyrrha was Achilles.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Chorus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent8">O daughter of Nereus old,<span class="linenum">1420</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Queen of the nymphs that swim</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">By day in gleams of gold,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">By night in the silver dim,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Forgive in pity, we pray,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Forgive the ill we have done.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Why didst thou hide this thing from us?</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">For if we had known thy son</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">We had guarded him well to-day,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Nor ever betrayed him thus.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent8">For though we may not ride<span class="linenum">1430</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Thy tall sea-horses nor play</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">In the rainbow-tinted spray,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Nor dive down under the tide</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">To the secret caves of the main,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Among thy laughing train;</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Yet had we served thee well as they,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Had we thy secret shared:</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Nor ever had lost from garden and hall</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Pyrrha the golden-haired,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Pyrrha beloved of all.<span class="linenum">1440</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> (<i>to Deid.</i>). Dost thou say nought?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent45">Alas, alas! my Pyrrha.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Art thou lamenting still to have lost thy maid?</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> I need no tongue to cry my shame; and yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy mockery doth not grieve me like my loss.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> I came not here to mock thee, and forbid</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy grief, that doth dishonour to my son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Nay, nay, that word is mine: speak it no more.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Weepest thou at comfort? Is deceit so dear</div>
-  <div class="verse">To mortals, that to know good cannot match</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1450</span><div class="verse">The joy of a delusion whatsoe’er?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> What joy was mine shame must forbid to tell.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Gods count it shame to be deceived: but men</div>
-  <div class="verse">Are shamed not by delusion of the gods.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Then ye know nothing or do not respect.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Th.</i> Why what is this thou makest? the more ye have loved</div>
-  <div class="verse">The more have ye delighted, and the joy</div>
-  <div class="verse">I never grudged thee; tho’ there was not one</div>
-  <div class="verse">In all my company of sea-born nymphs,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who did not daily pray me, with white arms</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1460</span><div class="verse">Raised in the blue, to let her guard my son.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And for his birthright he might well have taken</div>
-  <div class="verse">The service of their sportive train, and lived</div>
-  <div class="verse">On some fair desert isle away from men</div>
-  <div class="verse">Like a young god in worship and gay love.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But since he is mortal, for his mortal mate</div>
-  <div class="verse">I chose out thee; to whom now were he lost,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I would not blame thy well-deservèd tears:</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">But lo, I am come to give thee joy, to call</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thee daughter, and prepare thee for the sight</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1470</span><div class="verse">Of such a lover, as no lady yet</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hath sat to await in chamber or in bower</div>
-  <div class="verse">On any wallèd hill or isle of Greece;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor yet in Asian cities, whose dark queens</div>
-  <div class="verse">Look from the latticed casements over seas</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of hanging gardens; nor doth all the world</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hold a memorial; not where Ægypt mirrors</div>
-  <div class="verse">The great smile of her kings and sunsmit fanes</div>
-  <div class="verse">In timeless silence: none hath been like him;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And all the giant stones, which men have piled</div>
-  <div class="verse">Upon the illustrious dead, shall crumble and join</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1481</span><div class="verse">The desert dust, ere his high dirging Muse</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be dispossessèd of the throne of song.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">Await him here. While I thy willing maids</div>
-  <div class="verse">Will lead apart, that they may learn what share</div>
-  <div class="verse">To take in thy rejoicing. Follow me!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Come, come—we follow—we obey thee gladly—</div>
-  <div class="verse">We long to learn, goddess, what thou canst teach.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt Th. and Chor.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Rejoice, she bids me. Ah me, tho’ all heaven spake,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I should weep bitterly. My tears, my shame</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1490</span><div class="verse">Will never leave me. Never now, nevermore</div>
-  <div class="verse">Can I find credit of grace, nor as a rock</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Stand ’twixt my maids and evil; even not deserving</div>
-  <div class="verse">My father’s smile. Why honour we the gods,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who reck not of our honour? How hath she,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Self-styled a goddess, mocked me, not respecting</div>
-  <div class="verse">Maidenly modesty; but in the path</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of grace, wherein I thought to walk enstated</div>
-  <div class="verse">High as my rank without reproach, she hath set</div>
-  <div class="verse">A snare for every step; that day by day,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1500</span><div class="verse">From morn to night, I might do nothing well;</div>
-  <div class="verse">But by most innocent seeming be betrayed</div>
-  <div class="verse">To what most wounds a shamefast life, yielding</div>
-  <div class="verse">To a man’s unfeignèd feigning; nay nor stayed</div>
-  <div class="verse">Until I had given,—alas, how oft!—</div>
-  <div class="verse">My cheek to his lips, my body to his arms;</div>
-  <div class="verse">And thinking him a maid as I myself,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Have loved, kissed, and embraced him as a maid.</div>
-  <div class="verse">O wretched, not to have seen what was so plain!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Here on this bank no later than this morn</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1510</span><div class="verse">Was I beguiled. There is no cure, no cure.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll close my eyes for ever, nor see again</div>
-  <div class="verse">The things I have seen, nor be what I have been.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Covers her face weeping.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Achilles.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> The voices that were here have ceased. Ah, there!</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Not gone. ’Tis she, and by my cast-off robe</div>
-  <div class="verse">Sitting alone. I must speak comfort to her,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whoe’er I seem. O Deidamia, see!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pyrrha is found. Weep not for her. I tell thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thy Pyrrha is safe. Despair not. Nay, look up.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1519</span><div class="verse">Dost thou not know my voice? ’Tis I myself.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Look up, I am Pyrrha.—Ah, now what prayer or plea</div>
-  <div class="verse">Made on my knees can aid me—If thou knowst all</div>
-  <div class="verse">And wilt not look on me? Yet if thou hearest</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou wilt forgive. Nay, if thou lovedst me not,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Or if I had wronged thee, thou wouldst scorn me now.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou dost not look. I am not changed. I loved thee</div>
-  <div class="verse">As like a maiden as I knew: if more</div>
-  <div class="verse">Was that a fault? Now as I am Achilles</div>
-  <div class="verse">Revealed to-day to lead the Greeks to Troy,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I count that nothing and bow down to thee</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1530</span><div class="verse">Who hast made me fear,—</div>
-  <div class="verse">Let me unveil thy eyes: tho’ thou wouldst hide me,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Hide not thyself from me. If gentle force</div>
-  <div class="verse">Should show me that ’tis love that thou wouldst hide ...</div>
-  <div class="verse">And love I see. Look on me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> (<i>embracing</i>).    Ah Pyrrha, Pyrrha!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Thou dost forgive.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent25">I never dreamed the truth.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> And wilt not now look on me!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent40">I dare not look.</span>
-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> What dost thou fear? A monster! I am not changed</div>
-  <div class="verse">Save but my dress, and that an Amazon</div>
-  <div class="verse">Might wear.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent5">O, I see all.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent25">But who hath told thee?</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <span class="linenum">1540</span><div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> There came one here much like thee when we called,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who said she was a goddess and thy mother.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> ’Twas she that hid me in my strange disguise,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Fearing the oracle.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent15">She praised thee well,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">And said that thou wouldst come...</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent42">What didst thou fear,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Hiding thine eyes?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i><span class="indent15">I cannot speak the name.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Be Pyrrha still.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent15">Be that my name with thee.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Yet hath thy father called me son Achilles.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> He knows?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent15">There’s nought to hide: but let us hence.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">He is coming hither, and with him my foe.</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1550</span><div class="verse">Let them not find us thus, and thee in tears.</div>
-  <p class="psig">[<i>Exeunt.</i></p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Lycomedes, Ulysses, Diomede, and Abas.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> It may be so, or it may not be so:</div>
-  <div class="verse">You have done me an honest service ’gainst your will,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And must not wrest it to a false conclusion.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I bid you be my guests, and with your presence</div>
-  <div class="verse">Honour the marriage, which ye have brought about.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye need not tarry long.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent25">Each hour is long</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Which holds the Argive ships chained to the shore.</div>
-  <div class="verse">This is no time for marriage.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent32">There’s time for all;</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">A time for wooing and a time for warring:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1560</span><div class="verse">And such a feast of joy as offers now</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ye shall not often see. Scyros shall show you</div>
-  <div class="verse">What memory may delight in ’twixt the frays</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of bloody battle.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i><span class="indent15">I am not made for feasts.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">I join the cry to arms. But make your bridal</div>
-  <div class="verse">To-night, and I’ll abide it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent32">I’ll have’t to-night.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">So shall Achilles’ finding and his wedding</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be on one day. And hark! there’s music tells me</div>
-  <div class="verse">That others guess my mind.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Enter Chorus with Ach. and Deid. following.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Chorus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2">Now the glorious sun is sunk in the west,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And night with shadowy step advances:<span class="linenum">1570</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">As we,—to the newly betrothed our song addrest,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">With musical verse and dances,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">In the order of them who established rites of old</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">For maidens to sing this song,—</div>
-  <div class="verse indent2">Pray the gifts of heaven to gifts of gold,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Joy and a life long.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Good king and father, see thy daughter come</div>
-  <div class="verse">To hear thee call me son.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent28">Son if I call thee,</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1579</span><div class="verse">I understand not yet, and scarce believe</div>
-  <div class="verse">The wonders of this day. And thou, my daughter,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ever my pride and prayer, hast far outrun</div>
-  <div class="verse">My hope of thy good fortune. Blessed be ye both:</div>
-  <div class="verse">The gods have made your marriage; let the feast</div>
-  <div class="verse">Be solemnized to-night; our good guests here</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whose zeal hath caused our joy, I have bid to share it.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i> Chorus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent4">We live well-ruled by an honoured king,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Beloved of the gods, in a happy isle;</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Where merry winds of the gay sea bring</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">No foe to our shore, and the heavens smile</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>
-  <span class="linenum">1590</span><div class="verse">On a peaceful folk secure from fear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Who gather the fruits of the earth at will,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And hymn their thanks to the gods, and rear</div>
-  <div class="verse">Their laughing babes unmindful of ill.</div>
-  <div class="verse">And ever we keep a feast of delight,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The betrothal of hearts, when spirits unite,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Creating an offspring of joy, a treasure</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Unknown to the bad, for whom</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The gods foredoom</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">The glitter of pleasure,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">And a dark tomb.<span class="linenum">1600</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Blessèd therefore O newly betrothed are ye,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ happy to-day ye be,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your happier times ye yet shall see.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">We make our prayer to the gods.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">The sun shall prosper the seasons’ yield</div>
-  <div class="verse">With fuller crops for the wains to bear,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And feed our flocks in fold and field</div>
-  <div class="verse">With wholesome water and sweetest air.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Plenty shall empty her golden horn,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And grace shall dwell on the brows of youth,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1611</span><div class="verse">And love shall come as the joy of morn,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To waken the eyes of pride and truth.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse">Blessèd therefore thy happy folk are we.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ happy to-day we be,</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Our happier times are yet to see.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">We render praise to the gods;</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent4">But chiefest of all in the highest height</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">To Love that sitteth in timeless might,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">That tameth evil, and sorrow ceaseth.</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">And now we wish you again,<span class="linenum">1620</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">Again and again,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">His joy that encreaseth,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent8">And a long reign.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> Stay, stay! and thou, good king, and all here, hear me.</div>
-  <div class="verse">I would be measured by my best desire,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And that’s for peace and love, and the delights</div>
-  <div class="verse">Your song hath augured: but to all men fate</div>
-  <div class="verse">Apportions a mixed lot, and ’twas for me</div>
-  <div class="verse">Foreshown that peace and honour lay apart,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1630</span><div class="verse">Wherever pleasure: and to-day’s event</div>
-  <div class="verse">Questions your hope. I was for this revealed,</div>
-  <div class="verse">To lead the Argive battle against Troy:</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thither I go; whence to return or not</div>
-  <div class="verse">Is out of sight, but yet my marriage-making</div>
-  <div class="verse">Enters with better promise on my life</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thus hand in hand with glorious enterprise.</div>
-  <div class="verse">After some days among you I must away,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Tho’ ’tis not far.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i><span class="indent18">Well said! So art thou bound.</span></div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> The war that hung so long will now begin.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lye.</i> I ask one month, Achilles: grant one moon:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1641</span><div class="verse">They that could wait so long may longer wait.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <p class="center"><i>Chorus.</i></p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-  <p class="center">1.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent4">Go not, go not, Achilles; is all in vain?</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Is this the fulfilment of long delight,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">The promise of favouring heaven,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">The praise of our song,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">The choice of Thetis for thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Thy merry disguise,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">And happy betrothal?</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">We pray thee, O we beseech thee, all,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Son of Thetis, we counsel well,<span class="linenum">1650</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">Do not thy bride this wrong.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-
-  <p class="center">2.</p>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent4">For if to-day thou goest, thou wilt go far,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Alas, from us thy comrades away,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">To a camp of revengeful men,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">The accursed war</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">By warning fate forbidden,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">To angry disdain,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">A death unworthy.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse indent4">We pray thee, O we beseech thee, all,</div>
-  <div class="verse indent4">Son of Peleus, we counsel well,<span class="linenum">1660</span></div>
-  <div class="verse indent6">This doom the oracle told.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> What said the oracle?</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent32">It darkly boded</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">That glory should be death.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent30">And so may be:</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Nay, very like. Yet men who would live well,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Weigh not these riddles, but unfold their life</div>
-  <div class="verse">From day to day. Do thou as seemeth best,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Nor fear mysterious warnings of the powers.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But, if my voice can reckon with thee at all,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I’ll tell thee what myself I have grown to think:</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1670</span><div class="verse">That the best life is oft inglorious.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Since the perfecting of ourselves, which seems</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our noblest task, may closelier be pursued</div>
-  <div class="verse">Away from camps and cities and the mart</div>
-  <div class="verse">Of men, where fame, as it is called, is won,</div>
-  <div class="verse">By strife, ambition, competition, fashion,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Ay, and the prattle of wit, the deadliest foe</div>
-  <div class="verse">To sober holiness, which, as I think,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Loves quiet homes, where nature laps us round</div>
-  <div class="verse">With musical silence and the happy sights</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1680</span><div class="verse">That never fret; and day by day the spirit</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pastures in liberty, with a wide range</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>
-  <div class="verse">Of peaceful meditation, undisturbed.</div>
-  <div class="verse">All which can Scyros offer if thou wilt.—</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ul.</i> This speech is idle, thou art bound to me.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i> I hear you all: and lest it should be said</div>
-  <div class="verse">I once was harsh and heedless, where such wrong</div>
-  <div class="verse">Were worse than cowardice, I now recall</div>
-  <div class="verse">Whate’er I have said. I will not forth to Troy:</div>
-  <div class="verse">I will abide in Scyros, and o’erlook</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1690</span><div class="verse">The farms and vineyards, and be lessoned well</div>
-  <div class="verse">In government of arts, and spend my life</div>
-  <div class="verse">In love and ease, and whatsoever else</div>
-  <div class="verse">Our good king here hath praised—I will do this</div>
-  <div class="verse">If my bride bid me. Let her choose for me;</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her word shall rule me. If she set our pleasure</div>
-  <div class="verse">Above my honour, I will call that duty,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And make it honourable, and so do well.</div>
-  <div class="verse">But, as I know her, if she bid me go</div>
-  <div class="verse">Where fate and danger call, then I will go,</div>
-  <span class="linenum">1700</span><div class="verse">And so do better: and very sure it is,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Pleasure is not for him who pleasure serves.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Deid.</i> Achilles, son of Thetis! As I love thee,</div>
-  <div class="verse">I say, go forth to Troy.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent25">Praised be the Gods,</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Who have made my long desire my love’s command!</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ch.</i> Alas! We have no further plea. Alas!</div>
-  <div class="verse">Her ever-venturous spirit forecasts no ill.</div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i> Go, win thy fame, my son; I would not stay thee.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou art a soldier born. But circumstance</div>
-  <div class="verse">Demands delay, which thou wilt grant.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Ach.</i><span class="indent45">And thus</span></div>
-  <span class="linenum">1710</span><div class="verse">To-night may be the feast. To-morrow morn</div>
-  <div class="verse">Do thou, Ulysses, sail to Aulis, there</div>
-  <div class="verse">Prepare them for my coming. If, Diomede,</div>
-  <div class="verse">Thou wilt to Achaia to collect my men,</div>
-  <div class="verse">The time thou usest I can fitly spend,</div>
-  <div class="verse">And for some days banish the thought of war.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Dio.</i> I will go for thee, prince.</div>
-</div><div class="stanza">
-  <div class="verse indent2"><i>Lyc.</i><span class="indent40">’Tis settled so.</span></div>
-  <div class="verse">Stand we no longer here: night falls apace.</div>
-  <div class="verse">Come to the palace, we will end this day,</div>
-  <div class="verse">As it deserves, never to be forgot.</div>
-</div></div></div>
-
-<div class="figcenter">
-<img src="images/i_177.jpg"  alt="Decoration" />
-</div>
-
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-
-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a>
-<a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a>
-<a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a>
-<a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p>
-
-
-
-
-<h2 id="NOTES">NOTES</h2>
-
-
-
-<hr class="chap" />
-<h3 id="THE_FIRST_PART_OF_NERO">THE FIRST PART OF NERO</h3>
-
-
-<p>This play was not intended for the stage, as the rest of my plays are.
-It was written as an exercise in dramatic qualities other than scenic;
-and had its publication been contemplated, I should have been more
-careful not to deserve censure in one or two places: these however
-I have not thought it worth while to erase or correct. Owing to its
-inordinate length I have found it necessary, so that the volumes of
-this series might be of uniform size, to couple with it the shortest of
-the other plays. Hence</p>
-
-
-<h3 id="ACHILLES_IN_SCYROS">ACHILLES IN SCYROS</h3>
-
-<p>is here out of order. Instead of standing second it should come fifth,
-that is after <i>The Christian Captives</i>. The following note is taken
-from the first edition.</p>
-
-<p><i>Note to</i> Achilles in Scyros.—After I had begun this play I came by
-chance on <i>Calderon’s</i> play on the same subject, <i>El Monstruo de los
-Jardines</i>. The monster is <i>Achilles</i>; the gardens the same. Excepting
-an expression or two I found nothing that it suited me to use, and
-I should not have recorded the circumstance, if it were not that
-<i>Calderon’s</i> play seemed to me to contain strong evidence that he had
-read <i>The Tempest</i>. This observation cannot be new, but I have never
-met with it; so I offer it to my readers, thinking it will interest
-them as it did me.</p>
-
-<p><i>El Monstruo de los Jardines</i> opens with a storm at sea, and shipwreck
-of royal persons, similar as it is inferior to <i>Shakespeare’s</i> (but
-compare also the Devil’s shipwreck in the second act of <i>El magicio
-prodigioso</i>, which may be read in <i>Shelley’s</i> translation). <i>Stephano</i>
-has his counterpart,</p>
-
-<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Un cofrade de Baco, que ha salido,</i></span><br />
-<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Por no hacerle traicion, del mar á nado</i></span><br />
-<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><i>Pues el no beber agua le ha escapado,</i></span><br />
-
-<p>and the whole play is then on a supposed desert island, which turns
-out to be strangely peopled. There is the monster <i>Achilles</i>, who in
-many respects remembers <i>Caliban</i>, and is even addressed as <i>Señor
-monstruo</i>: ’<i>Monsieur Monster</i>.’ There is <i>Thetis</i>, who is to her
-nymphs as <i>Prospero</i> to his spirits; with musical enchantments, and
-voices in the air, and even a <i>fantastico bajél</i>. <i>Calderon</i> has
-moreover hit upon the same device of imitative fancy as tempted
-<i>Dryden</i> in like sad case, and pictured a man who had never seen a
-woman. The island is wandered on by the prince and his suite, and one
-of them says of it <i>Republica es entera</i>, &amp;c. A curious reader might
-find more than I have here noticed: but <i>Calderon</i> is as far from
-sympathy with <i>Shakespeare</i>, as he is from the Greek story, with his
-drums and trumpets and <i>El gran Sofí</i>.</p>
-
-<p>There is a passage in my <i>Achilles</i> (<i>l. 518 and foll.</i>) which is
-copied from <i>Calderon</i>: but this is after <i>Muley’s</i> well-known speech
-in the <i>Principe Constante</i> (see note to <i>The Christian Captives</i>);
-which is quoted in most books on <i>Calderon</i>. In my short play, which
-runs on without change of scene or necessary pause, I have had the
-act and scene divisions indicated by greater and lesser spaces in the
-printing.[A]</p>
-
-<p class="psig">R. B., 1890.</p>
-
-<p class="center small">[A] Not followed in this edition. 1901.</p>
-
-
-<div class="transnote">
-
-<h4>Transcriber’s Notes</h4>
-
-<p>Obvious typographical errors have been silently corrected. All other
-spelling and punctuation remains unchanged.</p>
-
-<p>Line 1374/5 of The First Part of Nero “Now may some god of mischief
-Dare set me in the roll of puny spirits.” Roll could be a misprint for
-role but has not been changed.</p>
-
-<p>The varied ellipses remain unchanged.</p>
-
-<p>The variation in fonts, sizes etc in e-book displays makes accurate
-reproduction of verse indents and caesuras impossible. The approach
-used should give a reasonable approximation in most cases.</p>
-
-</div>
-</div></div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
-
-
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