Nero.

I find you merry, mother; the gods be praised That you deny the impeachment.

Agr. Really, Nero, Burrus’ memory is getting very short If he said I denied it. I did not.

Ner. You did not?

Agr. Nay, I’d not be at the pains.

Ner. Called you me hither?

Agr. Ay, you seem misled. I guess who ’tis. But let that pass. I hoped I might advise you privately; I knew You would not wish it known. Now, was I wrong?

Ner. Do you deny what is affirmed against you?

Agr. No, son: for if you wished to take my life, Why should I rob you of this grand pretence? Yet since you cannot, and the charge itself But moves my laughter, as you overheard, My only wish is you should now retire With dignity, and act as Cæsar ought.

Ner. (aside). This then is added to my shames.

Agr. What say you? Fulvia, await without. [Exit Fulvia.] Who brought this to thee?

Ner. Paris.

Agr. The player! when?

Ner. Last night at supper.

Agr. Tell me, didst thou believe it? is it possible? Thou didst! Whence gottest thou thy wits I wonder; Certain they are not mine, no, nor thy father’s: I think they came of Claudius by adoption. Dost thou believe it still?

Ner. Whate’er I have done Was on advice.

Agr. A pious caution truly. Is this thy trust? Yet, yet I must forgive thee. See, I was angered. Nay, ’twas not thy judgment: I know who leads. But for these foolish women I sentence exile.

Ner. Sentence whom to exile?

Agr. The two devisers. Yet I think my sister Is harmless; but the other, that Silana—

Ner. Silana must be banished?

Agr. Judge her, Nero, When thou hast heard. She and thy aunt Domitia Have been the two who, in my sad retirement, Have visited me most. Day after day They have made a show of kindness, finding joy In my disgrace, to view it; and have but left me To try this trick.

Ner. (aside). ’Tis plain I have been fooled.

Agr. For those that brought the tale, thou knowest that they Must taste the penalties they sought to inflict; That thou must know; but ’tis not all. The acquittal Of those accused will not be full without Some honour shown them. Best among the names Stand Fænius Rufus and Arruntius Stella, Who may have city posts: gentle Balbillus, Who has long deserved it, must be paid at last With a proconsulate. For myself, thou knowest I have taken all disgrace so patiently That I expect some boon, though yet I fear To ask; but when I have seen my slandered friends Honoured, I’ll write it thee.

Ner. I shall be quick To punish and to make amends. ’Tis just Towards Burrus, I should tell you from the first He took your part.

Agr. What could he else? Now, Nero, I have done: go home, and there resolve the matter With common sense; take Burrus into counsel As to what penalties and what promotions Shall be distributed. Before the people Remember that some feeling must be shown, And anger for effronteries attempted Against your majesty. Now go, the affair Has somewhat tired me.—Nay, touch me not; farewell.

Ner. I see you are right; farewell.

Agr. I have more advice, Which I will write to thee. [Exit Nero. Excellent this—I have not had my way Thus for a long long while: ay, now is my time To strike. I’ll venture with a letter to him And claim my boon, that he dismiss Poppæa. There’s much to say on that which may seem aimed More at his good than mine; and if she have plunged In this false step, his vanity being touched May shake his liking. I will do it at once. [Exit.