Poppæa.

I am bounden, lady, to wait on Cæsar’s aunt.

Dom. I count the days, Poppæa, when you yourself Will call me aunt: and in that happy hope I’ll stand thy friend.

Pop. I shall have full need, madam, Of all good offices.

Dom. Maybe: my sister Is an unscrupulous enemy. Beware! She stole from me a husband, and will now Keep you from winning one.

Pop. She doth not hide Her disapproval of my love to Cæsar, And thus appears my foe; but in truth, madam, Half of my heart sides with her, and the fear Lest the full passion which I bear your nephew May shame his rank, conquers my love so far That oft I doubt if I have a heart to bear The honour I have dreamed of, or a love Worthy of him, since it so much can fear.

Dom. Tut, tut! if you’re the woman that I think You’re just what I would wish his wife to be. Wronged in his marriage, he since hath wronged himself: Octavia is a ninny, but his low And last intrigues have scandalized the court: Our family is hurt. You are his equal In wit and manners, and can hold your place; Nor in opposing you is it his good His mother weighs: rather it suits her schemes To have his wife a fool. ’Tis not unknown What lately she had dared to keep her place, But that Britannicus’ so sudden death Blasted her plots: now in her constant project Your marriage threatens her.

Pop. The more I see It blackens more. May I dare ask you, madam, To tell your sister that I willingly Retire, if she prevail upon her son Quite to forget his love and put me by?

Dom. Which side to take? that must you first determine; ’Tis Cæsar or his mother. I supposed ’Twas him you loved, not her. Now should I tell you That she is deeply pledged to take his life, And seize the empire...

Pop. Oh! what wicked crimes! Impossible!

Dom. But if I prove it to you?

Pop. I could not hear it.

Dom. Nay, but if ’tis true, Side you with us who hinder it, or her Who pushes it?

Pop. O madam, ’tis incredible.

Dom. Ay, and to-night, as Nero sits at supper, When Paris brings the news he’ll not believe it. But then a word from you might turn the scale, And rouse his better judgment.

Pop. The very thought That her destruction were my safety, madam, Would hold my tongue. Indeed you have wronged me much, Telling me this.

Dom. Why, such things you will hear.

Pop. Nay, let me go.

Dom. Ay, go, but think upon it.

Pop. Farewell. [Exit.

Dom. (sola). Was I mistaken?

Par. (re-entering). My mind is changed.

Dom. How now! what say you?

Par. Madam, the plot will stand.

Dom. Did you hear all?

Par. And saw.

Dom. All that compunction...

Par. Ay, be sure of it. Why she and I could carry anything. She’s a born actress: we must keep good friends With her.

Dom. Then this is well; go learn your part.

[Exeunt.