_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.
_Agr._ The two devisers. Yet I think my sister Is harmless; but the other, that Silana—
_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 2450 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 2460 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. 2470
_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 2479 May shake his liking. I will do it at once. [_Exit._
_A room in the Palace. Enter NERO and POPPÆA._