_Ful._ What was the reason why the galley heeled?
_Sail._ D’ye see, My lady, ’tis the Admiral’s boat, this galley. It’s not for me....
_Ful._ Then begone; to-morrow Come for your recompense. I know not yet 2850 The Augusta’s pleasure.
_The Sailors._ Thank thee, thank thee, my lady.
_Sailor_ (_returning_). Please thee, lady, If not too bold, we’ll ask thee if the Augusta Has taken harm from being so long in the water.
_Ful._ Thank you, my men. I pray she’s none the worse.
_Sail._ ’Tis bitter cold, indeed. But I can tell She’s of good stuff; ay, and can swim.
_Ful._ Be sure You are fortunate to have done her this good service.
_Sail._ I make my humble duties. [_Exit._
_Ful._ Alas, alas! What can this mystery mean? I die to hear. 2860 I must now go attend her; ah! here she comes.
_Agr._ Fetch me some wine and a warm coverlet; The fur one from my bed.
_Agr._ I have no friend here but her and the few servants Upon the place: ’tis plotted well indeed To catch me thus alone: Mistress Poppæa Is seen in this. Yet being escaped, I think I yet will prove her match.
_Ful._ Are you recovered, madam, from the shock?
_Agr._ I am warm again. I think too that my hurt Is very little: but I am somewhat shaken. 2871
_Ful._ What is it that hath happed? The sailors knew Nothing but that they found you.
_Ful._ They saw the galley lurch, and say The Admiral must know.
_Agr._ ’Tis likely enough ’Twas his contrivance. Now I’ll tell thee all, Fulvia, and thou must help me all thou canst When thou hast heard: indeed I tell thee partly To clear my judgment.—We had rowed about a mile, Polla and I, and sat upon the poop, 2880 Taking our pleasure, when, all on a sudden, Darkness; the awning fell, with such a crash As took away my spirits, and Polla and I Were thrown down from our couches by the weight Of falling cloth and spars: one heavy beam Grazed my left shoulder, and we lay crushed down Upon the deck. Then I heard Polla laugh, Finding we were not hurt, and she crept forth Forward, beneath the curtains; the oars stopped: I heard a rush of feet, and presently 2890 Came Polla’s voice, ’Hold, slay me not, ye villains, I am Agrippina.’ Then, ’Ah me, I am slain!’ And one long deathly groan. This, when I heard, Taught me my part, and towards the other side, Crawling, I came to the window o’er the stern, Where lay my only escape; and silently, Feet foremost, I crept out, and by the ladder Slipped down without a sound into the sea. The galley still held way, and in few strokes I saw that I was left and unperceived; 2900 And so swam on until the fishermen Hailed me by name, and took me in their boat.