THE TRAGEDY OF JULIA AGRIPPINA; Empresse of Rome.
By T. M
LONDON, Printed by Ric. Hodgkinsonne for Thomas Walkly, and are to be sold at his shop at the Flying Horse neare Yorke house. 1639.
The Speakers.
- Claudius Caesar.
- Nero Caesar.
- Britannicus.
- Seneca.
- Burrhus.
- Vitellius.
- Pollio.
- Crispinus.
- Geta.
- Otho.
- Montanus.
- Petronius.
- Pallas.
- Narcissus.
- Anicetus.
- Agrippina.
- Octavia.
- Poppaea.
- Fulvia.
- Acte.
- Locusta.
- L.
ACTED 1628.
OCTOB. 26. 1638. Imprimatur,
MATTH. CLAY.
MEGAERA ascends.
Megaera.
THus to the Romane Palace, as our home
And proper mansion, is Megaera come
No stranger to these walls: not more in Hell
Then here, doe mischiefs, and we Furies dwell
Let the unenvy'd Gods henceforth possesse
Poore Peasants hearts, and rule in Cottages;
Let Vertue lurke among the rurall Swaines,
Whilest Vice in Romes Imperiall Palace reignes,
And rules those breasts, whom all the world obeys.
What though the Gods and Vertue first did raise
Rome to that height it holds? they did but make
An Empire large enough for us to take,
And build a strength for us to manage now,
Though Vertue made the Romane greatnesse grow:
Shee now forsakes it at the height: the Powers,
And fruits of all her diligence are ours.
But to preserve that interest, and keep high
Our hold in this commanding family,
A blacker Fury then my selfe must rise,
To fill these roofes with fresh Impieties.
Rise cruell Ghost, ascend Caligula,
That lately didst the worlds proud scepter sway
Beyond our wish; who though an Emperour,
In wickednesse wer't greater then in power;
And cloth'd with flesh among mankind did'st dwell
A Fiend more black then any was in Hell.
[Page]From those darke vaults ascend; to blast this faire
And gorgious Palace, like that poisonous aire,
Which Earth-quakes from the grounds torne entrailes breath
To fill the world with pestilence and death.
Hee comes; Hee comes: the very house begins
To shake with horrour of approching sinnes.
The night growes blacker then before, and I
My selfe am fill'd with new Impiety.
CALIGULA'S Ghost.
Why am I raised from the vaults below?
What mischiefs can an aëry shadow doe?
What can a naked Ghost performe? In vain
Are all intents, unlesse I reign'd againe
Obey'd by all the Romane power, and wore
That wicked body which I had before.
What then I did you know, and if your power
Could have maintain'd me longer Emperour,
I had outdone your wishes, and given birth
To such new mischiefes, as the suffring earth
Had groan'd to feele: what my intentions were
Did to the world in those black bookes appeare,
When all Romes Senate were to death design'd,
And chests of poison that I left behind,
Which since my death into the Ocean throwne,
Poison'd the waves for many leagues, and on
Poore fishes wrought that execution,
Which on mankind I ment they should have done.
What can I now performe alas?
MEGAERA.
Enough.
With thy contagious presence blast this roofe;
Infect th' Imperiall House with all the ill
That Hell and thou canst bring. Let mischiefe still
Reigne here, and keep out banish'd Piety,
Iustice, and Conscience; let no sacred ty
Of Nature, or Religious lawes restraine
Their Parricidall hands: all names bee vaine
[Page]Of brother, childe, or parent. let the wife
With impious rage destroy her husbands life,
The brother kill the brother, and the Sonne
Rip up his parents bowels.
GHOST.
'Twill be done.
The actors are my kindred, and like mine
Must play their parts: ambitious Agrippine,
Pursue thy cruell projects, and upon
A husband's murther raise thy Impious Sonne,
That he may play the Parricide againe,
And murder thee, that gav'st him life and reigne.
That all the world astonish'd at so high
Ingratitude and foule Impiety,
May feare the Monsters reigne, yet suffer more
Then they could feare, or ere was felt before.
Let what no foes, no furies durst conspire
To act 'gainst Rome, nor I my selfe desire
When I was Prince; bee cursed Nero's crimes.
Let his dire story in succeeding times
From all earths Tyrants elfe the wonder draw,
And men almost forget Caligula.
MEGAERA.
The Fates consent; that thunder, which wee heare
From Acheron, confirmes the Omen there.
Downe wicked Ghost into thy [...]ell below,
Wee must no longer bide; the Cocks doe crow,
The twinkling starres begin to hide their heads
The day would dawne, and from Auroraes bed
Would Titan rise, but that he feares to see
Such instruments of Hells impiety.
The Gods themselves forbid our longer stay,
For feare our presence should retard the day.
Exeunt.
[Page] [Page] A Tragedy.
ACT. I. SCEN. I.
PALLAS, VITELLIUS, POLLIO.
Pallas.
NOw is the time noble Vitellius,
For you, and you most honour'd Pollio,
To make that service you have done compleat
To royall Agrippina; briefly thus:
The two commanders o'th' Praetorian campe
Crispinus Rufus, and that Lucius Geta
Must be displac'd, and some of neerer trust
To her designes advanced in their roome,
Or else our power will nere be full, they love
Britannicus too well, this is the thing
The Empresse wishes; let your eloquence
And wisdome further it in Caesar's eare.
Vitelli.
Feare us not Pallas; but what successors
Have wee to take their charge?
Pallas.
One must take all.
[Page]You may pretend the inconvenience
Of two commanders, and so take from Caesar
All jealousie of the plot.
Pollio.
Who shall it be?
Pallas.
Burrhus Afranius a wise valiant man,
Belov'd and honour'd by the souldiers.
None can except against him, and the change
Will not displease the campe: nor can his merit
Make him lesse thankfull to her; knowing well,
'Twas in her power to make it otherwise.
But the advancing of such able men
As Seneca and Burrhus will take off
All envy from the Empresse and our selves.
Then wee with praise have wrought our purposes,
And made our party strong, while Seneca
Shall sway the Senate, Burrhus rule the campe
To her designes: but I'le presume no farther
T'instruct your wisedomes, or much lesse to doubt
Your true affections to the state and honour
Of Agrippina, who will then have power
To make more large requitall to her friends,
In which most high and happy ranke, you two
Are chiefly seated: shee acknowledges
Her selfe indebted to your eloquence
Noble Vitellius, who in Senate lately
You proov'd her marriage lawfull▪ and being Censor,
Depos'd Silanus from his Praetorship,
Who should have married young Octavia.
To you, brave Pollio, whose perswasions
Have beene the cause young Nero now enjoyes
That happy marriage, which Silanus lost.
But most of all shee ow'd to both your paines
In causing Caesar to adopt her Nero.
Vitellius.
[Page]'Twas hard to worke at first. Caesar stuck at it,
Alledging that the Claudian family
Never adopted any, and besides
When Lucius Geta and Crispinus Rufus
In love they bore to young Britannicus
Told him that that adoption to the world
Would bee ridiculous: by president
Wee did refute it, shewing how Tiberius
Having a Sonne and Nephew both alive,
Adopted th' issue of Germanicus.
Pallas.
My Lords, 'twas nobly carryed; this designe
That now wee have in hand, though not so hard
To worke, will prove as advantageous.
Bee you with Caesar; I'le goe satisfie
The Empresse of your loves.
Vitellius. Pollio.
Farewell brave Pallas.
Exeunt Vitel. & Pol.
Pallas.
Farewell my Lords. Goe flattering Senatours,
Goe use your best perswasive eloquence,
Whilest I alone upon your envie rise,
Whilest I injoy in Agrippinaes love
The fruit of your obsequious diligence.
What though my birth be humble, and my stile
But one of Caesars freed-men, though I boast not
Patritian blood, nor in my galleries
Display old ranks of nose-lesse ancestours,
Or eare-cropt images, if I enjoy
What ever high Nobility can give
Respect and power: the state can witnesse it.
The Senate feare mee, and in flattery
Have su'd to Caesar to conferre on mee
Praetorian and Quaestorian ornaments.
Which I at last vouchsafed to accept.
[Page]When my command alone has doom'd to death
The noblest of that order; men whose names
Old Rome has boasted of, whose vertues rais'd
Her to that envi'd height that now she holds.
Their murders stupid Caesar rather chose
To take upon himselfe, then question mee.
Let dull Patricians boast their aery titles,
And count me base, whilest I commend their lives,
And for the furtherance of my high intents,
Make noblest men my hated instruments.
Enter NARCISSUS.
But ha! Narcissus? yes; there comes a man
That was my rivall once, whom I fear'd more
Then all the Lords of Rome, my fellow free'd man,
That knew our wayes of power; that not the Senate,
But Caesars chamber did command the world,
And rule the fate of men: but Fortune 's turn'd,
And he not worth my regard or feare.
In mastring him I feele my greatest strength
exit.
Narcissus.
Not looke upon mee! am I fall'n so low?
Did I in equall place with this proud man,
Nay farre above him, sway the state, and rule
Great Caesar's heart, while Messallina liv'd,
And was not there content (Oh punishment
Of my ambitious aimes) but caus'd the death
Of that loose Empresse to bring in th' expulst
Aelia Petina, and instead of her
Have let this Tygresse Agrippina in
This dragon spirit to devour us all
Except proud Pallas her adulterer?
What unavoided dangers every way
Threaten this life? For if young Nero reigne,
I dye, that sought to crosse his mothers match:
If ere Britannicus do reigne, I dye
That caus'd his mothers death. What shall I doo?
[Page]Where shall I leane for safety? better trust
The innocent goodnesse of Britannicus
Then Agrippinaes feirce and cruell nature;
Nor can I hope more goodnesse from her sonne.
That may give longer respite to my feare.
Besides it beares the greater shew of justice,
And honest service to my Roiall Master.
Since wee must fall, it is some happinesse
To fall the honest way, if wee may call
That honesty at all, or reall vertue
To which necessity enforces us,
And wee by fortune not election practise.
Enter GETA, CRISPINUS.
Here comes two freinds of young Britannicus ▪
Haile Lucius Geta, haile Crispinus Rufus.
Geta.
Narcissus haile.
Narcissus,
Brave Romans your are come
Fitly to ease my overburden'd breast
Of weighty thoughts, which I dare freely trust
Vnto your noble eares.
Geta.
You may Narcissus
Trust truth with us.
Crispinus.
Or any honest secret.
Geta.
What is't you would with us?
Narcissus.
You know my Lords,
(And I must needs confesse) I was a meanes
Of Messalinaes death; but all the Gods
Can witnesse with mee how unwillingly
I lent a hand to that sad action;
And but for Caesar's safety, which I prize
Above my life and fortunes, and which then
[Page]I thought endanger'd much by her hold act,
Nought in the world could ere have moov'd mee to it.
Crispinus.
What hence would you inferre?
Narcissus.
Then Know my Lords,
How little I respect my private ends
To doe the publike service, and can loose
My selfe for Caesars good: it may be thought
When the most hopefull Prince Britannicus
Shall weare that wreath which all the world adores,
To me it may be fatall, as a foe
Vnto his mother: but I rather wish
My selfe for ever lost, then that brave Prince
Should not succeed his father.
Geta.
How! succeed?
What feare is there of that?
Crispinus.
What power on earth,
Can barre his right, whilest wee command the campe?
I'de rather see (which all the Gods avert)
Rome rent againe with civill broiles, then hee
Should loose unjustly the Imperiall throne.
Narcissus.
Y' are true and Noble friends; and here I vow
To joyne with you, and use my uttermost power
T' advance the honour of Britannicus.
Crispinus.
What danger threatens it?
Narcissus.
Doe you not know
To whom the Sonne of Agrippina's married;
Crispinus.
Yes.
Narcissus.
And that honor were enough for him.
[Page]Without adoption too, were his aimes private,
And that his crafty Mother did not cast
A way for him to the succession.
Crispinus.
'Twas strangely done of Caesar I confesse.
Narcissus.
They make the faction strong, and cunningly
Encrease the traine of Nero, and displace
The faithfull servants af Britannicus.
Wise Seneca's recall'd from banishment
By Agrippinaes meanes, not for the love
Shee beares his vertue; but to make him hers,
That Seneca's authority may gaine
The peoples love to her ambitious sonne,
Of whose young yeares hee takes tuition.
Crispinus.
I think no lesse.
Geta.
Besides to make the match
For her young Nero with Octavia.
Noble Silanus dy'd, who might have proov'd
A faithfull prop to Claudius family.
Narcissus.
In blood that fatall marriag [...] was begun,
I feare the Omen; Agrippina's feirce
And cruell nature has too much been seene
In this short time. Lollia Paulina, Neece
To Cotta Messalinus, and late wife
To Caius Caesar, for no other cause
Then aiming once at Claudius marriage
Is banish'd Italy; her goods are seiz'd,
And but five millions of Sesterces left her
Of all her great estate; but there the malice
Of this fell woman stayes not: now wee heare
A Tribune is dispach'd away, to kill
The banish'd Lady, and bring back her head.
Crispinus.
Oh barbarous cruelty!
Narcissus.
[Page]Yet more I feare,
Since her Domitius is adopted now.
I feare shee'll shortly aime at higher blood.
Geta.
Wee'll guard the life of young Britannicus.
Narcissus.
And I'll be vigilant for Caesar's safety.
When all her ends are wrought his death is next.
Enter BRITANNICUS.
Geta.
Here comes the youthfull hope of Rome and us.
Britanicus.
Tell mee, my friends, am not I Caesar's sonne?
Crispinus.
My Lord, who dares to question it?
Britannicus.
I'm sure,
I was his eldest sonne, and whilest I liv'd
I thought that Caesar had not lack'd an heire
But I at last have found an elder brother,
Domitius is adopted Caesar's sonne
His name is Nero now. I cannot tell
What is my fault.
Geta.
Excellent youth, how much
Beyond his yeeres hee apprehends his wrongs?
Crispinus.
Feare not sweet Prince, though Agrippinas sonne
Bee two yeere elder then your selfe, the Senate
Will never judge that an adopted Sonne
Shall in succession bee preferr'd before
The true and naturall heire.
Britannicus.
You ever lov'd mee,
Pray doe so still.
Geta
[Page]While wee have breath, my Lord,
you shall command our lives.
Crispinus
How unawares
Has feeble Caesar wrought a snare to catch
His own unhappy life in! grow sweet prince,
Grow up to strengthen the Imperiall house,
And Curbe the furious malice of thy foes.
Enter NERO, PALLAS.
Nero.
Brother Britannicus haile.
Britannicus.
Haile to you
Domitius Anobarbus.
Nero.
Doe you scorne
My salutation, or not know my name?
Britannicus.
That was your fathers name; and why not yours?
Nero.
How's that? Proud boy.
Exeunt Brit. & reliq▪
Pallas.
Well, let them goe, my Lord.
'Twas not the braine of young Britannicus
That could give birth to this minurious scorne,
Though for his yeeres, the boy be capable.
But riper heads then his: there went his counsell
Crispinus Rufus, and that Lucius Geta,
Who swell the youth with boasting hopes, and thinke
Their power can give protection to his pride.
I'le make them see their errour, and perceive,
One breath of mine can blow them from their strength
This newes I'll beare to Agrippina straight.
Come Prince; Britannicus shall find anon
What feeble props his pride has lean'd upon.
Exeunt▪
[Page]AGRIPPINA, SENECA, VITELLIUS, POLLIO.
Agrippina.
You are my Judges.
Seneca.
Your poore servants, Madam.
Agrippina.
Nay that must be your office; you have read
My Commentaries over, and I looke for
A faithfull censure: I am sure, my Lords,
You have both learning able to discerne,
And such integritie as will not flatter.
Speake Seneca; I see they looke on you:
How doe you like them?
Seneca.
Royall Agrippina,
Such, and so good they bee, that ablest men
May boldly speake, and not offend the truth,
Nor you at all; the stile is full and Princely.
Vitellius.
Stately and absolute, beyond what ere
These eyes have seene; and Rome, whose majestie
Is there describ'd, in after times shall owe
For her memoriall to your learned pen,
More then to all those fading monuments
Built with the riches of the spoiled world.
When rust shall eate her brasse, when times strong hand
Shall bruise to dust her marble Palaces,
Triumphall Arches, Pillars, Obeliskes,
When Julius Temple, Claudius Aquaeducts,
Agrippa's Baths, and Pompey's Theater,
Nay Rome it selfe shall not be found at all,
Historians books shall live; those strong records,
Those deathlesse monuments alone shall shew
What, and how great the Roman Empire was.
Pollio.
The act is Noble; not the present world
[Page]Alone shall owe to Agrippinas worth
(As for her gratious government it does)
But future ages shall acknowledge more
To the rich labours of her Royall pen.
Agrippina.
The wisest Princes never sought to raise
Their present state alone, but to preserve
Themselves immortall by an endlesse fame.
For memory of mee, besides these bookes,
If that our Augures faile not in their skill,
Or flatter not, that German Colony,
Which I of late deducted o're the Rhine
To Ubium, for evermore the name
Of Agrippinaes Colony shall beare.
Vitellius.
That act, though great, declares your power alone,
Your wealth and greatnesse: but these learned bookes
Expresse your wisedome, and for these you owe
Nothing at all to Fortune.
Agrippina.
Thus I meane
To spend all time which from affaires of state,
And businesse of our Empire can be spar'd.
Seneca.
Is she already turn'd our Emperour?
Agrippina.
Those wretches have too narrow soules, who thinke
That persons great and eminent in state
Can spare no time to purchase same by writing,
But what they steale from action and imployment,
As if no mind were large enough for both.
Who was more full of action, and more fit
To rule, nay rule the world, then Julius Caesar?
Yet he was of my mind.
Seneca.
Oh strange male spirit!
Can there be found no other parallell
[Page]But Julius Caesar to a womans minde?
Agrippina.
Yet Julius was too blame, hee toild too much
To get his honour, and too much debarr'd
His nature the free use of Princely pleasures.
Sure Lucius Sylla had an ample minde;
Tis Syllaes Character, that Salust gives him,
A free and great enjoyer of his pleasures,
Yet how industrious his actions speake,
Hee found fit time to rule the Romane world,
And write both Greeke and Latine Commentaries.
Seneca.
The soules of Sylla and of Caesar both
I thinke have enter'd her.
Agrippina.
Well worthy friends,
You doe approve my way of writing then.
Seneca.
Yes gracious Madam; and because you nam'd
Great Julius to us, I was thinking now
That as in blood, so in your stiles of writing
There was some neerenesse.
Agrippina.
Seneca, I thanke you;
But I confesse your positive approbation
Pleas'd mee as well as that comparison.
Seneca.
Does not your Majestie esteeme his booke?
Agrippina.
Indifferent well; a good loose carelesse way.
I thinke directly with Asinius Pollio,
Had Caesar liv'd, hee would have mended it;
The man had farre more in him then that shewes.
Seneca.
Yet under favour, Madam, some have thought
Those Commentaryes hardly could be mended,
[Page]A stile so strong, naked, and beautifull,
Free from affected words, and from all glosse
Or dresse of Oratory, as in stead
Of leading others in a way to write,
It quite discourages the ablest men.
So Hirtius thought, and that fam'd Cicero,
The greatest master ef Romes eloquence.
Agrippina.
Are those your authors then? that Hirtius
Was Caesars servant partiall in his heart,
Or else hee flatter'd him; for Cicero,
They were so farre out of his tedious straine,
Hee could not censure them.
Seneca.
Yet able men
Can truly censure of another stile
Then what themselves have us'd.
Agrippina.
Hee was not able,
No, not in Oratory; had I rul'd
Rome and her Senate then, as now I doe,
Not all th' Orations that e're Cicero
Made in the Senate, should have sav'd one haire
Of an offendour, or condemn'd a Mouse.
Vitellius.
How confident shee is in censuring!
Seneca.
I am amaz'd: but let her have her way.
Forgive my silence noble Cicero;
Here thy defence is vaine; but what I spare,
The tongues of all posterity shall speake.
Enter PALLAS, Tribune.
Pallas.
Lhe Tribune, Madam, is return'd and brings
Lollia Paulinaes head.
Agrippina.
[Page]Let him come in.
Tribune.
Your pleasure, great Augusta, is perform'd.
Agrippina.
Let me peruse this face: ha! 'tis much chang'd.
Her teeth shall make me sure, they did not grow
Dio.
The common way; I am confirm'd; 'tis shee.
Reward him Pallas.
Tribune.
The Gods preserve
Augusta Agrippina.
Agrippina.
O pale death,
Thou mock of beauty, and of greatnesse too:
Was this the face, that once in Caesar's love
Was Agrippinaes rivall, and durst hope
As much 'gainst mee, as my unquestion'd power
Has wrought on her? Was this that beautie, once
That wore the riches of the world about it?
For whose attire, all lands, all seas were search'd,
All creatures rob'd? This! This was that Paulina,
Whom Cajus Caesar serv'd, whom Rome ador'd
And the world feared.
Seneca.
Such a sight mee 'thinks
Should make her sadly thinke of humane frailty.
Agrippina.
Take hence the head, least in her death shee gaine
A greater conquest o're mee, then her life
Could ever doe, to make me shed a teare.
I would not wrong the justice I have done
So much as to lament it now: You know
My friends, shee had a spirit dangerous.
And though my nature could have pardon'd her,
Reason of state forbade it, which then told mee
[Page]Great ruines have been wrought by foolish pity.
Seneca.
Would shee had such a nature! but 'tis now
Too late to give her counsell.
Pallas.
So let all
That dare contest with Agrippina, fall.
Enter servant.
Servant.
Caesar is come to visite you.
Agrippina.
Now friends,
Vitellius, Pollio, Pallas second mee.
Enter CAESAR, ANTISTIUS.
Caesar.
How fares my Agrippina?
Agrippina.
Wondrous well,
When I am blest with Caesars company.
Caesar.
That shall be oft, my love, when Romes affaires,
And publike businesse will give me leave.
Agrippina.
I would partake my selfe of those affaires,
Rather then want your presence
Pallas.
I beleeve it.
Caesar.
Thou shalt; 'tis onely for thy dearest sake
I love my fortunes, thy sweet fellowship
Makes light the burthen of my government.
Agrippina.
To ease great Caesars care, shall ever bee
The height of my desires: before you came
My heart was sad. I sent for these my friends
T' impart the reason to them.
Caesar.
[Page]Sad; for what?
Agrippina.
Weighing the troubles of a Princely state,
And all the dangers that still threaten it.
Caesar.
Dangers!
Pallas.
Shee strikes upon the fittest string;
No passion reignes in him so much as feare.
Agrippina.
Wee were devising of the fittest meanes
To give your state security: you know
Your strongest guard is the Praetorian campe.
Caesar.
Most true.
Agrippina.
That campe commanded now by two,
May be by Captaines too ambitious strife
Divided into factions, and so made
Lesse serviceable, should your safety need them.
Vitellius.
Caesar remembers when that bold attempt
Of Silius was, how the Praetorian campe
Was by their generall strife in mutiny,
And had not one been chosen for that day
To rule them all, Caesar had not been safe.
Pollio.
Wise men in calmes provide for stormes to come.
None knowes how dangerous the times may prove,
Though now the state be safe, and may the Gods
To Caesar's honor long preserve it so.
Seneca.
What new designe is this, that all of them
aside.
[...]econd so readily, and I was not
Acquainted with it? If't prove mischievous,
[Page]I thanke the Empresse for my ignorance.
Agrippina.
Burrhus Afranius is a worthy man,
Fit for the place, and faithfull, well-belov'd
By all the souldiers: such a change, my Lord,
None can except against: Let him take all.
Seneca.
What ere her ends may bee, this proposition
For noble Burrhus sake, I must approve.
Caesar.
'Tis true, my love, I make no question
Of Burrhus worth, and fitnesse for the place:
But what offence have Geta and Crispinus
Been e're accus'd of? Or what just suspitions
Are there of them?
Agrippina.
I will not be unjust,
To accuse guiltlesse men, although I price
Thy safety, Caesar, equall to my life.
I know no crimes of note they have committe.
Vitellius.
Caesar, it is no losse to them at all;
They both have plentious fortunes to retire to.
Pollio.
And in so neere a cause, who dares examine
Great Caesar's counsells, or enquire the reason?
Agrippina.
Shall Burrhus have it Caesar? speake thy pleasure.
Or if my care offend, I shall hereafter
Forbeare to meddle.
Caesar.
No, sweet Agrippina;
Since thou wilt have it so; goe Pallas, draw
The warrant straight, and seale it in our name:
Let Geta and Crispinus be remoov'd,
And Burrhus take possession presently.
[Page]This day, my love, the Britane prisoners
Sent from Ostorius Scapula, and late
Arriv'd at Rome, shall be in publike shew'd.
There thou shalt see that brave Barbarian Prince,
That bold Caractacus, whose stubborne spirit
So many yeares contemn'd the Roman power.
Hee now is taken.
Pollio.
'Twas a victory
Sent from the Gods to honor Claudius reigne.
Agrippina.
Had he been basely taken, or at first
Yeelded himselfe, as hee had got no honour,
But been forgotten in his fall, and nought
Had e're been mention'd of him but his death:
So had thy glory Caesar been farre lesse.
Vitellius.
Not warre-like Syphax the Numidian King,
Stubborne Jugurtha, nor great Perseus
Ere brought to Rome by their captivity
More reall honour then this Britane Prince.
Caesar.
Nor doe wee price our name Brittannicus
Fetch'd from that Iland, lesse then Scipio
His honour'd name of Africanus priz'd.
Pollio.
Thy stile, O Caesar, is the greater farre
Drawne from the conquest of another world,
Which nature ment by enterposing cold
And stormy seas, to guard from Latian armes.
Vitellius.
Great Julius Caesar did but only shew
That land to us, whose conquest was reserv'd
By heavens decree to honour Claudius name.
Agrippina.
Caesar, let's sit together; one Tribunall
[Page]Will hold us both.
Caesar.
It shall bee so, my love,
Thou, as my selfe, shalt pardon or condemne.
ACTUS II.
POPPAEA, OTHO.
Poppaea.
MY love, deare Otho, faine would bid thee stay:
But danger now forbids it, for my Lord
Returnes by this time homewards from the Pallace.
Otho.
Wee must obey the times necessity
Sweetest Poppoea, though I part from thee
With such a sad'nesse as will loose by all
Comparisons and cannot bee exprest
But by it selfe, to say that Otho parts
From faire Poppaea, is more tragicall
Then soule from body, honour from a man.
Poppoea.
I could, mee thinkes, flatter my feares, to keepe
Thee ever heere.
Otho.
And I can scorne all feares,
And dangers too, if thou command mee stay.
Poppaea.
[Page]No, goe, my Love, and warily let's meete
That wee may often meete: but why should still
Our highest blisse want freedome?
Otho.
'Tis my faire one,
The envy of the Gods, who thinke the state
Of men would aequall theirs, if greatest joyes
Were easyest to obtaine, and therfore still
In horrid dangers wrap their dearest guifts,
As all the Poëts ancient fables taught.
Fire-breathing Buls did guard the Colchian fleece;
A waking dragon kept the golden fruit.
But thou, Poppaea, in my thoughts a prize
Of greater value, and more lustre farre
Then that which drew the bold Thessalian forth
So farre from Greece, or made Alcmenaes sonne
Invade th' Hesperides, art kept from mee
By stronger guards, the awfull Roman lawes,
Those lawes resist our love.
Poppaea.
Oh where was Otho
Then, when my virgin blossome was the hope
Of thousand noble youths? hadst thou beene seene
Poppaeaes bed and beautyes had beene thine,
And with a lawfull uncontrolled flame
Had met thy wish in those delights, which now
Wee are inforc'd to steale.
Otho.
Must it bee so
For ever then?
Poppaea.
It must while Rufus lives.
Otho.
Nor can I blame blest Rufus, if hee strive
To keepe that wealth, which if it lay beyond
Or horned Ammons scorch'd and thirsty sands,
Would draw the Roman Monarch to forsake
His worlds Imperiall seat there to enjoy,
And think those banish'd that remain'd at Rome.
If I were Caesar, and condemn'd by fate
To want Poppaeaes love, I should bee poore.
No other deare prerogative could that
High wreath bestow, but only power to make
Thee mine without a rivall: I might then
With boldnesse take thee from Crispinus armes.
Poppaea.
But could that act bee lawfull?
Otho.
Canst thou doubt it?
Where two loves meete can marriage bee unlawfull?
Of which love is the soule, the very forme
That gives it being no dead outward ty,
But natures strong and inward sympathy.
Can make a marriage, which the Gods alone
Have power to breede in us, and therfore they
Have only power to ty so sweete a knot.
I am thy mate; nor did thy father, when
Hee gave that snowy hand unto another,
Ought but rebell against the Gods decree.
Poppaea.
Thou art to good an advocate, and I
Too partiall for a judge.
Otho.
Bee constant to mee
Till fortune give a bolder priviledge.
And warrant to our love, of which I have
Receiv'd such faire presages, as I cannot
Despaire; meane while by stealth I must behold
Those starry eyes, and think my selfe most happy
In that, though no man know my happinesse.
Poppaea.
[Page]Can men count those delights a happinesse
Which they conceale?
Otho.
Yes, those that truly love.
Enter Fulvia.
Fulvia.
Madam, my Lord is come.
Poppaea.
Farewell deare Otho.
Otho.
Farewell: love guard thee till wee meete againe.
exit.
Enter CRISPINUS, GETA.
Crispinus.
Come Lucius study to forget it now,
And let's bee truly merry; my Poppaea
Bid' Lucius Geta welcome, my colleague
That was, but still my frend.
Poppaea.
You are most welcome.
Geta.
Thankes fairest Lady.
Poppaea.
[...]ut my Lord, what meanes
That speech of yours, that Lucius Geta once
Was your colleague and is not.
Crispinus.
I tell thee,
[...]reat Agrippina has commanded Caesar
[...]o command Pallas to command us two.
[...] quit our charge and suddainly resigne
[...]he governement of the Praetorian campe
[...] Burrhus hand; at which hee stormes; but I
[...] merryer farre, and lighter then before.
[...]ee may live freely now; Caesar has tane
[...] weighty burthen from my weary necke.
[...]hanke his goodnesse.
Geta.
[Page]Thanke his sottishnesse,
Tis that has pleasured you. ah frend it needes
Must grieve all noble hearts, that can love justice,
And pity suffring innocence, to see
The harmelesse yeares of young Britannicus
Expos'd to all the malice of his foes,
And stupid Caesar made the instrument
To ruine his owne sonne: whilest his great power
By others is abus'd against himselfe
And his posterity.
Crispinus.
I do beleive it.
Geta.
His servants all, that to himselfe were true,
Or faithfull to his sonne, are murther'd now,
Or else displac'd by her: our truth's the cause
That wee have lost our places.
Crispinus.
Tis no matter;
Wee loose no honour by our truth; and since
While wee had power, wee faithfully discharg'd
Our trust to Caesar, let's no longer stirve
To guard him 'gainst his will; but take his gift.
Hee gives us ease, and freedome, to retire,
And tast the sweetes of privaty, and there
Enjoy our lives free from the glorious noise,
And troubles of a Court; instead of waiting
On Caesar now, on thee I will bestow
That time, my faire Poppaea, and attend
On thy delights; thou wilt not cast mee off
As Caesar does.
Fulvia.
Shee cannot promise you
I know her heart better then you in that.
Crispinus.
[Page]None can describe the sweetes of countrey life
But those blest men that do enjoy, and tast them.
Plaine husband men, though farre below our pitch
Of fortune plac,d, enjoy a wealth above us.
To whome the earth with true and bountious justice
Free fhom warres cares returnes an easy food.
They breath the fresh and uncorrupted aire,
And by cleare brookes enjoy untroubled sleepes.
Their state is fearlesse, and secure, enrich'd
With severall blessings, such as greatest Kings
Might in true justice envy, and themselves
Would count too happy, if they truly knew them.
Geta.
Tis true, Crispinus, greatest Monarchs oft
Have in the midst of all theyr carefull gloryes
Desir'd such lives as those plaine people lead.
Crispinus.
Let us enjoy that huppinesse then Lucius
The countrey sports and recreations
And friends as innocent as wee, with whom
Wee need not feare the strength of richest wine
In drawing out our secrets: but well fill'd
At suppertime may hold a free discourse
Of Caesar's weakenesse, of the wealth and pride
Of his freed'men, how lordly Pallas rules;
How feirce and cruell Arippina is,
What slaves rhe Roman Senate are become,
And yet next morne awake with confidence.
Poppoea.
All this, my Lord, you may discourse at Rome
[...]f you can wisely choose your company.
Crispinus.
Well said Poppaea, thou art a woman right
Thou lov'st the city well.
Geta.
[Page]I cannot blame her,
Such beauty seekes no corners, but may well
Become th' Imperiall city of the world.
Crispinus.
Come Lucius Geta, let's goe in and laugh
At our proud enemyes, enjoy theire malice,
And drowne our cares in rich Falernian wine
As ancient as Opimius Consulship.
Enter to them NARCISSUS.
Geta.
Here comes a man, Crispinus, I beleive
Is sory for this change.
Crispinus.
I thinke so Lucius.
Narcissus.
Haile noble Romans.
Crispinus.
Haile to you Narcissus.
How dare you venture a salute on us,
Or make a visite to such guilty men?
Narcissus.
Guilty my Lord, in what?
Crispinus.
In beeing wrong'd.
Those that are wrong'd in Court, are made offendours▪
Narcissus.
I must confesse, my Lord, it was a wrong
To you and your Colleague to bee displac'd,
But you have spirits great enough to scorne
That injury, and pity him that did it,
I meane that suffer'd his proud foes to doo it
Rather against himselfe then you; the wrong
Must fall on Caesar, and his haplesse house.
Blinded by fate, and neere his fall, hee throwes
Away the best supporters of his state.
Geta.
[Page]The thought of that as I am true, Narcissus,
Afflicts mee more then mine owne losse can doe.
Crispinus.
For mee, I thinke my selfe well free'd from trouble
Were't not for feare of poore Britannicus.
Narcissus.
I doo beleeve it, noble Lords; but you
Are now dischar'gd, and may retire with safety.
My part is yet to play, a part of danger,
And I will act it bravely: here I vow
By all the Gods, no feare shall make mee shrinke
Till I have once more righted Claudius
Against the lusts and treasons of a wife.
Nor do I boast of Messalinaes death.
It was the times necessity, that made
Mee then to shew my power: that power perchance
Is yet as much; nor shall the Lordly Pallas,
Though swell'd with Agrippinaes lustfull favours,
And back'd by her authority, hee thinke
Himselfe sole ruler in th' Imperiall house,
Finde that Narcissus is so fall'n in spirit
But that I dare attempt as much as then.
Great Caesar's safety is as much in danger
As then it was, his nuptiall bed as stain'd,
And I will dy, or take the same revenge,
That then was taken; all their plots and treasons
Will I reveale to Caesar, and pursue it
With such a dauntlesse constancy, that if
The Gods forget not to bee just, this day
Proud Agrippina, and her minion fall.
The young Britannicus shall stand secure
In his high birthright; Messalinaes ghost
Shall then perchance, although shee hate mee now,
[...]orgive the hand that caus'd her overthrow,
Geta.
[Page]Bravely resolu'd, Narcissus.
Crispinus.
You shall doe
An act that all good men shall thank you for.
Will you goe in, and tast my wine'.
Narcissus.
Not now.
I came but only to reveale my purpose
To you, whose noble wishes may befriend it,
And when occasion serves, may truly witnesse
My just intents; this hower I am expected
By▪ Caesar in his gardens; there I'll put
My life upon the hazard; every minute
May breede a change, and all delayes have danger.
For Caesar upon those discoveryes
That I already have made to him, utter'd
Some words last night at supper in his wine.
Of which I feare that Agrippina tooke
Too great a notice; therfore speede must helpe us.
Farewell my Lords.
Ambo.
Farewell: the Gods assist thee.
Exeunt.
OTHO.
Otho.
So rich a bondage is Poppaeas love,
That I were base if I should with for freedome,
Nay more, ingrate, should I desire to change
So sweete a care for quietnesse it selfe;
Should I suppose that state, which some dull soules
Call calme content, were halfe so rich, so free
As are these pinings, this captivity.
Were there in love no cares, no sighs, no feares,
There were in love no happinesse at all.
What blisse, what wealth did e're the world bestow
On man, but cares and feares attended it?
[Page]Yet who so base, as, to bee freed from those,
Would throw away the highest blisse on earth?
Let silly shipheards, whose poore narrow soules
Not much exceede the beasts they tend and feede,
That know, like them, no farther regions
Then some few feilds, no larger bounds of pleasure
Then satisfaction of bare natures needes,
Bee still secure since they have nought to loose,
And rest content because they never knew
What cityes were, and gorgeous Pallaces.
Should Monarchs, who are taught to know th' extent
Of natures wealth, and what the world affords,
Forgoe their glorious fortunes, cause they want
That wretched thing, which only ignorance,
And low contempt can give, Security?
Should I forgoe my faire Poppaeaes love
Because some cares, some feares▪ and sighs attend it:
When every smile of hers can recompence
A thousand such? were too much poorenesse in mee
Had I nere seene those starry eyes of hers
More haplesse farre my ignorance had beene.
I had, like wretched men, that are borne blinde,
Nere knowne there was a Sunne to guild the world.
But to injoy her love without all feares,
Without all rivalls, were a blisse beyond
Mortality: the Gods would envy mee.
Shee's now another mans: that may bee thought
The greatest barre to Otho's happinesse.
But I have framed in my jealous thoughts
A greater barrethen that: young Nero Caesar,
In whose acquaintance I of late have found
So neere a roome, as faire presages tell us,
Is like to weareth' Imperiall wreath: his power
May take her for mee from Crispinus armes.
But then perchance I loose her more then ever.
Or should hee see her now to rivall mee
[Page]I were undone: hee's amorous, and oft
Sollicites mee to let him see my Mistres.
I for that frendship, which I dare not loose,
Dare not deny his importunity.
And therfore to prevent what may ensue
(For yet hee never heard Poppaeas name)
I have made love to the faire freed woman
Young Acte of meane ranke, but such a face,
As whosoever had not seene Poppaea
Would thinke this Acte natures Masterpeice.
On her will I divert young Nero's love.
And to that purpose I have got her picture.
But here hee comes.
Enter Nero.
Nero.
What Otho, still retir'd?
Where lives the face that breedes this melancholy?
There is no other cause can doe't: I know
Thou art not busy'd with affaires of state.
I prithee let mee see her: a friends counsell
May ease thy passion.
Otho.
Tis not fit a Prince
Should stoope so low as to the passions
Of privatemen.
Noro.
The name of friend admits
Of no such distance.
Otho.
Sr. no man, whom you
Are pleas'd to call a friend, deserves that name,
Unlesse hee know himselfe to bee your servant.
Nero.
Come prithee leave thy fooling, and bee plaine.
Where there is no familiarity
Society is lost: why art thou fearfull
To let mee see her whosoere shee bee?
Otho.
[Page]Sr. I could give you a plaine common reason,
If shee bee foule, shee is not worth your sight.
If faire, you are too great a rivall for mee.
But yet, know Sr. I am so free from those
Unworthy feares, that I dare trust my life,
My love, and all I have into your hands.
Nero.
Spoke like a friend, and thou maist safely doo't.
Then first behold her picture, and by that
Find whether shee bee worth the sight or no.
Nero.
Can any mortall beauty bee so sweete?
Otho.
I would there were not.
Nero.
Sure the painter flatters.
Otho.
Oh no, hee had not art enough to reach
The glory of it; were the substance here
How dull would this now lovely table show!
See how his greedy eyes devoure the picture.
Hee's caught, hee's caught; Cupid' I thanke thee now.
Nero.
I never saw true beauty till this houre.
But wherfore didst thou wish there were no substance
So sweete as this? why would'st thou bee depriv'd
Of such a happinesse? but I perceive
It is thy feare: come, let it not bee so.
I but desire to see whether the painter
Have err'd or no: and do not thinke, my Otho,
That I will wrong thy love so much, or make
My wife Octavia jealous.
Otho.
Sr. how ere,
My life, my love, and fortunes all are yours.
Exeunt.
[Page]CLAUDIUS, NARCISSUS.
Narcissus.
Your Majesty may yet prevent it all,
And justly throw upon the Traitors heads
That ruine which so boldly threatens you,
And your too much abused family.
Yet Caesar may bee safe, if hee will use
That power the Gods have put into his hands.
Caesar.
What course, Narcissus, can wee run, to make
The people sensible of our estate,
What danger threatens us, and how our Justice
Is forc'd to meete the treasons of a wife?
Narcissus.
Let not too vaine a care of popular breath,
Or what the Vulgar may surmise, outweigh
The safety of youre person' and youre house.
But I am most assur'd that all the world
Except youre selfe, have long observ'd theire plots,
And if they see your waken'd Justice now
Arise to censure Agrippinaes death,
They will not thinke the execution done
Too soone on her: these humble knees, Oh Caesar.
Which for your safety I so oft have bow'd
Before the Gods, now to your sacred selfe
I bow, entreating that you would bee safe,
And not beleeve the Gods by miracle
Will worke for you whilest you neglect your selfe.
Caesar.
Arise Narcissus, tis th' unhappy fate
Of Princes ever (as Augustus Caesar
Was wont to say) the people ne're beleeve
That treasons were complotted 'gainst theire persons
Untill those treasons take effect, and then
Too late perchance they pity and beleeve.
Narcissus.
[Page]But was the wise Augustus therfore slow
Or timorous to cut offenders off?
Fear'd hee the peoples whispers? Caesar, no.
Hee well knew to use the sword hee had.
Hee had not else liv'd till times gentle hand
Dissolv'd in peace his long felicity,
And made the world by such continuance
Of power, beleeve hee was a God on earth.
Caesar.
But some offendours are too great to suffer
The common course of Justice: against such
Wise Princes have forborne to draw the sword,
And rather sought some wayes of policy
How to ensnare them.
Narcissus.
Caesar, those are wayes
As much unfit for Princes as unsafe.
As many Monarchs have in dangerous times
Beene ruin'd quite by going wayes too low
(Though they have seemed subtle) as proud subjects
Have beene undone by playing Princes parts.
And as this high, and open way befits
The power and person of earths greatest Monarch:
So it befits the times necessity.
You have already, Caesar, shew'd your sword,
And if you strike not now, you do not right
Your selfe at all, but only arme your foes
With plots of mischeife to prevent their owne,
And hasten on your quicke destruction.
You have already threaten'd, and those speeches
By Agrippina, and her minion Pallas
Were overheard; who, like seene snakes will now
Bestirre themselves in a more desperate fury.
I have already cast mine owne poore life
Into the utmost hazard: but alas!
[Page]That is a thing not now considerable.
The Gods above can tell how willingly
For Caesar's safety I would sacrifice
This life; make mee the cheifest instrument
Impose what part of this exploit you please
Upon Narcissus hand, and if I faile
To execute, I'll not refuse to dy.
Caesar.
Oh my Narcissus; I have found thy faith
In other services: it is resolv'd,
Their pride shall feele my justice; thou shalt see
How soone I will secure my self and thee.
Exeunt.
AGRIPPINA, PALLAS.
Agrippina.
Wee are discover'd Pallas: all our drifts
Are sounded by Narcissus, and by him
Lay'd ope to Caesar, who dissembling yet
The knowledge of it, seekes a suddaine way
To ruine both of us: nor had wee fear'd
So soone as felt his fury, had not wine
Betray'd his thoughts to us; you know last night
What speeches Caesar in his drunkennesse
Let fall before us; and twas lately told mee
That meeting young Britannicus hee wept,
Confest that hee had wrong'd him, and there vow'd
A quicke redresse: what counsell shall wee take?
Pallas.
Wee have no time for counsell: but must act
As soone as thinke: wee goe not now to worke
But to prevent a mischeife, and our cure
Must bee as strong, and quicke of operation
As our disease is dangerous and suddaine.
That bird, that sees the snare, and will bee caught
Deserves his death: and since that Caesar knowes
His purpose is discover'd (as Narcissus
Ha's before this inform'd him that wee heard it)
[Page]Hee'l quickly act what else hee had deferr'd.
No way is left us but to meete the danger,
And for prevention first attempt to doe
That which wee feare to suffer.
Agrippina.
By what meanes
Shall wee procure his death? for poison slow
Perchance may faile to lend a timely helpe
Unto our safety; and too quicke a venome
May make the fact supected.
Pallas.
Should the fact
Bee nere so much suspected, your estate
Would bee more safe then now it is; but who
Would dare to utter it when Caesar's dead,
And your owne Sonne the Emperour: for so
My confidence assures mee it will bee.
Therfore bee speedy, Madam; for your danger
Where fame, where life, and Empire all are threaten'd,
Gives you no nice election. So't bee done
No matter how.
Agrippina.
Thou hast confirm'd mee, Pallas.
The way's resolv'd already; there were lately
The fairest mushromes sent from Lybia
That ere these eyes beheld, a meat which hee
Affects with greedinesse; in one of those
Caesar shall meete his death; if that should faile
His cheife Physitian Xenophon is mine.
But are things stong, and ready to confirme
The Empire upon Nero.
Pallas.
Tis the best
And happiest time, before Britannicus
Bee growne to riper yeares, while yet hee weares
His childish robe, and Nero has beene showne
[Page]To all the people in triumphall weedes.
But when the deed is done, place warily
Your guards about the Pallace gates, and keepe
Britannicus within; whilest Nero back'd
By Seneca and Burrhus, by the campe
And Senate bee saluted Emperour,
And all be setled sure.
Agrippina.
How fit a time
To work his own destruction Caesar chose
To tempt with threatning Agrippinas fury!
ACTUS III. SCENA. I.
PETRONIUS, OTHO, MONTANUS.
Petronius.
Is Nero fir'd?
Otho.
Extremly. I at first
Seem'd melancholy to loose Acte so,
And hee seem'd loath to wrong mee; but at last
When his desires were high, I cunningly
Withdrew my interest, and gave way to his.
Which hee has taken for the greatest favour
[Page]That ever man could doe him and I hope
It has endear'd him strongly.
Montanus.
Thou wilt grow
A happy man.
Petronius.
Tis the best way to rise.
The wench is faire, and of behaviour
Wanton enough to make the arrantst novice
A perfect scholler in the schoole of Venus.
Seneca himselfe rather will give way
That hee should satisfie his lust on her
Then seeke th'adulteries of noble women.
Montanus.
But gentlemen, have you not heard the newes?
There is a great combustion in the Palace
As I have been inform'd, theeves are fall'n out.
The two proud freemen Pallas and Narcissus
Are clashing 'gainst each other.
Petronius.
I am glad ont.
I hope some curious rogeries will come on't.
Those are the fellowes that have rul'd the state
These many yeeres, and trampled on the lives
Of noble men Caesar's credulous weakenesse.
But yet mee thinks Narcissus should not dare
Now to contest with Pallas he has got
Too great a start of him, and is too neere
Acquainted with the empresse.
Montanus.
So they say.
Otho.
Has a fine time on't who would think the rogue
Sould bee so ambitious as to court an Empresse?
Petronius.
'Twas her ambitions to bee made the wife
[Page]Of Claudius, that first made her prostitute
Her selfe so low, and court this fellows love,
Whom she perceiv'd to have a ruling power
Over his doating master, to ambition
Shee sacrific'd her honour tis well known.
Montanus.
And hee by dooing of the Empresse, takes
The surest way of keeping Caesars love
Petronius.
Yes, there's no doubt of that. You know the proverbe.
Enter to them ANICETUS.
Anicetus.
Well met my Lords; I come to finde you out.
Otho.
What's the newes Anicetus?
Anicetus.
Great my Lord.
Caesar, is wondrous sick; 'tis thought to death.
The Pallas is by souldiers guarded round.
A great and frequent Senate is assembling.
The Consuls and the Priests are making vowes
For Caesar's safety.
Montanus.
Claudius is old
Petronius.
There have been other wayes to end a Prince
Besides old age. But what is that to us?
Come let's away and shew our forwardnesse
To joy or mourning as occasion serves.
I am prepar'd for both.
Montanus.
And so am I.
Otho.
Both must be done, if Caesar dye, our greife
Must last but till the successor bee known;
And then wee must rejoyce.
Petronius.
[Page]Tis true.
Otho.
But I
Shall have true cause of joy if Nero reigne,
Exeunt.
BRITANNICUS, OCTAVIA, XENOPHON.
Britannicus
Shall I not see my father ere hee dy?
Octavia.
Good Xenophon.
Xenophon.
Good Madam pardon mee,
Nothing is now so great an enemy
To his disease as noise and company.
Hee's lately fall'n into a gentle slumber.
Deep sleeps his feaver will not let him take.
I'll certify your highnesse when hee wakes.
And wait upon you.
Octavia.
Thankes good Xenophon.
Exeunt.
AGRIPPINA.
Agrippina.
I long to heare what favour Nero findes
In the Pretorian campe, how Caesar's death
Is by the souldiers and the Senate taken.
Enter PALLAS.
Welcome my dearest Pallas What's the newes?
Pallas
Madam, as good as Jove himselfe could send,
No sooner in the campe was Caesar's death
Divulgd, but Burrhus enters to his charge,
And Nero with him, who by all the cohorts
Was presently saluted Emperour.
Only some few were silent, and a while
Stood still expecting young Britannicus;
[Page]But when they saw their expectation
Was all in vaine, and none but Nero came,
Fearing at last to loose the Donative
Which Burrhus promis'd them in Neros name,
They joyn'd themselves unto the greater part.
Agrippina.
Britannicus within the Pallace here
Is safe enough for comming forth to day.
The Senate have scarse heard of Caesar's death
For wee conceal'd it till all things were ready.
Pallas.
Now in a Princely chariot mounted high
Guarded by Burrhus and the souldiers
Nero sets forward to the Senate house.
But having past the campe, you need not feare
The Senate, Madam.
Agrippina.
Pallas thou wert ever
A messenger of lucky newes to mee.
A safe contriver of the highest plots,
A happy instrument thou hast deserv'd
What ere thou hast enioy'd, though thou have tasted
That which a Caesar su'd to tast, and bought
The world in recompence.
Pallas. If ever Pallas
Had any fire that could advance his thoughts
To high and great exploits, hee kindled it
At your caelestiall beauty, as from heaven
Prometheus stole that active fire, by which
Hee durst himself adventure to create
The noblest creature man. What act on earth,
What undertaking should he tremble at
Whom Agrippinas favours animate?
And what had I been but a peece of earth
Cold, dull, and uselesse, had I not been quickn'd
By your aetheriall touch. Agrippina.
The happinesse.
[Page]Of this high day has made thee eloquent
Pallas
The love of royall Agrippina can
Inspire the dullest Soule with life and language.
When the Idalian Queene was pleas'd to grace
A shepheards boy more then his humble thoughts
Could hope or wish, the ravish'd tongue forgot
That rurall language which before it us'd.
Agrippina.
Ah Pallas what a glorious change is here!
How is the lownesse of our late despaire
Turn'd to the height of joy and happinesse?
Pallas
Quicke resolution well pursu'd will cure
The saddest state.
Agrippina.
Goe thou and heare more newes,
Whilest I dispose of things about the Palace
Exeunt
A SENATE, POLLIO CONSUL, VITELLIUS, SENECA, OTHO, PETRONIUS, MONTANUS.
Pollio.
May all the Gods accept our sacrifice,
And bee propitious to the vowes, that wee
Have vow'd for Caesar's safety.
Vitellius.
Let the great
Divine and sacred Nero Claudius
The care of heaven, sole ruler of the earth,
And Romes high Father not forsake his world
So soone t' encrease the number of the Gods,
Enter BURRHUS.
Burrhus.
[...]ile to the Consul, and this sacred Senate.
[...]eat Claudius Caesar's dead, in whose high throne
With one consent the souldiers have agreed
[Page]To seat young Nero his adopted sonne;
And do by mee entreat your suffrages
Fathers conscript; to ratifie their choice.
Seneca.
Let not young Nero's yeeres disparage him,
Nor trouble you, since happy presidents
May well be showne, grave Fathers. Great Augustus
Of glorious memory, no more in debt
To yeeres then hee began to rule the state,
With what successe not one in all this noble
And great assembly can bee ignorant.
But weigh with mee the difference of the times.
The state is setled, and has flourish'd long
In peacefull government; no civill rents.
No factions now, nor armies are a foot
To staine with Latian blood Philippi plaines,
To dye the Actiak and Sicilian Seas,
And through all regions beare th' unnaturall wounds
Of bleeding Rome. No such affrighting names
As Marcus Brutus, Cassius, Lepidus
Great Pompey's sonne, or feirce Antonius
Arm'd with the power of halfe the Roman world
Stand to oppose him. Oh yee Gods how great!
How many dangers had beset the state
When young Augustus mannag'd it! yet hee
Withstood and vanquish'd all those difficulties.
And why should Nero our elected Prince
Ag'd like Augustus, not bee able now
To sway a peacefull scepter? for the right
To this high, wreath although Britannicus
Were borne the naturall sonne of Claudius,
A Prince of hope enough, and may by some
Bee thought much wrong'd in this election,
Yet weigh it rightly, and no wrong is done.
For Nero was adopted. But besides
The claime of his adoption, hee is borne
[Page]A truer heire to our Imperiall house
Sprung up from the loines of great Augustus Caesar.
Britannicus from Liviaes sonnes alone.
Vitellius.
Nor are the yeeres of young Britannicus
So ripe as his to govern.
Pollio.
Seneca,
Has wisely shewed his undoubted right,
And I with joy approve the souldiers choise.
Octavia.
The Gods preserve Nero our Emperour.
Otho.
Now is the height of all my wishes reach'd.
Enter NERO with TRIBUNE.
Tribune.
Roome for Caesar.
Hee goes on, and takes his state.
Pollio.
Haile Nero Caesar.
Seneca.
Haile great Emperour.
Vitellius.
Ever Augustus.
Otho.
Most invincible
Petronius
Most sacred Tribune
Montanus.
Holyest highest Priest.
Pollio.
Father of Rome
Nero
That honorable title
Is yet too weighty for my tender yeeres.
Then let mee weare it, fathers, when my paines
My toile and travell for the publike weale
[Page]By ayde and favour of the Gods have made
Mee worthy of it. But your free consent
Fathers conscript, your powerfull suffrages
Powerfull and honor'd as the voice of heaven
In confirmation of the souldiers choise
Fils mee with joy immortall, and shall binde
My best indeavours to requite that love.
My heart is cleare, my education
Was not in factious, in tumultuous times,
Or civil broiles, my former life has been
As free from doing as receiving wrong;
And therefore bring I to th' Imperiall Throne
No feares, no grudges, hatred or reveneg.
This sacred Senate, which the world adores,
Shall still retaine her old prerogative
While Nero lives. My privat house affayres
Shall from the free Republicke bee divided,
And never turne the course of common Justice
No publike Office shall bee bought for gold.
The sacred Consulary power shall judge
As heretofore, th' affaires of Italy
And forreigne provinces. My care alone
Sall bee to rule and lead the Souldiers.
And such to all the people will I bee
As I would wish th' immortall Gods to mee.
Vitellius.
Oh speech most worthy Jupiter himselfe!
Worthy for ever to be registed
In brazen Pillars for the world to read.
Pollio.
Let publike thanks by Senate bee decreed
To Caesar's grace and goodnesse.
Nero.
No Asinius,
Let me deserve them first, first give me leave
What I have promis'd to performe in deedes,
[Page]That then if thankes or praises bee bestow'd
They my bee judg'd as due, and better Crowne
Your owne true justice, and the Princes merits.
Pollio.
Oh happy Rome in such an Emperour!
Long may hee reigne on earth, and late, oh late
Become a glorious starre in Heaven
Tribune.
What word.
Will Caesar give the watching souldiers?
Nero.
The excellent mother, Tribune, is their word.
Your company, noble Consul, wee'll entreate
Home to the Pallace.
Pollio.
I'll attend on Caesar.
Exeunt.
Manent OTHO, PETRONIUS, MONTANUS.
Montanus.
The Prince has promis'd faire.
Petronius.
Life Seneca.,
That made the speech for him had been too blame.
Otho.
Well, let him speake as Seneca instructs
[...]n publicke still say I, I know his heart
And secret thoughts better then Seneca
[...]hall ever doe; and there are Joviall dayes
[...] comming, gallants, say I prophecy.
Montanus.
Will it bee lawfull to eat Lybian mushroms,
And British oysters without being cited
Before the censor?
Otho.
Yes Curtius, and to whore
[...]or vacuation after them; those gifts
[Page]Will bee Court vertues. Come, the Prince is hopefull.
Petronius.
Would I might have the bringing of him up.
Otho.
If I can helpe it, thou shalt have a share
In his tuition. Welcome Anicetus, Anicetus
Is it to mee you come?
Anicetus.
To you, my Lord.
Caesar desires your company at the pallace.
Otho.
Caesars desire, is a command, which I
With joy obey▪ returne my humble duty
Good Anicetus, I'll attend him strait.
Exit Anicetus.
Otho.
Now my mad shavers, do you know me yet?
Petronius.
Yes, very well; the question is if thou
Wilt know us now.
Otho.
Tut man, Nero shall know you.
I'll bring you both into his neare acquaintance.
Now faire Poppaea's mine and mine alone.
Caesar must grant my first petition,
Or else deny the love hee swore to mee
If ere hee wore the worlds Imperiall wreath.
His power must fetch Poppaea from her husband.
Nor is the deed so envious. Other Princes
Have done the like, and yet not tax'd in story.
Petronius.
Besides, hee knowes Crispinus never lov'd him,
And was an enemy to his adoption.
'Gainst him perchance hee will the sooner grant it.
Exeunt▪
[Page] Agrip. This is the day that sets a glorious Crown
On all my great designes this day declares
My power, and makes the trembling world to know
That Agrippina. only can bestow
The Roman Empire, and command the wheel
Of suffring Fortune, holding in her hand
The fate of nation. Is there not a name
Above Augusta to enforme the world
How great I am? What Roman Deity
Shall I assume? the petty Goddesses
Would all resigne; but that they blushing think
Their stiles and altars are too meane for mee.
[...]acinion Juno shall bee proud to share
Her gloryes all with mee, and think her power
Grac'd with my fellowship would brighter shine;
Or leave her name, and bee ador'd by mine.
Enter NERO, POLLIO, SENECA▪
Burrhus.
My Nero is return'd, haile Nero Caesar.
Nero.
Haile great and deare Augusta, best of Mothers.
To whose sole care and goodnesse Caesar owes
All those rich honours that he weares to day,
And will ackowledge ever
Agrippina.
Brighter still
For many yeeres let this blest day returne,
That does bestow for my deare Lord and husband
The ne're enough lamented Claudius
[...]o true a solace on my greiv'd Soule.
This is that Caesar now, on whom my hopes
And comforts all rely.
Nero.
This is that Caesar.
Who in obedience and true filiall love
[...]o Agrippina will for ever strive
[Page]With vertuous aemulation to excell
Her most admir'd and exemplary goodnesse.
Pollio.
How well this piety becomes them both.
Pallas.
Enter Pallas
Long live great Nero Caesar.
Nero.
Thankes good Pallas.
Wee are indebted to thy faithfull service;
And therefore till wee finde some greater meanes
To make requitall, still retaine that office
Which in our father Claudius time thou held'st.
Bee still our steward of th' Emperiall house.
Agrippina.
Hee has deserv'd it.
Nero.
For the funerals
Of our dead father, in what state and order
They shall bee celebrated, wee refer
To you deare Mother.
Agrippina.
Let the order of them
Bee like Augustus Caesar's. Let him have
A Censors funeralls with divine honours,
And put among the number of the Gods.
Nor shall our grandmother great Livia
With her Tiberius to Augustus show
More piety, or more magnificence
Then wee to our divinest Claudius.
Exeunt
ACTUS IIII.
NARCISSUS, GETA.
Narcissus.
If wee bee bound to think the Gods consider
[Page]This humane world, why are wee not as well
Bound to beleeve the greatest members of it
On whom the fates of all the rest depend,
Should be their greatest care? why should the Gods
Extend their narrow providence, and show
Their power in woods and rurall villages,
Yet thinke th' Imperiall family of Rome
Not worth their care at all? for if they had
Where slept their justice, when great Claudius
Was murdred by his servants and his wife,
And they ador'd, and honour'd by the state
For acting that accursed deed! what right
Can all the subject world receive from thence!
What good can dwell upon the earth with safety?
Proud Pallas, thou hast got the victory
O're poore Narcissus, and mayest safely triumph
With thy false Empresse; for no law can reach
The height you soare at now but yet take heed
That very crime, the same Impiety
That aided you in your foule enterprise
To vanquish mee and justice on my side,
May one day pull you downe.
Geta.
Alas Narcissus!
Too truly Rufus, thou, and I foresaw
This fatall storme 'gainst Claudius wofull house.
Britannicus is now the object growne
Of all mens pitty.
Narcissus.
In the wrong hee did
Into his hopefull sonne hee needs must see
His own destruction woven. But if Claudius,
When I detected all their plots to him,
Had beene of nature quick and resolute
Hee had prevented all, and scap'd his murder.
Tis certaine hee was poison'd
Geta.
[Page]Rome it selfe
I feare will rue that sad adoption,
And in the wrongs of young Britannicus
Will beare too deepe a share. while the firce rule
Of Agrippina lasts.
Narcissus.
What better hope
Does Nero promise us?
Those that are neere,
Xiphilin
And inward with his nature, doe suspect
In him all seedes of vice and tyranny,
Though smoother'd for a time, at least, not hurtfull
While he refraines from medling with the state
That his night rambling revels, drinking feasts,
And cruell sports that he's delighted in,
Are vices of his nature, not his youth.
Geta:
Tis true, Narcissus, I of late have heard
Many beginne to feare the prophecy
of Aenobarbus his detested sire
Xiphilin.
That nothing good could be begot twixt him
And Agrippina. Too too true alas!
Such prophecies of some of our late Princes
Have prov'd to Rome, as that Augustus made
Of the slow-jaw'd Tiberius, and Tiberius.
Of his successour Caius, whom hee nam'd
A Phaëton to the unhappy world.
Narcissus.
All that I hope for is a wretched life,
If that bee not too much for mee to hope.
Into Campania will I go, but there
If death pursue mee, Caesars armes are long,
And I am arm'd for any accident.
Let none, but with a spirit prepar'd to dye,
Dare to adventure on prosperity.
Geta.
[Page]Rufus and I are both resolv'd to leave
The city too, wee are not safe within it.
But farre perchance, removed from her sight
Wee may escape fell Agrippinas spight.
Enter to them CRISPINUS.
Crispinus.
Ah Lucius Geta, I am now enforc'd
To that retirement, which wee lately talk'd of.
Because my danger mov'd mee not before,
Fresh cause is giv'n mee. Now I would not breath
The aire of Rome for all the wealth within it.
Geta.
What cause is that Crispinus? speake
Crispinus.
Poppaea,
That was my wife is carried from my house,
And divoc'd from mee by command from Caesar,
Narcissus
The Prince begins his reigne most hopefully.
Crispinus.
Do you not wonder how I beare it thus?
Geta.
I must confesse the losse is wondrous great.
Crispinus.
True, had shee been my chast and faithfull wife,
The losse had been beyond all aestimation.
Nor could a manly spirit have borne the wrong.
But shee was none of mine, her heart, my Lucius.
As I have since discover'd, long ago
Was given to wanton Otho, and with him
Tis thought she stole her close adulterous houres.
For on that Otho, Nero has bestow'd her.
Xiphilin ex Dione
Wanting her heart, that gawdy peice of Earth
That men call beauty, I should soone have scorn'd,
Though Caesar's warrant had not come at all.
[Page]Shall wee be gone, my freind?
Geta.
With all my heart.
It was my feare Poppaea would have caus'd
Your stay too long.
Crispinus.
I'll put her from my thoughts.
Narcissus.
Farewell my Lords, all happinesse attend
Your Country life, though I can hope for none.
Crispinus
Farewell Narcissus may the Gods protect thee.
Exeunt. Otho,
Otho, Poppaea.
Thus greatest Monarchs oft have given away
What they themselves ne're saw, nor e're knew how
To value truely. Nero has bestow'd
A guift unknown on mee, which I, that taste
How sweet it is, would not againe forgo
For all his Empires wealth.
Poppaea.
Nor would I change
My Otho's love for great Augustus state.
Otho.
There to enjoy where both extreamly love
Is such a happines (as I have heard
Some do observe) it seldome does befall
A marryed paire, or if it doe, that blisse
Endures not long, so envious are the fates.
But that's a dreame, my love, I doe not feare.
Poppaea.
Thou need'st not feare Poppaeas constancy
Though Caesar were thy rivall,
Otho.
Sweet I do not;
I dare not wrong thy truth, or take so much
From mine own happinesse, as to suspect
[Page]Thy constant minde at all: but Caesar's power
Is of extent as large as mans desire.
'Twas that, that made thee mine; and nought but that
That gave, can take my happinesse away.
Thou hast a face, Poppaea, that would cleare
A ravisher from guilt, that would excuse
The treason of a freind, and make my wrong
No staine to' Caesar's honour, though the Gods,
Or Cato were his judges.
Poppaea.
Caesar would not;
Hee loves thee wel besides a noble minde
Would scorne to taste the fruites of forced love,
Otho.
A long beseidging is as forcible
As an assault, and wins the fort as sure
Though not so soone.
Poppaea.
Nay spare your arguments.
I can looke through them; thou art fearfull, Otho,
That I should long to see the Court: alas
I have no such ambition to bee known
To Agrippina or Octavia.
Otho.
Mistake mee not, sweete love, I am so farre
From jealousy of thee, that 'twas my purpose
To make it my request that thou would'st go
And see great Caesar's Court: nor do I thinke
Octavia would bee jealous, or that danger
That once befell the faire Calphurnia,
Whom Agrippina banish'd Italy
Because that Claudius Caesar prais'd her beauty,
Should fall on thee.
Poppaea.
It shall not fall on mee,
I will noe see the Court: fy Otho fy
[Page]How wretchedly in striving to conceale
Thy jelousy, thou dost betray it to mee!
Why dost thou tell mee so of Caesar's power,
Octaviaes wrath, Calphuniaes banishment
Through Agrippinaes envy? tis thy love
Better then all these subtle tricks will keepe
My thoughts at home.
Otho.
It shall appeare to thee
I do not feare at all; or if I did,
Tis not the failing of thy constancy.
Enjoy what freedome thou desir'st, Poppaea.
Now for a little while excuse my absence,
I must for sake thee, though unwillingly.
Caesar, I feare, expected my return
Long before this love has beguil'd the time,
And made my stay seeme shorter then it is.
But I shall think till I returne againe
The houres are long, till then farewell Poppaea.
Exit.
Poppaea.
I finde his feares alreadie, my estate
Was better farre before Rufus Crispinus
Was grave. and knew not wantonnesse enough
To make him jealous as this Otho does
That too unlawfull love, which then I shew'd
To Otho, is the mother of these feares.
Is old Seleucus the Magician come;
Enter Fulvia
Fulvia:
Madam hee waites without,
Poppaea.
Go call him hither.
Seleucus is the master of his Art.
All his praedictions hitherto have prov'd
Most true and certaine. why should I desire
To know my future fate; and hasten woe
(Should it prove ill) before the time of woe?
[Page]But tis a longing that I cannot check
Enter Seleucus.
Welcom Seleucus, have you found it out?
Seleucus.
Madam, your scheme is drawn, and there I finde
The stars alot another husband to you
Poppaea.
Another after Otho?
Seleucus.
Yes, a third.
Poppaea.
What shall hee bee?
Seleucus
The greatest Prince on earth.
Poppaea
Ha, Caesar?
Seleucus.
Yes; it must be Caesar, Madam.
And tis as true as if the oracles
Of Jove and Phoebus had foretold it both.
Poppaea.
This Caesar that now lives?
Seleucus.
I can no further
Instruct you Madam; what you heare is true.
Poppaea.
Drinke this Seleucus for my sake. Farewell.
Exit Seleucus
To bee Augusta is the greatest gift
The fates can give; nor does it seems to mee
A thing so much unlikely. Otho's feare
Perchance was fatall. If it were, in vaine
His care will bee, nor can hee then accuse
Mee, but the fates that overrul'd my love.
AGRIPPINA, PALLAS.
Agrippina.
It is decreed, Silanus must not live.
[Page]Th' Imperial blood, that runs within his veines
Were there no other cause, is crime enough.
Hee is descended in the same degree.
That Nero is from great Augustus loines.
And some have lately whisper'd that his age
Is more mature for soveraignty then Nero's.
Besides thou know'st his brother Lucius,
That should have marryed young Octavia,
By us was hunted to his death; and hee
May meditate revenge.
Pallas.
You need not feare
A spirit so sluggish as Silanus is.
Your brother Caius Caesar, in the midd'st
Of all his feares and jealousyes to which
Hee sacrific'd so many noble branches
Of your Imperiall house, contemn'd Silanus
As one in whom there was no spirit, or danger,
And call'd him nothing but the golden beast.
Agrippina.
Wee cannot tell, if times of trouble come,
How much that beast by courage of attendants
And confluence of souldiers may bee chang'd.
Hee is Proconsul now of Asia,
And may here after, if the people should
Maligne our government, bring power against us.
Pallas.
If you will have it so Publius Celerius
And Aelius now going for Asia
Have undertaken there to poison him.
Agrippina.
Let it bee done. But Pallas, first of all
Let a centurion bee dispach'd into
Campania, to kill Narcissus. there
Xiphilin.
Hee must not live, that did contrive our ruine
And knowes, I feare, the meanes by which wee scap'd it.
[Page]By our command it shall bee warranted.
But tell me Pallas, ere thou goest, are all
The German souldiers come?
Pall:
Madam they are.
You have a royall guard.
Ag:
Go dearest Pallas,
Dispatch Celerius into Asia,
And the Centurion to Campania.
Exit Pallas
Now Agrippina is her selfe, and all
The power and dignity she holds, her own.
I do not owe it to a marriage bed,
Or poore dependence on a husbands love,
Where every minion might have rival'd mee.
There is no power, no state at all, but what
Is undependent, absolute and free.
Besides my proper and peculiar guards
Two lictors by the Senate are assign'd
Distinct from Caesar and the Consuls state
To wate on mee, that all the world at last
Th' Imperiall power may in a woman know.
I was an Empresse but ne're reign'd till now.
Exit
A banquet.
Enter NERO, BRITANNICUS, OTHO, PETRONIUS, MONTANUS, ACTE.
Ne.
Come sit my friends, they here are freely welcome
That bring free Joviall hearts farre hence bee all
Sad lookes, sower gestures, and Censorious thoughts.
They fit not Nero's table. kisse mee Acte,
And smile upon the feast.
Acte:
Caesar's command
Is warrant strong enough.
Nero.
And thou shalt finde
No rigid Catoes here.
Petronius.
True, great Caesar,
Let such sowre Scauri sit at home, and write
Against the pleasure of this happy age
Dull satyres, such as water, or the lees
[Page]Of Tuscan wine beget, let them admire
Those old penurious times. when Curius fed
On leekes and onions, when Fabritius
Feasted the frugall Senate with hung beefe
And rusty bacon, and in earthen pots
Drunke smal Etrurian wine, let them bee still
Such as themselves would make themselves, unworthy
To taste the plenty that Rome now enjoyes.
Nero.
Why did our famed ancestours so farre
Extend their conquering armes, and strive to get
The riches of the world, but that their Nephews
Might now enjoy them? twere ingratitude
To their rich labours, should wee scorne to use
What they have got: or if the use of it
In us bee riot, sure 'twas avarice
In them, that toil'd so much to purchase it.
Otho.
Which of those rigid Censors, that declaime
Against the vices of the times, and tax
Rome as luxurious now would call it vertue
In a rich Citizen, whose store-houses
Were fraught with the best provisions, his chests crowded
His cellars full of rich Campanian wine
Yet hee himselfe to drinke the coursest lees,
To feede on ackornes, pulse, and crabs, to wrong
His nature, and defraud his Genius?
Tis said the Furies keep pin'd Tantalus
From tasting those delicious fruits hee sees.
Such would the Roman vertue bee, should shee
Affright her sonnes the masters of the world
From tasting that which they themselves possesse.
Petronius.
Tis true; those former ages were most frugall;
Wee thank them for't, the better is our fare.
Let those that list, now when they have no need,
[Page]Still imitate, and boast their hungry vertue,
Whilest wee poore sinners are content with pleasants,
Numidian hens, and Lybian purple wings
Wilde goates, bores, hares, thrushes, and musheroms,
Oysters, and mullets, and such vicious meates.
Nero.
Fill mee some wine. Montanus melancholy,
And silent now?
Montanus.
Caesar, I was but listning
To heare Petronius good morality,
Nero.
Otho I know cannot bee melancholy,
Hee is a bridegrome, and but new possest
Of that faire treasure he has courted
So long, well Otho, I must have a sight
Of faire Poppaea,; such I know shee is.
Otho·
Shee is unworthy of great Caesar's sight.
Nero.
A round, go Anicetus bring the lots;
Because that no respect of power shall let
The freedome of our mirth, who ever drawes
The longest cut shall bee our King to night,
And bee obey'd what ere hee shall command.
I will resigne my chaire to him. Com draw.
Enter Anicetus they draw.
Tis I that am your King.
Montanus.
I shall beleive
That Fortune has her eyes.
Britannius
In getting Crownes
Nero, thy fortune is too good for mine.
Nero.
I know none envy mee.
Britannicus
[Page]No envy can
Redresse my wrongs.
I will beginne with Otho.
I do command thee send by Anicetus
Some trusty token that immediatly
May fetch Poppaea hither to the banquet.
Otho.
It shall bee done, this ring will fetch her hither,
Exit Anicetus.
I ever though 'twould come to this.
Petronius.
Thy plot
Of bringing Acte in, I see has fail'd.
Otho.
I care not much; he would at last have seene her.
Nero.
Thou wilt not frowne my Acte, though thou see
Another beauty here.
Acte.
No royall Caesar,
Nor shall you heare mee envious, or detracting,
Although I know Poppaea is a Lady
Whose beauty does as farre excell poore Acte
As Cinthia does the lesser starres, or Venus
The other Sea-nimphs.
Nero.
Freely spoke, faire Acte.
Acte.
Here you shall finde the saying does not hold
That women are detractors from each other.
Nero.
Meane time begin a health.
Montanus
So please it Caesar·
To great Augusta, Agrippina's health.
Nero.
[Page]Let it go round. And now Petronius
I come to thee, I doo command thee write
A Satyre presently against those pleasures
Thou didst so lately prayse, against th' attire,
And costly diet of this notorious age.
This is thy Taske.
Petronius.
I must obey the King:
And now's the fittest time for such a satyre.
I never finde my vertue of that strength
As to contemne good Victualls, but upon
A well fill'd stomacke.
Nero.
Give him wine to heighten't.
Petronius.
I've writ already a Satirick Poëm
In a grave angry way, where I complaine
[...]hat Romes excesse, corruption, luxury,
[...]uin'd the present governement, and twixt
Caesar, and Pompey caus'd a civill warre.
Listen, and heare my castigations.
Now all the world victorious Rome had wonne
All lands, all Seas, the morne and evening Sunne,
Nor was content; the Ocean's furrow'd ore
With armed ships; if any farre-hid shore,
[...] land there were, whence burnish'd gold was brought
It was their foe: by impious warre they sought
(Fates fitted so) for wealth, old known delight
They scorne, and Vulgar bare-worne pleasure slight.
Pearles in th' Assirian lakes the souldiers love.
Bright polish'd earth in hew with purple strove.
Numidia marble brings the Scythian yeilds
His early fleece, the Arabs spoile their fields,
But see more ruine yet, and greater wounds
Of injur'd peace, the Mauritanian grownds
[Page]"And Libyan Ammon's farthest woods, to get
"Wilde beasts are search'd whose teeth a price must set
"Upon their death, fierce Tigers fetch'd from farre,
"And stalking stately on the Theater
"Are fed with humane slaughter to delight
"The peoples eyes: after the persian rite
"(Alas I shame to speake it, and display
"The ruine-threatning fates) they cut away
"Manhood from growth spoil'd youths, for Venery
"Softning their nature, to keepe backe thereby
"In spite of time, their age her selfe in kinde
"Abused nature seekes, but cannot finde.
"They dote on Catamites, weake bending hammes,
"Uunerved bodyes, and a thousand names
"Of new attires, loose haire of men, in whom
"All man is lost! lo slaves from Affrick come,
"Rich Citron boards, bright purple, which to view
"Cousening the senses beare a gold like hew.
"A wanton traine, in wine and surffets drown'd
"The far fetch'd table do encompasse round.
"The wealth that all the spacious world containes
"By lawlesse armes the roming souldier gaines,
"Their gluttony growes witty; guilt-heads caught
"At Sea, alive are to their tables brought.
Nero.
No more, my furious Satyrist, thou hast chid
The times sufficiently.
Petronius.
If you bee pleas'd
I have obey'd.
Nero.
Well, I perceive Petronius
A man may write a Satyre, and yet bee
No Scaurus, Curius, or Fabritius.
Petronius.
A Satyrist should bee the contrary,
[Page]And know those vices, which hee meanes to tax.
Nero.
Brother Britannicus thy taske is next,
Stand up and sing a song.
Britannicus
Give mee some time:
I cannot doo't extempore, what subject?
Nero.
Choose that your selfe.
Britannicus.
Then give me leave to sing
Mine owne misfortunes, how I came to loose
The Roman scepter.
Nero.
How! that will not fit
A feast of mirth.
Britannicus.
No, let them laugh that winne.
Petronius.
A good smart youth.
Nero.
This must not bee endur'd.
I must bee freed from this continuall feare:
Then bee excus'd, be merry Gentlemen,
I wonder Anicetus stayes so long.
Enter ANICETUS with POPPAEA.
But see they come, is this Poppaea, Otho.
Otho.
'Tis shee great Caesar.
Nero.
Wonder of her sex!
Bright paragon of Rome! all beautyes yet
That I have seene, have been but foiles to set
A greater lustre on this starre of light.
Otho.
His eys are fixt; his changing lookes do speake
[Page]A depth of passion, or my jealous feares.
Dazle mine eyes too much.
Petronius.
Tis so; shee's lost.
If ever Lady were a tennis ball
Tis this, shee's bandy'd so from one to tother.
Nero.
Must then another reape the envy'd fruit
Of my injustice? must Poppaea bee
My crime, that tooke her from her other Lord,
To be his pleasure?
Otho.
Is great Caesar sad!
Nero.
No Otho, still shee shewes more faire and faire.
I cannot check my love; sit fairest Lady.
And with your lustre grace our feast. I see
Thou art a most incomparable judge
In beauty, Otho, and were I to choose
A wife againe, I'd trust no eye but thine.
Otho.
Would I might serve you Sr. in any thing.
Nero.
But tell mee thy oppinion in one question.
Which dost thou thinke the noblest in a Prince,
If hee would use his power, and do an act
That may bee thought unjust, to do't for frendship▪
Or satisfaction of his owne delight.
Otho.
Sr. had you made the case a private man's
(For the delights of Princes, as themselves,
Wee must count sacred) I could soone resolve it.
Nero.
Let it bee so for tis the same in justice.
Otho.
I thinke it noblest then to do't for frendship.
[Page]For frendship ever was held honorable,
But satisfaction of our own delights
A thing of weakenesse rather then of honour▪
Petronius.
I see his drift.
Nero.
Augustus Caesar then
And I by power have done the selfe same act.
But in the cause I have excell'd Augustus,
For hee to satisfie his own hot love
From Claudius Nero tooke faire Livia.
I from Crispinus took a brighter beauty
To shew my selfe no lover. but a frend.
Doo not mistake mee Otho, and suppose
I do repent the favour I have done
I know tis well bestow'd.
Otho.
Twas such a favour
That I confesse, great Caesar, as no tongue
Can bee enough expressive; so tis hard
To find a heart that's large enough to pay
Sufficient thankes in thought, but pious men
Have still acknowledg'd that no thankes of ours
Can aequalize the bounty of the Gods.
And Princes are like them, should I thinke lesse
I should both wrong the giver, and the gift.
Nero.
In valuing her aright thou shew'st thy selfe
As wise as just. I wish thee joy of her.
But fairest Lady, since it was so late
Before you grac'd our feast, I cannot thinke
That I have entertain'd you yet at all.
The scene shall therefore change, another roome
Shall bid Poppaea wellcome to the Court.
Exeunt.
[Page]VITELLIUS, POLLIO.
Vitellius.
Yet Caesar and his mother well agree.
Pollio.
The Gods continue it, but Vitellius,
I feare the sequell. Agrippinaes fierce
And haughty disposition will too much
Provoke her sonne 'tis thought; and hee too forward
To throw all nature off.
Vitellius.
I thinke so too.
And therefore I could wish that Agrippina
Would go a gentler way, shee must not build
Too much upon her merits, though wee know
Twas shee that put the scepter in his hand.
For vicious natures, where they once begin
To take distast, and purpose no requitall,
The greater debt they owe, the more they hate
Pollio.
Besides shee'll find it harder far to worke
Her ends upon a sonne then twas to rule
A doating husband.
Pollio.
Time will shew it all,
And we ere long shall know which way to leane.
Exeunt.
BURRUS, SENECA.
Burrhus.
Will Agrippina sit to day with Caesar
On his Tribunall, to give audience
To those Armenian Embassadors?
Seneca.
There is no doubt shee would; but I have spoil'd
That state I hope; for I have councell'd Nero.
That if shee come, hee shall arise and meet her,
As if he did it in respect, and duty
[Page]Deferring th'audience of th'Embassador,
I hope shee will not understand our drift.
Burrhus.
Pray heaven shee do not, for you know her fircenesse.
Seneca.
It would bee Romes disgrace, the Senates shame
And my great crime if the Embassadors
That come to plead their countryes cause at Rome,
Should see a woman perching up with Caesar
Into the chare to give them audience.
And sit commanding ore the Roman ensignes:
Twas not the custome of our Ancestors
To see such sights.
Burrhus.
True Lucius Seneca,
Our Ancestours had no such kinde of women,
Shee in her heart's a man, and you mistake
If you esteem her onely Caesars mother;
Not his Colleague, and partner in the Empire
Or more then so.
Seneca.
I am not so ingratefull
To hate the woman, since I know it was
Her favour, that repeal'd my banishment.
But I dislike these things, that forreigne states
In her unseemly carriage should behold
Xiphilin.
The shame of Rome, and would shee keepe a temper
Fitting the quality of her sex and place,
I should admire the bravery of her minde.
Enter NERO, VITELLIUS, POLLIO, NERO, takes his state, after them the Embassadors.
Embassadors.
Long live great Nero Caesar, the cheife care
[Page]Of heaven, and highest Souveraigne of the Earth,
The Princes of Armenia, Vologeses
And Tiridates greete your Majesty
By us, and do congratulate the honor,
Which since divinest Claudius left the earth
To make a God in'heaven, is fall'n on you.
And to your high Tribunall doo referre
The controversie that is now betwixt them.
Nero.
Enter Agrippina.
My mother's come, defer th'Embassadors
As twas appointed Seneca.
Seneca.
I will.
Nero.
Haile dearest mother.
Agrippina.
Wherefore rises Caesar
From his Tribunall when affaiers of state
Are brought before him?
Nero.
No respect can bee
Too much for mee to give great Argippina.
Agrippina.
Excuse mee, Caesar, if it bee respect,
Tis now unseasonable, take your seate,
I'll fit with you my selfe, and here th'affaires
Of these Armenian Embassadors.
Nero.
Wee have deferred the businesse a while,
And thought upon a fitter time to heare it.
Agrippina.
If you arise because the audience
Is ended or deferr'd upon just reasons,
Tis not respect to mee that made you rise,
As you alldg'd at first, but I have found it,
The reason that deferr'd this audience
[Page]Was Agrippinaes comming.
Burrhus.
This I fear'd.
Seneca.
Twas carryed ill of Caesar at the first.
Agrpppina.
I see thou blushest, Nero, and may'st justly,
To call that reverence, which was affront,
Was a dissembling not befitting Caesar.
And to affront a mother so deserving
Was not the duty that befitted Nero.
Nero.
Can nearest Agrippina. thinke her Nero.
Will ever doo an act that may bee judg'd
Affront to her
Agrippina.
This was thou know'st it Nero.
And so does thy adviser Seneca
From him it came, no other Senator
Durst to have councell'd my disgrace but hee
Seneca.
Never will Seneca, so much obleidg'd
To Agrippinaes royall favour, wish
Or councell her disgrace.
Agrippina.
Oh Seneca.
Philosophy nere taught ingratitude.
If you had thought the place unfit for mee,
You might have told mee privatly before,
Not us'd this tricke which how so ere it hold
In Stoticisme, I'm sure is nought in state.
Vitellius.
Shee payes him home.
Pallas.
Her spirit cannot brooke
The least appearance of an injury.
Agrippina.
[Page]Caesar, I'll leave thee now, nor shall my presence
Bee any hinderance to thy state affaires.
Nero.
I'll go a long with you.
Agrippina.
For Seneca
I'll shortly teach him new Philosophy.
Exeunt.
manent. BURRHUS, SENECA.
Seneca.
Shee's full of anger; but it moves not mee,
Since what I did was just, and for the honour
Of Rome and Caesar; honest actions
Will bee enough protection to them selves.
Burrhus.
Take the best courses to prevent her fury.
Seneca.
Ah noble Burrhus, it must bee hereafter
Our greatest care to curbe that womans pride,
And what wee can remove her from all rule
And government of state, for Agrippina
Is of too hot and fierce a disposition.
Burrhus.
What should wee doo? twere pitty to incense
Her sonne against her.
Seneca.
The Gods forbid that wee
Should stirve to make the Prince unnaturall.
But to prevent this inconvenience
I will perswade young Caesar not with purpose
To wrong his mother, somewhat to abate
Her dangerous greatenesse, to remove from her
Part of her guard of German souldiers,
And to displace her wicked counsellour
That insolent and Lordly free'dman Pallas.
Burrhus.
[Page]You need not use perswasions to your Pupill
(The Gods forgive it if I judge amisse)
To stand against his mother, I much feare
Hee will too quickly hate her, for no reason
To state belonging; but because shee growes
Imperious over him, and strives to curbe
His lust and riots, those, those Seneca
I feare are seedes of future tyranny
And for his love (as if the fates decreed
To make his passions all preposterous)
His vertuous wife noble Octavia
The only instance in this wicked age
Of women great and good, is loath'd by him.
Seneca.
That most afflicts mee: could wee finde a cure
For that disease, all other maladyes
A riper age will in some part redresse,
And I will strive to change them by degrees,
And get him to forsake his loose associates.
But let us first endeavour to remove
Fierce Agrippina from all rule of state.
Burrhus.
I'l joyne with you, and use my best endeavours.
Exeunt.
NERO.
Nero.
Shall I that am an Emperor, bee check'd,
Control'd and baffled in my Pallace thus?
I will remove this mother farre from mee,
And give command to Burrhus to provide
That house that was Antoniaes for her.
The Pallace shall bee free to my delights,
I make no doubt but that the people know,
And hate her pride, and will the lesse repine
At what I do against her, I have told her
[Page](For shee provok'd mee past all patience)
Part of my minde already, shee shall rue
Perchance too late the fiercenesse shee has shew'd
Exit.
AGRIPPINA.
Agrippina.
Ingratefull Nero, is thy mothers power
So soone offensive growne? canst thou so soone
Cast off all filiall dutyes, and forget
What I deserve from thee? wouldst thou deprive
Mee of all power that gave all power to thee?
Did I so wickedly for thee procure
The height of human state, that thou shouldst take
All state from mee with greater wickednesse?
Oh wronged Claudius, this sad punishment
My bloody treason, and ingratitude
To thy offended Manes justly payes.
By the most loving, and most injur'd Lord,
The worst of wives was more belov'd then now
The best of mothers by a wicked Sonne.
I'le make him know what hand it was that rais'd
His fortunes to this height: but wherefore weeps
Enter Octavia.
My deare Octavia?
Octavia.
What accursed fate
Pursues the wofull Claudian family?
Agrippina.
Deare daughter speake thy griefe.
Octavia.
Was I bestow'd,
Or rather lost in marriage, to advance
Upon my brother's ruine, Nero's state
To bee by him despys'd, hated and made
A base freed-womans slave?
Agrippina.
[Page]What freed woman?
Xiphilin.
Octavia.
Acte thy Nero's concubine my mistris
That dares within the palace to contest
Nay to revile Octavia.
Agrippina.
She dares not,
Nor shall she doo't, I'll slit the strumpets nose,
If she dare speake 'gainst thee.
Octavia.
You cannot mother.
Nero delights in none but her, his soule
In Acte lives; on her he does bestow
That love, that's due to mee: But mee hee loaths;
Oh dismall love, Oh fatall marriage!
Agrippina.
Take comfort sweete Octavia, I'll redresse
Thy wrongs, or venture mine owne fall with thee.
Enter Nero.
Nero.
You have complain'd I see, Octavia.
Is there a chiding toward?
Agrippina
Has thy guilt,
And th' unkinde wrongs thou hast already done
Unthankefull Nero, to thy vertuous wife.
Xiphilin.
Arm'd thee with such an impudence, that now
Thou canst prevent her just accusing thus?
Nero.
How's this?
Agrippina.
Mee thinkes although thou hadd'st no sparke
Of goodnesse left thee, yet in Pollicy
[Page]Thou should'st not dare maintain a base borne strumpet
Against thy lawfull wife great Claudius daughter.
Nero.
Mee thinkes in policy you might remember
You speake to Caesar, not a childe.
Agrippina.
Tis true,
Thou hast forgot the duty of a childe.
Nero.
I will bee better known; if I bee Crost
In my delights, I will bee bold to crosse
You in your pleasures too
Agrippina.
Oh heavens, what pleasures
What joyes or studies have I ever had
But to preferre thee Nero? are my cares
And all my labours thus requited now?
Let not too vaine and foolish confidence
Of what thou art, make thee presume to wrong
Thy mother and thy wife; or thou shalt know
The Empires lawfull heire is yet alive.
The wrong'd Britannicus is growing up
To take his right, and to revenge the wrongs
Which hee and all his family susteine
Xiphilin.
I'll go my selfe to the Praetorian Campe,
And plead his cause before the Souldiers.
There let one-handed Burrhus, and that base
Unthankefull exile Seneca, appeare
Against the daughter of Germanicus.
Nero.
Yes plead the cause of young Britannicus;
And when y' have done, provide an advocate
To plead your own.
Exeunt Nero.
Agrippina.
Gone so abruptly from us!
[Page]Slights hee mine anger so?
Octavia.
Madam I feare
You tooke too harsh a way; his lookes were wilde
And full of rage; my sad misgiving soule
Tels mee some mischeife's working in his thoughts.
Agrippina.
Feare not, Octavia, weell take the best
And surest courses to prevent the ill
That may ensue: and if mature advice
And councell cannot bridle him, wee'll use
Another meanes to curbe his insolence:
I have already by my bounty made
Most of the Tribunes and Centurions.
My guards are strong, and shall bee vigilant
Over the safety of Britannicus,
As mine own person, there's no open act
Of mischiefe can bee on the suddaine wrought.
Octavia.
The Gods I hope will guard our innocence.
Exeunt.
NERO solus.
Nero
My feares have been too slow, and twas high time
That Agrippinaes thundring threats had wak'd
My sleeping mischeefes; which shall now no more
Study disguises, but appeare in bold
And open acts with Caesars stampe upon um,
Feirelesse of vulgar whispering jealousyes.
Upon thy death, Britannicus, a price
No lesse then Romes imperiall wreath is set.
The deede, when done, will priviledge it selfe,
And make the power of Nero strong enough
To warrant his misdeede, who dare revenge
Or blame th' offence that frees mee from a rivall?
But I shall leave a worse, and nearer farre
[Page]Behinde, my mother Agrippina lives;
Shee lives my rivall, nay my partner still,
Nay more then that my Queene and Governesse.
I am no Prince, no man, nothing at all
While Agrippina lives, must [...] then live
To make mee nothing? must the name of mother
Outweigh a scepter? could the name of husband
Protect her Claudius? no; her owne example
Shall teach mee state: but first Britannicus
Must bee remov'd; his death assures my state,
And makes mee able to contest with her.
That gentle poison, which Locusta gave him,
If poison 'twere, whilest wee did vainely feare
The peoples talke, has kept my feares alive.
Where is this hagge?
Enter Locusta.
Locusta.
Caesar.
Nero.
Witch.
beats her.
Feind, fury, divell.
Locusta.
Mercy, mercy, Caesar.
Nero.
I'll hew thy cursed carcasse into atomes,
Thou gav'st Britannicus an antidote
In stead of poyson.
Locusta.
Twas a gentle poyson,
And such as you commanded mee to make;
Hold Caesar hold; I will redeeme all yet.
Nero.
Do it or dy, make mee a poison strong,
A quicke and speeding one.
Locusta.
It shall bee done.
[Page]No sooner tasted, but it shall destroy.
Nero.
I'll see the tryall of it, and reward
Thy service well; but if Britannicus
Out live this day, this day shall bee thy last.
Exeunt
ACTUS V. SCENA. I.
BURRHUS, VITELLIUS, ANNICETUS, Souldiers
Burrhus.
It is the will of, Caesar, souldiers
You must bee all discharg'd from guarding her.
But you shall have allowance, and thus much
I'll promise for your comforts, you shall bee
The next that are ascrib'd into the list
Of the Praetorian campe.
Souldiers.
Thankes noble Burrhus.
Burrhus.
Go Anicetus, give command that straight
That house, which was Antoniaes bee prepar'd
For Agrippina, and her family.
Caesar will have the Palace to himselfe.
Vitellius.
Does Agrippina know't
Burhus.
[Page]Not yet I think.
Is there displeasure then 'twixt her and Caesar?
Burhus.
I know not. you'll excuse my hast, my Lord
I must take leave.
exit Burhus.
Vitellius.
I like not these new turnes.
I came to visit her: but now I'll spare
My haile this morne. whither so fast my Lord?
Pollio.
To visit Agripina.
Vitellius.
Stay, I'll tell you.
There is some diffrence twixt her and Caesar.
Her guards are tane away. I parted now
From Burhus, who discharg'd them. shee her selfe
Shall be remov'd from the Imperiall palace.
Pollio.
I like not that; I'll spare my visit then.
exeunt
PETRONIUS, MONTANUS.
Montanus.
Otho will loose his wife then.
Petronius.
Yes, no doubt;
And I believe must leave the City too.
Nero's extremely fir'd, and hee will have her
Alone; poore Otho must not rivall Caesar
Nor indeed is it fitting that the husband
Should make th'adulterer a cuckold.
Montanus.
Do'st thou beleeve, Petronius, that this change
Pleases Poppaea?
Petronius
[Page]Yes, I warrant her.
Shee thinkes her beauty never could have done her
A greater service.
Montanus.
But shee seem'd to love
Otho extremely.
Petronius.
I confesse Montanus
I thinke her appetite stood well to Otho;
For it is a rascall of a winning carriage
And curious feature; but shee has enjoyed him
Sometime already, and that passion
Which you call love, does move in a degree
So low, and feeble, it is soone swallow'd up
In the deepe torrent of ambition.
Poppaea's proud; nor can that breast of hers
Harbour a love so strong, but it must yeeld
To pride her quality praedominant.
Montanus.
What can shee bee but Nero's concubine?
I see not what high honour lyes in that.
Petronius.
You cannot tell what shee may bee in time.
Montanus.
Shee cannot bee Augusta; that high name
Octavia, while shee lives, will keep, hee dares not
Forsake that wife (how e're hee do affect her)
To whom hee may bee sayd to owe the Empire.
Petronius.
For mine own part, I know not how twill go.
But I dare sweare Poppaea e're this time
Has ask'd and heard what the Chaldaeans say
About her fortunes: our fine dames of Rome
Must stil bee tampering with that kinde of cattell.
Their doggs, their monkeys, and themselves do nothing
[Page]Without th' advise of such a cunning man,
Hast thou seene Otho lately?
Montanus.
Yes to day:
Petronius.
How does hee looke upon the businesse?
Montanus.
Faith somewhat sad; but Caesar seemes to use him
So wonderfull kindly that he cannot thinke
Hee's wrong'd at all.
Petronius.
Prithee let's finde him out.
Exeunt▪
PALLAS solus.
Pallas.
No longer steward of th' Imperiall house!
Are greatest benefits so soone forgot
By wicked Princes? tis and ever was
The fate of Courts, Monarchs unjustly hate
Acknowledgment: what power, what honor now
Does Nero, hold but what hee owes to mee?
My merrit, nay my wickednesse, which did
To him encrease the merit, for this heart
Has bled the more for my ingratitude
To my best master Claudius, his sad wrongs
Another now revenges! oh Narcissus,
Perchance the conquest that I got ore thee,
When wee two strove about the successor
To Claudius Caesar, will hereafter prove
More fatall to the conqueror, then him
That lost the day, thou in Campania
Di'dst happily, though hunted to thy death
By us; and carry'dst to thy grave the honor
Of ayding the just side, oh Royall Empresse,
Enter Agrippina.
I feare our care to raise unthankfull Nero
Will prove at last our own destruction
[Page]My places losse I weigh not, but for feare
It prove a step to your dishonour, Madam.
Agrippina.
Tis for my sake that thou hast lost it, Pallas,
With mee my frends are hated. Oh sad fate
That followes impious actions! well perchance
And happily might I have liv'd if wrong'd
Britannicus had reign'd! Oh would the losse
Of this unworthy life could yet procure
That injur'd Prince his due.
Pallas.
Can fortune turne
The course of things so strangely, that you Madam,
The Prince his mother and his raiser too
Should wish the others reigne
Agrippina.
It can, it can.
This is the power and justice of the Gods,
That when wee thinke our selves most safe in ill,
Can frustrate all our confidence, and make
That power, which seem'd to bee our prop, to bee
Our onely cause of ruine, wee are children,
Vice makes us children, like to them, wee cry
For Knives to hurt our selves with, and the Gods
To punish us oft grant what wee desire.
An horse brought in OCTAVIA. following.
Pall.
What dolefull noise is this?
Agrippina
Ay mee, I feare.
Octavia.
Oh dismall day! Oh wretched family!
Fly back bright Phoehus to the Easterne shore,
Or hide thy head; thou hast at Rome beheld
A feast more black then ere Mycenae saw.
[...] dearest brother, sweet Britannicus.
Agrippina.
[Page]Britannicus.
Octavia.
Murder'd Britannicus,
Poison'd at Nero's table.
Agrippina
Breake my heart
The greatest woe, that could befall, is come.
Forgive mee, gentle Soule, twas I that gave
That viper life, and rule to ruin thee.
Thou need'st not curse mee; the impiety
Of him that kill'd thee, will revenge thy death.
Pallas
Faire hope of Rome, sweet flower untimely cropt,
What parentasion shall sad Pallas make
T'appease thy wronged ghost, and expiate
My foule offences? to the King and Queene
Of fable night I'll build two grassey altars;
And yeerely there, if any yeeres at all
I have to live. with sad libations
Invoke the manes of Britannicus,
Thou from the groves of faire Elysium
For ever wail'd for ever honour'd Prince,
Deigne to accept my humble sacrifice.
Or if those rights bee too too meane for thee,
Perchance the Genius of afflicted Rome
Shall weep hereafter ore thy grave, and waile
Th' untimely death of her Britannicus.
Agrippina.
Gentle to thee let earth and water prove.
Exit Octavia,
This wofull murder of Britannicus.
& funus.
Bodes ill to mee, and my presaging soule
Is fill'd with ghastly feares. Ah Pallas, Pallas,
This is the entrance into Paricide,
[Page]And but the Prologue to a mothers death.
Pallas.
Would I could speake to your destresse and feares
A true and reall comfort, such a one
As might not flatter your estate, and make
You weaker then before, by taking from you
All study of prevention.
Servant.
Servant.
Caesar. Madam,
Is come to visit you.
Agrippina.
Pallas farewell.
Enter Nero.
Nero.
What weeping Madam? what unworthy cause
Dares force a teare from greate Augustaes eye
While Nero lives: if 't bee my brother's death,
That caus'd this sorrow, I could joyne in teares
Had not that tragedy already rob'd
Mine eyes of moysture,
Agrippina.
This hypocrisie
Makes mee lesse trust his nature then before.
Nero.
The Gods have rob'd mee of one comfort now
The fellowship of sweet Britannicus,
That all my piety may bee confin'd
To you, deare mother, you containe alone
Within a Parents sacred name, all stiles
Of kindred now, all bonds of pious love.
Feare not a change in mee.
Agrippina.
I do not Caesar.
Nero.
Minarvus feast is celebrated now
Nero.
[Page]Minervaes feast is celebrated now
Five dayes at Baiae thither you shall go
Xiphilin.
And feast with mee deare mother, there forget
All jealous feares, and you shall never more
Complaine of Nero. If the stratagem
aside.
Of Anicetus prosper, her complaint
Shall be to Pluto, and the Ghosts below.
exeunt.
OTHO with his Commission.
Otho.
The Gouernment of Lusitania.
By Nero's grace and favor is bestow'd
On mee! Oh glorious name of banishment!
Yet welcome now, since faire Poppaea's lost.
I thanke thee, Nero, thou provid'st a brave
And honourable cure for that sad wound
Thou hast inflicted on my love-sicke Soule.
How great a torture had it been to mee
To live in Rome divorc'd from her, and see
That beauty folded in another's armes!
Hence wanton thoughts; fond love for ever vanish,
Collect my soule what ere thou hast within thee
Of Roman left, and answer to the call
Bright honour makes, some favourable God
Pittying the lusts and riots of a youth
So much misled, has sent this seeming losse
To wake me from so base a lethargy.
Employ'd in forreigne action, I shall live
Free from rh' infectious vices of this Court,
And farre from seeing the abhorr'd effects
Of future tyranny, which needs must breake
From Nero's vicious nature. At my birth
The Augures promis'd high and glorious hopes.
This is the way to bring them. Spaine shall find
Another Otho then was sent from Rome.
Poppaea promis'd here to meete, and take
[Page]Her last leave of mee. why should I againe
Renue my passion by the sight of her?
But't is but one poore look. and so farewell.
Enter SELEUCUS.
Seleucus.
Haile Marcus Otho Emperour of Rome,
Caesar that shall bee.
Otho.
Ha!
Seleucus.
It is thy fate,
Which shall not bee prevented.
Otho.
Tell mee father
(For your predictions ever have been true)
Shall I behold Poppaeaes face againe,
When I have left the City?
Seleucus.
Never more.
Exit Seleucus.
Otho.
Never! a heavy doome yet I in lieu
Of her shall gaine the Empire of the world.
Juno will heale the wounds that Venus gives.
Enter POPPAEA.
See, there shee comes; her beauty waxes still,
Or else the sad concit of never more
Seeing that face, makes it appeare more faire.
How dull the edge of Honour growes already!
Here could I stay, and like the Trojan Prince
Lockt in faire Diodes armes forget forever
Th' Italian land, and all my future fame.
Him Jove admonish'd to depart from thence.
Mee the command of Caesar forces hence,
And leaves no power in my election.
Farewell Poppaea.
Poppaea.
[Page]Oh hard fate in love
Is mine, whose joyes were never lasting yet.
Speake not so soone that killing word farewell.
Otho.
What gaine, alas, can one small minute bee?
Or if twere gaine to mee, to the Poppaea
Twere losse to keepe thee from thy Caesars sight.
Hee is thy servant, whom the world obeyes.
Poppaea.
Ah Otho, love can witnesse that this fortune
Was never sought by mee.
Otho.
Thou wert too great
A treasure for a privat man to keep.
No; live still happy with thy Caesar here
And grant mee one request; if of that love
Which once wee vow'd so deare, there yet remaines
So small a part as may deserve the name
Of comon frendship, use thy power with Caesar
My goverment may be continu'd long.
Poppaea.
Rather let mee intreate the contrary,
And keepe thee hereat Rome.
Otho.
It must not bee.
Never while Nero lives, and lives with thee.
It must bee love no more, but frendship now
Twixt us Poppaea, which may still bee kept
In absence by good wishes, and without
Those nearer comforts which fond love requires.
But who shall teach mee to forget that sweet
Delicious lesson which loves schoole did teach,
When thy admired beauty was the booke,
And I a Scholler too too forward then?
Oh would great Caesars power to cure my wound,
[Page]Could but bestow so privative a good
As losse of memory. but that, alas,
Were too unjust a cure, and I could wish
Rather to suffer still then quite forget
That I was once Poppaeaes envi'd love.
I'll rather strive to solace my sick soul
With contemplation of past happinesse,
And by recounting ore our former joyes
Deceive those houres of sorrow I must passe.
Pop.
And I for comfort of our absent love
Will cherrish hopes that wee shall meet againe.
Oth.
No, thinke mee dead, bright love, and I'll enforce
My imagination to beleeve that thou
Translated by some amorous Deity
Hast left the earth to beautify the sky,
And turne Astronomer in love, to finde
Thy figure out among those radiant lights
Which Joves transformed Paramours have made.
'Mongst those I'll seeke for faire Poppaeaes starre,
And sweare I see it, rather then beleeve
Thou liv'st on earth debarr'd from Otho's sight.
I must begin to part, I see; for thou
In modesty art loath to chide mee hence,
And bid mee quit the place. Farewell Poppaea.
Such height of happinesse mayst thou enjoy
As Caesars constant love can bring to thee.
Pop.
As much good fortune follow Otho still
Tis power that parts us. all the Gods can tell
Exit Otho
How well I love thee Otho. but those Gods,
That have ordain'd another fate for mee
Must bee obey'd yet Nero must bee wrought
With cunning to my ends, or else my fortune
Is low and poore, my title nought at all.
Tis not the love of Caesar, but the honour,
And that high title which attends his love
That is Poppaeaes aime, Octavia
[Page]Debarres mee yet from that, and Agrippina
Is fierce, and keeps her sonne in Pupillage.
Enter NERO.
Nero.
Now faire Poppaea, thou art mine alone;
Otho's remov [...]d, embrace the happy change
That fortune brings thee, thou hast found instead
Of him, a Caesar, who besides his state
Has brought a heart as true to thee, and love
As strong and fervent as poore Otho's was
Thou wert before a diamond coursly set,
A clouded starre. the Fates did pitty thee,
And would no longer let that beauty ly
Ecclippsed in a private family
No seat but Romes Imperiall throne, no sphaere
But Caesars armes were fit for these bright eyes
To shine in, and the subject world t' adore
Their lustre, like some constellation
New risen to amaze mortality.
Not Rome alone, but all the farthest shores
That Peleus silver-footed wife ere knew
Shall call Poppaea mistrrsse.
Poppaea.
Those are honours
Caesar, too high, too great for mee to hope.
Nero▪
To hope, my love, they are thine owne already.
Poppaea.
Caesar, thou know'st it cannot bee; and I
That might have liv'd content with Otho's love;
And there enjoy'd the honour'd name of wife,
Must in the Palace find a baser stile.
Nero.
Thou wrong'st my power, Poppaea, if thou thinke
I cannot give the highest stile to thee:
And if thou thinke I meane it not, thou wrong'st
[Page]My truest love
Poppaea.
Octavia is alive
No love of thine can beare Augustus state
But onely shee
Nero.
Shee shall bee soon remov'd
To make a roome for faire Poppaeaes honour.
Nor will the Senate dare to grumble at it.
Poppaea.
Though all were silent else, fierce Agrippina
Xiphilin.
Would in that act controll thee, and thinke mee
To meane for Caesars wife, though I am sprung
(For I may speake a truth that Rome can witnesse)
From noble and triumphant Ancestors.
Nero.
There, love, thou strik'st upon the truest string.
That Agrippina was my greatest feare,
Though now shee is not; for I'll tell it thee,
If Anicetus stratagem have taken,
Ere this shee wanders on the Stygian shore.
Weary I was of her imperious pride,
And fear'd her cruell plots. How that succeedes
Is now my greatest expectation.
Nor do I live till Anicetus come
And bring my safety in that womans death
Enter ANICETUS.
Poppaea.
See, Anicetus is return'd
Nero.
Speake man
What is my fate? thou carriest in thy voyce
The life and death of Caesar
Anicetus
Your command
Was done, great Caesar, but your mother scap'd.
Nero.
[Page]Escap'd? how could it bee, but you were false,
And all conspir'd together to betray
Xiphilin.
My life in saving hers? how could shee scape?
Anicetus.
Wee chose the night to act it in; but night,
Prov'd not so black as night; the starrs gave light,
No wind at all blew as wee lanched forth
Xiphilin
Down in the Galley Agrippina lay,
And at her feet lay Aceronia
With joy discoursing of your curtesie,
And favour lately shew'd her, but when I
The watch-word gave, the covering of the place
Loaden with lead fell downe, and prest to death
Her servant Gallus. But when th' other part
By fortune stronger, broke not, nor the vessell
Was loos'd asunder, all beeing in amaze
The rowers straitway thought it best to weigh,
The galley at one side, and sinke her so
There Aceronia floating in the waves
Faining her selfe to bee the Empresse, cry'd
Helpe, helpe the Prince his mother. But the rowers
With poles, and oares straight kill'd her as shee swamme,
But Agrippina in a silence caus'd
By policy or feare, swamme to the banke,
Having received but one wound, and there
Succour'd by little barkes, through Lucrine lake
To her owne house was carryed at the last.
Nero.
Oh, I am lost and dead; I shall bee straight
Surpris'd and kill'd; shee'll arme her slaves, and stirre
The souldiers up, or to the Senate house
Complaine, and shew the wound shee has receiv'd
And tell the story there. What shall I doo?
Advise mee, my Poppaea, Anicetus,
But yet advise mee nothing but her death,
[Page]No other course is safe Nero. must dy
If Arippina. live, call Burrhus to mee;
Send forth the souldiers to dispach her straight.
Poppaea
It is no action for a souldiers hand
Nor will the campe for brave Germanicus,
Her father's sake bee drawne to butcher her
Let Anicetus. finish the exploit
Hee has begunne.
Nero.
It must be so; go on
With thy religious act, good Anicetus.
Thou art obleig'd to finish it; or else
What thou hast done already, will procure
My ruine rather then security
Choose thee what aide thou wilt.
Anicetus
I have them ready.
Feare it not Caesar, Agrippinaes dead.
Nero.
Oh comfortable voice' thou art the man
Thou only Anicetus, that bestow'st
The Empire upon Nero. to thy guift
I will acknowlegd it, and celebrate
This as my day of coronation.
What plot shall wee invent to hide the deede,
And put th' intent of murder upon her?
To bring you newes of her escape, I'll finde
A way to doo't, tis strange none yet come from her.
See Agerinus comes
Enter Agerinus.
Agrerinus.
All health to Caesar
Augusta by the favour of the Gods
Has lately scap'd a strange and wounderfull
Danger at Sea.
Ani.
Caesar when any of her servants come
[Page]What meanes this ponyard
Anicetus lets fall a ponyard behinde Agerinus.
In Caesars presence, Agerinus?
Nero.
Treason.
Ziphilin.
Shee sends to murder mee; dragge hence the slave,
And torture him to death.
Agerinus.
I am as free
From guilt in this as innocence it selfe.
Nero.
Hence with the villaine to his death, and thou
Deare Anicetus, forward with thy plot.
Exeunt
AGRIPPINA, brought in by Mnester, and Seleucus, shee sits.
Agripina.
Leave mee alone; but bee not farre from mee.
Exeunt.
Who would rely upon the gratitude
Of men? or trust the fruit of benefits,
That now behold, or shall hereafter reade
My wofull fortune? I, that have bestow'd
What ere the world containes, to bee possest
By impious Nero, in reward, expect
Nothing but bloody death twas too too true
That strange deceitfull galley was a plot
An impious engine made to murder mee,
As by the fiercenesse of the slaves, my wound,
And Aceroniaes death it did appeare.
Can I expect that Nero should relent?
Or that the tyrant in a brothers blood
Embrew'd already, should not rather thinke
No mischeife can bee safe till fully done?
Oh had his thoughts beene good, had my escape
Beene gratefull to him, all the house ere this
With visitants, and clients had been fill'd
To aske and see how Caesars mother did
Where now are all the hailes the bended knees,
[Page]Low prostrate faces, and officious tongues,
That strove in honoring Agrippinaes name?
Vanish'd alas, and nought but solitude,
Ill-boding silence, and neglect remaine
In this forsaken Palace. But too soone
Ay mee, I feare the approach of vilany.
What noise is that at doore! where are my servants?
Mnester, Seleucus, Galla, Xenophon.
No answer made! are they departed too!
Then vanish all my hopes false world farewell
With all thy fading glories. But alas,
Whither from hence shall Agrippina fly?
What regions are there in the other world
But my injustice has already fill'd
With wronged Ghoasts? there young Silanus wanders,
Lollia Paullina and great Claudius
My murdred Lord, yet those sad spirits perchance
Abhorring Nero's base ingratitude,
And glutted with revenge, will cease to hate
At last, and pitty Agrippinas state.
Enter ANICETUS, OLOARITUS, and others
Ay mee, is Anicetus. come againe?
Then I am dead past hope, murder, helpe. help Xiphilin.
Anicetus.
You guesse our businesse right but tis in vaine
To call for helpe, your guards are farre enough.
Agrippina.
Oh hold your hands a while; heare mee but speake
Consider with your selves before you act
A deed so execrable as will stick
A lasting brand on your abhorred names.
This murder will bee famous through the world.
All men will fly your hated company.
Like birds of night shall you for ever hide
Youre guilty heads; or, which is worse then that,
Nero himselfe, who did command the deede,
[Page](As you pretend) shall guerdon you with death,
And quit himselfe by punishing of you.
O rather venter Neros frowne, and keepe
Your innocence.
Anicetus.
Can they bee innocent,
That disobey their Prince his will?
Agrippina
But sure
You did mistake the Prince. I am his mother.
Twas I that gave him birth; nay more, that put
Into his hand the scepter of the world.
Could hee command my death?
Anicetus
Wee did not stand
Examining the cause.
Agrippina.
Then strike this wombe
This tragicall, and ever cursed wombe,
That to the ruine of mankinde brought forth
Xiphilin.
That monster Nero, here, here take revenge.
Here Justice bids you strike. let these sad wounds
Serve to appease the hatred of the earth
'Gainst Agrippina for dire Nero's birth.
shee dyes.
FINIS.