Beautiful night that gently bringest back Mother to son, and callest all thy stars To watch it. Quiet sea that bringest peace Between us two. Hast thou not thought how still The air is as with silent pleasure? Child, Is not the night then more than common calm?
NERO. A sparkling starlight and a windless deep.
AGRIPPINA. Never until to-night did I so feel The lure of the sea that lures me to lie down At last after such heat. Ah, but the stars Are falling and I feel the unseen dawn. Son, I must go at once. Where is my maid To wrap me? Sweet and warm now is the night And I am glad I had prepared to go By water, not by land.
SERVANT. Thy mother's galley by a random barge Was struck, and now is sinking fast.
ANICETUS. Yonder there lies a barge with fluttering flags, A gilded pinnace, a light pleasure-boat Built for you with much art and well designed. Will you return in her? Easily she Can swing round to the landing-stage.
AGRIPPINA. Yes--yes-- I'll go in her--Why not?
_Enter_ ACCERONIA, _who elaborately wraps_ AGRIPPINA
AGRIPPINA. Nero, my maid a moment to enwrap me. As the wrapping is finished. I have slept ill of late: but I shall have A soft and steady breeze across the bay. I shall sleep sound. Now, Nero, now good-bye. For ever we are friends?
[_During this dialogue he is continually detaining her._
NERO. You have no need to go this moment--one More moment of thee, mother.
AGRIPPINA. You shall see me To-morrow. Will you cross the bay to me, Or shall I come to you?
NERO. I'll come to you To-morrow! Ah! to-morrow! But to-night. Now let me have you once more in my arms. [_Detaining her._ Is old Cynisca with you still?
NERO. Stay, stay, give her this ring: she nursed me.
AGRIPPINA. Yes. I see you have my amulet.
AGRIPPINA. So bright the night you'll see me all the way Across the shining water.
AGRIPPINA. [_Descends to water._] Good-night, child! I shall see you then to-morrow. Already it hath dawned.
TIGELLINUS. [_To crew in barge._] Strike up the music there, a joyous strain! And sing, you boatmen; the Augusta comes.
[_Sounds of joyful music are heard, and singing, as the pinnace puts off with measured beat of oars_.
NERO. It hath put off: she hath gone: she sitteth happy. See, the dead woman waves her hand to me. Now the bark turns the headland.