AGRIPPINA. [_Rushing to embrace him. He is vested with the purple and laurel wreath. The body of_ CLAUDIUS _is borne off. Exit_ BURRUS. NERO _comes down._] Nero, thou art my son!
NERO. To rule the world. How heavy is the sceptre of the earth!
AGRIPPINA. [_Coming down._] Nero, upon this arm behold I clasp This amulet. One dawn two murderers Despatched to kill thee, stealing to thy bed Were frightened by a snake which from beneath Thy pillow glided. From that serpent's skin I made this charm. Wear it, and thou shalt prosper; But lose it, look thou for calamities.
SENECA. [_Prepares to go also._] You will need sleep, sir, for to-morrow's task.
NERO. [_In terror._] I am not pale? Not heavy-eyed?
NERO. An artist, whatsoever mood he rouse In others, should himself be ever still. Where is a mirror?
SENECA. Sir, one graver word. To-morrow when you first shall sit in judgment, And set your name unto the scroll of death----
NERO. [_Gazing at himself in mirror._] Ah! Must I sign death-warrants? Then I wish This hand had never learned to write.
AGRIPPINA. Your pupil now the awful purple wears. You tremble but to grasp the pen! But they Who dyed it thus, feared not to grip the brand.
NERO. [_Again looking in mirror._] It is an act to me unbeautiful. To scatter joy, not sadness, was I born.
AGRIPPINA. It is an act to you most necessary, If you would sit secure where I have set you. Now the light things of boyhood, toys of youth, Unworthy that stern seat, you must discard. Acte, the playmate of those careless hours, Henceforth must be forgotten: you shall wed A royal consort--young Octavia, The child of Claudius, of the imperial line.
SENECA. My peaceful counsel you will not forget.
NERO. [_Turning to_ SENECA, _affectionately._] Old friend, I am not like to wade in blood, Thee at my side! I think upon the dooms Of Julius, Caius, and Tiberius, All Emperors--all miserably slain.
SENECA. This dawn art thou the master of the world; Then tremble at the task to thee assigned. Meekly receive the purple and the wreath, And on thy knees accept omnipotence. Good-night, dear pupil! May my teaching lead Thy solemn opportunity aright!
NERO. You powers sustain me to endure this weight! Mother, I shall go mad!