_Sen._ And I to train the cub of such a dam! [_Exit._
_Room in Domitia’s house. Enter DOMITIA and SELEUCUS._
’Tis a most shrewd surmise, but nothing more; I cannot listen to it. Though I hate My sister, and would take some risk to crush her, Yet must I set my foot on surer ground. My better engine is Poppæa’s dream, 660 Of which thou’st told me: I can build on that. Thou should’st be there, I think, to-night.
_Dom._ See, thy prophecy Is that which should determine it. Go now. [_To door._ Her purse will satisfy thee well.
_Sel._ Yet once Ere I be gone, madam, I’ll make a stand To win thy credit. 670
_Dom._ Thou must show me cause. Thou say’st the Augusta plots against her son, Supports Britannicus, tampers with Burrus. How know’st thou this?
_Dom._ I think There may be some who make it worth thy while.
_Sel._ I would not meddle in this thing for money.
_Dom._ If thou’rt in earnest, Where is thy confidence? Assure me first, At least, of what thou say’st. Whence know’st thou this? 680
_Sel._ Fulvia, thy sister’s maid, rewards my love With many trifles: what she overhears I piece together.
_Dom._ What of this was heard, And how much pieced?
_Sel._ The Augusta sent all out, And spake long time in private with the prince. What passed I guess from this; that ere she left, Being risen to go, as Fulvia at the door Stood just without, she heard her voice most plainly Angrily entreating, saying, that though he doubted, Yet she would still with him regain her power: 690 If he held off yet he so far was right, As that ’twas best to speak with Burrus first.
_Sel._ I think she hath. He lately came from Seneca’s, and there The Augusta must have met with him.
_Sel._ I know not yet. Fulvia will know and tell me.
_Sel._ Ay, she hath no purpose. Whate’er she hears is mine.
_Dom._ Then make this thine. Her tampering with Britannicus is nought: But if she speak with Burrus, there is matter 700 That I can work on. Ay, if that should be— Make sure of that, and bring me word at once. To-night thou hast thy business; go and do it. Poppæa marries Cæsar.
_Dom._ Now, my good sister, if this tale is true, Thy fortune turns: I trample on thee now. Ay, if she have spoke with Burrus, then one word To Nero, and she is doomed. Patience and time Bring us all opportunities: we need But watch and wait. The way I least expected 710 She runs within the reach of my revenge. [_Exit._