Yea, we shall prove who rides the rotten boat
And supplicates the tempest!
(With a rapid motion, Nero draws Agerinus’ sword from its sheath. Anicetus shrinks back. Nero cries to Agerinus.)
Wait to see
The loving message you bear back from me!
(Nero brandishing the sword, makes at Anicetus. As he is about to deliver the stroke, enter Poppaea from behind. She has evidently been quite leisurely about her toilet, being dressed gorgeously; and wearing her accustomed half-veil. Her manner is stately and composed. She approaches slowly. Nero stops suddenly in the act to strike Anicetus, and stares upon the beautiful apparition. Anger leaves his face, which changes as though he had seen a great light.)
Poppaea
(Languidly.)
My Nero longed for me?
(Nero with his free hand brushes his eyes in perplexity.)