By this dire age we're fairly overwhelmed—
An age when crime sits regnant on the throne,
Impiety stalks raging, unrestrained;
Foul lust, with all unbridled power, is queen,
And luxury long since with greedy hands
Has snatched the boundless riches of the world,435
That she with equal greed may squander them.
[Enter Nero, followed by a Prefect.]
But see, with frenzied step and savage mien,
The prince approaches. How I fear his will.