Seneca: But honor, wifely faith, and modesty—

These should the husband seek, for these alone,

The priceless treasures of the heart and soul,

Remain perpetual; but beauty's flower

Doth fade and languish with each passing day.550

Nero: On her has heaven all its charms bestowed,

And fate has given her from her birth to me.

Seneca: But love will fail; do not too rashly trust.

Nero: Shall he give way, that tyrant of the skies,

Whom Jove, the Thunderer, cannot remove,