Ghost of Agrippina [bearing a flaming torch]: Through cloven earth from Tartarus I come,
To bring in bloody hands this torch of hell
To light these curséd rites; with such dire flames595
Let this Poppaea wed my son, which soon
His mother's grief and vengeful hand shall turn
To funeral fires. And ever 'mid the shades
My impious murder in my memory dwells,
A heavy weight upon my grieving soul
Still unavenged; for, Oh, ingratitude
He gave me in return for all my gifts,600