Pop. (reads). To her dearest son. Ha! ha! ha!
When last we met thou wilt remember to have confessed some shame for wrong done to me. The wrong I forgive, but eagerly seize on thy sorrow to ask of thee, in regard for thine own happiness, this only favour. ’Tis my earnest prayer and advice that thou dismiss Poppæa. 2551
Ner. Ha! writes she so?
Pop.Attend, the reasons follow.
(Reading.) Beware of her: nor think that I grudge thee the happiness which thou now findest in her. Marriage with her can lead only to thy misery. I know her well.
Now hear my character.
Ner.Give me the letter.
Pop. She is vain, deceitful, self-seeking, and, being by nature cold, hath the art to assume the mask of passion; and ’neath the show of virtue designedly conceals her wickedness and mischief. She loves thee no better than she loves Otho. 2561
Ner. Give me the letter.
Pop.Nay, one sentence more.
Believe a woman sees further than a man, since to her eyes beauty is no veil.
She grants me beauty then.[Gives letter to Nero.
Ner. (reading). ’Tis so, ’tis so. Ye gods! and thou
wert right.