SENECA. This dawn art thou the master of the world;
Then tremble at the task to thee assigned.
Meekly receive the purple and the wreath,
And on thy knees accept omnipotence.
Good-night, dear pupil! May my teaching lead
Thy solemn opportunity aright!
[Exit SENECA.
NERO. You powers sustain me to endure this weight!
Mother, I shall go mad!
AGRIPPINA. Not while this hand
Is on thy brow, and this voice in thine ear.
NERO. To rule the world!
AGRIPPINA. We two will rule the world.
NERO. We two?
AGRIPPINA. When you have need of me, then call me.
NERO. I ever shall. I need you at this moment
More even than when my toothless gums did fumble
About thy breast in darkness of the night.
AGRIPPINA. My dear, dear son! And
Nero, well I know
That you could never hurt or injure me.
But you will not forget who set you here—
You will not, tell me?