Nero

by Stephen Phillips

POPPAEA . . . . . . . . . . . . Wife to Otho, afterwards to Nero.

ACTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Captive Princess.

LOCUSTA . . . . . . . . . . . . A Poisoner.

MYRRHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maid to Poppaea.

HANDMAIDENS, SPIES, ETC.

Five years elapse between Acts I. and II., two years between Acts III. and IV.

ACT I

SCENE.—The scene is in the Great Hall in the Palace of the Caesars. At the back are steps leading to a platform with balustrade opening on the air, and beyond, a view of the city.

[On the right of the stage is a cedarn couch on which CLAUDIUS is uneasily sleeping. On the right is a door communicating with the inner apartments. On the left a door communicating with the outer halls.

[XENOPHON is standing by the couch of CLAUDIUS. AGRIPPINA is sitting with face turned to an ASTROLOGER, who stands at the top of the steps watching the stars.