SCENE.—The tiring chamber of POPPAEA—signs of luxury, implements of a Roman lady's toilet of the period. POPPAEA reclining, with a single maid.
POPPAEA. Myrrha, more gold upon these builded curls.
How often, child?
MYRRHA. Mistress, forgive me.
[A slave has entered.
POPPAEA. Well?
SLAVE. Mistress, the Emperor's minister, Tigellinus.
[POPPAEA signs MYRRHA to go.
Enter TIGELLINUS
TIGELLINUS. Lady, I am loth to interrupt this toil,
But come on a secret errand.
POPPAEA. Well, what is it?