Enter OTHO hastily
OTHO. The Emperor hath sent three messengers
Demanding you for Baiae: yet am I
Not asked: what means this lonely summons, wife?
POPPAEA. Can you not trust me?
OTHO. When I gaze on you,
'Yes'—when your voice is murmuring at my ear,
'Yes'—but at times when I am pressed by crowds
Or yearn alone beside the breaking wave——
POPPAEA. Will you not trust me? Why then do I go?
Is't for myself? You know well—'tis for you;
To praise the Emperor's verses—but for you;
To applaud his feeblest gesture—but for you;
To coax from him a kingdom—but for you!
Yet are you angered.
OTHO. 'Tis a perilous game.
Nero may ask more of your loveliness.
POPPAEA. A woman may surrender inch by inch
Even to the edge of shame: then sudden rise
Unmelting ice.
OTHO. Poppaea, I like it not.
POPPAEA. All is for you.
Enter an OFFICER with ATTENDANTS