AGRIPPINA. Meantime his child, his heir, Britannicus,
Must not be seen lest he be clamoured for.
So till the sad Chaldean give the sign
Of that so yearned for, favourable hour,
When with good omens may my son succeed,
The sudden death of Claudius must be hid!
Then on the instant Nero be proclaimed
And Rome awake on an accomplished deed.
XENOPHON. Then summon Claudius' musicians in
To play unto the dead as though he breathed.
AGRIPPINA. Call them! A lulling music let them bring.
[Exit XENOPHON.
[She turns to ASTROLOGER.
O thou who readest all the scroll of the sky,
Stands it so sure Nero my son shall reign?
ASTROLOGER. Nero shall reign.
AGRIPPINA. What lurks behind these words?
There is a 'but' still hovering in the stars.
ASTROLOGER. Nero shall reign.
AGRIPPINA. The half! I'll know the rest.
ASTROLOGER. Peer not for peril!