[Exeunt.
SCENE III
NERO'S PRIVATE CHAMBER in the villa at Baiae, looking directly upon the bay. Left, doors leading into the apartments. The water laps close up to the marble quay or terrace on which the action takes place. Right are seen prows of galleys at their moorings. Beyond is the curving shore of the bay, crowded with villas and temples. The scene is of extreme southern richness and serenity. Time noon
[NERO is pacing restlessly to and fro. Enter a servant.
NERO. The lady Poppaea! Is she yet arrived?
SERVANT. Sir, an hour since.
NERO. [Impatiently.] Then why is she not here?
[Exit SERVANT.
An hour since: yet she lingers while I ache
With passion. She comes not, still she delays.
To fly to her? No, 'twere unworthy of me——
And yet, and yet—Ah! I must go to her.
Enter slaves bearing POPPAEA on litter