POPPAEA. I know not—cannot guess.
NERO. That he might stand no more between us two.
POPPAEA. O sir, he is my husband, and my way
Is with him wheresoe'er he go. My duty——
NERO. But your inclining?
POPPAEA. That I will not say.
But Lusitania is henceforth my home.
Nero, I will speak truth: I'll not deny
There is some strange communion of the soul
'Twixt you and me: but I'll not yield to this,
No, nor shall you compel me, Caesar: I
Will follow Otho even to banishment.
There are more sacred things in my regard
Than mutual pleasure from melodious verse.
NERO. Nothing, when soul meets soul without alloy.
POPPAEA. I fear you do forget I am a woman.
Dear to us before all are household cares.
NERO. O to the average, not to thee.
POPPAEA. Farewell!
NERO. You shall not go thus.