NERO. It hath put off: she hath gone: she sitteth happy.
See, the dead woman waves her hand to me.
Now the bark turns the headland.
ANICETUS. But will soon
Steal into sight, well out upon the bay.
TIGELLINUS. Caesar, let none deny thou art an actor.
NERO. [Passionately.] Was I all actor then?
That which I feigned
I felt, and when it was my cue to kiss her,
The whole of childhood rushed into the kiss.
When it was in my part to cling about her,
I clung about her mad with memories.
The water in my eyes rose from my soul,
And flooding from the heart ran down my cheek.
Did my voice tremble? Then it trembled true
With human agony behind the art.
Gods! What a scene!
TIGELLINUS. Listen!
ANICETUS. She is well out,
Glassed in the bay with all her lights and flags.
Soon will a crash and cry come in our ears.
NERO. [Going out.] How calm the night when I would have it wild!
Aloof and bright which should have rushed to me
Hither with aid of thunder, screen of lightning!
I looked for reinforcement from the sky.
Arise, you veiling clouds; awake, you winds,
And stifle with your roaring human cries.
Not a breath upon my cheek! I gasp for air.
[To OTHERS.] Do you suppose the very elements
Are conscious of the workings of this mind?
So careful not to seem to share my guilt?
Yet dark is the record of wind and wave;
This ocean that creeps fawning to our feet
Comes purring o'er a million wrecks and bones.
If the cold moon hath sinned not, she hath been privy.
She aids me not, but watches quietly.
A placid sea, still air, and bright starlight.
ANICETUS. But Caesar, see, a gradual cloud hath spread
Over the moon; the ship's light disappears.
She is vanished.
NERO. She is veiled from sight.
TIGELLINUS. My eyes
Can find her not; she is enwrapped in mist.