ACTE. Of late there has been stealing on my mind
A strange hope—a new vision.
POPPAEA. What is this?
ACTE. Do not laugh out at me: a sect despised—
The Christians, tell us of an after life,
A glory on the other side the grave.
If there should be a kingdom not of this world,
A spirit throne, a city of the soul!
POPPAEA. I want no spirit kingdom after death.
The splendid sun, the purple, and the crown,
These I have known, and I am losing them.
ACTE. Yet if the sun, the purple, and the crown
Were but the shadows of another sun,
Splendider—a more dazzling diadem?
POPPAEA. These can I see at least, and feel, and hear.
ACTE. Yes, with a mortal touch that falters now.
POPPAEA. [Sobbing.] O Acte, to be dumb, and deaf, and blind!
ACTE. Or live again with more transcendent sense,
Hearing unchecked, and unimpeded sight.
If we who walk now, then should wing the air,
Who stammer now, then should discard the voice,
Who grope now, then should see with other sight,
And send new eyes about the universe.
POPPAEA. O, this is madness!