OCTAVIA. We will not speak, nor make the smallest sound
To wake him. We must kiss him ere we sleep.
AGRIPPINA. Children, he is in need of some long rest. Go back to bed: your father sleepeth sound.
BRITANNICUS. I will go in to him, I will—and you
Are not our mother. By what privilege
Do you thus interpose yourself between
A father and his children?
AGRIPPINA. Would you then
Trouble him, when to sleep is all he asks?
OCTAVIA. Only a moment! But to see him!
AGRIPPINA. No!
Come softly back to bed! no—no—this way!
Britannicus, with the first peer of light
You shall behold your father; but not now.
So the physician, Xenophon, enjoined me.
Now take Octavia's hand—so, both of you.
[OCTAVIA holds her face to be kissed.
To-night I think I will not kiss you, child.
Good-night, good-night.
[Exit OCTAVIA and BRITANNICUS.
SENECA. How often have I taught
And written, 'Children shall not be beguiled
Even for good ends.' And yet, the single lie
Must, for the general good, be spoken; yet——
[MUSICIANS meanwhile have entered, and are playing dreamy music. AGRIPPINA turns to ASTROLOGER, holding out her arms.
AGRIPPINA. How long till Rome shall greet her Emperor?