dialogue he is continually detaining her._

Have I been kind, this last hour? Say.

AGRIPPINA. Most kind.

NERO. You have no need to go this moment--one
More moment of thee, mother.

AGRIPPINA. You shall see me
To-morrow. Will you cross the bay to me,
Or shall I come to you?

NERO. I'll come to you
To-morrow! Ah! to-morrow! But to-night.
Now let me have you once more in my arms.
[_Detaining her._
Is old Cynisca with you still?

AGRIPPINA. [_Going._] She is.

NERO. Stay, stay, give her this ring: she nursed me.

AGRIPPINA. Yes.
I see you have my amulet.

NERO. O yes.

AGRIPPINA. So bright the night you'll see me all the way
Across the shining water.

NERO. [_Clinging to her._] O farewell!

AGRIPPINA. [_Descends to water._]
Good-night, child! I shall see you then to-morrow.
Already it hath dawned.

NERO. Mother, good-night.

[_Exit_ AGRIPPINA.

TIGELLINUS. [_To crew in barge._]
Strike up the music there, a joyous strain!
And sing, you boatmen; the Augusta comes.

[_Sounds of joyful music are heard, and singing, as the pinnace
puts off with measured beat of oars_.

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!