e not burst upon us suddenly?
Sir, she must die to-night.

NERO. I'll not attempt
A second time that life the sea restored;
She is too vast a spirit to surprise.
Even Nature stood aloof----
My mother shall be gloriously caged,
Imprisoned in purple and immured in gold.
In some magnificent captivity
Worthy the captive let her day decline.

[_Shouts without: enter_ BURRUS.

BURRUS. Caesar, great news I bring: the Armenian
Lies helpless on Tigranocerta's plain
O'erwhelmed by Corbulo, and the huge host
Dissolved. Armenia lies beneath your feet:
Rome yearns to welcome you.

NERO. To Rome I go
Free-souled and guiltless of a mother's blood,
Resume the accustomed feast, the race, the song,
And I shall be received with public joy
And clamour of congratulating Rome.

[_Great cheering without: exit_ NERO.

[_A pause._

TIGELLINUS. Burrus, she'll strike at us whate'er the cost:
She'll slay the ministers if not the master.

BURRUS. We are both dead unless some sudden scheme--

_Enter_ ANICETUS _at back_

[_Turning._] Here is another doomed as we ourselves.

TIGELLINUS. Ah, Anicetus! Agrippina lives,
And she will launch her vengeance on us three,
But first on you; you first set Nero on--
You first proposed the scheme. You on the sea
Bungled--Now on the land retrieve the error.
To you we look.

_Enter_ POPPAEA _from behind and stands listening_

ANICETUS. My error is repaired
Already. I first heard the Augusta lived,
And instantly despatched a faithful troop
To slay her at her villa o'er the bay.

TIGELLINUS. How shall we know if they have found and slain her?

ANICETUS. All this I have arranged and clearly planned.
If they shall find that she hath fled to Rome,
Hark for one trumpet-call across the bay:
If they have found her at the villa, then
Hark for two trumpet-calls across the bay:
If they have found her and have slain her, then
Hark for three trumpet-calls across the bay!

[_A burst of music without, and sounds of advancing procession._

[_Enter soldiers and satellites, with attendants bearing a litter.
Lastly_ NERO.

TIGELLINUS. Now as a conqueror in triumphant vein
Ride through the thundering ways of risen Rome,
Anticipating the Armenian car.

NERO. [_Ascending litter._]
Set out for Rome! And you, accusing coasts,
Accuse no more. Guiltless I say farewell,