The ninth tragedie of Lucius Anneus Seneca called Octauia. Translated out of Latine into English, by T.N. student in Cambridge

The ninth Tragedie of Lucius Anneus Seneca called Octauia .

Translated out of Latine into English , by T. N. Student in Cambridge .

Imprinted at London , by Henry Denham .

TO THE RIGHT HOnorable , the Lorde Robert Dudley , Earle of Lecester , Baron of Dinghby , of the most royall order of the Garter Knight , one of the Queenes Maiesties most honorable priuie Counsell , and Maister of hir Maiesties Horsse . T. N. wisheth health , with increase of honor and vertue .

AFTER THAT I had waded , right honorable , in the translating of this Tragedy called Octauia , written first in Latine by that notable and sententious Poet Seneca , & desired , as the common custome is , some Patron , that myght both bring aucthoritye to thys my little Booke , and also , if neede should be , defend it from the bitter taunts of enuious tongs , I haue not espied right honourable , any one , either for his bountiful goodnesse towardes my friends ( which commonly men respect ) or else for his fauourable , and gracious humanitie toward schollers ( in whose numbre I am ) vnto whome I might so iustly giue this smal combrous trifle , and especiall token of good wyll , as to your Lordship : whose honourable goodnesse or rather magnificence , both your honours nurcerie of learning , and , as I can boldely say , the vniuersitie of Cambridge , with my pore friends , haue most abundantly tasted of : which your Lordships most honourable curteousnesse , not to recompence in any one iote or tittle therof ( which is not in our small and slender power ) but with a well meaning heart , in some parte to gratefie your honour , I haue among al other most vnmeete , presumed , both to employ my trauayle on this trim Tragedie , before others muche better able , and also to salute your curteous Lordship , with these rude and vnsauorie first fruits of my yong study : most humbly beseching your honor to accept my good will and trauayle .

Your honours to commmaund .

HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE

To the Reader .

IF thou ( gentle Reader ) hast any thing in this small Uolume which may commende vnto thée , the trauaile and paines of the Aucthor of thys Englishe Tragedie , surely I am much the gladder : but if all doe not aunswere thine expectation ( as it muste needes so bèe bycause , there is nothing harder than to please all men ) sith that thou art not priuy to all things , disclose not rashly thy foolish iudgement . If the translating of Latine , or other Bookes of other languages , into our mother tong , doth eyther profite the common wealth , or the wryter at all , do not then condemne the yong sprong writers , if that in all pointes they please not thée which may by the grace of God , through thy gentle and curteous accepting of a little toye , hereafter employ their labour to more serious and weyghty matters , both to their owne commoditie and thy learning , and especially , to the profit of our natiue countrie . Wey therefore wisely , what thy friendly good will may do , not vnto me onely , which am like to doe very little , but vnto others , whose hearts with fauour thou maist easly win , to the vndertaking of greater matters : and then willingly embrace both my good will , and trauaile .

Farewell .

¶ The Argument of the Tragedie OCtauia daughter to prince Claudius grace , To Nero espousde , whome Claudius did adopt ( Although Syllanus first in husbandes place She had receyu'd , whome she for Nero chopt ) Hir parents both , hir Make that should haue bene , Hir husbands present tirannie much more , Hir owne estate , hir case that she was in , Hir brothers death , poore wretch lamenteth sore . Him Seneca doth persuade his latter Loue , Dame Poppie , Crispynes wife that sometime was , And eke Octauias maide , for to remoue . For Senecks counsell he doth lightly passe : But Poppie ioynes to him in mariage rytes . The people wood into his pallace runne , Hir golden fourmed shapes which them sore spytes , They pull to ground : this vprore nowe begunne , To quench , he some to griesly death doth sende . But hir close cased vp in dreadfull barge , With hir vnto Campania coast to wende , A band of armed men , he gaue in charge . ¶ The speakers in this Tragedie . Octauia Nutrix . Chorus Romanorum . Seneca Nuntius . Agrippina Poppea Nero. Praefectus .

¶ The fyrst Sceane . Octauia . NOw that Aurore with glittering streames , The glading starres from skye doth chase , Sir Phoebus pert , with spouting beames , From dewye neast doth mount a pace : And with hys cheerefull lookes doth yéelde , Unto the worlde a gladsome daye . Go to , O wretch , with ample fielde Of heauy cares , oppressed aye , Thy grieuous wonted playntes recount : Doe not alone with syghes and howles , The seaysh Alcyones surmount , But also passe the Pandyon fowles : More irksome is thy state than theirs . O mother deare , whose death by fittes I nyl lament , but styll shedde teares , My grounde of griefe in thée it sittes . If that in shades of darksome denne , Perceyuing sense at all remayne , Heare out at large , O Mother , then , My great complayntes , and grieuous payne . O that immortall Clothos wrist , Had torne in twayne my vitall thredde : Ere I , vnto my griefe , had wist Thy woundes , and face of sanguine redde . O daye , which aye doth mée anoy : Since that tyme , did I more desire , The fearefull darkenesse to enioy , Than Phoebus freshe with faire attire . I haue abode the bitter hest Of stepdame dire , in Mothers place , I haue abode hir cruell brest , Hir stomake stout , and fighting face . She , she for spyte vnto my case , A dolefull , and a graue Eryn , To Bridegromes chamber spousall space , The Stygian flashing flames brought in . And thée , alas , most pitious syre , With traytrous traynes hath shée bereft Of breathing soule with poysoned myre : To whome ere whyle , the worlde all left Unvanquisht from the Ocean Seas , By martiall feates did fréely yelde : And didst subdue with wondrous ease , The Brittaine brutes that fled the felde : Whome liuing at theyr propre swaye , No Romaine power did erst inuade . Now lo ( full well lament I may ) Thy spouse deceyt thy prowes hath lade : And now thy court , and chylde of yore , With homage serue a Tyrants lore .

The seconde Sceane . Nutrix . WHom so the glistering pompe of royall place , With soden sight ynumd doth quite disgrace , Who so at courtly fleeting ebbing blase , Astonied sore , himselfe doth muche amase : Loe sée of late the great , and mighty stocke , By lurking fortunes sodaine forced knocke , Of Claudius quyte subuert and cleane extinct : Tofore , who helde the worlde in his precinct : The Britaine Ocean coaste that long was frée , He rulde at will , and made it to agrée Their Romaine Gallies great for to embrace . Lo he that Tanais people first did chase , And Seas vnknowne to any Romaine wight , With lusty sheering shippes did ouerdight , And safe amyd the sauage freakes did fight , And rufling surging Seas hath nothing dread , By cruell spouses gylt doth lye all dead . Hir sonne lykewise more fiende than Tygre fierce , Of naturall Mother makes a funerall herse . Whose Brother drenched déepe , with poysoned cup Poore Britannick , his senselesse soule gaue vp . Octauia syster , and vnhappy make , Doth sore lament hir case for Britanus sake : Ne can hir ruthfull pyteous sorrow slake , Though Neros wrath do sore constraine hir grace . Shée nill esteemes the secret closset place : But boyling still with equall peysde disdaine , With mutuall hate gainst him doth burne againe . My true and trustye loue , that I do beare , In vaine I sée doth striue to comfort her . Reuenging gréedie griefe doth streight repriue , T' appease hir smarte , the counsell that I giue . Nor flame of worthie brest doth once relent : But heaps of griefe , hir corage do augment . Alas , what griefly déedes for to ensue My feare foreséeth : God graunt it be not true .

The thyrde Sceane . Octauia . Nutrix . O Staggering state , O peerelesse yll : With ease Electra I repeate , And call to minde thy mourning will . With watred eyes , lyke smarting sweate , Thou mightst lament thy father slaine , Still hoping that thy brother might , That deadly déede reuenge agayne . Whome thou O tender louing wight , Didst safely shielde from bloudy foe , And naturall loue did closely kéepe : But Neroes dreaded visage loe , Doth feare me that I dare not wéepe , Nor wayle my parents ruthfull case , By cruell lot to slaughter cought : Ne suffers me this geniall face , To dash with teares , too dearely bought With brothers bloud : who onely was Mine onely hope in all my griefe , And of so many mischieues , as My comforte great , and sole reliefe . Nowe loe reserude for greater care , And to abide more lingring payne , Of noble famous lynage bare , A drouping shade I doe remayne . Nutrix . My Ladies heauy voyce me thought , Within my listning eares gan sounde . And snaylish age in going soft , Unto hir thews is not ybounde . Octauia . O Nurse our dolours witnesse sure , By curroll chéekes dystilling rayne , And heauy hearts complaynt , endure . Nut. Alas what day shall rid of payne , With care your well nie wasted hart ? Oct. That sends this giltlesse ghost to graue . Nut. This talke good Madame set apart . Oct. In rule my state the destnies haue , And not thy prayers , O Matrone iust . Nut. The doune soft easy God shall giue , Your troubled minde , a time , I trust , More swéete than euer you did liue . With feuell faire , as one content , And glosed face , but onely please Your man , and make , he will relent . Oct. The Lion fierce I shall appease , And sooner tame the Tygre stout , Than mankinde tyrants brutish breast . He spites the noble raced route , Contemnes high powers , dysdaynes the least : Ne can well vse that princely wéede , Which venomous parent wrapt him in By huge vnspeakeable griesly déede . Although that wight vnthankfull , grin In Kingly throne , that he doth raigne , Through cruell curssed mothers ayde : Although he pay with death againe So great a gyft , it shall be sayde , And after fates in long spent age , That woman wyght shall haue alway , This eloge yet , and saying sage , That he by hir doth beare the sway . Nut. Let not your ragious minde so walke , But doe compresse your moodie talke .

The fourth Sceane . Octauia . Nutrix . THough much I beare the boiling brest do beate , And tollerably take deuorcements threate , Deathes only deadly dart , I sée an ende , Of all my broyle & pinching payne can sende . What pleasant light to me , O wretch is left , My naturall Mother slayne , and Sire bereft , Of breathing life , by treason , and by gilt : Of Brother eke depriude : with miseries spilt : And wayling ouercome : kept downe with care , Enuied of Make , which I dare not declare . To mayden subiect nowe , and nowe defied : What pleasant light can me , O wretch , abide With fearefull heart suspecting alwayes ought : Bicause I woulde , no wicked déede were wrought : Not that I feare Deathes griesly girning face , God graunt I doe not so reuenge my case ? A better déede to dye : for , to beholde The Tyrantes visage grimme , with browes vprolde , And with soft tender lippes , my foe to kisse , And stande in awe of becks , and noddes of his , Whose will to please , my griefe with cares yfirde , Since brothers death by wicked wyle conspirde , Could neuer once vouchsafe for to sustaine , Lesse griefe to die , than thus to lyue in payne . His Empire Nero rules , and ioyes in bloud : The cause and grounde of death that tirant wood . Howe ofte alas , doth fansie fondly fayne , When slumber swete in pensiue parts doth raygne , And sléepe in eyes , all tyrde , wyth teares doth rest , I apprehende deare Brittans liuely brest ? Ere whyle me thinks , his féeble shiuering hands He fenseth sure , with deadly blasing brands , And fiercely on his brother Neros face , With sturdy stinging strokes , he flyes apace . Ere while thilke wretch recoyleth backe againe , And to my thews for ayde retyres amaine : Him foming foe pursues with hast to haue : And whyle my brother I desire to saue , And in my clasped armes to shield him frée , His goarie bloudyed faucheon kéene , I sée The boysterous raumping fiende to tugge , and hale Through out my shiuering limmes , as ashes pale . Forthwith a mightie trembling chattering quake , From wearie limmes , all souple sléepe doth shake , And makes me , wofull wretch , for to recount , My wailing sobbing sorrowes that surmount . Hereto , put to that gorgeous stately mouse , All glistring bright , with spoyles of Claudius house . His parent deare in bubbling boate did douse . That wicked sonne , this fisking dame to please . Whome yet escaping daungers great of Seas , He fiercer freake than waues that scantly rest , With bloudy blade hir bowels did vnbrest . What hope of health , can me , O wretch , abyde , That after them thilke waye I shoulde not ryde ? My speciall foe , triumphant wise doth weight , With naked nates to presse , by louers sleyght , Our spousall , pure , and cleane vnspotted bed : Gainst whome , she burns , with deadly foode bloud red . And , for a meede of filthy strumpets sport , She causeth Make from spouse for to diuort . O auncient Syre , steppe forth from Limbo lake , Thy daughters heauie troublous cares to slake : Or your twygated hellysh porche vnfolde , That down through gaping ground I may be rolde . Nutrix . O pitious wretch , in vaine , alas in vaine Thou calst vpon thy fathers senselesse sprite : In whome , God wotte , there doth no care remaine Of mortall broode , that here doth take delight . Shall he , thinke you , asswage your sorie chéere , Or shape you forth some sleight , t' appall your paine , That could preferre , before his Brittan déere , T'imperiall throne , a straunge begotten swaine ? And with incestiall loue benummed quyte His brother Germanicks daughter that could plyght , And ioyne to him in solemne mariage rites , With wofull , and vnluckye louers lightes ? Here sprang the roale of great , Here beastly venomous slaughter gan to sweate , Here wylie treasons traines appeared first , Here rules desyre , and brutyshe bloudie thirst . Sillanus first Prince Claudius sonne in lawe , A bloudye mangled offring fall we sawe , That in your graces Hymaeneal bedde , Y matcht with you , he might not couche his hedde . O monstrous slaughter , worthy endlesse blame : In steade of gift vnto that wanton dame , A Carcasse colde poore soule , and curelesse corse , Sillane was giuen against his will perforce . And falsly then attacht of traytors cryme As one conspyring death in Claudius tyme , With lothsome streakes spewde out vpon the wall , He all bedasht your fathers princely hall . Eft stepped into seruile Pallace stroke , To filthie vices lore , one easlye broke . Of Diuelishe wicked witte this Princocks proude : By stepdames wyle prince Claudius Sonne auoude . Whome deadely damme did bloudie match ylight : And thée , against thy will , for feare did plyght . Through which successe this Dame of corage fine , Durst venture , mighty Ioue to vndermine . Who can so many cursed kindes report Of wicked hopes , and actes , in any sort , Or such a womans glosed guyles can name , That raumpes at rule , by all degrées of shame ? Then holy sacred zeale put out of grace , Hir stagring steppes , directed forth apace . And stern Erinnis in with deadly steps , To Claudius Court , all desert left yleps . And with hir dririe drakes of Stygian fort , Hath quite distainde the sacred princely port . And raging riuen in twaine both natures lore , And right to wrongs misseshapen fourme hath tore . That hautie minded dame first gaue hir make , A deadely poysoned cup , his thyrst to slake . Straight wayes againe through vyle vnkindly touch , Hir Nero causde with him in hell to couch . And thée , vnhappy Britt , in all that broyle , Till that of breath , and lyfe he did dispoyle , Thilk gréedie bloudie tyraunt neuer stent : Whose dolefull death , for aye we may lament . Ere whyle , vnto the worlde the starre that shone , And was the staye of princely court alone , Now loe , light ashes easly pufte aforne , And griesly goast to graue with Torche yborne . Whome blessed Babe , thy stepdame did lament : Nor from hir gusshing teares , did scarce relent , When as shee gaue eche trimme appointed parte , And goodly portraide limmes with natures arte , Of flaming stacke to be deuoured quite , And sawe the scortching feruent fyre in sight Thy naked ioynts to rauyne vp a pace And like the flittering God thy comely face . Oct. Dispatch he me least with this hande he fall . Nut. That power you , nature graunted not at all . Oct. But wondrous dolor , great and wrathfull yre , And miseries will it graunt without desyre . Nut. Nay rather cause your angry moody make , With souple chéere his fury for to slake . Oct. What , that he will by guylte once slaine before , Aliue againe my brother mée restore ? Nut. Nay , safe that you may liue and issue beare : Your fathers auncient court for to repaire . Oct. That court doth wayte another broode they say . And poore Britts death tugges me another way . Nut. Yet let the cities loue vnto your grace , Your troubled minde confirme but for a space . Oct. Their mindes so prest to pleasure me , I knowe Great comfort bring : but do not slake my woe . Nut. Of mightie power the people haue bene aye . Oct. But princes force doth beare the greater sway . Nut. He will respect his lawfull wedded wyfe . Oct. Hys minion braue can not so leade hir lyfe . Nut. Of no man she estéemde . Oct. But deare to make . Nut. She can not truely yet of wyfehoode crake . Oct. Ere long shée shall a mother eke be made . So farre therein I dare most boldly wade . Nut. His youthfull heate at first in filthy loue , With lusty , crusty pangs doth boyle aboue : Thylke corage quickly coolde in lust apace As vapour sone extinct in flame , giues place . But holy , louing , chaste vnspotted spouse , Hir loue endureth aye with sacred vowes . That wanton first that there durst couch hir hed , And tumbling stayned quite your spousall bed , And being but your mayde hath ruled long , Hir soueraigne Lorde , with beauties grace bestong , That pranked Paramour pert shal croutch with pain , When she your grace shall sée preferd againe . For Poppie subiect is , and méeke of spright , And now begins hir goastly tombs to dight : Whereby she closely graunting doth bewray , Hir secret hidden feare eche other day . That swift , vnconstant , double wynged lad , With cloute , before his blinded eyes , yclad , That fickle brayned God , th' vnhappy boy , Shall leaue hir in the midst of all hir ioy : Although for beautie bright the bell shée beare , And goodly glistring garments new shée weare , And now do vaunt hir selfe in gorgeous géere , Shée shall not long enioy this gladsome chéere . Be not dismayde , Madame , for such like paine , The quéene of Gods was forced to sustaine , When to eche pleasaunt shape the heauenly guyde , And syre of Gods yturnde , from skyes dyd glyde . The swannes white wings , to se how they could fadge He did on him , and cuckoldes bullysh badge . That God shone bryght in golden raynie showre , To Danaes brest through top of fortred towre . The twinckling starres , the twins of Laeda bright , Whome Pollux some , and Castor call aright , In large and ample space of starry scope , With cristall glimmering faces shyne wide ope . An Semeles sonne , whome Bacchus we do call , In heauenly byrthright doth himselfe ystall . And , Hercules that puissant champion stoute , His sturdy brawnes his Hebe wyndes aboute . Nor once regardes how goddesse Iuno fare : Whose lowring stepdame nowe she is yframde , That whyle on earth his prowes he did declare , Against that mariage , aye , was sore inflamde . Yet loe hir wise , and closely couched gréefe , Debonaire face , obeysaunce to hir léefe , Causde him , at length his minde for to remoue , Through mortall féeres estraungde from Iunos loue . And nowe that mighty heauenly goddesse great , No more adred of mortall strumpets feat , Aloft alone in clowdy bowre contents The thundering Lorde which now to hir relents . Nor now with earthly ladyes beawtie bright Y fired , leaues his starry specked right . Now Madame , sith on earth your powre is pight , And haue on earth quéene Iunos princely place , And sister are , and wife to Neros grace , Your wondrous restlesse dolours great appease . Oct. Nay , sooner shall the roaring frothy seas , And mounting , flashing flawes ymatch the skie , And smoking , stiffling parching fyer drye , With danckish pooles agrée , and watrie fenne . And griefly Plutos filthie feltred denne , With starbright heauen shall sooner coupled bée , And shining light , with glomie shades agrée , And with the cleare drye daye , the dewy night , Than vnto seruile lore of husband wyght , That brutishwise in bloud takes his delight , My heauy wofull mynd can I addresse , Whyle brothers death my heart doth still possesse . O that of heauenly powers the prince , and syre , That shogges & shakes the earth , with thundering fyre And , with his wondrous fearefull , curssed crackes , And straunge misseshapen monsters which he makes , Our fearefull musing mindes doth sore amase , Would coyne some curelesse burning wyldefyre blase , To pelt , and pashe with thumpping fyer bright , That diuelish pate , that cruel curssed wyght . We saw from heauen , with beames forthshooting farre , Doubtlesse a dreadfull hearie , blasing starre : That spouted forth a mortall fyerie flake , Whose force a princes bloude can onely slake : Euen where that hayting carman sloe Boote With chilling colde all starck , of frosen pole , Doth guide aright Charles whirling running rote , In steade of nyght that neuer away doth role . Loe , now the open ayre in euery streate , With doggish tyrantes breath , is poysoned quite , And dreadfull starres soone sodayne death doth threate . To people , rulde by wicked Neros sprite . So sterne a freake , or mankinde tyrant stout , Not Tellus with the Gods displeasde brought out , When mightie Ioue neglected , she vphorlde , Huge , vgly , monstrous Typhon to the worlde . A sorer plague , a cleaner scouring scourge , With bloudye pawes that cities bounds doth purge , Is Nero dyre , this cruell , curssed wyght , That doth him selfe gainst God , and man ydyght : And thrusts from sacred shrynes , their quiet port , And goodly temples gaye , the sancted sort : That cities dwellers puts from countries fort : That hath bereft his brother of his lyfe , And launcht his mothers sides with goarie knyfe : Yet doth this present lightsome day enioy , And leades his lyfe , that doth vs sore anoy . O father of heauen , in vain why doest thou throwe Thy great vnvanquisht ratling thunder blowe Upon the whistling woods , and ample seas , With force of princely power thy wrath t' appease ? On such an hurtfull , and pernicious freake , Thy due and iust conceaued yre to wreake . Why stay thy mightie puissaunt braunes so long , Ere thou fling downe , thy ratling cracking throng ? O Lorde that Nero once might paye the pryce , Of all his diuelish déedes , and euery vyce , Th' whole wide worlds tirant stern , where he a stroke Doth beare : which he ouerlades with burdnous yoke : Of princely syre yborne , but doth defame , With beastely manners vyle his princely name : Oct. Unworth he is , your spousall chamber place : But yet your destnies force , you must imbrace : And well , abyde your fortunes crooked race : Nor moue vnkindly Neros gauly yre . One daye perchaunce , there wil , as I desyre , Some God reuenge your lamentable case : And once , I trust , a gladsome daye shall be , When you shall ioy a freshe in wonted place . Oct. Ah , no , now , long this court alas , we see With heauie wrath of Gods displeased yre Hath ouercharged bene : which Venus dyre With Messalinas monstrous , ramping lust , She first hath brought adown into the dust . Who madly maryed to prince Claudius grace , But little myndefull then of that same case , And not regarding much th' appointed payne , With curssed cressets maryed once agayne . To which vnlucky ' incestuall bridall bed , That drosell dyre that furious slut Erin , With hanging haire about hir hellish hed , And gyrt with snakes with deadly step went in . And flaming broandes from spousall chamber cought , In both their blouds ybathde , hath quentched cleane : And hath incenst prince Claudius burning thought , In bloudy thratling stroke to passe all meane . My mother first of wretches all the most , With strype of deadly sworde gaue vp hir gost . And nowe extinguisht quite left me forlorne , With dolours pyning pangs and mourning worne . And after hir in hellishe teame doth hayle , Unto the senslesse soules of Plutos iayle Hir make , and Britannick hir sonne that way : And first this ruinous courte did she betray . Nut. Let be , Madame , with teares your face to dight : Ne so renewe your bitter wayling iust : Ceasse troubling now , your parentes pyteous spright , That payed hath the price of raging lust .

The fift Sceane . Chorus . GOd graunt the talke we heard of late , To rashly trusted euery where , And blowne abrode through eche estate , No badge of truth , that it may beare . And that no freshe espoused dame , Our princes thews doe enter in , But that Octauia kéepe the same . And that the séede of Claudius kin , May once bring forth some pledge of peace : That to the worlde rest may redowne , And wrangling strife may easly cease , And Rome retayne hir great renowne . The péerlesse princesse Iuno hight , Hir brothers wedlocke yoke retaynes : Why is Augustus sister bright , Where like betrouthed league remaynes , From stately pompe of court reiect ? What doth deuoutnesse hir auaile ? To saincted syre , who hath respect ? What doth hir Virgins life preuaile ? And , Claudius now in ground ylayed , Euen we to much vnmindefull bée : Whose worthy stem we haue betrayed Through feare , that made vs to agrée . In brest our elders did embrace , The perfect Romaine puissaunce , The true vnstained worthy race , And bloude of Mars they did aduaunce . The proude , and lofty stomackt traine Of lustie hautie minded kings , They could not suffer to remaine Within this noble Cities wyngs . And iustly they reuengde thy death , O virgin chaste , Virginia pure , Depryude by syre of vitall breath , That bondage thou mightest not endure . And that his shamelesse brutishe lust , So good a méede might not enioy : Although by filthie force vniust Thy chastitie he would anoy . Thée likewise whome thine owne right hande , With sworde did pearce Lucretia true , Who tyrants rape couldst not withstand , Did bloudie broyles and warres ensue . And with thy proude disdainefull make Lorde Tarquin ympe of curssed séede , Correction due doth Tullia take For hir vnkindly shamelesse déede . Who on hir fathers mangled corse , To mischiefe bent , and wicked bane , The carman she to driue did force , His cruell brusing wombling wane . And quyte against all natures lawe , Euen from hir owne dismembred syre , The sacred rytes shée did withdrawe , Denaying wonted buriall fyre . This griefe or woful age doth féele , Through monstrous act against all kynde , When as in deadly craftye kéele , To Tyrrhen seas , and wrastling wynde , The proude presuming prince did put , His mother trapt in subtill sorte . The maryners appointed cut , The swelling seas from pleasaunt porte . The clash resoundes with stroke of ores , The ship , out launcht , a pace doth spin , In surging froth aloofe from shores , And ample course of seas doth win . Which glyding forth with leusned planks , In pressed streames with peised weight , The riftes do open closed cranks , That hidden were , with secret sleight : And gulpeth vp the leaking waue : The wofull , roring noyse , and crye , With womans shryks themselues to saue , Doe reache , and beate the starrie skye . Then griesly present death doth daunce Before their eyes with pyning chéekes : Whose deadly stroke and heauy chaunce For to auoyde , then eche man séekes : On ryuened rybs some naked lye , And cut the beating waues in twayne : And some their skilfull swymming trye , To get vnto the shore agayne . The greatest part that sayled there , By destnies dyre to men prefixt , In whirling swallowes drowned were , The brinks of seas and grounde betwixt . Quéene Agryppine hir garments rendes , She teares hir ruffled locks of heare , Abundant blubbring teares she spendes , Through déepe distresse of fainting feare . Who , when no hope of health she spies , Enflamde with wrath , which woes appeasde , O sonne , for so great gyftes , she cryes , Hast thou with such rewarde me pleasde ? This kéele I haue deserued sure , That bare and brought thée first to light : Who empyre witlesse did procure , And Cesars title for thy right . Shew forth thy fearefull spritish face , O Claudius now from Limbo lake , And of thy wife in wretched case , Reuenge and due correction take . Thy death I causelesse did conspyre , Which now I rue with wofull hart : I dressed eke a funerall fyre , Into thy sonne by deadly smart . Loe , now as I deserued haue , Untomde go to thy guiltlesse goast , Enclosde in seas in steade of graue , And wrestling waues of Romaine coast . The flasshing flawes do flap hir face , And on hir speaking mouth do beate , Anone shée synkes a certaine space , Depressed downe with surges greate : Anone shée fléetes on weltring brim , And pattes them off with tender handes : Through fainting feare then taught to swim , Approching death , and fates withstandes . At length on troubled seas displayde , Shée giuing ouer working vaine , And tyrde with streames is weary layde , Not able toyling strength to straine . In close , and secret silent brestes Of mates with hirto sea that yode , In whome no feare of death there restes , True faith vnto their quéene abode . Their ladies weather heaten lyms To helpe some fréely venter dare , Some in the coombrous waters swyms , And desperate daunger do not spare . With cheerfull voyce they comfort hir , Though drawlyng draggling lims she drewe , To lyft hir vp with helpe they stirre , And nummed corps to strength renewe . What bootes it thée the death to shonne Of roaring raging rauening waues , From deadly sworde of wycked sonne , Alas poore wretch thée nothing saues ? Whose huge and heinous curssed rage , Against all course of natures lore , Our after slow beléeuing age , Will scarce beléeue it done before . The diuelish man repynde with griefe When he his mother saued sawe , From swallowing seas haue safe reléefe And that she vitall breath did drawe , He grudgde with griefe : and in his heate , He huger mischiefe heapes to thys : He doth not once delay his feate , But hedlong rashly caried is Upon her death . A souldiour sent , Dispatcheth that he had in charge , His ladies brest his blade doth rent : Shée yéelding vp hir soule at large , From wretched corps for to entomb Hir slaughter man , she then besought , That bloudy blade within her womb , That first this woe to hir had brought , This , this accurssed breast ( ꝙ shée ) Which this vnkindly monster bare , From pinching paine may not be frée : Digge , slash the same , no mischief spare . When this with foultring tong was saide , At last hir sad and trembling goast , With latter sobbing sighes , vnstayde , Through goryd woundes leaues vitall coast .

The second Act.

The fyrst Sceane . Seneca . IN me with like consent , why didst thou smyle , With glosed lookes deluding mee a whyle , O fortune much of might & princely powre ? To lift alofte to noble royall bowre ? To th' ende that I to honours court extolde From stately seate might haue the greater fall , And rownde about in euery place beholde , Such dreadfull , threating daungers to vs all ? I safer lay aloofe from enuies knockes , Remou'd among the craggy corsick rockes : Where as my minde there frée at propre swaye , With leysure did repeate my studies aye . A gladsome ioy alone it was to viewe , And earnestly to marke the heuens so blewe : And sacred Phoebus double whéeled wayne : And eke the worldes swift whyrling motion mayne . The Sunne so euen his second course to kéepe : And Phebes glyding globe so swiftly swéepe : Whom wondrous starting starres encompasse round . And to beholde , that shines in euery stound , The glystring beawtie bright of welkin wyde : Than which in all the worlde , nothing besyde , Of all this huge and endlesse worke , the guyde , More wondrous , nature , framde that I espyde . For all the bumping bygnesse it doth beare , Yet waxing olde is like againe to weare , And to be chaungde to an vnwyldie lumpe . Now prest at hand this worldes last day doth iumpe , With boystrous fall , and tumbling rush of skie , To squease , and make this curssed kinde abie . That springing once againe , it may yéelde out , An other straunge renued vertuous route . As once before , it did , new sprong againe , What time Saturnus held his golden raigne . That blamelesse , chaste , vnspotted virgin cléere , A goddesse much of might , clept Iustice heere , With sacred sooth sent downe from heauenly space , At ease on earth did rule the mortall race . That people plaine knew not of warlick feates , Nor trembling trumpets tune , that rends , & beates , The souldiours eares : nor chasshing armour bright , That warring wyghts defend in field , and fight . Nor wonted was with walles to raumpire rounde , Their open Cities set in any stounde . To eche man passage free lay opened than : Nothing there priuate was to any man . And then the ground it selfe , and fertile soyle , Hir fruitfull bosome baarde all voyde of toyle , Into such bounden barus , a Matron good , And peaceable vnto so iuste a broode . But then , an other second race arose , Perceyued not to be so méeke as those . A third more wise , and witty sort vp starts , Of nature forged fit t' inuent new arts : As yet vnspotted quite with filthy vice . Soone after tho , they raundge with new deuice , That boldly venture dare in scudding race , Vnweldie beasts for to pursue apace . And mighty weying , struggling fisshes great , With watrie coates yclad , with fisshers feat , With net in window wise draw forth : and stréeke With craft of quill , the nibbling fysshes chéeke . And silly byrdee begylde with pyning traine : And light foote déere , for lyfe that fling amaine In tangling gins entrapt , that safely holde . And sturdy scouling visagde buls controlde , On flesshie fillet necks , make weare the yoake : And erth ere that vngrubbed vp that broake : Which then turnde vp , with plowmans shining share , In sacred bosome déepe , hir fruits kept thare . But now this age much worse than all the rest , Hath lept into hir mothers broken brest : And rustye lumpishe yron , and massie golde , Hath digged out , that was quite hidde with molde . And fighting fists haue armde without delaye : And drawing forth their bonds for rule to staye , Haue certayne seuerall ioyly kingdoms made , And cities new haue raside now rulde with blade , And fenseth , eyther with their propre force Straunge stounds , or them assaults , the which is worse . The starrie specked virgine floure of skyes , Which Iustice hight , that guiltie folke discries , Now lightlie estéeme e of mortall people here , Ech erthly stound is fled , and comes not néere The sauage manuerd rout , and beastly rude , With dabbed wrists in goarie bloud embrued . The great desyre of grieflie war is sprong : And raping thurst of gold , it is not yong . Throughout the world , a mightie monstrous vice , Fowle , filthie , monstrous iust hath got the price , A pleasaunt tickling plague : whome longer space , And errour déepe haue fostred vp a pace . The heaps of vice , ●…akte vp in yeares long past , Abounding flowe in these out dayes at last . And this same troublous tyme , and combrous age , Oppresseth all men sore , both yong and sage . Wherein those wicked waies that be , do raigne , And cruell , raumping woodnesse boyles againe . Lust strong in filthie touch , doth beare a swaye : And princes , ryot , now doth catch awaye With gréedie pawes , to bring it to decaye , Th' whole worlds vncredible welth , without delay , But loe , which staggring steps where Nero flings , And visage grim , I feare what newes he brings .

The second Sceane , of the second Act. Nero. Prefectus . Seneca . DIspatch with spéede , that we commaunded haue : Go , send forthwith some one , or other slaue , That Plautius cropped scalp , & Sillas eke , May bring before our face : go some man seke . Prefectus . I nill protract your noble graces hest : But to their camps to goe am ready prest . Seneca . Gainst lynage , nought should rashly pointed be . Nero. A light thing 't is for to be iust , I sée For him , whose hart is voyd of shrinking feare . Se. A soueraigne salue for feare , is for to beare , Your selfe debonair to your subiects all . Ne. Our foes to slea , a chefetaines vertue call . Se. A worthier vertue 't is , in countries syre , His people to defend with sword , and fyre . Ne. It well beséems such aged wights , to teach , Unbrideled springolls yong , and not to preach , Both to a man , and prince of ryper yeares . Se. Nay rather frolick youthfull bloud appeares , To haue more néede of counsell wise , and graue . Ne. ( This age sufficient reason ought to haue . ) Se. That heauenly powers your doings may alow . Ne. A madnesse 't were to Goddes for me to bow , When I my selfe can make such Goddes to be : As Claudius nowe ycounted is we se. Se. So much the more , bycause so much you may . Nc. Our power permits vs all without denay . Se. Giue slender trust to fortunes flattering face : She topste turuie turnes hir whéele a pace . Ne. A patch he is that knoweth not what he may . Se. A princes prayse I counted haue alway , To do that same which with his honor stood , Not that which frantike fansie counteth good . Ne. If that I were a mecock , or a slouch , Eche stubborne , clubbish daw woulde make mée couch . Se. And whome they hate with force they ouerquell . Ne. Then , dynt of sworde the prince defendeth well . Se. But faith more sure defence doth seeme to me . Ne. Full méete it is that Caesar dreaded be . Se. More méete of subiects for to be belou'd . Ne. From subiects mindes feare must not be remou'd . Se. What so by force of armes you do wring out , A grieuous worke it is to bring about . Ne. Well hardly then our will let them obay . Se. Will nothing then but that which well you may . Ne. We will decrée what we shall best suppose . Se. What peoples voyce doth ioyntly bynde or lose , Let that confirmed stand . Ne. Swordes bloudy dynt Shall cause them else at me to take their hynt . Se. God shéeld , and far that fact from you remoue . Ne. What then , why Seneck do you that approue , That we contemnde , despysde , and set at nought , With fynger put in hole ( full wysely wrought ) Our bodyes bloude to seke should them abide , That they might vs sometime destroy vnspide ? Their natiue country boundes to bannisht bée , Nor Plautius brest nor Syllas eke we sée Hath broke , or tamde : whose cankred churlish yre , Shapes bloudy freakes to quench our bodies fyre . And chiefly when these trayterous absent clownes , Such wondrous fauour finde in cities bownes , Which those same exiles lingring hope doth féede : Suspected foes with sworde we will out wéede . And so Octauia shall that ioyly dame , Continue after them their bloudy game . And wend that way her nowne white brother went , Such hye mistrusted things must néedes be bent . Se. It is , O prince , a worthy famous thing , Amyds redoubted Lordes alone to ring : And wisely worke your countries praise to saue : And well your selfe to captiue folke behaue : From cruell brutish slaughter to abstaine : And voyde of moode to wreake your angry paine : And , to the worlde a quiet calme to giue , That all your age in peace their liues may liue . This is a Princes praise without all cryme : This is the path to heauen whereby we clyme . So is Augustus prince and father cald Of country first , in starbright throne ystald . Whome as a God in minsters we adorne , Yet troublous fortune tossed him beforne , A great while long on lands , and ruffling seas , Vntyll his fathers foes he could appease , And through wars diuers course could quel them quite . To you did fortune yelde hir power , and might , And raynes of rule without all bloud , and fyght . And to your beck both land , and seas hath bent . Grim deadly enuy daunted doth relent . The Senate Lordes gaue place with frée consent : The battaylous route of knightes with willing hearts ( That same decre from sager syres departes ) Vnto the lay mens choyse doe well agrée . Your grace the spring of peace they count to be . And chosen Iudge , and guyde of mortall stock . Your grace , your countries sacred syre , doth rock , And rule with princely gorgeous tytle bryght , The cyrcled worlde in rundell wysely ydight . Which myghty mounting name to kéepe so great , This noble city Rome , doth you entreate : And doth commend vnto your royall grace , Hir liuely lyms in charge for your lyues space . Ne. The gyft of Goddes it is , as we discus , That Rome with Senate sort doth honour vs . And that the feare of our displeasure great , From cankred enuious stomaks maketh sweat Both humble talke , and supplications méeke . And were not feare all these would be to seeke . Vnweldy , combrous cities members ill , That prince , and cuntrie both doe seeke to spill , To leaue alyue ( which swell , and puffed bée , Bycause of lynage greate , and hye degree ) What madnesse meere is it when as we may , Euen with a word , such freakes dispatch away ? Sir Brutus stern , his brawns and armes did dight . His soueraigne liege to slayne by force and might , That erst had holpen him , and giuen him health , And had endued him with princely wealth . In brunt of raging war , vndaunted out , That vanquisht many people strong , and stout , Prince Cesar , mateht , by great degrées of power . To Ioue , in stately chayre of starrie bower , By diu'lish citizens wicked wyle , was slayne . What store of bloudie , stiffling streames on molde Did tattred Rome , of hir owne lims , behold ? He by his noble vertues worthy praise , Whome peoples common brute to heauen doth raise , August , among the Gods ysaincted well , How many noble brests did he compell , How many springolds yong , and hoarie heds , Eche where disperst , to ligge in moulded beds ? How many men did he bereaue of breth , Tofore proscript , that were condemnd to death ? When for the griesly feare of deadly dart , From propre home they were constraind to part , And flye Octauius force , and Lepidus might , And not abyde sterne Marke Antonius sight , Which then the ample worlde at once did guyde , That into kingdomes thrée they did deuide . To dumpish sadded syres , with heauy chéere , Their childerns griesly cropped pates appéere , Hong out beforne the Senates iudgement seat , For eche man to beholde in open streat : Ne durst they once lament their piteous case , Nor inward séeme to morne to Claudius face . The market stead , with bloud from bodies spued , And lothsome mattrie streames , is all embrued : And , quite throughout , their faces foule arayde The pitcous gubs of bloud drop downe , vnstayde . Nor here did this same slaughterous bloudshed stay : Phyllips , Pharsalia gastly fields eche day The cromming rauening foules , and cruell beasts , Long fed , with gobbets bigge of manly breasts . Beside all this , the coast he scoured quyte Of Sicill sea , and ships to warre yoyght With force of armes did win : and hauock made Of propre subiects , slaine with his owne blade . The rundle round of lands with mightie maine Of noble chieftaines stroake , reboyles againe . Antonius ouercome in nauale fight , To Egipt poasts in ships preparde to flight : Not looking long to liue , nor hoping life . Incestuous Egipt ( through Antonius wife ) That worthy Romaine princes bloud , did sucke : And couerd lye their goasts with durtie mucke . Long wicked , waged ciuile warre , there stayed , In Marke Antonius graue , with him ylayed . Augustus at the last , of conquest great His dulled swords , that wounded soules did beat In peaceable sheaths reposde , hath layde at rest : And feare doth rule , and guide his kingdome best . By readie force of armes at all assayes , And Captaynes sayth he shéeldes himselfe alwayes : Whome now his sonnes most worthy vertues prayse , To heauen a consecrated God doth rayse , And causeth all , in Churches for to place The sacred Picture of prince Claudius grace . And vs , the starrie raigne of Gods shall byde If first , with dreadfull sword about vs wyde , We wype away , what so our person staine : And found our court with worthy stem againe . Se. Your noble spouse , sprong forth of saincted péere , Of Claudius stock , the starbright Diamond cleere , That goddesse Iuno wise hir brothers bed Partaking , pressed downe with buttocks red , Your graces princely court shall garnish gay , With wondrous heauenly faire descended stay . Ne. Incestuous maried dames , from stock , and stem , Detract all hope , that we should haue of them . Nor vs , could she once loue , that we could sée , Nor with our person once at all agrée . Se. In tender budding yeres , when loue supprest With blusshing , hydes the flames of burning brest , Scant plaine appeares the loue they beare in déede . Ne. Thus we our selfe with hope in vaine did féede : Although vndoubted signes , as body wryed , And frowning lookes , which we haue oft espyed , Hir spitefull , hating stomack did bewray Which shee doth beare , whome duety byndes t' obay . Which yet at last , bigge , boyling , gréeuous paine With death determinde hath t' auenge againe . We haue found out , for byrth , and beauties grace A worthy make , for such an Empresse place : To whome , that louely goddesse , Venus bright , And mightie Ioue his spouse that Iuno hight , And goddesse fierce in boysterous warlike artes , Giues place for bodies séemely portraid partes . Se. Faith , meekenesse , maners mylde , & hashfull shame Of spouse , those ought an husbande to reclame . The perls of iudging minde , alone remaine , Not subiect once to any rulers raigne . The passing pryde of beawties numming grace Eche day appals , and bleamisheth a pace . Ne. What praises woman wights haue in them closde ? All those , in hir alone hath God reposde . And such a péerelesse péere , the guides of life , The destnies would haue borne to be our wife . Se. O noble prince such blinde , unlawfull loue , ( Do rashly credit nought ) from you remoue . Ne. Whom Ioue can not repell that rules the clouds , And pearcing raging flouds , therein him shrouds , And raungeth through the raigne of Plutos pit , And pulleth down in welkin hie that sit The mightie powers of heauen , the God of loue ? And can I then his force from me remoue ? Se. Swift winged loue , mens fanste fond , in vaine A mercy wanting God to be , doth fame : And armes his hands with wounding weapons kéene And bowes with burning bronds , for louers gréene : Of Venus to be sprong , they all accord , And blyndly forgde , of thunders limping Lorde . Bland loue the minds great torment sore , appeares , And buddeth first , in frollick youthfull yeares . Who , while we drinke of fortunes pleasaunt cup , With laysie pampring ryot , is nestled vp : Whome if to foster vp , you leaue at length It fleting , falles away with broken strength . This is , in all our life , as I suppose The greatest cause , how pleasure , first arose . Which sith mankinde by brooding , bydeth ayt , Through gladsome loue , that fierce wilde beasts doth sway It neuer can , from manly breast depart . Ne. This selfe same God , I wish with all my harte The wedlock lights to beare before our grace , And fasten Poppie , sure , in our bed place . Se. The peoples griefe might neuer yelde to it : Nor vertue can , the same at all , permit . Ne. Shall I alone to do , forbidden bée , That euery patch may do ? that gréeueth mée . Se. No tryfling toyes , the people lookes to haue Of him , that ought to rule with wisedome graue . Ne. It pleaseth vs , with daunted power , to trye , If peoples rashe conceyued rage , will flye . Se. Seeke rather for to please , and calme their mood . Ne. Ill ruled is that raigne where people wood , Their subiect prince doth weld , as they thinke good . Se. When nought that they require they can obtaine , They iustly then agrieued are againe . Ne. That gentle prayers can not win with ease , By force to wring it out , it doth vs please . Se. An hard thing 't is the people not to haue That of their Prince , which they do iustly craue . Ne. And horrible 't is a Prince to be constraind . Se. Let not your subiects then so sore be raind . Ne. Why then the common brute abroade wil be . How that the people haue subdued mee . Se. That no man trusts , that is of credit light . Ne. Be it so , yet many it marks with deadly spight . Se. With countrie péeres to meddle , it is afraid . Nc. To quippe and frump , 't is nothing lesse dismaid . Se. Your grace may easly couch that budding brute . Let saincted syres deserts with pliant sute , Your graces mynde , remoue : let spouses age , And curteous bashfull shame disrump your rage . Ne. Leaue off , I say , that we entend , to grutch . For now your talke , our patience moueth much : I pray you let it lawfull be to do , That Seneck giueth not aduise vnto . And we , our peoples wishes do defer , While Poppie féele in wombling womb to ster , The pledge of faithfull loue to me , and her . Why do we not appoint the morrowe next , When as our mariage pompe may be context ?

The third Act.

The fyrst Sceane . Agrippina . THrough paunch of riuened earth , from Plutos rain With goastly steps , I am returnd again . In writhled wrists that bloud do most desyre , Forguiding wedlock vile , with Stygian fyre . Let Poppie 〈◊〉 these tressets coupled sure , Vnto my soune be ioynde in mariage pure : Whome mothers griefe , and hand reuenging wracks , Shall send with heaue and hoe , to funerall stacks . I alwayes doe remember well beneath , Where piteous , ghostly , crauling souls doe breath , Th' vnkindly , slaughterous déede , which to our spright Yet vnreuengde , is gréeuous , and of ryght . And , for the good I did , a cruell pryse , That deadly framed ship in crafty wise : And due reward , that he gaue me agayne , For helping him to rule of Empyres raigne : And eke that night , when as I did bewayle , Both lesse of ship , wherin we then did sayle , And mates vnhappy beath : and while I thought , For this accursed díede , to haue besought The Gods , to trickling teares he gaue scant tyme , But twice encreased hath his diuelish crime . Quyte slaine with sword , thrust through my bodies bosids And filthie layed through goarie mattring ing wounds , Deliuered safe , from seas deuouring ing sup , In antique court , my goast I yeelded vp . Nor yet his cancred , and vnfatiate hate , For all this bloud , doth Nero once abate . That tyrant dyre doth rage at mothers name , And séeketh wayes , my déedes for to defame . Who threating death to them that doe withstand , My shapes he dingeth downe , in euery land : My princely tyties large he scrapeth out In euery place , the whole wyde worlde about , Which my unluckie parents loue did giue , To much vnto my payne , while I did liue , Vnto a boy to guyde , which nowe I rue . My poysoned Make , my ghost doth oft pursue : And in my face , with burning bronds , doth flye . He stayes a space with earnest talke hard by , And threatneth sore , and doth impute his death And tombe he should haue had , to me beneath . And now desyres to haue some factious wight , That dare dispoyle my sonne of breathing spright . Let be , you shall haue one to worke this crime , I do require no long delaied time . Reuenging sprit Erin , a death doth coyne , Of life , that wicked tyrant , to purloyne . Sore smarting leaden strypes , and shamefull flyght , And pyning panges , with thurst and hunger dyght : That Tantalus spungelyke thurstie mouth befurd , And Sisyphus toyle shall passe , and Tityus burd , And Ixions painefull , wombling whéele about , That teareth all his bodies parts throughout . Although that tyrant proud and scornefull wyght , His court with marble stone do strongly dyght , And princelike garnish it with glistring gold : Though troupes of souldiours shielded sure , vphold Their chieftaines princely porch : & though yet still The world drawne drye with taskes euen to his will , Great heapes of riches yéelde them selues to saue , Although his bloudie helpe , the Parthians craue , And kingdomes bring , and goods all that they haue , The time , and day shall come , when as he shall Forlorne , and quite vndone , and wanting all , Vnto his curssed déedes , his life , and more , Vnto his foes , his baared throat restore . Alas , vnto what end is all my paine , Or in what case , do now my vowes remaine ? Whereto doth now thy rage , and destnies spyte Draw thée , O sonne , with braine benummed quyte ? That to such monstrous heaps of ylls thy dame ( Whom thou , with curssed mischiefe ouercame ) Hir wrath should yéeld ? O that , ere to the light A sucking babe I brought thée forth in sight , And fed thée fyne with pappe , as princely borne , The fierce , wylde , sauage beasts had rent and torne My wombe , and bloudie entrells all beforne . Without all cryme , and wanting reasons pryde , Mine owne déere dandling childe thou shouldst haue dyde . And fastned sure to me shuldst aye beholde , The quiet place , where ghostlie soules be rolde : And sée thy graund syres great of worthy same , And syre Domitius eke of princely name , Whome nowe , both shame , and wayling doth abyde , That whyle they dure , from them shall neuer slyde . For which , both thée , O curssed barne , they may , And mée , that thée haue borne giue thankes for aye . But why ceasse I , with Hell to hide my face , Wyfe , stepdame , mother dire , in my life space ?

The seconde Sceane of the thirde Act. Octauia . Chorus . DO not , alas , thus sore lament , But rather yet your mourning stay , Sith that the citie whole is bent To celebrate this ioyfull day : Least your great loue , and fauour both , Which I do count to be most sure , The more cause Nero me to loth , And eke his bitter wrath procure : And I fall out to be the ground To you of many mischieues vile , This same is not the first déepe wound , That I haue felt now this good while : Farre worsse than this haue I abode : But of these troublous cares , this day Shall make an ende , I trust in God , Although with death he doe me pay . No man to sée shall mée constraine His bended browes knit furrowise , Nor step within the chamber raigne Of maide drest vp in brydall guyse . Augustus sister I will bée , And not his wife , as wont I was : But onely paines remoue from mée , And feare of death , I will not passe . Yet canst thou , piteous wretch , once trust , Thy cruell husbands father law , Or these fewe things to haue so iust Whyle mischiefs yet in minde are raw ? Now long reseru'd , vntill this day , And these same mariage rytes be past , Thou shalt poore wretch , without delay , A bloudie offring dye at last . Why thus with teares disfigured sore Thy wonted home doest thou beholde ? Make haste , to shunne this deadly shore , And leaue this straughtrous Princes folde . Chorus . Loe se that day suspected long , And whispered fame in all mens eares , With glistring pomp of brydall throng , To vs poore wretches , now appeares . And Claudius broode , Octauias grace , From Neros wedlock place expeld , Departed is , whose spousall space , Hath Poppie conquerour long tyme held . The whyle , our pietie couched lyes Kept downe with heauie , combrous feare , And slow reuenging griefe likewise : Where doth the peoples power appeare , That brake the force of princes great , That conquerous citie lawes hath framde , That worthy men to honors seat Preferd , that warre and peace proclaimde , That sauage people straunge did tame That kyngs and princes caught in fyght , Shut surely vp in prison frame , To kéepe them close from all mens syght ? Loe , which we can not once abyde , To see , where Poppies ymage trim , Conioyned vnto Neros syde All glistring bright , shines very brim . Let force of armes pull downe that frame And match with ground that ladies face Too likely carued to his name , And snatch hir downe from bedding place , And let it forthwith flye with brandes With Darts and Iauelins fiercely flong , From pythie brawnes and sturdy handes , Unto the princes courtly throng .

The fourth Act.

The fyrst Sceane . Nutrix . Poppea . FRom out of spousall bower dismaied with feare , Whither go you ? what secrets daughter deare Unknowen , maks you to looke so drouselye ? Why spungelike lokes your face with teares from eye That fell ? of truth , the tyme desired long , And wisshed for by prayers , and vowes among Hath shined bright . Caesars wedlock are you : Your golden grace , whereof he toke the view . Him prisoner caught , and did him surely binde , So much the more , how much Seneck his minde Did seeke to chaunge , and wild from loue to wéeld . And Venus chiefe in loue hath made him yéeld . O in beautie passing all , what beds than downe More soft , haue borne thy weght : when thou with crowne Didst sit in middes of court , the Senate all At thy great beautie agast , thou didst appall : Whylst thou the Goddes with perfume sensedst fyne , And sacred altars drencht with thankfull wyne , Thy hed attyrde with veyle of yellowe hiewe . By Cesars syde thou wentst as princesse newe : When he aloft extolde aboue the reast , With hautie courage meryly went to feast . Like as King Peleus went some tymes to take Quéene Tethis , whom salt seas some bredde , his make Whose briding chambers , banquetwise ydrest , The Gods vouchsaaft to hallow with their hest , Both they that rule in skies , and eke in seas . But tell , O Ladie , tell , if it you please , What sodaine chaunce doth shade your beauties light ? What meanes your colour chaunge from red to white ? What moues those trickling teares , how standes your plighte ? Poppea . With dreames , and griesly sights , this last night nurse , My minde was troubled sore , but frayd much worse . For when sir Phoeb his werie course had rid , Whyle quiet resting night eche thing shadid , My senses wearie fell in slumber déepe , Whyle Nero me within his armes did cléepe . Resoluing lims , at length gan sléepe discharge , And long I rest not vnder quiets targe . For loe , I saw a rout , that brought me feare , Come to my chamber with disheueled heare : The Matrons sage of Latin lande did mourne , And sounded shrycking syghes as though forlorne They were , the dolefulst wights that liue on grounde . And oft among the warlike trumpets sounde , I sawe my husbandes mother terribly stande , With threatning looke berayed with bloud , in hande , A light fyre brand shée bare which oft shée shooke , And made me goe with hir , through fearefull looke . When downe we came through op'ned earth , she led The way , I after went with bowing hed , And musing much thereat , marke what I say , My bed , me thought I saw , wherein I laye , When first espousde I was to Rufe Cryspine : And he me thought , with first sonne of his line , With many following them , against me fast Did come , and me to cléepe did swift his hast , And as he wouted was , he kisse me oft . Then rusht into my house , with pace not soft Amased Nero sore , in Crispines brest That hidde his fauchion kene : feare shakte of rest From me : I trembling stoode with quiuering feare , And brest dismaide to speake made me forbeare . Tyll now O nurse I met with thée , whose trust , And faith into these words haue made me brust . Alas what threatneth me eche griesly sprite ? What meanes of husbands bloude that dolefull sight ? Nutrix . The hidden sacred vaine that moueth swift , Which fantasie we call by secrete drift , When we do take our rest , doth shew againe , The things both good and bad that broyle in braine . You maruel that you saw your make , and bower , His goastly funerall stacks , at that same hower , Round clasped close in armes of husband new : Hereto , the beaten brests with hands mou'd you , And maidens heare , on mariage day displayed : Octauias friends with heauie harts , bewrayed , Amids hir brothers booth , and fathers hall Their heauie chéere , for hir vnlucky fall . That dreadfull blasing flame of fyre foreborne In Agryppinas hands , your grace beforne , Which you did follow streight , declares renowne To you , though enuy striue to kepe it downe : The seat you saw beneath , doth promise you Your state to stand full sure , not chaunging new : That Nero prince in Crispins throat did hyde His swerd , it tels that he in peace shall byde , Unknowen to bloudie ruthfull warre for aye . Therefore , madame , plucke vp your hart , I pray : Receyue bothe mirth , and glée , cast feare asyde , With ioye , and ease you may in bower abyde . Pop. To temples hie , where mightie Gods do dwell , I will repaire , and offrings to them fell In humble wise , their heauie wrath t' appease , And me of mighty sight , and dreames to ease , My second with shal be , that this feare all , Upon my foes as sodaine chaunce may fall . O nurse , pray thou for me , some vowes do make To th' Gods , that gostly feare his flight may take .

The second Sceane of the fourth Act. Chorus . IF stelth disclosde by blabbing fame , And lustie , pleasaunt , thankfull loue , Of Ioue be true : who fou●●ne did frame Of Swan , to come from skies aboue , And did enioye the swéet consent , Of Ladie Laedas loues delight : Who like a Bull his labour spent , Through flowing fluds to carie quite . Europa sliely stolne away : He will no doubt , leaue raigne of skye And Poppies loue disguisde , assaye . If he hir soueraigne beautie spie . Which he might well prefer before Faire Laedas sugred swéete delight : And Danaë whome he won of yore Amasde with golden shower so bright : Let Sparte now for Helens sake Of beautie , bragging fame vpraise : Admitte the Troian heardman make Of gayned spoyle triumphant praise : Faire Helen here is stained quite : Whose beautie bredde such boyling yre , That earth was matched euen in sighte With Troian towers consumde with fyre . But who is this that runs with feare opprest ? Or els what newes brings he in panting brest ?

The thirde Sceane of the fourth Act. Nuntius . Chorus . WHat sturdie champion stout doth ioy with glee Our chieftaines royall bower safe to sée , Then to his court , I counsell him to wend , Gainst which the populus rout their force doth bend . The rulers runne amasde to fetch the garde , And armed troupes of men , their towne to warde . Nor woodnesse rashly cought through feare , doth ceasse , But more and more , their power doth increase . Cho. What sodain rage doth beat their broyling brain ? Nunt. The garisons great with fury astonde againe , And sturred vp for Quéene Octauias sake With monstrous myschiefe vile , their rage to slake , They rumbling rushe into the Pallace farre . Chor. What dare they do , their counsailers who are ? Nunt. Aduaunce their Empresse old , subuert the new : And graunt hir , brothers beds , as is hir due . Chor. Which Poppie now , with hole consent doth hold ? Nunt. Yea that vnbrideled rage in brest vprold , Sets them agog , and maks them wondrous wood . What euer ymage grauen in marble stood , If Poppies badge it bare , or if in sight , It tended for to shewe hir beautie bright , Though it on heauenly altares braue did stand , They breake , or pull it downe , with sword or hand . Some parts with ropes sure tyde , they trayle them forth , Which spurnd with durtie fíete , as though naught worth With filthy stinking myre , they it all beray . And with their déedes their talke doth iumpe agrée , Which mine amased minde , thinks true to bee . For fierie flames they threat for to prepare , Wherewith to waste , the princes Pallace faire , Unlesse , vnto their furious moode he giue His second wife , and with Octauia liue , But he by me shall know in what hard staie The Citie stands : the rulers I le obaie . Chor. Alack , what made you cruell warres , in vaine To moue , sith prisoner loue you can not gaine ? You can not him ouercome , your fierie flame He recketh not : his syrs ouercomes the same . He darkned hath those thundring things that shake Heauen , Earth , Hel , Sea , al things that makes to quake . Yea mighty Ioue , in heauen that weares chief crowne His flames from welkin hie hath brought adowne . And you , not victors now , but vanquisshed , Shall raunsome pay , the price of hearts bloud red . Loue , pacient can not be , but hote in rage , No easie thing it is , his wrath t' asswage . Achilles worthy wight , that was so stout , To twang the Harpe he made in Ladies rout , Prince Agamemnon sterne that boy benumd , And rable rude of Gréekes with loue bronds burnd . King Priams raigne he topsie turuis tost , And goodly Cities great he chiefly lost . And now my minde sore frighted stands agast , What Cupides furious force brings vs at last ,

The fourth Sceane of the fourth Act. Nero. AH , ah , our captaines sloe dispatching coyle , And our long suffring yre in such a broyle , That streames of bloud yet do not quench their rage Which they against our propre person wage . And that all Rome , with corses strewd about , Those cruell villaines bloud , doth not sweat out . But déedes already done , with death to pay A small thing 't is , a greater slaughtrous day The peoples curssed crime , and eke that dame , Whome I did aye suspect , deserues the same . To whome , to yelde those peasaunts would me make : At last she shall , with life our sorow slake , And with hir bodies bloud shall quench our yre . Then , shall their houses fall by force of fyre : What burning both , and buildings fayre decay , What beggerly want , and wayling hunger may , Those villaines shal be sure , to haue eche day . Ah Prouender pricks that vyle rebellious race , Ne can they once our fauour well embrace , Nor be content , with peace in quiet state , But broyling raumpe about with troubled gate . Hereon with boldnesse straight hereon they flie , With harebraind rashnesse hedling by and by . Well , they must tamed be with heauy stroke , And downe be kept with peise of weightie yoke : That they , with like attempt , doe not arise , Nor once cast vp their deadly peasaunts eyes , Against our louing spouses golden lookes : First punish them sure , then feare shal be their bookes , To teache them , at their Princes beck t' obaye . But sée at hand , whome fayth , and vertue rare , Lieutenant chiefe of camps , appointed thare .

The fyft Sceane of the fourth Act. Praefectus . Nero. THe vulgare peoples rash vnruly rage , The slaughter of a fewe did sone asswage , Which long withstode our valiant force in vain , To tel your grace this newes , I come againe . Nero. And is this then ynough , doest thou so well , O souldiour marke what doth thy captaine tell ? Hast thou with held thy hand from bloudie yre ? Is this the due reuenge that we requyre ? Prae. The captaine guides of treason payd their hyre , By desperate death of bloudie sworde in fight . The rout which sought with flaming fyre to light , Our royall Pallace great , who would assigne Their Prince what he should doe : and pull in fine Our mate from vs dissoluing wedlocke bandes : Whose hardie slaunderous tongs , & wicked handes , Hir princely grace reprochfully withstandes , From due reuenge , are they dysmissed frée ? Praef. Shall subiectes payne , by griefe assigned bée ? Ner. It shall assigne which time shall neuer weare . Which neyther wrath may ende , nor yet our feare ? Shée shall appease our hie displeased minde , Who first , our wrath deserued due to finde . Praef. Declare whose death your mood doth most require Let not my hande be stayde from your desire . Ner. It seekes our sisters death , and trayterous hed . Praef. Those wordes through all my lims , hath stifnesse spred , Opprest with griesly feare : Ner. Us to obay Stands thou in doubt ? Praef. On fayth why do you lay So great a fault ? Ner. Bycause thou sparedst our foe . Praef. Deserues a woman to be termed so ? Ner. If treason she begin . Praef. Is any man So sure , that hir accuse of treason can ? Ner. The peoples rage : Praef. Those madde vnweldie wights Who ordre could ? Ner. Who could stir vp their sprits ? Praef. No creature as I thinke . Ner. A woman could , In whome a mind Dame nature hath vpfould , To mischiefe prone : shée armed hath hir hart , To hurt by myles : yet strength shée set a part , Least shée vndaunted force with hir should beare : But now hir slender power with doubting feare , Is quickly quaylde , or else with punishment , Which hir condemned state to mischiefe bent , To late doth ende : away with graue aduise , Us with entreating séeke not to entyse . Dispatch that we commaund on shipboorde borne , Farre off to shore aloofe with dashing worne , Commaund she be : that tunlike swelling brest At length in storming stomack may take rest .

The sixt Sceane of the fourth Acte . Chorus . Octauia . A Lack the peoples bitter loue , And dyre good will to many one , Which , when they hoysted sayles aboue , With pleasaunt blastes it made to grone , And caried them farre from quiet shore , That faynting , leaues them in the déepe , And tombling , raging waters rore . Cornelia piteous wretch , did wéepe , And sore bewayle hir sonnes estate : The peoples loue did vndoe them , And wondrous fauour , bred them hate : Great worthy péeres of noble stem : Of high renowne for vertues prayse : In faith and eloquence both did pas Their stomacks stout their fame did rayse : I th lawes eche one most excellent was . And Scipio , thée did fortune yéelde Unto lyke death , and curssed wracke , Whome neyther honours pompe could shéelde , Nor fenced house thy foes kepe backe . Moe to repeate , although I could , Pure present griefe forbiddeth sore : Ere whyle to whom the people would , Hir Fathers antique court restore , And Brothers wedlock once againe , Now wéeping , wringing hands poore wretch , Unto hir cruell , deadly paine , The armed souldiours do hir fetch . How safe doth pouertie lye content , In thetched house safe shrouded theare ? Hie raysed towers with blasts are bent , Which often times them ouer beare . Oct. Where pull you mee poore wretche ? alas , Into what bannisht exiles place , Would Nero haue mée for to pas , Or fortune bids , with frowning face ? If now with fainting strength quite coolde , And with my broyles all weried ceasse , And longer life shée graunt me woolde , If that shée work for to increase , My sorrowes great with deadly dart , Why is shée then so muche my foe , In countrie that I maye not part , And leaue my life before I goe ? But now no helpe of health I feele , Alas I sée my Brothers boate : This is the same , whose vaulted kéele , His Mother once did set a floate . And now his piteous Sister I , Excluded cleane from spousall place , Shall be so caried by and by : No force hath vertue in this case , No Gods there be my woes to wrecke . The griesly , dreadfull drabbe Erin , Doth weld the worlde at nod and becke , Who can lament my state , wherein I am , alas , sufficientlie ? How can Aëdon duely plaine , My smarting streames of teares that I Do shedde ? whose wings I would be faine , If destnies would them graunt , to weare . Then would I leaue my mourning mates , As swiftly fled , as wings could beare , And so auoyde these bloudie pates . Then sitting sole in shirwood shirle , And hanging sure , by dandling twigge With plaintiue pype I might out twirle My heauye tuned note so bigge . Chor. The mortal broode the destnies guide : Them selues they nothing can assure , That certainly doth stedfast bide : Which our last day of life , procure , ( Whereof we alwayes should beware , ) Much daungerous chaunces for to try : Unto your troubled minde with care , Now many saumples doe apply , Which your accursed court hath brought , To bolden you in all your broyle : For what hath more your troubles wrought , What doth against you sorer toyle , Than fortune doth ? thee first of all , Agrippas childe brought forth to life , Whome we Tyberius daughter call , By lawe , and eke Prince Cesars wyfe , Of many sonnes a carefull dame , I cannot choose but nowe recount , Whose worthie , glorious , ample name , Throughout the world doth much surmount . So oft with bellie bolne that bare Desyred fruits , and peaces pledge , Ere long thou suffredst exiles care , Strypes , chaines , and bolts of yron wedge , And mourning much , which so did frame , That death they causde thée to abyde . So Liuia , Drusus luckie dame In male kinde babes , did hedling slyde , Into a cruell monstrous déede , And death sore pearcing deadly dart . Hir Mothers fates doth Iulia speede , To folow streight with all hir hart , Who after longer wasted time With bloudie fauchion kene , was slaine , Although for no iuste cause , or crime . Your Mother eke that once did raigne , Who then estéemd of Claudius well , Did wisely weld his court at will , And fruitfull was , as you can tell , What could not hir desire fulfill ? Shée sometime subiect to hir slaue , To death was put with souldiours blade . What shée , that casly hope might haue , To th skies , hir raigne to rise haue made , Prince Neros lustie parent great ? First tost with shipmans boysterous force , Then torne with sword in Princes heat , Did shée not lye a senseles corse ? Oct. Lo me the tyrant stern will send To yrcksome shades , and hellish sprits . Why wretch do I the tyme thus spend ? Draw me to death you to whose myghts , False fortune hath bequeathed mée . I witnesse now the heauenly powre . What doest thou bedlame ? leaue to flée , With prayer to Gods , who on thée lowre . I call to witnesse Tartar déepe , And sprytes of Hell reuenging freaks Of hainous facts , in dongeon stéepe , And Syre whome death deserued wreakes . I do not now repyne to dye , Deck vp your ship , and hoyse your saile , On frothing seas to windes on hie : Let him that guydes the helm not fayle , To séeke the shore of Pharian land . Cho. O pippling puffe of western wynde , Which sacrifice didst once withstand , Of Iphigen to death assignde : And close in cloude congealed clad , Did carie hir from smoking ares , Which angrie , cruell Uirgine had : This prince also opprest with cares , Saue from this painefull punishment , To Dians temple safely borne : The barbarous Mores to rudenesse bent , Then Princes courts in Rome forlorne , Haue farre more ciuile curtesie : For there doth strangers death appease The angrie Gods in heauens on hie , But Romaine bloud , our Rome must please FINIS .

¶ Imprinted at London , by Henry Denham , dwelling in Pater noster rowe , at the signe of the Starre .

¶ Faultes escaped .

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