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K xv A little pity from flesh that I conceived, A little mercy from the body I bore, And touches from the baby hands I kissed. Nothing I ask of you, only to love me, And if not that, to bear with me a while, Who have borne much for you: no, Nero, child, I will not weary you, I yearn for you. Forgive me all the deeds that I have done for Forget the great love I have spent on you, Pardon the long, long, life for you endured. [nero is moved and kisses her, then speaks with effort. Nero. Mother, if I have seemed to be forgetful, Or cruel even, impute it not to me But to the State. [agrippina starts. 'Tis thought that neither Rome, The provinces, nor armies, will endure To see a woman in such eminence. Therefore, it is advised that you retire To Antium a while, and leave Rome free. ' Agrippina. [Starting up.] Leave Rome! Why, I would die as I did step Outside her gates, and glide henceforth a shadow. The blood would cease to run in my veins, my heart Stop, and my breath subside without her walls. All without Rome is darkness: you will not Despatch my shadow down to Antium ? Nero. We were remembering your toils, your age. Agrippina. My age! Am I old then? Look on this face, Where am I scarred, who have steered the bark of State As it plunged, as it rose over the waves of change ? I was renewed with salt of such a sea. Empires and Emperors I have outlived; A thousand loves and lusts have left no line; Tremendous fortunes have not touched my hair, Murder hath left my cheek as the cheek of a babe. [At this moment Burrus, Seneca, and Tigellinus return, hearing the scene; and as Agrippina continues her imprecations, the Court return and stand in groups listening. Agrippina. My age!Who then accuses me of age? Was...
