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OTTAVIA: A FABULA PRAETEXTA -- THE ONLY EXTANT ROMAN HISTORICAL
DRAMA.
The Roman historical drama had a place among the earliest products of
Roman literature, and seems
to have enjoyed a degree of popularity through
all succeding periods.
That Roman literary genius did not find a much fuller expression through this channel was not due to a lack of national pride and patriotism, nor yet to a dearth of interesting and inspiring subjects in Roman history.
The true reason is probably to be found in the fact that by the time national conditions were ripe for the development of any form of literature, the Greeks had already worked, and well worked, nearly all available fields, and had produced a mass of literature which dazzled the Roman mind when at last circumstances brought these two nations into closer contact.
That Roman literary genius did not find a much fuller expression through this channel was not due to a lack of national pride and patriotism, nor yet to a dearth of interesting and inspiring subjects in Roman history.
The true reason is probably to be found in the fact that by the time national conditions were ripe for the development of any form of literature, the Greeks had already worked, and well worked, nearly all available fields, and had produced a mass of literature which dazzled the Roman mind when at last circumstances brought these two nations into closer contact.
The natural and immediate result was an attempt on the part of the
Romans to imitate these great
models.
And hence we have in drama, both in tragedy and in comedy, a wholesale imitation of the
Greek dramas, oftentimes nothing more than a translation of these, with only here and there an attempt to produce something of a strictly native character, entirely independent of the Greek influence.
And hence we have in drama, both in tragedy and in comedy, a wholesale imitation of the
Greek dramas, oftentimes nothing more than a translation of these, with only here and there an attempt to produce something of a strictly native character, entirely independent of the Greek influence.
This imitative impulse was augmented by the fact that the Romans were following the line of least
resistance since it
is always easier to imitate than to create.
Furthermore, they had as yet developed no national pride of literature to hold them to their own lines of national development.
They had no forms of their own so well established that the mere force of literary momentum would carry them steadily on toward a fuller development, in spite of the disturbing effects of the influx of other and better models.
They had, indeed, developed a native Saturnian verse which, had it been allowed a free field, might have reached a high pitch of literary excellence.
But it speedily gave way at the approach of the more elegant imported forms.
Furthermore, they had as yet developed no national pride of literature to hold them to their own lines of national development.
They had no forms of their own so well established that the mere force of literary momentum would carry them steadily on toward a fuller development, in spite of the disturbing effects of the influx of other and better models.
They had, indeed, developed a native Saturnian verse which, had it been allowed a free field, might have reached a high pitch of literary excellence.
But it speedily gave way at the approach of the more elegant imported forms.
The overwhelming influence of Greek tragedy upon the Roman dramatists
can be seen at a glance as we review the dramatic product of the Roman
tragedians.
We have titles and fragments of 9 tragedies by Livio Andronico, 7 by Nevio, 22 by Ennio, 13 by Pacuvio, forty-six by Accius, and many fragments from each of these, unassignable to definite i:)lays, which indicate numerous other plays of the same character. To these should be added additional fragments from nearly a score more of Roman writers during the next two hundred yeaj's after Accius. All the above-mentioned phxys are on 'foreign' subjects ; and most of those whose fragments are sufficientl}' extensive to allow us to form an opinion of their character are either translations or close imitations of the Greeks, or are so influenced by these as to be decidedly Greek rather than Roman in character.
We have titles and fragments of 9 tragedies by Livio Andronico, 7 by Nevio, 22 by Ennio, 13 by Pacuvio, forty-six by Accius, and many fragments from each of these, unassignable to definite i:)lays, which indicate numerous other plays of the same character. To these should be added additional fragments from nearly a score more of Roman writers during the next two hundred yeaj's after Accius. All the above-mentioned phxys are on 'foreign' subjects ; and most of those whose fragments are sufficientl}' extensive to allow us to form an opinion of their character are either translations or close imitations of the Greeks, or are so influenced by these as to be decidedly Greek rather than Roman in character.
And what of the genuine Roman dramatic product? Speaking for the
fabii/a pracle.vfa, or Roman historical drama, alone, the entire outj)ut, so
far as our records go, is contained in the following list of authors and
titles.
From Naevius (265-204 d.c.) we have the Cla.itidiuvi, written in
celebration of the victory of Marcelkis (at Chistidium in 222 b.c.) over
Vidumarus, king of the Transpadane Gauls, whom Marcellus slew and stripped
of his armour, thus gaining the rare spoUa opima. The play was probably
written for the especial occasion either of the triumph of Marcellus or of
the celebration of his funeral.
We have also from Naevius a ])lay variously entitled Lupus or Romulus
or ALmonium Eeini el Rojnidi, evidently one of those dramatic reproductions
of scenes in the life of a god, enacted as a part of the ceremonies of
his worship. This play is comparable to dramatic representations among the
Greeks in the worship of Dionysus.
The Ambracia and the Sahinae of Ennius (239-169 B.C.) are ordinarily
classed as fahulae praetextae,
although Lucian M tiller classes the fragments of the Ambracia among the Scdurae of Ennius ; while
V^'ihlen puts the Ambracia under the heading Comoedlarum el celerorum carminum re'ujuiae, and classifies the fragments of the Sabiiiae under ex incerlis saturarum libris. The Ambracia is evidently called after the city of that name in Epirus, celebrated for the long and remarkable siege which it sustained against the Romans under M. Fulvius Nobilior. That general finally captured the city in 189 b.c. If the piece is to be considered as a play, it was, like the Clastidium, written in honour of the Roman general, and acted on the occasion either of his triumph or of his funeral.
although Lucian M tiller classes the fragments of the Ambracia among the Scdurae of Ennius ; while
V^'ihlen puts the Ambracia under the heading Comoedlarum el celerorum carminum re'ujuiae, and classifies the fragments of the Sabiiiae under ex incerlis saturarum libris. The Ambracia is evidently called after the city of that name in Epirus, celebrated for the long and remarkable siege which it sustained against the Romans under M. Fulvius Nobilior. That general finally captured the city in 189 b.c. If the piece is to be considered as a play, it was, like the Clastidium, written in honour of the Roman general, and acted on the occasion either of his triumph or of his funeral.
We have four short fragmeiits from the Paidus of Pacuvius (220-130
b.c.), written in celebration of the exploits of L. Aemilius Faulus who
conquered Perseus, king of Macedonia, in the battle of Pydna, 16S b.c.
The fragments of the plays already mentioned are too brief to afford any adequate idea of their
character or
content. But in the Bruhis of Accius (b. 170. B.C.), whicli centres around
the expulsion
of the Tarquins and the estabUshment of the Republic, we have a larger glimpse into the play
through two most interesting fragments consisting of twelve iambic trimeters and ten trochaic tetrameters, respectively. In the first. King Tarquin relates to his seer an ill-ominous dream which he has had ; the second is the seer's interpretation of this dream, pointing to Tarquin's dethronement by Brutus. Other short fragments give glimpses of the outrage of Lucretia by Sextus at Collatia, and the scene in the forum where Brutus takes his oath of office as first consul. This play, unlike most of its predecessors, was not written at the time of the events which it portrays, but may still be classed with them, so far as its object is concerned, since it is generally thought to have been written in honour of D. Junius Brutus, who was consul in 138 B.C., and with whom the poet enjoyed an intimate friendship.
of the Tarquins and the estabUshment of the Republic, we have a larger glimpse into the play
through two most interesting fragments consisting of twelve iambic trimeters and ten trochaic tetrameters, respectively. In the first. King Tarquin relates to his seer an ill-ominous dream which he has had ; the second is the seer's interpretation of this dream, pointing to Tarquin's dethronement by Brutus. Other short fragments give glimpses of the outrage of Lucretia by Sextus at Collatia, and the scene in the forum where Brutus takes his oath of office as first consul. This play, unlike most of its predecessors, was not written at the time of the events which it portrays, but may still be classed with them, so far as its object is concerned, since it is generally thought to have been written in honour of D. Junius Brutus, who was consul in 138 B.C., and with whom the poet enjoyed an intimate friendship.
Ano\\\ex praetexta of Accius is presei'ved, the Decius, of v,-hich eleven short fragments remain. This play celebrates the victory of Quintus Fabins Maximus and P. Decius Mus over the Samnites and Gauls at Sentinum in 295 B.C. The climax of the play would be the self-immolation of Decius after the example of his father in the Latin war of 340 b.c.
In addition to these plays of the Roman dramatists of the Republic, we
have knowledge of a few which date from later times. There was a historical
drama entitled Iter,hy L. Cornelius Balbus, wlio dramatized the
incidents of a journey whicli he made to Pompey's camp at Dyrrachium at the
opening of civil war in 49 B.C. Balbus was under commission from Caesar
to treat with the consul, L. Cornelius Lcntulus, and other optimates
who had fled from Rome, concerning their return to the city. The journey was
a complete fiasco, so far as results were concerned ; but the vanity of
Balbus w^as so flattered by this (to him) important mission that he must
needs dramatize his experiences and present the play under his own
direction in his native city of Gades.
We have mention also of an Aoiens by Pomponius Secundus, and of two
praelexlae by Curiatius Maternus, entitled Domilius and Ca/o.
These eleven historical plaj's ai"e, as we have seen, for the most
part, plays of occasion, and would be at best of but temporary interest,
born of the sj)ecial circumstances which inspired them. They are in no
way comparable with such historical dramas on Roman subjects as
Shakespeare's Julius Caesar or Corio/anus, whose interest is for all times.
We have still a twelfth play of this class, which enjoys the unique
distinction of being the only Roman historical drama which has come down to
us in its complete form — the Oclavia. Its authorship is unknown,
although tradition gives it a place among the tragedies of Seneca, the
philosopher.
The general opinion of modern critics, however, is against this tradition, chiefly because one passage
in the play, in the form of a prophecy, too circumstantially describes the death of Xero, which occurred three years after the death of Seneca.
It is generallv agreed that the play must have been written soon after the death of Nero, and by some one, possibly Maternus, who had been an eye-witness of the events, and who had been inspired by his sympathies for the unfortunate Octavia to write this story of her sufferings.
The general opinion of modern critics, however, is against this tradition, chiefly because one passage
in the play, in the form of a prophecy, too circumstantially describes the death of Xero, which occurred three years after the death of Seneca.
It is generallv agreed that the play must have been written soon after the death of Nero, and by some one, possibly Maternus, who had been an eye-witness of the events, and who had been inspired by his sympathies for the unfortunate Octavia to write this story of her sufferings.
Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Caesar GerMANicus, more commonly known
as Claudius^ fourth
emperor of Rome, liad taken for his third ^\ife tlie daughter of M. Valerius Messala, Messalina, who
bore to him two children, Britannicus and Octavia. Always notorious for her profligacy and licentiousness, Mess;ilina crowned her career by publicly marrying C. Silius at Rome during the temporary sojourn of lier imperial husband at Ostia. Claudius long wavered as to her punishment, but at last, through the influence of his favourite, Narcissus, he signed her death warrant, and she was executed by a tribune of the guards in 48 a.d.
emperor of Rome, liad taken for his third ^\ife tlie daughter of M. Valerius Messala, Messalina, who
bore to him two children, Britannicus and Octavia. Always notorious for her profligacy and licentiousness, Mess;ilina crowned her career by publicly marrying C. Silius at Rome during the temporary sojourn of lier imperial husband at Ostia. Claudius long wavered as to her punishment, but at last, through the influence of his favourite, Narcissus, he signed her death warrant, and she was executed by a tribune of the guards in 48 a.d.
In the following year, through the intrigue of the freedraan Pallas,
Claudius married his brother's
daughter, Agrippina, who brought with her
into the emperor's household Lucius Domitius, her son by
her first husband, Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus.
her first husband, Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus.
Immediately Agrijipina began to plot for the succession of her son to
the throne of the Caesars.
In 50 A.D. she prevailed upon Claudius to adopt, to the prejudice of Britannicus, her own son, who was thereafter known as Nero. She had already caused Seneca, who liad been exiled at the instance of
Messalina, to be recalled that he might serve as Nero's tutor. In 53 a.d. she further advanced
her plans by conipassin*^
the marriage of her son to Octaviaj the emperor's daughter. Octavia had
ah-eady been betrothed by Claudius to L. Silanus, who now, to escape the
vengeance of Agrippina, committed suicide.
Her plans being now fully laid for the final act, Agrippina secretly
poisoned Claudius on October 12th, 54 A.D., and on the following day Nero
succeeded to the throne, being then seventeen years of age.
In the following year, by the joint plotting of mother and son, the young Britannicus, also, was
In the following year, by the joint plotting of mother and son, the young Britannicus, also, was
poisoned.
Because of the youth and inexperience of her son, Agrippina enjoyed
four years of pnictically imperial power ; but at last, in 59 a.d., Nero,
tired of his mother's ascendancy, caused her to be assassinated, after
an unsuccessful attempt upon her life by means of a treacherous vessel, in
which death-trap he had sent her to sea.
Nero had long since become enamoured of Poppaea, a beautiful proHigate,
who had left her husband,
Rufinus Crispinus, to live with Otho, and who now became mistress of the emperor. Aspiring to be his wife, she had plotted to bring about the death of Agrippina and later the divorce of Octavia. Through these machinations of his mistress and Nero's own more than ready acquiescence, Octavia was falsely accused of adultery and in 62 a.d. she was banished to Pandataria, where she was shortly afterwards put to death.
Rufinus Crispinus, to live with Otho, and who now became mistress of the emperor. Aspiring to be his wife, she had plotted to bring about the death of Agrippina and later the divorce of Octavia. Through these machinations of his mistress and Nero's own more than ready acquiescence, Octavia was falsely accused of adultery and in 62 a.d. she was banished to Pandataria, where she was shortly afterwards put to death.
Poppaea herself died in 65 a.d. as the result, it was said, of a kick
by her brutal husband when she
was far advanced in pregnancy. In the same year, at the command of the emperor, Seneca committed
suicide ; and three years thereafter, in 68 a.d., Nero himself, deposed
by the praetorian guards, who had espoused the cause of Galba, and condemned
to death by the Senate, fled from Rome and, after vain efforts to
escape, received his death-stroke by his own request at the hands of a
faithful attendant was far advanced in pregnancy. In the same year, at the command of the emperor, Seneca committed
who had fled with him.
OTTAVIA:
OTTAVIA, stepsister and wife of Nerone.
Nurse of Oclavia. PoPPEA, mistress and afterward wife of Nero.
Nurse of Poppaea.
Ghost of Agrippina, mother of Nero , slain by him,
Nero, Emperor of Roma
Seneca, former tutor of Nero, and later one of his chief cotinscllors.
Prefect of Roman Soldiers.
Messenger.
Chorus of Romans, sympathetic with Oclavia.
Chorus, attached to the interests of the court.
The Scene is laid throughout in different apartments of the palace of
Nero, aud is concerned with the events of the year 62 a. D.
OTTAVIA: Iam vaga caelo sidera fulgens Aurora fugat, surgit Titan radiante
coma mundoque diem
reddit clarum. age, tot tantis onerata mails, repete assuetos iam tibi questus
atque aequoreas vince Alcyonas, vince et volucres Pandionias;
gravior namque his fortuna tua est. semper, genetrix, deflenda mihi, 10
prima meorum causa malorum, tristes questus natae exaudi, si quis
remanet sensus in umbris. utinam ante manu grandaeva sua niea rupisset
stamina Clothe, tua quam maerens vulnera vidi oraque foedo sparsa cruore
! o lux semper funesta milii, tempore ab illo lux es tenebris invisa magis ! 20 tulimus saevae iussa novercae, hostilem animum vultusque truces,
ilia ilia meis tristis Erinys thalamis Stygios praetulit ignes toque
extinxit, miserande pater, mode cui totus paruit orbis
ultra Oceanum. (Now doth flushing dawn drive the wandering stars from heaven ; with
radiant beams the sun arises and gives the world once more the liglit of
day. On thenj with all thy woes Aveighed down, resume thy now accustomed
plaints and out- wail the sea-bred Halcyons,^ out-wail the birds ^ of old
Pandion's house ; for more grievous is thy lot than theirs. O mother,
constant source of tears to me, first cause of my misfortunes, hearken to
thy daughter's sad complaints, if any consciousness remains among the
shades. Oh, that the ancient Clotho with her own hand had clipped my threads
before sadly I saw thy wounds, thy face with foul gore besmeared ! O
light, ever calamitous to me, from that time, O light, thou art more
hateful than the dark ! We have endured a cruel step-dame's ^ orders, her
hostile spirit and her aspect fierce. 'Twas she, 'twas she, the baleful
fury, who bore the Stygian torches to my bridal chamber, and quenched thy
light, O wretched father, whom but yesterday the whole world obe3'ed,
even beyond Ocean's bounds, before whom the
See Index s.v. " Ceyx.". See Index a.v. " Philomela."
Agrippina.
cuique Britanni terga dedere,
ducibus nostiis ante ignoti
iurisque sui. SO
coiiiugis, heu me, pater^ insidiis
oppresse iaces servitque domus
cum prole tua capta tyranno.
NVTRIX
Fulgore primo captus et fragili bono ^
fallacis aulae quisquis attonitus stupet,
subito^ latentis ecce Fortunae inipetu
modo praepotentem cernat eversam donium
stirpemque Claudi, cuius imperio fuit
subiectus orbis, paruit liber diu
fallacis aulae quisquis attonitus stupet,
subito^ latentis ecce Fortunae inipetu
modo praepotentem cernat eversam donium
stirpemque Claudi, cuius imperio fuit
subiectus orbis, paruit liber diu
Oceanus et recepit invitus rates. 40
en qui Britannis primus imposuit iugiun,
igaota tantis classibus texit freta
interque gentes barbai-as tutus fuit
et saeva maria^ coniugis scelere occidit ;
mox ilia nati ; cuius extinctus iacet
frater venenis. maeret infelix soror
eademque coniunx nee graves luctus valet
ira coacta tegere crudelis viri ;
quern sancta refugit semper, atque odio pari
ardens maritus imj)ia flagrat face. 50
igaota tantis classibus texit freta
interque gentes barbai-as tutus fuit
et saeva maria^ coniugis scelere occidit ;
mox ilia nati ; cuius extinctus iacet
frater venenis. maeret infelix soror
eademque coniunx nee graves luctus valet
ira coacta tegere crudelis viri ;
quern sancta refugit semper, atque odio pari
ardens maritus imj)ia flagrat face. 50
animum dolentis nostra solatur fides
pietasque frustra ; vincit immitis dolor
consilia nostra nee regi mentis potest
generosus ardor^ sed malis vires capit.
heu quani nefaiidum prospicit noster timor
scelus, quod utinam nunicn avertat dcum.
pietasque frustra ; vincit immitis dolor
consilia nostra nee regi mentis potest
generosus ardor^ sed malis vires capit.
heu quani nefaiidum prospicit noster timor
scelus, quod utinam nunicn avertat dcum.
' So Richter: Leo conjectures facie nova.
2 So Bichler : Leo sub uno, with n*, but conjectui-ea sxxhiio
involantis.
2 So Bichler : Leo sub uno, with n*, but conjectui-ea sxxhiio
involantis.
Britons ^ fled, erstwhile to our leaders all unknown
and unsubdued. Alas, my father, by thy wife's plots
thou liest crushed, and thy house together with thy
child 2 bends to a tyrant's ^ will.
and unsubdued. Alas, my father, by thy wife's plots
thou liest crushed, and thy house together with thy
child 2 bends to a tyrant's ^ will.
[Exit to her chamber. Enter nukse.]
NURSE
Whoso, o'erpowered by the novel splendour and
the frail blessings of deceitful royalty, stands awe-
struck and amazed, lo, 'neath the sudden blow of
lurking Fate, let him behold, o'erthrown, the house
and stock of Claudius, but now all powerful, under
whose rule the whole world was brought, whom the
Ocean, long to sway unknown, obeyed and, all un-
willingly, received his ships. Lo, he who first on
the Britons set a yoke, who covered unknown floods
with his mighty fleets, who was safe midst tribes
barbaric, midst raging seas, by his wife's* crime is
fallen ; she soon by her son's hand fell ; and by his
poison lies my brother ^ slain. The unhappy sister,''
yea, the unhappy wife grieves on, nor can she hide
her bitter sufferings, forced to the angry will of her
cruel husband. From him ever the pure girl recoils,
and her husband, though by equal hate inspired,
with incestuous passion burns. Our fond love strives
in vain to console her grieving heart ; her cniel
smart o'ercomes our counsels, nor can the noble pas-
sion of her soul be governed, but from her woes she
draws new strength. Alas ! how my fears forbode
some desperate deed, which may the gods forbid.
the frail blessings of deceitful royalty, stands awe-
struck and amazed, lo, 'neath the sudden blow of
lurking Fate, let him behold, o'erthrown, the house
and stock of Claudius, but now all powerful, under
whose rule the whole world was brought, whom the
Ocean, long to sway unknown, obeyed and, all un-
willingly, received his ships. Lo, he who first on
the Britons set a yoke, who covered unknown floods
with his mighty fleets, who was safe midst tribes
barbaric, midst raging seas, by his wife's* crime is
fallen ; she soon by her son's hand fell ; and by his
poison lies my brother ^ slain. The unhappy sister,''
yea, the unhappy wife grieves on, nor can she hide
her bitter sufferings, forced to the angry will of her
cruel husband. From him ever the pure girl recoils,
and her husband, though by equal hate inspired,
with incestuous passion burns. Our fond love strives
in vain to console her grieving heart ; her cniel
smart o'ercomes our counsels, nor can the noble pas-
sion of her soul be governed, but from her woes she
draws new strength. Alas ! how my fears forbode
some desperate deed, which may the gods forbid.
' Claudius had made an expedition to Britain in 43 a.d.
^ i.e. herself. ' Nero.
^ i.e. herself. ' Nero.
■* Agrippina. * Britaiinicus.
* i.e.. step-sister, Octavia ; she was also Nero's sister hy
adoption.
adoption.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
OCTAVIA
O mea nullis aequauda malis
fortunaj licet
fortunaj licet
repetam luctus, Electra tuos.
tibi maerenti caesum licuit 6o
tibi maerenti caesum licuit 6o
flere parentem,
scelus ulcisci vindice fratre,
tua quern pietas hosti rapuit
texitque fides ;
me crudeli sorte parentes
raptos prohibet lugere timor
fratrisque necem deflere vetat,
in quo fuerat spes una mihi
totque malorum breve solameu.
nunc in luctus servata meos 70
scelus ulcisci vindice fratre,
tua quern pietas hosti rapuit
texitque fides ;
me crudeli sorte parentes
raptos prohibet lugere timor
fratrisque necem deflere vetat,
in quo fuerat spes una mihi
totque malorum breve solameu.
nunc in luctus servata meos 70
niagni resto nominis umbra.
NVTRIX
Vox en nostras perculit aures
tristis alumnae ; cesset thalaniis
inferre gradus tarda senectus ?
tristis alumnae ; cesset thalaniis
inferre gradus tarda senectus ?
OCTAVIA
Excipe nostras lacrinias, nutrix,
testis nostri fida doloris.
testis nostri fida doloris.
NVTRIX
Quis te tantis solvet curls,
niiseranda, dies ?
niiseranda, dies ?
OCTAVIA
Qui me Stygias mittet ad umbras.
NVTRIX
Ouiina quaeso sint ista procul. 80
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA [heard speaking from her chamber^
O fate of mine, to be matched by no misfortunes,
lliough I recall tliy woes, Electra. Thou couldst
weep out thy grief for thy father's murder, couldst
take vengeance on the crime with thy brother as
avenger, whom thy love snatched from tlie foe and
thy faithful care protected ; but me fear forbids to
mourn my parents reft from me by cruel fate, forbids
to bewail my brother's taking off, in whom was my
sole hope, the fleeting solace of my many woes. And
now, saved but to my suffering, I remain, the shadow
of a noble name.
lliough I recall tliy woes, Electra. Thou couldst
weep out thy grief for thy father's murder, couldst
take vengeance on the crime with thy brother as
avenger, whom thy love snatched from tlie foe and
thy faithful care protected ; but me fear forbids to
mourn my parents reft from me by cruel fate, forbids
to bewail my brother's taking off, in whom was my
sole hope, the fleeting solace of my many woes. And
now, saved but to my suffering, I remain, the shadow
of a noble name.
NURSE
Hark ! the voice of my sad foster-child strikes on
mine ears. Does thy slow age take thee to her
chamber with lagging steps ?
mine ears. Does thy slow age take thee to her
chamber with lagging steps ?
yShe advances toward the chamber, hut is met by Octavia,
coming forth.^
coming forth.^
OCTAVIA
Receive my tears, dear nurse, thou trusty witness
of my suflering.
of my suflering.
NURSE
What day will free thee from thy miglity cares,
poor child ?
poor child ?
OCTAVIA
Tiie day that sends me to the Stygian shades.
NURSE
Far from us be the omen of that word, I pray.
415
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Non vota meos tua nunc casus,
sed fata regunt.
sed fata regunt.
NVTRIX
Dabit afflictae meliora deus
tempoi-a mitis ; tu modo blando
vince obsequio placata viruni.
tempoi-a mitis ; tu modo blando
vince obsequio placata viruni.
OCTAVIA
Vincam saevos ante leones
tigresque truces^ fera quam saevi
corda tyranni.
odit genitos sanguine claro^
spernit superos hominesque simul, 90
tigresque truces^ fera quam saevi
corda tyranni.
odit genitos sanguine claro^
spernit superos hominesque simul, 90
nee fortunam capit ipse suam
quam dedit illi per scelus ingens
infjinda parens, licet ingratum
dirae pudeat munere matris
hoc imperium cepisse, licet
tantum munus morte rependat,
feret hunc titulum post fata tanien
femina longo semper in aevo.
quam dedit illi per scelus ingens
infjinda parens, licet ingratum
dirae pudeat munere matris
hoc imperium cepisse, licet
tantum munus morte rependat,
feret hunc titulum post fata tanien
femina longo semper in aevo.
NVTRIX
Animi retine verba furentis,
temere emissam comprime voceni.
temere emissam comprime voceni.
OCTAVIA
Toleranda quamvis patiar, baud uniquam que-
ant "00
ant "00
nisi morte tristi nostra finiri mala,
genetrice caesa, per scelus rapto patre,
orbata fratre, miseriis luctu obruta,
maerore pressa, coniugi invisa ac meae
4,16
genetrice caesa, per scelus rapto patre,
orbata fratre, miseriis luctu obruta,
maerore pressa, coniugi invisa ac meae
4,16
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
No longer is it thy prayers that shape my life but
the fates.
the fates.
NunsE
God in his mercy will bring to thine affliction
better days. Do thou but be soothed,, and win thy
husband with gentle courtesy.
better days. Do thou but be soothed,, and win thy
husband with gentle courtesy.
OCTAVIA
Sooner shall I win savage lions and fierce tigers,
than that savage tyrant's brutal heart. He hates all
born of noble blood, scorns gods and men alike ; nor
can he of himself wield his liigh fortune which by a
monstrous crime his impious mother bestowed on
him. Yes ! though the ungrateful wretch count it
shame to take this empire as his cursed mother's
gift, though he requite her mighty gift with death,
still will the woman even after death win the fame
thereof for ever through unending age.
than that savage tyrant's brutal heart. He hates all
born of noble blood, scorns gods and men alike ; nor
can he of himself wield his liigh fortune which by a
monstrous crime his impious mother bestowed on
him. Yes ! though the ungrateful wretch count it
shame to take this empire as his cursed mother's
gift, though he requite her mighty gift with death,
still will the woman even after death win the fame
thereof for ever through unending age.
NURSE
Check thou the utterance of thy raging heart;
repress the words thou hast poured forth too rashly.
repress the words thou hast poured forth too rashly.
OCTAVIA
Though I should endure what must be borne, ne'er
could my woes be ended, save by gloomy death.
With my mother slain, my father by crime snatched
from me, robbed of my brother, by wretchedness and
grief o'erwhelmed, by sorrow crushed, by my husband
could my woes be ended, save by gloomy death.
With my mother slain, my father by crime snatched
from me, robbed of my brother, by wretchedness and
grief o'erwhelmed, by sorrow crushed, by my husband
417
vol.. II E E
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
subiecta famulae luce non grata fiuor,
tre})idante semper corde non mortis metu
sed sceleris — absit crimen a fatis meis,
mori iuvabit ; poena nam gravior nece est
videre tumidos et truces miserae mihi
vultus tyranni iungere atque hosti oscula, 110
timere nutus cuius obscquium mens
baud ferre posset fata post fratris dolor
scelere interempti, cuius imperium tenet
et sorte gaudet auctor infandae necis.
quam saepe tristis umbra germani meis
ofFertur oculis, membra cum solvit quies
et fessa fletu luniina oppressit sopor.
modo facibus atris armat infirmas manus
oculosque et ora fratris infestus petit,
modo trepidus idem refugit in thalamos meos ; 120
persequitur hostis atque inbaerenti mihi
violentus ensem per latus nostrum rapit.
tunc tremor et ingens cxcutit somnos pavor
renovatque luctus et metus miserae milii.
adice bis superbam paelicem, nostrae donuis
spoliis nitentem, cuius in munus suam
Stygiae parentein natus imposuit rati,
quam dira post naufragia superato mari
f'erro interemit sae\ ior pelagi fretis.
quae spes salutis post nefas tantum milii ? 130
inimica victrix imminet tlialamis meis
odioque nostri Hagrat et j)retium stupri
iustae maritum coniugis poscit caput.
emergere umbris et f'er auxilium tuae
natae invocanti, genitor, aut Stygios sinus
tellure rupta pande, quo praeceps ferar.
* j.e. Acte. See line 197, note.
- Nero, in divorcing Octavia, alleged adultery as the cause.
418
OCTAVIA
hated, and set beneath my slave,^ the sweet liglit
brings no joy to me ; for my heart is ever trembling,
not with the fear of death, but of crime ^ — be crime
but hicking to my misfortunes, death will be delight.
For 'tis a punishment far worse than death to look
in the tyrant's face, all swollen with rage 'gainst
wretched me, to kiss my foe, to fear his very nod,
obedience to whom my smarting grief could not
endure after my brother's death, most sinfully de-
stroyed, whose throne he usurps, and rejoices in being
the worker of a death unspeakable. How oft does
my brother's sad shade appear before my eyes when
rest has relaxed my body, and sleep weighed down
my eyes, weary with weeping. Now with smoking
torches lie arms his feeble hands, and with deadly
purpose aims at his brother's eyes and face ; and now
in trembling fright takes refuge in my chamber; his
enemy pursues and, e'en while the lad clings in my
embrace, savagely he thrusts his sword tin-ough both
our bodies. Then trembling and mighty terror
banish my shnnbers, and bring back to my wretched
heart its grief and fear. Add to all this the proud
concubine, bedecked with our house's spoil, as gift
for whom the son set his own mother on the Stygian
bark ; and, when she had o'ercome dread sliipwreck
and the sea, himself more pitiless than ocean's
waves, slew her with the sword. What hope of
safety, after crime so great, have I ? My victorious
foe threatens my chamber, blazes with hate of me,
and, as the reward of her adultery, demands of my
husband his lawful consort's head. Arise thou, my
father, from the shades and bring help to thy
daughter who calls on thee ; or else, rending the
earth, lay bare the Stygian abyss, that I may plunge
thither headlong.
brings no joy to me ; for my heart is ever trembling,
not with the fear of death, but of crime ^ — be crime
but hicking to my misfortunes, death will be delight.
For 'tis a punishment far worse than death to look
in the tyrant's face, all swollen with rage 'gainst
wretched me, to kiss my foe, to fear his very nod,
obedience to whom my smarting grief could not
endure after my brother's death, most sinfully de-
stroyed, whose throne he usurps, and rejoices in being
the worker of a death unspeakable. How oft does
my brother's sad shade appear before my eyes when
rest has relaxed my body, and sleep weighed down
my eyes, weary with weeping. Now with smoking
torches lie arms his feeble hands, and with deadly
purpose aims at his brother's eyes and face ; and now
in trembling fright takes refuge in my chamber; his
enemy pursues and, e'en while the lad clings in my
embrace, savagely he thrusts his sword tin-ough both
our bodies. Then trembling and mighty terror
banish my shnnbers, and bring back to my wretched
heart its grief and fear. Add to all this the proud
concubine, bedecked with our house's spoil, as gift
for whom the son set his own mother on the Stygian
bark ; and, when she had o'ercome dread sliipwreck
and the sea, himself more pitiless than ocean's
waves, slew her with the sword. What hope of
safety, after crime so great, have I ? My victorious
foe threatens my chamber, blazes with hate of me,
and, as the reward of her adultery, demands of my
husband his lawful consort's head. Arise thou, my
father, from the shades and bring help to thy
daughter who calls on thee ; or else, rending the
earth, lay bare the Stygian abyss, that I may plunge
thither headlong.
419
E E 2
E E 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Frustra parentis invocas manes tui,
miseranda, frustra^ nulla cui prolis suae
manet inter umbras cui'a ; qui nato suo
praeferre potuit sanguine alieno satura 140
miseranda, frustra^ nulla cui prolis suae
manet inter umbras cui'a ; qui nato suo
praeferre potuit sanguine alieno satura 140
genitanicjue fratris coniugem pactus sibi
toris nefandis flebili iunxit face,
hinc orta series facinorum — caedes^ doll,
regni cupidoj sanguinis clari sitis ;
mactata soceri concidit thalamis gener
victima, tuis ne fieret h)Tiienaeis potens.
pro facinus ingens ! feminae est munus datus
Silanus et cruore foedavit suo
patrios penates, criminis ficti reus,
intravit hostis, ei mihi, captam domum, 150
toris nefandis flebili iunxit face,
hinc orta series facinorum — caedes^ doll,
regni cupidoj sanguinis clari sitis ;
mactata soceri concidit thalamis gener
victima, tuis ne fieret h)Tiienaeis potens.
pro facinus ingens ! feminae est munus datus
Silanus et cruore foedavit suo
patrios penates, criminis ficti reus,
intravit hostis, ei mihi, captam domum, 150
dolis novercae principis factus gener
idemque natus^ iuvenis infandi iiigeni,__
scelerum capacis, dira cui genetrix facem
accendit et te iunxit invitam metu.
tantoque victrix facta successu ferox
ausa imminere est orbis imperio sacri.
quis tot referre facinorum formas potest
et spes nefandas feminae et blandos dolos
regnum petentis per gradus scelerum onniium ?
tunc sancta Pietas extulit trepidos gradus iGO
idemque natus^ iuvenis infandi iiigeni,__
scelerum capacis, dira cui genetrix facem
accendit et te iunxit invitam metu.
tantoque victrix facta successu ferox
ausa imminere est orbis imperio sacri.
quis tot referre facinorum formas potest
et spes nefandas feminae et blandos dolos
regnum petentis per gradus scelerum onniium ?
tunc sancta Pietas extulit trepidos gradus iGO
vacuamque Erinys saeva funesto j)ede
intravit aulam, })olluit Stygia face
sacros penates^ iura naturae furens
fasque omne rupit. miscuit coniunx vii-o *
venena saeva^ cecidit atque eadem sui
mox scelere nati ; tu quoque extinctus iaces,
deflende nobis semper infelix puer,
modo sidus orbis, columen augustae domus,
Britannice, lieu me, nunc levis tantum cinis
420
intravit aulam, })olluit Stygia face
sacros penates^ iura naturae furens
fasque omne rupit. miscuit coniunx vii-o *
venena saeva^ cecidit atque eadem sui
mox scelere nati ; tu quoque extinctus iaces,
deflende nobis semper infelix puer,
modo sidus orbis, columen augustae domus,
Britannice, lieu me, nunc levis tantum cinis
420
OCTAVIA
NURSE
In vain dost thou call upon thy father's ghost,
poor girl, in vain, for no care for his child abides
amidst the shades with him who to his own son
could prefer one born of otlier blood, and, taking his
brother's child to wife, wed her with couch incestuous
and gloomy torch. Thence sprung a train of crimes
— murders, deceits, the lust for empire, thirst for
illustrious blood ; as victim offered to the father's
marriage bed the son-in-law was slain, lest, wedded
to thee he might become too strong. Oh, monstrous
crime ! To a woman was Silanus given as a boon
and with his blood defiled the ancestral gods, charged
with a crime that was not his. Then entered the
foe, ah me ! into the conquered palace, by a step-
mother's wiles made an emperor's son-in-law and
son withal, a youthjofbent unnatural, fertile in crime,
whose passion thy crueTlnother fanned, and forced
thee by fear to wed him, 'gainst thy will. Triumphant
and emboldened by such success, she dared aspire to
the awful empire of the world. Who can rehearse
the various forms of crime, the wicked hopes, the
cozening wiles of her who by all crimes would mount
to empire round by round ? Then holy Piety with
trembling step withdrew, and raging Fury with bale-
ful feet entered the empty palace, defiled with
Stygian torch the holy household-gods, and in mad
rage rent nature's laws and all things sacred. The
wife for her husband mingled deadly poison, and
soon by her son's crime the same wife fell. Thou
too dost lie dead, unhappy youth, ever to be mourned
by us, but late the world's sbir, the prop of a noble
house, Biilanuicus, and now, ah me! only light ashes
poor girl, in vain, for no care for his child abides
amidst the shades with him who to his own son
could prefer one born of otlier blood, and, taking his
brother's child to wife, wed her with couch incestuous
and gloomy torch. Thence sprung a train of crimes
— murders, deceits, the lust for empire, thirst for
illustrious blood ; as victim offered to the father's
marriage bed the son-in-law was slain, lest, wedded
to thee he might become too strong. Oh, monstrous
crime ! To a woman was Silanus given as a boon
and with his blood defiled the ancestral gods, charged
with a crime that was not his. Then entered the
foe, ah me ! into the conquered palace, by a step-
mother's wiles made an emperor's son-in-law and
son withal, a youthjofbent unnatural, fertile in crime,
whose passion thy crueTlnother fanned, and forced
thee by fear to wed him, 'gainst thy will. Triumphant
and emboldened by such success, she dared aspire to
the awful empire of the world. Who can rehearse
the various forms of crime, the wicked hopes, the
cozening wiles of her who by all crimes would mount
to empire round by round ? Then holy Piety with
trembling step withdrew, and raging Fury with bale-
ful feet entered the empty palace, defiled with
Stygian torch the holy household-gods, and in mad
rage rent nature's laws and all things sacred. The
wife for her husband mingled deadly poison, and
soon by her son's crime the same wife fell. Thou
too dost lie dead, unhappy youth, ever to be mourned
by us, but late the world's sbir, the prop of a noble
house, Biilanuicus, and now, ah me! only light ashes
421
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
et tristis umbra ; saeva cui lacrimas dedit 170
etiam noverca^ cum rogis artus tuos
dedit ^ cremandos membraque et vultus deo
similes volanti funebris flamma abstulit.^
dedit ^ cremandos membraque et vultus deo
similes volanti funebris flamma abstulit.^
OCTAVIA
Extinguat et me, ne manu nostra cadat !
NVTRIX
Natura vires non dedit tantas tibi.
OCTAVIA
Dolor ira maeror miseriae luctus dabunt.
NVTRIX
Vince obsequendo potius immitem virum.
OCTAVIA
Vt fratrem ademptum scelere restituat mihi ?
NVTRIX
Incolumis ut sis ipsa, labentem ut domum
genitoris olim subole restituas tua. 180
genitoris olim subole restituas tua. 180
OCTAVIA
Expectat aliam j)rincipis subolem donius ;
me dira miseri fata germani trahunt.
me dira miseri fata germani trahunt.
NVTRIX
Confirmet animuin civium tantus favor.
1 So the MSS.: Leo, with Buecheler, dedi.
* Some editors siujgest a lacuna of thirty or more lines fol-
lowing 17S,
422
lowing 17S,
422
OCTAVIA
and a mournful shade, o'er whom e'en thy step-
mother wept, when on the pyre she gave thy body
to be burned, and when thy limbs and features, that
were like a winged god's, were by the mournftil
flame consumed.
mother wept, when on the pyre she gave thy body
to be burned, and when thy limbs and features, that
were like a winged god's, were by the mournftil
flame consumed.
OCTAVIA
Let him^ destroy me also, lest by my hand he fall.
NURSE
Nature has not bestowed on thee such strength.
OCTAVIA
Anguish, anger, sorrow, wretchedness, grief will
bestow it.
bestow it.
NURSE
By compliance, rather, win thine unfeeling lord.
OCTAVIA
That he may give back to me my brother, wickedly
destroyed ?
destroyed ?
NURSE
That thou mayst be thyself unharmed, that one
day thou mayst i-estore thy father's tottering house
with sons of thine.
day thou mayst i-estore thy father's tottering house
with sons of thine.
OCTAVIA
The royal house expects another son; 2 nie my
poor brother's cruel fates drag down.
poor brother's cruel fates drag down.
NURSE
Let thy soul be strengthened by the citizens' great
love.
love.
1 Noro.
* I.e. Nero's by Poppaeti.
423
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
OCTAVIA
Solatur iste nostra^ non relevat mala.
NVTRIX
Vis magna populi est.
OCTAVIA
Prineipis maior tamen.
NVTIUX
Respiciet ipse coniugem.
OCTAVIA
Paelex vetat.
NVTRIX
Invisa cunctis nempe.
OCTAVIA
Sed cara est viro.
NVTRIX
Nondum uxor est.
OCTAVIA
lam fietj et genelrix simul.
NVTRIX
luvenilis ardor impetii primo furit,
languescit idem facile nee durat diu 190
languescit idem facile nee durat diu 190
in Venere turpi, ceu le\ is flammae vapor ;
amor pereniiis coniugis castae manet.
violare j)rima quae toros ausa est tuos
animumque doiuini famula posscdit diu,
iam metuit eadem —
424
amor pereniiis coniugis castae manet.
violare j)rima quae toros ausa est tuos
animumque doiuini famula posscdit diu,
iam metuit eadem —
424
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
That comforts my woes but docs not lighten them.
NUHSE
Tlic people's power is mighty.
OCTAVIA
But the emperor's mightier.
NUKSE
Of himself will he respect liis wife.
OCTAVIA
His concubine forbids.
NURSE
Surely she is scorned by all.
OCTAVIA
But to her husband, dear.
NURSE
She is not yet a wife.
OCTAVIA
But soon will bcj and a mother^ too.
NURSE
Youthful passion burns fierce at the first rush but
readily grows dull, nor long endures in foul adultery,
like heat of flickering flame ; but a chaste wife's love
remains perpetual. She who first dared profane thy
bed, and, though a slave, has long held in thrall her
master's heart, already herself fears — •
readily grows dull, nor long endures in foul adultery,
like heat of flickering flame ; but a chaste wife's love
remains perpetual. She who first dared profane thy
bed, and, though a slave, has long held in thrall her
master's heart, already herself fears — •
4,25
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
OCTAVIA
Nempe praelalam sibi.
NVTRIX
subiecta et humilis, atque moniraenta extruit
quibus timorem fassa testatur suum.
et banc levis fallaxque destitiiet deus
volucer Cupido ; sit licet forma eminens,
opibus superba, gaudium capiet breve. 200
Passa est similes ipsa dolores
regina deum,
regina deum,
cum se formas vertit in omnes
dominus caeli divumque pater,
et modo pennas sumpsit oloris
modo Sidonii cornua tauri,
aureus idem fluxit in imbri ;
fulgent caelo sidera Ledae,
patrio residet Bacchus Olympo,
deus Alcldes possidet Heben 210
dominus caeli divumque pater,
et modo pennas sumpsit oloris
modo Sidonii cornua tauri,
aureus idem fluxit in imbri ;
fulgent caelo sidera Ledae,
patrio residet Bacchus Olympo,
deus Alcldes possidet Heben 210
nee lunonis iam timet iras,
cuius gener est qui fuit hostis.
vieit sapiens tamen obsequium
coniugis altae pressusque dolor ;
sola Tonantem tenet aetberio
secura toro maxima luno,
nee mortali captus forma
deserit altam luppiter aulam.
tu quoque, terris altera luno,
soror Augusti coniunxque, graves 220
cuius gener est qui fuit hostis.
vieit sapiens tamen obsequium
coniugis altae pressusque dolor ;
sola Tonantem tenet aetberio
secura toro maxima luno,
nee mortali captus forma
deserit altam luppiter aulam.
tu quoque, terris altera luno,
soror Augusti coniunxque, graves 220
vince dolores.
1 It is the opinion of Gruterus that the common inter-
pretation of this whole passage is wrong in its assumption
that the poet has Poppaea in mind ; he would have it that
the froed-woman, Acta, is the concubine referred to here.
pretation of this whole passage is wrong in its assumption
that the poet has Poppaea in mind ; he would have it that
the froed-woman, Acta, is the concubine referred to here.
426
OCTAVIA
OCTAVIA
Aye ! a more favoured mistress.
NURSE
— subdued and humble, and gives signs by which
she confesses her own great fear.^ Even her'''sTialI
winged Cupid, false and fickle god, betray ; thougli
she be passing fair, boastful in power, hers shall be
but a transitory joy.
she confesses her own great fear.^ Even her'''sTialI
winged Cupid, false and fickle god, betray ; thougli
she be passing fair, boastful in power, hers shall be
but a transitory joy.
201 The queen of the gods herself like sorrows suf-
fered, when the lord of heaven and father of the gods
into all forms changed, and now wings of a swan 2 put
on, now the horns of a bull '' of Sidon, and again in a
golden shower* poured down ; the stars of Leda
glitter in the sky, Bacchus •'' on his father's Olympus
dwells, Alcides^ as a god possesses Hebe and now
no more fears Juno's wrath ; he is her son-in-law
who was her enemy. Yet wise compliance and
controlled wrath won victory for the queenly wife ;
without rival, without care does Juno hold the
Thunderer on her heavenly couch, and no more
does Jupiter, by mortal beauty smitten, desert the
court of heaven. Thou too, on earth a second Juno,
Augustus' ^ wife and sister, thy grievous woes
o'ercome.
fered, when the lord of heaven and father of the gods
into all forms changed, and now wings of a swan 2 put
on, now the horns of a bull '' of Sidon, and again in a
golden shower* poured down ; the stars of Leda
glitter in the sky, Bacchus •'' on his father's Olympus
dwells, Alcides^ as a god possesses Hebe and now
no more fears Juno's wrath ; he is her son-in-law
who was her enemy. Yet wise compliance and
controlled wrath won victory for the queenly wife ;
without rival, without care does Juno hold the
Thunderer on her heavenly couch, and no more
does Jupiter, by mortal beauty smitten, desert the
court of heaven. Thou too, on earth a second Juno,
Augustus' ^ wife and sister, thy grievous woes
o'ercome.
^ In which form he came to Leda.
' Thus he appeared to Europa.
* Thus lie appeared to Danae.
8 Son of Jove and a ujortal woman. See Index.
^ A surname not only of the first, but of all the Roman
emperors. Here, Nero.
' Thus he appeared to Europa.
* Thus lie appeared to Danae.
8 Son of Jove and a ujortal woman. See Index.
^ A surname not only of the first, but of all the Roman
emperors. Here, Nero.
427
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lungentur ante saeva sideribus freta
et ignis undae, Tartaro tristi polus,
lux alma tenebris, roscidae nocti dies,
quam cum scelesti coniugis mente impia
mens nostra, semper fratris extincti memor.
utinam nefandi principis dirum caput
obruere flanimis caelitum rector paret,
qui saepe terras fulmine infesto quatit
mentesque nostras ignibus terret sacris 230
et ignis undae, Tartaro tristi polus,
lux alma tenebris, roscidae nocti dies,
quam cum scelesti coniugis mente impia
mens nostra, semper fratris extincti memor.
utinam nefandi principis dirum caput
obruere flanimis caelitum rector paret,
qui saepe terras fulmine infesto quatit
mentesque nostras ignibus terret sacris 230
novisque monstris ; vidimus caelo iubar
ardens cometam pandere infestam facem,
qua plaustra tardus noctis aeterna vice
regit Bootes, frigore Arctoo rigens.
I en ipse dire spiritu saevi ducis
polluitur aether, gentibus clades novas
minantur astra, quas regit dux impius.
non tam ferum Typhona neglecto love
irata Tellus edidit quondam parens ;
hie gravior illo pestis, hie hostis deum 240
ardens cometam pandere infestam facem,
qua plaustra tardus noctis aeterna vice
regit Bootes, frigore Arctoo rigens.
I en ipse dire spiritu saevi ducis
polluitur aether, gentibus clades novas
minantur astra, quas regit dux impius.
non tam ferum Typhona neglecto love
irata Tellus edidit quondam parens ;
hie gravior illo pestis, hie hostis deum 240
hominumque templis expulit superos suis
civesque patria, spiritum fratri abstulit,
hausit cruorem matris — ct lucem vidct
fruiturque vita noxiam atque animam trahit !
pro summ.e genitor, tela cur frustra iacis
invicta totiens temere rcgali manu ?
in tam noccntem dextra cur cessat tua ?
utinam suorum facinorum poenas luat
Nero insitivus, Domitio genitus patre,
orbis tyrannus, quern premit turpi iugo 250
civesque patria, spiritum fratri abstulit,
hausit cruorem matris — ct lucem vidct
fruiturque vita noxiam atque animam trahit !
pro summ.e genitor, tela cur frustra iacis
invicta totiens temere rcgali manu ?
in tam noccntem dextra cur cessat tua ?
utinam suorum facinorum poenas luat
Nero insitivus, Domitio genitus patre,
orbis tyrannus, quern premit turpi iugo 250
morumque vitiis nomen Augustum inquinat !
^ A comet actually did appear at this time (Tacitus, An-
nales, xiv. 22). The appearance of a comet was portentous,
and was supposed to prelude the death of a king.
nales, xiv. 22). The appearance of a comet was portentous,
and was supposed to prelude the death of a king.
428
OCTAVIA
Sooner shall savan^e seas unite with stars, water with
fire, heaven with sad Tartarus, the kindly light with
darkness, day with the dewy night, than with my
accursed husband's impious soul this soul of mine,
that ever broods upon my brother's death. And oh,
that the lord of the heaven-dwellers, who often
shakes the lands with deadly bolt and terrifies our
souls with awful fires and portents strange, would
make ready to whelm with flames this impious piince.
We have seen a glowing radiance in the sky, a
comet 1 spreading its baleful trail, where slow Bootes,
numb with Arctic chill, with endless, nightlong
wheeling, guides his wain. Lo, by the pestilential
fire, heaven with sad Tartarus, the kindly light with
darkness, day with the dewy night, than with my
accursed husband's impious soul this soul of mine,
that ever broods upon my brother's death. And oh,
that the lord of the heaven-dwellers, who often
shakes the lands with deadly bolt and terrifies our
souls with awful fires and portents strange, would
make ready to whelm with flames this impious piince.
We have seen a glowing radiance in the sky, a
comet 1 spreading its baleful trail, where slow Bootes,
numb with Arctic chill, with endless, nightlong
wheeling, guides his wain. Lo, by the pestilential
■ breath of this destructive leader the very air is
tainted ; the stars threaten unheard disasters for the
tainted ; the stars threaten unheard disasters for the
' nations which this godless leader rules. Not such a
pest was Typhon, whom wrathful mother Earth pro-
duced in scorn of Jove ; this scourge, worse than he,
this enemy of gods and men, has driven the heavenly
ones from their shrines, and citizens from their
country, from his brother has he reft the breath of life,
and drained his mother's blood — and he still sees the
light of day, still lives and draws his baneful breath !
O high exalted father, why vainly, why so oft at
random dost thou hurl thy darts invincible with thine
imperial hand ? 'Gainst one so criminal why is thy
right hand stayed ? Would that he might pay
penalty for his crimes, this spurious - Nero, son of
Domitius, tyrant of a world he burdens with his
shameful yoke, and with foul ways pollutes the name
Augustus !
pest was Typhon, whom wrathful mother Earth pro-
duced in scorn of Jove ; this scourge, worse than he,
this enemy of gods and men, has driven the heavenly
ones from their shrines, and citizens from their
country, from his brother has he reft the breath of life,
and drained his mother's blood — and he still sees the
light of day, still lives and draws his baneful breath !
O high exalted father, why vainly, why so oft at
random dost thou hurl thy darts invincible with thine
imperial hand ? 'Gainst one so criminal why is thy
right hand stayed ? Would that he might pay
penalty for his crimes, this spurious - Nero, son of
Domitius, tyrant of a world he burdens with his
shameful yoke, and with foul ways pollutes the name
Augustus !
* Refening to the fact that Nero \\ as not the true son and
rightful heir of Claudius.
rightful heir of Claudius.
429
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
NVTBIX
Indii^nus ille, fateor, est thalamis tuis ;
sed cede fatis atque fortunae tuae,
alumna, quaeso neve violent! move
iram mariti. forsitan vindex deus
existet aliquis, laetus et veniet dies.
sed cede fatis atque fortunae tuae,
alumna, quaeso neve violent! move
iram mariti. forsitan vindex deus
existet aliquis, laetus et veniet dies.
Gravi deorum nostra iam pridem domus
urgetur ira, prima quam pressit \'enus
furore miserae dura genetricis meae,
quae nupta demens nupsit incesta face, 260
urgetur ira, prima quam pressit \'enus
furore miserae dura genetricis meae,
quae nupta demens nupsit incesta face, 260
oblita nostri, coniugis, legum immemor.
illi soluta crine, succincta anguibus
ultrix Erinys venit ad Stygios toros
raptasque thalamis sanguine extinxit faces ;
incendit ira principis pectus truci
caedem in nefandam ; cecidit infclix parens,
heu, nostra ferro meque perpetuo obruit
extincta luctu ; coniugem traxit suum
natumque ad umbras, prodidit lapsam domum.
illi soluta crine, succincta anguibus
ultrix Erinys venit ad Stygios toros
raptasque thalamis sanguine extinxit faces ;
incendit ira principis pectus truci
caedem in nefandam ; cecidit infclix parens,
heu, nostra ferro meque perpetuo obruit
extincta luctu ; coniugem traxit suum
natumque ad umbras, prodidit lapsam domum.
Renovare luctus parce cum fletu pios, 270
manes ])arcntis neve sollicita tuae,
graves furoris quae sui })oenas dcdit.
graves furoris quae sui })oenas dcdit.
Quae fama modo venit ad aures ?
utinam falso crcdita })crdat
frustra totiens iactata fidem.
utinam falso crcdita })crdat
frustra totiens iactata fidem.
* I.e. C. Siliua.
430
OCTAVIA
NURSE
Unworthy he, I do confess it, to mate with tliee ;
but yield thee to the fates and to tliy lot, my child,
I beg, nor rouse thy violent husband's wrath. Per-
chance some god will arise as thine avenger, and a
day of happiness will come again.
but yield thee to the fates and to tliy lot, my child,
I beg, nor rouse thy violent husband's wrath. Per-
chance some god will arise as thine avenger, and a
day of happiness will come again.
Long since has the heavy wrath of the gods
pursued our house, whicli harsh Venus first o'er-
whelmed in my poor mother's madness ; for she,
already wed, in mad folly wed another ^ with un-
holy torch, of me, of her husband forgetful, and re-
gardless of the laws. Against her to that hellish
couch, with streaming hair and girt about with snakes,
came the avenging Fury and quenched those stolen
Avedding fires in blood ; with rage she inflamed tlu^
cruel emperor's heart to impious murder ; my ill-
starred mother fell, alas, and, by the sword destroyed,
o'erwhelmed me in endless suffering; her husband
and her son did she drag down to death ^ and shame-
fully betrayed our fallen house.
pursued our house, whicli harsh Venus first o'er-
whelmed in my poor mother's madness ; for she,
already wed, in mad folly wed another ^ with un-
holy torch, of me, of her husband forgetful, and re-
gardless of the laws. Against her to that hellish
couch, with streaming hair and girt about with snakes,
came the avenging Fury and quenched those stolen
Avedding fires in blood ; with rage she inflamed tlu^
cruel emperor's heart to impious murder ; my ill-
starred mother fell, alas, and, by the sword destroyed,
o'erwhelmed me in endless suffering; her husband
and her son did she drag down to death ^ and shame-
fully betrayed our fallen house.
NURSE
Forbear with weeping to renew thy filial griefs, and
vex not thy mother's spirit, who for her madness has
grievously atoned. [E.veu?it.
vex not thy mother's spirit, who for her madness has
grievously atoned. [E.veu?it.
cnoiius
What rumour has but now come to our ears ?
May it prove false and gain no credence though
vainly told o'er and o'er ; and may no new wife tlie
What rumour has but now come to our ears ?
May it prove false and gain no credence though
vainly told o'er and o'er ; and may no new wife tlie
" Because, after Messalina's death, Claudius married
Agrippina wlio was responsible for the death of Claudius
and Britaiuiieus.
Agrippina wlio was responsible for the death of Claudius
and Britaiuiieus.
431
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
nee nova coniunx nostri thalamos
principis intret teneatque suos
nupta penates Claudia proles ;
edat partu pignora pacis
qua traaquillus gaudeat orbis 280
servetque decus Roma aeternuni.
fratris thalamos sortita tenet
maxima luno ; soror Augusti
sociata toris cur a patria
pellitur aula ? sancta quid illi
prodest pietas divusque pater,
quid virginitas castusque pudor?
nos quoque nostri sumus immemores
post fata ducis, cuius stirpem
prodimus aegro ^ suadente metu. 290
vera priorum virtus quondam
Romana fuit verumque genus
Martis in illis sanguisque viris.
illi reges hac expulerunt
urbe superbos idtique tuos
sunt bene maneSj
virgo, dextra
caesa parentis, ne servitium
patereve grave et improba ferret
praemia victrix dira libido. 300
te quoque bellinn triste secutuni est,'^
mactata tua miseranda manu,
nata Lucreti, stuprum saevi
j)assa tyranni.
dedit infandi sceleris poenas
cum Tarquinio Tullia coniunx,
quae per caesi membra parentis
cgit saevos impia currus
laceroque seni violenta rogos
nuta negavit.
432
OCTAVIA
emperor's chamber enter, and may his bride, the
child of Claudius, keep her rightful home, and bring
forth sons, pledges of peace, wherein the untroubled
world may rejoice and Rome preserve her everlast-
ing glory. Her brother's bridal chamber mightiest
Juno won and holds ; why is Augustus's sister, made
partner of his couch, driven from her fathei*'s house ?
Of what avail to her is pure devotion, a father deified,
virginity, unblemished chastity ? We too, after his
death have quite forgot our leader, and betray his
child at the bidding of sick fear. Right Roman virtue
of old our fathers had ; in such men was the true
race and blood of Mars. They from this city arrogant
kings expelled, and well did they avenge thy ghost,
O virgin,^ slain by thy father's hand lest thou shouldst
suffer slavery's heavy load, and lest cruel lust,
victorious, should gain its shameless prize. Thee -
also a sad war followed, daughter of Lucretius, slain,
poor girl, by thine own hand, by a brutal tyrant
outraged. With Tarquin Tullia, his wife, paid penalty
for crime unspeakable, who, over the body of her
murdei'ed father heartlessly drove her cruel car, and,
mad daughter, refused the mangled old man a
emperor's chamber enter, and may his bride, the
child of Claudius, keep her rightful home, and bring
forth sons, pledges of peace, wherein the untroubled
world may rejoice and Rome preserve her everlast-
ing glory. Her brother's bridal chamber mightiest
Juno won and holds ; why is Augustus's sister, made
partner of his couch, driven from her fathei*'s house ?
Of what avail to her is pure devotion, a father deified,
virginity, unblemished chastity ? We too, after his
death have quite forgot our leader, and betray his
child at the bidding of sick fear. Right Roman virtue
of old our fathers had ; in such men was the true
race and blood of Mars. They from this city arrogant
kings expelled, and well did they avenge thy ghost,
O virgin,^ slain by thy father's hand lest thou shouldst
suffer slavery's heavy load, and lest cruel lust,
victorious, should gain its shameless prize. Thee -
also a sad war followed, daughter of Lucretius, slain,
poor girl, by thine own hand, by a brutal tyrant
outraged. With Tarquin Tullia, his wife, paid penalty
for crime unspeakable, who, over the body of her
murdei'ed father heartlessly drove her cruel car, and,
mad daughter, refused the mangled old man a
funeral-pyre.
* Virginia. See Index.
* Lucretia. See Index.
^ So Richter: Xeo faevo : A sevo : i|/ evo : /"eipcr eheii.
2 Leo deletM lines 297-301.
2 Leo deletM lines 297-301.
433
VOL. 11. F F
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Haec quoque nati videre nefas 310
saecula magnum^ cum Tyrrhenum
rate ferali princeps captam
fraude parentem misit in aequor.
properant placidos linquere portus
iussi nautae, resonant remis
pulsata freta.
rate ferali princeps captam
fraude parentem misit in aequor.
properant placidos linquere portus
iussi nautae, resonant remis
pulsata freta.
fertur in altum provecta ratis,
quae resoluto robore labens
pressa dehiscit sorbetque mare,
tollitur ingens clamor ad astra 320
quae resoluto robore labens
pressa dehiscit sorbetque mare,
tollitur ingens clamor ad astra 320
cum femineo mixtus planctu.
mors ante oculos dira vagatur ;
quaerit leti sibi quisque fugam ;
alii lacerae puppis tabulis
haerent nudi fiuctusque secant,
repetunt alii litora nantes ;
multos mergunt fata pi-ofundo.
scindit vestes Augusta suas
laceratque comas rigat et maestis
fletibus ora. 330
mors ante oculos dira vagatur ;
quaerit leti sibi quisque fugam ;
alii lacerae puppis tabulis
haerent nudi fiuctusque secant,
repetunt alii litora nantes ;
multos mergunt fata pi-ofundo.
scindit vestes Augusta suas
laceratque comas rigat et maestis
fletibus ora. 330
Postquam spes est nulla salutis,
ardens ira, iam victa malis :
*' haec " exclamat '' mihi pro tanto
munere reddis praemia, nate ?
hac suin^ fateor, digna carina,
quae te genui, quae tibi lucem
atque imperium nomenque dcdi
Caesaris aniens, exere vultus
Acherontc tuos poenisque meis
pascere, coniunx ; 346
ardens ira, iam victa malis :
*' haec " exclamat '' mihi pro tanto
munere reddis praemia, nate ?
hac suin^ fateor, digna carina,
quae te genui, quae tibi lucem
atque imperium nomenque dcdi
Caesaris aniens, exere vultus
Acherontc tuos poenisque meis
pascere, coniunx ; 346
ego causa tuae, miserande, necis
natoque tuo funeris auctor
en, ut merui, fcrar ad manes
iiihumatii tuos, obruta saevis
acquoris undis."
natoque tuo funeris auctor
en, ut merui, fcrar ad manes
iiihumatii tuos, obruta saevis
acquoris undis."
434
OCTAVIA
^^^ This age as well has seen a son's dire crime,
when in a deadly bark the prince^ sent his mother
out on the Tyrrhene sea, by a trick ensnared. At his
bidding tlie sailors make haste to leave the peaceful
port and, smit by the oars, the sea resounds. The
vessel is borne far out upon the deep ; and there,
with loosened timbers, sinking, overwhelmed, it yawns
wide and drinks in the sea. A mighty outcry rises
to the stars, mingled with shrieks of women. Death
stalks dire before the eyes of all ; each for himself
seeks refuge from destruction ; some cling naked to
planks of the broken ship and face the floods, while
others, swimming, seek to gain the shore ; fate
plunges many into the depths below. Augusta ^
rends her garments and tears her hair and waters
her cheeks with grieving tears.
when in a deadly bark the prince^ sent his mother
out on the Tyrrhene sea, by a trick ensnared. At his
bidding tlie sailors make haste to leave the peaceful
port and, smit by the oars, the sea resounds. The
vessel is borne far out upon the deep ; and there,
with loosened timbers, sinking, overwhelmed, it yawns
wide and drinks in the sea. A mighty outcry rises
to the stars, mingled with shrieks of women. Death
stalks dire before the eyes of all ; each for himself
seeks refuge from destruction ; some cling naked to
planks of the broken ship and face the floods, while
others, swimming, seek to gain the shore ; fate
plunges many into the depths below. Augusta ^
rends her garments and tears her hair and waters
her cheeks with grieving tears.
331 At last, with hope of safety gone, blazing with
anger and now o'ercome with woe, she cries ; "Such
reward as this for my great boon, O son, dost thou
return nie ? Worthy am I of this ship, I do confess,
who brought thee forth, who gave thee light and
empire and the name of Caesar, fool that I was.
Thrust forth thy face from Acheron, and glut thee
with my j)unishment, O husband ; I caused tin-
death, poor soul, was the author of thy son's de-
struction, and lo, as I have merited, to thy ghost
am I now borne unburied, whelmed in the cruel
waters of the sea."
anger and now o'ercome with woe, she cries ; "Such
reward as this for my great boon, O son, dost thou
return nie ? Worthy am I of this ship, I do confess,
who brought thee forth, who gave thee light and
empire and the name of Caesar, fool that I was.
Thrust forth thy face from Acheron, and glut thee
with my j)unishment, O husband ; I caused tin-
death, poor soul, was the author of thy son's de-
struction, and lo, as I have merited, to thy ghost
am I now borne unburied, whelmed in the cruel
waters of the sea."
' Nero. * i.e. Agrijjpiiia.
435
r F 2
r F 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Feriunt fluctus ora loquentis,
ruit in pelagus rursumque salo
pressa resurgit, pellit palmis
cogente metu freta, set cedit
fessa labori. mansit tacitis 350
ruit in pelagus rursumque salo
pressa resurgit, pellit palmis
cogente metu freta, set cedit
fessa labori. mansit tacitis 350
in pectoribus spreta tristi
iam morte fides, multi dominae
ferre auxilium pelago fractis
viribus audent^ bracchia quamvis
lenta trahentem voce hortantur
nianibusque levant, quid tibi saevi
fugisse maris profuit undas .''
ferro es nati moritura tui,
cuius facinus vix postevitas,
tarde semper saecula credent. S60
iam morte fides, multi dominae
ferre auxilium pelago fractis
viribus audent^ bracchia quamvis
lenta trahentem voce hortantur
nianibusque levant, quid tibi saevi
fugisse maris profuit undas .''
ferro es nati moritura tui,
cuius facinus vix postevitas,
tarde semper saecula credent. S60
furit ereptam pelagoque dolet
vivere matrem
vivere matrem
impius, ingens geminatque nefas ;
ruit in miserae fata parentis
patiturque moram sceleris nuUam.
missus peragit iussa satelles ;
reserat dominae pectora ferro.
caedis moriens ilia ministrum
rogat infeliXj utero diruui
condat ut ensem : 370
ruit in miserae fata parentis
patiturque moram sceleris nuUam.
missus peragit iussa satelles ;
reserat dominae pectora ferro.
caedis moriens ilia ministrum
rogat infeliXj utero diruui
condat ut ensem : 370
"hie est, hie est fodiendus" ait
"ferro, monstrum qui tale tulit."
post hanc vocem
mixtam gemitu cum supremo
animam tandem per fera tristem
vulnera reddit.
"ferro, monstrum qui tale tulit."
post hanc vocem
mixtam gemitu cum supremo
animam tandem per fera tristem
vulnera reddit.
SENECA
Quid me, potcns Fortuna, fallaci mihi
blandita vultu, sorte contentum nieu
blandita vultu, sorte contentum nieu
4^6
OCTAVIA
'*^ E'en while she speaks tlie waves wash o'er her
lips, and down into the deep she j)hingcs ; anon she
rises from the briny weight and with her hands, fear
driving her, lashes the sea ; but soon, outwearied,
gives o'er the struggle. There still lived in secret
hearts ^ fidelity which scorned the grim fear of
death. Many to their mistress dare bring aid,
when her strength is exhausted by the sea, and, as
she drags her arms, though sluggishly, along, with
their voices cheer her and lift her with their hands.
Hut what availed it to have escaped the waters of
the cruel sea ? By the sword of thine own son thou
art to die, to whose crime scarce will posterity,
slowly will all future ages, give belief. He rages
and grieves that his mother, snatched from the sea,
still lives, the impious monster, and heaps huge
guilt on guilt ; bent on his wretched mother's
death, he bi'ooks no stay of crime. Sent to the
task, his creature works his will, and with the sword
lays open his mistress' breast. The unhappy woman,
dving, begs her murderer to sheathe his fell sword
within her womb : " 'Tis this, 'tis this that must
with the sword be pierced, which gave such monster
birth ! " After such utterance, with a dying groan
commingled, at length through the cruel wound she
yielded her sad ghost.
lips, and down into the deep she j)hingcs ; anon she
rises from the briny weight and with her hands, fear
driving her, lashes the sea ; but soon, outwearied,
gives o'er the struggle. There still lived in secret
hearts ^ fidelity which scorned the grim fear of
death. Many to their mistress dare bring aid,
when her strength is exhausted by the sea, and, as
she drags her arms, though sluggishly, along, with
their voices cheer her and lift her with their hands.
Hut what availed it to have escaped the waters of
the cruel sea ? By the sword of thine own son thou
art to die, to whose crime scarce will posterity,
slowly will all future ages, give belief. He rages
and grieves that his mother, snatched from the sea,
still lives, the impious monster, and heaps huge
guilt on guilt ; bent on his wretched mother's
death, he bi'ooks no stay of crime. Sent to the
task, his creature works his will, and with the sword
lays open his mistress' breast. The unhappy woman,
dving, begs her murderer to sheathe his fell sword
within her womb : " 'Tis this, 'tis this that must
with the sword be pierced, which gave such monster
birth ! " After such utterance, with a dying groan
commingled, at length through the cruel wound she
yielded her sad ghost.
SENECA [alone]
Why, potent Fortune, with false, flattering looks,
hast high exalted me when contented with my lot,
^ i.e. of some of her servants.
Why, potent Fortune, with false, flattering looks,
hast high exalted me when contented with my lot,
^ i.e. of some of her servants.
437
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
alte extulisti, gravius ut ruerem edita
receptus arce totque prospicerem metus ? 380
melius latebam procul ab invidiae malis
remotus intei* Corsici rupes maris,
ubi liber animus et sui iuris mihi
semper vacabat studia recolenti mea.
o quam iuvabat^ quo nihil maius parens
Natura genuit, operis immensi artifex,
caelum intueri, solis et currus sacros
mundique motuSj^ solis alternas vices
orbemque Phoebes^ astra quern cingunt vaga,
lateque fulgens aetheris magni decus ; 390
qui si senescit^ tantus in caecum chaos
casurus iterum, tunc adest mundo dies ^
supremus ille^ qui premat^ genus impium
caeli ruina, rursus ut stirpem novam
generet renascens melior, ut quondam tulit
iuveniSj tenente regna Saturno poli.
tunc ilia virgo, numinis magni dea,
lustitiaj caelo missa cum sancta Fide
terris regebat mitis humanum genus.
non bella norant^ non tubae fremitus truces, 400
non anna gentes, cingere assuerant suas
muris nee urbes : pervium cunctis itei',
communis usus omnium rcrum fuit ;
et ipsa Tellus laeta fecundos sinus
pandebat ultro, tam piis felix parens
et tuta alumnis.
I Alia sed suboles^ minus
' exjierta mitis, tertium sollers genus
novas ad artes extitit, sanctum tamen ;
mox inquietum, quod sequi cursu feras
^ Leo deities solis . . . motus.
^ So Bichter with MSS. : Leo casurus itcruni est— nunc ades
noundo, dies. * So Jiichter with MSS.: Leo premas.
noundo, dies. * So Jiichter with MSS.: Leo premas.
438
OCTAVIA
that, raised to a lott}' pinnacle, in heavier ruin I
might fall, and might look out upon so many fears ?
Better was 1 hid, far out of the reach of envy's sting,
midst the crags of Corsica, facing on the sea, where
my spirit, free and its own lord, had ever time to
contemplate my favourite themes. Oh, 'twas joy —
a joy surpassing anything to which mother Nature,
contriver of this fabric infinite, hath given birth, to
gaze upon the heavens, the sun's sacred chariot, the
motions of the universe and the sun's recurring-
rounds, and the orb of Phoebe, which the wandering
stars encircle, and the far effulgent glory of the mighty
sky. If this sky is growing old, doomed wholly
once more to fall into blind nothingness, then for the
universe is that last day at hand which shall crush
sinful man beneath heaven's ruin, that so once more
a reborn and better world may bring fortli a new
race such as she bore in youth, when Saturn ^ held the
kingdoms of the sky. Then did that virgin, Justice,2
goddess of mighty sway, from heaven sent down with
holy Faith to earth, rule with mild sway the race of
men. No wars the nations knew, no trumpet's
threatening blasts, no arms, nor were they used to
surround their cities with a wall : open to all was
the way, in common was the use of every thing ; and
the glad Earth herself willingly laid bare her fruitful
breast, a mother happy and safe amid such duteous
nurslings.
might fall, and might look out upon so many fears ?
Better was 1 hid, far out of the reach of envy's sting,
midst the crags of Corsica, facing on the sea, where
my spirit, free and its own lord, had ever time to
contemplate my favourite themes. Oh, 'twas joy —
a joy surpassing anything to which mother Nature,
contriver of this fabric infinite, hath given birth, to
gaze upon the heavens, the sun's sacred chariot, the
motions of the universe and the sun's recurring-
rounds, and the orb of Phoebe, which the wandering
stars encircle, and the far effulgent glory of the mighty
sky. If this sky is growing old, doomed wholly
once more to fall into blind nothingness, then for the
universe is that last day at hand which shall crush
sinful man beneath heaven's ruin, that so once more
a reborn and better world may bring fortli a new
race such as she bore in youth, when Saturn ^ held the
kingdoms of the sky. Then did that virgin, Justice,2
goddess of mighty sway, from heaven sent down with
holy Faith to earth, rule with mild sway the race of
men. No wars the nations knew, no trumpet's
threatening blasts, no arms, nor were they used to
surround their cities with a wall : open to all was
the way, in common was the use of every thing ; and
the glad Earth herself willingly laid bare her fruitful
breast, a mother happy and safe amid such duteous
nurslings.
'"'^ But another race arose which proved less
gentle ; another yet, cunning in unknown arts, but
holy still ; then came a restless r.iec, which dared
gentle ; another yet, cunning in unknown arts, but
holy still ; then came a restless r.iec, which dared
1 In the Golden Age. = i.e. Astraea.
^ 439
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
auderet acres, fluctibus tectos gravi 410
extrahere jnsces rete vel calauio levi,
decipere volucres^
tenere laqueo, premere subiectos iugo
tauros feroces, vomere immuncm prius
sulcare terram, laesa quae fruges suas
interius alte condidit sacro sinu.
sed in parentis viscera intravit suae
deterior aetas ; eruit ferrum grave
aurumque, saevas mox et armavit manus ;
partita fines regna constituit, novas 420
extruxit urbes^ tecta defendit sua,
aliena telis aut petit praedae imminens.
neglecta terras fugit et mores fcros
hominuni et cruenta caede pollutas manus
Astraea virgo, siderum magnum decus.
cupido belli crevit atque auri fames
totum per orbem, maximum exortum est malum
luxuria, pestis blanda, cui vires dedit
roburque longum tempos atque error gravis.
collecta vitia per tot aetates diu 430
in nos redundant ; saeculo premimur gravi,
quo scelera regnant, saevit impietas furens,
turpi libido Venere dominatur potens,
luxuria victrix orbis immensas opes
iam pridem avaris manibus, ut perdat, rapit.
Sed ecce, gressu fertur attonito Nero
trucique vultu. quid ferat mente horreo.
trucique vultu. quid ferat mente horreo.
NERO
Perage imperata ; mitte, qui Plauti mihi
Sullaeque caesi referat abscisum caput.
Sullaeque caesi referat abscisum caput.
^ Lio conjectures a lacuna, and sugycsCa canes >.
440
OCTAVIA
pursue the wild beasts in tlic chase, draw fish from
tiieir coverts 'neath the sea with Aveighted net or
slender rod, catch birds, on a strong leash hold
unrul}' dogs,i force headstrong bullocks to endure
the yoke, fin-row the earth which had never felt the
plough, and which, now thus outraged, had hidden
her fruits deeper in her sacred bosom. But into its
mother's bowels did tliat degenerate age intrude ; it
(big out heavy iron and gold, and soon did it arm
savage hands for war. Marking out boundaries, it
established kingdoms, built cities, hitherto unknown,
guarded its own dwellings or, bent on booty, with
weapons attacked another's. Away from earth that
scorned her, from the wild ways of men and hands
defiled with bloody slaughter, fled the maid, Astraea,
chief glory of the firmament. Lust for war increased
and hunger for gold throughout the world; luxury
arose, deadliest of ills, a luring pest, which acquired
strength and force by long use and grievous error.
These sins, through many ages gathering, are o'er-
flowing upon us; a heavy age weighs us down, wherein
crime is regnant, impiety runs mad, all-potent lust
lords it with shameless love, and triumphant luxury
has long with greedy hands been clutching the world's
unbounded stores — that she may squander them.
[nero is seen approaching.'^
^^•^ But see, with startled step and savage mien Nero
approaches. At thought of what he brings I tremble.
[Enfe7- -HKiw , followed hij a Prefect.]
tiieir coverts 'neath the sea with Aveighted net or
slender rod, catch birds, on a strong leash hold
unrul}' dogs,i force headstrong bullocks to endure
the yoke, fin-row the earth which had never felt the
plough, and which, now thus outraged, had hidden
her fruits deeper in her sacred bosom. But into its
mother's bowels did tliat degenerate age intrude ; it
(big out heavy iron and gold, and soon did it arm
savage hands for war. Marking out boundaries, it
established kingdoms, built cities, hitherto unknown,
guarded its own dwellings or, bent on booty, with
weapons attacked another's. Away from earth that
scorned her, from the wild ways of men and hands
defiled with bloody slaughter, fled the maid, Astraea,
chief glory of the firmament. Lust for war increased
and hunger for gold throughout the world; luxury
arose, deadliest of ills, a luring pest, which acquired
strength and force by long use and grievous error.
These sins, through many ages gathering, are o'er-
flowing upon us; a heavy age weighs us down, wherein
crime is regnant, impiety runs mad, all-potent lust
lords it with shameless love, and triumphant luxury
has long with greedy hands been clutching the world's
unbounded stores — that she may squander them.
[nero is seen approaching.'^
^^•^ But see, with startled step and savage mien Nero
approaches. At thought of what he brings I tremble.
[Enfe7- -HKiw , followed hij a Prefect.]
NERO [to Prefect]
Go do my bidding ; send one to slay me Plautus
and Sulla and bring back their severed heads.
and Sulla and bring back their severed heads.
^ Translating Leo's conjecture.
441
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
PRAEFECTVS
lussa haud morabor : castra coiifestim petam.
SENECA
Nihil in propinquos temere constitui decet. 440
NERO
lustum esse facile est cui vacat pectus metu.
SENECA
Magnum timoris remedium dementia est.
NERO
Extinguere hostem maxima est virtus ducis.
SENECA
Servare cives maior est patriae patri.
NERO
Praecipere mitem convenit pueris senem.
SENECA
Regenda magis est fervida adolescentia.
NERO
Aetate in liac sat esse consilii reor.
SENECA
Vt facta superi comjjrobent semper tua.
NERO
Stulte verebor, ipse cum faciam, deos.
442
OCT A VI A
PIIEFECT
Thy bidding will I do : to tlie camp forthwitli I'll
take inc. [K.rif.
take inc. [K.rif.
SENECA
'Tis not becoming to proceed rashly 'gainst one's
friends.
friends.
NERO
'Tis easy to be just when the heart is free from
fear.
fear.
SENECA
A sovereign cure for fear is clemency.
NERO
To destroy foes is a leader's greatest virtue.
SENECA
For the father of his country to save citizens, is
greater still.
greater still.
NERO
A mild old man should give schooling to bovs.
SENECA
More needful 'tis that fiery youth be ruled.
NERO
I deem that at this age we are wise enough.
SENECA
May thy deeds be ever pleasing to the gods.
NERO
Foolish I'd be to fear the gods, when I myself
make them.^
make them.^
* Referring to his own act in deifying the late Claudius.
443
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Hoc plus verere quod licet tantum tibi. 450
NERO
I Fortuna nostra cuncta permittit niihi.
SENECA
Crede obsequenti parcius ; levis est'dea.
NERO
Inertis est nescire quid liceat sibi,
SENECA
Id facere laus est quod decet, non quod licet.
NERO
Calcat iacentem vulgus.
SENECA
Invisum opprimit.
NERO
Ferrum tuetur principem.
SENECA
Melius fides.
NERO
Decet timeri Caesarcm.
SENECA
At plus diligi.i
NERO
Metuant necesse est —
^ Leo deletes decet . . . diligi.
444
444
OCTAVIA
SENECA
Fear thou the more, that so great j)ower is thine.
NERO
My fortune doth allow all things to me.
SENECA
Indulgent fortune trust more cautiously ; she is a
fickle goddess.
NERO
^ 'Tis a dullard's part not to know what he may do.
SENECA
'Tis praiseworthy to do, not what one may, but
what one ought.
what one ought.
NERO
Him who lies down the crowd trample on.
SENECA
Him whom they hate, they crush.
NEUO
The sword protects the ])rince,
SENECA
Still better, loyalty.
NERO
A Caesar should be feared.
SENECA
But more be loved.
NERO
But men must fear —
44:
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Quidquid exprimitur grave est.
NERO
lussisque nostris pareant.
SENECA
lusta impera — ■
NERO
Statiiam ipse.
SENECA
Quae consensus efficiat rata. 460
NERO
Respectus ^ ensis faciei.
SENECA
Hoc absit nefas.
NERO
An patiar ultra sanguinem nostrum peti,
inultus et contemptus ut subito opprimar ?
exilia non fregere suniniotos procul
Plautum atque Sullam, pertinax quorum furor
aruiat ministros sceleris in caedem nieam,
absentium cum maneat etiam ingens favor
in urbe nostra, qui fovet spes exulum.
tollantur hostes ense suspecti niilii,
invisa coniunx pereat et caruni sibi 470
inultus et contemptus ut subito opprimar ?
exilia non fregere suniniotos procul
Plautum atque Sullam, pertinax quorum furor
aruiat ministros sceleris in caedem nieam,
absentium cum maneat etiam ingens favor
in urbe nostra, qui fovet spes exulum.
tollantur hostes ense suspecti niilii,
invisa coniunx pereat et caruni sibi 470
fratrem secjuatur. quidquid excelsum est cadat.
SENECA
Fulcrum eminere est inter illustres viros,
consulere patriae, parcere afflictis, fera
consulere patriae, parcere afflictis, fera
' So Buechder and Richttr: Leo, with the MSS., Despectus
Wilamowitz despectum ut eusis feriat ?
Wilamowitz despectum ut eusis feriat ?
446
OCTAVIA
SENECA
What is compelled is burdensome.
NERO
Let them obey our orders.
SENECA
Give righteous orders —
NERO
I shall myself decide.
SENECA
which the general thought may ratify.
NERO
Reverence for the sword will ratify them.
SENECA
May heaven forbid !
NERO
Shall I then go on suffering them to seek my blood,
that, unavenged and scorned, I may suddenly be
crushed ? Exile has not broken Plautus and Sulla,
though far removed, whose persistent rage arms the
agents of their guilt to work my death, since still,
though absent, great is the favour they enjoy in this
our city, which nurtures the exiles' hopes. Let the
sword remove foemen whom I suspect ; let my hateful
wife perish and follow the brother whom she loves.
Whatever is high exalted, let it fall.
that, unavenged and scorned, I may suddenly be
crushed ? Exile has not broken Plautus and Sulla,
though far removed, whose persistent rage arms the
agents of their guilt to work my death, since still,
though absent, great is the favour they enjoy in this
our city, which nurtures the exiles' hopes. Let the
sword remove foemen whom I suspect ; let my hateful
wife perish and follow the brother whom she loves.
Whatever is high exalted, let it fall.
SENECA
'Tis glorious to tower aloft amongst great men, to
have care for father-land, to spare the downtrodden,
have care for father-land, to spare the downtrodden,
4+7
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
caede abstinere tempus atque irae dare,
orbi quietem, saeculo pacem suo.
haec summa virtus, petitur hac caelum via.
sic ille patriae primus Augustus parens
complexus astra est colitur et templis deus.
ilium tamen Fortuna iactavit diu
terra marique per graves belli vices, 480
hostes parentis donee oppressit sui ;
tibi numen incruenta summisit suum
et dedit habenas imperi facili manu
nutuque terras maria subiecit tuo.
invidia tristis victa consensu pic
cessit ; senatus, equitis accensus favor ;
plebisque votis atque iudicio patrum
tu pacis auctor, generis humani arbiter
electus orbem iam sacra specie regis
patriae parens ; quod nomen ut serves petit 490
suosque cives Roma commendat tibi.
Munus deorum est, ipsa quod servit mihi
Roma et senatus quodque ab invitis preces
humilesque voces exprimit nostri metus.
servare cives principi et patriae graves,
claro tumentes genere — quae dementia est,
cum liceat una voce suspectos sibi
mori iubere ? Brutus in caedem ducis,
a quo salutem tulerat, armavit manus ;
invictus acie, gentium domitor, lovi 500
Roma et senatus quodque ab invitis preces
humilesque voces exprimit nostri metus.
servare cives principi et patriae graves,
claro tumentes genere — quae dementia est,
cum liceat una voce suspectos sibi
mori iubere ? Brutus in caedem ducis,
a quo salutem tulerat, armavit manus ;
invictus acie, gentium domitor, lovi 500
aequ.atus altos ipse i)er honorum gradus
Caesar nefando civium scelere occidit.
quantum cruoris Roma tum vidit sui,
lacerata totiens ! ille qui meruit })ia
virtute caelum, divus Augustus, viros
Caesar nefando civium scelere occidit.
quantum cruoris Roma tum vidit sui,
lacerata totiens ! ille qui meruit })ia
virtute caelum, divus Augustus, viros
448
OCTAVIA
to abstain from cruel bloodshed^ to be slow to wrath,
give (juiet to the world, peace to one's time. This is
\ irtue's crown, by this way is lieavcn sought. So did
that first Augustus, his country's father, gain the
stars, and is Avorship{)ed in the temples as a god.
Vet him did Fortune toss for long on land and sea
in battle's deadly chances, until his father's foes he
overwhelmed. But to thee hath she yielded her
divinity, unstained of blood ; hath with easy hand
given thee the reins of government, and to thy nod
subjected lands and seas. Sour hate, o'ercome, hath
yielded in loyal harmony ; the senate's favour and
the knights' is warm toward thee ; and by the
peojile's praj'ei's and the judgment of the Fathers,
thou art the source of peace, the arbiter of human
destinies, chosen to rule the world with godlike mien,
the country's father. This name Rome prays thee
to j)reserve, and to thy care connnends her citizens.
give (juiet to the world, peace to one's time. This is
\ irtue's crown, by this way is lieavcn sought. So did
that first Augustus, his country's father, gain the
stars, and is Avorship{)ed in the temples as a god.
Vet him did Fortune toss for long on land and sea
in battle's deadly chances, until his father's foes he
overwhelmed. But to thee hath she yielded her
divinity, unstained of blood ; hath with easy hand
given thee the reins of government, and to thy nod
subjected lands and seas. Sour hate, o'ercome, hath
yielded in loyal harmony ; the senate's favour and
the knights' is warm toward thee ; and by the
peojile's praj'ei's and the judgment of the Fathers,
thou art the source of peace, the arbiter of human
destinies, chosen to rule the world with godlike mien,
the country's father. This name Rome prays thee
to j)reserve, and to thy care connnends her citizens.
'Tis the gift of heaven that Rome herself and the
senate arc subject unto me, and that from unwilling
lips prayers and servile words are extorted by fear
of me. To preserve citizens, to ruler and father-
land alike opjiressive, puffed up with pride of race —
what folly is't, when with a v/ord one may give to
de.-ith those he suspects? Brutus for the murder ol
his chief, to whom he owed his safety, armed his
hands ; and Caesar, invincible in battle shock, tamer
of nations, walking, a very Jove, along the upward
path of honours, died by the unspeakable crime of
cillz/^nx. ^^'hat streams of her own blood did Rome
then behold, so often rent with strife ! He Avho
earned heaven by piety, the deified Augustus, how
senate arc subject unto me, and that from unwilling
lips prayers and servile words are extorted by fear
of me. To preserve citizens, to ruler and father-
land alike opjiressive, puffed up with pride of race —
what folly is't, when with a v/ord one may give to
de.-ith those he suspects? Brutus for the murder ol
his chief, to whom he owed his safety, armed his
hands ; and Caesar, invincible in battle shock, tamer
of nations, walking, a very Jove, along the upward
path of honours, died by the unspeakable crime of
cillz/^nx. ^^'hat streams of her own blood did Rome
then behold, so often rent with strife ! He Avho
earned heaven by piety, the deified Augustus, how
419
VOL. II. O O
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quot intercmit nobiles, invents senes
sparsos per orbem^ cum siios mortis metu
fugerent pcnates et trium ferrum diicum,
tabula notante deditos tristi neci !
exposita rostris capita caesorum patres 510
videre maesti, flere nee licuit suos,
noil gemere dira tabe polluto foro,
stillante sanie per putres vultus gravi,
nee finis hie cruoris aut caedis stetit :
pavere volucres et feras saevas diu
tristes Philippi, hausit et Siculum mare
classes virosque ^ saepe cedentes ; suis
coneussus orbis viribus. magnus ducum
supei'atus acie, pup])ibus Niiinn petit
fugae paratiSj ipse periturus br(n'i ; 520
hausit cruorem incesta Romani ducis
Aegyptus iterum ; nunc leves umbras tegit,
illic sepultum est impie gestiim diu
civile bellum. condidit tandem suos
iam fessus enses victor hebetatos feris
vulneribus, et continuit imperium nutiis.
armis fideque militis tutus fuit,
pietate nati factus eximia deus,
post fata consccratus et templis datus.
nos quoque manebunt astra^ si saevo jjrior 530
ense occuparo quidquid infestum est niihi
dignaque nostram subole fundaro donnnn.
^ The text here is hopelessly corrupt and hai hrai variously
tmended. Schroeder's emendation is at least infelligihle. Lto
reads
tmended. Schroeder's emendation is at least infelligihle. Lto
reads
saeije cedentes siioa
coneussus orbis viribus magnus ducum
Hupcratus, etc.
150
coneussus orbis viribus magnus ducum
Hupcratus, etc.
150
OCTAVIA
many nobles did lie put to dcath^ yniini;- men and old,
scattered throiif;hout ihe world, \vhcn they (led their
own homes throuoh I'tar of death and the sword of
the three handed ehiels ' — all b}' the aeciisin<^ list-
delivered to grim destruction ! Tlie grieving fathers
saw the heads of the slain set out upon the rostra,
but dared not weep then* dead nor groan, while tlie
forum reeked with foul corruption, and sluggish gore
dripped down the rotting faces. Nor was tliis the
end of slaughter and of blood : long did grim Philippi
feed birds and beasts of prey, and the Sicilian sea
engulfed (leets and men often retreating ; the world ^
was shaken by its own contending forces. The great *
connuander, by the leaders' array o'ercome, with his
ships prepared for flight, hied him to the Nile, him-
self doomed soon to perish ; incestuous ^ Egypt a
second^' time drank a Roman leader's blood, and
now covers his Hitting shade. There civil strife is
buried, waged imi)iously and long. At last the
victor' now weary, sheathed his sword, blunted with
savage blows, and maintained his sway by fear. Safe
under the protection of his loyal guards he lived, and
when he died, by the surpassing jnety of his son *^
was made a god, hallowed and enshrined. Me, too,
shall the stars await, if with relentless sword I first
destroy whate'er is hostile to me, and on a worthv
oflspring found my house.
scattered throiif;hout ihe world, \vhcn they (led their
own homes throuoh I'tar of death and the sword of
the three handed ehiels ' — all b}' the aeciisin<^ list-
delivered to grim destruction ! Tlie grieving fathers
saw the heads of the slain set out upon the rostra,
but dared not weep then* dead nor groan, while tlie
forum reeked with foul corruption, and sluggish gore
dripped down the rotting faces. Nor was tliis the
end of slaughter and of blood : long did grim Philippi
feed birds and beasts of prey, and the Sicilian sea
engulfed (leets and men often retreating ; the world ^
was shaken by its own contending forces. The great *
connuander, by the leaders' array o'ercome, with his
ships prepared for flight, hied him to the Nile, him-
self doomed soon to perish ; incestuous ^ Egypt a
second^' time drank a Roman leader's blood, and
now covers his Hitting shade. There civil strife is
buried, waged imi)iously and long. At last the
victor' now weary, sheathed his sword, blunted with
savage blows, and maintained his sway by fear. Safe
under the protection of his loyal guards he lived, and
when he died, by the surpassing jnety of his son *^
was made a god, hallowed and enshrined. Me, too,
shall the stars await, if with relentless sword I first
destroy whate'er is hostile to me, and on a worthv
oflspring found my house.
^ The Second Triumvirate, Lepidus, Antonius, and
Octavius. ' The proacription lists.
Octavius. ' The proacription lists.
** i.e. the world of the Roman Kmpire.
■• p]vidonlly referring to Marcus Antonius, as the context
shows.
shows.
* Because of tlie marriage of Cleopatra v\illi her brother,
Ptolemy.
Ptolemy.
•* The implied first was On. Pompoius. ' Octavius.
' Tiberius, the adopted son of Augustus.
451
G G 2
G G 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Implebit aul.im stirpe caelesti tuam
generata divo Claudiae gentis decus,
sortita fratris more lunonis toros.
generata divo Claudiae gentis decus,
sortita fratris more lunonis toros.
NKRO
Incesta genetrix detrahit generi fidem,
animusque numquam coniiigis iunctus mihi.
animusque numquam coniiigis iunctus mihi.
SENECA
Teneris in annis baud satis clarus ferest,'
pudore victus cum tegit flammaSj amoi*.
pudore victus cum tegit flammaSj amoi*.
NERO
Hoc equidem et ipse credidi frustra diu, 540
manifesta quamvis pectore insociabili
vultuque signa proderent odium mei ;
tandem quod ardciis statuit ulcisci dolor,
dignamque tlialamis coniugem inveni meis
genere atque format victa cui cedat Venus
lovisque coniunx et ferox armis dea.
vultuque signa proderent odium mei ;
tandem quod ardciis statuit ulcisci dolor,
dignamque tlialamis coniugem inveni meis
genere atque format victa cui cedat Venus
lovisque coniunx et ferox armis dea.
SENECA
Probitas fidesque coniugis, mores pudor
placeant marito ; sola perpetuo manent
subiecta nulli mentis atque animi bona ;
(lorem decoris singuli carpunt dies. 550
placeant marito ; sola perpetuo manent
subiecta nulli mentis atque animi bona ;
(lorem decoris singuli carpunt dies. 550
NEHO
Omnes in unam contulit laudes deus
talemque nasci fata voluerunt mihi.
talemque nasci fata voluerunt mihi.
^ clara eet fides A, emended hy Leo, and irith reason, for
the fides of line 536 is not in question, but the amor implicit in
line 537.
452
the fides of line 536 is not in question, but the amor implicit in
line 537.
452
OCTAVIA
With stock celestial will she ^ fill thy halls, she,
the daiii^hter of a god,'- the Claudian race's glory,
who has, like Juno, gained her brother's bed.
the daiii^hter of a god,'- the Claudian race's glory,
who has, like Juno, gained her brother's bed.
NKRO
A harlot mother-'' brings her birth in doubt; —
and the soul of my wife was never linked with mine.
and the soul of my wife was never linked with mine.
SENECA
In tender years rarely is love revealed, when, bv
modesty o'ercome, it hides its fires.
modesty o'ercome, it hides its fires.
NEIJO
This truly I, too, myself have vainly trusted long,
although clear signs from her unloving heart and
face betrayed her hate of me ; which to avenge at
last my hot grief has resolved. And now I have
found a wife worthy of m}'^ bed in birlh and beauty, to
whom V^enus, outshone, would yield, and the wife of
Jove and the goddess^ bold in battle.
although clear signs from her unloving heart and
face betrayed her hate of me ; which to avenge at
last my hot grief has resolved. And now I have
found a wife worthy of m}'^ bed in birlh and beauty, to
whom V^enus, outshone, would yield, and the wife of
Jove and the goddess^ bold in battle.
SENEC.V
But honour, wifely faith, virtue and modesty,
should please a husband ; for 'tis these only, the
treasures of mind and heart, that, subject to none,
abide perpetual ; but beauty's flower each passing
day despoils.
should please a husband ; for 'tis these only, the
treasures of mind and heart, that, subject to none,
abide perpetual ; but beauty's flower each passing
day despoils.
NERO
All charms upon one woman has God bestowed,
and such was she born, — so have the fates decreed, — ■
for me.
and such was she born, — so have the fates decreed, — ■
for me.
' Octavia.
' Claudius, by courtesy and custom called divus after
death. * Messalina. * Minerva.
death. * Messalina. * Minerva.
453
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Recedet a te (temere ne credas) amor.
Quern summovere fulminis dominus nequit,
caeli tyrannum^ saeva qui penetrat freta
Ditisque regnaj detrahit superos polo?
caeli tyrannum^ saeva qui penetrat freta
Ditisque regnaj detrahit superos polo?
V^olucreni esse Amorem fingit iuimitem deum
mortalis error, armat et telis manus
arcuque sacras, instruit saeva face
genitumque credit Venere, Vulcano satum. 560
mortalis error, armat et telis manus
arcuque sacras, instruit saeva face
genitumque credit Venere, Vulcano satum. 560
vis magna mentis blandus atque animi calor
Amor est ; iuventa gignitur, luxu otio
nutritur inter laeta Fortunae bona ;
quem si fovere atque alcrc desistas, cadit
brevique vires perdit extinctus suas.
Amor est ; iuventa gignitur, luxu otio
nutritur inter laeta Fortunae bona ;
quem si fovere atque alcrc desistas, cadit
brevique vires perdit extinctus suas.
Ilane esse vitae maximam causam reor,
per quam voluptas oritur ; interitu caret,
cum procreetur semper humanum genus
Amore grato, qui truces midcet feras.
Iiic miiii iugales praeferat tacdas deus 570
per quam voluptas oritur ; interitu caret,
cum procreetur semper humanum genus
Amore grato, qui truces midcet feras.
Iiic miiii iugales praeferat tacdas deus 570
iungatque nostris igne Poj)paeam toris.
Vix sustinere possit hos thalamos dolor
videre pojudi, sancta nee j)ietas sinat.
videre pojudi, sancta nee j)ietas sinat.
NEIIO
I'roliibcbor unus facere quod cunclis licet?
454
454
OCT A VI A
SENECA
Love will depart from thee, be not too credulous.
What? He whom the lightning's lord cannot put
off? Heaven's t}' rant, who enters the savage seas and
tiie realm of Dis, and draws gods from the sky ?
off? Heaven's t}' rant, who enters the savage seas and
tiie realm of Dis, and draws gods from the sky ?
SF.NFCA
'Tis our human ignorance f;\shions Love a winged
god, implncablc, and arms with shafts and bow his
sacred iiands, equips him with bla/ing torch, and
counts him the son of Venus, Vulcan's seed. This
" Love " is a mighty force of mind, a fond heat of the
soul; 'tis born of youth, 'tis nursed by luxury and
ease midst the glad gifts of Fortune ; and if thou
cease to feed and foster it, it falls away and quickly
is its power dead and lost.
god, implncablc, and arms with shafts and bow his
sacred iiands, equips him with bla/ing torch, and
counts him the son of Venus, Vulcan's seed. This
" Love " is a mighty force of mind, a fond heat of the
soul; 'tis born of youth, 'tis nursed by luxury and
ease midst the glad gifts of Fortune ; and if thou
cease to feed and foster it, it falls away and quickly
is its power dead and lost.
This do I deem the chiefest source of life, whence
pleasure hath its birth ; 'tis a deathless thing, since
the human race is evermore renewed by j)l casing
Love, who softens e'en savage beasts. May this god
bear before me the wedding torch, and with his fire
join Poppaea to my bed.
pleasure hath its birth ; 'tis a deathless thing, since
the human race is evermore renewed by j)l casing
Love, who softens e'en savage beasts. May this god
bear before me the wedding torch, and with his fire
join Poppaea to my bed.
SENECA
The people's grief could scarce endure to see such
marriajie, nor would holv reverence allow it.
marriajie, nor would holv reverence allow it.
XKllO
Shall I alone be forbidden what all may do?
455
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SENECA
Maiora populus semper a summo exigit.
NERO
Libet experiri, viribus fractus meis
an cedat animis temere conceptus favor.
an cedat animis temere conceptus favor.
SENECA
Obsequere potius civibus placidus tuis.
NERO
Male imperatur, cum regit vulgus duces.
SENECA
Nihil impetrare cum valet, iuste dolet. 580
NERO
Exprimere ius est, ferre quod nequeunt preces .''
SENECA
Negare durum est.
NERO
Princijiem cogi nefas.
SENECA
Remittat ipse.
NERO
Fama sed victum feret.
SENECA
Levis atque vana.
NERO
Sit licet, multos notat,
456
456
OCTAVIA
SENECA
Greatest from highest ever the state exaets.
NERO
Fain would I make trial whether, broken by my
might, this rashly cherished regard would not vanish
from their hearts.
might, this rashly cherished regard would not vanish
from their hearts.
SENECA
Bend, rather, peacefully to thy people's will.
NERO
111 fares the state when commons govern kings.
SENECA
He justly chafes who naught avails by prayer
NERO
Is it right to extort what prayer cannot obtain
SENECA
To refuse is harsh.
NERO
To force a prince is outrage.
SENECA
He should himself give way.
NERO
But rumour will report him conquered.
SENECA
A trivial and empty thing is rumour.
NERO
E'en GO, it disgraces many.
457
457
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
SEN KCA
Excelsa meluit.
NEHO
Non minus carpit tamen.
Facile opprimetur. merita te divi patris
aetasque frangat coiiiugis, probitas pudor.
aetasque frangat coiiiugis, probitas pudor.
Desiste tandem, iam gravis nimium milii,
instare ; liceat facere quod Seneca imjirobat.
iam pridem et i{)se vota Pojipaeae moror,^ 590
instare ; liceat facere quod Seneca imjirobat.
iam pridem et i{)se vota Pojipaeae moror,^ 590
cum })ortet utero pignus et partem mei.
quin destinamus proximum thalamis diem ?
quin destinamus proximum thalamis diem ?
AGRIPPINA
(^ Tellure rupta Tartaro gressum extuli,
Stygiam cruenta praeferens dcxtra facem
thalamis scelestis. nubat his flammis mco
Popj)aea nato iuneta, quas vindex manus
dolorque matris vertet ad tristes rogos.
manet inter umbras iinpiae caedis mihi
semper memoria, manibus nostris gravis
adlnic inultis. I'eddita est meritis meis 600
Stygiam cruenta praeferens dcxtra facem
thalamis scelestis. nubat his flammis mco
Popj)aea nato iuneta, quas vindex manus
dolorque matris vertet ad tristes rogos.
manet inter umbras iinpiae caedis mihi
semper memoria, manibus nostris gravis
adlnic inultis. I'eddita est meritis meis 600
funesta merccs pupj)is et pretium imperi
nox ilia qua naufragi i deflevi mea ;
comitum necem natideflere votum
fuerat — baud tempus datum est
nox ilia qua naufragi i deflevi mea ;
comitum necem nati
' So Buerlulcr. Lvo reads et ipse popiili vota iam piiileiii
moror. populi is impossible in view 0/ (he next line.
moror. populi is impossible in view 0/ (he next line.
459
OCTAVIA
SIlNECA
It fears tlie liigh exalte(K
NEIIO
But none the less maligns.
SENF.CA
'Twill easily be crushed. Let the merits of thy
sainted father ^ break thy wiW,- and thy wife's youth,
her faith, her chastity.
sainted father ^ break thy wiW,- and thy wife's youth,
her faith, her chastity.
NERO
Have done at last ; already too wearisome has thy
insistence grown ; permit me to do what Seneca
disapproves. Long since am 1 myself Poppaea's
prayers delaying, since in her womb she bears a
pledge and ])art of me. Why not appoint to-morrow
for the wedding day? [Exeunt.
insistence grown ; permit me to do what Seneca
disapproves. Long since am 1 myself Poppaea's
prayers delaying, since in her womb she bears a
pledge and ])art of me. Why not appoint to-morrow
for the wedding day? [Exeunt.
[Enter Gliost of .\grippin.\ hearing a Jiaming torch.^
AiatnM'iXA
S Through the rent earth from Tartarus have I come
brth, bringing in bloody liand a Stygian torch to
these curst marriage rites. With these flames let
Poppaea wed my son, which a mother's avenging
hand and grief shall turn to grim funeral pyres.
Ever amidst the shades the memory of my impious
murder abides with me, burdening my ghost still
iniavenged. The payment I received for all my
services was that death-fraught ship, and the reward
of empire, that night wherein I mourned my wreck.
My comrades' murder and my son's heartless
crime I would have wept — no time was given for
brth, bringing in bloody liand a Stygian torch to
these curst marriage rites. With these flames let
Poppaea wed my son, which a mother's avenging
hand and grief shall turn to grim funeral pyres.
Ever amidst the shades the memory of my impious
murder abides with me, burdening my ghost still
iniavenged. The payment I received for all my
services was that death-fraught ship, and the reward
of empire, that night wherein I mourned my wreck.
My comrades' murder and my son's heartless
crime I would have wept — no time was given for
* i.e. his adoptive fatlier, Cluuilina.
' In the matter of I'oppaea.
' In the matter of I'oppaea.
459
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
lacriraiSj sed ingens scelere geminavit nefas.
perempta ferro^ foeda vulneribus sacros
intra penates spiritum effudi gravem
erepta pelago^ sanguine extinxi meo
nee odia nati. saevit in nomen ferus
matris tyranniis^ obrui meritum cupit, 6lO
simulacra, titulos destruit mortis ^ metu
totum per orbem quern dedit poenam in meara
puero regendum noster infelix amor.
Extinctus umbras agitat infestus mcas
flammisque vultus noxios coniunx petit,
instat, minatur, imputat fatum mihi
tumulumque nati, poscit auctorem necis.
iam parce ; dabitur, tempus baud longum peto.
ultrix Erinys impio dignum parat
letum tyranno, verbera et turpem fugam 620
flammisque vultus noxios coniunx petit,
instat, minatur, imputat fatum mihi
tumulumque nati, poscit auctorem necis.
iam parce ; dabitur, tempus baud longum peto.
ultrix Erinys impio dignum parat
letum tyranno, verbera et turpem fugam 620
poenasque quis et Tantali vincat sitim,
dirum laborem Sisyphi, Tityi abtem
Ixionisque membra rapientem rotam.
licet extruat marmoribus atque auro tegat
superbus aulam, limen armatae ducis
servent cohortes, mittat immensas oj)es
exhaustus orbis, supplices dextram petant
Partlii cruentam, regna divitias ferant ;
veniet dies tempusque quo reddat suis
animam nocentem sceleribus, iugulum liostibus 630
dcsertus ac dcstructus et cunctis egens.
dirum laborem Sisyphi, Tityi abtem
Ixionisque membra rapientem rotam.
licet extruat marmoribus atque auro tegat
superbus aulam, limen armatae ducis
servent cohortes, mittat immensas oj)es
exhaustus orbis, supplices dextram petant
Partlii cruentam, regna divitias ferant ;
veniet dies tempusque quo reddat suis
animam nocentem sceleribus, iugulum liostibus 630
dcsertus ac dcstructus et cunctis egens.
Heu, quo labor, quo vota ceciderunt mea ?
^ So A. Leo, following Buecheler, matris.
* Britannicus. * X( ro.
* It is llic following passage which forms the chief argii-
460
OCTAVIA
tears, but with crime lie doubled that awful crime.
Though saved from the sea, yet by the sword un-
done, loathsome with wounds, midst tlie holy images
I gave up my troubled ghost. Still my blood
quenched not the hatred of my son. Rages the
mad tyrant against his mother's name, longs to blot
out her merits ; my statues, my inscriptions he
destroys by threat of death throughout the world —
the world which, to my own punishment, m}' ill-
starred love gave to a boy's government.
Though saved from the sea, yet by the sword un-
done, loathsome with wounds, midst tlie holy images
I gave up my troubled ghost. Still my blood
quenched not the hatred of my son. Rages the
mad tyrant against his mother's name, longs to blot
out her merits ; my statues, my inscriptions he
destroys by threat of death throughout the world —
the world which, to my own punishment, m}' ill-
starred love gave to a boy's government.
[.S'//6' .seems to see her husband's ghost.'\
6'^ Wrathfully doth my dead husband hai-ass my
ghost, and with torches attacks my guilty face ; pur-
sues me, threatens, charges to me his death and his
son's ^ burial mound, demands the author- of the
murderous deed. Have done ; he shall be given ; 'tis
no long time I seek. The avenging Fury plans for
the impious tyrant a worthy doom ^ ; blows and base
flight and sufferings whereby he may surpass e'en
Tantalus' thirst, the dread toil of Sisyphus, the bird
of Tityus and the wheel which whirls Ixion's limbs
around. Though in his pride he build him marble
palaces and roof them in with gold, though armed
guards stand at their chieftain's door, though the
beggared world send him its boundless riches, though
Parthians in suj)pliance seek his bloody hand, though
kingdoms bring wc.dth to him; the daj'and the hour
will come when for his crimes he shall pay his guilty
soul, shall give his throat to his enemies, abandoned
and undone and stripped of all.
ghost, and with torches attacks my guilty face ; pur-
sues me, threatens, charges to me his death and his
son's ^ burial mound, demands the author- of the
murderous deed. Have done ; he shall be given ; 'tis
no long time I seek. The avenging Fury plans for
the impious tyrant a worthy doom ^ ; blows and base
flight and sufferings whereby he may surpass e'en
Tantalus' thirst, the dread toil of Sisyphus, the bird
of Tityus and the wheel which whirls Ixion's limbs
around. Though in his pride he build him marble
palaces and roof them in with gold, though armed
guards stand at their chieftain's door, though the
beggared world send him its boundless riches, though
Parthians in suj)pliance seek his bloody hand, though
kingdoms bring wc.dth to him; the daj'and the hour
will come when for his crimes he shall pay his guilty
soul, shall give his throat to his enemies, abandoned
and undone and stripped of all.
^^'^ Alas ! to what end my labour and my prayers ?
ment of those who deny the Senecan authorship of this play,
on the ground that it gives in the form of prophecy a cir-
cumstantial account of the death of Nero, iu 68 a.d., whereas
Seneca died in 65.
on the ground that it gives in the form of prophecy a cir-
cumstantial account of the death of Nero, iu 68 a.d., whereas
Seneca died in 65.
461
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quo te furor provexit attonitum tuus
et fata, iiate, cedat ut tantis malis
genetricis ira quae tuo scelere occidit ?
utinam antcquam te parvulum in lucem cdidi
aluique, saevae nostra laccrassent ferae
viscera ; sine ullo scelere, sine sensu innocens
meus occidisses ; iunctus atque haerens mihi
semper quietam cerneres sedem inferum, 64-0
proavos patremque, nominis magni viros,
quos nunc pudor luctusque perpetuus manet
ex te, nefande, meque quae talem tuli.
quid tegere cesso Tartaro vultus nieos,
aoverca coniunx mater infelix meis ?
OCTAVIA
Parcite lacrimis urbis festo
laetoque die, ne tantus amor
nostrique favor principis acres
suscitet iras vobisque ego siin
causa malorum. non hoc j)rimum 630
laetoque die, ne tantus amor
nostrique favor principis acres
suscitet iras vobisque ego siin
causa malorum. non hoc j)rimum 630
pcctora vulnus mea senserunt ;
graviora tuli ; dabit hie nostris
iinem curis vel morte dies,
non ego saevi cernere cogar
coniugis ora,
non i avisos intrare mihi
thalamos famulae ;
soror Augusti, non uxor ero.
absint tantum tristes poenae
letique metus. 660
graviora tuli ; dabit hie nostris
iinem curis vel morte dies,
non ego saevi cernere cogar
coniugis ora,
non i avisos intrare mihi
thalamos famulae ;
soror Augusti, non uxor ero.
absint tantum tristes poenae
letique metus. 660
scelerum diri, miseranda, viri
potes hoc demcns sperare memor ?
hos ad thalamos servata diu
+62
potes hoc demcns sperare memor ?
hos ad thalamos servata diu
+62
OCTAVIA
Hath thy frcn/y carried thee so far in madness^ and
thy destiny, my son, that the wrath of a mother
murdered by thy liand gives way before such woes?
Would that, ere I brought thee, a tiny babe, to light,
and suckled thee, savage beasts of prey had rent
my vitals ; then without crime, without sense and
innocent, thou wouldst have died— my OM'n ; close
clinging to my side, thou wouldst forever see the
quiet seats of the underworld, thy grandsires and
thy sire, heroes of glorious name, whom now shame
and grief perj)etual await because of thee, thou
monster, and of me who bore such son. But why-
delay to hide my face in Tartarus, as step-dame,
mother, Avife, a curse unto my own ?
thy destiny, my son, that the wrath of a mother
murdered by thy liand gives way before such woes?
Would that, ere I brought thee, a tiny babe, to light,
and suckled thee, savage beasts of prey had rent
my vitals ; then without crime, without sense and
innocent, thou wouldst have died— my OM'n ; close
clinging to my side, thou wouldst forever see the
quiet seats of the underworld, thy grandsires and
thy sire, heroes of glorious name, whom now shame
and grief perj)etual await because of thee, thou
monster, and of me who bore such son. But why-
delay to hide my face in Tartarus, as step-dame,
mother, Avife, a curse unto my own ?
[^rhe Ghost vanishes. Fjifcr octavia.]
OCTAVIA [to the Chorus'\
Restrain your tears on this glad, festal day of
Rome, lest your great love and care for me arouse
tlie emperor's sharp wrath, and I be cause of
suffering to you. This wound ^ is not the first my
heart has felt ; far heavier have I borne ; but this
day shall end my cares e'en by my death. Xo more
shall 1 be forced to look on my brutal husband's face,
nor to enter a slave's chamber which I hate ;
Augustus' sister shall I be, not wife. Only may I
be spared dire iTimishments and fearful death. —
And canst thou, poor, foolish girl, remembering thy
cruel husband's crimes, yet hope for this.'' Long
kept back for this marriage-festival, thou shalt fall
Restrain your tears on this glad, festal day of
Rome, lest your great love and care for me arouse
tlie emperor's sharp wrath, and I be cause of
suffering to you. This wound ^ is not the first my
heart has felt ; far heavier have I borne ; but this
day shall end my cares e'en by my death. Xo more
shall 1 be forced to look on my brutal husband's face,
nor to enter a slave's chamber which I hate ;
Augustus' sister shall I be, not wife. Only may I
be spared dire iTimishments and fearful death. —
And canst thou, poor, foolish girl, remembering thy
cruel husband's crimes, yet hope for this.'' Long
kept back for this marriage-festival, thou shalt fall
' i.e. her divorce aiid disgrace.
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
victima tandem funtsta cades,
sed quid j)atrios saepe penates
i-espicis udis coufusa genis ?
propera tectis etFerre gradus^
linque cruentam principis aulam.
sed quid j)atrios saepe penates
i-espicis udis coufusa genis ?
propera tectis etFerre gradus^
linque cruentam principis aulam.
En illuxit suspecta diu,
fama totiens iactata dies. 670
fama totiens iactata dies. 670
cessit tlialamis Claudia diri
pulsa Neronis, quo iam victrix
Poppaea tenet, cessat pietas
dum nostra gi-avi compressa metu
segnisque dolor,
ubi Roniani vis est populi,
fregit claros quae saepe duces,
dedit invictae leges patriae,
fasces dignis civibus olim,
iussit belluni pacemque, feras 680
pulsa Neronis, quo iam victrix
Poppaea tenet, cessat pietas
dum nostra gi-avi compressa metu
segnisque dolor,
ubi Roniani vis est populi,
fregit claros quae saepe duces,
dedit invictae leges patriae,
fasces dignis civibus olim,
iussit belluni pacemque, feras 680
gentes donuiit,
captos reges carcere clausit ?
gravis en oculis undique nostris
iam Poppaeae fulget imago,
iuncta Neroni !
affligat humo violenta manus
similes nimium vultus dominae
ipsamque toris detrahat altis,
petat infestis mox et flammis
telisque feris principis aulam.
captos reges carcere clausit ?
gravis en oculis undique nostris
iam Poppaeae fulget imago,
iuncta Neroni !
affligat humo violenta manus
similes nimium vultus dominae
ipsamque toris detrahat altis,
petat infestis mox et flammis
telisque feris principis aulam.
NVTHIX roi'PAF.AE
Quo trepida gressum coniugis tlialamis tui 690
efl'ers, alumna, quidve secretum petis
^ i.e. Octavia.
464
464
OCTAVIA
at last, an ill-i-'ian-cd victim. Hut why so often to
thy father's house dost look back with streaming
eyes? Haste thee to leave this roof; abandon the
blood-stained i)alace of the emj)cror. [Ea-il.
at last, an ill-i-'ian-cd victim. Hut why so often to
thy father's house dost look back with streaming
eyes? Haste thee to leave this roof; abandon the
blood-stained i)alace of the emj)cror. [Ea-il.
CilORUS
Lo, now has dawned the day long dim foreseen,
so oft by rumour bruited. Departed is Claudia'
from cruel Nero's chamber, which e'en now Po])paea
holds in triumph, while lags our love by grievous
fear repressed, and grief is numb. Where is the
Roman people's manhood now, which oft in olden
times hath crushed illustrious chiefs, given laws to
an unconquered land,- the fasces to worthy citizens,
made war and peace at will, conquered wild races
and ini])risoned captive kings ? Lo, grievous to our
sight, on every hand now gleams Poppaea's image,
with Nero's joined ! Let violent hands throw them
to the ground, too like their mistress' features ; let
them drag her down from her lofty couch, and then
with devouring flames and savage spears attack the
palace of the emperor. [E.r// chorus.
so oft by rumour bruited. Departed is Claudia'
from cruel Nero's chamber, which e'en now Po])paea
holds in triumph, while lags our love by grievous
fear repressed, and grief is numb. Where is the
Roman people's manhood now, which oft in olden
times hath crushed illustrious chiefs, given laws to
an unconquered land,- the fasces to worthy citizens,
made war and peace at will, conquered wild races
and ini])risoned captive kings ? Lo, grievous to our
sight, on every hand now gleams Poppaea's image,
with Nero's joined ! Let violent hands throw them
to the ground, too like their mistress' features ; let
them drag her down from her lofty couch, and then
with devouring flames and savage spears attack the
palace of the emperor. [E.r// chorus.
[Etiier poppaka's nuiisk and poi'pak.a /terse!/', tv/io
appears, distraug/il, coming out of /ler c/iamberA
appears, distraug/il, coming out of /ler c/iamberA
NUllSE
Whither, dear child, dost pass all trembling from
the chamber of thy lord, or what hidden place seekst
the chamber of thy lord, or what hidden place seekst
- i.e. withstood all outside enemies and righteously ruled
within the father-land.
within the father-land.
465
VOL. n. H M
VOL. n. H M
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
turbatn vullu ? cur genae fletu madent ?
certe petitus precibus et votis dies
nostris refulsit ; Caesari iuncta es tuo
taeda iugali, quern tuus cepit decor,
contemj)ta i Senecae tradidit vinctum tibi
genetrix Amoris, maximum numen, Venus.
o qualis altos quanta pressisti toros
residens in aula ! vidit attonitus tuam
formam senatus, tura cum superis dares 700
sacrasque grato spargeres ai'as mero,
velata summum flammeo tenui caput ;
et ipse lateri iunctus atque haerens tuo
sublimis inter civium laeta omina
incessit habitu atque ore laetitiam gerens
princeps superbo. talis emersam freto
spumante Peleus coniugem accepit Thetin,
quorum toros celebrasse caelestes ferunt,
pelagique numen omne consensu pari.
quae subita vultus causa mutavit tuos ? 710
quid pallor iste, quid ferant lacrimae doce.
POPPAEA
Confusa tristi proximae noctis metu
visuque, nutrix, mentc turbata feror,
defecta sensu. laeta nam j)ostquam dies
sideribus atris cessit et nocti polus,
inter Neronis iuncta comj)lexus mei
somno resolvor ; nee diu })lacida frul
quietc licuit. visa nam thalamos meos
celebrare turba est macsta ; resolutis coniis
matres Latinae flebiles planctus dabant ; 720
visuque, nutrix, mentc turbata feror,
defecta sensu. laeta nam j)ostquam dies
sideribus atris cessit et nocti polus,
inter Neronis iuncta comj)lexus mei
somno resolvor ; nee diu })lacida frul
quietc licuit. visa nam thalamos meos
celebrare turba est macsta ; resolutis coniis
matres Latinae flebiles planctus dabant ; 720
inter tubarum saepe terribilem sonuni
sparsam cruore coniugis genetrix mei
vultu minaci saeva quatiebat facem.
sparsam cruore coniugis genetrix mei
vultu minaci saeva quatiebat facem.
* et culjia Senecae A, variously tmendtd by Leo as above.
466
OCTAVIA
thou with troubled face ? Why arc tliy checks wet
with weeping? Surely the day sought by our prayers
and vows has dawned ; to thy Caesar art thou joined
by the marriage torch^ him whom thy beauty snared,
whom ^^enus hath delivered in bonds to thee, Venus,
of Seneca flouted, mother of Love, most mighty
deity. Oh, how beautiful and stately wast thou on
the high couch i*eclining in the hall ! The senate
looked on thy beauty in amaze, when incense to the
gods thou offeredst and with pleasing wine didst
sprinkle the sacred shrines, thy head covered with
filmy marriage-veil, flame-coloui'cd. And close beside
thee, majestic midst the favouring plaudits of the
citizens, walked the })rince himself, showing, in look
and bearing, his jov and pride. So did Peleus take
Thetis for his bride, risen up from Ocean's foam,
to whose marriage, they say, the heaven-dwellers
thronged, and with equal joy each sea divinity.
What cause so suddenly has changed thy face ?
Tell me what mean thy pallor and thy tears.
with weeping? Surely the day sought by our prayers
and vows has dawned ; to thy Caesar art thou joined
by the marriage torch^ him whom thy beauty snared,
whom ^^enus hath delivered in bonds to thee, Venus,
of Seneca flouted, mother of Love, most mighty
deity. Oh, how beautiful and stately wast thou on
the high couch i*eclining in the hall ! The senate
looked on thy beauty in amaze, when incense to the
gods thou offeredst and with pleasing wine didst
sprinkle the sacred shrines, thy head covered with
filmy marriage-veil, flame-coloui'cd. And close beside
thee, majestic midst the favouring plaudits of the
citizens, walked the })rince himself, showing, in look
and bearing, his jov and pride. So did Peleus take
Thetis for his bride, risen up from Ocean's foam,
to whose marriage, they say, the heaven-dwellers
thronged, and with equal joy each sea divinity.
What cause so suddenly has changed thy face ?
Tell me what mean thy pallor and thy tears.
My sad heart, dear nurse, is confused and troubled
by a fearful vision of yester-night, and my senses
reel. For, after joyful day had to the dark stars
yielded, and the sky to night, held close in my Nero's
arms I lay relaxed in slumber. But not long was it
granted to enjoy sweet rest ; for my marriage chamber
seemed thronged with many mourners ; with stream-
ing hair did Roman matrons come, making tearful
lamentations ; midst oft repeated and fearful trumj)et
blasts, my husband's mother,^ with threatening mien
and savage, brandished a blood-spattered torch.
by a fearful vision of yester-night, and my senses
reel. For, after joyful day had to the dark stars
yielded, and the sky to night, held close in my Nero's
arms I lay relaxed in slumber. But not long was it
granted to enjoy sweet rest ; for my marriage chamber
seemed thronged with many mourners ; with stream-
ing hair did Roman matrons come, making tearful
lamentations ; midst oft repeated and fearful trumj)et
blasts, my husband's mother,^ with threatening mien
and savage, brandished a blood-spattered torch.
' Agrippina.
467
H H 2
H H 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
(jiiani dum sequor coacta pracsenti nietii,
didiicta subito patiiit ingenti mihi
tellus liiatu ; lata quo praeceps toros
cerno iugales pariter et miror meos,
in quis residi fcssa. venientem intuor
comitante tiirba coniugem quondam iDeuni
natumque ; properat petere com plexus meos 730
Crispinus, intennissa libare oscubi :
irrupit intra tecta cum tre{)idus mea
ensemque iugulo condidit saevum Nero.
tandem quietem magnus excussit timer ;
quatit ossa et artus horridus nostros tremor
j)ulsatque pectus ; continet vocem timor,
quarn nunc fides pietasquc produxit tua.
heu quid minantur infevuni manes mihi
aut quern cruorem coniugis vidi mei ?
NVTRIX
Quaecumque mentis agitat intentus ^ vigor 740
ea per quietem sacer et arcanus refert
veloxque sensus. coniugem thalamos toros
vidisse te miraris amplexu novi
haerens mariti ? sed movent laeto die
pulsata j)almis pectora et fusae comae ?
Octaviae discidia ])lanxerunt sacros
inter penaLes fV;itris et patrium larem.
fax ilia, quam secuta es^ Augustae manu
praelata clarum nomen invidia tibi
j)artum omiuatur. inferum sedes toros 750
ea per quietem sacer et arcanus refert
veloxque sensus. coniugem thalamos toros
vidisse te miraris amplexu novi
haerens mariti ? sed movent laeto die
pulsata j)almis pectora et fusae comae ?
Octaviae discidia ])lanxerunt sacros
inter penaLes fV;itris et patrium larem.
fax ilia, quam secuta es^ Augustae manu
praelata clarum nomen invidia tibi
j)artum omiuatur. inferum sedes toros 750
stabiles futures spondct aeternae domus.
iugulo quod ensem condidit princej)s tuus,
bella liaud niovebit, pace sed ferrum teget.
^ So G'ro)iovnis : Leo, with A, infest us.
iugulo quod ensem condidit princej)s tuus,
bella liaud niovebit, pace sed ferrum teget.
^ So G'ro)iovnis : Leo, with A, infest us.
^ Crispinus.
468
468
OCTAVIA
While I was fbllowiiisuddenly the
earth j-awned beneath me in a mighty
chasm. Downward through this I plunged and there,
as on earth, beheld my wedding-couch, wondering
to behold it, whereon I sank in utter weariness, I
saw apj)roaching, witii a throng around him, my
former husband^ and my son.^ Crispinus^ hastened
to take me in his arms, to kiss me as long ago ; when
hurriedly into my chamber Nero burst and buried
his savage sword in the other's throat. At length a
mighty fear roused me from slumber ; my bones and
limbs shook with a violent trembling ; my he.irt beat
wildly ; fear checked my utterance, which now thy
love and loyalty have restored to me. Alas ! Wliat
do the spirits of the dead tin-eaten me, or what means
the blood of my husband that I saw ?
chasm. Downward through this I plunged and there,
as on earth, beheld my wedding-couch, wondering
to behold it, whereon I sank in utter weariness, I
saw apj)roaching, witii a throng around him, my
former husband^ and my son.^ Crispinus^ hastened
to take me in his arms, to kiss me as long ago ; when
hurriedly into my chamber Nero burst and buried
his savage sword in the other's throat. At length a
mighty fear roused me from slumber ; my bones and
limbs shook with a violent trembling ; my he.irt beat
wildly ; fear checked my utterance, which now thy
love and loyalty have restored to me. Alas ! Wliat
do the spirits of the dead tin-eaten me, or what means
the blood of my husband that I saw ?
NURSE
Whate'er the mind's waking vigour eagerly pur-
sues, a mysterious, secret sense, swift working, brings
back in sleep. Dost marvel that thou didst behold
husband and marriage-bed, held fast in thy new
lord's arms ? 13ut do hands beating breasts and
streaming hair on a day of joy trouble thee ? 'Twas
Octavia's divorce they mourned midst her brother's
sacred gods and her father's house. That torch
which thou didst follow, bcrne in Augusta's * hand,
foretells the name that thou shall gaiji illumed by
envy. Thy abode in the lower world ^ promises the
stablishcd marriage-bed of a home unending. Where-
as thine emperor buried his sword in that other's
throat, wars shall he not wage, but in peace shall
sues, a mysterious, secret sense, swift working, brings
back in sleep. Dost marvel that thou didst behold
husband and marriage-bed, held fast in thy new
lord's arms ? 13ut do hands beating breasts and
streaming hair on a day of joy trouble thee ? 'Twas
Octavia's divorce they mourned midst her brother's
sacred gods and her father's house. That torch
which thou didst follow, bcrne in Augusta's * hand,
foretells the name that thou shall gaiji illumed by
envy. Thy abode in the lower world ^ promises the
stablishcd marriage-bed of a home unending. Where-
as thine emperor buried his sword in that other's
throat, wars shall he not wage, but in peace shall
- Rufrius Crispinus. For his fate, see Index.
3 i.e. her hushand. ■• i.e. Agrippina's,
3 i.e. her hushand. ■• i.e. Agrippina's,
* yiiice in that world all things are changele.ss.
469
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
recollige animum, recipe laetitiam, precor,
timore pulso redde te thalamis tuis.
timore pulso redde te thalamis tuis.
POPPAEA
Delubra et ai-as petere constitui sacras,
caesis litai-e victimis numen deum,
lit expientur noctis et somni iiiinae
teiTorque in hostes redeat attonitus meos.
til vota pro me suscipe et precihus piis 760
caesis litai-e victimis numen deum,
lit expientur noctis et somni iiiinae
teiTorque in hostes redeat attonitus meos.
til vota pro me suscipe et precihus piis 760
superos adora^ nianeat ut praesens status.
Si vera loquax fama Tonantis
furta et gratos narrat aniores
(quern modo Ledae pressisse sinuni
tectum plumis pennisque ferunt,
modo per fluctus raptam Europen
taurum tei'go portasse trucem),
quae regit et nunc deseret astra,
petet amplexuSj Poppaea, tuos,
quos et Ledae praeferre potest 770
furta et gratos narrat aniores
(quern modo Ledae pressisse sinuni
tectum plumis pennisque ferunt,
modo per fluctus raptam Europen
taurum tei'go portasse trucem),
quae regit et nunc deseret astra,
petet amplexuSj Poppaea, tuos,
quos et Ledae praeferre potest 770
et tibi, quondam cui miranti
fulvo, Danae, fluxit in auro.
formam S})arte iactet alumnae
licet et Phrygius praemia pastor
vincet vultus haec Tyndaridos
qui moverunt horrida bella
Phrygiaecpie solo regna dedere.
fulvo, Danae, fluxit in auro.
formam S})arte iactet alumnae
licet et Phrygius praemia pastor
vincet vultus haec Tyndaridos
qui moverunt horrida bella
Phrygiaecpie solo regna dedere.
Sed quis gressu ruit attonito
aut quid portat pectore anhelo ?
aut quid portat pectore anhelo ?
NVNTIVS
Qiiicunique tectis cxcubat miles ducis, 780
del'endat aulam cui furor populi inuninct.
470
OCT A VI A
slieatlie his sword. Take lieart again, recall thy
joy, I pray ; banish thy fear and return thee to thy
chamber.
joy, I pray ; banish thy fear and return thee to thy
chamber.
POPPA EA
Rather am I resolved to seek the shrines and
sacred altars, and with slain victims sacrifice to the
holy gods, that the threats of night and sleep may be
averted, and that my crazed terror may turn against
my foes. Do thou make vows for me and with pious
prayers implore the gods of heaven that my present
lot may be abiding. [Exeunl.
sacred altars, and with slain victims sacrifice to the
holy gods, that the threats of night and sleep may be
averted, and that my crazed terror may turn against
my foes. Do thou make vows for me and with pious
prayers implore the gods of heaven that my present
lot may be abiding. [Exeunl.
CHORUS [of Roman rvotnen in sympalhij ivilh poppaeaJ
If truly speaks babbling rumour of the Thunderer's
sweet stolen loves, (who now, they say, in feathery
plumage hid, held Leda in his embrace, now over
the waves, in fierce bull-form, the stolen Europa
bore,) e'en now will he desert the stars o'er~*which
he rules and seek thy arms, Poppaea, which even to
Leda's he might prefer, and to thine, O Danae,
before whose wondering eyes in olden time he
poured down in yellow gold. Let Sparta vaunt the
beauty of her dauj^hter,^ and let the Phrygian
shepherd - vaunt his prize ; she ^ will outshine the
face of Tvndaris,^ which set dread war on foot and
levelled Phrygia's kingdom with the ground.
sweet stolen loves, (who now, they say, in feathery
plumage hid, held Leda in his embrace, now over
the waves, in fierce bull-form, the stolen Europa
bore,) e'en now will he desert the stars o'er~*which
he rules and seek thy arms, Poppaea, which even to
Leda's he might prefer, and to thine, O Danae,
before whose wondering eyes in olden time he
poured down in yellow gold. Let Sparta vaunt the
beauty of her dauj^hter,^ and let the Phrygian
shepherd - vaunt his prize ; she ^ will outshine the
face of Tvndaris,^ which set dread war on foot and
levelled Phrygia's kingdom with the ground.
"^* But who comes running with excited steps .''
What tidings bears he in his heaving breast ?
[Enter messenger.]
What tidings bears he in his heaving breast ?
[Enter messenger.]
MESSENGER
Whatever guard holds watch o'er our leader's
house, let it defend the palace which the peo|)le's
' Helen, • Paris. • I'oppaea. * Helen.
house, let it defend the palace which the peo|)le's
' Helen, • Paris. • I'oppaea. * Helen.
471
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
trepidi cohoi'tes ecce praefecti tralumt
praesidia ad urbis, victa nee cedit iiictu
concepta rabies temere, sed vires ca})it.
praesidia ad urbis, victa nee cedit iiictu
concepta rabies temere, sed vires ca})it.
CHORUS
Quis iste mentes agitat attonitus furor ?
NVNTIVS
Octav^iae favore percussa agniina
et efFerata ])er nefas ingens riiunt.
et efFerata ])er nefas ingens riiunt.
CHORVS
Quid ausa facere quove consilio doce.
Reddere penates Claudiae divi parant
torosque Iratris, debitam partem imperi. 790
torosque Iratris, debitam partem imperi. 790
CHORVS
Quos iam tenet Pojipaea eoncordi fide ?
Hie urit animos pertinax nimium favor
et in furorcm teniere praecipites agit.
quaecunique claro marmore effigies stetit
aut aere fulgens, era Pojipaeae gerens,
aftiicta vulgi manibus et saevo iacet
eversa ferro ; membra per partes trahunt
deducta laqueis, obruunt turpi diu
calcata caeno. verba conveniunt feris
immixta factis quae timor reticet meus. 800
et in furorcm teniere praecipites agit.
quaecunique claro marmore effigies stetit
aut aere fulgens, era Pojipaeae gerens,
aftiicta vulgi manibus et saevo iacet
eversa ferro ; membra per partes trahunt
deducta laqueis, obruunt turpi diu
calcata caeno. verba conveniunt feris
immixta factis quae timor reticet meus. 800
sepire Hammis princi]>is sedeui parant,
472
OCTAVIA
fury threatens. See, in trembling haste the captains
are briiifj^ing- cohorts to defend the town ; nor does
the mob's madness, raslily roused, give place, o'er-
come witli fear, but gathers strength.
are briiifj^ing- cohorts to defend the town ; nor does
the mob's madness, raslily roused, give place, o'er-
come witli fear, but gathers strength.
niuKUs
Wliat is tliat wild iVenzy which stirs their hearts ?
Wliat is tliat wild iVenzy which stirs their hearts ?
MESSENGER
Smitten with love for Octavia and beside them-
selves with rage, the throngs rush on, in mood for
any crime.
selves with rage, the throngs rush on, in mood for
any crime.
CHORUS
What do they dare to do, or what is their plan,
tell tiiou.
tell tiiou.
MESSENGER
They plan to give back to Claudia ^ her dead father's
house, her brother's bed and her due share of empire.
house, her brother's bed and her due share of empire.
( HORUS
Wliich even now Poj)paea shares with her lord in
mutual loyalty ?
mutual loyalty ?
MESSENGER
'Tis this too stubborn love - that inflames their
minds and into rash madness drives them headlong.
Whatever statue was set up of noble marble or of
gleaming bronze, which bore the features of I'oppaea,
lies low, cast down by base-born hands and by
relentless bars o'erturned ; the limbs, pulled down bv
ropes, they drag piecemeal, trample them o'er and
o'er and cover them with foul mud. Conmiingled
curses match their savage acts, which I am afraid to
tell of They make ready to hem the emperor's
' Octavia. * i.e. for Oclavia.
minds and into rash madness drives them headlong.
Whatever statue was set up of noble marble or of
gleaming bronze, which bore the features of I'oppaea,
lies low, cast down by base-born hands and by
relentless bars o'erturned ; the limbs, pulled down bv
ropes, they drag piecemeal, trample them o'er and
o'er and cover them with foul mud. Conmiingled
curses match their savage acts, which I am afraid to
tell of They make ready to hem the emperor's
' Octavia. * i.e. for Oclavia.
473
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
populi nisi irae coniugem rcddat novam,
reddat penates Claudiae victus suos.
ut noscat ipse civium motuSj mea
voce hand morabor iussa pracfecti exequi.
reddat penates Claudiae victus suos.
ut noscat ipse civium motuSj mea
voce hand morabor iussa pracfecti exequi.
Quid fera frustra belbi movetis?
invicta gerit tela Cupido ;
fiainmis vestros obriiet ignes
quibus extinxit fulmina saepe
captumque lovem caelo traxit. 810
invicta gerit tela Cupido ;
fiainmis vestros obriiet ignes
quibus extinxit fulmina saepe
captumque lovem caelo traxit. 810
laeso tristes dabitis poenas
sanguine vestro. non est patiens
fervidiis irae facilisque regi ;
ille ferocem iussit Achillem
pulsare lyram, fregit Danaos,
IVegit Atridem, regna evertit
Priami, claras diruit urbes ;
et nunc animus quid ferat horret
vis immitis violenta dei.
sanguine vestro. non est patiens
fervidiis irae facilisque regi ;
ille ferocem iussit Achillem
pulsare lyram, fregit Danaos,
IVegit Atridem, regna evertit
Priami, claras diruit urbes ;
et nunc animus quid ferat horret
vis immitis violenta dei.
NERO
O lenta niniium militis nostri manus 820
et ira patiens post nefas tantum mea,
quod non cruor civiiis accensas faces
extinguit in nos, caede nee populi madet
funerea Roma quae viros tales tulit. 824^
quod non cruor civiiis accensas faces
extinguit in nos, caede nee populi madet
funerea Roma quae viros tales tulit. 824^
at ilia, cui me civium subicit furor, 827
suspecta coniunx et soror semper milii,
tandem dolori spiritum reddat meo
iramque nostram sanguine extinguat suo. 830
tandem dolori spiritum reddat meo
iramque nostram sanguine extinguat suo. 830
adinissa sed iam morte puniri parum est.
graviora meruit impium plebis scelus ;
graviora meruit impium plebis scelus ;
* The inverted order of the following lines is that oj Richter.
+74
+74
OCTAVIA
house with flames sliould he notyiekl to tlie jn-ople's
wrath his new-made bride, not yield to Chuidia the
home that is her own. Tliat he himself may know
of the citizens' uprising, with my own lips will I
hasten to perform the prefect's bidding. [Exit.
wrath his new-made bride, not yield to Chuidia the
home that is her own. Tliat he himself may know
of the citizens' uprising, with my own lips will I
hasten to perform the prefect's bidding. [Exit.
CHORUS
Why do you stir up dire stx-ife in vain ? Invincible
the shafts that Cu})id bears ; with his own flames
will he o'erwhelm your fires, with which he oft has
quenched thunderbolts and dragged Jove as his
captive from the sky. To the offended god ^ dire
penalties shall you pay e'en Avith your blood. Not
slow to wrath is the glowing boy, nor easy to be
ruled ; 'twas he who bade the fierce Achilles smite
the lyre, broke down the Greeks, broke down Atrides,
the kingdoms of Priam overthrew, and famed cities
utterly destroyed ; and now my mind shudders at
the thought of what the unchecked power of the
relentless god will do.
the shafts that Cu})id bears ; with his own flames
will he o'erwhelm your fires, with which he oft has
quenched thunderbolts and dragged Jove as his
captive from the sky. To the offended god ^ dire
penalties shall you pay e'en Avith your blood. Not
slow to wrath is the glowing boy, nor easy to be
ruled ; 'twas he who bade the fierce Achilles smite
the lyre, broke down the Greeks, broke down Atrides,
the kingdoms of Priam overthrew, and famed cities
utterly destroyed ; and now my mind shudders at
the thought of what the unchecked power of the
relentless god will do.
[Enter nero.]
NKRO
Oh, too slow are my soldiers' hands, and too
patient my wrath after such sacrilege as this, seeing
that the blood of citizens has not quenched tlie fires
they kindled 'gainst me, and that with the slaughter
of her people mourning Rome reeks not, who bore
such men as these. But she for whose sake the
citizens rage at me, my sister-wife whom with dis-
trust I ever look upon, shall give her life at last to
sate my grief, and quench my anger with her blood.
But now death is too light a punishment for her
deeds. Heavier doom has the people's unhallowed
^ Cupid.
patient my wrath after such sacrilege as this, seeing
that the blood of citizens has not quenched tlie fires
they kindled 'gainst me, and that with the slaughter
of her people mourning Rome reeks not, who bore
such men as these. But she for whose sake the
citizens rage at me, my sister-wife whom with dis-
trust I ever look upon, shall give her life at last to
sate my grief, and quench my anger with her blood.
But now death is too light a punishment for her
deeds. Heavier doom has the people's unhallowed
^ Cupid.
475
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
niox tecta flammis concidant urbis meis, 831
niox tecta flammis concidant urbis meis, 831
ignes ruinae noxium populum premant
turpisque egestas^ saeva cum luctu fames,
exsultat ingens saeculi nostri bonis
corrupta turba uec capit clementiam
ingrata nostram ferre nee pacem potest,
sed inqiiieta vapitur hinc audacia,
hine tcmeritate fei'tuv in praeceps sua.
nialis domanda est et gravi semper iugo
premenda, ne quid simile temptare audeat 840
turpisque egestas^ saeva cum luctu fames,
exsultat ingens saeculi nostri bonis
corrupta turba uec capit clementiam
ingrata nostram ferre nee pacem potest,
sed inqiiieta vapitur hinc audacia,
hine tcmeritate fei'tuv in praeceps sua.
nialis domanda est et gravi semper iugo
premenda, ne quid simile temptare audeat 840
contraque sanctos coniugis vultus meae
attollerc oculos ; fracta per poenas metu
parere discet princi])is nutu sui.
attollerc oculos ; fracta per poenas metu
parere discet princi])is nutu sui.
Sed adesse cerno rara quem pietas virum
fidesque castris nota praeposuit meis.
fidesque castris nota praeposuit meis.
PRAEFECTVS
Populi furorem caede paucorum, diu
qui restiterunt temere, compressum atrcro.
qui restiterunt temere, compressum atrcro.
NERO
Et hoc sat est ? sic miles audisti duccm ?
compeseis ? liaec vindicta dcbetur mihi ?
compeseis ? liaec vindicta dcbetur mihi ?
PRAEFECTVS
Cecidere motus imj)ii fcrro duces. 850
NKHO
Quid ilia turba, petere quae flammis meos
ausa est penates, principi legem dare,
476
ausa est penates, principi legem dare,
476
OCTAVIA
ijuilt deserved. Quickly let Rome's roofs fall be-
neath my flames ; let fires^ let ruins crush the guilty
pojndace, and wretched want, and grief and hunger
dire. The huge mob grows riotous, distempered by
the blessings of my age, nor hath it understanding
of my mercy in its thanklessness nor can it suffer
peace ; but here 'tis swej)t along by restless insolence
and there by its own recklessness is headlong borne.
l}y suffering must it be held in check, be ever
|)ressed beneath the heavy yoke, that it may never
dare the like again, and against my Avife's sacred
countenance lift its eyes ; crushed by the fear of
punishment, it shall be taught to obey its emperor's
nod.
neath my flames ; let fires^ let ruins crush the guilty
pojndace, and wretched want, and grief and hunger
dire. The huge mob grows riotous, distempered by
the blessings of my age, nor hath it understanding
of my mercy in its thanklessness nor can it suffer
peace ; but here 'tis swej)t along by restless insolence
and there by its own recklessness is headlong borne.
l}y suffering must it be held in check, be ever
|)ressed beneath the heavy yoke, that it may never
dare the like again, and against my Avife's sacred
countenance lift its eyes ; crushed by the fear of
punishment, it shall be taught to obey its emperor's
nod.
^*' But here I see the man Avhose rare loyalty and
j)roven faith have made him captain of my royal
gu-.rds.
j)roven faith have made him captain of my royal
gu-.rds.
[Kilter pi;k!'i:ct.]
PHKFECT
The people's rage by slaughter of some few, wdio
recklessly long resisted, is put down : such is my
report.
recklessly long resisted, is put down : such is my
report.
NERO
And is this enough ? Is't thus a soldier has obeyed
his cliief? "Put down," sayst thou? Is this the
vengeance due to me }
his cliief? "Put down," sayst thou? Is this the
vengeance due to me }
VRKVECT
The guilty ring-leaders of the mob have fjillen by
the sword.
the sword.
NERO
But the mob itself, that dared to attack my house-
hold with their torches, dictate to the emperor, from
hold with their torches, dictate to the emperor, from
477
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
abstrahere nostris coniugein tan tarn tovis,
violare quantum licuit incesta )iianu
et voce dira ? debita poena vacat ?
violare quantum licuit incesta )iianu
et voce dira ? debita poena vacat ?
PRAEFECTVS
Poenam dolor constituet in cives tuos ?
NERO
Constiluetj aetas nulla quam famae eximat.
PRAEFECTVS
Quam ^ temperet non ira^ non iioster timor ?
NERO
Irani expiabit prima quae meruit meam.
PRAEFFXTVS
Quam poscat ede, nostra ne parcat manus. S60
NERO
Caedem sororis poscit et dirum caput.
PRAEFECTVS
Horrore vinctum trcpidus astrinxit rigor
NERO
Parere dubitas?
PRAEFECTVS
Cur meani damnas fidcni ?
NERO
Quod parcis hosti.
1 Reading with Schroeder. Leo tna . . . nos.
178
178
OCTAVIA
my very bed to drag my noble vifc, to offer lier
\iolcnce, so far as lay in their power, with hands
unclean and voices insolent ? Are they still without
due punishment ?
\iolcnce, so far as lay in their power, with hands
unclean and voices insolent ? Are they still without
due punishment ?
IMU.FKfT
Shall angry grief determine j)cnalty against thy
citizens ?
citizens ?
NEHO
It shall determine, the tale of Avhich no age shall
l)anish from men's lips.
l)anish from men's lips.
I'RF.KKCT
Which neither wrath nor fear of us can hold in
check ?
check ?
NERO
She first shall appease who has first deserved my
wrath.
wrath.
PREFECT
Whom it demands tell thou, that my hand may
spare not.
spare not.
NERO
The slaughter of my sister it demands, and her
hateful head.
hateful head.
IMtEl'ECr
Fearful, benumbing horror holds me fast.
NERO
Does thy obedience falter ?
PREFFXT
Why dost condemn my faith ?
NERO
Because thou spar'st my foe.
479
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
PIIAEFECTVS
Femina hoc nonien capit ?
Si scelera cepit.
PRAEFECTVS
Estne qui sontera arguat ?
NERO
Populi furor.
PRAEFECTVS
Quis regere dementes valet ?
XERO
Qui concitare potuit.
PRAEFECTVS
Haud quemquam reor.
Mulier, dedit natura cui pronum malo
animunij ad noceiidum pectus instruxit dolis.
animunij ad noceiidum pectus instruxit dolis.
PRAEFECTVS
Sed vim negavit.
NERO
Vt ne inexpugnabilis 870
esset, sed acgras frangeret vires tiinor
vel poena ; quae iam sera damnatam prcinct
diu nocentem.
vel poena ; quae iam sera damnatam prcinct
diu nocentem.
Tolle consilium ac preces
et imperata perage : devcctam rate
480
et imperata perage : devcctam rate
480
OCTAVIA
PREFECT
Call'st thou a woman foe ?
NEHO
If crime she has committed.
The people's rage.
PREFECT
Who cliarges lier with guilt ?
NEIIO
PREFECT
But who can check their madness ?
NERO
She who could rouse it.
PREFECT
Not any one, I think.
NERO
Woman, to whom nature has given a mind to mis-
chief prone, and equipped her heart with wiles to
work us ill.
chief prone, and equipped her heart with wiles to
work us ill.
PREFECT
But strength it has denied her.
NERO
That so she might not be impi-egnahle, but that
fear or punishment might break her feeble strength,
a punishment which now, though late, shall crush
the criminal, who has too \on(r been guilty.
fear or punishment might break her feeble strength,
a punishment which now, though late, shall crush
the criminal, who has too \on(r been guilty.
^"^ But have done with advice and j)rayers, and do
my bidding : let her be borne by ship to some far
my bidding : let her be borne by ship to some far
481
vol.. It. II
vol.. It. II
THE TRAGEDIIiS OF SENECA
procul in remotum litus interimi iube,
tandem ut residat pectoris nostri timor.
tandem ut residat pectoris nostri timor.
CHORVS
O funestus multis populi
dirusque favor, qui cum flatu
vela seeundo ratis implevit
vexitque ])roculj languidus idem 880
dirusque favor, qui cum flatu
vela seeundo ratis implevit
vexitque ])roculj languidus idem 880
deserit alto saevoque mari.
flevit Gi-acchos miseranda parens,
perdidit ingens quos plebis amor
nimiusque favor genere illustres,
{)ietate fide lingua clai-os,
pectore fortes, legibus ; eras.
te quoque, Livi, simili leto
Fortuna dedit, qi'.em neque fiisees
texere suae nee tecta domus.
plura referre prohibet praesens 890
flevit Gi-acchos miseranda parens,
perdidit ingens quos plebis amor
nimiusque favor genere illustres,
{)ietate fide lingua clai-os,
pectore fortes, legibus ; eras.
te quoque, Livi, simili leto
Fortuna dedit, qi'.em neque fiisees
texere suae nee tecta domus.
plura referre prohibet praesens 890
exempla dolor, modo cui patriam
reddere cives aulam et fratris
voluere tores, nunc ad pocnam
letumque tralii flentem miseram
cernere possunt. bene paupei-tas
humili tecto contenta latet ;
quatiunt altas saepe procellae
aut evertit Fortuna domos.
reddere cives aulam et fratris
voluere tores, nunc ad pocnam
letumque tralii flentem miseram
cernere possunt. bene paupei-tas
humili tecto contenta latet ;
quatiunt altas saepe procellae
aut evertit Fortuna domos.
OCT A VI A
(^uo me trabitis quodve tyrannus
aut exilium regina iubet, 900
aut exilium regina iubet, 900
si milii vitam fracta remittit
tot iam nostris et victa malis ?
sin caedc mea cuniularo parat
luctus nostros, invidet etiam
tot iam nostris et victa malis ?
sin caedc mea cuniularo parat
luctus nostros, invidet etiam
482
OCTAVIA
distant shore and there be slain, that at last the
terror at my heart may be at rest. [Eaeunt.
terror at my heart may be at rest. [Eaeunt.
CHORUS
Oh, dire and deadly to many has the people's
favour proved, that has filled their vessels' sails with
prosperous breeze and borne them out afar, then,
languishing, has failed them on the deep and
dangerous sea. The wretched mother ^ of the
Gracchi wept her sons, whom, though nobly born,
for loyal faith and eloquence renowned, though brave
in heart, keen in defence of law, the great love and
excessive favour of the citizens destroyed. Thee
also, Livius,^ to fate like theirs did fortune give,
whom neither his lictors' rods nor his own house
protected. But present grief forbids us to rehearse
more instances. Her, to whom but now the citizens
decreed the restoration of her father's house, her
brother's bed, now may they sec dragged out in tears
and misery to punishment and death. Oh, blessed
poverty, content to hide beneath a lowly roof, while
lofty homes the storm-blasts oft-times shatter, or
fortune overthrows.
favour proved, that has filled their vessels' sails with
prosperous breeze and borne them out afar, then,
languishing, has failed them on the deep and
dangerous sea. The wretched mother ^ of the
Gracchi wept her sons, whom, though nobly born,
for loyal faith and eloquence renowned, though brave
in heart, keen in defence of law, the great love and
excessive favour of the citizens destroyed. Thee
also, Livius,^ to fate like theirs did fortune give,
whom neither his lictors' rods nor his own house
protected. But present grief forbids us to rehearse
more instances. Her, to whom but now the citizens
decreed the restoration of her father's house, her
brother's bed, now may they sec dragged out in tears
and misery to punishment and death. Oh, blessed
poverty, content to hide beneath a lowly roof, while
lofty homes the storm-blasts oft-times shatter, or
fortune overthrows.
[Enter octavia in the custody of the palace guards, ivlio
arc dragging her roughly an-aij.^
arc dragging her roughly an-aij.^
OCTAVIA
Oh, whither do ye drag me ? What exile does the
tyrant or his queen ordain, if, softened and o'ercome by
all my miseries, she grants me life ? But if by death
she is ready to crown my sufferings, why, cruel, does
tyrant or his queen ordain, if, softened and o'ercome by
all my miseries, she grants me life ? But if by death
she is ready to crown my sufferings, why, cruel, does
1 Cornelia. ^ Liviu.s Diusus. See Index.
483
I I 2
I I 2
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
cur in patria mihi saeva movi ?
seel iam spes est nulla salutis —
fratris cerno miseranda ratem.
hac en cuius vecta carina
quondam genetrix^ nunc et thalamis
expulsa soror miseranda vehar. 910
nullum Pietas nunc numen hahet
nee sunt superi ; regnat mundo
tristis Eiinys.
quis mea dignc deflere potest
mala? quae lacrimis nostvis questus
reddat aedon ? cuius pennas
utinam miserae mihi fata darent !
fugerem luctus sublata meos
penna volucri pi-ocul et coetus
hominum tristes caedemque feram 920
sola in vacuo nemore et tenui
ramo pendens querulo possem
gutture maestum fundere murmur.
CHORVS
Regitur fatis mortale genus,
nee sibi quisquam spondere })otcst
firmum et stabilem vitae cursum *
per quem casus volvit varies
semper nobis metuenda dies,
animum firment exempla tuum,
iam multa domus quae vestra tulit. 9S0
nee sibi quisquam spondere })otcst
firmum et stabilem vitae cursum *
per quem casus volvit varies
semper nobis metuenda dies,
animum firment exempla tuum,
iam multa domus quae vestra tulit. 9S0
quid saevior est Fortuna tibi ?
Tu mihi primum
tot natorum memoranda parens^
nata Agrippae, nurus Augusti,
tot natorum memoranda parens^
nata Agrippae, nurus Augusti,
' ReadiiKj with ]\i'-hter''s proposed emendation. Leo with
the MSS. reads firminn et stabile ♦ * per quae. The
lacuna ha<: and="" been="" br="" fdkd="" passage="" the="" variously="">emended.
4-84
the MSS. reads firminn et stabile ♦ * per quae. The
lacuna ha<: and="" been="" br="" fdkd="" passage="" the="" variously="">emended.
4-84
OCTAVIA
she e'en orudjre me death at home ? But now is no
hope of safety — ah, woe is me, I see my brother's
ship. And lo, on that vessel on which his mother
once was borne, now, driven from his chamber, his
wretched sister, too, shall sail away. Now Piety no
longer has divinit}-, nor are there any gods ; grim
Fury reigns throughout the universe. Who worthily
can lament my evil jjlight? \Vhat niglitingale can
match my tears with her complaints ? Whose wings
would that the fates might grant to wretched me I
Then on swift pinions borne, would I leave my
grievous troubles far behind, the dismal haunts of
men, and cruel slaughter. 'J'here, all alone, within
some solitary wood, perched on a slender bough,
might I pour forth from plaintive throat my song
of woe.
hope of safety — ah, woe is me, I see my brother's
ship. And lo, on that vessel on which his mother
once was borne, now, driven from his chamber, his
wretched sister, too, shall sail away. Now Piety no
longer has divinit}-, nor are there any gods ; grim
Fury reigns throughout the universe. Who worthily
can lament my evil jjlight? \Vhat niglitingale can
match my tears with her complaints ? Whose wings
would that the fates might grant to wretched me I
Then on swift pinions borne, would I leave my
grievous troubles far behind, the dismal haunts of
men, and cruel slaughter. 'J'here, all alone, within
some solitary wood, perched on a slender bough,
might I pour forth from plaintive throat my song
of woe.
CHORUS
Our mortal race is ruled by falc, nor may any
promise to himself that the path of life will be sure
and steadfast, along which each coming day with its
continual fears brings ever-shifting chances. Comfort
now thy heart with the many sufferings which thine
own house has borne. In what has fortune been
more harsh to thee ?
promise to himself that the path of life will be sure
and steadfast, along which each coming day with its
continual fears brings ever-shifting chances. Comfort
now thy heart with the many sufferings which thine
own house has borne. In what has fortune been
more harsh to thee ?
'3- And thee first must 1 name, the mother of so
many sons, Agrippa's child, ^ Augustus' - daughter-
many sons, Agrippa's child, ^ Augustus' - daughter-
1 Agrippina, (1) daugliter of M. Vipsaniua Agrippa and of
Julia, d. of Aiigiistus ; inirried Gerinanicus, sou of Tiberius
AuguBtus, and l)ore to liiiii uiue sous.
Julia, d. of Aiigiistus ; inirried Gerinanicus, sou of Tiberius
AuguBtus, and l)ore to liiiii uiue sous.
* i.e. Tiberius.
485
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
Caesaris uxor, cuius nomen
clarum toto fulsit in orbe,
utero totiens enixa gravi
pignora pads, mox exilium
verbera, saevas passa catenas,
funera, luctus, tandem letum 94-0
cruciata diu. felix thalamis
Livia Drusi natisque ferum
ruit in facinus poenamque suam,
lulia matris fata secuta est ;
post longa tamen tempora ferro
caesa est, quamvis crimine nullo.
quid non potuit quondam genetrix
tua quae rexit priucipis aulam
cara marito partuque potens ?
eadem famulo subiecta suo 950
cecidit diri militis ense.
quid cui licuit regnum in caelum
sperare, parens tanta Neroiiis ?
non funesta violata manu
reniigis ante,
mox et ferro lacerata diu
saevi iacuit victima nati ?
OCTAVIA
Me quoque tristes mittit ad umbras
ferus et manes ecce tyrannus.
quid iam frustra miseranda moror ? 96O
ferus et manes ecce tyrannus.
quid iam frustra miseranda moror ? 96O
rapite ad letum quis ius in nos
Fortuna dedit. testor supcros —
quid agiSj demeus ? parce precari
Fortuna dedit. testor supcros —
quid agiSj demeus ? parce precari
* i.e. Gerinaiiicus.
^ She was banished by Tiberius, who was jealous of the
people's favour toward her, to tlie island of Pandataria,
where she died three years afterward.
people's favour toward her, to tlie island of Pandataria,
where she died three years afterward.
486
OCTAVIA
in-Iiiw, a Caesar's ^ wife, whose name shone bright
throughout the world, whose teeming womb brought
forth so many hostages of peace ; yet thou wast
doomed to suffer exile, blows and galling chains, loss
of thy friends, and bitter grief, and at last a death of
lingering agony.2 And Livia,^ blest in her Drusus'
chamber, in her sons, fell into brutal crime — ^and
punishment. Julia met her mother's fate ; though
after long delay, yet she was slain by the sword,
though no man called her guilty. What power once
was thy mother's,** who ruled the palace of the em-
peror,^ dear to her husband, and in her son ^ secure f
Yet she was made subject to her slave,^ and fell
beneath a brutal soldier's sword. And what of her
who might have hoped for the very throne of heaven,
the emperor's great mother ? Was she not first by
a murderous boatman's hand abused, then, mangled
by the sword, lay she not long the victim of her
cruel son?
throughout the world, whose teeming womb brought
forth so many hostages of peace ; yet thou wast
doomed to suffer exile, blows and galling chains, loss
of thy friends, and bitter grief, and at last a death of
lingering agony.2 And Livia,^ blest in her Drusus'
chamber, in her sons, fell into brutal crime — ^and
punishment. Julia met her mother's fate ; though
after long delay, yet she was slain by the sword,
though no man called her guilty. What power once
was thy mother's,** who ruled the palace of the em-
peror,^ dear to her husband, and in her son ^ secure f
Yet she was made subject to her slave,^ and fell
beneath a brutal soldier's sword. And what of her
who might have hoped for the very throne of heaven,
the emperor's great mother ? Was she not first by
a murderous boatman's hand abused, then, mangled
by the sword, lay she not long the victim of her
cruel son?
OCTAVIA
Me also to the gloomy shades and ghostci, the
cruel tyrant, see, is sending. Why do I now make
vain and pitiable delay ? Hurry me on to death, ye
to whose power fortune hath given me. Witness, ye
heavenly gods — what wouldst thou, fool ? Pray not
cruel tyrant, see, is sending. Why do I now make
vain and pitiable delay ? Hurry me on to death, ye
to whose power fortune hath given me. Witness, ye
heavenly gods — what wouldst thou, fool ? Pray not
^ See Index. •• Messalina.
'' Clautlins. « l-iritannicua.
' The freedraan, Narcissus.
487
THE TRAGEDIES OF SENECA
quibus invisa es numina divuni.
Tartara tester
Erebique deas sceleium ultrices
et te, genitor ^ dignum tali
morte et poena, non invisa est
mors ista mihi.
armate ratem, date vela fretis 970
ventisque petat {>uppis rector
Pandatariae litora terrae. Lenes aurae zephyrique leves tectam quondam nube aetheria qui
vexistis raptam saevae virginis aris Iphigeniam, banc quoque tristi
procul a ])oena portate, precor^ templa ad Triviae. urbe est nostra
mitior Aalis et Taurorum barbara tellus : 980 liospitis illic caede litatur nunieii superum ; civis gaudet Roma
cruore.
[Leo suf/yents perde tyrannum 6e]
to deities wlio scorn tliee. Witness, O Tartarus, ye goddesses of Erebus who punish crime, and thou, O father : destroy the tyrant,^ worthy such death and punishment. [To her guards.] I dread not the death you threaten. Put your ship in readiness, set sail upon the deep, and let your pilot speed before the winds to Pandataria's shore.
Exit OCTAVIA with her guards.
CHORUS: Ye gentle breezes and ye zephyrs mild, that once caught Iphigenia wrapped in an airy cloud, and bore her from the altar of the cruel maid,'- this maiden, too, far from her dire i)unishment bear ye, I pray, to the shrine of Trivia. More merciful than Rome is Aulis and the Taurians' barbarous land : there by the blood of strangers are the gods appeased ; but Rome's delight is in her children's blood.
Traiiektiiig Leu".s suggestiou. '•* Dir.iia.
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