_Dom._ Tut, tut! if you’re the woman that I think You’re just what I would wish his wife to be. Wronged in his marriage, he since hath wronged himself: Octavia is a ninny, but his low And last intrigues have scandalized the court: Our family is hurt. You are his equal In wit and manners, and can hold your place; Nor in opposing you is it his good His mother weighs: rather it suits her schemes To have his wife a fool. ’Tis not unknown 1800 What lately she had dared to keep her place, But that Britannicus’ so sudden death Blasted her plots: now in her constant project Your marriage threatens her. _Pop._ The more I see It blackens more. May I dare ask you, madam, To tell your sister that I willingly Retire, if she prevail upon her son Quite to forget his love and put me by? _Dom._ Which side to take? that must you first determine; ’Tis Cæsar or his mother. I supposed 1810 ’Twas him you loved, not her. Now should I tell you That she is deeply pledged to take his life, And seize the empire... _Pop._ Oh! what wicked crimes! Impossible! _Dom._ But if I prove it to you? _Pop._ I could not hear it. _Dom._ Nay, but if ’tis true, Side you with us who hinder it, or her Who pushes it? _Pop._ O madam, ’tis incredible. _Dom._ Ay, and to-night, as Nero sits at supper, When Paris brings the news he’ll not believe it. But then a word from you might turn the scale, 1820 And rouse his better judgment. _Pop._ The very thought That her destruction were my safety, madam, Would hold my tongue. Indeed you have wronged me much, Telling me this. _Dom._ Why, such things you will hear. _Pop._ Nay, let me go. _Dom._ Ay, go, but think upon it. _Pop._ Farewell. [_Exit._ _Dom._ (_sola_). Was I mistaken? _Par._ (_re-entering_). My mind is changed. _Dom._ How now! what say you? _Par._ Madam, the plot will stand. _Dom._ Did you hear all? _Par._ And saw. _Dom._ All that compunction... _Par._ Ay, be sure of it. Why she and I could carry anything. 1830 She’s a born actress: we must keep good friends With her. _Dom._ Then this is well; go learn your part. [_Exeunt._ SCENE · 3 _At the tomb of Britannicus, Enter OCTAVIA and ATTENDANTS._ _OCTAVIA._