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CAST
Lucius Seneca: Philosopher of Stoicism and tragic dramatist; Nero's former teacher
Nero: Emperor of Rome
Lucan: Poet and Seneca's nephew
Paulina: Seneca'a wife
Epicharis: A freedwoman
Flavius Scaevinus: Roman Senator
Subrius Flavus: A Colonel of the Guard
Tigellinus: Commander of the Guard
Polybulis: Seneca's pupil
Natalis A senator
Paul of Tarsus: A Christian (later St. Paul)
Milichus: A slave
Livia: Milichus' wife
The action takes place in Rome, 62-5AD.
The play is based on the Roman historian Tacitus' account of the Piso conspiracy to overthrow Nero.
*please note that some actors can perform more than one role-i.e., double-up
ACT ONE
Scene 1
Seneca before Nero at his court
Seneca: Illustrious Nero, fourteen years have passed
Since we became acquainted and I was appointed
Your teacher, and eight since you became
Emperor. Distinctions and riches have you
Showered on me as unsought silver rain
On fertile pasture. I am overcome Caesar
With the cloying perfume of too many
Poppies. The mind grows drowsy when it
Should be sharp as a simple blade of grass.
I ask that now you allow me retirement.
That in old age I may enjoy what
Youth overlooks: time. As my own
Flowering time withers, I would ask
For ground to cultivate a reclusive mind.
There are precedents for this drawn
From your rank. Your forebear
Augustus allowed Marcus Agrippa
To withdraw to Mytilene and allowed
Gaius Maecenas to retire to Rome itself.
I have no claim on your generous nature
Bar my learning, rewarded already by my
Assisting your youthful education.
Now I ask you give me leave to retire...
I am old and do not need such wealth.
Like an ageing courtesan bedecked with
Jewels, there is folly in the contrast.
As a flower wilts in a gold vase
I would rather a clay pot as a reminder
Of our simple final plot.
Where is my former frugal self? Content
With bread, olives, and simple pleasures
That sumptuousness mocks at? Simplicity
Is the groom of time as moderation its bride
That together bring forth the contented child.
Therefore have I grown beyond worldly goods,
Fame, as a butterfly has outgrown its cocoon.
From the rose-petalled path of youth I lumber
Down the thorny aching slide to death.
Give me...