Page:The Satire of Seneca on the Apotheosis of Claudius.djvu/149

 Weary for laws that await his restoring. Like Lucifer comes he, Putting the scattered stars to flight, or like Hesper at nightfall, Rising when stars return; or e'en as the Sun,—when Aurora First has dispelled the dark and blushingly led forth the morning,— Brightly gleams on the world and renews his chariot's journey, So cometh Caesar; so in his glory shall Rome behold Nero. Thus do his radiant features gleam with a gentle effulgence, Graced by the flowing locks that fall encircling his shoulders."

Thus Apollo. But Lachesis, who herself, too, had a fondness for the handsomest of men, wrought with generous hand, and bestowed upon Nero many years from her own store. As for Claudius, however, everybody gave orders

With joy and great content to send him out of doors.

And indeed he did go up the flume, and from that moment ceased to appear to be alive. He expired, moreover, while listening to comic actors, so you understand it isn't without reason that I am