Page:Tragedies of Seneca (1907) Miller.djvu/458

440 In race and beauty blessed, before whose charms Minerva, Venus, Juno—all would bow. Seneca: But honor, wifely faith, and modesty— These should the husband seek, for these alone, The priceless treasures of the heart and soul, Remain perpetual; but beauty's flower Doth fade and languish with each passing day. Nero: On her has heaven all its charms bestowed, And fate has given her from her birth to me. Seneca: But love will fail; do not too rashly trust. Nero: Shall he give way, that tyrant of the skies, Whom Jove, the Thunderer, cannot remove, Who lords it over savage seas, the realms Of gloomy Dis, and draws the gods to earth? Seneca: 'Tis by our human error that we paint Love as a god, wingéd, implacable, And arm his sacred hands with darts and bow, Assign him blazing torches, count him son Of fostering Venus and of Vulcan. Nay, But love is of the heart's compelling power, A fond and cozening passion of the soul; Of hot youth is it born, and in the lap Of ease and luxury, 'midst fortune's joys, Is fostered. But it sickens straight and dies When you no longer feed and fondle it. Nero: I deem the primal source of life is this, The joy of love; and it can never die, Since by sweet love, which soothes e'en savage breasts, The human race is evermore renewed. This god shall bear for me the wedding torch, And join me with Poppaea in his bonds. Seneca: The people's grief could scarce endure to see That marriage, nor would piety permit. Nero: Shall I alone avoid what all may do? Seneca: The state from loftiest souls expects the best. Nero: I fain would see if, broken by my power, This rashly cherished favor will not yield. Seneca: 'Tis better calmly to obey the state. Nero: Ill fares the state, when commons govern kings.