Acte monologue (Act 1) — Nero

[_Shrinking._] O, I seem so far from you, And so beneath you now; your care henceforth The world and nothing less. Long have you been Nero to me, but Caesar must be now High throned, the nations crawling at your feet. And yet be sure that if on some far day The throne should pass from you; if you should stand Lonely at last; your friends all fallen away From you; the laurel upon other brows Set; were you dyed in blood deep as the robe That folds you; were you dead in rags reposing, Yet would I find you, cover up your face, Taking the last kiss from your lips, and I Would gently bury you within the earth.