Nero monologue (Act 3) — Nero

[_Going out._] How calm the night when I would have it wild! Aloof and bright which should have rushed to me Hither with aid of thunder, screen of lightning! I looked for reinforcement from the sky. Arise, you veiling clouds; awake, you winds, And stifle with your roaring human cries. Not a breath upon my cheek! I gasp for air. [_To_ OTHERS.] Do you suppose the very elements Are conscious of the workings of this mind? So careful not to seem to share my guilt? Yet dark is the record of wind and wave; This ocean that creeps fawning to our feet Comes purring o'er a million wrecks and bones. If the cold moon hath sinned not, she hath been privy. She aids me not, but watches quietly. A placid sea, still air, and bright starlight.