But it was too small a sacrifice
to open empyrean gates.
- What will you do?
- There are two Neros.
The public figure and the artist,
known to no one but you.
Oh, how heavy is the burden
of ultimate power and talent!
l pity you
and so does Vinicius,
your ardent admirer.
l was fond of him, but he serves
Mars, and not the Muses.
He's in love.
Let him leave, or he'll whither.
The Lygian hostage has been found.
He fell in love with her virtue.
He wants to marry,
sighs, pines away...
She is a pretty girl...
though too narrow in the hips.
Do you love her, like he says?
l do.
Then go to Rome, marry,
and come back with a ring.