| T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22. | | | | A Scene from “The Tragedy of Nero” | | Anonymous |
| | (From the anonymous play, 1624; Act II. Scene I.) |
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(Enter PETRONIUS) HERE waits Poppæa her Nimphidius’ coming, | |
| And hath this garden and green walks chose out | |
| To bless them with more pleasures than their own. | |
| Not only arras hangings and silk beds | |
| Are guilty of the faults we blame them for: | 5 |
| Somewhat these arbours and yon trees do know, | |
| Whilst your kind shades you to these night sports show. | |
| Night sports? Faith, they are done in open day | |
| And the sun seeth and envieth their play. | |
| Hither have I love-sick Antonius brought | 10 |
| And thrust him on occasion so long sought; | |
| Showed him the empress in a thicket by, | |
| Her love’s approach waiting with greedy eye; | |
| And told him, if he ever meant to prove | |
| The doubtful issue of his hopeful love, | 15 |
| This is the place and time wherein to try it; | |
| Women will hear the suit that will deny it. | |
| The suit’s not hard that she comes for to take; | |
| Who, hot in lust of men, doth difference make? | |
| At last forth, willing, to her did he pace: | 20 |
| Arm him, Priapus, with thy powerful mace. | |
| But see, they coming are; how they agree | |
| Here will I harken; shroud me, gentle tree. | | | |
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