Death of Britannicus
The poisoning of Britannicus during a banquet at the imperial palace, orchestrated by Nero to eliminate a potential rival to his throne.
Setting
The grand triclinium (dining hall) of the Domus Aurea, adorned with marble columns and frescoes depicting mythological scenes. The room is arranged with low dining couches (lecti) around a central space where servants move discreetly.
Characters
Nero
primary
A young man of 17 years, with a slightly plump build, curly auburn hair styled in the fashion of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and a pale complexion. His face is smooth, lacking the beard of maturity, with piercing green eyes that seem to observe everything with detached amusement.
Britannicus
primary
A slender youth of 14 years with delicate features, pale complexion, and dark curly hair styled in the manner of Roman nobility. His eyes are large and expressive, betraying a mix of innocence and lingering illness from previous poisoning attempts.
Agrippina
secondary
A stately woman in her early 40s, with a commanding presence despite her current distress. Her face, once renowned for its beauty, now shows the strain of political intrigue, with sharp cheekbones and piercing eyes that miss nothing. Her posture is regal, though her hands betray her tension, clutching the edge of her stola.
Slave Taster
secondary
A young male slave in his early 20s, of slight build with sunken cheeks and calloused hands from years of labor. His dark hair is cropped short in the Roman style, and his olive skin bears faint scars from past punishments. His eyes are wide with fear, the whites prominently visible.
Court Physician
background
A middle-aged man of Greek origin, with a lean but sturdy build, indicative of a life spent in both study and active service. His face is lined with the marks of concern and fatigue, his dark eyes sharp and observant beneath thick, graying brows. His hands are clean and well-kept, a testament to his profession.
Dialog
Britannicus
Mater... my throat burns like Vulcan's forge... Jupiter Custos, why...?
Agrippina
Per deos immortales! Fetch the physicians!
Nero
How curious - the wine affects our dear Britannicus so differently than the rest of us. Does not Bacchus show his favor in mysterious ways?
Britannicus
Brother... you... fed me... the same cup as the taster...
Agrippina
Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, by the shades of your ancestors, what have you done?
Nero
Mother dearest, surely you don't suggest the divine Augustus' heir would stoop to... kitchen work? The boy has always been prone to fits.
Britannicus
The... the black boat comes... Mater... tell Father I...