The Invitation to Baiae

Translation

Ingenuity was decided upon, which was also helped by time, since (Nero) was visiting the festival of the Quinquatrus at Baiae. He enticed his mother there, repeatedly saying that the angry feelings of parents had to be put up with and any hostile feeling should be appeased, so that he might create a (false) report of reconciliation and Agrippina might receive it, since women readily believe in joyful events. Then as she came onto the shores (for she was coming from Antium), he met her, welcomed her with his hand and an embrace and escorted her to Bauli. That is the name of the villa which (lying) between Cape Misenum and the Baian lake, is washed by a bend in the sea. A more elaborate ship stood among the others, as if this, too, was to be given as an honour to his mother: for she had been accustomed to sail in a trireme and with oars pulled by marines. And then she had been invited to a banquet, so that darkness could be used to hide the crime. It was sufficiently well-known that an informer appeared, and when Agrippina heard of the plot, uncertain as to whether to believe it, was carried to Baiae by a sedan chair. There flattery alleviated her fear: she was graciously received and placed above (Nero) himself (at the table). Now with many conversations, now with youthful friendship, then again stern as if he was sharing serious topics, having dragged out the banquet for a long time, Nero escorted her as she departed, cleaving more closely to her eyes and her breast, whether because he was bolstering up his pretence or the last sight of his doomed mother repressed his feelings, however savage they were.