The Death of Claudius

Translation

Meanwhile the Senate was being summoned and the consuls and priests were announcing vows for the emperor's safety, when already lifeless he was being covered with blankets and warm compresses, while measures that would be for strengthening Nero's power were being arranged. First of all, Agrippina, as if overcome by grief and seeking comfort, held Britannicus in an embrace, called him the true likeness of his father's face, and by various tricks delayed him so he would not leave the room. She also detained Antonia and Octavia, his sisters, and had closed all entrances with guards, and frequently announced that the emperor's health was improving, so that the soldiers would remain in good hope and the propitious time from the predictions of the astrologers would arrive.