Scene Seven

  The palace of the Nabataean king

  Some months later

  [89]

  A few months later. Hall in the palace of the king of the Nabataeans. They are seated at table: King Aretas; Germanicus; Agrippina; Piso; Plancina; courtiers and officers. The feast is almost over. Water with manna is served by female slaves. The minor figures chat and joke cheerfully but the attitudes of the central figures are visibly tense. Germanicus sits still; he appears pale and emaciated.