Chapter 67

The poisoning of Claudius

Adeoque cuncta mox pernotuere

So completely did everything soon become well known

ut temporum illorum scriptores prodiderint

that writers of that time recorded that

infusum venenum delectabili boleto,

poison had been poured onto a delicious mushroom

Nec vim medicaminis statim intellectam

And that the strength of the drug was not immediately recognised,

socordiane an Claudii vinolentia;

whether due to sluggishness or Claudius’ drunkenness;

Simul soluta alvus subvenisse videbatur.

At the same time his loosened bowels seemed to offer relief.

Igitur exterrita Agrippina et quando ultima timebantur

So Agrippina, terrified, since the worst was now feared,

spreta praesentium invidia,

putting aside the resentment of those present,

provisam iam sibi Xenophontis medici conscientiam adhibet.

called in the complicity of Xenophon the doctor, which she had already arranged for herself.

Ille, tamquam nisus evomentis adiuvaret

He, as if he were helping the efforts of one vomiting,

Pinnam rapido veneno inlitam faucibus eius demisisse creditur,

Is believed to have put down his throat a feather smeared with fast-acting poison,

Haud ignarus summa scelera incipi cum periculo, peragi cum praemio.

Knowing full well that the greatest crimes were begun with danger, and finished with reward.