Seneca - College of Stoic Philosophers

THE QUINQUENNIUM NERONIS 63step essential to the restoration of the just andhumane administration contemplated by Seneca,and so long as Agrippina remained all-powerfulthat object could not be effected.An incident that occurred before Nero hadbeen many months emperor served to showwhich side had gained the victory in this briefstruggle for power between the reformers andthe upholders of the old system. Agrippinahad been accustomed during the principate ofClaudius to appear in the company of that feeblesovereign on state occasions and openly to sharehis sovereignty. Nor had she anticipated thather position in that respect would be changed forthe worse by the succession of her son to power.But one day Nero was seated on his throne andabout to receive some Armenian ambassadors,when his mother entered the audience chamberand advanced with the intention of seating herselfbeside him to share in their reception. Thoughallwho were present were indignantly consciousthat such an assessor would lower the imperialdignity in the eyes of the Armenians, Senecaalone had the courage to intervene. At hiswhispered suggestion the prince left his throneand advanced down the hall, as if out of respectto greet his mother. An excuse was then foundfor postponing the reception of the delegates, andthe scandal was averted.Seneca has been charged with ingratitude toAgrippina, to whom he owed his return fromexile and the appointment as Nero's tutor onwhich were founded his wealth and greatness.