Poetical Works of Robert Bridges, Volume 6

This restored volume brings together two of the poet’s most engaging dramatic works. The first is a lively comedy modeled on Terence, while the second continues a historical saga about the Roman emperor Nero. Both pieces retain their original spelling and punctuation, letting listeners hear the text as it was first printed.

In the opening scene of the comedy, a diligent Athenian gardener, Menedemus, is drawn from his work by his neighbor Chremes, a retired merchant who is eager to chat about the Feast of Bacchus. Their banter quickly turns to gentle criticism of Menedemus’s relentless labor, revealing questions of friendship, pride, and the proper use of one’s time. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the suburban garden setting provides a vivid backdrop for the characters’ personalities to shine.

The second work picks up Nero’s story after the death of Seneca, tracing the conspiracies that swirl around the emperor’s final years. It offers a stark contrast to the light‑hearted comedy, delivering a more somber, political drama that enriches the collection with depth and historical intrigue.