Polla, the daughter of Clemens, complains about her fortune; her mother Flavia tries to console her.

How cruel my father is, who orders me to marry Sparsus!

What shall I do, mother?

Surely you do not think that I will ever marry this old man?

You know that I love a certain other.

Oh darling, do not cry!

Life is tough; it is necessary to obey those who rule us.

However, I believe that Sparsus will be kind and gracious enough to you.

Why do you deceive me in this way?

You know that he is an old man of the least charm.

You also know that he has already divorced two wives.

But you, mother, are too influenced by the opinion of the emperor; you care nothing about me, nothing about Helvidius whom I love.

Surely you are not so audacious that you indulge this love?

For this man Helvidius is hateful to our family.

Surely you do not forget that his grandfather, when Emperor Vespasian was greatly offended by his words, was killed in exile.

Be sensible, my Polla!

It is better to give in than resist in vain.