Section V, ch. 12-13 Summary

Herod Agrippa suggests that Claudius see a Greek doctor because of his fatigue. The doctor recommends rest to avoid death, causing Claudius to claim that no Greek can cure him. Herod Agrippa recommends consulting Xenophon of Cos. Claudius likes Xenophon who recommends that Claudius avoid reading and writing and attempt to rest one hour after his principal meal. He prescribes bryony, and Claudius is cured. Messalina becomes jealous and suspicious of Claudius' niece, Lesbia, who often visits Claudius to express her gratitude for the Calabrian estates. Claudius reassures Messalina of his love for her and promises to repeat all of his conversations with Lesbia. In these conversations, Messalina sees significance in many things that Claudius does not notice. For example, when Lesbia condemns Seneca, Messalina suspects Seneca is Lesbia's lover and finds proof of the matter. When...