Section XII, ch. 29-30 Summary

Xenophon administers medicine to cure Claudius' fainting spell. Claudius summons Turranius and Lucius Geta who confirm the accusations against Messalina, citing their fear of Claudius' anger as the reason for not telling him sooner. Claudius sends Narcissus as the captain to arrest the entire wedding party. As the soldiers arrive, the party is just breaking up due to Vettius Valens, one of Messalina's lovers. During a comic performance, Vettius Valens sees the soldiers and warns the wedding party, enabling Messalina and Silas to escape. Vibidia Vestal, an honored old virgin, comes to beg forgiveness for Messalina. Messalina also attempts to approach Claudius to beg for forgiveness, but Narcissus will not let her near him. Vibidia Vestal does not know about Messalina's promiscuity but begs Claudius not to act rashly. Claudius agrees, and Narcissus worries that Claudius will...