A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country/Locusta
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
LOCUSTA,
A celebrated poisoner in the time of Nero, who could make her potions of such different qualities, that they would give a sudden or a slower death at pleasure. Nero found her so useful, that he kept her always near him. Yet, on the poison she gave Britannicus not being potent enough, was going to put her to death, and beat her with his own hands. He made her prepare her poisons in his palace, and for recompence not only granted her impunity for those crimes she committed without his order, but gave her large possessions, and pupils to learn her art.
F.C.