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They show the title character of a now mostly forgotten opera, the Roman empress Messaline, who was supposedly ruthless and sexually insatiable.

I perceive in you so excellent a touch of modesty, that you will not extort from me what I am willing to keep in; therefore it charges me in manners the rather to express myself.—You must know of me then, Antonio, my name is Sebastian, which I called Rodorigo; my father was that Sebastian of Messaline, whom I know you have heard of: He left behind him, myself, and a sister, both born in an hour.

Of Messaline: Sebastian was my father; Such a Sebastian was my brother too, So went he suited to his watery tomb: If spirits can assume both form and suit, You come to fright us.

“Shall I take my messaline dress, Tavia?”

Dorothy smiled as she turned her back and folded the messaline dress, placing it carefully in her trunk.