WILD SCENE IN ROME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20768, 10 January 1931, Page 2 (Supplement)

WILD SCENE IN ROME.

MAN THINKS HIMSELF NERO. Believing himself to I)! 1 (he reincarnation of Nero, a man named Del Monaco, who went mad in his house in ■' ->niall street near the centre of Rome a few weeks ago. decided to imitate some oi the feats attributed to that kniperor. Crving " Hid me of this mob, ' Del Monaco called upon hi\ centurions to kill those present. \\ hen the call was not answered he said ho would du so himself. The room was full, for his attack had begun with an imitation of the famous Roman actol*. I'otroliui. who \\a> plavmj; the part of Noro in a Jilm. and the neighbours had' been drawn in to hear tliu entertainment. They fled in panic when cushions, followed by vases and chairs, began to be hurled in their direction. Fortunately nobody was hint, though a woman, in whom Nero believed he recognised ids wife, l'oppeia Sabina, only just escaped in time to prevent, history !i'»m repeating itsell Vowing to burn down Home and struggling wildly the man was at tost overcome- appropriately enough bv rnenibeis of the lire biigade. They tied him with ropes and conveyed him to a mental hospital.