locusta in ancient Rome, Madame Brinvilliers in Paris, were people of original genius: not in any new artifice of toxicology, not in the mere management of poisons, was the audacity of their genius displayed.
"Biographical Essays"
Thomas de Quincey
The reign of Claudius was brought to an end by poison-the notorious locusta was employed by Agrippina for the purpose-and he was succeeded by Nero, to whom his mother's artifices gave the priority over Britannicus.
"The World's Greatest Books, Vol XI."
Edited by Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton
It was then that Agrippina ordered of locusta that famous stew of poison and mushrooms, which Nero, in allusion to Claud's apotheosis, called the food of the gods.
"Imperial Purple"
Edgar Saltus