Claudius studies a lot at the library and learns that both his father and grandfather was poisoned caused by their wish to reclaim the republic. By one of the historians at the library he gets good advice, to keep his studder and play the fool, advice that would keep him alive. Postumus reveals Livias plots to Claudius and encourages him to continue to play the fool. Claudius is now wiser than anyone suspects, and hides behind the face of a fool in order to keep alive. Postumus, Julia's son, has an affair with Livilla, daughter of Tiberius. Since Postumus is the last obstacle between Tiberius and the throne, Livia sets him up on a rape charge (Livilla) and he gets banished from Rome. Claudius gets married to a very tall bride and everybody gets a laugh.