Act IV, Scene VIII — [1314]…

Act IV, Scene VIII — [1314]

[Enter] KITELY, WELLBRED, DAME KITELY, and BRIDGET.

Kit. Now, trust me, brother, you were much to blame, T’ incense his anger, and disturb the peace Of my poor house, where there are sentinels That every minute watch to give alarms Of civil war, without adjection[1315] 5 Of your assistance or occasion.

Wel. No harm done, brother, I warrant you. Since there is no harm done, anger costs a man nothing; and a tall man is never his own man till he be angry. To keep his valour in obscurity, (10) is to keep himself as it were in a cloak-bag. What’s a musician, unless he play? What’s a tall mail unless he fight? For, indeed, all this my wise brother stands upon absolutely; and that made me fall in with him so resolutely. 15

Dame K. Ay, but what harm might have come of it, brother!

Wel. Might, sister? So might the good warm clothes your husband wears be poison’d, for any thing he knows: or the wholesome wine he 20 drank, even now at the table.

Kit. [Aside.] Now, God forbid! O me! now I remember My wife drank to me last, and chang’d the cup, And bade me wear this cursed suit to-day. See, if Heaven suffer murder undiscover’d!— 25 I feel me ill; give me some mithridate,[1316] Some mithridate and oil, good sister, fetch me; O, I am sick at heart, I burn, I burn. If you will save my life, go fetch it me.

Wel. O strange humour! my very breath (30) has poison’d him.

Brid. Good brother, be content, what do you mean? The strength of these extreme conceits[1317] will kill you.

Dame K. Beshrew your heart-blood, brother Wellbred, now, For putting such a toy into his head! 35

Wel. Is a fit simile a toy? Will he be poison’d with a simile? Brother Kitely, what a strange and idle imagination is this! For shame, be wiser. O’ my soul, there’s no such matter. 39

Kit. Am I not sick? How am I then not poison’d? Am I not poison’d? How am I then so sick?

Dame K. If you be sick, your own thoughts make you sick.

Wel. His jealousy is the poison he has taken.

Enter BRAINWORM, disguised like justice Clement’s man.

Brai. Master Kitely, my master, justice (44) Clement, salutes you; and desires to speak with you with all possible speed.

Kit. No time but now, when I think I am sick, very sick! Well, I will wait upon his worship. Thomas! Cob! I must seek them out, and set ’em sentinels till I return. Thomas! Cob! (50) Thomas! [Exit.]

Wel. This is perfectly rare, Brainworm; [Takes him aside.] but how got’st thou this apparel of the justice’s man? 54

Brai. Marry, sir, my proper fine pen-man would needs bestow the grist o’ me, at the Windmill, to hear some martial discourse; where I so marshall’d him, that I made him drunk with admiration: and, because too much heat was the cause of his distemper, I stript 60 him stark naked as he lay along asleep, and borrowed his suit to deliver this counterfeit message in, leaving a rusty armour, and an old brown bill to watch him till my return; which shall be, when I ha’ pawn’d his apparel, and (65) spent the better part o’ the money, perhaps.

Wel. Well, thou art a successful merry knave, Brainworm: his absence will be a good subject for more mirth. I pray thee return to thy young master, and will him to meet me and my (70) sister Bridget at the Tower[1318] instantly; for here, tell him, the house is so stor’d with jealousy, there is no room for love to stand upright in. We must get our fortunes committed to some larger prison, say; and than the Tower, I (75) know no better air, nor where the liberty of the house may do us more present service. Away! [Exit BRAINWORM.]

[Re-enter KITELY, talking aside to CASH.]

Kit. Come hither, Thomas. Now my secret’s ripe, And thou shalt have it: lay to both thine ears. Hark what I say to thee. I must go forth, Thomas; 80 Be careful of thy promise, keep good watch, Note every gallant, and observe him well, That enters in my absence to thy mistress: If she would shew him rooms, the jest is stale, Follow ’em, Thomas, or else hang on him, 85 And let him not go after; mark their looks; Note if she offer but to see his band, Or any other amorous toy about him; But praise his leg, or foot: or if she say The day is hot, and bid him feel her hand, 90 How hot it is; O, that’s a monstrous thing! Note me all this, good Thomas, mark their sighs, And if they do but whisper, break ’em off: I’ll bear thee out in it. Wilt thou do this? Wilt thou be true, my Thomas?

Cash. As truth’s self, sir. 95

Kit. Why, I believe thee. Where is Cob, now? Cob! Exit.]

Dame K. He’s ever calling for Cob: I wonder how he employs Cob so.

Wel. Indeed, sister, to ask how he employs Cob, is a necessary question for you that are (100) his wife, and a thing not very easy for you to be satisfied in; but this I’ll assure you, Cob’s wife is an excellent bawd, sister, and oftentimes your husband haunts her house; marry, to what end? I cannot altogether accuse him; imagine (105) you what you think convenient: but I have known fair hides have foul hearts ere now, sister.

Dame K. Never said you truer than that, brother, so much I can tell you for your learning. Thomas, fetch your cloak and go with me. 110 [Exit CASH.] I’ll after him presently: I would to fortune I could take him there, i’ faith. I ’d return him his own, I warrant him! [Exit.]

Wel. So, let ’em go; this may make sport anon. Now, my fair sister-in-law, that you knew but (115) how happy a thing it were to be fair and beautiful.

Brid. That touches not me, brother.

Wel. That’s true; that’s even the fault of it; for indeed, beauty stands a woman in no (120) stead, unless it procure her touching.—But, sister, whether it touch you or no, it touches your beauties; and I am sure they will abide the touch; an they do not, a plague of all ceruse,[1319] say I! and it touches me too in part, (125) though not in the——Well, there’s a dear and respected friend of mine, sister, stands very strongly and worthily affected toward you, and hath vow’d to inflame whole bonfires of zeal at his heart, in honour of your perfections. I (130) have already engag’d my promise to bring you where you shall hear him confirm much more. Ned Knowell is the man, sister: there’s no exception against the party. You are ripe for a husband; and a minute’s loss to such an 135 occasion is a great trespass in a wise beauty. What say you, sister? On my soul he loves you; will you give him the meeting?

Brid. Faith, I had very little confidence in mine own constancy, brother, if I durst not (140) meet a man: but this motion of yours savours of an old knight adventurer’s servant a little too much, methinks.

Wel. What’s that, sister?

Brid. Marry, of the squire.[1320] 145

Wel. No matter if it did, I would be such an one for my friend. But see, who is return’d to hinder us!

[Re-enter KITELY.]

Kit. What villany is this? Call’d out on a false message! This was some plot; I was not sent for.—Bridget, 150 Where is your sister?

Brid. I think she be gone forth, sir.

Kit. How! is my wife gone forth? Whither, for God’s sake?

Brid. She ’s gone abroad with Thomas.

Kit. Abroad with Thomas! oh, that villain dors[1321] me: He hath discover’d all unto my wife. 155 Beast that I was, to trust him! Whither, I pray you Went she?

Brid. I know not, sir.

Wel. I’ll tell you, brother, Whither I suspect she’s gone.

Kit. Whither, good brother?

Wel. To Cob’s house, I believe: but, keep my counsel.

Kit. I will, I will: to Cob’s house! Doth she haunt Cob’s? 160 She’s gone a’ purpose now to cuckold me With that lewd rascal, who, to win her favour, Hath told her all. [Exit.]

Wel. Come, he is once more gone, Sister, let’s lose no time; th’ affair is worth it. [Exeunt.]

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Act IV, Scene IX — [1322]

[Enter] MATHEW and BOBADILL.

Mat. I wonder, captain, what they will say of my going away, ha?

Bob. Why, what should they say, but as of a discreet gentleman; quick, wary, respectful of nature’s fair lineaments? and that’s all. 5

Mat. Why so! but what can they say of your beating?

Bob. A rude part, a touch with soft wood, a kind of gross battery us’d, laid on strongly, borne most patiently; and that’s all. 10

Mat. Ay, but would any man have offered it in Venice, as you say?

Bob. Tut! I assure you, no: you shall have there your nobilis, your gentilezza, come in bravely upon your reverse, stand you close, (15) stand you firm, stand you fair, save your retricato with his left leg, come to the assalto with the right, thrust with brave steel, defy your base wood! But wherefore do I awake this remembrance? I was fascinated, by Jupiter; fascinated, but I will be unwitch’d and reveng’d by law. 21

Mat. Do you hear? Is it not best to get a warrant, and have him arrested and brought before justice Clement?

Bob. It were not amiss? Would we had it! 25

[Enter BRAINWORM disguised as FORMAL.]

Mat. Why, here comes his man; let’s speak to him.

Bob. Agreed, do you speak.

Mat. Save you, sir.

Brai. With all my heart, sir. 30

Mat. Sir, there is one Downright hath abus’d this gentleman and myself, and we determine to make our amends by law. Now, if you would do us the favour to procure a warrant to (34) bring him afore your master, you shall be well considered, I assure you, sir.

Brai. Sir, you know my service is my living; such favours as these gotten of my master is his only preferment,[1323] and therefore you must (39) consider me as I may make benefit of my place.

Mat. How is that, sir?

Brai. Faith, sir, the thing is extraordinary, and the gentleman may be of great account; yet, be he what he will, if you will lay me down a brace of angels in my hand you shall (45) have it, otherwise not.

Mat. How shall we do, captain? He asks a brace of angels; you have no money?

Bob. Not a cross,[1324] by fortune.

Mat. Nor I, as I am a gentleman, but two-pence (50) left of my two shillings in the morning for wine and radish: let’s find him some pawn.

Bob. Pawn! we have none to the value of his demand.

Mat. O, yes; I’ll pawn this jewel in my (55) ear, and you may pawn your silk stockings, and pull up your boots, they will ne’er be mist: it must be done now.

Bob. Well, an there be no remedy, I’ll step aside and pull ’em off. [Withdraws.] 60

Mat. Do you hear, sir? We have no store of money at this time, but you shall have good pawns; look you, sir, this jewel, and that gentleman’s silk stockings; because we would have it dispatch’d ere we went to our chambers. 65

Brai. I am content, sir; I will get you the warrant presently.[1325] What’s his name, say you? Downright?

Mat. Ay, ay, George Downright.

Brai. What manner of man is he? 70

Mat. A tall big man, sir; he goes in a cloak most commonly of silk-russet, laid about with russet lace.

Brai. ’Tis very good, sir.

Mat. Here, sir, here’s my jewel. 75

Bob. [returning.] And here are stockings.

Brai. Well, gentlemen, I’ll procure you this warrant presently; but who will you have to serve it?

Mat. That’s true, captain: that must be (80) consider’d.

Bob. Body o’ me, I know not; ’tis service of danger.

Brai. Why, you were best get one o’ the varlets o’ the city,[1326] a serjeant: I’ll appoint you one, if you please. 85

Mat. Will you, sir? Why, we can wish no better.

Bob. We’ll leave it to you, sir. [Exeunt BOB. and MAT.]

Brai. This is rare! Now will I go and pawn this cloak of the justice’s man’s at the broker’s (90) for a varlet’s suit, and be the varlet myself; and get either more pawns, or more money of Downright, for the arrest. [Exit.]

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Act IV, Scene X — [1327]

[Enter] KNOWELL.

Know. Oh, here it is; I am glad I have found it now; Ho! who is within here?

Tib. [within.] I am within, sir? What’s your pleasure?

Know. To know who is within besides yourself.

Tib. Why, sir, you are no constable, I hope?

Know. O, fear you the constable? Then I doubt not 6 You have some guests within deserve that fear. I’ll fetch him straight.

[Enter TIB.] O’ God’s name, sir!

Know. Go to; come tell me, is not young Knowell here?

Tib. Young Knowell! I know none such, sir, o’ mine honesty. 10

Know. Your honesty, dame! It flies too lightly from you. There is no way but fetch the constable.

Tib. The constable! the man is mad, I think.

[Exit, and claps to the door.]

[Enter DAME KITELY and CASH.]

Cash. Ho! who keeps house here?

Know. O, this is the female copesmate[1328] of my son: 15 Now shall I meet him straight.

Dame K. Knock, Thomas, hard.

Cash. Ho, goodwife!

[Re-enter TIB.]

Tib. Why, what’s the matter with you?

Dame K. Why, woman, grieves it you to ope your door? Belike you get something to keep it shut.

Tib. What mean these questions, pray ye? 20

Dame K. So strange you make it! Is not my husband here?

Know. Her husband!

Dame K. My tried husband, master Kitely?

Tib. I hope he needs not to be tried here.

Dame K. No, dame, he does it not for need, but pleasure. 24

Tib. Neither for need nor pleasure is he here.

Know. This is but a device to balk me withal: [Enter KITELY, muffled in his cloak.] Soft, who is this? ’Tis not my son disguis’d?

Dame K. (spies her husband come, and runs to him.) O, sir, have I forestall’d your honest market? Found your close[1329] walks? You stand amaz’d now, do you? 29 I’ faith, I am glad I have smokt[1330] you yet at last. What is your jewel, trow? In, come, let’s see her; Fetch forth your huswife, dame; if she be fairer, In any honest judgment, than myself, I’ll be content with it: but she is change, She feeds you fat, she soothes your appetite, 35 And you are well! Your wife, an honest woman, Is meat twice sod[1331] to you, sir! O, you treachour![1332]

Know. She cannot counterfeit thus palpably.

Kit. Out on thy more than strumpet’s impudence! Steal’st thou thus to thy haunts? and have I taken 40 Thy bawd and thee, and thy companion, (pointing to old KNOWELL) This hoary-headed letcher, this old goat, Close at your villainy, and would’st thou ’scuse it With this stale harlot’s jest, accusing me? O, old incontinent (to KNOWELL), dost thou not shame, 45 When all thy powers in chastity is spent, To have a mind so hot, and to entice, And feed th’ enticements of a lustful woman?

Dame K. Out, I defy thee, I, dissembling wretch!

Kit. Defy me, strumpet! Ask thy pander[1333] here, 50 Can he deny it; or that wicked elder?

Know. Why, hear you, sir.

Kit. Tut, tut, tut; never speak: Thy guilty conscience will discover thee.

Know. What lunacy is this, that haunts this man?

Kit. Well, good wife BA’D,[1334] Cob’s wife, and you, 55 That make your husband such a hoddy-doddy;[1335] And you, young apple-squire, and old cuckold-maker; I’ll ha’ you every one before a justice: Nay, you shall answer it, I charge you go.

Know. Marry, with all my heart, sir, I go willingly; 60 Though I do taste this as a trick put on me, To punish my impertinent search, and justly, And half forgive my son for the device.

Kit. Come, will you go?

Dame K. Go! to thy shame believe it.

[Enter COB.]

Cob. Why, what’s the matter here, what’s here to do? 65

Kit. O, Cob, art thou come? I have been abus’d, And i’ thy house; was never man so wrong’d!

Cob. ’Slid, in my house, my master Kitely! Who wrongs you in my house?

Kit. Marry, young lust in old, and old in young here: 70 Thy wife’s their bawd, here have I taken ’em.

Cob. How, bawd! is my house come to that? Am I preferr’d thither? Did I not charge you to keep your doors shut, Isbel? and do you let ’em lie open for all comers? 75 He falls upon his wife and beats her.

Know. Friend, know some cause, before thou beat’st thy wife. This ’s madness in thee.

Cob. Why, is there no cause?

Kit. Yes, I’ll shew cause before the justice, Cob: Come, let her go with me.

Cob. Nay, she shall go.

Tib. Nay, I will go. I’ll see an you may (80) be allow’d to make a bundle o’ hemp[1336] o’ your right and lawful wife thus, at every cuckoldy knave’s pleasure. Why do you not go?

Kit. A bitter quean! Come, we will ha’ you tam’d. [Exeunt.]

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Act IV, Scene XI — [1337]

[Enter] BRAINWORM, [disguised as a City Serjeant.]

Brai. Well, of all my disguises yet, now am I most like myself, being in this serjeant’s gown. A man of my present profession never counterfeits, till he lays hold upon a debtor and says he ’rests him; for then he brings him to all (5) manner of unrest. A kind of little kings we are, bearing the diminutive of a mace, made like a young artichoke, that always carries pepper and salt in itself. Well, I know not what danger I undergo by this exploit; pray Heaven (10) I come well off!

[Enter MATHEW and BOBADILL.]

Mat. See, I think, yonder is the varlet, by his gown.

Bob. Let’s go in quest of him.

Mat. ’Save you, friend! Are not you here by appointment of justice Clement’s man? 15

Brai. Yes, an’t please you, sir; he told me two gentlemen had will’d him to procure a warrant from his master, which I have about me, to be serv’d on one Downright.

Mat. It is honestly done of you both; and (20) see where the party comes you must arrest; serve it upon him quickly, afore he be aware.

Bob. Bear back, master Mathew.

[Enter STEPHEN in DOWNRIGHT’S cloak.]

Brai. Master Downright, I arrest you i’ the queen’s name, and must carry you afore a (25) justice by virtue of this warrant.

Step. Me, friend! I am no Downright, I; I am master Stephen. You do not well to arrest me, I tell you, truly; I am in nobody’s bonds nor books, I would you should know it. A plague (30) on you heartily, for making me thus afraid afore my time!

Brai. Why, now are you deceived, gentlemen?

Bob. He wears such a cloak, and that deceived us: but see, here ’a comes indeed; this (35) is he, officer.

[Enter DOWNRIGHT.]

Dow. Why how now, signior gull! Are you turn’d filcher of late! Come, deliver my cloak.

Step. Your cloak, sir! I bought it even now, in open market. 40

Brai. Master Downright, I have a warrant I must serve upon you, procur’d by these two gentlemen.

Dow. These gentlemen! These rascals! [Offers to beat them.]

Brai. Keep the peace, I charge you in her majesty’s name. 45

Dow. I obey thee. What must I do, officer?

Brai. Go before master justice Clement, to answer what they can object against you, sir. I will use you kindly, sir. 50

Mat. Come, let’s before, and make[1338] the justice, captain.

Bob. The varlet’s a tall man, afore heaven! [Exeunt BOB. and MAT.]

Dow. Gull, you’ll gi’ me my cloak.

Step. Sir, I bought it, and I’ll keep it. 55

Dow. You will?

Step. Ay, that I will.

Dow. Officer, there’s thy fee, arrest him.

Brai. Master Stephen, I must arrest you.

Step. Arrest me! I scorn it. There, take your cloak, I’ll none on ’t. 61

Dow. Nay, that shall not serve your turn now, sir. Officer, I’ll go with thee to the justice’s; bring him along.

Step. Why, is not here your cloak? What would you have? 66

Dow. I’ll ha’ you answer it, sir.

Brai. Sir, I’ll take your word, and this gentleman’s too, for his appearance.

Dow. I’ll ha’ no words taken: bring him along.

Brai. Sir, I may choose to do that, I may (71) take bail.

Dow. ’Tis true, you may take bail, and choose at another time; but you shall not now, varlet. Bring him along, or I’ll swinge you. 75

Brai. Sir, I pity the gentleman’s case; here’s your money again.

Dow. ’Sdeins, tell not me of my money; bring him away, I say.

Brai. I warrant you he will go with you of himself, sir. 81

Dow. Yet more ado?

Brai. [Aside.] I have made a fair mash on’t.

Step. Must I go?

Brai. I know no remedy, master Stephen. 85

Dow. Come along afore me here; I do not love your hanging look behind.

Step. Why, sir, I hope you cannot hang me for it: can he, fellow?

Brai. I think not, sir; it is but a whipping matter, sure. 91

Step. Why then let him do his worst, I am resolute. [Exeunt.]

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Act V, Scene I — [1339]

[Enter] CLEMENT, KNOWELL, KITELY, DAME KITELY, TIB, CASH, COB, Servants.

Clem. Nay, but stay, stay, give me leave: my chair, sirrah.—You, master Knowell, say you went thither to meet your son?

Know. Ay, sir.

Clem. But who directed you thither? 5

Know. That did mine own man, sir.

Clem. Where is he?

Know. Nay, I know not now; I left him with your clerk, and appointed him to stay here for me. 10

Clem. My clerk! about what time was this?

Know. Marry, between one and two, as I take it.

Clem. And what time came my man with the false message to you, master Kitely? 15

Kit. After two, sir.

Clem. Very good: but, mistress Kitely, how chance that you were at Cob’s, ha?

Dame K. An ’t please you, sir, I’ll tell you: my brother Wellbred told me that Cob’s house was a suspected place—— 21

Clem. So it appears, methinks: but on.

Dame K. And that my husband us’d thither daily.

Clem. No matter, so he us’d himself well, mistress. 25

Dame K. True, sir: but you know what grows by such haunts oftentimes.

Clem. I see rank fruits of a jealous brain, mistress Kitely: but did you find your husband (30) there, in that case as you suspected?

Kit. I found her there, sir.

Clem. Did you so? That alters the case. Who gave you knowledge of your wife’s being there?

Kit. Marry, that did my brother Wellbred. 35

Clem. How, Wellbred first tell her; then tell you after! Where is Wellbred?

Kit. Gone with my sister, sir, I know not whither. 39

Clem. Why this is a mere trick, a device; you are gull’d in this most grossly all. Alas, poor wench! wert thou beaten for this?

Tib. Yes, most pitifully, an ’t please you.

Cob. And worthily, I hope, if it shall prove so. 45

Clem. Ay, that’s like, and a piece of a sentence.— [Enter a Servant.] How now, sir! what’s the matter?

Serv. Sir, there’s a gentleman i’ the court without, desires to speak with your worship. 50

Clem. A gentleman! what is he?

Serv. A soldier, sir, he says.

Clem. A soldier! Take down my armour, my sword quickly. A soldier speak with me! Why, when, knaves! Come on, come on. (Arms himself); (55) hold my cap there, so; give me my gorget,[1340] my sword: stand by, I will end your matters anon.——Let the soldier enter. [Exit Servant.]

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Act V, Scene II — [1341]

[CLEMENT, KNOWELL, etc. Enter] BOBADILL, [followed by] MATHEW.

Now, sir, what ha’ you to say to me? [1342]

Bob. By your worship’s favour——

Clem. Nay, keep out, sir; I know not your pretence.—You send me word, sir, you are a soldier; why, sir, you shall be answer’d here: 5 here be them have been amongst soldiers. Sir, your pleasure.

Bob. Faith, sir, so it is, this gentleman and myself have been most uncivilly wrong’d and beaten by one Downright, a coarse fellow 10 about the town here; and for mine own part, I protest, being a man in no sort given to this filthy humour of quarrelling, he hath assaulted me in the way of my peace, despoil’d me of mine honour, disarm ’d me of my weapons, (15) and rudely laid me along in the open streets, when I not so much as once offer’d to resist him.

Clem. O, God’s precious! is this the soldier? Here, take my armour off quickly, ’t will make him swoon, I fear; he is not fit to look on ’t, (20) that will put up a blow.

Mat. An’t please your worship, he was bound to the peace.

Clem. Why, an he were, sir, his hands were not bound, were they? 25

[Re-enter Servant.]

Serv. There’s one of the varlets of the city, sir, has brought two gentlemen here; one, upon your worship’s warrant.

Clem. My warrant!

Serv. Yes, sir; the officer says, procur’d by these two. 31

Clem. Bid him come in. [Exit Servant.] Set by this picture.[1343]

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Act V, Scene III — [1344]

[CLEMENT, BOBADILL, etc. Enter] DOWNRIGHT, STEPHEN, and BRAINWORM [disguised as before].

What, Master Downright! Are you brought in at Mr. Freshwater’s[1345] suit here?[1346]

Dow. I’ faith, sir, and here’s another brought at my suit.

Clem. What are you, sir? 5

Step. A gentleman, sir. O, uncle!

Clem. Uncle! Who? Master Knowell?

Know. Ay, sir; this is a wise kinsman of mine. 9

Step. God’s my witness, uncle, I am wrong’d here monstrously; he charges me with stealing of his cloak, and would I might never stir, if I did not find it in the street by chance.

Dow. O, did you find it now? You said you bought it ere-while. 15

Step. And you said, I stole it. Nay, now my uncle is here, I’ll do well enough with you.

Clem. Well, let this breathe awhile. You that have cause to complain there, stand forth. Had you my warrant for this gentleman’s 20 apprehension?

Bob. Ay, an ’t please your worship.

Clem. Nay, do not speak in passion[1347] so. Where had you it?

Bob. Of your clerk, sir. 25

Clem. That’s well! an my clerk can make warrants, and my hand not at ’em! Where is the warrant—officer, have you it?

Brai. No, sir. Your worship’s man, Master Formal, bid me do it for these gentlemen, (30) and he would be my discharge.

Clem. Why, Master Downright, are you such a novice, to be serv’d and never see the warrant?

Dow. Sir, he did not serve it on me. 35

Clem. No! how then?

Dow. Marry, sir, he came to me, and said he must serve it, and he would use me kindly, and so—— 39

Clem. O, God’s pity, was it so, sir? He must serve it! Give me my long sword there, and help me off. So, come on, sir varlet, I must cut off your legs, sirrah [BRAINWORM kneels]; nay, stand up, I’ll use you kindly; I must cut off your legs, I say. 45 Flourishes over him with his long sword.

Brai. O, good sir, I beseech you; nay, good master justice!

Clem. I must do it, there is no remedy; I must cut off your legs, sirrah, I must cut off your ears, you rascal, I must do it: I must (50) cut off your nose, I must cut off your head.

Brai. O, good your worship!

Clem. Well, rise; how dost thou do now? Dost thou feel thyself well? Hast thou no harm? 55

Brai. No, I thank your good worship, sir.

Clem. Why so! I said I must cut off thy legs, and I must cut off thy arms, and I must cut off thy head; but I did not do it: so you said you must serve this gentleman with my (60) warrant, but you did not serve him. You knave, you slave, you rogue, do you say you must, sirrah! Away with him to the jail; I’ll teach you a trick for your must, sir.

Brai. Good sir, I beseech you, be good to (65) me.

Clem. Tell him he shall to the jail; away with him, I say.

Brai. Nay, sir, if you will commit me, it shall be for committing more than this: I will (70) not lose by my travail any grain of my fame, certain. [Throws off his serjeant’s gown.]

Clem. How is this?

Know. My man Brainworm!

Step. O, yes, uncle: Brainworm has been with my cousin Edward and I all this day. 76

Clem. I told you all there was some device.

Brai. Nay, excellent justice, since I have laid myself thus open to you, now stand strong for me; both with your sword and your balance. 80

Clem. Body o’ me, a merry knave! give me a bowl of sack. If he belong to you, Master Knowell, I bespeak your patience.

Brai. That is it I have most need of. Sir, if you’ll pardon me only, I’ll glory in all the (85) rest of my exploits.

Know. Sir, you know I love not to have my favours come hard from me. You have your pardon, though I suspect you shrewdly for being of counsel with my son against me. 90

Brai. Yes, faith, I have, sir, though you retain’d me doubly this morning for yourself: first, as Brainworm; after, as Fitz-Sword. I was your reform’d soldier, sir. ’T was I sent you to Cob’s upon the errand without end. 95

Know. Is it possible? or that thou should’st disguise thy language so as I should not know thee?

Brai. O, sir, this has been the day of my metamorphosis. It is not that shape alone (100) that I have run through to-day. I brought this gentleman, master Kitely, a message too, in the form of master Justice’s man here, to draw him out o’ the way, as well as your worship, while master Wellbred might make a conveyance (105) of mistress Bridget to my young master.

Kit. How! my sister stol’n away?

Know. My son is not married, I hope.

Brai. Faith, sir, they are both as sure as love, a priest, and three thousand pound, which (110) is her portion, can make ’em; and by this time are ready to bespeak their wedding-supper at the Windmill, except some friend here prevent ’em, and invite ’em home.

Clem. Marry, that will I; I thank thee for (115) putting me in mind on ’t. Sirrah, go you and fetch them hither upon my warrant. [Exit Servant.] Neither’s friends have cause to be sorry, if I know the young couple aright. Here, I drink to thee for thy good news. But I pray (120) thee, what hast thou done with my man, Formal?

Brai. Faith, sir, after some ceremony past, as making him drunk, first with story, and then with wine, (but all in kindness,) and stripping (125) him to his shirt, I left him in that cool vein; departed, sold your worship’s warrant to these two, pawn’d his livery for that varlet’s gown, to serve it in; and thus have brought myself by my activity to your worship’s consideration. 131

Clem. And I will consider thee in another cup of sack. Here’s to thee, which having drunk off this my sentence: Pledge me. Thou hast done, or assisted to nothing, in my (135) judgment, but deserves to be pardon’d for the wit of the offence. If thy master, or any man here, be angry with thee, I shall suspect his ingine,[1348] while I know him, for ’t. How now, what noise is that? 140

[Enter Servant.]

Serv. Sir, it is Roger is come home.

Clem. Bring him in, bring him in.

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Act V, Scene IV — [1349]

To them [enter] FORMAL [in a suit of armour.]

What! drunk? In arms against me? Your reason, your reason for this?[1350]

Form. I beseech your worship to pardon me; I happen’d into ill company by chance, that cast me into a sleep, and stript me of all my 5 clothes.

Clem. Well, tell him I am Justice Clement, and do pardon him: but what is this to your armour? What may that signify?

Form. An’t please you, sir, it hung up i’ (10) the room where I was stript; and I borrow’d it of one of the drawers[1351] to come home in, because I was loth to do penance through the street i’ my shirt.

Clem. Well, stand by a while. 15

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Act V, Scene V — [1349]

To them [enter] E. KNOWELL, WELLBRED, and BRIDGET.

Who be these? O, the young company; welcome, welcome! Gi’ you joy. Nay, mistress Bridget, blush not; you are not so fresh a bride, but the news of it is come hither afore you. Master bridegroom, I ha’ made your peace, (5) give me your hand: so will I for all the rest ere you forsake my roof.[1352]

E. Know. We are the more bound to your humanity, sir.

Clem. Only these two have so little of man in ’em, they are no part of my care. 11

Wel. Yes, sir, let me pray you for this gentleman, he belongs to my sister the bride.

Clem. In what place, sir?

Wel. Of her delight, sir, below the stairs, (15) and in public: her poet, sir.

Clem. A poet! I will challenge him myself presently at extempore. _Mount up thy Phlegon,[1353] Muse, and testify How Saturn, sitting in an ebon cloud, 20 Disrobed his podex, white as ivory, And through the welkin thund’red all aloud._

Wel. He is not for extempore, sir: he is all for the pocket muse; please you command a sight of it. 25

Clem. Yes, yes, search him for a taste of his vein. [They search MATHEW’S pockets.]

Wel. You must not deny the queen’s justice, sir, under a writ o’ rebellion. 29

Clem. What! all this verse? Body o’ me, he carries a whole realm,[1354] a commonwealth of paper in his hose. Let us see some of his subjects. [Reads.] Unto the boundless ocean of thy face, Runs this poor river, charg’d with streams of eyes.[1355] How! this is stol’n. 35

E. Know. A parody! a parody! with a kind of miraculous gift, to make it absurder than it was.

Clem. Is all the rest of this batch? Bring me a torch; lay it together, and give fire. (40) Cleanse the air. [Sets the papers on fire.] Here was enough to have infected the whole city, if it had not been taken in time. See, see, how our poet’s glory shines! brighter and brighter! still it increases! O, now it’s at the highest; (45) and now it declines as fast. You may see, sic transit gloria mundi!

Know. There’s an emblem for you, son, and your studies. 49

Clem. Nay, no speech or act of mine be drawn against such as profess it worthily. They are not born every year, as an alderman. There goes more to the making of a good poet, than a sheriff. Master Kitely, you look upon me!—though I live i’ the city here, amongst you, I (55) will do more reverence to him, when I meet him, than I will to the mayor out of his year. But these paper-pedlars! these ink-dabblers! they cannot expect reprehension or reproach; they have it with the fact. 60

E. Know. Sir, you have sav’d me the labour of a defence.[1356]

Clem. It shall be discourse for supper between your father and me, if he dare undertake (64) me. But to dispatch away these: you sign o’ the soldier, and picture o’ the poet, (but both so false, I will not ha’ you hang’d out at my door till midnight,) while we are at supper, you two shall penitently fast it out in my court without; and, if you will, you may pray there (70) that we may be so merry within as to forgive or forget you when we come out. Here’s a third, because we tender your safety, shall watch you, he is provided for the purpose.[1357]—Look to your charge, sir. 75

Step. And what shall I do?

Clem. O! I had lost a sheep an he had not bleated: why, sir, you shall give master Downright his cloak; and I will intreat him to take it. A trencher and a napkin you shall (80) have i’ the buttery, and keep Cob and his wife company here; whom I will intreat first to be reconcil’d; and you to endeavour with your wit to keep ’em so.

Step. I’ll do my best. 85

Cob. Why, now I see thou art honest, Tib, I receive thee as my dear and mortal wife again.

Tib. And I you, as my loving and obedient husband. 90

Clem. Good compliment! It will be their bridal night too. They are married anew. Come, I conjure the rest to put off all discontent. You, master Downright, your anger; you, master Knowell, your cares; Master Kitely and his wife, their jealousy. 96 For, I must tell you both, while that is fed, Horns i’ the mind are worse than o’ the head.

Kit. Sir, thus they go from me; kiss me, sweetheart. 100 _See what a drove of horns fly in the air, Wing’d with my cleansed and my credulous breath! Watch ’em, suspicious eyes, watch where they fall. See, see! on heads that think they’ve none at all! O, what a plenteous world of this will come! 105 When air rains horns, all may be sure of some._[1358] I ha’ learn’d so much verse out of a jealous man’s part in a play.

Clem. ’Tis well, ’tis well! This night we’ll dedicate to friendship, love, and laughter. (110) Master bridegroom, take your bride and lead; every one, a fellow. Here is my mistress, Brainworm! to whom all my addresses of courtship shall have their reference: whose adventures this day, when our grandchildren shall (115) hear to be made a fable, I doubt not but it shall find both spectators and applause. [Exeunt.]

SEJANUS, HIS FALL

BY BEN JONSON

Non hic Centauros, non Gorgonas, Harpyiasque Invenies: Hominem pagina nostra sapit.

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Persons of the Play

TIBERIUS, [Emperor]. DRUSUS SENIOR, [Nephew of Tiberius]. NERO, } DRUSUS JUNIOR, } [Sons of Germanicus]. CALIGULA, } [LUCIUS] ARRUNTIUS, } [CAIUS] SILIUS, } [Gentlemen [TITIUS] SABINUS, } opposed [MARCUS] LEPIDUS, } to [CREMUTIUS] CORDUS, } Sejanus]. [ASINIUS] GALLUS, } REGULUS, [Consul]. TERENTIUS. [GRACINUS] LACO. EUDEMUS, [a Physician]. RUFUS. SEJANUS. LATIARIS. VARRO, [Consul]. [SERTORIUS] MACRO. COTTA. [DOMITIUS] AFER. HATERIUS. SANQUINIUS. POMPONIUS. [JULIUS] POSTHUMUS. [FULCINUS] TRIO, Consul. MINUTIUS. SATRIUS [SECUNDUS]. [PINNARIUS] NATTA. OPSIUS.

AGRIPPINA, [Widow of Germanicus]. LIVIA, [Wife of Drusus senior]. SOSIA, [Wife of C. Silius]. Tribuni. Praecones. Flamen. Tubicines. Nuntius. Lictores. Ministri. Tibicines. Servus, [etc.].

SCENE.—Rome.

TO THE NO LESS NOBLE BY VIRTUE THAN BLOOD, ESME, LORD AUBIGNY

MY LORD,—If ever any ruin were so great as to survive, I think this be one I send you, The Fall of Sejanus. It is a poem, that, if I well remember, in your lordship’s sight, suffer’d no less violence from our people here, than the subject of it did from the rage of the people of Rome; but with a different fate, as, I hope, merit;[1361] for this hath outliv’d their malice, and begot itself a greater favour than he lost, the love of good men. Amongst whom, if I make your lordship the first it thanks, it is not without a just confession of the bond your benefits have, and ever shall hold upon me,

Your Lordship’s most faithful honourer, BEN. JONSON.

TO THE READERS[1362]

The following and voluntary labours[1363] of my friends, prefixed to my book, have relieved me in much whereat, without them, I should necessarily have touched. Now I will only use three or four short and needful notes, and so rest.

First, if it be objected, that what I publish is no true poem, in the strict laws of time, I confess it: as also in the want of a proper chorus; whose habit and moods are such and so difficult, as not any, whom I have seen, since the ancients, no, not they who have most presently affected laws, have yet come in the way of. Nor is it needful, or almost possible in these our times, and to such auditors as commonly things are presented, to observe the old state and splendour of dramatic poems, with preservation of any popular delight. But of this I shall take more seasonable cause to speak, in my observations upon Horace his Art of Poetry, which, with the text translated, I intend shortly to publish.[1364] In the meantime, if in truth of argument, dignity of persons, gravity and height of elocution, fulness and frequency of sentence, I have discharged the other offices of a tragic writer, let not the absence of these forms be imputed to me, wherein I shall give you occasion hereafter, and without my boast, to think I could better prescribe, than omit the due use for want of a convenient knowledge.

The next is, lest in some nice nostril the quotations might savour affected, I do let you know, that I abhor nothing more; and I have only done it to show my integrity in the story, and save myself in those common torturers that bring all wit to the rack; whose noses are ever like swine spoiling and rooting up the Muses’ gardens; and their whole bodies like moles, as blindly working under earth, to cast any, the least, hills upon virtue.

Whereas they are in Latin, and the work in English, it was presupposed none but the learned would take the pains to confer them; the authors themselves being all in the learned tongues, save one,[1365] with whose English side I have had little to do. To which it may be required, since I have quoted the page, to name what editions I followed: Tacit. Lips. in quarto, Antwerp, edit. 1600. Dio. folio, Hen. Steph. 1592. For the rest, as Sueton, Seneca, &c, the chapter doth sufficiently direct, or the edition is not varied.

Lastly, I would inform you, that this book, in all numbers, is not the same with that which was acted on the public stage; wherein a second pen[1366] had good share: in place of which, I have rather chosen to put weaker, and, no doubt, less pleasing, of mine own, than to defraud so happy a genius of his right by my loathed usurpation.

Fare you well, and if you read farther of me, and like, I shall not be afraid of it, though you praise me out.

Neque enim mihi cornea fibra est.

But that I should plant my felicity in your general saying, good, or well, &c., were a weakness which the better sort of you might worthily contemn, if not absolutely hate me for.

BEN. JONSON; and no such,

_Quem Palma negata macrum, donata reducit opimum._

THE ARGUMENT

Aelius Sejanus, son to Seius Strabo, a gentleman of Rome, and born at Vulsinium; after his long service in court, first under Augustus; afterward, Tiberius; grew into that favour with the latter, and won him by those arts, as there wanted nothing but the name to make him a co-partner of the Empire. Which greatness of his, Drusus, the Emperor’s son, not brooking; after many smother’d dislikes, it one day breaking out, the prince struck him publicly on the face. To revenge which disgrace, Livia, the wife of Drusus (being before corrupted by him to her dishonour, and the discovery of her husband’s counsels) Sejanus practiseth with, together with her physician, called Eudemus, and one Lygdus, an eunuch, to poison Drusus. This their inhuman act having successful and unsuspected passage, it emboldeneth Sejanus to farther and more insolent projects, even the ambition of the Empire; where finding the lets[1367] he must encounter to be many and hard, in respect of the issue of Germanicus, who were next in hope for the succession, he deviseth to make Tiberius’ self his means; and instils into his ears many doubts and suspicions, both against the princes, and their mother Agrippina; which Caesar jealously heark’ning to, as covetously consenteth to their ruin, and their friends’. In this time, the better to mature and strengthen his design, Sejanus labours to marry Livia, and worketh with all his ingine,[1368] to remove Tiberius from the knowledge of public business, with allurements of a quiet and retired life; the latter of which, Tiberius, out of a proneness to lust, and a desire to hide those unnatural pleasures which he could not so publicly practise, embraceth: the former enkindleth his fears, and there gives him first cause of doubt or suspect towards Sejanus: against whom he raiseth in private a new instrument, one Sertorius Macro, and by him underworketh, discovers the other’s counsels, his means, his ends, sounds the affections of the senators, divides, distracts them: at last, when Sejanus least looketh, and is most secure; with pretext of doing him an unwonted honour in the senate, he trains[1369] him from his guards, and with a long doubtful letter, in one day hath him suspected, accused, condemned, and torn in pieces by the rage of the people. [This do we advance, as a mark of terror to all traitors, and treasons; to show how just the heavens are, in pouring and thundering down a weighty vengeance on their unnatural intents, even to the worst princes; much more to those, for guard of whose piety and virtue the angels are in continual watch, and God himself miraculously working.][1370]

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Act I

[SCENE I.][1371]

[Enter] SABINUS and SILIUS, [followed by] LATIARIS.

Sab. Hail, Caius Silius![1372]

Sil. Titius Sabinus,[1373] hail! You’re rarely met in court.

Sab. Therefore, well met.

Sil.’T is true: indeed, this place is not our sphere.

Sab. No, Silius, we are no good inginers.[1374] We want the fine arts, and their thriving use 5 Should make us grac’d, or favour’d of the times: We have no shift of faces, no cleft tongues, No soft and glutinous bodies, that can stick, Like snails, on painted walls; or, on our breasts, Creep up, to fall from that proud height, to which 10 We did by slavery,[1375] not by service climb. We are no guilty men, and then no great; We have nor place in court, office in state, That we can say,[1376] we owe unto our crimes: We burn with no black secrets,[1377] which can make 15 Us dear to the pale authors; or live fear’d Of their still waking jealousies, to raise Ourselves a fortune, by subverting theirs. We stand not in the lines, that do advance To that so courted point.

[Enter SATRIUS and NATTA at a distance.]

Sil. But yonder lean 20 A pair that do.

Sab.[salutes LATIARIS.] Good cousin Latiaris.[1378]

Sil. Satrius Secundus,[1379] and Pinnarius Natta,[1380] The great Sejanus’ clients: there be two, Know more than honest counsels; whose close[1381] breasts, 24 Were they ripp’d up to light, it would be found A poor and idle[1382] sin to which their trunks Had not been made fit organs. These can lie, Flatter, and swear, forswear,[1383] deprave, inform, Smile, and betray; make guilty men; then beg The forfeit lives, to get their livings; cut 30 Men’s throats with whisp’rings; sell to gaping suitors The empty smoke that flies about the palace; Laugh when their patron laughs; sweat when he sweats; Be hot and cold with him; change every mood, Habit, and garb, as often as he varies; 35 Observe him, as his watch observes his clock;[1384] And, true as turquoise in the dear lord’s ring,[1385] Look well or ill with him:[1386] ready to praise His lordship, if he spit, or but piss fair, 39 Have an indifferent stool, or break wind well; Nothing can scape their catch.

Sab. Alas! these things Deserve no note, conferr’d[1387] with other vile And filthier flatteries,[1388] that corrupt the times, When, not alone our gentries chief are fain To make their safety from such sordid acts, 45 But all our consuls,[1389] and no little part Of such as have been praetors, yea, the most Of senators,[1390] that else not use their voices, Start up in public senate, and there strive Who shall propound most abject things, and base; 50 So much, as oft Tiberius hath been heard, Leaving the court, to cry,[1391] O race of men, Prepar’d for servitude!—which show’d that he, Who least the public liberty could like, As loathly brook’d their flat servility. 55

Sil. Well, all is worthy of us, were it more, Who with our riots, pride, and civil hate, Have so provok’d the justice of the gods: We, that, within these fourscore years, were born Free, equal lords of the triumphed world, 60 And knew no masters but affections; To which betraying first our liberties, We since became the slaves to one man’s lusts; And now to many:[1392] every minist’ring spy That will accuse and swear, is lord of you, 65 Of me, of all, our fortunes and our lives. Our looks are call’d to question,[1393] and our words, How innocent soever, are made crimes; We shall not shortly dare to tell our dreams, Or think, but ’t will be treason.

Sab. Tyrants’ arts 70 Are to give flatterers grace; accusers, power; That those may seem to kill whom they devour. [Enter CORDUS and ARRUNTIUS.] Now, good Cremutius Cordus.[1394]

Cor. [salutes SABINUS.] Hail to your lordship!

Nat. Who ’s that salutes your cousin?

Lat. ’T is one Cordus. They whisper. A gentleman of Rome: one that has writ 75 Annals of late, they say, and very well.

Nat. Annals? Of what times?

Lat. I think of Pompey’s,[1395] And Caius Caesar’s; and so down to these.

Nat. How stands he affected to the present state? Is he or Drusian,[1396] or Germanican, 80 Or ours, or neutral?

Lat. I know him not so far.

Nat. Those times are somewhat queasy[1397] to be toucht. Have you or seen or heard part of his work?

Lat. Not I; he means they shall be public shortly.

Nat. O, Cordus do you call him?

Lat. Ay. [Exeunt NATTA and SATRIUS.]

Sab. But these our times 85 Are not the same, Arruntius.[1398]

Arr. Times! The men, The men are not the same! ’T is we are base, Poor, and degenerate from th’ exalted strain Of our great fathers. Where is now the soul Of god-like Cato? he, that durst be good, 90 When Caesar durst be evil; and had power, As not to live his slave, to die his master? Or where’s the constant Brutus, that being proof Against all charm of benefits, did strike So brave a blow into the monster’s heart 95 That sought unkindly[1399] to captive his country? O, they are fled the light! Those mighty spirits Lie rak’d up with their ashes in their urns, And not a spark of their eternal fire Glows in a present bosom. All’s but blaze, 100 Flashes, and smoke, wherewith we labour so; There’s nothing Roman in us; nothing good, Gallant, or great. ’T is true that Cordus says, “Brave Cassius was the last of all that race.”

DRUSUS passes by [attended by HATERIUS, etc.]

Sab. Stand by! Lord Drusus.[1400]

Hat. Th’ emp’ror’s son! Give place, 105

Sil. I like the prince well.

Arr. A riotous youth,[1401] There’s little hope of him.

Sab. That fault his age Will, as it grows, correct. Methinks he bears Himself each day more nobly than other; And wins no less on men’s affections, 110 Than doth his father lose. Believe me, I love him; And chiefly for opposing to Sejanus.[1402]

Sil. And I, for gracing his young kinsmen so,[1403] The sons[1404] of prince Germanicus:[1405] it shows A gallant clearness in him, a straight mind, 115 That envies not, in them, their father’s name.

Arr. His name was, while he liv’d, above all envy; And, being dead, without it. O, that man! If there were seeds of the old virtue left, 119 They liv’d in him.

Sil. He had the fruits, Arruntius, More than the seeds:[1406] Sabinus and myself Had means to know him within; and can report him. We were his followers, he would call us friends; He was a man most like to virtue; in all, And every action, nearer to the gods 125 Than men, in nature; of a body as fair As was his mind; and no less reverend In face than fame:[1407] he could so use his state, Temp’ring his greatness with his gravity, As it avoided all self-love in him, 130 And spite in others. What his funerals lack’d In images and pomp, they had suppli’d With honourable sorrow, soldiers’ sadness, A kind of silent mourning, such as men, Who know no tears but from their captives, use 135 To show in so great losses.

Cor. I thought once, Considering their forms, age, manner of deaths, The nearness of the places where they fell, T’ have parallel’d him with great Alexander: For both were of best feature, of high race, 140 Year’d but to thirty, and, in foreign lands, By their own people alike made away.

Sab. I know not, for his death, how you might wrest it: But, for his life, it did as much disdain Comparison with that voluptuous, rash, 145 Giddy, and drunken Macedon’s, as mine Doth with my bondman’s. All the good in him, His valour, and his fortune, he made his; But he had other touches of late Romans, 149 That more did speak him:[1408] Pompey’s dignity, The innocence of Cato, Caesar’s spirit, Wise Brutus’ temp’rance: and every virtue, Which, parted unto others, gave them name, Flow’d mixt in him. He was the soul of goodness; And all our praises of him are like streams 155 Drawn from a spring, that still rise full, and leave The part remaining greatest.

Arr. I am sure He was too great for us,[1409] and that they knew Who did remove him hence.

Sab. When men grow fast Honour’d and lov’d, there is a trick in state, 160 (Which jealous princes never fail to use) How to decline that growth, with fair pretext, And honourable colours of employment, Either by embassy, the war, or such, To shift them forth into another air, 165 Where they may purge, and lessen; so was he:[1410] And had his seconds there, sent by Tiberius And his more subtile dam, to discontent him; To breed and cherish mutinies; detract His greatest actions; give audacious check 170 To his commands; and work to put him out In open act of treason. All which snares When his wise cares prevented,[1411] a fine poison Was thought on, to mature their practices.

Cor. Here comes Sejanus.[1412]

Sil. Now observe the stoops, 175 The bendings, and the falls.

Arr. Most creeping base!

[Enter] SEJANUS, TERENTIUS, SATRIUS, [NATTA,] etc. They pass over the stage.

Sej. I note ’em well: no more. Say you?

Sat. My lord. There is a gentleman of Rome would buy——

Sej. How call you him you talk’d with?

Sat. Please your worship, It is Eudemus,[1413] the physician 180 To Livia, Drusus’ wife.

Sej. On with your suit. Would buy, you said——

Sat. A tribune’s place, my lord.

Sej. What will he give?

Sat. Fifty sestertia.[1414]

Sej. Livia’s physician, say you, is that fellow?

Sat. It is, my lord. Your lordship’s answer?

Sej. To what? 185

Sat. The place, my lord. ’T is for a gentleman Your lordship will well like of, when you see him, And one that you may make yours, by the grant.

Sej. Well, let him bring his money, and his name.

Sat. Thank your lordship. He shall, my lord.

Sej. Come hither. 190 Know you this same Eudemus? Is he learn’d?

Sat. Reputed so, my lord, and of deep practice.

Sej. Bring him in to me, in the gallery; And take you cause to leave us there together: I would confer with him, about a grief.—On! [Exeunt SEJANUS, SATRIUS, TERENTIUS, etc.]

Arr. So! yet another? yet? O desperate state 195 Of grov’ling honour! Seest thou this, O sun, And do we see thee after? Methinks, day Should lose his light, when men do lose their shames, And for the empty circumstance of life, 200 Betray their cause of living.

Sil. Nothing so.[1415] Sejanus can repair, if Jove should ruin. He is the now court-god; and well applied With sacrifice of knees, of crooks, and cringe, He will do more than all the house of heav’n 205 Can for a thousand hecatombs. ’T is he Makes us our day, or night; hell and elysium Are in his look. We talk of Rhadamanth, Furies, and firebrands; but ’t is his frown 209 That is all these; where, on the adverse part, His smile is more than e’er yet poets feign’d Of bliss, and shades, nectar—

Arr. A serving boy! I knew him, at Caius’[1416] trencher, when for hire He prostituted his abused body To that great gourmand, fat Apicius: 215 And was the noted pathic[1417] of the time.

Sab. And, now,[1418] the second face of the whole world! The partner of the empire, hath his image Rear’d equal with Tiberius, borne in ensigns; Commands, disposes every dignity. 220 Centurions, tribunes, heads of provinces, Praetors, and consuls; all that heretofore Rome’s general suffrage gave, is now his sale. The gain, or rather spoil of all the earth, One, and his house, receives.

Sil. He hath of late 225 Made him a strength too, strangely, by reducing All the praetorian bands into one camp, Which he commands: pretending that the soldier, By living loose and scattered, fell to riot; And that if any sudden enterprise 230 Should be attempted, their united strength Would be far more than sever’d; and their life More strict, if from the city more remov’d.

Sab. Where now he builds what kind of forts he please, Is heard to court the soldier by his name, 235 Woos, feasts the chiefest men of action, Whose wants, nor loves, compel them to be his. And though he ne’er were liberal by kind,[1419] Yet to his own dark ends, he’s most profuse, Lavish, and letting fly he cares not what 240 To his ambition.

Arr. Yet hath he ambition? Is there that step in state can make him higher, Or more, or anything he is, but less?

Sil. Nothing but emp’ror.

Arr. The name Tiberius, I hope, will keep, howe’er he hath foregone 245 The dignity and power.

Sil. Sure, while he lives.

Arr. And dead, it comes to Drusus. Should he fail, To the brave issue of Germanicus; And they are three:[1420] too many—ha? for him To have a plot upon?

Sil. I do not know 250 The heart of his designs; but sure their face Looks farther than the present.

Arr. By the gods, If I could guess he had but such a thought, My sword should cleave him down from head to heart, But I would find it out; and with my hand 255 I’d hurl his panting brain about the air In mites as small as atomi t’ undo The knotted bed——

Sab. You are observ’d, Arruntius.

Arr. (Turns to SEJANUS’ clients.) Death! I dare tell him so; and all his spies. You, sir, I would, do you look? and you.

Sab. Forbear. 260

[SCENE II.][1421]

[Enter] SATRIUS, EUDEMUS.

Sat. Here he will instant be; let’s walk a turn; You’re in a muse, Eudemus?

Eud. Not I, sir. [Aside.] I wonder he should mark me out so. Well, Jove and Apollo form it for the best!

Sat. Your fortune’s made unto you now, Eudemus, 5 If you can but lay hold upon the means; Do but observe his humour, and—believe it— He is the noblest Roman, where he takes— [Enter SEJANUS.] Here comes his lordship.

Sej. Now, good Satrius.

Sat. This is the gentleman, my lord.

Sej. Is this? 10 Give me your hand, we must be more acquainted. Report, sir, hath spoke out your art and learning: And I am glad I have so needful cause, However in itself painful and hard, To make me known to so great virtue—Look, 15 Who’s that, Satrius? [Exit SAT.] I have a grief, sir, That will desire your help. Your name’s Eudemus?

Eud. Yes.

Sej. Sir?

Eud. It is, my lord.

Sej. I hear you are Physician to Livia, the princess.

Eud. I minister unto her, my good lord. 20

Sej. You minister to a royal lady, then.

Eud. She is, my lord, and fair.

Sej. That’s understood Of all their sex, who are or would be so; And those that would be, physic soon can make ’em: For those that are, their beauties fear no colours.[1422] 25

Eud. Your lordship is conceited.[1423]

Sej. Sir, you know it, And can, if need be, read a learned lecture On this, and other secrets. ’Pray you, tell me, What more of ladies, besides Livia, Have you your patients?

Eud. Many, my good lord. 30 The great Augusta, Urgulania, Mutilia Prisca, and Plancina; divers—

Sej. And all these tell you the particulars Of every several grief? how first it grew, And then increas’d; what action caused that; What passion that; and answer to each point 36 That you will put ’em?

Eud. Else, my lord, we know not How to prescribe the remedies.

Sej. Go to, You are a subtile nation, you physicians! And grown the only cabinets in court 40 To ladies’ privacies. Faith, which of these Is the most pleasant lady in her physic? Come, you are modest[1424] now.

Eud. ’T is fit, my lord.

Sej. Why, sir, I do not ask you of their urines, Whose smell’s most violet, or whose siege is best, 45 Or who makes hardest faces on her stool, Which lady sleeps with her own face a nights. Which puts her teeth off, with her clothes, in court, Or, which her hair, which her complexion, And, in which box she puts it. These were questions 50 That might, perhaps, have put your gravity To some defence of blush. But, I inquir’d, Which was the wittiest, merriest, wantonest? Harmless interrogatories, but conceits.—— Methinks Augusta should be most perverse, 55 And froward in her fit.

Eud. She’s so, my lord.

Sej. I knew it: and Mutilia the most jocund.

Eud. ’T is very true, my lord.

Sej. And why would you Conceal this from me, now? Come, what is Livia? I know she’s quick and quaintly spirited, 60 And will have strange thoughts, when she is at leisure: She tells ’em all to you?

Eud. My noblest lord, He breathes not in the Empire, or on earth, Whom I would be ambitious to serve (In any act that may preserve mine honour) 65 Before your lordship.

Sej. Sir, you can lose no honour, By trusting aught to me. The coarsest act Done to my service, I can so requite As all the world shall style it honourable: Your idle, virtuous definitions, 70 Keep honour poor, and are as scorn’d as vain: Those deeds breathe honour that do suck in gain.

Eud. But, good my lord, if I should thus betray The counsels of my patient, and a lady’s Of her high place and worth, what might your lordship, 75 (Who presently are to trust me with your own) Judge of my faith?

Sej. Only the best, I swear. Say now that I should utter you my grief, And with it the true cause; that it were love, And love to Livia: you should tell her this: 80 Should she suspect your faith? I would you could Tell me as much from her; see if my brain Could be turn’d jealous.[1425]

Eud. Happily,[1426] my lord, I could in time tell you as much and more; So I might safely promise but the first 85 To her from you.

Sej. As safely, my Eudemus, I now dare call thee so, as I have put The secret into thee.

Eud. My lord——

Sej. Protest not, Thy looks are vows to me; use only speed, And but affect her with Sejanus’ love, 90 Thou art a man made to make consuls. Go.

Eud. My lord, I’ll promise you a private meeting. This day together.

Sej. Canst thou?

Eud. Yes.

Sej. The place?

Eud. My gardens, whither I shall fetch your lordship.

Sej. Let me adore my Aesculapius. 95 Why, this indeed is physic! and outspeaks The knowledge of cheap drugs, or any use Can be made out of it! more comforting Than all your opiates, juleps, apozems,[1427] Magistral[1428] syrups, or——Begone, my friend, Not barely styled, but created so; 101 Expect things greater than thy largest hopes, To overtake thee. Fortune shall be taught To know how ill she hath deserv’d thus long, To come behind thy wishes. Go, and speed—— [Exit EUDEMUS.] Ambition makes more trusty slaves than need. These fellows, by the favour of their art, 107 Have still the means to tempt; oft-times the power. If Livia will be now corrupted, then Thou hast the way, Sejanus, to work out 110 His secrets, who, thou know’st, endures thee not, Her husband, Drusus: and to work against them. Prosper it, Pallas, thou that better’st wit; For Venus hath the smallest share in it.

[Enter] TIBERIUS, DRUSUS, [attended.] One kneels to TIBERIUS.

Tib. We not endure these flatteries; let him stand; 115 Our empire, ensigns, axes, rods, and state Take not away our human nature from us: Look up on us, and fall before the gods.

Sej. How like a god speaks Cæsar!

Arr. [Aside to CORDUS.] There, observe! He can endure that second, that’s no flattery. O, what is it proud slime will not believe, 121 Of his own worth, to hear it equal prais’d Thus with the gods!

Cor. He did not hear it, sir.

Arr. He did not? Tut, he must not, we think meanly. ’T is your most courtly known confederacy, 125 To have your private parasite redeem What he, in public subtilety, will lose To making him a name.

Hat. Right mighty lord—— [Gives him letters.]

Tib. We must make up our ears ’gainst these assaults Of charming tongues; we pray you use no more These contumelies to us; style not us 131 Or lord, or mighty, who profess ourself The servant of the senate, and are proud T’ enjoy them our good, just, and favouring lords.

Cor. Rarely dissembled!

Arr. Prince-like to the life. 135

Sab. When power that may command, so much descends, Their bondage, whom it stoops to, it intends.

Tib. Whence are these letters?

Hat. From the senate.

Tib. So, Whence these? [LAT. gives him letters.]

Lat. From thence too.

Tib. Are they sitting now?

Lat. They stay thy answer, Caesar.

Sil. If this man 140 Hath but a mind allied unto his words, How blest a fate were it to us, and Rome! We could not think[1429] that state for which to change, Although the aim were our old liberty: The ghosts of those that fell for that, would grieve 145 Their bodies liv’d not, now, again to serve. Men are deceiv’d, to think there can be thrall Beneath a virtuous prince. Wish’d liberty Ne’er lovelier looks, than under such a crown. But, when his grace is merely but lip-good, 150 And that no longer than he airs himself Abroad in public, there, to seem to shun The strokes and stripes of flatterers, which within Are lechery unto him, and so feed His brutish sense with their afflicting sound, 155 As, dead to virtue, he permits himself Be carried like a pitcher by the ears, To every act of vice: this is a case Deserves our fear, and doth presage the nigh And close approach of blood and tyranny. 160 Flattery is midwife unto prince’s rage: And nothing sooner doth help forth a tyrant, Than that and whisperers’ grace, who have the time, The place, the power, to make all men offenders.

Arr. He should be told this; and be bid dissemble 165 With fools and blind men: we that know the evil, Should hunt the palace-rats, or give them bane.[1430] Fright hence these worse than ravens, that devour The quick, where they but prey upon the dead: He shall be told it.

Sab. Stay, Arruntius, 170 We must abide our opportunity, And practise what is fit, as what is needful. It is not safe t’ enforce a sovereign’s ear: Princes hear well, if they at all will hear.

Arr. Ha, say you so? well! In the mean time, Jove, 175 (Say not but I do call upon thee now,) Of all wild beasts preserve me from a tyrant; And of all tame, a flatterer.

Sil. ’T is well pray’d.

Tib. [having read the letters.] Return the lords this voice: We are their creature, And it is fit a good and honest prince, 180 Whom they, out of their bounty, have instructed With so dilate[1431] and absolute a power, Should owe the office of it to their service, And good of all and every citizen. Nor shall it e’er repent us to have wish’d 185 The senate just and fav’ring lords unto us, Since their free loves do yield no less defence T’ a prince’s state, than his own innocence. Say then, there can be nothing in their thought Shall want to please us, that hath pleased them; Our suffrage rather shall prevent[1432] than stay 191 Behind their wills: ’t is empire to obey, Where such, so great, so good determine. Yet, for the suit of Spain t’ erect a temple In honour of our mother and our self, 195 We must, with pardon of the senate, not Assent thereto. Their lordships may object Our not denying the same late request Unto the Asian cities: we desire That our defence for suffering that be known 200 In these brief reasons, with our after purpose. Since deified Augustus hind’red not A temple to be built at Pergamum, In honour of himself and sacred Rome; We, that have all his deeds and words observ’d Ever, in place of laws, the rather follow’d 206 That pleasing precedent, because with ours, The senate’s reverence, also, there was join’d. But as, t’ have once receiv’d it, may deserve The gain of pardon; so, to be ador’d 210 With the continu’d style and note[1433] of gods, Through all the provinces, were wild ambition, And no less pride: yea, ev’n Augustus’ name Would early vanish, should it be profan’d 214 With such promiscuous flatteries. For our part, We here protest it, and are covetous Posterity should know it, we are mortal; And can but deeds of men: ’t were glory enough, Could we be truly a prince. And they shall add Abounding grace unto our memory, 220 That shall report us worthy our forefathers, Careful of your affairs, constant in dangers, And not afraid of any private frown For public good. These things shall be to us Temples and statues, reared in your minds, 225 The fairest, and most during imag’ry: For those of stone or brass, if they become Odious in judgment of posterity, Are more contemn’d as dying sepulchres, Than ta’en for living monuments. We then 230 Make here our suit, alike to gods and men; The one, until the period of our race, T’ inspire us with a free and quiet mind, Discerning both divine and human laws; The other, to vouchsafe us after death, 235 An honourable mention, and fair praise, T’ accompany our actions and our name: The rest of greatness princes may command, And, therefore, may neglect; only, a long, A lasting, high, and happy memory 240 They should, without being satisfied, pursue: Contempt of fame begets contempt of virtue.

Nat. Rare!

Sat. Most divine!

Sej. The oracles are ceas’d, That only Caesar, with their tongue, might speak.

Arr. Let me be gone: most felt and open this! 245

Cor. Stay.

Arr. What! to hear more cunning and fine words, With their sound flatter’d ere their sense be meant?

Tib. Their choice of Antium, there to place the gift, Vow’d to the goddess[1434] for our mother’s health, We will the senate know, we fairly like; 250 As also of their grant to Lepidus, For his repairing the Aemilian place, And restoration of those monuments: Their grace, too, in confining of Silanus To th’ other isle Cithera, at the suit 255 Of his religious sister, much commends Their policy, so temp’red with their mercy. But for the honours which they have decreed To our Sejanus, to advance[1435] his statue In Pompey’s theatre, (whose ruining fire 260 His vigilance and labour kept restrain’d In that one loss,) they have therein outgone Their own great wisdoms, by their skilful choice And placing of their bounties on a man Whose merit more adorns the dignity 265 Than that can him; and gives a benefit, In taking, greater than it can receive. Blush not, Sejanus, thou great aid of Rome, Associate of our labours, our chief helper; Let us not force thy simple modesty 270 With off’ring at[1436] thy praise, for more we cannot, Since there’s no voice can take[1437] it. No man here Receive our speeches as hyperboles: For we are far from flattering our friend, Let envy know, as from the need to flatter. 275 Nor let them ask the causes of our praise: Princes have still their grounds rear’d with themselves, Above the poor low flats of common men; And who will search the reasons of their acts, Must stand on equal bases. Lead, away: 280 Our loves unto the senate. [Exeunt TIB., SEJAN., NATTA., HAT., SAT., Officers, etc.]

Arr. Caesar!

Sab. Peace.

Cor. Great Pompey’s theatre was never ruin’d Till now, that proud Sejanus hath a statue Rear’d on his ashes.

Arr. Place the shame of soldiers 284 Above the best of generals? Crack the world, And bruise the name of Romans into dust, Ere we behold it!

Sil. Check your passion; Lord Drusus tarries.

Dru. Is my father mad, Weary of life and rule, lords, thus to heave 289 An idol up with praise? Make him his mate, His rival in the empire?

Arr. O, good prince!

Dru. Allow him statues, titles, honours, such As he himself refuseth?

Arr. Brave, brave Drusus!

Dru. The first ascents to sovereignty are hard; But ent’red once, there never wants or means, Or ministers, to help th’ aspirer on. 296

Arr. True, gallant Drusus.

Dru. We must shortly pray To Modesty, that he will rest contented—

Arr. Ay, where he is, and not write emp’ror.

Re-enter SEJANUS, [SATRIUS, LATIARIS,] Clients, etc.

Sej. There is your bill, and yours; bring you your man. [To SATRIUS.] 300 I have mov’d for you, too, Latiaris.

Dru. What! Is your vast greatness grown so blindly bold, That you will over us?

Sej. Why then give way.

Dru. Give way, Colossus! Do you lift? Advance you? Take that! Strikes him.

Arr. Good! brave! excellent, brave prince! 305

Dru. Nay, come, approach. [Draws his sword.] What, stand you off? at gaze? It looks too full of death for thy cold spirits. Avoid mine eye, dull camel, or my sword Shall make thy brav’ry fitter for a grave, Than for a triumph. I’ll advance[1438] a statue 310 O’ your own bulk; but ’t shall be on the cross, Where I will nail your pride at breadth and length, And crack those sinews, which are yet but stretch’d With your swoln fortune’s rage.

Arr. A noble prince!

All. A Castor, a Castor, a Castor, a Castor. [Exeunt all but SEJANUS.]

Sej. He that, with such wrong mov’d, can bear it through 316 With patience, and an even mind, knows how To turn it back. Wrath cover’d carries fate: Revenge is lost, if I profess my hate. What was my practice[1439] late, I’ll now pursue, As my fell justice: this hath styl’d it new. 321 [Exit.]

CHORUS—of musicians.

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Act II

[SCENE I.][1440]

[Enter] SEJANUS, LIVIA, EUDEMUS.

Sej. Physician, thou art worthy of a province, For the great favours done unto our loves; And, but that greatest Livia bears a part In the requital of thy services, I should alone despair of aught like means 5 To give them worthy satisfaction.

Liv. Eudemus, I will see it, shall receive A fit and full reward for his large merit.— But for this potion we intend to Drusus, (No more our husband, now) whom shall we choose 10 As the most apt and abled instrument, To minister it to him?

Eud. I say, Lygdus.

Sej. Lygdus? What’s he?

Liv. An eunuch Drusus loves.

Eud. Ay, and his cup-bearer.

Sej. Name not a second. If Drusus love him, and he have that place, 15 We cannot think a fitter.

Eud. True, my lord; For free access and trust are two main aids.

Sej. Skilful physician!

Liv. But he must be wrought To th’ undertaking, with some labour’d art.

Sej. Is he ambitious?

Liv. No.

Sej. Or covetous? 20

Liv. Neither.

Eud. Yet, gold is a good general charm.

Sej. What is he, then?

Liv. Faith, only wanton, light.

Sej. How! is he young? and fair?

Eud. A delicate youth.

Sej. Send him to me, I’ll work him.—Royal lady, Though I have lov’d you long, and with that height 26 Of zeal and duty, like the fire, which more It mounts it trembles, thinking nought could add Unto the fervour which your eye had kindled; Yet, now I see your wisdom, judgment, strength, Quickness, and will, to apprehend the means 30 To your own good and greatness, I protest Myself through rarified, and turn’d all flame In your affection. Such a spirit as yours, Was not created for the idle second To a poor flash, as Drusus; but to shine 35 Bright as the moon among the lesser lights, And share the sov’reignty of all the world. Then Livia triumphs in her proper sphere, When she and her Sejanus shall divide The name of Caesar, and Augusta’s star 40 Be dimm’d with glory of a brighter beam: When Agrippina’s fires are quite extinct, And the scarce-seen Tiberius borrows all As little light from us, whose folded arms Shall make one perfect orb! [Knocking within.] Who ’s that? Eudemus, 45 Look. [Exit EUDEMUS.] ’T is not Drusus, lady, do not fear.

Liv. Not I, my lord: my fear and love of him Left me at once.

Sej. Illustrious lady, stay——

Eud. [within.] I’ll tell his lordship.

[Re-enter EUDEMUS.]

Sej. Who is it, Eudemus?

Eud. One of your lordship’s servants brings you word 50 The emp’ror hath sent for you.

Sej. O! where is he?— With your fair leave, dear princess, I’ll but ask A question, and return. He goes out.

Eud. Fortunate princess! How are you blest in the fruition Of this unequall’d man, the soul of Rome, 55 The Empire’s life, and voice of Caesar’s world!

Liv. So blessed, my Eudemus, as to know The bliss I have, with what I ought to owe The means that wrought it. How do I look today?

Eud. Excellent clear, believe it. This same fucus[1441] 60 Was well laid on.

Liv. Methinks ’t is here not white.

Eud. Lend me your scarlet, lady. ’T is the sun, Hath giv’n some little taint unto the ceruse;[1442] You should have us’d of the white oil I gave you. Sejanus for your love! his very name 65 Commandeth above Cupid or his shafts—— [Paints her cheek.]

Liv. Nay, now you’ve made it worse.

Eud. I’ll help it straight—— And but pronounc’d, is a sufficient charm Against all rumour; and of absolute power To satisfy for any lady’s honour.—— 70

Liv. What do you now, Eudemus?

Eud. Make a light fucus, To touch you o’er withal.—Honour’d Sejanus! What act, though ne’er so strange and insolent, But that addition will at least bear out, If ’t do not expiate?

Liv. Here, good physician. 75

Eud. I like this study to preserve the love Of such a man, that comes not every hour To greet the world.—’T is now well, lady; you should Use of the dentifrice I prescrib’d you too, 79 To clear your teeth, and the prepar’d pomatum, To smooth the skin.—A lady cannot be Too curious of her form, that still would hold The heart of such a person, made her captive, As you have his; who, to endear him more In your clear eye, hath put away his wife, 85 The trouble of his bed and your delights, Fair Apicata, and made spacious room To your new pleasures.

Liv. Have not we return’d[1443] That with our hate to Drusus, and discovery Of all his counsels?

Eud. Yes, and wisely, lady. 90 The ages that succeed, and stand far off To gaze at your high prudence, shall admire, And reckon it an act without[1444] your sex: It hath that rare appearance. Some will think Your fortune could not yield a deeper sound, 95 Than mixt with Drusus; but, when they shall hear That and the thunder of Sejanus meet, Sejanus, whose high name doth strike the stars, And rings about the concave; great Sejanus, Whose glories, style, and titles are himself, 100 The often iterating of Sejanus; They then will lose their thoughts, and be asham’d To take acquaintance of them.

[Re-enter SEJANUS.]

Sej. I must make A rude departure, lady; Caesar sends 104 With all his haste both of command and prayer. Be resolute in our plot; you have my soul, As certain yours as it is my body’s. And, wise physician, so prepare the poison, As you may lay the subtile operation Upon some natural disease of his: 110 Your eunuch send to me. I kiss your hands, Glory of ladies, and commend my love To your best faith and memory.

Liv. My lord, I shall but change[1445] your words. Farewell. Yet, this Remember for your heed, he loves you not; 115 You know what I have told you; his designs Are full of grudge and danger; we must use More than a common speed.

Sej. Excellent lady, How you do fire my blood!

Liv. Well, you must go? The thoughts be best, are least set forth to show. [Exit SEJANUS.]

Eud. When will you take some physic, lady?

Liv. When 121 I shall, Eudemus: but let Drusus’ drug Be first prepar’d.

Eud. Were Lygdus made,[1446] that’s done; I have it ready. And, to-morrow morning I’ll send you a perfume, first to resolve 125 And procure sweat, and then prepare a bath To cleanse and clear the cutis;[1447] against when I’ll have an excellent new fucus made, Resistive ’gainst the sun, the rain, or wind, Which you shall lay on with a breath, or oil, 130 As you best like, and last some fourteen hours. This change came timely, lady, for your health, And the restoring your complexion, Which Drusus’ choler had almost burnt up; Wherein your fortune hath prescrib’d you better 135 Than art could do.

Liv. Thanks, good physician, I’ll use my fortune, you shall see, with reverence. Is my coach ready?

Eud. It attends your highness. [Exeunt.]

[SCENE II.][1448]

[Enter] SEJANUS.

Sej. If this be not revenge, when I have done And made it perfect, let Egyptian slaves, Parthians, and barefoot Hebrews brand my face, And print my body full of injuries. Thou lost thyself, child Drusus, when thou thought’st 5 Thou couldst outskip my vengeance, or outstand The power I had to crush thee into air. Thy follies now shall taste what kind of man They have provok’d, and this thy father’s house Crack in the flame of my incensed rage, 10 Whose fury shall admit no shame or mean.— Adultery! it is the lightest ill I will commit. A race of wicked acts Shall flow out of my anger, and o’erspread The world’s wide face, which no posterity 15 Shall e’er approve, nor yet keep silent: things, That for their cunning, close,[1449] and cruel mark Thy father would wish his, and shall, perhaps, Carry the empty name, but we the prize. On, then, my soul, and start not in thy course; Though heav’n drop sulphur, and hell belch out fire, 21 Laugh at the idle terrors: tell proud Jove, Between his power and thine there is no odds: ’T was only fear first in the world made gods.

[Enter] TIBERIUS [attended.]

Tib. Is yet Sejanus come?

Sej. He’s here, dread Caesar.

Tib. Let all depart that chamber, and the next. 25 [Exeunt Attendants.] Sit down, my comfort. When the master prince Of all the world, Sejanus, saith he fears, Is it not fatal?

Sej. Yes, to those are fear’d.

Tib. And not to him?

Sej. Not if he wisely turn 30 That part of fate he holdeth, first on them.

Tib. That nature, blood, and laws of kind forbid.

Sej. Do policy and state forbid it?

Tib. No.

Sej. The rest of poor respects, then let go by; State[1450] is enough to make th’ act just, them guilty. 35

Tib. Long hate pursues such acts.

Sej. Whom hatred frights, Let him not dream of sov’reignty.

Tib. Are rites Of faith, love, piety, to be trod down, Forgotten, and made vain?

Sej. All for a crown. The prince who shames a tyrant’s name to bear, Shall never dare do anything but fear; 41 All the command of sceptres quite doth perish, If it begin religious thoughts to cherish: Whole empires fall, sway’d by those nice[1451] respects; It is the licence of dark deeds protects 45 Ev’n states most hated, when no laws resist The sword, but that it acteth what it list.

Tib. Yet so, we may do all things cruelly, Not safely.

Sej. Yes, and do them thoroughly.

Tib. Knows yet Sejanus whom we point at?

Sej. Ay, 50 Or else my thought, my sense, or both do err: ’T is Agrippina.

Tib. She, and her proud race.

Sej. Proud! dangerous, Caesar: for in them apace The father’s spirit shoots up. Germanicus Lives in their looks, their gait, their form, t’ upbraid us 56 With his close death, if not revenge the same.

Tib. The act’s not known.

Sej. Not prov’d; but whisp’ring Fame Knowledge and proof doth to the jealous[1452] give, Who, than to fail,[1453] would their own thought believe. It is not safe the children draw long breath, 60 That are provoked by a parent’s death.

Tib. It is as dangerous to make them hence, If nothing but their birth be their offence.

Sej. Stay, till they strike at Caesar; then their crime Will be enough; but late and out of time 65 For him to punish.

Tib. Do they purpose it?

Sej. You know, sir, thunder speaks not till it hit. Be not secure;[1454] none swiftlier are opprest Than they whom confidence betrays to rest. Let not your daring make your danger such: 70 All power ’s to be fear’d, where ’t is too much. The youths are of themselves hot, violent, Full of great thought; and that male-spirited dame, Their mother, slacks no means to put them on, By large allowance, popular presentings, 75 Increase of train and state, suing for titles; Hath them commended with like prayers, like vows, To the same gods, with Caesar: days and nights She spends in banquets and ambitious feasts For the nobility; where Caius Silius, 80 Titius Sabinus, old Arruntius, Asinius Gallus, Furnius, Regulus, And others of that discontented list, Are the prime guests. There, and to these, she tells Whose niece she was, whose daughter, and whose wife. 85 And then must they compare her with Augusta, Ay, and prefer her too; commend her form, Extol her fruitfulness, at which a shower Falls for the memory of Germanicus, Which they blow over straight with windy praise 90 And puffing hopes of her aspiring sons; Who, with these hourly ticklings, grow so pleas’d, And wantonly conceited of themselves, As now they stick not to believe they ’re such As these do give them out; and would be thought 95 More than competitors,[1455] immediate heirs. Whilst to their thirst of rule, they win the rout (That’s still the friend of novelty) with hope Of future freedom, which on every change That greedily, though emptily expects. 100 Caesar, ’t is age in all things breeds neglects, And princes that will keep old dignity Must not admit too youthful heirs stand by; Not their own issue; but so darkly set As shadows are in picture, to give height 105 And lustre to themselves.

Tib. We will command Their rank thoughts down, and with a stricter hand Than we have yet put forth; their trains must bate,[1456] Their titles, feasts, and factions.

Sej. Or your state. But how, sir, will you work?

Tib. Confine ’em.

Sej. No. 110 They are too great, and that too faint a blow To give them now; it would have serv’d at first, When with the weakest touch their knot had burst. But now, your care must be, not to detect The smallest cord, or line of your suspect; 115 For such, who know the weight of princes’ fear, Will, when they find themselves discover’d, rear Their forces, like seen snakes, that else would lie Roll’d in their circles, close. Nought is more high, Daring, or desperate, than offenders found; 120 Where guilt is, rage and courage doth abound. The course must be, to let ’em still swell up, Riot, and surfeit on blind Fortune’s cup; Give ’em more place, more dignities, more style, Call ’em to court, to senate; in the while, 125 Take from their strength some one or twain or more, Of the main fautors[1457] (it will fright thy store), And, by some by-occasion. Thus, with sleight You shall disarm first; and they, in night Of their ambition,[1458] not perceive the train, 130 Till in the engine[1459] they are caught and slain.

Tib. We would not kill, if we knew how to save; Yet, than a throne, ’t is cheaper give a grave. Is there no way to bind them by deserts?

Sej. Sir, wolves do change their hair, but not their hearts. 135 While thus your thought unto a mean[1460] is tied, You neither dare enough, nor do provide. All modesty is fond,[1461] and chiefly where The subject is no less compell’d to bear, Than praise his sov’reign’s acts.

Tib. We can no longer 140 Keep on our mask to thee, our dear Sejanus; Thy thoughts are ours, in all, and we but prov’d Their voice, in our designs, which by assenting Hath more confirm’d us, then if heart’ning Jove Had, from his hundred statues, bid us strike, 145 And at the stroke clickt all his marble thumbs. But who shall first be struck?

Sej. First, Caius Silius; He is the most of mark, and most of danger: In power and reputation equal strong, Having commanded an imperial army 150 Seven years together, vanquish’d Sacrovir In Germany, and thence obtain’d to wear The ornaments triumphal. His steep fall, By how much it doth give the weightier crack, Will send more wounding terror to the rest, 155 Command them stand aloof, and give more way To our surprising of the principal.

Tib. But what, Sabinus?

Sej. Let him grow awhile, His fate is not yet ripe: we must not pluck At all together, lest we catch ourselves. 160 And there’s Arruntius too, he only talks. But Sosia, Silius’ wife, would be wound in Now, for she hath a fury in her breast, More than hell ever knew: and would be sent Thither in time. Then is there one Cremutius Cordus, a writing fellow, they have got 166 To gather notes of the precedent times, And make them into Annals; a most tart And bitter spirit, I hear: who, under colour 169 Of praising those, doth tax[1462] the present state, Censures[1463] the men, the actions, leaves no trick, No practice unexamin’d, parallels The times, the governments; a profest champion For the old liberty——

Tib. A perishing wretch! As if there were that chaos bred in things, 175 That laws and liberty would not rather choose To be quite broken, and ta’en hence by us, Than have the stain to be preserv’d by such. Have we the means to make these guilty first?

Sej. Trust that to me: let Caesar, by his power, 180 But cause a formal meeting of the senate, I will have matter and accusers ready.

Tib. But how? Let us consult.

Sej. We shall misspend The time of action. Counsels are unfit In business where all rest is more pernicious 185 Than rashness can be. Acts of this close kind Thrive more by execution than advice. There is no ling’ring in that work begun, Which cannot praised be, until through done.

Tib. Our edict shall forthwith command a court. 190 While I can live, I will prevent earth’s fury: Ἐμοῦ θανόντος γαῑα μιχθήτω πυρί.[1464] [Exit.]

[Enter JULIUS] POSTHUMUS.

Pos. My lord Sejanus——

Sej. Julius Posthumus! Come with my wish! What news from Agrippina’s?

Pos. Faith, none. They all lock up themselves a’ late, 195 Or talk in character; I have not seen A company so chang’d. Except they had Intelligence by augury of our practice—

Sej. When were you there?

Pos. Last night.

Sej. And what guests found you?

Pos. Sabinus, Silius, (the old list,) Arruntius, Furnius, and Gallus.

Sej. Would not these talk?

Pos. Little. 201 And yet we offered choice of argument.[1465] Satrius was with me.

Sej. Well: ’t is guilt enough Their often meeting. You forgot t’ extol The hospitable lady?

Pos. No; that trick 205 Was well put home, and had succeeded too, But that Sabinus cough’d a caution out; For she began to swell.

Sej. And may she burst! Julius, I would have you go instantly Unto the palace of the great Augusta, 210 And, by your kindest friend, get swift access; Acquaint her with these meetings: tell the words You brought me th’ other day, of Silius, Add somewhat to ’em. Make her understand The danger of Sabinus, and the times, 215 Out of his closeness. Give Arruntius’ words Of malice against Caesar; so, to Gallus: But, above all, to Agrippina. Say, As you may truly, that her infinite pride, Propt with the hopes of her too fruitful womb, With popular studies gapes for sovereignty, 221 And threatens Caesar. Pray Augusta then, That for her own, great Caesar’s, and the public Safety, she be pleas’d to urge these dangers. Caesar is too secure,[1466] he must be told, 225 And best he’ll take it from a mother’s tongue. Alas! what is ’t for us to sound, t’ explore, To watch, oppose, plot, practise, or prevent, If he, for whom it is so strongly labour’d, Shall, out of greatness and free spirit, be 230 Supinely negligent? Our city ’s now Divided as in time o’ th’ civil war, And men forbear not to declare themselves Of Agrippina’s party. Every day The faction multiplies; and will do more, 235 If not resisted: you can best enlarge it, As you find audience. Noble Posthumus, Commend me to your Prisca: and pray her, She will solicit this great business To earnest and most present execution, 240 With all her utmost credit with Augusta.

Pos. I shall not fail in my instructions. [Exit.]

Sej. This second, from his mother, will well urge Our late design, and spur on Caesar’s rage; Which else might grow remiss. The way to put A prince in blood, is to present the shapes 245 Of dangers greater than they are, like late Or early shadows: and, sometimes, to feign Where there are none, only to make him fear. His fear will make him cruel: and once ent’red He doth not easily learn to stop, or spare 251 Where he may doubt. This have I made my rule To thrust Tiberius into tyranny, And make him toil to turn aside those blocks, Which I alone could not remove with safety. 255 Drusus once gone, Germanicus’ three sons Would clog my way; whose guards have too much faith To be corrupted: and their mother known Of too unreprov’d[1467] a chastity To be attempted, as light Livia was. 260 Work then, my art, on Caesar’s fears, as they On those they fear, till all my lets[1468] be clear’d, And he in ruins of his house, and hate Of all his subjects, bury his own state; When with my peace, and safety, I will rise, 265 By making him the public sacrifice. [Exit.]

[SCENE III.][1469]

[Enter] SATRIUS, NATTA.

Sat. They ’re grown exceeding circumspect, and wary.

Nat. They have us in the wind: and yet Arruntius Cannot contain himself.

Sat. Tut, he ’s not yet Look’d after; there are others more desir’d, That are more silent.

Nat. Here he comes. Away! [Exeunt.]

[Enter] SABINUS, ARRUNTIUS, CORDUS.

Sab. How is it, that these beagles haunt the house 6 Of Agrippina?

Arr. O, they hunt, they hunt! There is some game here lodg’d, which they must rouse, To make the great ones sport.

Cor. Did you observe How they inveigh’d ’gainst Caesar?

Arr. Ay, baits, baits, For us to bite at: would I have my flesh 11 Torn by the public hook, these qualified hangmen Should be my company.

Cor. Here comes another. [DOM. AFER passes over the stage.]

Arr. Ay, there’s a man, Afer the orator! 14 One that hath phrases, figures, and fine flowers, To strew his rhetoric with, and doth make haste, To get him note or name by any offer Where blood or gain be objects; steeps his words, When he would kill, in artificial tears: The crocodile of Tiber! him I love, 20 That man is mine; he hath my heart and voice When I would curse! he, he.

Sab. Contemn the slaves, Their present lives will be their future graves. [Exeunt.]

[SCENE IV.][1470]

[Enter] SILIUS, AGRIPPINA, NERO, SOSIA.

Sil. May’t please your highness not forget yourself: I dare not, with my manners, to attempt Your trouble farther.

Agr. Farewell, noble Silius!

Sil. Most royal princess.

Agr. Sosia stays with us?

Sil. She is your servant, and doth owe your grace 5 An honest, but unprofitable love.

Agr. How can that be, when there’s no gain but virtue’s?

Sil. You take the moral, not the politic sense. I meant, as she is bold, and free of speech, Earnest to utter what her zealous thought 10 Travails withal, in honour of your house; Which act, as it is simply borne in her, Partakes of love and honesty; but may, By th’ over-often, and unseason’d use, Turn to your loss and danger: for your state 15 Is waited on by envies, as by eyes; And every second guest your tables take Is a fee’d spy, to observe who goes, who comes; What conference you have, with whom, where, when, What the discourse is, what the looks, the thoughts 20 Of ev’ry person there, they do extract, And make into a substance.

Agr. Hear me, Silius. Were all Tiberius’ body stuck with eyes, And ev’ry wall and hanging in my house Transparent, as this lawn I wear, or air; 25 Yea, had Sejanus both his ears as long As to my inmost closet, I would hate To whisper any thought, or change an act, To be made Juno’s rival. Virtue’s forces Show ever noblest in conspicuous courses. 30

Sil. ’T is great, and bravely spoken, like the spirit Of Agrippina: yet, your highness knows, There is nor loss nor shame in providence;[1471] Few can, what all should do, beware enough. You may perceive with what officious face, 35 Satrius, and Natta, Afer, and the rest Visit your house of late, t’ inquire the secrets; And with what bold and privileg’d art, they rail Against Augusta, yea, and at Tiberius; Tell tricks of Livia, and Sejanus: all 40 T’ excite, and call your indignation on, That they might hear it at more liberty.

Agr. You’re too suspicious, Silius.

Sil. Pray the gods, I be so, Agrippina; but I fear 44 Some subtile practice. They that durst to strike At so exampless, and unblam’d a life, As that of the renown’d Germanicus, Will not sit down with that exploit alone: He threatens many that hath injur’d one.

Nero. ’T were best rip forth their tongues, sear out their eyes, 50 When next they come.

Sos. A fit reward for spies.

[Enter] DRUSUS JUN.

Dru. jun. Hear you the rumour?

Agr. What?

Dru. jun. Drusus is dying.

Agr. Dying!

Nero. That’s strange!

Agr. You were with him yesternight.

Dru. jun. One met Eudemus the physician, Sent for, but now; who thinks he cannot live. 55

Sil. Thinks! If it be arriv’d at that, he knows, Or none.

Agr. ’T is quick! What should be his disease?

Sil. Poison, poison——

Agr. How, Silius!

Nero. What’s that?

Sil. Nay, nothing. There was late a certain blow Giv’n o’ the face.

Nero. Ay, to Sejanus.

Sil. True. 60

Dru. jun. And what of that?

Sil. I’m glad I gave it not.

Nero. But there is somewhat else?

Sil. Yes, private meetings, With a great lady at a physician’s, And a wife turn’d away—

Nero. Ha!

Sil. Toys, mere toys: What wisdom’s now i’ th’ streets, i’ th’ common mouth? 66

Dru. jun. Fears, whisp’rings, tumults, noise, I know not what: They say the Senate sit.

Sil. I’ll thither straight; And see what’s in the forge.

Agr. Good Silius, do; Sosia and I will in.

Sil. Haste you, my lords, To visit the sick prince; tender your loves, 70 And sorrows to the people. This Sejanus, Trust my divining soul, hath plots on all: No tree, that stops his prospect, but must fall. [Exeunt.]

CHORUS—of Musicians.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Act III

[SCENE I.]

The Senate.

[Enter] Praecones, Lictores, SEJANUS, VARRO, LATIARIS, COTTA, and AFER.

Sej. ’T is only you must urge against him, Varro; Nor I, nor Caesar may appear therein, Except in your defence, who are the consul; And, under colour of late enmity 4 Between your father and his, may better do it, As free from all suspicion of a practice.[1472] Here be your notes, what points to touch at; read: Be cunning in them. Afer has them too.

Var. But is he summon’d?

Sej. No. It was debated By Caesar, and concluded as most fit 10 To take him unprepar’d.

Afer. And prosecute All under name of treason.

Var. I conceive.

[Enter SABINUS, GALLUS, LEPIDUS, and ARRUNTIUS.]

Sab. Drusus being dead, Caesar will not be here.

Gal. What should the business of this senate be?

Arr. That can my subtle whisperers tell you: we 15 That are the good-dull-noble lookers-on. Are only call’d to keep the marble warm. What should we do with those deep mysteries, Proper to these fine heads? Let them alone. 19 Our ignorance may, perchance, help us be sav’d From whips and furies.

Gal. See, see, see their action!

Arr. Ay, now their heads do travail, now they work; Their faces run like shittles; they are weaving Some curious cobweb to catch flies.

Sab. Observe, They take their places.

Arr. What, so low!

Gal. O yes, 25 They must be seen to flatter Caesar’s grief, Though but in sitting.

Var. Bid us silence.

Prae. Silence.

Var. “Fathers conscript, may this our present meeting Turn fair and fortunate to the commonwealth!”

[Enter] SILIUS [and other Senators.]

Sej. See, Silius enters.

Sil. Hail, grave fathers!

Lic. Stand. 30 Silius, forbear thy place.

Sen. How!

Prae. Silius, stand forth, The consul hath to charge thee.

Lic. Room for Caesar.

Arr. Is he come too! Nay then expect a trick.

Sab. Silius accus’d! Sure he will answer nobly.

[Enter] TIBERIUS [attended.]

Tib. We stand amazed, fathers, to behold 35 This general dejection. Wherefore sit Rome’s consuls thus dissolv’d, as they had lost All the remembrance both of style and place? It not becomes. No woes are of fit weight To make the honour of the Empire stoop: 40 Though I, in my peculiar self may meet Just reprehension, that so suddenly, And in so fresh a grief, would greet the senate, When private tongues, of kinsmen and allies, Inspir’d with comforts, lothly are endur’d, 45 The face of men not seen, and scarce the day, To thousands that communicate[1473] our loss. Nor can I argue these of weakness, since They take but natural ways; yet I must seek 49 For stronger aids, and those fair helps draw out From warm embraces of the commonwealth. Our mother, great Augusta, ’a struck with time, Our self imprest with aged characters, Drusus is gone, his children young and babes; Our aims must now reflect on those that may Give timely succour to these present ills, 56 And are our only glad-surviving hopes, The noble issue of Germanicus, Nero and Drusus: might it please the consul Honour them in, they both attend without. 60 I would present them to the senate’s care, And raise those sons of joy that should drink up These floods of sorrow in your drowned eyes.

Arr. By Jove, I am not Oedipus enough To understand this Sphinx.

Sab. The princes come. 65

[Enter] NERO, DRUSUS JUNIOR.

Tib. Approach you, noble Nero, noble Drusus. These princes, fathers, when their parent died, I gave unto their uncle, with this prayer, That though he ’d proper issue of his own, He would no less bring up, and foster these, 70 Than that self-blood; and by that act confirm Their worths to him, and to posterity. Drusus ta’en hence, I turn my prayers to you, And ’fore our country and our gods, beseech You take, and rule Augustus’ nephew’s sons, 75 Sprung of the noblest ancestors; and so Accomplish both my duty, and your own. Nero, and Drusus, these shall be to you In place of parents, these your fathers, these; And not unfitly: for you are so born, 80 As all your good or ill ’s the commonwealth’s. Receive them, you strong guardians; and blest gods. Make all their actions answer to their bloods: Let their great titles find increase by them, Not they by titles. Set them, as in place, 85 So in example, above all the Romans: And may they know no rivals but themselves. Let Fortune give them nothing, but attend Upon their virtue: and that still come forth 89 Greater than hope, and better than their fame. Relieve me, fathers, with your general voice.

Senators. “May all the gods consent to Caesar’s wish. And add to any honours that may crown The hopeful issue of Germanicus!”

Tib. We thank you, reverend fathers, in their right. 95

Arr. [Aside.] If this were true, now! but the space, the space Between the breast and lips! Tiberius’ heart Lies a thought farther than another man’s.

Tib. My comforts are so flowing in my joys, As, in them, all my streams of grief are lost, 100 No less than are land-waters in the sea, Or showers in rivers; though their cause was such, As might have sprinkled ev’n the gods with tears: Yet, since the greater doth embrace the less, We covetously obey.

Arr. (Aside.)[1474] Well acted, Caesar. 105

Tib. And now I am the happy witness made Of your so much desir’d affections To this great issue, I could wish the Fates Would here set peaceful period to my days; However, to my labours I entreat 110 And beg it of this senate, some fit ease.

Arr. (Aside.)[1474] Laugh, fathers, laugh: ha’ you no spleens[1475] about you?

Tib. The burden is too heavy I sustain On my unwilling shoulders; and I pray It may be taken off, and reconferr’d 115 Upon the consuls, or some other Roman, More able, and more worthy.

Arr. (Aside.)[1474] Laugh on still.

Sab. Why, this doth render all the rest suspected!

Gal. It poisons all.

Arr. O, do you taste it then?

Sab. It takes away my faith to anything 120 He shall hereafter speak.

Arr. Ay, to pray that, Which would be to his head as hot as thunder, ’Gainst which he wears that charm,[1476] should but the court Receive him at his word.

Gal. Hear!

Tib. For myself I know my weakness, and so little covet, 125 Like some gone past, the weight that will oppress me, As my ambition is the counter-point.

Arr. (Aside.)[1474] Finely maintain’d; good still!

Sej. But Rome, whose blood, Whose nerves, whose life, whose very frame relies On Caesar’s strength, no less than heaven on Atlas, 130 Cannot admit it but with general ruin.

Arr. (Aside.) Ah! are you there to bring him off?

Sej. Let Caesar No more then urge a point so contrary To Caesar’s greatness, the griev’d senate’s vows, Or Rome’s necessity.

Gal. (Aside.) He comes about—— 135

Arr. (Aside.) More nimbly than Vertumnus.

Tib. For the public. I may be drawn to show I can neglect All private aims, though I affect my rest; But if the senate still command me serve, I must be glad to practise my obedience. 140

Arr. (Aside.) You must and will, sir. We do know it.

Senators. “Caesar, Live long and happy, great and royal Caesar; The gods preserve thee and thy modesty, Thy wisdom and thy innocence!”

Arr. (Aside.) Where is ’t? The prayer is made before the subject.

Senators. “Guard 145 His meekness, Jove, his piety, his care, His bounty——”

Arr. (Aside.) And his subtilty, I’ll put in: Yet he’ll keep that himself, without the gods. All prayers are vain for him.

Tib. We will not hold Your patience, fathers, with long answer; but Shall still contend to be what you desire, 151 And work to satisfy so great a hope. Proceed to your affairs.

Arr. [Aside.] Now, Silius, guard thee; The curtain ’s drawing. Afer advanceth.

Prae. Silence!

Afer. Cite Caius Silius.

Prae. Caius Silius!

Sil. Here. 155

Afer. The triumph that thou hadst in Germany For thy late victory on Sacrovir, Thou hast enjoy’d so freely, Caius Silius, As no man it envi’d thee; nor would Caesar 159 Or Rome admit, that thou wert then defrauded Of any honours thy deserts could claim In the fair service of the commonwealth; But now, if after all their loves and graces, (Thy actions, and their courses being discover’d) It shall appear to Caesar and this senate, 165 Thon hast defil’d those glories with thy crimes——

Sil. Crimes!

Afer. Patience, Silius.

Sil. Tell thy mule of patience; I am a Roman. What are my crimes? Proclaim them. Am I too rich, too honest for the times? Have I or treasure, jewels, land, or houses 170 That some informer gapes for? Is my strength Too much to be admitted, or my knowledge? These now are crimes.

Afer. Nay, Silius, if the name Of crime so touch thee, with what impotence Wilt thou endure the matter to be search’d? 175

Sil. I tell thee, Afer, with more scorn than fear: Employ your mercenary tongue and art. Where ’s my accuser?

Var. Here.

Arr. Varro, the consul! Is he thrust in?

Var. ’T is I accuse thee, Silius. Against the majesty of Rome and Caesar, 180 I do pronounce thee here a guilty cause, First of beginning and occasioning, Next, drawing out the war in Gallia, For which thou late triumph’st; dissembling long That Sacrovir to be an enemy, 185 Only to make thy entertainment more: Whilst thou, and thy wife Sosia, poll’d[1477] the province; Wherein, with sordid-base desire of gain, Thou hast discredited thy actions’ worth, And been a traitor to the state.

Sil. Thou liest. 190

Arr. I thank thee, Silius; speak so still and often.

Var. If I not prove it, Caesar, but unjustly Have call’d him into trial, here I bind Myself to suffer what I claim ’gainst him; 194 And yield to have what I have spoke, confirm’d By judgment of the court, and all good men.

Sil. Caesar, I crave to have my cause deferr’d. Till this man’s consulship be out.

Tib. We cannot, Nor may we grant it.

Sil. Why? Shall he design[1478] My day of trial? Is he my accuser, 200 And must he be my judge?

Tib. It hath been usual, And is a right that custom hath allow’d The magistrate, to call forth private men And to appoint their day: which privilege We may not in the consul see infring’d, 205 By whose deep watches and industrious care It is so labour’d, as the commonwealth Receive no loss, by any oblique course.

Sil. Caesar, thy fraud is worse than violence.

Tib. Silius, mistake us not, we dare not use The credit of the consul to thy wrong; 211 But only do preserve his place and power, So far as it concerns the dignity And honour of the state.

Arr. Believe him, Silius.

Cot. Why, so he may, Arruntius.

Arr. I say so; 215 And he may choose too.

Tib. By the Capitol, And all our gods, but that the dear republic, Our sacred laws, and just authority Are interess’d therein, I should be silent. 219

Afer. Please Caesar to give way unto his trial, He shall have justice.

Sil. Nay, I shall have law; Shall I not, Afer? Speak.

Afer. Would you have moe?

Sil. No, my well-spoken man, I would no more; Nor less: might I enjoy it natural, Not taught to speak unto your present ends, 225 Free from thine, his, and all your unkind handling, Furious enforcing, most unjust presuming, Malicious, and manifold applying, Foul wresting, and impossible construction.

Afer. He raves, he raves.

Sil. Thou durst not tell me so, 230 Hadst thou not Caesar’s warrant. I can see Whose power condemns me.

Var. This betrays his spirit: This doth enough declare him what he is.

Sil. What am I? speak.

Var. An enemy to the state.

Sil. Because I am an enemy to thee, 235 And such corrupted ministers o’ the state. That here art made a present instrument To gratify it with thine own disgrace.

Sej. This, to the consul, is most insolent, And impious!

Sil. Ay, take part. Reveal yourselves. 240 Alas! I scent not your confed’racies, Your plots, and combinations! I not know Minion Sejanus hates me; and that all This boast of law, and law, is but a form, A net of Vulcan’s filing, a mere ingine, 245 To take that life by a pretext of justice, Which you pursue in malice! I want brain Or nostril to persuade me, that your ends And purposes are made to what they are, Before my answer! O, you equal gods, 250 Whose justice not a world of wolf-turn’d men Shall make me to accuse (howe’er provoke), Have I for this so oft engag’d myself? Stood in the heat and fervour of a fight, When Phoebus sooner hath forsook the day 255 Than I the field, against the blue-ey’d Gauls, And crisped Germans? when our Roman eagles Have fann’d the fire with their labouring wings, And no blow dealt, that left not death behind it? When I have charg’d, alone, into the troops 260 Of curl’d Sicambrians, routed them, and came Not off with backward ensigns of a slave, But forward marks, wounds on my breast and face, Were meant to thee, O Caesar, and thy Rome? And have I this return! Did I, for this, 265 Perform so noble, and so brave defeat, On Sacrovir! O Jove, let it become me To boast my deeds, when he, whom they concern, Shall thus forget them.

Afer. Silius, Silius, 269 These are the common customs of thy blood, When it is high with wine, as now with rage. This well agrees with that intemperate vaunt, Thou lately mad’st at Agrippina’s table, That, when all other of the troops were prone To fall into rebellion, only yours 275 Remain’d in their obedience. You were he That sav’d the Empire, which had then been lost Had but your legions there rebell’d, or mutin’d; Your virtue met, and fronted every peril. 279 You gav’st to Caesar and to Rome their surety. Their name, their strength, their spirit, and their state, Their being was a donative from you.

Arr. Well worded, and most like an orator.

Tib. Is this true, Silius?

Sil. Save thy question, Caesar, Thy spy of famous credit hath affirm’d it. 285

Arr. Excellent Roman!

Sab. He doth answer stoutly.

Sej. If this be so, there needs no farther cause Of crime against him.

Var. What can more impeach The royal dignity and state of Caesar, Than to be urged with a benefit 290 He cannot pay.

Cot. In this, all Caesar’s fortune Is made unequal to the courtesy.

Lat. His means are clean destroy’d that should requite.

Gal. Nothing is great enough for Silius’ merit.

Arr. Gallus on that side too?

Sil. Come, do not hunt, And labour so about for circumstance, 296 To make him guilty, whom you have foredoom’d: Take shorter ways, I ’ll meet your purposes. The words were mine, and more I now will say: Since I have done thee that great service, Caesar, 300 Thou still hast fear’d me; and, in place of grace, Return’d me hatred: so soon all best turns, With doubtful princes, turn deep injuries In estimation, when they greater rise Than can be answer’d. Benefits, with you, 305 Are of no longer pleasure, than you can With ease restore them; that transcended once, Your studies are not how to thank, but kill. It is your nature, to have all men slaves To you, but you acknowledging to none. 310 The means that makes your greatness, must not come In mention of it; if it do, it takes So much away, you think: and that which help’d Shall soonest perish, if it stand in eye, 314 Where it may front, or but upbraid the high.

Cot. Suffer him speak no more.

Var. Note but his spirit.

Afer. This shows him in the rest.

Lat. Let him be censur’d.[1479]

Sej. He hath spoke enough to prove him Caesar’s foe.

Cot. His thoughts look through his words.

Sej. A censure.

Sil. Stay, Stay, most officious senate, I shall straight 320 Delude thy fury. Silius hath not plac’d His guards within him, against fortune’s spite, So weakly but he can escape your gripe That are but hands of fortune: she herself, 324 When virtue doth oppose, must lose her threats. All that can happen in humanity, The frown of Caesar, proud Sejanus’ hatred, Base Varro’s spleen, and Afer’s bloodying tongue, The senate’s servile flattery, and these Must’red to kill, I ’m fortified against, 330 And can look down upon: they are beneath me. It is not life whereof I stand enamour’d Nor shall my end make me accuse my fate. The coward and the valiant man must fall, 334 Only the cause, and manner how, discerns them: Which then are gladdest, when they cost us dearest. Romans, if any here be in this senate, Would know to mock Tiberius’ tyranny, Look upon Silius, and so learn to die. [Stabs himself.]

Var. O desperate act!

Arr. An honourable hand! 340

Tib. Look, is he dead?

Sab. ’T was nobly struck, and home.

Arr. My thought did prompt him to it. Farewell, Silius. Be famous ever for thy great example.

Tib. We are not pleas’d in this sad accident, That thus hath stalled,[1480] and abus’d our mercy, Intended to preserve thee, noble Roman, 346 And to prevent thy hopes.

Arr. Excellent wolf! Now he is full he howls.

Sej. Caesar doth wrong His dignity and safety thus to mourn The deserv’d end of so profest a traitor; 350 And doth, by this his lenity, instruct Others as factious to the like offence.

Tib. The confiscation merely of his state Had been enough.

Arr. O, that was gap’d for then?

Var. Remove the body.

Sej. Let citation 355 Go out for Sosia.

Gal. Let her be proscrib’d: And for the goods, I think it fit that half Go to the treasure, half unto the children.

Lep. With leave of Caesar, I would think that fourth 359 Part, which the law doth cast on the informers, Should be enough; the rest go to the children: Wherein the prince shall show humanity, And bounty; not to force them by their want, Which in their parent’s trespass they deserv’d, To take ill courses.

Tib. It shall please us.

Arr. Ay, 366 Out of necessity. This Lepidus Is grave and honest, and I have observ’d A moderation still in all his censures,[1481]

Sab. And bending to the better——Stay, who ’s this? Cremutius Cordus! What! is he brought in?

Arr. More blood unto the banquet! Noble Cordus, 371 I wish thee good; be as thy writings, free And honest.

Tib. What is he?

Sej. For th’ Annals, Caesar.

[Enter] Praeco. SATRIUS and NATTA, [with] CREMUTIUS CORDUS, [guarded.]

Prae. Cremutius Cordus!

Cor. Here.

Prae. Satrius Secundus, Pinnarius Natta, you are his accusers. 375

Arr. Two of Sejanus’ blood-hounds, whom he breeds With human flesh, to bay at citizens.

Afer. Stand forth before the Senate, and confront him.

Sat. I do accuse thee here, Cremutius Cordus, To be a man factious and dangerous, 380 A sower of sedition in the state, A turbulent and discontented spirit, Which I will prove from thine own writings, here, The Annals thou hast publish’d; where thou bit’st The present age, and with a viper’s tooth, 385 Being a member of it, dar’st that ill Which never yet degenerous bastard did Upon his parent.

Nat. To this I subscribe; And, forth[1482] a world of more particulars, Instance in only one: comparing men 390 And times, thou praisest Brutus, and affirm’st That Cassius was the last of all the Romans.

Cot. How! what are we then?

Var. What is Caesar! Nothing?

Afer. My lords, this strikes at every Roman’s private, In whom reigns gentry and estate of spirit, 395 To have a Brutus brought in parallel, A parricide, an enemy of his country, Rank’d, and preferr’d to any real worth That Rome now holds. This is most strangely invective, Most full of spite, and insolent upbraiding. 400 Nor is ’t the time alone is here dispriz’d, But the whole man of time, yea, Caesar’s self Brought in disvalue; and he aim’d at most, By oblique glance of his licentious pen. Caesar, if Cassius were the last of Romans, 405 Thou hast no name.

Tib. Let ’s hear him answer. Silence!

Cor. So innocent I am of fact, my lords, As but my words are argu’d: yet those words Not reaching either prince or prince’s parent; The which your law of treason comprehends. Brutus and Cassius I am charg’d t’ have prais’d; 411 Whose deeds, when many more, besides myself, Have writ, not one hath mention’d without honour. Great Titus Livius, great for eloquence And faith amongst us, in his History 415 With so great praises Pompey did extol, As oft Augustus call’d him a Pompeian: Yet this not hurt their friendship. In his book He often names Scipio, Afranius, Yea, the same Cassius, and this Brutus too, 420 As worthiest men; not thieves and parricides, Which notes upon their fames are now impos’d. Asinius Pollio’s writings quite throughout Give them a noble memory; so Messala 424 Renown’d his general, Cassius: yet both these Liv’d with Augustus, full of wealth and honours. To Cicero’s book, where Cato was heav’d up Equal with heaven, what else did Caesar answer, Being then dictator, but with a penn’d oration, As if before the judges? Do but see 430 Antonius’ letters; read but Brutus’ pleadings: What vile reproach they hold against Augustus, False, I confess, but with much bitterness. The epigrams of Bibaculus and Catullus Are read, full stuft with spite of both the Caesars; 435 Yet deified Julius, and no less Augustus, Both bore them, and contemn’d them: I not know, Promptly to speak it, whether done with more Temper, or wisdom; for such obloquies If they despised be, they die supprest; 440 But if with rage acknowledged, they are confest. The Greeks I slip, whose licence not alone, But also lust did scape unpunished: Or where some one, by chance, exception took, He words with words reveng’d. But, in my work, 445 What could be aim’d more free,[1483] or farther off From the time’s scandal, than to write of those Whom death from grace or hatred had exempted? Did I, with Brutus and with Cassius, Arm’d and possess’d of the Philippi fields, 450 Incense the people in the civil cause, With dangerous speeches? Or do they, being slain Seventy years since, as by their images, Which not the conqueror hath defac’d, appears, Retain that guilty memory with writers? 455 Posterity pays every man his honour: Nor shall there want, though I condemned am, That will not only Cassius well approve, And of great Brutus’ honour mindful be, But that will also mention make of me. 460

Arr. Freely and nobly spoken!

Sab. With good temper; I like him, that he is not mov’d with passion.

Arr. He puts ’em to their whisper.

Tib. Take him hence; We shall determine of him at next sitting. [Exeunt Officers with CORDUS.]

Cot. Mean time, give order, that his books be burnt, 465 To the aediles.

Sej. You have well advis’d.

Afer. It fits not such licentious things should live T’ upbraid the age.

Arr. If th’ age were good, they might.

Lat. Let ’em be burnt.

Gal. All sought, and burnt to-day.

Prae. The court is up; lictors, resume the fasces. 470 [Exeunt all but] ARRUNTIUS, SABINUS, and LEPIDUS.

Arr. Let them be burnt! O, how ridiculous Appear the senate’s brainless diligence, Who think they can, with present power, extinguish The memory of all succeeding times!

Sab. ’T is true; when, contrary, the punishment 475 Of wit doth make th’ authority increase. Nor do they aught, that use this cruelty Of interdiction, and this rage of burning, But purchase to themselves rebuke and shame, And to the writers an eternal name. 480

Lep. It is an argument the times are sore, When virtue cannot safely be advanc’d, Nor vice reprov’d.

Arr. Ay, noble Lepidus; Augustus well foresaw what we should suffer Under Tiberius, when he did pronounce 485 The Roman race most wretched, that should live Between so slow jaws, and so long a bruising. [Exeunt.]

[SCENE II.][1484]

[Enter] TIBERIUS and SEJANUS.

Tib. This business hath succeeded well, Sejanus; And quite remov’d all jealousy of practice[1485] ’Gainst Agrippina, and our nephews. Now, We must bethink us how to plant our ingines For th’ other pair, Sabinus and Arruntius, 5 And Gallus too; howe’er he flatter us, His heart we know.

Sej. Give it some respite, Caesar. Time shall mature, and bring to perfect crown, What we, with so good vultures, have begun: Sabinus shall be next.

Tib. Rather Arruntius. 10

Sej. By any means, preserve him. His frank tongue Being lent the reins, would take away all thought Of malice, in your course against the rest: We must keep him to stalk with.

Tib. Dearest head, To thy most fortunate design I yield it. 15

Sej. Sir, I have been so long train’d up in grace, First with your father, great Augustus; since, With your most happy bounties so familiar; As I not sooner would commit my hopes Or wishes to the gods, than to your ears. 20 Nor have I ever yet been covetous Of over-bright and dazzling honours; rather To watch and travail in great Caesar’s safety, With the most common soldier.

Tib. ’T is confest.

Sej. The only gain, and which I count most fair 25 Of all my fortunes, is, that mighty Caesar Has thought me worthy his alliance. Hence Begin my hopes.

Tib. Umph!

Sej. I have heard, Augustus, In the bestowing of his daughter, thought But even of gentlemen of Rome: if so— 30 I know not how to hope so great a favour— But if a husband should be sought for Livia, And I be had in mind, as Caesar’s friend, I would but use the glory of the kindred. 34 It should not make me slothful, or less caring For Caesar’s state: it were enough to me It did confirm, and strengthen my weak house, Against the now-unequal opposition Of Agrippina; and for dear regard Unto my children, this I wish: myself 40 Have no ambition farther than to end My days in service of so dear a master.

Tib. We cannot but commend thy piety, Most lov’d Sejanus, in acknowledging Those bounties; which we, faintly, such remember.— 45 But to thy suit. The rest of mortal men, In all their drifts and counsels, pursue profit; Princes alone are of a different sort, Directing their main actions still to fame: 49 We therefore will take time to think and answer. For Livia she can best, herself, resolve If she will marry, after Drusus, or Continue in the family; besides, She hath a mother, and a grandam yet, 54 Whose nearer counsels she may guide her by: But I will simply deal. That enmity Thou fear’st in Agrippina, would burn more, If Livia’s marriage should, as ’t were in parts, Divide th’ imperial house; an emulation Between the women might break forth; and discord 60 Ruin the sons and nephews on both hands. What if it cause some present difference? Thou art not safe, Sejanus, if thou prove[1486] it. Canst thou believe, that Livia, first the wife To Caius Caesar, then to Drusus, now 65 Will be contented to grow old with thee, Born but a private gentleman of Rome, And raise thee with her loss, if not her shame? Or say that I should wish it, canst thou think The senate, or the people (who have seen 70 Her brother, father, and our ancestors, In highest place of empire) will endure it? The state thou hold’st already, is in talk; Men murmur at thy greatness; and the nobles Stick not, in public, to upbraid thy climbing 75 Above our father’s favours, or thy scale: And dare accuse me, from their hate to thee. Be wise, dear friend. We would not hide these things, For friendship’s dear respect: nor will we stand Adverse to thine, or Livia’s designments. 80 What we have purpos’d to thee, in our thought, And with what near degrees of love to bind thee, And make thee equal to us, for the present We will forbear to speak. Only, thus much Believe, our lov’d Sejanus, we not know 85 That height in blood or honour, which thy virtue And mind to us, may not aspire with merit. And this we ’ll publish on all watch’d occasion The senate or the people shall present.

Sej. I am restor’d, and to my sense again, 90 Which I had lost in this so blinding suit. Caesar hath taught me better to refuse, Than I knew how to ask. How pleaseth Caesar T’ embrace my late advice for leaving Rome?

Tib. We are resolv’d.

Sej. Here are some motives more, 95 [Gives him a paper.]

Which I have thought on since, may more confirm.

Tib. Careful Sejanus! we will straight peruse them: Go forward in our main design, and prosper. [Exit.]

Sej. If those but take, I shall. Dull, heavy Caesar! Wouldst thou tell me, thy favours were made crimes, 100 And that my fortunes were esteem’d thy faults, That thou for me wert hated, and not think I would with winged haste prevent that change, When thou might’st win all to thyself again, By forfeiture of me? Did those fond words 105 Fly swifter from thy lips than this my brain, This sparkling forge, created me an armour T’ encounter chance and thee? Well, read my charms, And may they lay that hold upon thy senses, 109 As thou hadst snuft up hemlock, or ta’en down The juice of poppy and of mandrakes. Sleep, Voluptuous Caesar, and security Seize on thy stupid powers, and leave them dead To public cares; awake but to thy lusts, The strength of which makes thy libidinous soul 115 Itch to leave Rome! and I have thrust it on; With blaming of the city business, The multitude of suits, the confluence Of suitors: then their importunacies. The manifold distractions he must suffer, 120 Besides ill-rumours, envies, and reproaches, All which a quiet and retired life, Larded with ease and pleasure, did avoid: And yet for any weighty and great affair, 124 The fittest place to give the soundest counsels. By this I shall remove him both from thought And knowledge of his own most dear affairs: Draw all dispatches through my private hands; Know his designments, and pursue mine own; Make mine own strengths by giving suits and places, 130 Conferring dignities and offices; And these that hate me now, wanting access To him, will make their envy none, or less: For when they see me arbiter of all, They must observe; or else with Caesar fall. 135 [Exit.]

[SCENE III.][1487]

[Enter] TIBERIUS.

Tib. To marry Livia! will no less, Sejanus, Content thy aims? No lower object? Well! Thou know’st how thou art wrought into our trust; Woven in our design; and think’st we must Now use thee, whatso’er thy projects are: 5 ’Tis true. But yet with caution and fit care; And, now we better think—Who’s there within?

[Enter an Officer.]

Off. Caesar!

Tib. [Aside.] To leave our journey off, were sin ’Gainst our decreed delights; and would appear Doubt; or, what less becomes a prince, low fear. 10 Yet doubt hath law, and fears have their excuse, Where princes’ states plead necessary use; As ours doth now: more in Sejanus’ pride, Than all fell Agrippina’s hates beside. Those are the dreadful enemies, we raise 15 With favours, and make dangerous with praise; The injur’d by us may have will alike, But ’t is the favourite hath the power to strike; And fury ever boils more high and strong, Heat[1488] with ambition, than revenge of wrong. 20 ’T is then a part of supreme skill, to grace No man too much; but hold a certain space Between th’ ascender’s rise and thine own flat,[1489] Lest, when all rounds be reach’d, his aim be that. ’T is thought.—Is Macro in the palace? see: 25 If not, go seek him, to come to us. [Exit Officer.] He Must be the organ we must work by now; Though none less apt for trust: need doth allow What choice would not. I have heard that aconite, Being timely taken, hath a healing might 30 Against the scorpion’s stroke; the proof we’ll give: That, while two poisons wrastle, we may live. He hath a spirit too working to be us’d But to th’ encounter of his like; excus’d Are wiser sov’reigns then, that raise one ill 35 Against another, and both safely kill: The prince that feeds great natures, they will sway him; Who nourisheth a lion, must obey him.— [Re-enter Officer with] MACRO. Macro, we sent for you.

Mac. I heard so, Caesar.

Tib. Leave us a while. [Exit Officer.] When you shall know, good Macro, The causes of our sending, and the ends, 41 You will then hearken nearer; and be pleas’d You stand so high both in our choice and trust,

Mac. The humblest place in Caesar’s choice or trust. May make glad Macro proud; without ambition, 45 Save to do Caesar service.

Tib. Leave your courtings. We are in purpose, Macro, to depart The city for a time, and see Campania; Not for our pleasures, but to dedicate A pair of temples, one to Jupiter 50 At Capua; th’ other at Nola, to Augustus: In which great work, perhaps our stay will be Beyond our will produc’d. Now, since we are Not ignorant what danger may be born Out of our shortest absence, in a state 55 So subject unto envy, and embroil’d With hate and faction; we have thought on thee, Amongst a field of Romans, worthiest Macro, To be our eye and ear: to keep strict watch On Agrippina, Nero, Drusus; ay, 60 And on Sejanus: not that we distrust His loyalty, or do repent one grace, Of all that heap we have conferr’d on him; For that were to disparage our election, And call that judgment now in doubt, which then 65 Seem’d as unquestion’d as an oracle— But greatness hath his cankers. Worms and moths Breed out of too fit matter, in the things Which after they consume, transferring quite The substance of their makers int’ themselves. Macro is sharp, and apprehends: besides. 71 I know him subtile, close, wise, and well read In man, and his large nature; he hath studied Affections, passions, knows their springs, their ends, Which way, and whether they will work: ’t is proof 75 Enough of his great merit that we trust him. Then to a point (because our conference Cannot be long without suspicion): Here, Macro, we assign thee both to spy, Inform, and chastise; think, and use thy means, Thy ministers, what, where, on whom thou wilt; 81 Explore, plot, practise: all thou dost in this Shall be, as if the senate or the laws Had giv’n it privilege, and thou thence styl’d The saviour both of Caesar and of Rome. 85 We will not take thy answer but in act: Whereto, as thou proceed’st, we hope to hear By trusted messengers. If ’t be inquir’d Wherefore we call’d you, say you have in charge To see our chariots ready, and our horse. 90 Be still our lov’d and, shortly, honour’d Macro. [Exit.]

Mac. I will not ask why Caesar bids do this; But joy, that he bids me. It is the bliss Of courts to be employ’d, no matter how; A prince’s power makes all his actions virtue. 95 We, whom he works by, are dumb instruments, To do, but not inquire: his great intents Are to be serv’d, not search’d. Yet, as that bow Is most in hand whose owner best doth know 99 T’ affect[1490] his aims; so let that statesman hope Most use, most price, can hit his prince’s scope.[1491] Nor must he look at what or whom to strike, But loose[1492] at all; each mark must be alike. Were it to plot against the fame, the life Of one with whom I twinn’d; remove a wife 105 From my warm side, as lov’d as is the air; Practise away each parent; draw mine heir In compass,[1493] though but one; work all my kin To swift perdition; leave no untrain’d engine For friendship, or for innocence; nay, make 110 The gods all guilty; I would undertake This, being impos’d me, both with gain and ease: The way to rise is to obey and please. He that will thrive in state, he must neglect 114 The trodden paths that truth and right respect; And prove new, wilder ways: for virtue there Is not that narrow thing she is elsewhere. Men’s fortune there is virtue; reason their will; Their licence, law; and their observance, skill. Occasion is their foil; conscience, their stain; 120 Profit their lustre; and what else is, vain. If then it be the lust of Caesar’s power T’ have rais’d Sejanus up, and in an hour O’erturn him, tumbling, down from height of all; We are his ready engine: and his fall 125 May be our rise. It is no uncouth[1494] thing To see fresh buildings from old ruins spring. [Exit.]

CHORUS—of Musicians.

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