Sejanus: His Fall Part 27

I Am wrapt withal.

2 Tri.

By Mars, he has my lives, Were they a million, for this only grace.

Lac. Ay, and to name a man!

Lat. As he did me!

Min. And me!

Lat.

Who would not spend his life and fortunes, To purchase but the look of such a lord?

Lac.

He that would nor be lord's fool, nor the world's. [Aside.

SCENE VI.-Another Room in the same.

Enter SEJa.n.u.s, MACRO, and SATRIUS.

Sej.

Macro! most welcome, a most coveted friend!

Let me enjoy my longings. When arrived you?

Mac. About the noon of night.

Sej. Satrius, give leave. [Exit Sat.

Mac.

I have been, since I came, with both the consuls, On a particular design from Caesar.

Sej. How fares it with our great and royal master?

Mac.

Right plentifully well; as, with a prince, That still holds out the great proportion Of his large favours, where his judgment hath Made once divine election: like the G.o.d That wants not, nor is wearied to bestow Where merit meets his bounty, as it doth In you, already the most happy, and ere The sun shall climb the south, most high Seja.n.u.s.

Let not my lord be amused. For, to this end Was I by Caesar sent for to the isle, With special caution to conceal my journey; And, thence, had my dispatch as privately Again to Rome; charged to come here by night; And only to the consuls make narration Of his great purpose; that the benefit Might come more full, and striking, by how much It was less look'd for, or aspired by you, Or least informed to the common thought.

Sej.

What may be this? part of myself, dear Macro, If good, speak out; and share with your Seja.n.u.s.

Mac.

If bad, I should for ever loath myself To be the messenger to so good a lord.

I do exceed my instructions to acquaint Your lordship with thus much; but 'tis my venture On your retentive wisdom: and because I would no jealous scruple should molest Or rack your peace of thought. For I a.s.sure My n.o.ble lord, no senator yet knows The business meant: though all by several letters Are warned to be there, and give their voices, Only to add unto the state and grace Of what is purposed.

Sej.

You take pleasure, Macro, Like a coy wench, in torturing your lover.

What can be worth this suffering?

Mac.

That which follows, The tribunitial dignity and power: Both which Seja.n.u.s is to have this day Conferr'd upon him, and by public senate.

Sej.

Fortune be mine again! thou hast satisfied For thy suspected loyalty. [Aside.

Mac.

My lord, I have no longer time, the day approacheth, And I must back to Caesar.

Sej. Where's Caligula?

Mac.

That I forgot to tell your lordship. Why, He lingers yonder about Capreae, Disgraced; Tiberius hath not seen him yet: He needs would thrust himself to go with me, Against my wish or will; but I have quitted His forward trouble, with as tardy note As my neglect or silence could afford him.

Your lordship cannot now command me aught, Because I take no knowledge that I saw you; But I shall boast to live to serve your lordship: And so take leave.

Sej.

Honest and worthy Macro; Your love and friendship. [Exit Macro.]

----Who's there? Satrius, Attend my honourable friend forth.-O!

How vain and vile a pa.s.sion is this fear, What base uncomely things it makes men do!

Suspect their n.o.blest friends, as I did this, Flatter poor enemies, entreat their servants, Stoop, court, and catch at the benevolence Of creatures, unto whom, within this hour, I would not have vouchsafed a quarter-look, Or piece of face! By you that fools call G.o.ds, Hang all the sky with your prodigious signs, Fill earth with monsters, drop the scorpion down, Out of the zodiac, or the fiercer lion, Shake off the loosen'd globe from her long hinge, Roll all the world in darkness, and let loose The enraged winds to turn up groves and towns!

When I do fear again, let me be struck With forked fire, and unpitied die: Who fears, is worthy of calamity. [Exit.

SCENE VIl.-Another Room in the same.

Enter TERENTIUS, MINUTIUS, LACO, COTTA, LATIARIS, and POMPONIUS; REGULUS, TRIO, and others, on different sides.

Pom. Is not my lord here?

Ter. Sir, he will be straight.

Cot. What news, Fulcinius Trio?

Tri.

Good, good tidings; But keep it to yourself. My lord Seja.n.u.s Is to receive this day in open senate The tribunitial dignity.

Cot. Is't true?

Tri. No words, not to your thought: but, sir, believe it.

Lat. What says the consul?

Cot.

Speak it not again: He tells me, that to-day my lord Seja.n.u.s----

Tri.

I must entreat you, Cotta, on your honour Not to reveal it.