[Exit Eudemus.] Eudemus Ambition makes more trusty slaves than need. These fellows, by the favour of their art, 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 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 and Drusus, attended. Tiberius Drusus TIBERIUS. [to Haterius, who kneels to him.] We not endure these flatteries; let him stand; Our empire, ensigns, axes, rods and state Take not away our human nature from us: Look up on us, and fall before the gods. SEJANUS. How like a god speaks Cæsar! ARRUNTIUS. There, observe! He can endure that second, that’s no flattery. O, what is it, proud slime will not believe Of his own worth, to hear it equal praised Thus with the gods! CORDUS. He did not hear it, sir. ARRUNTIUS. He did not! Tut, he must not, we think meanly. ’Tis your most courtly known confederacy, To have your private parasite redeem, What he, in public, subtilely will lose, To making him a name. HATERIUS. Right mighty lord— [Gives him letters.] TIBERIUS. 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 Or lord, or mighty, who profess ourself The servant of the senate, and are proud T’ enjoy them our good, just, and favouring lords. CORDUS. Rarely dissembled! ARRUNTIUS. Prince-like to the life. SABINUS. When power that may command, so much descends, Their bondage, whom it stoops to, it intends. TIBERIUS. Whence are these letters? HATERIUS. From the senate.
Prev.
Back
Top