Eudemus.]

Eudemus

 ’Tis not Drusus, lady, do not fear. 

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

 SEJANUS. Illustrious lady, stay— 

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

 Re-enter Eudemus.

Eudemus

 SEJANUS. Who is it, Eudemus? 

 EUDEMUS. One of your lordship’s servants brings you word The emperor hath sent for you. 

 SEJANUS. O! where is he? With your fair leave, dear princess, I’ll but ask A question and return. 

 [Exit.]

 EUDEMUS. Fortunate princess! How are you blest in the fruition Of this unequall’d man, the soul of Rome, The empire’s life, and voice of Cæsar’s world! 

 LIVIA. 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 to-day? 

 EUDEMUS. Excellent clear, believe it. This same fucus Was well laid on. 

 LIVIA. Methinks ’tis here not white. 

 EUDEMUS. Lend me your scarlet, lady. ’Tis the sun, Hath giv’n some little taint unto the ceruse; You should have used of the white oil I gave you. Sejanus, for your love! his very name Commandeth above Cupid or his shafts— 

 [Paints her cheeks.]

 LIVIA. Nay, now you’ve made it worse. 

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

 Prev. P 41/205 next