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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Sejanus: His Fall + +Author: Ben Jonson + +Release Date: March, 2004 [EBook #5232] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on June 10, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEJANUS: HIS FALL *** + + + + +This Project Gutenberg Etext Prepared Down Under In Australia by: +Amy E Zelmer <amy@zelmeroz.com> +Sue Asscher <asschers@bigpond.com> +With assistance from their Californian co-conspirator +Robert Prince <rkp277@msn.com> + + + + + +Sejanus: His Fall + +by Ben Jonson + + + +Transcriber's note: This play is based on events that happend a +millenia and a half before Jonson wrote it. Jonson added 247 +scholarly footnotes to this play; all were in Latin (except +for a scattering of Greek). They, and the Greek quotation which +forms Tiberius Caesar's tag line in Scene II, Act II, have been +elided. + + + + +INTRODUCTION + +THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first +literary dictator and poet-laureate, a writer of verse, prose, +satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time +affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben +Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to +us almost unparalleled, at least in his age. + +Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to +the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of +Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England. +Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast +into prison and forfeited." He entered the church, but died a +month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and +child in poverty. Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the +time of his birth early in 1573. He was thus nearly ten years +Shakespeare's junior, and less well off, if a trifle better born. +But Jonson did not profit even by this slight advantage. His +mother married beneath her, a wright or bricklayer, and Jonson was +for a time apprenticed to the trade. As a youth he attracted the +attention of the famous antiquary, William Camden, then usher at +Westminster School, and there the poet laid the solid foundations +of his classical learning. Jonson always held Camden in +veneration, acknowledging that to him he owed, + +"All that I am in arts, all that I know:" + +and dedicating his first dramatic success, "Every Man in His +Humour," to him. It is doubtful whether Jonson ever went to either +university, though Fuller says that he was "statutably admitted +into St. John's College, Cambridge." He tells us that he took no +degree, but was later "Master of Arts in both the universities, by +their favour, not his study." When a mere youth Jonson enlisted as +a soldier trailing his pike in Flanders in the protracted wars of +William the Silent against the Spanish. Jonson was a large and +raw-boned lad; he became by his own account in time exceedingly +bulky. In chat with his friend William Drummond of Hawthornden, +Jonson told how "in his service in the Low Countries he had, in the +face of both the camps, killed an enemy, and taken 'opima spolia' +from him;" and how "since his coming to England, being appealed to +the fields, he had killed his adversary which had hurt him in the +arm and whose sword was ten inches longer than his." Jonson's +reach may have made up for the lack of his sword; certainly his +prowess lost nothing in the telling. Obviously Jonson was brave, +combative, and not averse to talking of himself and his doings. + +In 1592, Jonson returned from abroad penniless. Soon after he +married, almost as early and quite as imprudently as Shakespeare. +He told Drummond curtly that "his wife was a shrew, yet honest"; +for some years he lived apart from her in the household of Lord +Albany. Yet two touching epitaphs among Jonson's 'Epigrams', "On +my first daughter," and "On my first son," attest the warmth of the +poet's family affections. The daughter died in infancy, the son of +the plague; another son grew up to manhood little credit to his +father whom he survived. We know nothing beyond this of Jonson's +domestic life. + +How soon Jonson drifted into what we now call grandly "the +theatrical profession" we do not know. In 1593 Marlowe made his +tragic exit from life, and Greene, Shakespeare's other rival on the +popular stage, had preceded Marlowe in an equally miserable death +the year before. Shakespeare already had the running to himself. +Jonson appears first in the employment of Philip Henslowe, the +exploiter of several troupes of players, manager, and father-in-law +of the famous actor, Edward Alleyn. From entries in 'Henslowe's +Diary', a species of theatrical account book which has been handed +down to us, we know that Jonson was connected with the Admiral's +men; for he borrowed £4 of Henslowe, July 28, 1597, paying back 3s. +9d. on the same day on account of his "share" (in what is not +altogether clear); while later, on December 3, of the same year, +Henslowe advanced 20s. to him "upon a book which he showed the plot +unto the company which he promised to deliver unto the company at +Christmas next." In the next August Jonson was in collaboration +with Chettle and Porter in a play called "Hot Anger Soon Cold." +All this points to an association with Henslowe of some duration, +as no mere tyro would be thus paid in advance upon mere promise. +From allusions in Dekker's play, "Satiromastix," it appears that +Jonson, like Shakespeare, began life as an actor, and that he +"ambled in a leather pitch by a play-wagon" taking at one time the +part of Hieronimo in Kyd's famous play, "The Spanish Tragedy." By +the beginning of 1598, Jonson, though still in needy circumstances, +had begun to receive recognition. Francis Meres--well known for +his "Comparative Discourse of our English Poets with the Greek, +Latin, and Italian Poets," printed in 1598, and for his mention +therein of a dozen plays of Shakespeare by title--accords to Ben +Jonson a place as one of "our best in tragedy," a matter of some +surprise, as no known tragedy of Jonson from so early a date has +come down to us. That Jonson was at work on tragedy, however, is +proved by the entries in Henslowe of at least three tragedies, now +lost, in which he had a hand. These are "Page of Plymouth," "King +Robert II. of Scotland," and "Richard Crookback." But all of these +came later, on his return to Henslowe, and range from August 1599 +to June 1602. + +Returning to the autumn of 1598, an event now happened to sever for +a time Jonson's relations with Henslowe. In a letter to Alleyn, +dated September 26 of that year, Henslowe writes: "I have lost one +of my company that hurteth me greatly; that is Gabriel [Spencer], +for he is slain in Hogsden fields by the hands of Benjamin Jonson, +bricklayer." The last word is perhaps Henslowe's thrust at Jonson +in his displeasure rather than a designation of his actual +continuance at his trade up to this time. It is fair to Jonson to +remark however, that his adversary appears to have been a notorious +fire-eater who had shortly before killed one Feeke in a similar +squabble. Duelling was a frequent occurrence of the time among +gentlemen and the nobility; it was an imprudent breach of the peace +on the part of a player. This duel is the one which Jonson +described years after to Drummond, and for it Jonson was duly +arraigned at Old Bailey, tried, and convicted. He was sent to +prison and such goods and chattels as he had "were forfeited." It +is a thought to give one pause that, but for the ancient law +permitting convicted felons to plead, as it was called, the benefit +of clergy, Jonson might have been hanged for this deed. The +circumstance that the poet could read and write saved him; and he +received only a brand of the letter "T," for Tyburn, on his left +thumb. While in jail Jonson became a Roman Catholic; but he +returned to the faith of the Church of England a dozen years later. + +On his release, in disgrace with Henslowe and his former +associates, Jonson offered his services as a playwright to +Henslowe's rivals, the Lord Chamberlain's company, in which +Shakespeare was a prominent shareholder. A tradition of long +standing, though not susceptible of proof in a court of law, +narrates that Jonson had submitted the manuscript of "Every Man in +His Humour" to the Chamberlain's men and had received from the +company a refusal; that Shakespeare called him back, read the play +himself, and at once accepted it. Whether this story is true or +not, certain it is that "Every Man in His Humour" was accepted by +Shakespeare's company and acted for the first time in 1598, with +Shakespeare taking a part. The evidence of this is contained in +the list of actors prefixed to the comedy in the folio of Jonson's +works, 1616. But it is a mistake to infer, because Shakespeare's +name stands first in the list of actors and the elder Kno'well +first in the 'dramatis personae', that Shakespeare took that +particular part. The order of a list of Elizabethan players was +generally that of their importance or priority as shareholders in +the company and seldom if ever corresponded to the list of +characters. + +"Every Man in His Humour" was an immediate success, and with it +Jonson's reputation as one of the leading dramatists of his time +was established once and for all. This could have been by no means +Jonson's earliest comedy, and we have just learned that he was +already reputed one of "our best in tragedy." Indeed, one of +Jonson's extant comedies, "The Case is Altered," but one never +claimed by him or published as his, must certainly have preceded +"Every Man in His Humour" on the stage. The former play may be +described as a comedy modelled on the Latin plays of Plautus. (It +combines, in fact, situations derived from the "Captivi" and the +"Aulularia" of that dramatist). But the pretty story of the +beggar-maiden, Rachel, and her suitors, Jonson found, not among the +classics, but in the ideals of romantic love which Shakespeare had +already popularised on the stage. Jonson never again produced so +fresh and lovable a feminine personage as Rachel, although in other +respects "The Case is Altered" is not a conspicuous play, and, save +for the satirising of Antony Munday in the person of Antonio +Balladino and Gabriel Harvey as well, is perhaps the least +characteristic of the comedies of Jonson. + +"Every Man in His Humour," probably first acted late in the summer +of 1598 and at the Curtain, is commonly regarded as an epoch-making +play; and this view is not unjustified. As to plot, it tells +little more than how an intercepted letter enabled a father to +follow his supposedly studious son to London, and there observe his +life with the gallants of the time. The real quality of this +comedy is in its personages and in the theory upon which they are +conceived. Ben Jonson had theories about poetry and the drama, and +he was neither chary in talking of them nor in experimenting with +them in his plays. This makes Jonson, like Dryden in his time, and +Wordsworth much later, an author to reckon with; particularly when +we remember that many of Jonson's notions came for a time +definitely to prevail and to modify the whole trend of English +poetry. First of all Jonson was a classicist, that is, he believed +in restraint and precedent in art in opposition to the prevalent +ungoverned and irresponsible Renaissance spirit. Jonson believed +that there was a professional way of doing things which might be +reached by a study of the best examples, and he found these +examples for the most part among the ancients. To confine our +attention to the drama, Jonson objected to the amateurishness and +haphazard nature of many contemporary plays, and set himself to do +something different; and the first and most striking thing that he +evolved was his conception and practice of the comedy of humours. + +As Jonson has been much misrepresented in this matter, let us quote +his own words as to "humour." A humour, according to Jonson, was a +bias of disposition, a warp, so to speak, in character by which + + "Some one peculiar quality + Doth so possess a man, that it doth draw + All his affects, his spirits, and his powers, + In their confluctions, all to run one way." + +But continuing, Jonson is careful to add: + + "But that a rook by wearing a pied feather, + The cable hat-band, or the three-piled ruff, + A yard of shoe-tie, or the Switzers knot + On his French garters, should affect a humour! + O, it is more than most ridiculous." + + +Jonson's comedy of humours, in a word, conceived of stage +personages on the basis of a ruling trait or passion (a notable +simplification of actual life be it observed in passing); and, +placing these typified traits in juxtaposition in their conflict +and contrast, struck the spark of comedy. Downright, as his name +indicates, is "a plain squire"; Bobadill's humour is that of the +braggart who is incidentally, and with delightfully comic effect, a +coward; Brainworm's humour is the finding out of things to the end +of fooling everybody: of course he is fooled in the end himself. +But it was not Jonson's theories alone that made the success of +"Every Man in His Humour." The play is admirably written and each +character is vividly conceived, and with a firm touch based on +observation of the men of the London of the day. Jonson was +neither in this, his first great comedy (nor in any other play that +he wrote), a supine classicist, urging that English drama return to +a slavish adherence to classical conditions. He says as to the +laws of the old comedy (meaning by "laws," such matters as the +unities of time and place and the use of chorus): "I see not then, +but we should enjoy the same licence, or free power to illustrate +and heighten our invention as they [the ancients] did; and not be +tied to those strict and regular forms which the niceness of a few, +who are nothing but form, would thrust upon us." "Every Man in His +Humour" is written in prose, a novel practice which Jonson had of +his predecessor in comedy, John Lyly. Even the word "humour" seems +to have been employed in the Jonsonian sense by Chapman before +Jonson's use of it. Indeed, the comedy of humours itself is only a +heightened variety of the comedy of manners which represents life, +viewed at a satirical angle, and is the oldest and most persistent +species of comedy in the language. None the less, Jonson's comedy +merited its immediate success and marked out a definite course in +which comedy long continued to run. To mention only Shakespeare's +Falstaff and his rout, Bardolph, Pistol, Dame Quickly, and the +rest, whether in "Henry IV." or in "The Merry Wives of Windsor," +all are conceived in the spirit of humours. So are the captains, +Welsh, Scotch, and Irish of "Henry V.," and Malvolio especially +later; though Shakespeare never employed the method of humours for +an important personage. It was not Jonson's fault that many of his +successors did precisely the thing that he had reprobated, that is, +degrade "the humour: into an oddity of speech, an eccentricity of +manner, of dress, or cut of beard." There was an anonymous play +called "Every Woman in Her Humour." Chapman wrote "A Humourous +Day's Mirth," Day, "Humour Out of Breath," Fletcher later, "The +Humourous Lieutenant," and Jonson, besides "Every Man Out of His +Humour," returned to the title in closing the cycle of his comedies +in "The Magnetic Lady or Humours Reconciled." + +With the performance of "Every Man Out of His Humour" in 1599, by +Shakespeare's company once more at the Globe, we turn a new page in +Jonson's career. Despite his many real virtues, if there is one +feature more than any other that distinguishes Jonson, it is his +arrogance; and to this may be added his self-righteousness, +especially under criticism or satire. "Every Man Out of His +Humour" is the first of three "comical satires" which Jonson +contributed to what Dekker called the 'poetomachia' or war of the +theatres as recent critics have named it. This play as a fabric of +plot is a very slight affair; but as a satirical picture of the +manners of the time, proceeding by means of vivid caricature, +couched in witty and brilliant dialogue and sustained by that +righteous indignation which must lie at the heart of all true +satire--as a realisation, in short, of the classical ideal of +comedy--there had been nothing like Jonson's comedy since the days +of Aristophanes. "Every Man in His Humour," like the two plays +that follow it, contains two kinds of attack, the critical or +generally satiric, levelled at abuses and corruptions in the +abstract; and the personal, in which specific application is made +of all this in the lampooning of poets and others, Jonson's +contemporaries. The method of personal attack by actual caricature +of a person on the stage is almost as old as the drama. +Aristophanes so lampooned Euripides in "The Acharnians" and +Socrates in "The Clouds," to mention no other examples; and in +English drama this kind of thing is alluded to again and again. +What Jonson really did, was to raise the dramatic lampoon to an +art, and make out of a casual burlesque and bit of mimicry a +dramatic satire of literary pretensions and permanency. With the +arrogant attitude mentioned above and his uncommon eloquence in +scorn, vituperation, and invective, it is no wonder that Jonson +soon involved himself in literary and even personal quarrels with +his fellow-authors. The circumstances of the origin of this +'poetomachia' are far from clear, and those who have written on the +topic, except of late, have not helped to make them clearer. The +origin of the "war" has been referred to satirical references, +apparently to Jonson, contained in "The Scourge of Villainy," a +satire in regular form after the manner of the ancients by John +Marston, a fellow playwright, subsequent friend and collaborator of +Jonson's. On the other hand, epigrams of Jonson have been +discovered (49, 68, and 100) variously charging "playwright" +(reasonably identified with Marston) with scurrility, cowardice, +and plagiarism; though the dates of the epigrams cannot be +ascertained with certainty. Jonson's own statement of the matter +to Drummond runs: "He had many quarrels with Marston, beat him, +and took his pistol from him, wrote his 'Poetaster' on him; the +beginning[s] of them were that Marston represented him on the +stage."* + +[footnote] *The best account of this whole subject is to be found +in the edition of 'Poetaster' and 'Satiromastrix' by J. H. Penniman +in 'Belles Lettres Series' shortly to appear. See also his earlier +work, 'The War of the Theatres', 1892, and the excellent +contributions to the subject by H. C. Hart in 'Notes and Queries', +and in his edition of Jonson, 1906. + +Here at least we are on certain ground; and the principals of the +quarrel are known. "Histriomastix," a play revised by Marston in +1598, has been regarded as the one in which Jonson was thus +"represented on the stage"; although the personage in question, +Chrisogonus, a poet, satirist, and translator, poor but proud, and +contemptuous of the common herd, seems rather a complimentary +portrait of Jonson than a caricature. As to the personages +actually ridiculed in "Every Man Out of His Humour," Carlo Buffone +was formerly thought certainly to be Marston, as he was described +as "a public scurrilous, and profane jester," and elsewhere as the +grand scourge or second untruss [that is, satirist], of the time +(Joseph Hall being by his own boast the first, and Marston's work +being entitled "The Scourge of Villainy"). Apparently we must now +prefer for Carlo a notorious character named Charles Chester, of +whom gossipy and inaccurate Aubrey relates that he was "a bold +impertinent fellow. . .a perpetual talker and made a noise like a +drum in a room. So one time at a tavern Sir Walter Raleigh beats +him and seals up his mouth (that is his upper and nether beard) +with hard wax. From him Ben Jonson takes his Carlo Buffone +['i.e.', jester] in 'Every Man in His Humour' ['sic']." Is it +conceivable that after all Jonson was ridiculing Marston, and that +the point of the satire consisted in an intentional confusion of +"the grand scourge or second untruss" with "the scurrilous and +profane" Chester? + +We have digressed into detail in this particular case to exemplify +the difficulties of criticism in its attempts to identify the +allusions in these forgotten quarrels. We are on sounder ground of +fact in recording other manifestations of Jonson's enmity. In "The +Case is Altered" there is clear ridicule in the character Antonio +Balladino of Anthony Munday, pageant-poet of the city, translator +of romances and playwright as well. In "Every Man in His Humour" +there is certainly a caricature of Samuel Daniel, accepted poet of +the court, sonneteer, and companion of men of fashion. These men +held recognised positions to which Jonson felt his talents better +entitled him; they were hence to him his natural enemies. It seems +almost certain that he pursued both in the personages of his satire +through "Every Man Out of His Humour," and "Cynthia's Revels," +Daniel under the characters Fastidious Brisk and Hedon, Munday as +Puntarvolo and Amorphus; but in these last we venture on quagmire +once more. Jonson's literary rivalry of Daniel is traceable again +and again, in the entertainments that welcomed King James on his +way to London, in the masques at court, and in the pastoral drama. +As to Jonson's personal ambitions with respect to these two men, it +is notable that he became, not pageant-poet, but chronologer to the +City of London; and that, on the accession of the new king, he came +soon to triumph over Daniel as the accepted entertainer of royalty. + +"Cynthia's Revels," the second "comical satire," was acted in 1600, +and, as a play, is even more lengthy, elaborate, and impossible +than "Every Man Out of His Humour." Here personal satire seems to +have absorbed everything, and while much of the caricature is +admirable, especially in the detail of witty and trenchantly +satirical dialogue, the central idea of a fountain of self-love is +not very well carried out, and the persons revert at times to +abstractions, the action to allegory. It adds to our wonder that +this difficult drama should have been acted by the Children of +Queen Elizabeth's Chapel, among them Nathaniel Field with whom +Jonson read Horace and Martial, and whom he taught later how to +make plays. Another of these precocious little actors was +Salathiel Pavy, who died before he was thirteen, already famed for +taking the parts of old men. Him Jonson immortalised in one of the +sweetest of his epitaphs. An interesting sidelight is this on the +character of this redoubtable and rugged satirist, that he should +thus have befriended and tenderly remembered these little +theatrical waifs, some of whom (as we know) had been literally +kidnapped to be pressed into the service of the theatre and whipped +to the conning of their difficult parts. To the caricature of +Daniel and Munday in "Cynthia's Revels" must be added Anaides +(impudence), here assuredly Marston, and Asotus (the prodigal), +interpreted as Lodge or, more perilously, Raleigh. Crites, like +Asper-Macilente in "Every Man Out of His Humour," is Jonson's +self-complaisant portrait of himself, the just, wholly admirable, +and judicious scholar, holding his head high above the pack of the +yelping curs of envy and detraction, but careless of their puny +attacks on his perfections with only too mindful a neglect. + +The third and last of the "comical satires" is "Poetaster," acted, +once more, by the Children of the Chapel in 1601, and Jonson's only +avowed contribution to the fray. According to the author's own +account, this play was written in fifteen weeks on a report that +his enemies had entrusted to Dekker the preparation of +"Satiromastix, the Untrussing of the Humorous Poet," a dramatic +attack upon himself. In this attempt to forestall his enemies +Jonson succeeded, and "Poetaster" was an immediate and deserved +success. While hardly more closely knit in structure than its +earlier companion pieces, "Poetaster" is planned to lead up to the +ludicrous final scene in which, after a device borrowed from the +"Lexiphanes" of Lucian, the offending poetaster, Marston-Crispinus, +is made to throw up the difficult words with which he had +overburdened his stomach as well as overlarded his vocabulary. In +the end Crispinus with his fellow, Dekker-Demetrius, is bound over +to keep the peace and never thenceforward "malign, traduce, or +detract the person or writings of Quintus Horatius Flaccus [Jonson] +or any other eminent man transcending you in merit." One of the +most diverting personages in Jonson's comedy is Captain Tucca. +"His peculiarity" has been well described by Ward as "a buoyant +blackguardism which recovers itself instantaneously from the most +complete exposure, and a picturesqueness of speech like that of a +walking dictionary of slang." + +It was this character, Captain Tucca, that Dekker hit upon in his +reply, "Satiromastix," and he amplified him, turning his abusive +vocabulary back upon Jonson and adding "An immodesty to his +dialogue that did not enter into Jonson's conception." It has been +held, altogether plausibly, that when Dekker was engaged +professionally, so to speak, to write a dramatic reply to Jonson, +he was at work on a species of chronicle history, dealing with the +story of Walter Terill in the reign of William Rufus. This he +hurriedly adapted to include the satirical characters suggested by +"Poetaster," and fashioned to convey the satire of his reply. The +absurdity of placing Horace in the court of a Norman king is the +result. But Dekker's play is not without its palpable hits at the +arrogance, the literary pride, and self-righteousness of +Jonson-Horace, whose "ningle" or pal, the absurd Asinius Bubo, has +recently been shown to figure forth, in all likelihood, Jonson's +friend, the poet Drayton. Slight and hastily adapted as is +"Satiromastix," especially in a comparison with the better wrought +and more significant satire of "Poetaster," the town awarded the +palm to Dekker, not to Jonson; and Jonson gave over in consequence +his practice of "comical satire." Though Jonson was cited to +appear before the Lord Chief Justice to answer certain charges to +the effect that he had attacked lawyers and soldiers in +"Poetaster," nothing came of this complaint. It may be suspected +that much of this furious clatter and give-and-take was pure +playing to the gallery. The town was agog with the strife, and on +no less an authority than Shakespeare ("Hamlet," ii. 2), we learn +that the children's company (acting the plays of Jonson) did "so +berattle the common stages. . .that many, wearing rapiers, are +afraid of goose-quills, and dare scarce come thither." + +Several other plays have been thought to bear a greater or less +part in the war of the theatres. Among them the most important is +a college play, entitled "The Return from Parnassus," dating +1601-02. In it a much-quoted passage makes Burbage, as a +character, declare: "Why here's our fellow Shakespeare puts them +all down; aye and Ben Jonson, too. O that Ben Jonson is a +pestilent fellow; he brought up Horace, giving the poets a pill, +but our fellow Shakespeare hath given him a purge that made him +bewray his credit." Was Shakespeare then concerned in this war of +the stages? And what could have been the nature of this "purge"? +Among several suggestions, "Troilus and Cressida" has been thought +by some to be the play in which Shakespeare thus "put down" his +friend, Jonson. A wiser interpretation finds the "purge" in +"Satiromastix," which, though not written by Shakespeare, was +staged by his company, and therefore with his approval and under +his direction as one of the leaders of that company. + +The last years of the reign of Elizabeth thus saw Jonson recognised +as a dramatist second only to Shakespeare, and not second even to +him as a dramatic satirist. But Jonson now turned his talents to +new fields. Plays on subjects derived from classical story and +myth had held the stage from the beginning of the drama, so that +Shakespeare was making no new departure when he wrote his "Julius +Caesar" about 1600. Therefore when Jonson staged "Sejanus," three +years later and with Shakespeare'scompany once more, he was only +following in the elder dramatist's footsteps. But Jonson's idea of +a play on classical history, on the one hand, and Shakespeare's and +the elder popular dramatists, on the other, were very different. +Heywood some years before had put five straggling plays on the +stage in quick succession, all derived from stories in Ovid and +dramatised with little taste or discrimination. Shakespeare had a +finer conception of form, but even he was contented to take all his +ancient history from North's translation of Plutarch and dramatise +his subject without further inquiry. Jonson was a scholar and a +classical antiquarian. He reprobated this slipshod amateurishness, +and wrote his "Sejanus" like a scholar, reading Tacitus, Suetonius, +and other authorities, to be certain of his facts, his setting, and +his atmosphere, and somewhat pedantically noting his authorities in +the margin when he came to print. "Sejanus" is a tragedy of +genuine dramatic power in which is told with discriminating taste +the story of the haughty favourite of Tiberius with his tragical +overthrow. Our drama presents no truer nor more painstaking +representation of ancient Roman life than may be found in Jonson's +"Sejanus" and "Catiline his Conspiracy," which followed in 1611. A +passage in the address of the former play to the reader, in which +Jonson refers to a collaboration in an earlier version, has led to +the surmise that Shakespeare may have been that "worthier pen." +There is no evidence to determine the matter. + +In 1605, we find Jonson in active collaboration with Chapman and +Marston in the admirable comedy of London life entitled "Eastward +Hoe." In the previous year, Marston had dedicated his +"Malcontent," in terms of fervid admiration, to Jonson; so that the +wounds of the war of the theatres must have been long since healed. +Between Jonson and Chapman there was the kinship of similar +scholarly ideals. The two continued friends throughout life. +"Eastward Hoe" achieved the extraordinary popularity represented in +a demand for three issues in one year. But this was not due +entirely to the merits of the play. In its earliest version a +passage which an irritable courtier conceived to be derogatory to +his nation, the Scots, sent both Chapman and Jonson to jail; but +the matter was soon patched up, for by this time Jonson had +influence at court. + +With the accession of King James, Jonson began his long and +successful career as a writer of masques. He wrote more masques +than all his competitors together, and they are of an extraordinary +variety and poetic excellence. Jonson did not invent the masque; +for such premeditated devices to set and frame, so to speak, a +court ball had been known and practised in varying degrees of +elaboration long before his time. But Jonson gave dramatic value +to the masque, especially in his invention of the antimasque, a +comedy or farcical element of relief, entrusted to professional +players or dancers. He enhanced, as well, the beauty and dignity +of those portions of the masque in which noble lords and ladies +took their parts to create, by their gorgeous costumes and artistic +grouping and evolutions, a sumptuous show. On the mechanical and +scenic side Jonson had an inventive and ingenious partner in Inigo +Jones, the royal architect, who more than any one man raised the +standard of stage representation in the England of his day. Jonson +continued active in the service of the court in the writing of +masques and other entertainments far into the reign of King +Charles; but, towards the end, a quarrel with Jones embittered his +life, and the two testy old men appear to have become not only a +constant irritation to each other, but intolerable bores at court. +In "Hymenaei," "The Masque of Queens," "Love Freed from Ignorance," +"Lovers made Men," "Pleasure Reconciled to Virtue," and many more +will be found Jonson's aptitude, his taste, his poetry and +inventiveness in these by-forms of the drama; while in "The Masque +of Christmas," and "The Gipsies Metamorphosed" especially, is +discoverable that power ofbroad comedy which, at court as well as +in the city, was not the least element of Jonson's contemporary +popularity. + +But Jonson had by no means given up the popular stage when he +turned to the amusement of King James. In 1605 "Volpone" was +produced, "The Silent Woman" in 1609, "The Alchemist" in the +following year. These comedies, with "Bartholomew Fair," 1614, +represent Jonson at his height, and for constructive cleverness, +character successfully conceived in the manner of caricature, wit +and brilliancy of dialogue, they stand alone in English drama. +"Volpone, or the Fox," is, in a sense, a transition play from the +dramatic satires of the war of the theatres to the purer comedy +represented in the plays named above. Its subject is a struggle of +wit applied to chicanery; for among its 'dramatis personae', from +the villainous Fox himself, his rascally servant Mosca, Voltore +(the vulture), Corbaccio and Corvino (the big and the little +raven), to Sir Politic Would-be and the rest, there is scarcely a +virtuous character in the play. Question has been raised as to +whether a story so forbidding can be considered a comedy, for, +although the plot ends in the discomfiture and imprisonment of the +most vicious, it involves no moral catastrophe. But Jonson was on +sound historical ground, for "Volpone" is conceived far more +logically on the lines of the ancients' theory of comedy than was +ever the romantic drama of Shakespeare, however repulsive we may +find a philosophy of life that facilely divides the world into the +rogues and their dupes, and, identifying brains with roguery and +innocence with folly, admires the former while inconsistently +punishing them. + +"The Silent Woman" is a gigantic farce of the most ingenious +construction. The whole comedy hinges on a huge joke, played by a +heartless nephew on his misanthropic uncle, who is induced to take +to himself a wife, young, fair, and warranted silent, but who, in +the end, turns out neither silent nor a woman at all. In "The +Alchemist," again, we have the utmost cleverness in construction, +the whole fabric building climax on climax, witty, ingenious, and +so plausibly presented that we forget its departures from the +possibilities of life. In "The Alchemist" Jonson represented, none +the less to the life, certain sharpers of the metropolis, revelling +in their shrewdness and rascality and in the variety of the +stupidity and wickedness of their victims. We may object to the +fact that the only person in the play possessed of a scruple of +honesty is discomfited, and that the greatest scoundrel of all is +approved in the end and rewarded. The comedy is so admirably +written and contrived, the personages stand out with such lifelike +distinctness in their several kinds, and the whole is animated with +such verve and resourcefulness that "The Alchemist" is a new marvel +every time it is read. Lastly of this group comes the tremendous +comedy, "Bartholomew Fair," less clear cut, less definite, and less +structurally worthy of praise than its three predecessors, but full +of the keenest and cleverest of satire and inventive to a degree +beyond any English comedy save some other of Jonson's own. It is +in "Bartholomew Fair" that we are presented to the immortal +caricature of the Puritan, Zeal-in-the-Land Busy, and the +Littlewits that group about him, and it is in this extraordinary +comedy that the humour of Jonson, always open to this danger, +loosens into the Rabelaisian mode that so delighted King James in +"The Gipsies Metamorphosed." Another comedy of less merit is "The +Devil is an Ass," acted in 1616. It was the failure of this play +that caused Jonson to give over writing for the public stage for a +period of nearly ten years. + +"Volpone" was laid as to scene in Venice. Whether because of the +success of "Eastward Hoe" or for other reasons, the other three +comedies declare in the words of the prologue to "The Alchemist": + +"Our scene is London, 'cause we would make known +No country's mirth is better than our own." + + +Indeed Jonson went further when he came to revise his plays for +collected publication in his folio of 1616, he transferred the +scene of "Every Man in His Humou r" from Florence to London also, +converting Signior Lorenzo di Pazzi to Old Kno'well, Prospero to +Master Welborn, and Hesperida to Dame Kitely "dwelling i' the Old +Jewry." + +In his comedies of London life, despite his trend towards +caricature, Jonson has shown himself a genuine realist, drawing +from the life about him with an experience and insight rare in any +generation. A happy comparison has been suggested between Ben +Jonson and Charles Dickens. Both were men of the people, lowly +born and hardly bred. Each knew the London of his time as few men +knew it; and each represented it intimately and in elaborate +detail. Both men were at heart moralists, seeking the truth by the +exaggerated methods of humour and caricature; perverse, even +wrong-headed at times, but possessed of a true pathos and largeness +of heart, and when all has been said--though the Elizabethan ran to +satire, the Victorian to sentimentality--leaving the world better +for the art that they practised in it. + +In 1616, the year of the death of Shakespeare, Jonson collected his +plays, his poetry, and his masques for publication in a collective +edition. This was an unusual thing at the time and had been +attempted by no dramatist before Jonson. This volume published, in +a carefully revised text, all the plays thus far mentioned, +excepting "The Case is Altered," which Jonson did not acknowledge, +"Bartholomew Fair," and "The Devil is an Ass," which was written +too late. It included likewise a book of some hundred and thirty +odd 'Epigrams', in which form of brief and pungent writing Jonson +was an acknowledged master; "The Forest," a smaller collection of +lyric and occasional verse and some ten 'Masques' and +'Entertainments'. In this same year Jonson was made poet laureate +with a pension of one hundred marks a year. This, with his fees +and returns from several noblemen, and the small earnings of his +plays must have formed the bulk of his income. The poet appears to +have done certain literary hack-work for others, as, for example, +parts of the Punic Wars contributed to Raleigh's 'History of the +World'. We know from a story, little to the credit of either, that +Jonson accompanied Raleigh's son abroad in the capacity of a tutor. +In 1618 Jonson was granted the reversion of the office of Master of +the Revels, a post for which he was peculiarly fitted; but he did +not live to enjoy its perquisites. Jonson was honoured with +degrees by both universities, though when and under what +circumstances is not known. It has been said that he narrowly +escaped the honour of knighthood, which the satirists of the day +averred King James was wont to lavish with an indiscriminate hand. +Worse men were made knights in his day than worthy Ben Jonson. + +From 1616 to the close of the reign of King James, Jonson produced +nothing for the stage. But he "prosecuted" what he calls "his +wonted studies" with such assiduity that he became in reality, as +by report, one of the most learned men of his time. Jonson's +theory of authorship involved a wide acquaintance with books and +"an ability," as he put it, "to convert the substance or riches of +another poet to his own use." Accordingly Jonson read not only the +Greek and Latin classics down to the lesser writers, but he +acquainted himself especially with the Latin writings of his +learned contemporaries, their prose as well as their poetry, their +antiquities and curious lore as well as their more solid learning. +Though a poor man, Jonson was an indefatigable collector of books. +He told Drummond that "the Earl of Pembroke sent him £20 every +first day of the new year to buy new books." Unhappily, in 1623, +his library was destroyed by fire, an accident serio-comically +described in his witty poem, "An Execration upon Vulcan." Yet even +now a book turns up from time to time in which is inscribed, in +fair large Italian lettering, the name, Ben Jonson. With respect +to Jonson's use of his material, Dryden said memorably of him: +"[He] was not only a professed imitator of Horace, but a learned +plagiary of all the others; you track him everywhere in their snow. +. . . But he has done his robberies so openly that one sees he +fears not to be taxed by any law. He invades authors like a +monarch, and what would be theft in other poets is only victory in +him." And yet it is but fair to say that Jonson prided himself, +and justly, on his originality. In "Catiline," he not only uses +Sallust's account of the conspiracy, but he models some of the +speeches of Cicero on the Roman orator's actual words. In +"Poetaster," he lifts a whole satire out of Horace and dramatises +it effectively for his purposes. The sophist Libanius suggests the +situation of "The Silent Woman"; a Latin comedy of Giordano Bruno, +"Il Candelaio," the relation of the dupes and the sharpers in "The +Alchemist," the "Mostellaria" of Plautus, its admirable opening +scene. But Jonson commonly bettered his sources, and putting the +stamp of his sovereignty on whatever bullion he borrowed made it +thenceforward to all time current and his own. + +The lyric and especially the occasional poetry of Jonson has a +peculiar merit. His theory demanded design and the perfection of +literary finish. He was furthest from the rhapsodist and the +careless singer of an idle day; and he believed that Apollo could +only be worthily served in singing robes and laurel crowned. And +yet many of Jonson's lyrics will live as long as the language. Who +does not know "Queen and huntress, chaste and fair." "Drink to me +only with thine eyes," or "Still to be neat, still to be dressed"? +Beautiful in form, deft and graceful in expression, with not a word +too much or one that bears not its part in the total effect, there +is yet about the lyrics of Jonson a certain stiffness and +formality, a suspicion that they were not quite spontaneous and +unbidden, but that they were carved, so to speak, with +disproportionate labour by a potent man of letters whose habitual +thought is on greater things. It is for these reasons that Jonson +is even better in the epigram and in occasional verse where +rhetorical finish and pointed wit less interfere with the +spontaneity and emotion which we usually associate with lyrical +poetry. There are no such epitaphs as Ben Jonson's, witness the +charming ones on his own children, on Salathiel Pavy, the +child-actor, and many more; and this even though the rigid law of +mine and thine must now restore to William Browne of Tavistock the +famous lines beginning: "Underneath this sable hearse." Jonson is +unsurpassed, too, in the difficult poetry of compliment, seldom +falling into fulsome praise and disproportionate similtude, yet +showing again and again a generous appreciation of worth in others, +a discriminating taste and a generous personal regard. There was +no man in England of his rank so well known and universally beloved +as Ben Jonson. The list of his friends, of those to whom he had +written verses, and those who had written verses to him, includes +the name of every man of prominence in the England of King James. +And the tone of many of these productions discloses an affectionate +familiarity that speaks for the amiable personality and sound worth +of the laureate. In 1619, growing unwieldy through inactivity, +Jonson hit upon the heroic remedy of a journey afoot to Scotland. +On his way thither and back he was hospitably received at the +houses of many friends and by those to whom his friends had +recommended him. When he arrived in Edinburgh, the burgesses met +to grant him the freedom of the city, and Drummond, foremost of +Scottish poets, was proud to entertain him for weeks as his guest +at Hawthornden. Some of the noblest of Jonson's poems were +inspired by friendship. Such is the fine "Ode to the memory of Sir +Lucius Cary and Sir Henry Moryson," and that admirable piece of +critical insight and filial affection, prefixed to the first +Shakespeare folio, "To the memory of my beloved master, William +Shakespeare, and what he hath left us." to mention only these. Nor +can the earlier "Epode," beginning "Not to know vice at all," be +matchedin stately gravity and gnomic wisdom in its own wise and +stately age. + +But if Jonson had deserted the stage after the publication of his +folio and up to the end of the reign of King James, he was far from +inactive; for year after year his inexhaustible inventiveness +continued to contribute to the masquing and entertainment at court. +In "The Golden Age Restored," Pallas turns from the Iron Age with +its attendant evils into statues which sink out of sight; in +"Pleasure Reconciled to Virtue," Atlas figures represented as an +old man, his shoulders covered with snow, and Comus, "the god of +cheer or the belly," is one of the characters, a circumstance which +an imaginative boy of ten, named John Milton, was not to forget. +"Pan's Anniversary," late in the reign of James, proclaimed that +Jonson had not yet forgotten how to write exquisite lyrics, and +"The Gipsies Metamorphosed" displayed the old drollery and broad +humorous stroke still unimpaired and unmatchable. These, too, and +the earlier years of Charles were the days of the Apollo Room of +the Devil Tavern where Jonson presided, the absolute monarch of +English literary Bohemia. We hear of a room blazoned about with +Jonson's own judicious 'Leges Convivales' in letters of gold, of a +company made up of the choicest spirits of the time, devotedly +attached to their veteran dictator, his reminiscences, opinions, +affections, and enmities. And we hear, too, of valorous potations; +but in the words of Herrick addressed to his master, Jonson, at the +Devil Tavern, as at the Dog, the Triple Tun, and at the Mermaid, + + "We such clusters had + As made us nobly wild, not mad, + And yet each verse of thine + Outdid the meat, outdid the frolic wine." + + +But the patronage of the court failed in the days of King Charles, +though Jonson was not without royal favours; and the old poet +returned to the stage, producing, between 1625 and 1633, "The +Staple of News," "The New Inn," "The Magnetic Lady," and "The Tale +of a Tub," the last doubtless revised from a much earlier comedy. +None of these plays met with any marked success, although the +scathing generalisation of Dryden that designated them "Jonson's +dotages" is unfair to their genuine merits. Thus the idea of an +office for the gathering, proper dressing, and promulgation of news +(wild flight of the fancy in its time) was an excellent subject for +satire on the existing absurdities among the newsmongers; although +as much can hardly be said for "The Magnetic Lady," who, in her +bounty, draws to her personages of differing humours to reconcile +them in the end according to the alternative title, or "Humours +Reconciled." These last plays of the old dramatist revert to +caricature and the hard lines of allegory; the moralist is more +than ever present, the satire degenerates into personal lampoon, +especially of his sometime friend, Inigo Jones, who appears +unworthily to have used his influence at court against the +broken-down old poet. And now disease claimed Jonson, and he was +bedridden for months. He had succeeded Middleton in 1628 as +Chronologer to the City of London, but lost the post for not +fulfilling its duties. King Charles befriended him, and even +commissioned him to write still for the entertainment of the court; +and he was not without the sustaining hand of noble patrons and +devoted friends among the younger poets who were proud to be +"sealed of the tribe of Ben." + +Jonson died, August 6, 1637, and a second folio of his works, which +he had been some time gathering, was printed in 1640, bearing in +its various parts dates ranging from 1630 to 1642. It included all +the plays mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs, excepting "The +Case is Altered;" the masques, some fifteen, that date between 1617 +and 1630; another collection of lyrics and occasional poetry called +"Underwoods, including some further entertainments; a translation +of "Horace's Art of Poetry" (also published in a vicesimo quarto in +1640), and certain fragments and ingatherings which the poet would +hardly have included himself. These last comprise the fragment +(less than seventy lines) of a tragedy called "Mortimer his Fall," +and three acts of a pastoral drama of much beauty and poetic +spirit, "The Sad Shepherd." There is also the exceedingly +interesting 'English Grammar' "made by Ben Jonson for the benefit +of all strangers out of his observation of the English language now +spoken and in use," in Latin and English; and 'Timber, or +discoveries' "made upon men and matter as they have flowed out of +his daily reading, or had their reflux to his peculiar notion of +the times." The 'Discoveries', as it is usually called, is a +commonplace book such as many literary men have kept, in which +their reading was chronicled, passages that took their fancy +translated or transcribed, and their passing opinions noted. Many +passage of Jonson's 'Discoveries' are literal translations from the +authors he chanced to be reading, with the reference, noted or not, +as the accident of the moment prescribed. At times he follows the +line of Macchiavelli's argument as to the nature and conduct of +princes; at others he clarifies his own conception of poetry and +poets by recourse to Aristotle. He finds a choice paragraph on +eloquence in Seneca the elder and applies it to his own +recollection of Bacon's power as an orator; and another on facile +and ready genius, and translates it, adapting it to his +recollection of his fellow-playwright, Shakespeare. To call such +passages--which Jonson never intended for publication--plagiarism, +is to obscure the significance of words. To disparage his memory +by citing them is a preposterous use of scholarship. Jonson's +prose, both in his dramas, in the descriptive comments of his +masques, and in the 'Discoveries', is characterised by clarity and +vigorous directness, nor is it wanting in a fine sense of form or +in the subtler graces of diction. + +When Jonson died there was a project for a handsome monument to his +memory. But the Civil War was at hand, and the project failed. A +memorial, not insufficient, was carved on the stone covering his +grave in one of the aisles of Westminster Abbey: + +"O rare Ben Jonson." + + +FELIX E. SCHELLING. + +THE COLLEGE, PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A. + +The following is a complete list of his published works:-- + +DRAMAS. -- + Every Man in his Humour, 4to, 1601; + The Case is Altered, 4to, 1609; + Every Man out of his Humour, 4to, 1600; + Cynthia's Revels, 4to, 1601; + Poetaster, 4to, 1602; + Sejanus, 4to, 1605; + Eastward Ho (with Chapman and Marston), 4to, 1605; + Volpone, 4to, 1607; + Epicoene, or the Silent Woman, 4to, 1609 (?), fol., 1616; + The Alchemist, 4to, 1612; + Catiline, his Conspiracy, 4to, 1611; + Bartholomew Fayre, 4to, 1614 (?), fol., 1631; + The Divell is an Asse, fol., 1631; + The Staple of Newes, fol., 1631; + The New Sun, 8vo, 1631, fol., 1692; + The Magnetic Lady, or Humours Reconcild, fol., 1640; + A Tale of a Tub, fol., 1640; + The Sad Shepherd, or a Tale of Robin Hood, fol., 1641; + Mortimer his Fall (fragment), fol., 1640. + + +To Jonson have also been attributed additions to Kyd's Jeronymo, +and collaboration in The Widow with Fletcher and Middleton, and in +the Bloody Brother with Fletcher. + +POEMS. -- + Epigrams, The Forrest, Underwoods, published in fols., 1616, + 1640; + Selections: Execration against Vulcan, and Epigrams, 1640; + G. Hor. Flaccus his art of Poetry, Englished by Ben Jonson, + 1640; + Leges Convivialis, fol., 1692. + Other minor poems first appeared in Gifford's edition of Works. + +PROSE. -- + Timber, or Discoveries made upon Men and Matter, fol., 1641; + The English Grammar, made by Ben Jonson for the benefit of + Strangers, fol., 1640. + +Masques and Entertainments were published in the early folios. + +WORKS. -- + Fol., 1616, vol. 2, 1640 (1631-41); + fol., 1692, 1716-19, 1729; + edited by P. Whalley, 7 vols., 1756; + by Gifford (with Memoir), 9 vols., 1816, 1846; + re-edited by F. Cunningham, 3 vols., 1871; + in 9 vols., 1875; + by Barry Cornwall (with Memoir), 1838; + by B. Nicholson (Mermaid Series), + with Introduction by C. H. Herford, 1893, etc.; + Nine Plays, 1904; ed. H. C. Hart (Standard Library), 1906, etc; + Plays and Poems, with Introduction by H. Morley (Universal + Library), 1885; + Plays (7) and Poems (Newnes), 1905; + Poems, with Memoir by H. Bennett (Carlton Classics), 1907; + Masques and Entertainments, ed. by H. Morley, 1890. +SELECTIONS. -- + J. A. Symonds, with Biographical and Critical Essay, + (Canterbury Poets), 1886; + Grosart, Brave Translunary Things, 1895; + Arber, Jonson Anthology, 1901; + Underwoods, Cambridge University Press, 1905; + Lyrics (Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher), the Chap Books, + No. 4, 1906; + Songs (from Plays, Masques, etc.), with earliest known setting, + Eragny Press, 1906. + + +LIFE. -- + See Memoirs affixed to Works; + J. A. Symonds (English Worthies), 1886; + Notes of Ben Jonson Conversations with Drummond of Hawthornden; + Shakespeare Society, 1842; + ed. with Introduction and Notes by P. Sidney, 1906; + Swinburne, A Study of Ben Jonson, 1889. + + + SEJANUS: HIS FALL + 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, suffered 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: +for this hath outlived 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 + + +THE following and voluntary labours 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. In the mean time, 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 shew 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, 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, etc., 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 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, etc., 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 smothered +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 further and more insolent +projects, even the ambition of the empire; where finding the lets +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 hearkening 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, 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 him from his guards, and with a +long doubtful letter, one day hath him suspected, accused, +condemned, and torn in pieces by the rage of the people. + + + + + DRAMATIS PERSONAE + + TIBERIUS. HATERIUS. + DRUSUS SENIOR. SANQUINIUS. + NERO. POMPONIUS. + DRUSUS JUNIOR. JULIUS POSTHUMUS. + CALIGULA. FULCINIUS TRIO. + LUCIUS ARRUNTIUS. MINUTIUS. + CAIUS SILIUS. SATRIUS SECUNDUS. + TITIUS SABINUS. PINNARIUS NATTA. + MARCUS LEPIDUS. OPSIUS. + CREMUTIUS CORDUS. Tribuni. + ASINIUS GALLUS. Praecones. + REGULUS. Flamen. + TERENTIUS. Tubicines. + GRACINUS LACO. Nuntius. + EUDEMUS. Lictores. + RUFUS. Minisri. + SEJANUS. Tibicines. + LATIARIS. Servi etc. + VARRO. + SERTORIUS MACRO. AGRIPPINA. + COTTA. LIVIA. + DOMITIUS AFER. SOSIA. + + + + SCENE,-ROME + + + ACT I + + SCENE I.-A State Room in the Palace. + + Enter SABINUS and SILIUS, followed by LATIARIS. + +Sab. Hail, Caius Silius! + +Sil. Titius Sabinus, hail! You're rarely met in court. + +Sab. Therefore, well met. + +Sil.'Tis true: indeed, this place is not our sphere. + +Sab. + No, Silius, we are no good inginers. + We want their fine arts, and their thriving use + Should make us graced, 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 + We did by slavery, not by service climb. + We are no guilty men, and then no great; + We have no place in court, office In state, + That we can say, we owe unto our crimes: + We burn with no black secrets, which can make + 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 + A pair that do. + +Sab. [salutes Latiaris.] Good cousin Latiaris.--- + +Sil. + Satrius Secundus, and Pinnarius Natta, + The great Sejanus' clients: there be two, + Know more than honest counsels; whose close breasts, + Were they ripp'd up to light, it would be found + A poor and idle sin, to which their trunks + Had not been made fit organs. These can lie, + Flatter, and swear, forswear, deprave, inform, + Smile, and betray; make guilty men; then beg + The forfeit lives, to get their livings; cut + Men's throats with whisperings; 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; + Observe him, as his watch observes his clock; + And, true, as turquoise in the dear lord's ring, + Look well or ill with him: 6 ready to praise + His lordship, if he spit, or but p--- fair, + Have an indifferent stool, or break wind well; + Nothing can 'scape their catch. + +Sab. + Alas! these things + Deserve no note, conferr'd with other vile + And filthier flatteries, that corrupt the times; + When, not alone our gentries chief are fain + To make their safety from such sordid acts; + But all our consuls, and no little part + Of such as have been praetors, yea, the most + Of senators, that else not use their voices, + Start up in public senate and there strive + Who shall propound most abject things, and base. + So much, as oft Tuberous hath been heard, + Leaving the court, to cry, O race of men; + Prepared for servitude!---which shew'd that he. + Who least the public liberty could like, + As lothly brook'd their flat servility. + +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, + 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: every minist'ring spy + That will accuse and swear, is lord of you, + Of me, of all our fortunes and our lives. + Our looks are call'd to question, and our words, + How innocent soever, are made crimes; + We shall not shortly dare to tell our dreams, + Or think, but 'twill be treason. Sab. Tyrants' arts + Are to give flatterers grace; accusers, power; + That those may seem to kill whom they devour. + + Enter CORDUS and ARRUNTIUS. + + Now, good Cremutius Cordus + +Cor. [salutes Sabinus] Hail to your lordship! + +Nat. [whispers Latiaris.] Who's that salutes your cousin? + +Lat. + 'Tis one Cordus, + A gentleman of Rome: one that has writ + Annals of late, they say, and very well. + +Nat. Annals! of what times? + +Lat. + I think of Pompey's, + And Caius Caesar's; and so down to these. + +Nat. + How stands he affected to the present state! + Is he or Drusian, or Germanic, + Or ours, or neutral? + +Lat. I know him not so far. + +Nat. + Those times are somewhat queasy to be touch'd. + 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 + Are not the same, Arruntius. + +Arr. + Times! the men, + The men are not the same: 'tis we are base, + Poor, and degenerate from the exalted strain + Of our great fathers. Where is now the soul + Of god-like Cato? he, that durst be good, + 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 + That sought unkindly to captive his country? + O, they are fled the light! Those mighty spirits + Lie raked up with their ashes in their urns, + And not a spark of their eternal fire + Glows in a present bosom. All's but blaze, + Flashes and smoke, wherewith we labour so, + There's nothing Roman in us; nothing good, + Gallant, or great: 'tis true that Cordus says, + "Brave Cassius was the last of all that race." + + Drusus passes over the stage, attended by HATERIUS, etc. + +Sab. Stand by! lord Drusus. + +Hat. The emperor's son! give place. + +Sil. I like the prince well. + +Arr. + A riotous youth; + 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, + Than doth his father lose. Believe me, + I love him; And chiefly for opposing to Sejanus. + +Sil. + And I, for gracing his young kinsmen so, + The sons of prince Germanicus: it shews + A gallant clearness in him, a straight mind, + That envies not, in them, their father's name. + +Arr. + His name was, while he lived, above all envy; + And, being dead, without it. O, that man! + If there were seeds of the old virtue left, + They lived in him. + +Sil. + He had the fruits, Arruntius, + More than the seeds: 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, + Than men, in nature; of a body as fair + As was his mind; and no less reverend + In face, than fame: he could so use his state, + Tempering his greatness with his gravity, + As it avoided all self-love in him, + And spite in others. What his funerals lack'd + In images and pomp, they had supplied + With honourable sorrow, soldiers' sadness, + A kind of silent mourning, such, as men, + Who know no tears, but from their captives, use + To shew in so great losses. + +Cor. + I thought once, + Considering their forms, age, manner of deaths, + The nearness of the places where they fell, + To have parallel'd him with great Alexander: + For both were of best feature, of high race, + 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, + 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, + That more did speak him: Pompey's dignity, + The innocence of Cato, Caesar's spirit, + Wise Brutus' temperance; and every virtue, + Which, parted unto others, gave them name, + Flow'd mix'd in him. He was the soul of goodness; + And all our praises of him are like streams + Drawn from a spring, that still rise full, and leave + The part remaining greatest. + +Arr. + I am sure + He was too great for us, and that they knew + Who did remove him hence. + +Sab. + When men grow fast + Honour'd and loved. there is a trick in state, + 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, + Where they may purge and lessen; so was he: + 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 + To his commands; and work to put him out + In open act of treason. All which snares + When his wise cares prevented, a fine poison + Was thought on, to mature their practices. + + Enter SEJANUS talking to TERENTIUS, + followed by SATRlUS, NATTA, etc. + +Cor. Here comes Sejanus. + +Sil. + Now observe the stoops, + The bendings, and the falls. + +Arr. Most creeping base! + +Sej. [to Natta.] I note them 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 lordship, + It is Eudemus, the physician + 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. + +Sej. Livia's physician, say you, is that fellow? + +Sat. It is, my lord: Your lordship's answer. + +Sej. + To what? + +Sat. + The place, my lord. 'Tis 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. + 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 + Of grovelling 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, + Betray their cause of living. + +Sil. + Nothing so. + Sejanus can repair, if Jove should ruin. + He is now the court god; and well applied + With sacrifice of knees, of crooks, and cringes; + He will do more than all the house of heaven + Can, for a thousand hecatombs. 'Tis he + Makes us our day, or night; hell, and elysium + Are in his look: we talk of Rhadamanth, + Furies, and firebrands; but it is his frown + 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' trencher, when for hire + He prostituted his abused body + To that great gormond, fat Apicius; + And was the noted pathic of the time. + +Sab. + And, now, the second face of the whole world! + The partner of the empire, hath his image + Rear'd equal with Tiberius, born in ensigns; + Commands, disposes every dignity, + 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 + Made him a strength too, strangely, by reducing + All the praetorian bands into one camp, + Which he commands: pretending that the soldiers, + By living loose and scatter'd, fell to riot; + And that if any sudden enterprise + Should be attempted, their united strength + Would be far more than sever'd; and their life + More strict, if from the city more removed. + +Sab. + Where, now, he builds what kind of forts he please, + Is heard to court the soldier by his name, + Woos, feasts the chiefest men of action, + Whose wants, not loves, compel them to be his. + And though he ne'er were liberal by kind, + Yet to his own dark ends, he's most profuse, + Lavish, and letting fly, he cares not what + 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 emperor. + +Arr. + The name Tiberius, + I hope, will keep, howe'er he hath foregone + 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: too many-ha? for him + To have a plot upon! + +Sab. + I do not know + 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 + I'd hurl his panting brain about the air + In mites, as small as atomi, to undo + The knotted bed- + +Sab. You are observ'd, Arruntius. + +Arr. [turns to Natta, Terentius, etc.] + Death! I dare tell him so; and all his spies: + You, sir, I would, do you look? and you. + +Sab. Forbear. + + + + SCENE ll. + + (The former scene continued.) + A Gallery discovered opening into the state Room. + Enter SATRIUS with EUDEMUS. + +Sat. + Here he will instant be: let's walk a turn; + You're in a muse, Eudemus. + +Eud. + Not I, sir. + I wonder he should mark me out so! well, + Jove and Apollo form it for the best. [Aside. + +Bat. + Your fortune's made unto you now, Eudemus, + If you can but lay bold 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? + 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, + Who is 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. + +Sej. You minister to a royal lady, then. + +Eud. She is, my, lord, and fair. + +Sej. + That's understood + Of all her sex, who are or would be so; + And those that would be, physic soon can make them: + For those that are, their beauties fear no colours. + +Eud. Your lordship is conceited. + +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. + 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 increased; what action caused that; + What passion that: and answer to each point + That you will put them? + +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, + To ladies' privacies. Faith, which of these + Is the most pleasant lady in her physic? + Come, you are modest now. + +Eud. 'Tis fit, my lord. + +Sej. + Why, sir, I do not-ask you of their urines, + Whose smell's most violet, or whose siege is best, + 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, + That might, perhaps, have put your gravity + To some defence of blush. But, I enquired, + Which was the wittiest, merriest, wantonnest? H + armless intergatories, but conceits.--- + Methinks Augusta should be most perverse, + And froward in her fit. + +Eud. She's so, my lord. + +Sej. I knew it: and Mutilia the most jocund. + +Eud. 'Tis 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, + And will have strange thoughts, when she is at leisure: + She tells them 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, + 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, + 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, + 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: + Should she suspect your faith; I would you could + Tell me as much from her; see if my brain + Could be turn'd jealous. + +Eud. + Happily, my lord, + I could in time tell you as much and more; + So I might safely promise but the first + 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, + 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. + 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, + Magistral syrups, or--- Be gone, my friend, + Not barely styled, but created so; + 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, + 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. +Tib. [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. + +Sej. How like a god speaks Caesar! + +Arr. + 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! + +Oar. He did not hear it, sir. + +Arr. + 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. + +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 + Or lord, or mighty, who profess ourself + The servant of the senate, and are proud + T' enjoy them our good, just, and favouring lords. + +Car. Rarely dissembled! + +Arr. Prince-like to the life. + +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. [Lat. gives him letters. + Whence these? + +Lat. From thence too. + +Tib. Are they sitting now? + +Lat. They stay thy answer, Caesar. + +Sil. + If this man + Had but a mind allied unto his words, + How blest a fate were it to us, and Rome! + We could not think that state for which to change, + Although the aim were our old liberty: + The ghosts of those that fell for that, would grieve + Their bodies lived not, now, again to serve. + Men are deceived, who 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. + 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, + As, dead to virtue, he permits himself + Be carried like a pitcher by the ears, + To every act of vice: this is the case + Deserves our fear, and doth presage the nigh + And close approach of blood and tyranny. + 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 + With fools and blind men: we that know the evil, + Should hunt the palace-rats or give them bane; + Fright hence these worse than ravens, that devour T + he quick, where they but prey upon the dead: + He shall be told it. + +Sab. + Stay, Arruntius, + 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, + (Say not, but I do call upon thee now,) + +Sil. 'Tis 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, + Whom they, out of their bounty, have instructed + With so dilate 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 + The senate just, and favouring lords unto us, + Since their free loves do yield no less defence + To 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 than stay + Behind their wills: 'tis empire to obey, + Where such, so great, so grave, so good determine. + Yet, for the suit of Spain, to erect a temple + In honour of our mother and our self, + 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 + In these brief reasons, with our after purpose. + Since deified Augustus hindered not + A temple to be built at Pergamum, + In honour of himself and sacred Rome; + We, that have all his deeds and words observed + Ever, in place of laws, the rather follow'd + That pleasing precedent, because with ours, + The senate's reverence, also, there was join'd. + But as, t' have once received it, may deserve + The gain of pardon; so, to be adored + With the continued style, and note of gods, + Through all the provinces, were wild ambition. + And no less pride: yea, even Augustus' name + Would early vanish, should it be profaned + 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: 'twere glory enough, + Could we be truly a prince. And, they shall add + Abounding grace unto our memory, + 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, + The fairest, and most during imagery: + 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 + Make here our suit, alike to gods and men; + The one, until the period of our race, + To inspire us with a free and quiet mind, + Discerning both divine and human laws; + The other, to vouchsafe us after death, + An honourable mention, and fair praise, + To 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 + They should, without being satisfied, pursue: + Contempt of fame begets contempt of virtue. + +Nat. Rare! + +Bat. Most divine! + +Sej. + The oracles are ceased, + That only Caesar, with their tongue, might speak. + +Arr. Let me be gone: most felt and open this! + +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 for our mother's health, + We will the senate know, we fairly like: + 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 the other isle Cithera, at the suit + Of his religious sister, much commends + Their policy, so temper'd with their mercy. + But for the honours which they have decreed + To our Sejanus, to advance his statue + In Pompey's theatre, (whose ruining fire + His vigilance and labour kept restrain'd + In that one loss,) they have therein out-gone + Their own great wisdoms, by their skilful choice, + And placing of their bounties on a man, + Whose merit more adorns the dignity, + 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 + With offering at thy praise, for more we cannot, + Since there's no voice can take 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. + 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: + Our loves unto the senate. + [Exeunt Tib., Sejan., Natta, Hat., Lat., 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, + 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 + 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, entered once, there never wants or means, + Or ministers, to help the aspirer on. + +Arr. True, gallant Drusus. + +Dru. + We must shortly pray + To Modesty, that he will rest contented--- + +Arr. + Ay, where he is, and not write emperor. + + Re-enter SEJANUS, SATBIUS, LATIARIS, Clients, etc. +Sej. + There is your bill, and yours; bring you your man. + [To Satrius. + I have moved 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! + +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 bravery fitter for a grave, + Than for a triumph. I'll advance a statue + 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 moved, can bear it through + 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 late, I'll now pursue, + As my fell justice: this hath styled it new. [Exit. + + + + + ACT II + SCENE I.---The Garden of EUDEMUS. + Enter SEJANUS, LIVIA, and 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, + 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 + As the most apt and able 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, + 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 the undertaking, with some labour'd art. + +Sej. Is he ambitious? + +Liv. No. + +Sej. Or covetous? + +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 loved you long, and with that height + 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 + 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 + 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 + Be dimm'd with glory of a brighter beam: + When Agrippina's fires are quite extinct, + And the scarce-soon Tiberius borrows all + His little light from us, whose folded arms + Shall make one perfect orb. [Knocking within.] + Who's that! Eudemus, Look. [Exit Eudemus.] + 'Tis 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 + The emperor hath sent for you. + +Sej. + O! where is he? + With your fair leave, dear princess, I'll but ask + A question and return. [Exit. + +Eud. + 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 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 to-day? + +Eud. + Excellent clear, believe it. This same fucus + Was well laid on. + +Liv. Methinks 'tis here not white. + +Eud. + 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. + +Liv. Nay, now you've made it worse. + +Eud. + 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. + +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. + +Eud. + I like this study to preserve the love + Of such a man, that comes not every hour + To greet the world.-'Tis now well, lady, you should + Use of the dentifrice I prescribed you too, + To clear your teeth, and the prepared 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, + The trouble of his bed, and your delights, + Fair Apicata, and made spacious room + To your new pleasures. + +Liv. + Have not we return'd + That with our hate to Drusus, and discovery + Of all his counsels? + +Eud. + Yes, and wisely, lady. + The ages that succeed, and stand far off + To gaze at your high prudence, shall admire, + And reckon it an act without your sex: + It hath that rare appearance. Some will think + Your fortune could not yield a deeper sound, + Than mix'd 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, + The often iterating of Sejanus: + They then will lose their thoughts, and be ashamed + To take acquaintance of them. + Be-enter SEJANUS. +Sej. + I must make + A rude departure, lady: Caesar sends + 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: + 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 your words. Farewell. + Yet, this Remember for your heed, he loves you not; + 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 shew. + [Exit Sejanus. + +Eud. When will you take some physic, lady? + +Liv. + When + I shall, Eudemus: but let Drusus' drug + Be first prepared. + +Eud. + Were Lygdus made, that's done; + I have it ready. And to-morrow morning + I'll send you a perfume, first to resolve + And procure sweat, and then prepare a bath + To cleanse and clear the cutis; 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, + 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 prescribed you better + 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.---An Apartment in the Palace. + Enter SEJANUS. + +Sej. + If this be not revenge, when I have done + And made it perfect, let Egyptian slaves, + Parthians, and bare-foot Hebrews brand my face, + And print my body full of injuries. + Thou lost thyself, child Drusus, when thou thoughtst + 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 provoked, and this thy father's house + Crack in the flame of my incensed rage, + 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 + Shall e'er approve, nor yet keep silent: things + That for their cunning, close, 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 heaven drop sulphur, and hell belch out fire, + Laugh at the idle terrors; tell proud Jove, + Between his power and thine there is no odds: + 'Twas 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. + [Exeunt Attendants. + Sit down, my comfort. When the master prince + Of all the world, Sejanus, saith he fears, Is it not fatal? + +Sewj. Yes, to those are fear'd. + +Tib. And not to him? + +Sej. + Not, if he wisely turn + 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 is enough to make the act just, them guilty. + +Tib. Long hate pursues such acts. + +Sej. + Whom hatred frights, + Let him not dream of sovereignty. + +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 any thing, but fear; + All the command of sceptres quite doth perish, + If it begin religious thoughts to cherish: + Whole empires fall, sway'd by those nice respects; + It is the license of dark deeds protects + 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, + Or else my thought, my sense, or both do err: + 'Tis 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 + With his close death, if not revenge the same. + +Tib. The act's not known. + +Sej. + Not proved: but whispering Fame + Knowledge and proof doth to the jealous give, + Who, than to fail, would their own thought believe. + It is not safe, the children draw long breath, + 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 For him to punish. + +Tib. Do they purpose it? + +Sej. + You know, sir, thunder speaks not till it hit. + Be not secure; none swiftlier are opprest, + Than they whom confidence betrays to rest. + Let not your daring make your danger such: + All power is to be fear'd, where 'tis 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, + 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, + 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. + 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, + And puffing hopes of her aspiring sons; + Who, with these hourly ticklings, grow so pleased, + 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 + More than competitors, 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. + Caesar, 'tis 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 + 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, + Their titles, feasts, and factions. + +Sej. + Or your state. + But how, sir, will you work! + +Tib. Confine them. + +Sej. + No. + 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; + For such, who know the weight of prince's 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; + Where guilt is, rage and courage both abound. + The course must be, to let them still swell up, + Riot, and surfeit on blind fortune's cup; + Give them more place, more dignities, more style, + Call them to court, to senate; in the while, + Take from their strength some one or twain, or more, + Of the main factors, (it will fright the store,) + And, by some by-occasion. Thus, with slight + You shall disarm them first; and they, in night + Of their ambition, not perceive the train, + Till in the engine they are caught and slain. + +Tib. + We would not kill, if we knew how to save; + Yet, than a throne, 'tis cheaper give a grave. + Is there no way to bind them by deserts? + +Sej. + Sir, wolves do change their hair, but not their hearts. + While thus your thought unto a mean is tied, + You neither dare enough, nor do provide. + All modesty is fond: and chiefly where + The subject is no less compell'd to bear, + Than praise his sovereign's acts. + +Tib. + We can no longer + Keep on our mask to thee, our dear Sejanus; + Thy thoughts are ours, in all, and we but proved + Their voice, in our designs, which by assenting + Hath more confirm'd us, than if beart'ning Jove + Had, from his hundred statues, bid us strike, + And at the stroke click'd 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 + 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, + Command them stand aloof, and give more way + To our surprising of the principal. + +Tib. But what, Sabinus? + +Sej. + Let him grow a while, + His fate is not yet ripe: we must not pluck + At all together, lest we catch ourselves. + 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 + To gather notes of the precedent times, + And make them into Annals; a most tart + And bitter spirit, I hear; who, under colour + Of praising those, doth tax the present state, + Censures the men, the actions, leaves no trick, + No practice unexamined, 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, + That laws and liberty would not rather choose + To be quite broken, and ta'en hence by us, + Than have the stain to be preserved by such. + Have we the means to make these guilty first? + + +Sej. + Trust that to me: let Caesar, by his power + 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 + Than rashness can be. Acts of this close kind + Thrive more by execution than advice. + There is no lingering in that work begun, + Which cannot praised be, until through done. + +Tib. + Our edicts shall forthwith command a court. + While I can live, I will prevent earth's fury: + [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, + Or talk in character; I have not seen + A company so changed. 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, Furmus, and Gallus. + +Sej. Would not these talk? + +Pos. + Little: + And yet we offer'd choice of argument. Satrius was with me. + +Sej. + Well: 'tis guilt enough + Their often meeting. You forgot to extol + The hospitable lady? + +Pas. + No; that trick + 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, + And, by your kindest friend, get swift access; + Acquaint her with these meetings: tell the words + You brought me the other day, of Silius, + Add somewhat to them. Make her understand + The danger of Sabinus, and the times, + 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, + And threatens Caesar. Pray Augusta then, + That for her own, great Caesar's, and the public + safety, she be pleased to urge these dangers. + Caesar is too secure, he must be told, + And best he'll take it from a mother's tongue. + Alas! what is't for us to sound, to 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 + Supinely negligent? our city's now + Divided as in time o' the civil war, + And men forbear not to declare themselves + Of Agrippina's party. Every day + The faction multiplies; and will do more, + 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, + 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 + 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 enter'd, + He doth not easily learn to stop, or spare + 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, + 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, too unreproved a chastity, + To be attempted, as light Livia was. + Work then, my art, on Caesar's fears, as they + On those they fear 'till all my lets 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, + By making him the public sacrifice. [Exit. + + + SCENE III.-A Room in AGRIPPINA'S House. + Enter SATRlUS and 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 desired + That are more silent. + +Nat. Here he comes. Away. [Exeunt. + + Enter SABINUS, ARRUNTIUS, and CORDUS + +Sab. + How is it, that these beagles haunt the house + Of Agrippina? + +Arr. + O, they hunt, they hunt! + There is some game here lodged, 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 + 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! + 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 Tyber! him I love, + That man is mine; he hath my heart and voice + When I would curse! he, he. + +Sub. + Contemn the slaves, + Their present lives will be their future graves. [Exeunt + + + SCENE IV.-Another Apartment in the same. + Enter SILIUS, AGRIPPINA, NERO, and 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 + 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 + Travails withal, in honour of your house; + Which act, as it is simply born in her, + Partakes of love and honesty; but may, + By the over-often, and unseason'd use, + Turn to your loss and danger: for your state + 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 + Of every person there, they do extract, + And make into a substance. + +Agr. + Hear me, Silius. + Were all Tiberius' body stuck with eyes, + And every wall and hanging in my house + Transparent, AS this lawn I wear, or air; + 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 + Shew ever noblest in conspicuous courses. + +Sil. + 'Tis great, and bravely spoken, like the spirit + Of Agrippina: yet, your highness knows, + There is nor loss nor shame in providence; + Few can, what all should do, beware enough. + You may perceive with what officious face, + Satrius, and Natta, Afer, and the rest. + Visit your house, of late, to enquire the secrets; + And with what bold and privileged art, they rail + Against Augusta, yea, and at Tiberius; + Tell tricks of Livia, and Sejanus; all + To 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 + Some subtle practice. They that durst to strike + At so exampless, and unblamed a life, + As that of the renowned Germanicus, + Will not sit down with that exploit alone: + He threatens many that hath injured one. + +Nero. + 'Twere best rip forth their tongues, sear out their eyes. + 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. + +Sil. + Thinks! if it be arrived at that, he knows, + Or none. + +Agr. 'Tis 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 + Given o' the face. + +Nero. Ay, to Sejanus. + +Sil. True! + +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 [sir], at a physician's, + And a wife turn'd away. + +Nero. Ha! + +Sil. + Toys, mere toys: + What wisdom's now in th' streets, in the common mouth? + +Dru. fun. + Fears, whisperings, 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, I + To visit the sick prince; tender your loves, + 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. + + + + ACT III SCENE I.-The Senate-House + Enter Praenes, Lictores, SEJANUS, VARRO, LATIARIS, COTTA, and AFER + +Sej. + 'Tis 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 + Between your father and his, may better do it, + As free from all suspicion of a practice. + 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 + To take him unprepared. + +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 + 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. + Our ignorance may, perchance, help us be saved + From whips and furies. + +Gall. 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, + They must be seen to flatter Caesar's grief, + Though but in sitting. + +Var. Bid us silence. + +Prae. Silence! + +Var. + Fathers conseript, may this our present meeting, + Turn fair, and fortunate to the common-wealth! + Enter SILIUS, and other Senators. +Sej. See, Silius enters. + +Sil. Hail, grave fathers! + +Lic. + Stand. + Silius, forbear thy place. + +Ben. 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 accused! sure he will answer nobly. + Enter TIBERIUS, attended. +Tib. + We stand amazed, fathers, to behold + This general dejection. Wherefore sit + Rome's consuls thus dissolved, 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: + 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, + Inspired with comforts, lothly are endured, + The face of men not seen, and scarce the day, + To thousands that communicate our loss. + Nor can I argue these of weakness; since + They take but natural ways; yet I must seek + For stronger aids, and those fair helps draw out + From warm embraces of the common-wealth. + Our mother, great Augusta, 's 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, + 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. + I would present them to the senate's care, + And raise those suns 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 Sphynx. + +Sab. The princes come. + Enter NERO, and 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 had proper issue of his own, + He would no less bring up, and foster these, + 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, + 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, + As all your good, or ill's the common-wealth'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, + 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 + 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. + +Arr. + If this were true now! but the space, the space + Between the breast and lips---Tiberius' heart + Lies a thought further than another man's. [Aside. + +Tib. + My comforts are so flowing in my joys, + As, in them, all my streams of grief are lost, + 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. Well acted, Caesar. [Aside. + +Tib. + And now I am the happy witness made + Of your so much desired affections + To this great issue, I could wish, the + Fates Would here set peaceful period to my days; + However to my labours, I entreat, + And beg it of this senate, some fit ease. + +Arr. Laugh, fathers, laugh: have you no spleens about you? + [Aside. +Tib. + The burden is too heavy I sustain + On my unwilling shoulders; and I pray + It may be taken off, and reconferred + Upon the consuls, or some other Roman, + More able, and more worthy. + +Arr. Laugh on still. [Aside. + +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 any thing, + 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 should but the court + Receive him at his word. + +Gal. Hear! + +Tib. + For myself + I know my weakness, and so little covet, + Like some gone past, the weight that will oppress me, + As my ambition is the counter-point. + +Arr. Finely maintained; 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, + Cannot admit it but with general ruin. + +Arr. Ah! are you there to bring him off? [Aside. + +Sej. + Let Caesar + No more then urge a point so contrary + To Caesar's greatness, the grieved senate's vows, + Or Rome's necessity. + +Gal. He comes about--- + +Arr. More nimbly than Vertumnus. + +Tib. + For the publick, + I may he drawn to shew 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. + +Arr. You must and will, sir. We do know it. [Aside. + +Senators. + Caesar, + Live long and happy, great and royal Caesar; + The gods preserve thee and thy modesty, + Thy wisdom and thy innocence + +Arr. + Where is't? + The prayer is made before the subject. [Aside. + +Senators. + Guard + His meekness, Jove; his piety, his care, + His bounty--- + +Arr. + And his subtility, I'll put in: + Yet he'll keep that himself, without the gods. + All prayers are vain for him. [Aside. +Tib. + We will not hold + Your patience, fathers, with long answer; but + Shall still contend to be what you desire, + And work to satisfy so great a hope. + Proceed to your affairs. + +Arr. + Now, Silius, guard thee; + The curtain's drawing. Afer advanceth. [Aside. + +Prae. Silence! + +Afer. Cite Caius Silius. + +Prae. Caius Silius! + +Sil. Here. + +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 envied thee; nor would Caesar, + Or Rome admit, that thou wert then defrauded + Of any honours thy deserts could claim, + In the fair service of the common-wealth: + 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, + Thou hast defiled 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 + 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? + +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? [Aside. + +Var. + 'Tis I accuse thee, Silius. + Against the majesty of Rome, and Caesar, + 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, + Only to make thy entertainment more. + Whilst thou, and thy wife Sosia, poll'd 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. + +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 against him; + 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 + My day of trial? Is he my accuser, + 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 infringed, + By whose deep watches, and industrious care + It is so labour'd, as the common-wealth + 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; + But only to 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. + 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. + +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 more? + +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, + 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, + Hadst thou not Crease'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, + 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, + Alas! I scent not your confederacies, + 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, + 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, + Whose justice not a world of wolf-turn'd men + Shall make me to accuse, howe'er provoked; + Have I for this so oft engaged myself? + Stood in the heat and fervour of a fight, + When Phoebus sooner hath forsook the day + Than I the field, against the blue-eyed 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 charged, alone, into the troops + 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, + 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, + 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 thine + Remain'd in their obedience. Thou wert he + That saved the empire, which had then been lost + Had but thy legions, there, rebell'd, or mutined; + Thy virtue met, and fronted every peril. + Thou gav'st to Caesar, and to Rome their surety; + Their name, their strength, their spirit, and their state, + Their being was a donative from thee. + +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. + +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 He cannot pay? + +Cot. + In this, all Ceesar's fortune + Is made unequal to the courtesy. + +Lat. His means are clean destroyed that should requite. + +Gal. Nothing is great enough for Silius' merit. + +Arr. Gallus on that side too! [Aside. + +Sil. + Come, do not hunt, + And labour so about for circumstance, + 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, + 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, + 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. + The means that make 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, + Where it may front, or but upbraid the high. + +Got. Suffer him speak no more. + +Var. Note but his spirit. + +Afer. This shews him in the rest. + +Lat. Let him be censured. +Sej. He hath spoke enough to prove him Caesar's foe. + +Got. His thoughts look through his words. + +Sej. A censure. + +Sil. + Stay, + Stay, most officious senate, I shall straight + Delude thy fury. Silius hath not placed + His guards within him, against fortune's spite, + So weakly, but he can escape your gripe + That are but hands of fortune: she herself, + 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 + Muster'd to kill, I'm fortified against; + 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, + 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! + +Tib. Look, is he dead? + +Sab. 'Twas 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 pleased in this sad accident, + That thus hath stalled, and abused our mercy, + Intended to preserve thee, noble Roman, + And to prevent thy hopes. + +Arr. + Excellent wolf! + Now he is full he howls. [Aside, + +Sej. + Caesar doth wrong + His dignity and safety thus to mourn + The deserv'd end of so profest a traitor, + 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 gaped for then? [Aside. + +Var. Remove the body. + +Sej. Let citation Go out for Sosia. + +Gal. + Let her be proscribed: + 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, + The which the law doth cast on the informers, + Should be enough; the rest go to the children. + Wherein the prince shall shew humanity, + And bounty; not to force them by their want, + Which in their parents' trespass they deserv'd, + To take ill courses. + +Tib. It shall please us. + +Arr. + Ay, + Out of necessity. This Lepidus + Is grave and honest, and I have observed + A moderation still in all his censures. + +Sab. + And bending to the better---Stay, who's this? + + Enter SATRIUS and NATTA, with CREMUTIUS CORDUS guarded. + + Cremutius Cordus! What! is he brought in? + +Arr. + More blood into the banquet! Noble Cordus, + I wish thee good: be as thy writings, free, + And honest. + +Tib. What is he? + +Sej. For the Annals, Caesar. + +Prae. Cremutius Cordus! + +Cor. Here. + +Prae. + Satrius Secundus, + Pinnarius Natta, you are his accusers. + +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, + 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, + 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 a world of more particulars, + Instance in only one: comparing men, + 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, + 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. + Nor is't the time alone is here disprised, + But the whole man of time, yea, Caesar's self + Brought in disvalue; and he aimed at most, + By oblique glance of his licentious pen. + Caesar, if Cassius were the last of Romans, + 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 argued: yet those words + Not reaching either prince or prince's parent: + The which your law of treason comprehends. + Brutus and Cassius I am charged to have praised; + 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, + 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, + As worthiest men; not thieves and parricides, + Which notes upon their fames are now imposed. + Asinius Pollio's writings quite throughout + Give them a noble memory; so Messala + Renown'd his general Cassius: yet both these + Lived 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 + 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; + 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; + But if with rage acknowledg'd, they are confest. + The Greeks I slip, whose license not alone, + But also lust did scape unpunished: + Or where some one, by chance, exception took, + He words with words revenged. But, in my work, + What could be aim'd more free, 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, + 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 defaced, appears, + Retain that guilty memory with writers? + 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. + +Arr. Freely and nobly spoken! + +Sab. + With good temper; + I like him, that he is not moved with passion. + +Arr. He puts them 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, + To the aediles. + +Sej. You have well advised. + +Afer. + It fits not such licentious things should live + T'upbraid the age. + +Arr. If the age were good, they might. + +Lat. Let them be burnt. + +Gal. All sought, and burnt to-day. + +Prae. The court is up; lictors, resume the fasces. + [Exeunt all but Arruntius, Sabinus, and Lepidus. +Arr. + Let them be burnt! O, how ridiculous + Appears the senate's brainless diligence, + Who think they can, with present power, extinguish + The memory of all succeeding times! + +Sab. + 'Tis true; when, contrary, the punishment + Of wit, doth make the 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. + +Lep. + It is an argument the times are sore, + When virtue cannot safely be advanced; + Nor vice reproved. + +Arr. + Ay, noble Lepidus; + Augustus well foresaw what we should suffer + Under Tiberius, when he did pronounce + The Roman race most wretched, that should live + Between so slow jaws, and so long a bruising. [Exeunt. + + + + + SCENE II.---A Room in the Palace. + Enter TIBERIUS and SEJANUS. + +Tib. + This business hath succeeded well, Sejanus, + And quite removed all jealousy of practice + 'Gainst Agrippina, and our nephews. Now, + We must bethink us how to plant our ingine, + For th' other pair, Sabinus and Arruntius, + 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. + +Sej. + By any means, preserve him. His frank tongue + Being let 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. + +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. + Nor have I ever, yet, been covetous + Of over-bright and dazzling honour; rather + To watch and travail in great Caesar's safety, + With the most common soldier. + +Tib. 'Tis confest. + +Sej. + The only gain, and which I count most fair + 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,--- + 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: + 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 + Have no ambition farther than to end + My days in service of so dear a master. + +Tib. + We cannot but commend thy piety, + Most loved Sejanus, in acknowledging + Those bounties; which we, faintly, such remember--- + 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: + 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, + 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 'twere in parts, + Divide the imperial house; an emulation + Between the women might break forth; and discord + Ruin the sons and nephews on both hands. + What if it cause some present difference? + Thou art not safe, Sejanus, if thou prove it. + Canst thou believe, that Livia, first the wife + To Caius Caesar, then my Drusus, now + 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 + 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 noble! + Stick not, in public, to upbraid thy climbing + 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. + What we have purposed 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 loved Sejanus, we not know + 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 restored, and to my sense again, + 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 resolved. + +Sej. + Here are some motives more, [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, + 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 + 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, + 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 + 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, + 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, + 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. + 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. [Exit + + + + + SCENE III.-Another Room in the same. + Enter TIBEBIUS. + +Tib. + To marry Livia! will no less, Sejanus, + Content thy aim? 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, whatsoe'er thy projects are: + 'Tis true. But yet with caution and fit care. + And, now we better think---who's there within? + Enter an Officer. +Off. Caesar! + +Tib. + To leave our journey off, were sin + 'Gainst our decreed delights; and would appear + Doubt; or, what less becomes a prince, low fear. + 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 + With favours, and make dangerous with praise; + The injured by us may have will alike, + But 'tis the favourite hath the power to strike; + And fury ever boils more high and strong, + Heat with ambition, than revenge of wrong. + 'Tis then a part of supreme skill, to grace + No man too much; but hold a certain space + Between the ascender's rise, and thine own flat, + Lest, when all rounds be reach'd, his aim be that. + 'Tis thought. [Aside.] + Is Macro in the palace? see: + If not, go seek him, to come to us.--- [Exit Offi.] + 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 + Against the scorpion's stroke: the proof we'll give: + That, while two poisons wrestle, we may live. + He hath a spirit too working to be used + But to the encounter of his like; excused + Are wiser sov'reigns then, that raise one ill + Against another, and both safely kill: + The prince that feeds great natures, they will slay him; + Who nourisheth a lion must obey him.--- + Be-enter Officer, with MACRO. + Macro, we sent for you. + +Mac. I heard so, Caesar. + +Tib. + Leave us awhile.--- [Exit Officer.] + When you shall know. good Macro, + The causes of our sending, and the ends, + 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. + 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 + At Capua; th' other at Nola, to Augustus: + In which great work, perhaps our stay will be + Beyond our will produced. . .Now since we are + Not ignorant what danger may be born + Out of our shortest absence in a state + 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, + And on Sejanus: not that we distrust + His loyalty, or do repent one grace + Of all that heap we have conferred on him; + For that were to disparage our election, + And call that judgment now in doubt, which then + Seem'd as unquestion'd as an oracle- + But, greatness hath his cankers. Worms and moths + Breed out of too much humour, in the things + Which after they consume, transferring quite + The substance of their makers into themselves. + Macro is sharp, and apprehends: besides, + I know him subtle, 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: 'tis proof + 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; + Explore, plot, practise: all thou dost in this + Shall be, as if the Senate, or the laws + Had given it privilege, and thou thence styled + The saviour both of Caesar and of Rome. + We will not take thy answer but in act: + Whereto, as thou proceed'st, we hope to hear + By trusted messengers. If't be inquired, + Wherefore we call'd you, say you have in charge + To see our chariots ready, and our horse.--- + Be still our loved and, shortly, honour'd Macro. + +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. + We, whom he works by, are dumb instruments, + To do, but not inquire: his great intents + Are to be served, not search'd. Yet, as that bow + Is most in hand, whose owner best doth know + To affect his aims; so let that statesman hope + Most use, most price, can hit his prince's scope. + Nor must he look at what, or whom to strike, + But loose 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 + From my warm side, as loved as is the air; + Practise sway each parent; draw mine heir + In compass, though but one; work all my kin + To swift perdition; leave no untrain'd engine, + For friendship, or for innocence; nay, make + The gods all guilty; I would undertake + This, being imposed me, both with gain and ease: + The way to rise is to obey and please. + He that will thrive in state, he must neglect + 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 license, law; and their observance, skill. + Occasion is their foil; conscience, their stain; + Profit their lustre; and what else is, vain. + If then it be the lust of Caesar's power, + To have raised Sejanus up, and in an hour + O'erturn him, tumbling down, from height of all; + We are his ready engine: and his fall + May be our rise. It is no uncouth thing + To see fresh buildings from old ruins spring. [Exit. + + + + + + ACT IV + + SCENE I.-An Apartment in AGRIPPINA'S House. + Enter GALLUS and AGRIPPINA. + +Gal. You must have patience, royal Agrippina. + +Agr. + I must have vengeance, first; and that were nectar + Unto my famish'd spirits. O, my fortune, + Let it be sudden thou prepar'st against me; + Strike all my powers of understanding blind. + And ignorant of destiny to come! + Let me not fear that cannot hope. + +Gal. + Dear princess, + These tyrannies on yourself, are worse than Caesar's. + +Agr. + Is this the happiness of being born great? + Still to be aim'd at? still to be suspected? + To live the subject of all jealousies? + At least the colour made, if not the ground + To every painted danger? who would not + Choose once to fall, than thus to hang for ever? + +Gal. You might be safe if you would--- + +Agr. + What, my Gallus! + Be lewd Sejanus' strumpet, or the bawd + To Caesar's lusts, he now is gone to practise? + Not these are safe, where nothing is. Yourself, + While thus you stand but by me, are not safe. + Was Silius safe? or the good Sosia safe? + Or was my niece, dear Claudia Pulchra, safe, + Or innocent Furnius? they that latest have + (By being made guilty) added reputation + To Afer's eloquence? O, foolish friends, + Could not so fresh example warn your loves, + But you must buy my favours with that loss + Unto yourselves; and when you might perceive + That Caesar's cause of raging must forsake him, + Before his will! Away, good Gallus, leave me. + Here to be seen, is danger; to speak, treason: + To do me least observance, is call'd faction. + You are unhappy in me, and I in all. + Where are my sons, Nero and Drusus? We + Are they be shot at; let us fall apart; + Not in our ruins, sepulchre our friends. + Or shall we do some action like offence, + To mock their studies that would make us faulty, + And frustrate practice by preventing it? + The danger's like: for what they can contrive, + They will make good. No innocence is safe, + When power contests: nor can they trespass more, + Whose only being was all crime before. + + Enter NERO, DRUSUS, and CALIGULA. + +Ner. You hear Sejanus is come back from Caesar? + +Gal. No. How? disgraced? + +Dru. More graced now than ever. + +Cal. By what mischance? + +Cal. + A fortune like enough + Once to be bad. + +Dru. But turn'd too good to both. + +Gal. What was't? + +Ner. + Tiberius sitting at his meat, + In a farm-house they call Spelunca, sited + By the sea-side, among the Fundane hills, + Within a natural cave; part of the grot, + About the entry, fen, and overwhelm'd + Some of the waiters; others ran away: + Only Sejanus with his knees, hands, face, + O'erhanging Caesar, did oppose himself + To the remaining ruins, and was found + In that so labouring posture by the soldiers + That came to succour him. With which adventure, + He hath so fix'd himself in Caesar's trust, + As thunder cannot move him, and is come + With all the height of Caesar's praise to Rome. + +Agr. + And power, to turn those ruins all on us; + And bury whole posterities beneath them. + Nero, and Drusus, and Caligula, + Your places are the next, and therefore most + In their offence. Think on your birth and blood. + Awake your spirits, meet their violence; + 'Tis princely when a tyrant doth oppose, + And is a fortune sent to exercise + Your virtue, as the wind doth try strong trees, + Who by vexation grow more sound and firm. + After your father's fall, and uncle's fate, + What can you hope, but all the change of stroke + That force or sleight can give? then stand upright; + And though you do not act, yet suffer nobly: + Be worthy of my womb, and take strong chear; + What we do know will come, we should not fear. [Exeunt. + + + + SCENE ll.---The Street + + Enter MACRO. + +Mac. + Return'd so soon! renew'd in trust and grace! + Is Caesar then so weak, or hath the place + But wrought this alteration with the air; + And he, on next remove, will all repair? + Macro, thou art engaged: and what before + Was public; now, must be thy private, more. + The weal of Caesar, fitness did imply; + But thine own fate confers necessity + On thy employment; and the thoughts born nearest + Unto ourselves, move swiftest still, and dearest. + If he recover, thou art lost; yea, all + The weight of preparation to his fall + Will turn on thee, and crush thee: therefore strike + Before he settle, to prevent the like + Upon thyself. He doth his vantage know, + That makes it home, and gives the foremost blow. [Exit. + + + + SCENE Ill.-An upper Room of AGRIPPINA'S HOUSE. + + Enter LATIARIS, RUFUS, and OPSIUS + +Lat. + It is a service lord Sejanus will + See well requited, and accept of nobly. + Here place yourself between the roof and ceiling; + And when I bring him to his words of danger, + Reveal yourselves, and take him. + +Ruf. Is he come? + +Lat. I'll now go fetch him. + +Ops. + With good speed.-I long + To merit from the state in such an action. + +Ruf. + I hope, it will obtain the consulship + For one of us. . . + +Ops. + We cannot think of less, + To bring in one so dangerous as Sabinus. + +Ruf. + He was follower of Germanicus, + And still is an observer of his wife + And children, though they be declined in grace + A daily visitant, keeps them company + In private and in public, and is noted + To be the only client of the house: + Pray Jove. he will be free to Latiaris. + +Ops. + He's allied to him, and doth trust him well. + Ruf: And he'll requite his trust! + +Ops. + To do an office + So grateful to the state, I know no man + But would strain nearer bands, than kindred---- + +Ruf. + List! + I hear them come. + +Ops. Shift to our holes with silence. [They retire + + Re-enter LATIARIS and SABINUS. +Lat. + It is a noble constancy you shew + To this afflicted house; that not like others, + The friends of season, you do follow fortune, + And, in the winter of their fate, forsake + The place whose glories warm'd you. You are just, + And worthy such a princely patron's love, + As was the world's renown'd Germanicus: + Whose ample merit when I call to thought, + And see his wife and issue, objects made + To so much envy, jealousy, and hate; + It makes me ready to accuse the gods + Of negligence, as men of tyranny. + +Sab. They must be patient, so must we. + +Lat. + O Jove, + What will become of us or of the times, + When, to be high or noble, are made crimes, + When land and treasure are most dangerous faults! + +Sab. + Nay, when our table, yea our bed, assaults + Our peace and safety? when our writings are, + By any envious instruments, that dare + Apply them to the guilty, made to speak + What they will have to fit their tyrannous wreak? + When ignorance is scarcely innocence; + And knowledge made a capital offence! + When not so much, but the bare empty shade + Of liberty is raft us; and we made + The prey to greedy vultures and vile spies, + That first transfix us with their murdering eyes. + +Lat. + Methinks the genius of the Roman race + Should not be so extinct, but that bright flame + Of liberty might be revived again, + (Which no good man but. with his life should lose) + And we not sit like spent and patient fools, + Still puffing in the dark at one poor coal, + Held on by hope till the last spark is out. + The cause is public, and the honour, name, + The immortality of every soul, + That is not bastard or a slave in Rome, + Therein concern'd: whereto, if men would change + The wearied arm, and for the weighty shield + So long sustain'd, employ the facile sword, + We might soon have assurance of our vows. + This ass's fortitude doth tire us all: + It must be active valour must redeem + Our loss, or none. The rock and 'our hard steel + Should meet to enforce those glorious fires again, + Whose splendour cheer'd the world, and heat gave life, + No less than doth the sun's. Sab. 'Twere better stay + In lasting darkness, and despair of day. + No ill should force the subject undertake + Against the sovereign, more than hell should make + The gods do wrong. A good man should and must + Sit rather down with loss, than rise unjust. + Though, when the Romans first did yield themselves + To one man's power, they did not mean their lives, + Their fortunes and their liberties, should be + His absolute spoil, as purchased by the sword. + +Lat. + Why we are worse, if to be slaves, and bond + To Caesar's slave be such, the proud Sejanus! + He that is all, does all, gives Caesar leave + To hide his ulcerous and anointed face, + With his bald crown at Rhodes, while he here stalks + Upon the heads of Romans, and their princes, + Familiarly to empire. + +Sab. + Now you touch + A point indeed, wherein he shews his art, + As well as power. + +Lat. + And villainy in both. + Do you observe where Livia lodges? how + Drusus came dead? what men have been cut off? + +Sab. + Yes, those are things removed: I nearer look'd + Into his later practice, where he stands + Declared a master in his mystery. + First, ere Tiberius went, he wrought his fear + To think that Agrippina sought his death. + Then put those doubts in her; sent her oft word. + Under the show of friendship, to beware + Of Caesar, for he laid to poison her: + Drave them to frowns, to mutual jealousies, + Which, now, in visible hatred are burst out. + Since, he hath had his hired instruments + To work on Nero, and to heave him up; + To tell him Caesar's old, that all the people, + Yea, all the army have their eyes on him; + That both do long to have him undertake + Something of worth, to give the world a hope; + Bids him to court their grace: the easy youth + Perhaps gives ear, which straight he writes to Caesar; + And with this comment: See yon dangerous boy; + Note but the practice of the mother, there; + She's tying him for purposes at hand, + With men of sword. Here's Caesar put in fright + 'Gainst son and mother. Yet, he leaves not thus. + The second brother, Drusus, a fierce nature, + And fitter for his snares, because ambitious + And full of envy, him he clasps and hugs, + Poisons with praise, tells him what hearts he wears, + How bright he stands in popular expectance; + That Rome doth suffer with him in the wrong + His mother does him, by preferring Nero: + Thus sets he them asunder, each 'gainst other, + Projects the course that serves him to condemn, + Keeps in opinion of a friend to all, + And all drives on to ruin. + +Lat. Caesar sleeps, And nods at this. + +Sab. + Would he might ever sleep, + Bogg'd in his filthy lusts! [Opsius and Rufus rush in. + +Ops. Treason to Caesar! + +Ruf. + Lay hands upon the traitor, Latiaris, + Or take the name thyself. + +Lat. I am for Caesar. + +Sab. Am I then catch'd? + +Ruf. How think you, sir? you are. + +Sab. + Spies of this head, so white, so full of years! + Well, my most reverend monsters, you may live + To see yourselves thus snared. + +Ops, Away with him! + +Lat. Hale him away. + +Ruf. + To be a spy for traitors, + Is honourable vigilance. + +Sab. + You do well, + My most officious instruments of state; + Men of all uses: drag me hence, away. + The year is well begun, and I fall fit + To be an offering to Sejanus. Go! + +Ops. Cover him with his garments, hide his face. + +Sab. + It shall not need. Forbear your rude assault. + The fault's not shameful, villainy makes a fault. [Exeunt. + + + + + SCENE IV.---The Street before AGRIPPINA.'S House. + + Enter MACRO and CALIGULA. + +Mac. + Sir, but observe how thick your dangers meet + In his clear drifts! your mother and your brothers, + Now cited to the senate; their friend Gallus, + Feasted to-day by Caesar, since committed! + Sabinus here we met, hurried to fetters: + The senators all strook with fear and silence, + Save those whose hopes depend not on good means, + But force their private prey from public spoil. + And you must know, if here you stay, your state + Is sure to be the subject of his hate, As now the object. + +Gal. What would you advise me? + +Mac. + To go for Capreae presently; and there + Give up yourself entirely to your uncle. + Tell Caesar (since your mother is accused + To fly for succours to Augustus' statue, + And to the army with your brethren) you + Have rather chose to place your aids in him, + Than live suspected; or in hourly fear + To be thrust out, by bold Sejanus' plots: + Which, you shall confidently urge to be + Most full of peril to the state, and Caesar, + As being laid to his peculiar ends, + And not to be let run with common safety. + All which, upon the second, I'll make plain, + So both shall love and trust with Caesar gain. + +Gal. Away then, let's prepare us for our journey. [Exeunt + + + + + SCENE V.-Another part of the Street. + + Enter ARRUNTIUS. + +Arr. + Still dost thou suffer, heaven! will no flame, + No heat of sin, make thy just wrath to boil + In thy distemper'd bosom, and o'erflow + The pitchy blazes of impiety, + Kindled beneath thy throne! Still canst thou sleep, + Patient, while vice doth make an antick face + At thy dread power, and blow dust and smoke + Into thy nostrils! Jove! will nothing wake thee? + Must vile Sejanus pull thee by the beard, + Ere thou wilt open thy black-lidded eye, + And look him dead? Well! snore on, dreaming gods, + And let this last of that proud giant-race + Heave mountain upon mountain, 'gainst your state--- + Be good unto me, Fortune and you powers, + Whom I, expostulating, have profaned; + I see what's equal with a prodigy, + A great, a noble Roman, and an honest, + Live an old man!--- + Enter LEPIDUS. + O Marcus Lepidus, + When is our turn to bleed? Thyself and I, + Without our boast, are almost all the few + Left to be honest in these impious times. + +Lep. + What we are left to be, we will be, Lucius; + Though tyranny did stare as wide as death, + To fright us from it. + +Arr. 'T hath so on Sabinus. + +Lep. + I saw him now drawn from the Gemonies, + And, what increased the direness of the fact, + His faithful dog, upbraiding all us Romans, + Never forsook the corps, but, seeing it thrown + Into the stream, leap'd in, and drown'd with it. + +Arr. + O act, to be envied him of us men! + We are the next the hook lays hold on, Marcus: + What are thy arts, good patriot, teach them me, + That have preserved thy hairs to this white dye, + And kept so reverend and so dear a head + Safe on his comely shoulders? + +Lep. + Arts, Arruntius! + None, but the plain and passive fortitude, + To suffer and be silent; never stretch + These arms against the torrent; live at home, + With my own thoughts, and innocence about me, + Not tempting the wolves' jaws: these are my arts. + +Arr. + I would begin to study 'em, if I thought + They would secure me. May I pray to Jove + In secret and be safe? ay, or aloud, + With open wishes, so I do not mention + Tiberius or Sejanus? yes, I must, + If I speak out. 'Tis hard that. May I think, + And not be rack'd? What danger is't to dream, + Talk in one's sleep, or cough? Who knows the law? + May I shake my head without a comment? say + It rains, or it holds up, and not be thrown + Upon the Gemonies? These now are things, + Whereon men's fortune, yea, their faith depends. + Nothing hath privilege 'gainst the violent ear. + No place, no day, no hour, we see, is free, + Not our religious and most sacred times, + From some one kind of cruelty: all matter + Nay, all occasion pleaseth. Madmen's rage, + The idleness of drunkards, women's nothing, + Jester's simplicity, all, all is good + That can be catcht at. . .Nor is now the event + Of any person, or for any crime, + To be expected; for 'tis always one: + Death, with some little difference of place, + Or time----What's this? Prince Nero, guarded! + Enter LACO and NERO, with Guards. +Lac. + On, lictors, keep your way. My lords, forbear. + On pain of Caesar's wrath, no man attempt + Speech with the prisoner. + +Nero. + Noble friends, be safe; + To lose yourselves for words, were as vain hazard, + As unto me small comfort: fare you well. + Would all Rome's sufferings in my fate did dwell! + +Lac. Lictors, away. + +Lep. Where goes he, Laco? + +Lac. + Sir, + He's banish'd into Pontia by the senate. + +Arr. + Do I see, hear, and feel? May I trust sense, + Or doth my phant'sie form it? +Lep. Where's his brother? + +Lac. Drusus is prisoner in the palace. + +Arr. Ha! + I smell it now: 'tis rank. Where's Agrippina? + +Lac. The princess is confined to Pandataria. + +Arr. + Bolts, Vulcan; bolts for Jove! Phoebus, thy bow; + Stern Mars, thy sword: and, blue-ey'd maid, thy spear; + Thy club, Alcides: all the armoury + Of heaven is too little!---Ha!---to guard + The gods, I meant. Fine, rare dispatch I this same + Was swiftly born! Confined, imprison'd, banish'd? + Most tripartite! the cause, sir? + +Lac. Treason. + +Arr. + O! + The complement of all accusings! that + Will hit, when all else fails. + +Lep. + This turn is strange! + But yesterday the people would not hear, + Far less objected, but cried Caesar's letters + Were false and forged; that all these plots were malice; + And that the ruin of the prince's house + Was practised' gainst his knowledge. Where are now + Their voices, now, that they behold his heirs + Lock'd up, disgraced, led into exile? + +Arr. + Hush'd, + Drown'd in their bellies. Wild Sejanus' breath + Hath, like a whirlwind, scatter'd that poor dust, + With this rude blast---We'll talk no treason, sir, + [Turns to Laco and the rest + If that be it you stand for. Fare you well. + We have no need of horse-leeches. Good spy, + Now you are spied, be gone. + [Exeunt Laco, Nero, and Guards. +Lep. + I fear you wrong him: + He has the voice to be an honest Roman. + +Arr. + And trusted to this office! Lepidus, + I'd sooner trust Greek Sinon, than a man + Our state employs. He's gone: and being gone, + I dare tell you, whom I dare better trust, + That our night-eyed Tiberius doth not see + His minion's drifts; or, if he do, he's not + So arrant subtile, as we fools do take him; + To breed a mungrel up, in his own house, + With his own blood, and, if the good gods please, + At his own throat, flesh him, to take a leap. + I do not beg it, heaven; but if the fates + Grant it these eyes, they must not wink. + +Lep. + They must + Not see it, Lucius. + +Arr. Who should let them? + +Lep. + Zeal, + And duty: with the thought he is our prince. + +Arr. + He is our monster: forfeited to vice + So far, as no rack'd virtue can redeem him. + His loathed person fouler than all crimes: + An emperor, only in his lusts. Retired, + From all regard of his own fame, or Rome's, + Into an obscure island; where he lives + Acting his tragedies with a comic face, + Amidst his route of Chaldees: spending hours, + Days, weeks, and months, in the unkind abuse + Of grave astrology, to the bane of men, + Casting the scope of men's nativities, + And having found aught worthy in their fortune, + Kill, or precipitate them in the sea, + And boast, he can mock fate. Nay, muse not: these + Are far from ends of evil, scarce degrees. + He hath his slaughter-house at Capreae; + Where he doth study murder, as an art; + And they are dearest in his grace, that can + Devise the deepest tortures. Thither, too, + He hath his boys, and beauteous girls ta'en up + Out of our noblest houses, the best form'd, + Best nurtured, and most modest; what's their good, + Serves to provoke his bad. Some are allured, + Some threaten'd; others, by their friends detained, + Are ravish'd hence, like captives, and, in sight + Of their most grieved parents, dealt away + Unto his spintries, sellaries, and slaves, + Masters of strange and new commented lusts, + For which wise nature hath not left a name. + To this (what most strikes us, and bleeding Rome) + He is, with all his craft, become the ward + To his own vassal, a stale catamite: + Whom he, upon our low and suffering necks, + Hath raised from excrement to side the gods, + And have his proper sacrifice in Rome: + Which Jove beholds, and yet will sooner rive + A senseless oak with thunder than his trunk!--- + + Re-enter LACO with POMPONIUS and MINUTIUS. +Lac. + These letters make men doubtful what t' expect, + Whether his coming, or his death. + +Pom. + Troth, both: + And which comes soonest, thank the gods for. + +Arr. + List! + Their talk is Caesar; I would hear all voices. + + [Arrunt. and Lepidus stand aside +Min. + One day, he's well; and will return to Rome; + The next day, sick; and knows not when to hope it. + +Lac. + True; and to-day, one of Sejanus' friends + Honour'd by special writ; and on the morrow + Another punish'd--- + +Pom. By more special writ. + +Min. + This man receives his praises of Sejanus, + A second but slight mention, a third none, + A fourth rebukes: and thus he leaves the senate + Divided and suspended, all uncertain. + +Lac. + These forked tricks, I understand them not: + Would he would tell us whom he loves or hates, + That we might follow, without fear or doubt. + +Arr. + Good Heliotrope! Is this your honest man? + Let him be yours so still; he is my knave. + +Pom. + I cannot tell, Sejanus still goes on, + And mounts, we see; new statues are advanced, + Fresh leaves of titles, large inscriptions read, + His fortune sworn by, himself new gone out + Caesar's colleague in the fifth consulship; + More altars smoke to him than all the gods: + What would we more? + +Arr. + That the dear smoke would choke him, + That would I more. + + +Lep. Peace, good Arruntius. + +Lat. + But there are letters come, they say, ev'n now, + Which do forbid that last. + +Min. Do you hear so? + +Lac. Yes. + +Pom. By Castor, that's the worst. + +Arr. By Pollux, best. + +Min. + I did not like the sign, when Regulus, + Whom all we know no friend unto Sejanus, + Did, by Tiberius' so precise command, + Succeed a fellow in the consulship: + It boded somewhat. + + +Pom. + Not a mote. His partner, + Fulcinius Trio, is his own, and sure.--- + Here comes Terentius. + Enter TERENTIUS. + He can give us more. + [They whisper with Terentius. +Lep. + I'll ne'er believe, but Caesar hath some scent + Of bold Sejanus' footing. These cross points + Of varying letters, and opposing consuls, + Mingling his honours and his punishments, + Feigning now ill, now well, raising Sejanus, + And then depressing him, as now of late + In all reports we have it, cannot be + Empty of practice: 'tis Tiberius' art. + For having found his favourite grown too great, + And with his greatness strong; that all the soldiers + Are, with their leaders, made a his devotion; + That almost all the senate are his creatures, + Or hold on him their main dependencies, + Either for benefit, or hope, or fear; + And that himself hath lost much of his own, + By parting unto him; and, by th' increase + Of his rank lusts and rages, quite disarm'd + Himself of love, or other public means, + To dare an open contestation; + His subtilty hath chose this doubling line, + To hold him even in: not so to fear him, + As wholly put him out, and yet give check + Unto his farther boldness. In mean time, + By his employments, makes him odious + Unto the staggering rout, whose aid, in fine, + He hopes to use, as sure, who, when they sway. + Bear down, o'erturn all objects in their way. + +Arr. + You may be a Lynceus, Lepidus: yet I + See no such cause, but that a politic tyrant, + Who can so well disguise it, should have ta'en + A nearer way: feign'd honest, and come home + To cut his throat, by law. + +Lep. + Ay, but his fear + Would ne'er be mask'd, allbe his vices were. + +Pom. His lordship then is still in grace? + +Ter. + Assure you, + Never in more, either of grace or power. + +Pom. The gods are wise and just. + +Arr. + The fiends they are, + To suffer thee belie 'em. + +Ter. + I have here + His last and present letters, where he writes him, + The partner of his cares, and his Sejanus.--- + +Lac. + But is that true? it is prohibited + To sacrifice unto him? + +Ter. + Some such thing + Caesar makes scruple of, but forbids it not; + No more than to himself: says he could wish + It were forborn to all. + +Lac. Is it no other? + +Ter. + No other, on my trust. For your more surety, + Here is that letter too. + +Arr. + How easily + Do wretched men believe, what they would have! + Looks this like plot? + +Lep. Noble Arruntius, stay. + +Lac. He names him here without his titles. + +Lep. Note! + +Arr. Yes, and come off your notable fool. I will + +Lac. No other than Sejanus. + +Pom. + That's but haste + In him that writes: here he gives large amends. + +Mar. And with his own hand written? + +Pom. Yes. + +Lac. Indeed? + +Ter. + Believe it, gentlemen, Sejanus' breast + Never received more full contentments in, + Than at this present. + +Pom. + Takes he well the escape + Of young Caligula, with Macro? + +Ter. + Faith, + At the first air it somewhat troubled him. + +Lep. Observe you? + +Arr. + Nothing; riddles. Till I see + Sejanus struck, no sound thereof strikes me. + + [Exeunt Arrun. and Lepidus. +Pom. + I like it not. I muse he would not attempt + Somewhat against him in the consulship, + Seeing the people 'gin to favour him. + +Ter. + He doth repent it now; but he has employ'd + Pagonianus after him: and he holds + That correspondence there, with all that are + Near about Caesar, as no thought can pass + Without his knowledge, thence in act to front him. + +Pom. I gratulate the news. + +Lac. + But how comes Macro + So in trust and favour with Caligula? + +Pom. + O, sir, he has a wife; and the young prince + An appetite: he can look up, and spy + Flies in the roof, when there are fleas i' the bed; + And hath a learned nose to assure his sleeps. + Who to be favour'd of the rising sun, + Would not lend little of his waning moon? + It is the saf'st ambition. Noble Terentius! + +Ter. The night grows fast upon us. At your service. [Exeunt. + + + + + ACT V SCENE I.-An Apartment in SEJANUS' House. + Enter SEJANUS. + +Sej. + Swell, swell, my joys; and faint not to declare + Yourselves as ample as your causes are. + I did not live till now; this my first hour; + Wherein I see my thoughts reach'd by my power. + But this, and gripe my wishes. Great and high, + The world knows only two, that's Rome and I. + My roof receives me not; 'tis air I tread; + And, at each step, I feel my advanced head + Knock out a star in heaven! rear'd to this height, + All my desires seem modest, poor, and slight, + That did before sound impudent: 'tis place, + Not blood, discerns the noble and the base. + Is there not something more than to be Caesar? + Must we rest there'! it irks t' have come so far, + To be so near a stay. Caligula, + Would thou stood'st stiff, and many in our way! + Winds lose their strength, when they do empty fly, + Unmet of woods or buildings; great fires die, + That want their matter to withstand them: so, + It is our grief, and will be our loss, to know + Our power shall want opposites; unless + The gods, by mixing in the cause, would bless + Our fortune with their conquest. That were worth + Sejanus' strife; durst fates but bring it forth. + Enter TERENTIUS. + +Ter. Safety to great Sejanus! + +Sej. Now, Terentius? + +Ter. Hears not my lord the wonder? + +Sej. Speak it, no. + +Ter. + I meet it violent in the people's mouths, + Who run in routs to Pompey's theatre, + To view your statue, which, they say, sends forth + A smoke, as from a furnace, black and dreadful. + +Sej. + Some traitor hath put fire in: you, go see, + And let the head be taken oft', to look + What 'tis. [Exit Terentius.]--- + Some slave hath practised an imposture, + To stir the people.-How now! why return you? + + Reenter TERENTIUS, with SATRIUS and NATTA. +Sat. + The head, my lord, already is ta'en off, + I saw it; and, at opening, there leapt out + A great and monstrous serpent. + +Sej. + Monstrous! why? + Had it a beard, and horns? no heart? a tongue + Forked as flattery? look'd it of the hue, + To such as live in great men's bosoms? was + The spirit of it Macro's? + +Nat. + May it please + The most divine Sejanus, in my days, + (And by his sacred fortune, I affirm it,) + I have not seen a more extended, grown, + Foul, spotted, venomous, ugly--- + +Sej. + O, the fates! + What a wild muster's here of attributes, + T' express a worm, a snake! + +Ter. + But how that should + Come there, my lord! + +Sej. + What, and you too, Terentius! + I think you mean to make 't a prodigy + In your reporting. + +Ter. Can the wise Sejanus + Think heaven hath meant it less! + +Sej. + O, superstition! + Why, then the falling of our bed, that brake + This morning, burden'd with the populous weight, + Of our expecting clients, to salute us; + Or running of the cat betwixt our legs, + As we set forth unto the Capitol, Were prodigies. + +Ter. + I think them ominous; + And would they had not happened! As, to-day, + The fate of some your servants: who, declining + Their way, not able, for the throng, to follow, + Slipt down the Gemonies, and brake their necks! + Besides, in taking your last augury, + No prosperous bird appear'd; but croaking ravens + Flagg'd up and down, and from the sacrifice + Flew to the prison, where they sat all night, + Beating the air with their obstreperous beaks! + I dare not counsel, but I could entreat, + That great Sejanus would attempt the gods + Once more with sacrifice. + +Sej. + What excellent fools + Religion makes of men! Believes Terentius, + If these were dangers, as I shame to think them, + The gods could change the certain course of fate! + Or, if they could they would, now in a moment, + For a beeve's fat, or less, be bribed to invert + Those long decrees? Then think the gods, like flies, + Are to be taken with the steam of flesh, + Or blood, diffused about their altars: think + Their power as cheap as I esteem it small.--- + Of all the throng that fill th' Olympian hall, + And, without pity, lade poor Atlas' back, + I know not that one deity, but Fortune, + To whom I would throw up, in begging smoke, + One grain of incense; or whose ear I'd buy + With thus much oil. Her I, indeed, adore; + And keep her grateful image in my house, + Sometime belonging to a Roman king. + But now call'd mine, as by the better style: + To her I care not, if, for satisfying + Your scrupulous phant'sies, I go offer. Bid + Our priest prepare us honey, milk, and poppy, + His masculine odours, and night-vestments: say, + Our rites are instant; which perform'd, you'll see + How vain, and worthy laughter, your fears be. [Exeunt + + + + + SCENE II.-Another Room in the same. + Enter COTTA and POMPONIUS. + +Cot. Pomponius, whither in such speed? + +Pom. + I go + To give my lord Sejanus notice--- + +Cot. What? + +Pom. Of Macro. + +Cot. Is he come? + +Pom. + Enter'd but now + The house of Regulus + +Cot. The opposite consul! + +Pom. Some half hour since. + +Cot. + And by night too! Stay, sir; + I'll bear you company. + +Pom. Along then--- [Exeunt + + + + + + SCENE III.-A Room in REGULUS'S House. + Enter MACRO, REGULUS, and Attendant. + +Mac. + Tis Caesar's will to have a frequent senate; + And therefore must your edict lay deep mulct + On such as shall be absent. + +Reg. + So it doth. + Bear it my fellow consul to adscribe. + +Mac. + And tell him it must early be proclaim'd: + The place Apollo's temple. [Exit Attendant + +Reg. That's remember'd. + +Mac. And at what hour! + +Reg. Yes. + +Mac. + You do forget + To send one for the provost of the watch. + +Reg. I have not: here he comes. + Enter LACO. +Mac. + Gracinus Laco, + You are a friend most welcome: by and by, + I'll speak with you.---You must procure this list + Of the praetorian cohorts, with the names + Of the centurions, and their tribunes. + +Reg. Ay. + +Mac. I bring you letters, and a health from Caesar--- + +Lac. Sir, both come well. + +Mac. + And hear you? with your note, + Which are the eminent men, and most of action. + +Reg. That shall be done you too. + +Mac. + Most worthy Laco, + Caesar salutes you.--- [Exit Regulus.] + Consul! death and furies! + Gone now!----The argument will please you, sir. + Ho! Regulus! The anger of the gods + Follow your diligent legs, and overtake 'em, + In likeness of the gout!--- + [Re-enter REGULUS. + O, my good lord, + We lack'd you present; I would pray you send + Another to Fulcinius Trio, straight, + To tell him you will come, and speak with him: + The matter we'll devise, to stay him there, + While I with Laco do survey the watch. [Exit Regulus. + What are your strengths, Gracinus? + +Lac. Seven cohorts. + +Mac. + You see what Caesar writes; and---Gone again! + H' has sure a vein of mercury in his feet.--- + Know you what store of the praetorian soldiers + Sejanus holds about him, for his guard? + +Lac. + I cannot the just number; but, I think, + Three centuries. + +Mac. Three! good. + +Lac. At most not four. + +Mac. And who be those centurions? + +Lac. + That the consul + Can best deliver you. + +Mac. + When he's away! + Spite on his nimble industry---Gracinus, + You find what place you hold. there, in the trust + Of royal Caesar? + +Lac. Ay, and I am--- + +Mac. + Sir, + The honours there proposed are but beginnings + Of his great favours. + +Lac. They are more--- + +Mac. + I heard him + When he did study what to add. + +Lac. + My life, + And all I hold--- + +Mac. + You were his own first choice: + Which doth confirm as much as you can speak; + And will, if we succeed, make more---Your guards + Are seven cohorts, you say? + +Lac. Yes. + +Mac. + Those we must + Hold still in readiness and undischarged. + +Lac. I understand so much. But how it can--- + +Mac. Be done without suspicion, you'll object? + Re-enter REGULUS. +Reg. What's that? + +Lac. + The keeping of the watch in arms, + When morning comes. + +Mac. + The senate shall be met, and set + So early in the temple, as all mark + Of that shall be avoided. + +Reg. + If we need, + We have commission to possess the palace, + Enlarge prince Drusus, and make him our chief. + +Mac. + That secret would have burnt his reverend mouth, + Had he not spit it out now: by the gods, + You carry things too---Let me borrow a man + Or two, to bear these---That of freeing Drusus, + Caesar projected as the last and utmost; + Not else to be remember'd. + Enter Servants. +Reg. Here are servants. + +Mac. + These to Arruntius, these to Lepidus; + This bear to Cotta, this to Latiaris. + If they demand you of me, say I have ta'en + Fresh horse, and am departed. [Exeunt Servants. + You, my lord, + To your colleague, and be you sure to hold him + With long narration of the new fresh favours, + Meant to Sejanus, his great patron; I, + With trusted Laco, here, are for the guards: + Then to divide. For, night hath many eyes, + Whereof, though most do sleep, yet some are spies. [Exeunt + + + + SCENE IV.-A Sacellum (or Chapel) in SEJANUS'S House. + Enter Praecones, Flamen, Tubicines, Tibicines, Ministri, + SEJANUS, TERENTIUS, SATRIUS, NATTA, etc. + +Prae. + Be all profane far hence; fly, fly far off: + Be absent far; far hence be all profane! + [Tub. and Tib. sound while the Flamen washeth. +Fla. + We have been faulty, but repent us now, + And bring pure hands, pure vestments, and pure minds. + +1 Min. Pure vessels. + +2 Min. And pure offerings. + +3 Min. Garlands pure. + +Fla. + Bestow your garlands: and, with reverence, place + The vervin on the altar. + +Prae. Favour your tongues. + + +[While they sound again, the Flamen takes of the honey with his +finger, and tastes, then ministers to all the rest; so of the milk, +in an earthen vessel, he deals about; which done, he sprinkleth +upon the altar, milk; then imposeth the honey, and kindleth his +gums, and after censing about the altar, placeth his censer +thereon, into which they put several branches of poppy, and the +music ceasing, proceeds. + +Fla. + Great mother Fortune, queen of human state, + Redress of action, arbitress of fate, + To whom all sway, all power, all empire bows, + Be present; and propitious to our vows! + +Prae. Favour it with your tongues. + +Min. Be present and propitious to our vows! + +Omnes. Accept our offering and be pleased, great goddess. + +Ter. See, see, the image stirs! + +Sat. And turns away! + +Nat. Fortune averts her face. + +Fla. + Avert, you gods, + The prodigy. Still! still, some pious rite + We have neglected. Yet, heaven be appeased, + And be all tokens false and void, that speak + Thy present wrath! + +Sej. + Be thou dumb, scrupulous priest: + And gather up thyself, with these thy wares + Which I, in spite of thy blind mistress, or + Thy juggling mystery, religion, throw + Thus scorned on the earth. + [Overturns the statue and the altar. + + Nay, hold thy look + Averted till I woo thee turn again + And thou shalt stand to all posterity, + The eternal game and laughter, with thy neck + Writh'd to thy tail, like a ridiculous cat. + Avoid these fumes, these superstitious lights, + And all these cozening ceremonies: you, + Your pure and spiced conscience! + [Exeunt all but Sejanus, Terent., Satri., and Natta. + + I, the slave + And mock of fools, scorn on my worthy head! + That have been titled and adored a god, + Yea, sacrificed unto, myself, in Rome, + No less than Jove: and I be brought to do + A peevish giglot, rites! perhaps the thought + And shame of that, made fortune turn her face, + Knowing herself the lesser deity, + And but my servant.-Bashful queen, if so, + Sejanus thanks thy modesty.---Who's that? + Enter POMPONIUS and MINUTIUS. + +Pom. + His fortune suffers, till he hears my news: + I have waited here too long. Macro, my lord--- + +Sej. Speak lower and withdraw. [Takes him aside. + +Ter. Are these things true? + +Min. Thousands are gazing at it in the streets. + +Sej. What's that? + +Ter. + Minutius tells us here, my lord, + That a new head being set upon your statue, + A rope is since found wreath'd about it! and, + But now a fiery meteor in the form + Of a great ball was seen to roll along + The troubled air, where yet it hangs unperfect, + The amazing wonder of the multitude! + +Sej. No more. That Macro's come, is more than all! + +Ter. Is Macro come? + +Pom. I saw him. + +Ter. Where? with whom? + +Pom. With Regulus. + +Sej. Terentius! + +Per. My lord. + +Sej. + Send for the tribunes, we will straight have up + More of the soldiers for our guard. [Exit Per.] Minutius, + We pray you go for Cotta, Latiaris, + Trio, the consul, or what senators + You know are sure, and ours. [Exit Min.] You, my good Natta, + For Laco, provost of the watch. [Exit Nat.] Now, Satrius, + The time of proof comes on; arm all our servants, + And without tumult. [Exit Sat.] You, Pomponius, + Hold some good correspondence with the consul: + Attempt him, noble friend. [Exit Pomp.] These things begin + To look like dangers, now, worthy my fates. + Fortune, I see thy worst: let doubtful states, + And things uncertain, hang upon thy will: + Me surest death shall render certain still. + Yet, why is now my thought turn'd toward death, + Whom fates have let go on, so far in breath, + Uncheck'd or unreproved? I that did help + To fell the lofty cedar of the world, + Germanicus; that at one stroke cut down + Drusus, that upright elm; wither'd his vine; + Laid Silius and Sabinus, two strong oaks, + Flat on the earth; besides those other shrubs, + Cordus and Sosia, Claudia Pulchra, + Furnius and Gallus, which I have grubb'd up; + And since, have set my axe so strong and deep + Into the root of spreading Agrippina; + Lopt off and scatter'd her proud branches, + Nero. Drusus; and Caius too, although re-planted. + If you will, Destinies, that after all, + I faint now ere I touch my period, + You are but cruel; and I already have done + Things great enough. All Rome hath been my slave; + The senate sate an idle looker on, + And witness of my power; when I have blush'd + More to command than it to suffer: all + The fathers have sate ready and prepared. + To give me empire, temples, or their throats. + When I would ask 'em; and what crowns the top, + Rome, senate, people, all the world have seen + Jove, but my equal; Caesar, but my second. + 'Tis then your malice, Fates, who, but your own, + Envy and fear to have any power long known. + + + + SCENE V.---A Room in the same. + + Enter TERENTIUS and Tribunes. + +Ter. Stay here: I'll give his lordship, you are come. + Enter MINUTIUS, with COTTA and LATIARIS. +Min. + Marcus Terentius, 'pray you tell my lord + Here's Cotta, and Latiaris. + +Ter. Sir, I shall. + +Cot. + My letter is the very same with yours; + Only requires me to be present there, + And give my voice to strengthen his design. + +Lat. Names he not what it is? + +Cot. No, nor to you. + +Lat. 'Tis strange and singular doubtful! + +Cot. + So it is. + It may be all is left to lord Sejanus. + Enter NATTA and GRACINUS LACO. + +Nat. Gentlemen, where's my lord? + +Tri. We wait him here. + +Cot. The provost Laco! what's the news? + +Lat. My lord--- + + Enter SEJANUS. + +Sej. + Now, my right dear, noble, and trusted friends, + How much I am a captive to your kindness! + Most worthy Cotta, Latiaris, Laco, + Your valiant hand; and, gentlemen, your loves. + I wish I could divide myself unto you; + Or that it lay within our narrow powers, + To satisfy for so enlarged bounty. + Gracinus, we must pray you, hold your guards + Unquit when morning comes. Saw you the consul? + +Min. Trio will presently be here, my lord. + +Cot. + They are but giving order for the edict, + To warn the senate. + +Sej. How! the senate? + +Lac. + Yes. + This morning in Apollo's temple. + +Cot. + We + Are charged by letter to be there, my lord. + +Sej. By letter! pray you, let's see. + +Lat. Knows not his lordship? + +Cot. It seems so! + +Sej. + A senate warn'd! Without my knowledge! + And on this sudden! Senators by letters + Required to be there! who brought these? + +Cot. Macro. + +Sej. Mine enemy! and when? + +Cot. This midnight. + +Sej. + Time, + With every other circumstance, doth give + It hath some strain of engine in't!---How now? + Enter SATRIUS. +Sat. + My lord, Sertorius Macro is without, + Alone, and prays t' have private conference + In business of high nature with your lordship, + He says to me, and which regards you much. + +Sej. Let him come here. + +Sat. + Better, my lord, Withdraw: + You will betray what store and strength of friends + Are now about you; which he comes to spy. + +Sej. Is he not arm'd? + +Sat. We'll search him. + +Sej. + No; but take, + And lead him to some room, where you conceal'd + May keep a guard upon us. [Exit Sat.] + Noble Laco, + You are our trust; and till our own cohorts + Can be brought up, your strengths must be our guard. + Now, good Minutius, honour'd Latiaris, + [He salutes them humbly. + Most worthy and my most unwearied friends: + I return instantly. [Exit. + +Lat. Most worthy lord. + +Cot. + His lordship is turn'd instant kind, methinks; + I have not observed it in him, heretofore. + +1 Tri. 'Tis true, and it becomes him nobly. + +Min. + 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 SEJANUS, 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 god + 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 Sejanus. + 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 Sejanus. + +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 assure + My noble 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 Sejanus 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 passion is this fear, + What base uncomely things it makes men do! + Suspect their noblest 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 gods, + 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 Sejanus + 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 Sejanus--- + +Tri. + I must entreat you, Cotta, on your honour + Not to reveal it. + +Cot. On my life, sir. + +Lat. Say. + +Cot. + Is to receive the tribunitial power. + But, as you are an honourable man, + Let me conjure you not to utter it; + For it is trusted to me with that bond. + +Lat. I am Harpocrates. + +Ter. Can you assure it? + +Pom. The consul told it me, but keep it close. + +Min. Lord Latiaris, what's the news? + +Lat. + I'll tell you; + But you must swear to keep it secret. + Enter SEJANUS. +Sej. + I knew the Fates had on their distaff left + More of our thread, than so. + +Reg. Hail, great Sejanus! + +Tri. Hail, the most honour'd! + +Cot. Happy! + +Lat. High Sejanus! + +Sej. Do you bring prodigies too? + +Tri. + May all presage + Turn to those fair effects, whereof we bring + Your lordship news. + +Reg. May't please my lord withdraw. + +Sej. Yes:-I will speak with you anon. [To some that stand by. + +Ter. + My lord, + What is your pleasure for the tribunes? + +Sej. + Why, + Let them be thank'd and sent away. + +Min. My lord--- + +Lac. Will't please your lordship to command me- + +Sej. + No: + You are troublesome. + +Min. The mood is changed. + +Tri. + Not speak, + Nor look! + +Lac. + Ay, he is wise, will make him friends + Of such who never love, but for their ends. [Exeunt. + + + + + SCENE VIII.-A Space before the Temple of Apollo. + Enter ARRUNTIUS and LEPIDUS divers Senators passing by them. + + +Arr. + Ay, go, make haste; take heed you be not last + To tender your All Hail in the wide hall + Of huge Sejanus: run a lictor's pace: + Stay, not to put your robes on; but away, + With the pale troubled ensigns of great friendship + Stamp'd in your face! Now, Marcus Lepidus, + You still believe your former augury! + Sejanus must go downward! You perceive + His wane approaching fast! + +Lep. Believe me, Lucius, I wonder at this rising. + +Arr. + Ay, and that we + Must give our suffrage to it. You will say, + It is to make his fall more steep and grievous: + It may be so. But think it, they that can + With idle wishes 'say to bring back time: + In cases desperate, all hope is crime. + See, see! what troops of his officious friends + Flock to salute my lord, and start before + My great proud lord! to get a lord-like nod! + Attend my lord unto the senate-house! + Bring back my lord! like servile ushers, make + Way for my lord! proclaim his idol lordship, + More than ten criers, or six noise of trumpets! + Make legs, kiss hands, and take a scatter'd hair + From my lord's eminent shoulder! + [Sanquinius and Haterius pass over the stage. + See, Sanquinius + With his slow belly, and his dropsy! look, + What toiling haste he makes! yet here's another + Retarded with the gout, will be afore him. + Get thee Liburnian porters, thou gross fool, + To bear thy obsequious fatness, like thy peers. + They are met! the gout returns, and his great carriage. + [Lictors, Regulus, Trio, Sejanus, Satrius, + and many other Senators, pass over the stage. + +Lict. Give way, make place, room for the consul! + +San. + Hail, + Hail, great. Sejanus! + +Hat. Hail, my honour'd lord! + +Arr. We shall be mark'd anon, for our not Hail. + +Lep. That is already done. + +Arr. + It is a note + Of upstart greatness, to observe and watch + For these poor trifles, which the noble mind + Neglects and scorns. + +Lep. + Ay, and they think themselves + Deeply dishonour'd where they are omitted, + As if they were necessities that help'd + To the perfection of their dignities; + And hate the men that but refrain them. + +Arr. + O! + There is a farther cause of hate. Their breasts + Are guilty, that we know their obscure springs, + And base beginnings; thence the anger grows. + On. Follow. + + + + SCENE IX.-Another part of the same. + Enter MACRO and LACO. + +Mac. + When all are enter'd, shut the temple doors; + And bring your guards up to the gate. + +Lac. I will. + +Mac. + If you shall hear commotion in the senate, + Present yourself: and charge on any man + Shall offer to come forth. + +Lac. I am instructed. [Exeunt. + + + + + SCENE X.-The Temple of Apollo. + + Enter HATERIUS, TRIO, SANQUINIUS, COTTA, REGULUS, + SEJANUS, POMPONIUS, LATIARIS, LEPIDUS, ARRUNTIUS, + and divers other Senators; Praecones, and Lictors. + +Hat. How well, his lordship looks to-day! + +Tri. + As if + He had been born, or made for this hour's state. + +Cat. Your fellow consul's come about, methinks? + +Tri. Ay, he is wise. + +San. Sejanus trusts him well. + +Tri. Sejanus is a noble, bounteous lord. + +Hat. He is so, and most valiant. + +Lat. And most wise. + +1 Sen. He's every thing. + +Lat. + Worthy of all, and more + Than bounty can bestow. + +Tri. + This dignity + Will make him worthy. + +Pom. Above Caesar. + +San. + Tut, + Caesar is but the rector of an isle, + He of the empire. + +Tri. + Now he will have power + More to reward than ever. + +Cat. + Let us look + We be not slack in giving him our voices. + +Lat. Not I. + +San. Nor I. + +Col. + The readier we seem + To propagate his honours, will more bind + His thoughts to ours. + +Hat. + I think right with your lordship; + It is the way to have us hold our places. + +San. Ay, and get more. + +Lat. More office and more titles. + +Pom. + I will not lose the part I hope to share I + n these his fortunes, for my patrimony. + +Lat. See, how Arruntius sits, and Lepidus! + +Tri. Let them alone, they will be mark'd anon. + +1 Sen. I'll do with others. + +2 Sen. So will I. + +3 Sen. + And I. + Men grow not in the state, but as they are planted + Warm in his favours. + +Col. Noble Sejanus! + +Hat. Honour'd Sejanus! + +Lat. Worthy and great Sejanus! + +Arr. + Gods! how the sponges open and take in, + And shut again! look, look! is not he blest + That gets a seat in eye-reach of him? more, + That comes in ear, or tongue-reach? O but most, + Can claw his subtle elbow, or with a buz + Fly-blow his ears? + +Praet. Proclaim the senate's peace, + And give last summons by the edict. + +Prae. + Silence! + In name of Caesar, and the senate, silence! +Memmius Regulus, and Fulcinius Trio, consuls, these present kalends +of June, with the first light, shall hold a senate, in the temple +of Apollo Palatine: all that are fathers, and are registered +fathers that have right of entering the senate, we warn or command +you be frequently present, take knowledge the business is the +commonwealth's: whosoever is absent, his fine or mulct will be +taken, his excuse will not be taken. + +Tri. Note who are absent, and record their names. + +Reg. + Fathers conscript, may what I am to utter + Turn good and happy for the commonwealth! + And thou, Apollo, in whose holy house + We here have met, inspire us all with truth, + And liberty of censure to our thought! + The majesty of great Tiberius Caesar + Propounds to this grave senate, the bestowing + Upon the man he loves, honour'd Sejanus, + The tribunitial dignity and power: + Here are his letters, signed with his signet. + What pleaseth now the fathers to be done? + +Sen. Read, read them, open, publicly read them. + +Cot. + Caesar hath honour'd his own greatness much + In thinking of this act. + +Tri. + It was a thought + Happy, and worthy Caesar. + +Lat. + And the lord + As worthy it, on whom it is directed! + +Hat. Most worthy! + +San. + Rome did never boast the virtue + That could give envy bounds, but his: Sejanus--- + +1 Sen. Honour'd and noble! + +2 Sen. Good and great Sejanus! + +Arr. O, most tame slavery, and fierce flattery! + +Prae. Silence! + + TIBERIUS CAESAR to the Senate, greeting. + +If you, conscript fathers, with your children, be in health, it is +abundantly well: we with our friends here are so. The care of the +commonwealth, howsoever we are removed in person, cannot be absent +to our thought; although, oftentimes, even to princes most present, +the truth of their own affairs is hid, than which, nothing falls +out more miserable to a state, or makes the art of governing more +difficult. But since it hath been our easeful happiness to enjoy +both the aids and industry of so vigilant a senate, we profess to +have been the more indulgent to our pleasures, not as being +careless of our office, but rather secure of the necessity. Neither +do these common rumours of many, and infamous libels published +against our retirement, at all afflict us; being born more out of +men's ignorance than their malice: and will, neglected, find their +own grave quickly, whereas, too sensibly acknowledged, it would +make their obloquy ours. Nor do we desire their authors, though +found, be censured, since in a free state, as ours, all men ought +to enjoy both their minds and tongues free. + +Arr. The lapwing, the lapwing! + + +Yet in things which shall worthily and more near concern the +majesty of a prince, we shall fear to be so unnaturally cruel to +our own fame, as to neglect them. True it is, conscript fathers, +that we have raised Sejanus from obscure, and almost unknown gentry + +Sen. How, how! + + +to the highest and most conspicuous point of greatness, and, we +hope, deservingly, yet not without danger: it being a most bold +hazard in that sovereign, who, by his particular love to one, dares +adventure the hatred of all his other subjects. + +Arr. This touches; the blood turns. + + +But we affy in your loves and understandings, and do no way suspect +the merit of our Sejanus, to make our favours offensive to any. + +Sen. O! good, good. + + +Though we could have wished his zeal had run a calmer course +against Agrippina and our nephews, howsoever the openness of their +actions declared them delinquents, and, that he would have +remembered, no innocence is so safe, but it rejoiceth to stand in +the sight of mercy: the use of which in us, he hath so quite taken +away, towards them, by his loyal fury, as now our clemency would be +thought but wearied cruelty, if we should offer to exercise it. + +Arr. I thank him; there I look'd for't. A good fox! + + +Some there be that would interpret this his public severity to be +particular ambition, and that, under a pretext of service to us, he +doth but remove his own lets: alleging the strengths he hath made +to himself, by the praetorian soldiers, by his faction in court and +senate, by the offices he holds himself, and confers on others, his +popularity and dependents, his urging and almost driving us to this +our unwilling retirement, and, lastly, his aspiring to be our +son-in-law. + +Sen. This is strange! + +Arr. I shall anon believe your vultures, Marcus. + + +Your wisdoms, conscript fathers, are able to examine, and censure +these suggestions. But, were they left to our absolving voice, we +durst pronounce them, as we think them, most malicious. + +Sen. O, he has restored all; list! + And give last summons by the edict. + +Prae. + Silence! + In name of Caesar, and the senate, silence! +Memmius Regulus, and Fulcinius Trio, consuls, these present kalends +of June, with the first light, shall hold a senate, in the temple +of Apollo Palatine: all that are fathers, and are registered +fathers that have right of entering the senate, we warn or command +you be frequently present, take knowledge the business is the +commonwealth's: whosoever is absent, his fine or mulct will be +taken, his excuse will not be taken. + +Tri. Note who are absent, and record their names. + +Reg. + Fathers conscript, may what I am to utter + Turn good and happy for the commonwealth! + And thou, Apollo, in whose holy house + We here have met, inspire us all with truth, + And liberty of censure to our thought! + The majesty of great Tiberius Caesar + Propounds to this grave senate, the bestowing + Upon the man he loves, honour'd Sejanus, + The tribunitial dignity and power: + Here are his letters, signed with his signet. + What pleaseth now the fathers to be done? + +Sen. Read, read them, open, publicly read them. + +Cot. + Caesar hath honour'd his own greatness much + In thinking of this act. + +Tri. + It was a thought + Happy, and worthy Caesar. + +Lat. + And the lord + As worthy it, on whom it is directed! + +Hat. Most worthy! + +San. + Rome did never boast the virtue + That could give envy bounds, but his: Sejanus--- + +1 Sen. Honour'd and noble! + +2 Sen. Good and great Sejanus! + +Arr. O, most tame slavery, and fierce flattery! + +Prae. Silence! + + TIBERIUS CAESAR to the Senate, greeting. + +"If you, conscript fathers, with your children, be in health, it is +abundantly well: we with our friends here are so. The care of the +commonwealth, howsoever we are removed in person, cannot be absent +to our thought; although, oftentimes, even to princes most present, +the truth of their own affairs is hid, than which, nothing falls +out more miserable to a state, or makes the art of governing more +difficult. But since it hath been our easeful happiness to enjoy +both the aids and industry of so vigilant a senate, we profess to +have been the more indulgent to our pleasures, not as being +careless of our office, but rather secure of the necessity. Neither +do these common rumours of many, and infamous libels published +against our retirement, at all afflict us; being born more out of +men's ignorance than their malice: and will, neglected, find their +own grave quickly, whereas, too sensibly acknowledged, it would +make their obloquy ours. Nor do we desire their authors, though +found, be censured, since in a free state, as ours, all men ought +to enjoy both their minds and tongues free." + +Arr. The lapwing, the lapwing! + +"Yet in things which shall worthily and more near concern the +majesty of a prince, we shall fear to be so unnaturally cruel to +our own fame, as to neglect them. True it is, conscript fathers, +that we have raised Sejanus from obscure, and almost unknown +gentry" + +Sen. How, how! + +"to the highest and most conspicuous point of greatness, and, we +hope, deservingly, yet not without danger: it being a most bold +hazard in that sovereign, who, by his particular love to one, dares +adventure the hatred of all his other subjects." + +Arr. This touches; the blood turns. + +"But we affy in your loves and understandings, and do no way +suspect the merit of our Sejanus, to make our favours offensive to +any." + +Sen. O! good, good. + +"Though we could have wished his zeal had run a calmer course +against Agrippina and our nephews, howsoever the openness of their +actions declared them delinquents, and, that he would have +remembered, no innocence is so safe, but it rejoiceth to stand in +the sight of mercy: the use of which in us, he hath so quite taken +away, towards them, by his loyal fury, as now our clemency would be +thought but wearied cruelty, if we should offer to exercise it." + +Arr. I thank him; there I look'd for't. A good fox! + +"Some there be that would interpret this his public severity to be +particular ambition, and that, under a pretext of service to us, he +doth but remove his own lets: alleging the strengths he hath made +to himself, by the praetorian soldiers, by his faction in court and +senate, by the offices he holds himself, and confers on others, his +popularity and dependents, his urging and almost driving us to this +our unwilling retirement, and, lastly, his aspiring to be our +son-in-law." + +Sen. This is strange! + +Arr. I shall anon believe your vultures, Marcus. + +"Your wisdoms, conscript fathers, are able to examine, and censure +these suggestions. But, were they left to our absolving voice, we +durst pronounce them, as we think them, most malicious." + +Sen. O, he has restored all; list! + +"Yet are they offered to be averred, and on the lives of the +informers. What we should say, or rather what we should not say, +lords of the senate, if this be true, our gods and goddesses +confound us if we know! Only we must think, we have placed our +benefits ill; and conclude, that in our choice, either we were +wanting to the gods, or the gods to us." + [The Senators shift their places. + +Arr. The place grows hot; they shift. + +"We have not been covetous, honourable fathers, to change, neither +is it now any new lust that alters our affection, or old lothing, +but those needful jealousies of state, that warn wiser princes +hourly to provide their safety, and do teach them how learned a +thing it is to beware of the humblest enemy; much more of those +great ones, whom their own employed favours have made fit for their +fears." + +1 Sen. Away. + +2 Sen. Sit farther. + +Cot. Let's remove- + +Arr. Gods! how the leaves drop off, this little wind! + +"We therefore desire, that the offices he holds be first seized by +the senate, and himself suspended from all exercise of place or +power--" + +Sen. How! + +San. [thrusting by.] By your leave. + +Arr. + Come, porpoise; where's Haterius? + His gout keeps him most miserably constant; + Your dancing shews a tempest. + +Sej. Read no more. + +Reg. Lords of the senate, hold your seats: read on. + +Sej. These letters they are forged. + +Reg. A guard! sit still. + Enter LACO, with the Guards. +Arr. Here's change! + +Reg. Bid silence, and read forward. + +Prae. Silence!--- + +"and himself suspended from all exercise of place or power, but +till due and mature trial be made of his innocency, which yet we +can faintly apprehend the necessity to doubt. If, conscript +fathers, to your more searching wisdoms, there shall appear farther +cause---or of farther proceeding, either to seizure of lands, +goods, or more---it is not our power that shall limit your +authority, or our favour that must corrupt your justice: either +were dishonourable in you, and both uncharitable to ourself. We +would willingly be present with your counsels in this business, but +the danger of so potent a faction, if it should prove so, forbids +our attempting it: except one of the consuls would be entreated for +our safety, to undertake the guard of us home; then we should most +readily adventure. In the mean time, it shall not be fit for us to +importune so judicious a senate, who know how much they hurt the +innocent, that spare the guilty; and how grateful a sacrifice to +the gods is the life of an ingrateful person, We reflect not, in +this, on Sejanus, (notwithstanding, if you keep an eye upon him-and +there is Latiaris, a senator, and Pinnarius Natta, two of his most +trusted ministers, and so professed, whom we desire not to have +apprehended,) but as the necessity of the cause exacts it." + +Reg. A guard on Latiaris! + +Arr. + O, the spy, + The reverend spy is caught! who pities him? + Reward, sir, for your service: now, you have done + Your property, you see what use is made! + [Exeunt Latiaris and Natta, guarded. + Hang up the instrument. + +Sej. Give leave. + +Lac. + Stand, stand! + He comes upon his 'death, that doth advance + An inch toward my point. + +Sej. Have we no friends here? + +Arr. + Hush'd! + Where now are all the hails and acclamations? + Enter MACRO. +Mac. Hail to the consuls, and this noble senate! + +Sej. + Is Macro here? + O, thou art lost, Sejanus! [Aside. + +Mac. + Sit still, and unaffrighted, reverend fathers: + Macro, by Caesar's grace, the new-made provost, + And now possest of the praetorian bands, + An honour late belong'd to that proud man, + Bids you be safe: and to your constant doom + Of his deservings, offers you the surety + Of all the soldiers, tribunes, and centurions, + Received in our command. + +Reg. Sejanus, Sejanus, Stand forth, Sejanus! + +Sej. Am I call'd? + +Mac. + Ay, thou, + Thou insolent monster, art bid stand. + +Sej. + Why, Macro. + It hath been otherwise between you and I; + This court, that knows us both, hath seen a difference, + And can, if it be pleased to speak, confirm + Whose insolence is most. + +Mac. + Come down, Typhoeus. + If mine be most, lo! thus I make it more; + Kick up thy heels in air, tear off thy robe, + Play with thy beard and nostrils. Thus 'tis fit + (And no man take compassion of thy state) + To use th' ingrateful viper, tread his brains + Into the earth. + +Reg. Forbear. + +Mac. + If I could lose + All my humanity now, 'twere well to torture + So meriting a traitor.-Wherefore, fathers, + Sit you amazed and silent; and not censure + This wretch, who, in the hour he first rebell'd + 'Gainst Caesar's bounty, did condemn himself? + Phlegra, the field where all the sons of earth + Muster'd against the gods, did ne'er acknowledge + So proud and huge a monster. + +Reg. + Take him hence; + And all the gods guard Caesar! + +Tri. Take him hence. + +Hat. Hence. + +Cot. To the dungeon with him. + +San. He deserves it. + +Sen. Crown all our doors with bays. + +San. + And let an ox, + With gilded horns and garlands, straight be led + Unto the Capitol--- + +Hat. + And sacrificed + To Jove, for Caesar's safety. + +Tri. + All our gods + Be present still to Caesar! + +Cot. Phoebus. + +San. Mars. + +Hat. Diana. + +San. Pallas. + +Sen. + Juno, Mercury, + All guard him! + +Mac. Forth, thou prodigy of men! [Exit Sejanus, guarded. + +Cot. Let all the traitor's titles be defaced. + +Tri. His images and statues be pull'd down. + +Hat. His chariot-wheels be broken. + +Arr. + And the legs + Of the poor horses, that deseryed nought, + Let them be broken too! + + [Exeunt Lictors, Praecones, Macro, Regulus, Trio, + Haterius, and Sanquinius: manent Lepidus, Arruntius, + and a few Senators. + +Lep. + O violent change, + And whirl of men's affections! + +Arr. + Like, as both + Their bulks and souls were bound on Fortune's wheel, + And must act only with her motion. + +Lep. + Who would depend upon the popular air, + Or voice of men, that have to-day beheld + That which, if all the gods had fore-declared, + Would not have been believed, Sejanus' fall? + He, that this morn rose proudly, as the sun, + And, breaking through a mist of clients' breath, + Came on, as gazed at and admired as he, + When superstitious Moors salute his light! + That had our servile nobles waiting him + As common grooms; and hanging on his look, + No less than human life on destiny! + That had men's knees as frequent as the gods; + And sacrifices more than Rome had altars: + And this man fall! fall? ay, without a look + That durst appear his friend, or lend so much + Of vain relief, to his changed state, as pity! + +Arr. + They that before, like gnats, play'd in his beams, + And throng'd to circumscribe him, now not seen + Nor deign to hold a common seat with him! + Others, that waited him unto the senate, + Now inhumanely ravish him to prison, + Whom, but this morn, they follow'd as their lord! + Guard through the streets, bound like a fugitive, + Instead of wreaths give fetters, strokes for stoops, + Blind shames for honours, and black taunts for titles! + Who would trust slippery chance? + +Lep. + They that would make + Themselves her spoil; and foolishly forget, + When she doth flatter, that she comes to prey. + Fortune, thou hadst no deity, if men + Had wisdom: we have placed thee so high, + By fond belief in thy felicity. + [Shout within.] The gods guard Caesar! + All the gods guard Caesar! + + Re-enter MACRO, REGULUS, and divers Senators. + +Mac. + Now, great Sejanus, you that awed the state, + And sought to bring the nobles to your whip; + That would be Caesar's tutor, and dispose + Of dignities and offices! that had + The public head still bare to your designs, + And made the general voice to echo yours! + That look'd for salutations twelve score off, + And would have pyramids, yea temples, rear'd + To your huge greatness; now you lie as flat, + As was your pride advanced! + +Reg. Thanks to the gods! + +Sen. + And praise to Macro, that hath saved Rome! + Liberty, liberty, liberty! Lead on, + And praise to Macro, that hath saved Rome! + [Exeunt all but Arruntius and Lepidus. + +Arr. + I prophesy, out of the senate's flattery, + That this new fellow, Macro, will become + A greater prodigy in Rome, than he + That now is fallen. + Enter TERENTIUS. + +Ter. + O you, whose minds are good, + And have not forced all mankind from your breasts; + That yet have so much stock of virtue left, + To pity guilty states, when they are wretched: + Lend your soft ears to hear, and eyes to weep, + Deeds done by men, beyond the acts of furies. + The eager multitude (who never yet + Knew why to love or hate, but only pleased + T' express their rage of power) no sooner heard + The murmur of Sejanus in decline, + But with that speed and heat of appetite, + With which they greedily devour the way + To some great sports, or a new theatre, + They fill'd the Capitol, and Pompey's Cirque, + Where, like so many mastiffs, biting stones, + As if his statues now were sensitive + Of their wild fury; first, they tear them down; + Then fastening ropes, drag them along the streets, + Crying in scorn, This, this was that rich head + Was crown'd with garlands, and with odours, this + That was in Rome so reverenced! Now + The furnace and the bellows shall to work, + The great Sejanus crack, and piece by piece + Drop in the founder's pit. + +Lep. O popular rage! + +Ter. + The whilst the senate at the temple of Concord + Make haste to meet again, and thronging cry, + Let us condemn him, tread him down in water, + While he doth lie upon the bank; away! + While some more tardy, cry unto their bearers, + He will be censured ere we come; run, knaves, + And use that furious diligence, for fear + Their bondmen should inform against their slackness, + And bring their quaking flesh unto the hook: + The rout they follow with confused voice, + Crying, they're glad, say, they could ne'er abide him, + Enquire what man he was, what kind of face, + What beard he had, what nose, what lips? + Protest They ever did presage he'd come to this; + They never thought him wise, nor valiant; ask + After his garments, when he dies, what death; + And not a beast of all the herd demands, + What was his crime, or who were his accusers, + Under what proof or testimony he fell? + There came, says one, a huge long-worded letter + From Capreae against him. Did there so? + O, they are satisfied; no more. + +Lep. Alas! + They follow Fortune, and hate men condemn'd, + Guilty or not. + +Arr. + But had Sejanus thrived + In his design, and prosperously opprest + The old Tiberius; then, in that same minute, + These very rascals, that now rage like furies, + Would have proclaim'd Sejanus emperor. + +Lep. But what hath follow'd? + +Ter. + Sentence by the senate, + To lose his head; which was no sooner off, + But that and the unfortunate trunk were seized + By the rude multitude; who not content + With what the forward justice of the state. + Officiously had done, with violent rage + Have rent it limb from limb. A thousand heads, + A thousand hands, ten thousand tongues and voices, + Employ'd at once in several acts of malice! + Old men not staid with age, virgins with shame, + Late wives with loss of husbands, mothers of children, + Losing all grief in joy of his sad fall, + Run quite transported with their cruelty! + These mounting at his head, these at his face, + These digging out his eyes, those with his brains + Sprinkling themselves, their houses and their friends; + Others are met, have ravish'd thence an arm, + And deal small pieces of the flesh for favours; + These with a thigh, this hath cut off his hands, + And this his feet; these fingers and these toes; + That hath his liver, he his heart: there wants + Nothing but room for wrath, and place for hatred! + What cannot oft be done, is now o'erdone. + The whole, and all of what was great Sejanus, + And, next to Caesar, did possess the World, + Now torn and scatter'd, as he needs no grave; + Each little dust covers a little part: + So lies he no where, and yet often buried! + Enter NUNTIUS +Arr. More of Sejanus + +Nun. Yes. + +Lep. + What can be added? + We know him dead. + +Nun. + Then there begin your pity. + There is enough behind to melt ev'n Rome, + And Caesar into tears; since never slave + Could yet so highly offend, but tyranny, + In torturing him, would make him worth lamenting.--- + A son and daughter to the dead Sejanus, + (Of whom there is not now so much remaining + As would give fast'ning to the hangman's hook,) + Have they drawn forth for farther sacrifice; + Whose tenderness of knowledge, unripe years, + And childish silly innocence was such, + As scarce would lend them feeling of their danger: + The girl so simple, as she often ask'd + "Where they would lead her? for what cause they dragg'd her?" + Cried, "She would do no more:" that she could take + "Warning with beating." And because our laws + Admit no virgin immature to die, + The wittily and strangely cruel Macro + Deliver'd her to be deflower'd and spoil'd, + By the rude lust of the licentious hangman, + Then to be strangled with her harmless brother. + +Lep. + O, act most worthy hell, and lasting night, + To hide it from the world! + +Nun. + Their bodies thrown + Into the Gemonies, (I know not how, + Or by what accident return'd.) the mother, + The expulsed Apicata, finds them there; + Whom when she saw lie spread on the degrees, + After a world of fury on herself, + Tearing her hair, defacing of her face, + Beating her breasts and womb, kneeling amaz'd, + Crying to heaven, then to them; at last, + Her drowned voice gat up above her woes, + And with such black and bitter execrations, + As might affright the gods, and force the sun + Run backward to the east; nay, make the old + Deformed chaos rise again, to o'erwhelm + Them, us, and all the world, she fills the air, + Upbraids the heavens with their partial dooms, + Defies their tyrannous powers, and demands, + What she, and those poor innocents have transgress'd, + That they must suffer such a share in vengeance, + Whilst Livia, Lygdus, and Eudemus live, + Who, as she says, and firmly vows to prove it + To Caesar and the senate, poison'd Drusus? + +Lup. Confederates with her husband! + +Nun. Ay. + +Lep. Strange act! + +Arr. + And strangely open'd: what says now my monster, + The multitude? they reel now, do they not? + +Nun. + Their gall is gone, and now they 'gin to weep + The mischief they have done. + +Arr. I thank 'em, rogues. + +Nun. + Part are so stupid, or so flexible, + As they believe him innocent; all grieve: + And some whose hands yet reek with his warm blood, + And gripe the part which they did tear of him, + Wish him collected and created new. + +Lep. + How Fortune plies her sports, when she begins + To practise them! pursues, continues, adds, + Confounds with varying her impassion'd moods! + +Arr. + Dost thou hope, Fortune, to redeem thy crimes, + To make amend for thy ill-placed favours, + With these strange punishments? Forbear, you things + That stand upon the pinnacles of state, + To boast your slippery height; when you do fall, + You pash yourselves in pieces, ne'er to rise; + And he that lends you pity, is not wise. + +Ter. + Let this example move the insolent man, + Not to grow proud and careless of the gods. + It is an odious wisdom to blaspheme, + Much more to slighten, or deny their powers: + For, whom the morning saw so great and high, + Thus low and little, fore the even doth lie. [Exeunt + + + + +--------------------- + + + +GLOSSARY + +ABATE, cast down, subdue. + +ABHORRING, repugnant (to), at variance. + +ABJECT, base, degraded thing, outcast. + +ABRASE, smooth, blank. + +ABSOLUTE(LY), faultless(ly). + +ABSTRACTED, abstract, abstruse. + +ABUSE, deceive, insult, dishonour, make ill use of. + +ACATER, caterer. + +ACATES, cates. + +ACCEPTIVE, willing, ready to accept, receive. + +ACCOMMODATE, fit, befitting. (The word was a fashionable +one and used on all occasions. See "Henry IV.," pt. 2, +iii. 4). + +ACCOST, draw near, approach. + +ACKNOWN, confessedly acquainted with. + +ACME, full maturity. + +ADALANTADO, lord deputy or governor of a Spanish province. + +ADJECTION, addition. + +ADMIRATION, astonishment. + +ADMIRE, wonder, wonder at. + +ADROP, philosopher's stone, or substance from which obtained. + +ADSCRIVE, subscribe. + +ADULTERATE, spurious, counterfeit. + +ADVANCE, lift. + +ADVERTISE, inform, give intelligence. + +ADVERTISED, "be--," be it known to you. + +ADVERTISEMENT, intelligence. + +ADVISE, consider, bethink oneself, deliberate. + +ADVISED, informed, aware; "are you--?" have you found that out? + +AFFECT, love, like; aim at; move. + +AFFECTED, disposed; beloved. + +AFFECTIONATE, obstinate; prejudiced. + +AFFECTS, affections. + +AFFRONT, "give the--," face. + +AFFY, have confidence in; betroth. + +AFTER, after the manner of. + +AGAIN, AGAINST, in anticipation of. + +AGGRAVATE, increase, magnify, enlarge upon. + +AGNOMINATION. See Paranomasie. + +AIERY, nest, brood. + +AIM, guess. + +ALL HID, children's cry at hide-and-seek. + +ALL-TO, completely, entirely ("all-to-be-laden"). + +ALLOWANCE, approbation, recognition. + +ALMA-CANTARAS (astronomy), parallels of altitude. + +ALMAIN, name of a dance. + +ALMUTEN, planet of chief influence in the horoscope. + +ALONE, unequalled, without peer. + +ALUDELS, subliming pots. + +AMAZED, confused, perplexed. + +AMBER, AMBRE, ambergris. + +AMBREE, MARY, a woman noted for her valour at the +siege of Ghent, 1458. + +AMES-ACE, lowest throw at dice. + +AMPHIBOLIES, ambiguities. + +AMUSED, bewildered, amazed. + +AN, if. + +ANATOMY, skeleton, or dissected body. + +ANDIRONS, fire-dogs. + +ANGEL, gold coin worth 10 shillings, stamped with the +figure of the archangel Michael. + +ANNESH CLEARE, spring known as Agnes le Clare. + +ANSWER, return hit in fencing. + +ANTIC, ANTIQUE, clown, buffoon. + +ANTIC, like a buffoon. + +ANTIPERISTASIS, an opposition which enhances the quality +it opposes. + +APOZEM, decoction. + +APPERIL, peril. + +APPLE-JOHN, APPLE-SQUIRE, pimp, pander. + +APPLY, attach. + +APPREHEND, take into custody. + +APPREHENSIVE, quick of perception; able to perceive and appreciate. + +APPROVE, prove, confirm. + +APT, suit, adapt; train, prepare; dispose, incline. + +APT(LY), suitable(y), opportune(ly). + +APTITUDE, suitableness. + +ARBOR, "make the--," cut up the game (Gifford). + +ARCHES, Court of Arches. + +ARCHIE, Archibald Armstrong, jester to James I. and Charles I. + +ARGAILE, argol, crust or sediment in wine casks. + +ARGENT-VIVE, quicksilver. + +ARGUMENT, plot of a drama; theme, subject; matter in question; +token, proof. + +ARRIDE, please. + +ARSEDINE, mixture of copper and zinc, used as an imitation of +gold-leaf. + +ARTHUR, PRINCE, reference to an archery show by a society who +assumed arms, etc., of Arthur's knights. + +ARTICLE, item. + +ARTIFICIALLY, artfully. + +ASCENSION, evaporation, distillation. + +ASPIRE, try to reach, obtain, long for. + +ASSALTO (Italian), assault. + +ASSAY, draw a knife along the belly of the deer, a +ceremony of the hunting-field. + +ASSOIL, solve. + +ASSURE, secure possession or reversion of. + +ATHANOR, a digesting furnace, calculated to keep up a +constant heat. + +ATONE, reconcile. + +ATTACH, attack, seize. + +AUDACIOUS, having spirit and confidence. + +AUTHENTIC(AL), of authority, authorised, trustworthy, genuine. + +AVISEMENT, reflection, consideration. + +AVOID, begone! get rid of. + +AWAY WITH, endure. + +AZOCH, Mercurius Philosophorum. + +BABION, baboon. + +BABY, doll. + +BACK-SIDE, back premises. + +BAFFLE, treat with contempt. + +BAGATINE, Italian coin, worth about the third of a farthing. + +BAIARD, horse of magic powers known to old romance. + +BALDRICK, belt worn across the breast to support bugle, etc. + +BALE (of dice), pair. + +BALK, overlook, pass by, avoid. + +BALLACE, ballast. + +BALLOO, game at ball. + +BALNEUM (BAIN MARIE), a vessel for holding hot water +in which other vessels are stood for heating. + +BANBURY, "brother of--," Puritan. + +BANDOG, dog tied or chained up. + +BANE, woe, ruin. + +BANQUET, a light repast; dessert. + +BARB, to clip gold. + +BARBEL, fresh-water fish. + +BARE, meer; bareheaded; it was "a particular mark of state +and grandeur for the coachman to be uncovered" (Gifford). + +BARLEY-BREAK, game somewhat similar to base. + +BASE, game of prisoner's base. + +BASES, richly embroidered skirt reaching to the knees, or +lower. + +BASILISK, fabulous reptile, believed to slay with its eye. + +BASKET, used for the broken provision collected for prisoners. + +BASON, basons, etc., were beaten by the attendant mob when +bad characters were "carted." + +BATE, be reduced; abate, reduce. + +BATOON, baton, stick. + +BATTEN, feed, grow fat. + +BAWSON, badger. + +BEADSMAN, prayer-man, one engaged to pray for another. + +BEAGLE, small hound; fig. spy. + +BEAR IN HAND, keep in suspense, deceive with false hopes. + +BEARWARD, bear leader. + +BEDPHERE. See Phere. + +BEDSTAFF, (?) wooden pin in the side of the bedstead for +supporting the bedclothes (Johnson); one of the sticks or +"laths"; a stick used in making a bed. + +BEETLE, heavy mallet. + +BEG, "I'd--him," the custody of minors and idiots was +begged for; likewise property fallen forfeit to the Crown +("your house had been begged"). + +BELL-MAN, night watchman. + +BENJAMIN, an aromatic gum. + +BERLINA, pillory. + +BESCUMBER, defile. + +BESLAVE, beslabber. + +BESOGNO, beggar. + +BESPAWLE, bespatter. + +BETHLEHEM GABOR, Transylvanian hero, proclaimed King of Hungary. + +BEVER, drinking. + +BEVIS, SIR, knight of romance whose horse was equally celebrated. + +BEWRAY, reveal, make known. + +BEZANT, heraldic term: small gold circle. + +BEZOAR'S STONE, a remedy known by this name was a +supposed antidote to poison. + +BID-STAND, highwayman. + +BIGGIN, cap, similar to that worn by the Beguines; nightcap. + +BILIVE (belive), with haste. + +BILK, nothing, empty talk. + +BILL, kind of pike. + +BILLET, wood cut for fuel, stick. + +BIRDING, thieving. + +BLACK SANCTUS, burlesque hymn, any unholy riot. + +BLANK, originally a small French coin. + +BLANK, white. + +BLANKET, toss in a blanket. + +BLAZE, outburst of violence. + +BLAZE, (her.) blazon; publish abroad. + +BLAZON, armorial bearings; fig. all that pertains to +good birth and breeding. + +BLIN, "withouten--," without ceasing. + +BLOW, puff up. + +BLUE, colour of servants' livery, hence "--order," +"--waiters." + +BLUSHET, blushing one. + +BOB, jest, taunt. + +BOB, beat, thump. + +BODGE, measure. + +BODKIN, dagger, or other short, pointed weapon; long +pin with which the women fastened up their hair. + +BOLT, roll (of material). + +BOLT, dislodge, rout out; sift (boulting-tub). + +BOLT'S-HEAD, long, straight-necked vessel for distillation. + +BOMBARD SLOPS, padded, puffed-out breeches. + +BONA ROBA, "good, wholesome, plum-cheeked wench" (Johnson) +--not always used in compliment. + +BONNY-CLABBER, sour butter-milk. + +BOOKHOLDER, prompter. + +BOOT, "to--," into the bargain; "no--," of no avail. + +BORACHIO, bottle made of skin. + +BORDELLO, brothel. + +BORNE IT, conducted, carried it through. + +BOTTLE (of hay), bundle, truss. + +BOTTOM, skein or ball of thread; vessel. + +BOURD, jest. + +BOVOLI, snails or cockles dressed in the Italian manner +(Gifford). + +BOW-POT, flower vase or pot. + +BOYS, "terrible--," "angry--," roystering young bucks. +(See Nares). + +BRABBLES (BRABBLESH), brawls. + +BRACH, bitch. + +BRADAMANTE, a heroine in "Orlando Furioso." + +BRADLEY, ARTHUR OF, a lively character commemorated in +ballads. + +BRAKE, frame for confining a horse's feet while being +shod, or strong curb or bridle; trap. + +BRANCHED, with "detached sleeve ornaments, projecting +from the shoulders of the gown" (Gifford). + +BRANDISH, flourish of weapon. + +BRASH, brace. + +BRAVE, bravado, braggart speech. + +BRAVE (adv.), gaily, finely (apparelled). + +BRAVERIES, gallants. + +BRAVERY, extravagant gaiety of apparel. + +BRAVO, bravado, swaggerer. + +BRAZEN-HEAD, speaking head made by Roger Bacon. + +BREATHE, pause for relaxation; exercise. + +BREATH UPON, speak dispraisingly of. + +BREND, burn. + +BRIDE-ALE, wedding feast. + +BRIEF, abstract; (mus.) breve. + +BRISK, smartly dressed. + +BRIZE, breese, gadfly. + +BROAD-SEAL, state seal. + +BROCK, badger (term of contempt). + +BROKE, transact business as a broker. + +BROOK, endure, put up with. + +BROUGHTON, HUGH, an English divine and Hebrew scholar. + +BRUIT, rumour. + +BUCK, wash. + +BUCKLE, bend. + +BUFF, leather made of buffalo skin, used for military +and serjeants' coats, etc. + +BUFO, black tincture. + +BUGLE, long-shaped bead. + +BULLED, (?) bolled, swelled. + +BULLIONS, trunk hose. + +BULLY, term of familiar endearment. + +BUNGY, Friar Bungay, who had a familiar in the shape of a dog. + +BURDEN, refrain, chorus. + +BURGONET, closely-fitting helmet with visor. + +BURGULLION, braggadocio. + +BURN, mark wooden measures ("--ing of cans"). + +BURROUGH, pledge, security. + +BUSKIN, half-boot, foot gear reaching high up the leg. + +BUTT-SHAFT, barbless arrow for shooting at butts. + +BUTTER, NATHANIEL ("Staple of News"), a compiler of general +news. (See Cunningham). + +BUTTERY-HATCH, half-door shutting off the buttery, where +provisions and liquors were stored. + +BUY, "he bought me," formerly the guardianship of wards +could be bought. + +BUZ, exclamation to enjoin silence. + +BUZZARD, simpleton. + +BY AND BY, at once. + +BY(E), "on the __," incidentally, as of minor or secondary +importance; at the side. + +BY-CHOP, by-blow, bastard. + +CADUCEUS, Mercury's wand. + +CALIVER, light kind of musket. + +CALLET, woman of ill repute. + +CALLOT, coif worn on the wigs of our judges or +serjeants-at-law (Gifford). + +CALVERED, crimped, or sliced and pickled. (See Nares). + +CAMOUCCIO, wretch, knave. + +CAMUSED, flat. + +CAN, knows. + +CANDLE-RENT, rent from house property. + +CANDLE-WASTER, one who studies late. + +CANTER, sturdy beggar. + +CAP OF MAINTENCE, an insignia of dignity, a cap of state +borne before kings at their coronation; also an heraldic term. + +CAPABLE, able to comprehend, fit to receive instruction, +impression. + +CAPANEUS, one of the "Seven against Thebes." + +CARACT, carat, unit of weight for precious stones, etc.; +value, worth. + +CARANZA, Spanish author of a book on duelling. + +CARCANET, jewelled ornament for the neck. + +CARE, take care; object. + +CAROSH, coach, carriage. + +CARPET, table-cover. + +CARRIAGE, bearing, behaviour. + +CARWHITCHET, quip, pun. + +CASAMATE, casemate, fortress. + +CASE, a pair. + +CASE, "in--," in condition. + +CASSOCK, soldier's loose overcoat. + +CAST, flight of hawks, couple. + +CAST, throw dice; vomit; forecast, calculate. + +CAST, cashiered. + +CASTING-GLASS, bottle for sprinkling perfume. + +CASTRIL, kestrel, falcon. + +CAT, structure used in sieges. + +CATAMITE, old form of "ganymede." + +CATASTROPHE, conclusion. + +CATCHPOLE, sheriff's officer. + +CATES, dainties, provisions. + +CATSO, rogue, cheat. + +CAUTELOUS, crafty, artful. + +CENSURE, criticism; sentence. + +CENSURE, criticise; pass sentence, doom. + +CERUSE, cosmetic containing white lead. + +CESS, assess. + +CHANGE, "hunt--," follow a fresh scent. + +CHAPMAN, retail dealer. + +CHARACTER, handwriting. + +CHARGE, expense. + +CHARM, subdue with magic, lay a spell on, silence. + +CHARMING, exercising magic power. + +CHARTEL, challenge. + +CHEAP, bargain, market. + +CHEAR, CHEER, comfort, encouragement; food, entertainment. + +CHECK AT, aim reproof at. + +CHEQUIN, gold Italian coin. + +CHEVRIL, from kidskin, which is elastic and pliable. + +CHIAUS, Turkish envoy; used for a cheat, swindler. + +CHILDERMASS DAY, Innocents' Day. + +CHOKE-BAIL, action which does not allow of bail. + +CHRYSOPOEIA, alchemy. + +CHRYSOSPERM, ways of producing gold. + +CIBATION, adding fresh substances to supply the waste +of evaporation. + +CIMICI, bugs. + +CINOPER, cinnabar. + +CIOPPINI, chopine, lady's high shoe. + +CIRCLING BOY, "a species of roarer; one who in some way +drew a man into a snare, to cheat or rob him" (Nares). + +CIRCUMSTANCE, circumlocution, beating about the bush; +ceremony, everything pertaining to a certain condition; +detail, particular. + +CITRONISE, turn citron colour. + +CITTERN, kind of guitar. + +CITY-WIRES, woman of fashion, who made use of wires +for hair and dress. + +CIVIL, legal. + +CLAP, clack, chatter. + +CLAPPER-DUDGEON, downright beggar. + +CLAPS HIS DISH, a clap, or clack, dish (dish with a +movable lid) was carried by beggars and lepers to show +that the vessel was empty, and to give sound of their +approach. + +CLARIDIANA, heroine of an old romance. + +CLARISSIMO, Venetian noble. + +CLEM, starve. + +CLICKET, latch. + +CLIM O' THE CLOUGHS, etc., wordy heroes of romance. + +CLIMATE, country. + +CLOSE, secret, private; secretive. + +CLOSENESS, secrecy. + +CLOTH, arras, hangings. + +CLOUT, mark shot at, bull's eye. + +CLOWN, countryman, clodhopper. + +COACH-LEAVES, folding blinds. + +COALS, "bear no--," submit to no affront. + +COAT-ARMOUR, coat of arms. + +COAT-CARD, court-card. + +COB-HERRING, HERRING-COB, a young herring. + +COB-SWAN, male swan. + +COCK-A-HOOP, denoting unstinted jollity; thought to +be derived from turning on the tap that all might +drink to the full of the flowing liquor. + +COCKATRICE, reptile supposed to be produced from a +cock's egg and to kill by its eye--used as a term +of reproach for a woman. + +COCK-BRAINED, giddy, wild. + +COCKER, pamper. + +COCKSCOMB, fool's cap. + +COCKSTONE, stone said to be found in a cock's +gizzard, and to possess particular virtues. + +CODLING, softening by boiling. + +COFFIN, raised crust of a pie. + +COG, cheat, wheedle. + +COIL, turmoil, confusion, ado. + +COKELY, master of a puppet-show (Whalley). + +COKES, fool, gull. + +COLD-CONCEITED, having cold opinion of, coldly +affected towards. + +COLE-HARBOUR, a retreat for people of all sorts. + +COLLECTION, composure; deduction. + +COLLOP, small slice, piece of flesh. + +COLLY, blacken. + +COLOUR, pretext. + +COLOURS, "fear no--," no enemy (quibble). + +COLSTAFF, cowlstaff, pole for carrying a cowl=tub. + +COME ABOUT, charge, turn round. + +COMFORTABLE BREAD, spiced gingerbread. + +COMING, forward, ready to respond, complaisant. + +COMMENT, commentary; "sometime it is taken for a lie +or fayned tale" (Bullokar, 1616). + +COMMODITY, "current for--," allusion to practice of +money-lenders, who forced the borrower to take part of +the loan in the shape of worthless goods on which the +latter had to make money if he could. + +COMMUNICATE, share. + +COMPASS, "in--," within the range, sphere. + +COMPLEMENT, completion, completement; anything +required for the perfecting or carrying out of +a person or affair; accomplishment. + +COMPLEXION, natural disposition, constitution. + +COMPLIMENT, See Complement. + +COMPLIMENTARIES, masters of accomplishments. + +COMPOSITION, constitution; agreement, contract. + +COMPOSURE, composition. + +COMPTER, COUNTER, debtors' prison. + +CONCEALMENT, a certain amount of church property +had been retained at the dissolution of the monasteries; +Elizabeth sent commissioners to search it out, and the +courtiers begged for it. + +CONCEIT, idea, fancy, witty invention, conception, opinion. + +CONCEIT, apprehend. + +CONCEITED, fancifully, ingeniously devised or conceived; +possessed of intelligence, witty, ingenious (hence well +conceited, etc.); disposed to joke; of opinion, possessed +of an idea. + +CONCEIVE, understand. + +CONCENT, harmony, agreement. + +CONCLUDE, infer, prove. + +CONCOCT, assimilate, digest. + +CONDEN'T, probably conducted. + +CONDUCT, escort, conductor. + +CONEY-CATCH, cheat. + +CONFECT, sweetmeat. + +CONFER, compare. + +CONGIES, bows. + +CONNIVE, give a look, wink, of secret intelligence. + +CONSORT, company, concert. + +CONSTANCY, fidelity, ardour, persistence. + +CONSTANT, confirmed, persistent, faithful. + +CONSTANTLY, firmly, persistently. + +CONTEND, strive. + +CONTINENT, holding together. + +CONTROL (the point), bear or beat down. + +CONVENT, assembly, meeting. + +CONVERT, turn (oneself). + +CONVEY, transmit from one to another. + +CONVINCE, evince, prove; overcome, overpower; convict. + +COP, head, top; tuft on head of birds; "a cop" may +have reference to one or other meaning; Gifford and +others interpret as "conical, terminating in a point." + +COPE-MAN, chapman. + +COPESMATE, companion. + +COPY (Lat. copia), abundance, copiousness. + +CORN ("powder--"), grain. + +COROLLARY, finishing part or touch. + +CORSIVE, corrosive. + +CORTINE, curtain, (arch.) wall between two towers, etc. + +CORYAT, famous for his travels, published as "Coryat's +Crudities." + +COSSET, pet lamb, pet. + +COSTARD, head. + +COSTARD-MONGER, apple-seller, coster-monger. + +COSTS, ribs. + +COTE, hut. + +COTHURNAL, from "cothurnus," a particular boot worn by +actors in Greek tragedy. + +COTQUEAN, hussy. + +COUNSEL, secret. + +COUNTENANCE, means necessary for support; credit, standing. + +COUNTER. See Compter. + +COUNTER, pieces of metal or ivory for calculating at play. + +COUNTER, "hunt--," follow scent in reverse direction. + +COUNTERFEIT, false coin. + +COUNTERPANE, one part or counterpart of a deed or indenture. + +COUNTERPOINT, opposite, contrary point. + +COURT-DISH, a kind of drinking-cup (Halliwell); N.E.D. +quotes from Bp. Goodman's "Court of James I.": "The +king...caused his carver to cut him out a court-dish, +that is, something of every dish, which he sent him as +part of his reversion," but this does not sound like +short allowance or small receptacle. + +COURT-DOR, fool. + +COURTEAU, curtal, small horse with docked tail. + +COURTSHIP, courtliness. + +COVETISE, avarice. + +COWSHARD, cow dung. + +COXCOMB, fool's cap, fool. + +COY, shrink; disdain. + +COYSTREL, low varlet. + +COZEN, cheat. + +CRACK, lively young rogue, wag. + +CRACK, crack up, boast; come to grief. + +CRAMBE, game of crambo, in which the players find +rhymes for a given word. + +CRANCH, craunch. + +CRANION, spider-like; also fairy appellation for a +fly (Gifford, who refers to lines in Drayton's +"Nimphidia"). + +CRIMP, game at cards. + +CRINCLE, draw back, turn aside. + +CRISPED, with curled or waved hair. + +CROP, gather, reap. + +CROPSHIRE, a kind of herring. (See N.E.D.) + +CROSS, any piece of money, many coins being stamped +with a cross. + +CROSS AND PILE, heads and tails. + +CROSSLET, crucible. + +CROWD, fiddle. + +CRUDITIES, undigested matter. + +CRUMP, curl up. + +CRUSADO, Portuguese gold coin, marked with a cross. + +CRY ("he that cried Italian"), "speak in a musical +cadence," intone, or declaim (?); cry up. + +CUCKING-STOOL, used for the ducking of scolds, etc. + +CUCURBITE, a gourd-shaped vessel used for distillation. + +CUERPO, "in--," in undress. + +CULLICE, broth. + +CULLION, base fellow, coward. + +CULLISEN, badge worn on their arm by servants. + +CULVERIN, kind of cannon. + +CUNNING, skill. + +CUNNING, skilful. + +CUNNING-MAN, fortune-teller. + +CURE, care for. + +CURIOUS(LY), scrupulous, particular; elaborate, +elegant(ly), dainty(ly) (hence "in curious"). + +CURST, shrewish, mischievous. + +CURTAL, dog with docked tail, of inferior sort. + +CUSTARD, "quaking--," "--politic," reference to +a large custard which formed part of a city feast +and afforded huge entertainment, for the fool jumped +into it, and other like tricks were played. (See +"All's Well, etc." ii. 5, 40.) + +CUTWORK, embroidery, open-work. + +CYPRES (CYPRUS) (quibble), cypress (or cyprus) being +a transparent material, and when black used for mourning. + +DAGGER ("--frumety"), name of tavern. + +DARGISON, apparently some person known in ballad or tale. + +DAUPHIN MY BOY, refrain of old comic song. + +DAW, daunt. + +DEAD LIFT, desperate emergency. + +DEAR, applied to that which in any way touches us nearly. + +DECLINE, turn off from; turn away, aside. + +DEFALK, deduct, abate. + +DEFEND, forbid. + +DEGENEROUS, degenerate. + +DEGREES, steps. + +DELATE, accuse. + +DEMI-CULVERIN, cannon carrying a ball of about ten pounds. + +DENIER, the smallest possible coin, being the twelfth +part of a sou. + +DEPART, part with. + +DEPENDANCE, ground of quarrel in duello language. + +DESERT, reward. + +DESIGNMENT, design. + +DESPERATE, rash, reckless. + +DETECT, allow to be detected, betray, inform against. + +DETERMINE, terminate. + +DETRACT, draw back, refuse. + +DEVICE, masque, show; a thing moved by wires, +etc., puppet. + +DEVISE, exact in every particular. + +DEVISED, invented. + +DIAPASM, powdered aromatic herbs, made into balls +of perfumed paste. (See Pomander.) + +DIBBLE, (?) moustache (N.E.D.); (?) dagger (Cunningham). + +DIFFUSED, disordered, scattered, irregular. + +DIGHT, dressed. + +DILDO, refrain of popular songs; vague term of low meaning. + +DIMBLE, dingle, ravine. + +DIMENSUM, stated allowance. + +DISBASE, debase. + +DISCERN, distinguish, show a difference between. + +DISCHARGE, settle for. + +DISCIPLINE, reformation; ecclesiastical system. + +DISCLAIM, renounce all part in. + +DISCOURSE, process of reasoning, reasoning faculty. + +DISCOURTSHIP, discourtesy. + +DISCOVER, betray, reveal; display. + +DISFAVOUR, disfigure. + +DISPARAGEMENT, legal term applied to the unfitness +in any way of a marriage arranged for in the case +of wards. + +DISPENSE WITH, grant dispensation for. + +DISPLAY, extend. + +DIS'PLE, discipline, teach by the whip. + +DISPOSED, inclined to merriment. + +DISPOSURE, disposal. + +DISPRISE, depreciate. + +DISPUNCT, not punctilious. + +DISQUISITION, search. + +DISSOLVED, enervated by grief. + +DISTANCE, (?) proper measure. + +DISTASTE, offence, cause of offence. + +DISTASTE, render distasteful. + +DISTEMPERED, upset, out of humour. + +DIVISION (mus.), variation, modulation. + +DOG-BOLT, term of contempt. + +DOLE, given in dole, charity. + +DOLE OF FACES, distribution of grimaces. + +DOOM, verdict, sentence. + +DOP, dip, low bow. + +DOR, beetle, buzzing insect, drone, idler. + +DOR, (?) buzz; "give the--," make a fool of. + +DOSSER, pannier, basket. + +DOTES, endowments, qualities. + +DOTTEREL, plover; gull, fool. + +DOUBLE, behave deceitfully. + +DOXY, wench, mistress. + +DRACHM, Greek silver coin. + +DRESS, groom, curry. + +DRESSING, coiffure. + +DRIFT, intention. + +DRYFOOT, track by mere scent of foot. + +DUCKING, punishment for minor offences. + +DUILL, grieve. + +DUMPS, melancholy, originally a mournful melody. + +DURINDANA, Orlando's sword. + +DWINDLE, shrink away, be overawed. + +EAN, yean, bring forth young. + +EASINESS, readiness. + +EBOLITION, ebullition. + +EDGE, sword. + +EECH, eke. + +EGREGIOUS, eminently excellent. + +EKE, also, moreover. + +E-LA, highest note in the scale. + +EGGS ON THE SPIT, important business on hand. + +ELF-LOCK, tangled hair, supposed to be the work of elves. + +EMMET, ant. + +ENGAGE, involve. + +ENGHLE. See Ingle. + +ENGHLE, cajole; fondle. + +ENGIN(E), device, contrivance; agent; ingenuity, wit. + +ENGINER, engineer, deviser, plotter. + +ENGINOUS, crafty, full of devices; witty, ingenious. + +ENGROSS, monopolise. + +ENS, an existing thing, a substance. + +ENSIGNS, tokens, wounds. + +ENSURE, assure. + +ENTERTAIN, take into service. + +ENTREAT, plead. + +ENTREATY, entertainment. + +ENTRY, place where a deer has lately passed. + +ENVOY, denouement, conclusion. + +ENVY, spite, calumny, dislike, odium. + +EPHEMERIDES, calendars. + +EQUAL, just, impartial. + +ERECTION, elevation in esteem. + +ERINGO, candied root of the sea-holly, formerly +used as a sweetmeat and aphrodisiac. + +ERRANT, arrant. + +ESSENTIATE, become assimilated. + +ESTIMATION, esteem. + +ESTRICH, ostrich. + +ETHNIC, heathen. + +EURIPUS, flux and reflux. + +EVEN, just equable. + +EVENT, fate, issue. + +EVENT(ED), issue(d). + +EVERT, overturn. + +EXACUATE, sharpen. + +EXAMPLESS, without example or parallel. + +EXCALIBUR, King Arthur's sword. + +EXEMPLIFY, make an example of. + +EXEMPT, separate, exclude. + +EXEQUIES, obsequies. + +EXHALE, drag out. + +EXHIBITION, allowance for keep, pocket-money. + +EXORBITANT, exceeding limits of propriety or law, +inordinate. + +EXORNATION, ornament. + +EXPECT, wait. + +EXPIATE, terminate. + +EXPLICATE, explain, unfold. + +EXTEMPORAL, extempore, unpremeditated. + +EXTRACTION, essence. + +EXTRAORDINARY, employed for a special or temporary purpose. + +EXTRUDE, expel. + +EYE, "in--," in view. + +EYEBRIGHT, (?) a malt liquor in which the herb of +this name was infused, or a person who sold the same +(Gifford). + +EYE-TINGE, least shade or gleam. + +FACE, appearance. + +FACES ABOUT, military word of command. + +FACINOROUS, extremely wicked. + +FACKINGS, faith. + +FACT, deed, act, crime. + +FACTIOUS, seditious, belonging to a party, given to party feeling. + +FAECES, dregs. + +FAGIOLI, French beans. + +FAIN, forced, necessitated. + +FAITHFUL, believing. + +FALL, ruff or band turned back on the shoulders; or, veil. + +FALSIFY, feign (fencing term). + +FAME, report. + +FAMILIAR, attendant spirit. + +FANTASTICAL, capricious, whimsical. + +FARCE, stuff. + +FAR-FET. See Fet. + +FARTHINGAL, hooped petticoat. + +FAUCET, tapster. + +FAULT, lack; loss, break in line of scent; "for--," in default of. + +FAUTOR, partisan. + +FAYLES, old table game similar to backgammon. + +FEAR(ED), affright(ed). + +FEAT, activity, operation; deed, action. + +FEAT, elegant, trim. + +FEE, "in--" by feudal obligation. + +FEIZE, beat, belabour. + +FELLOW, term of contempt. + +FENNEL, emblem of flattery. + +FERE, companion, fellow. + +FERN-SEED, supposed to have power of rendering invisible. + +FET, fetched. + +FETCH, trick. + +FEUTERER (Fr. vautrier), dog-keeper. + +FEWMETS, dung. + +FICO, fig. + +FIGGUM, (?) jugglery. + +FIGMENT, fiction, invention. + +FIRK, frisk, move suddenly, or in jerks; "--up," +stir up, rouse; "firks mad," suddenly behaves like +a madman. + +FIT, pay one out, punish. + +FITNESS, readiness. + +FITTON (FITTEN), lie, invention. + +FIVE-AND-FIFTY, "highest number to stand on at +primero" (Gifford). + +FLAG, to fly low and waveringly. + +FLAGON CHAIN, for hanging a smelling-bottle (Fr. +flacon) round the neck (?). (See N.E.D.). + +FLAP-DRAGON, game similar to snap-dragon. + +FLASKET, some kind of basket. + +FLAW, sudden gust or squall of wind. + +FLAWN, custard. + +FLEA, catch fleas. + +FLEER, sneer, laugh derisively. + +FLESH, feed a hawk or dog with flesh to incite +it to the chase; initiate in blood-shed; satiate. + +FLICKER-MOUSE, bat. + +FLIGHT, light arrow. + +FLITTER-MOUSE, bat. + +FLOUT, mock, speak and act contemptuously. + +FLOWERS, pulverised substance. + +FLY, familiar spirit. + +FOIL, weapon used in fencing; that which +sets anything off to advantage. + +FOIST, cut-purse, sharper. + +FOND(LY), foolish(ly). + +FOOT-CLOTH, housings of ornamental cloth which +hung down on either side a horse to the ground. + +FOOTING, foothold; footstep; dancing. + +FOPPERY, foolery. + +FOR, "--failing," for fear of failing. + +FORBEAR, bear with; abstain from. + +FORCE, "hunt at--," run the game down with dogs. + +FOREHEAD, modesty; face, assurance, effrontery. + +FORESLOW, delay. + +FORESPEAK, bewitch; foretell. + +FORETOP, front lock of hair which fashion +required to be worn upright. + +FORGED, fabricated. + +FORM, state formally. + +FORMAL, shapely; normal; conventional. + +FORTHCOMING, produced when required. + +FOUNDER, disable with over-riding. + +FOURM, form, lair. + +FOX, sword. + +FRAIL, rush basket in which figs or raisins +were packed. + +FRAMPULL, peevish, sour-tempered. + +FRAPLER, blusterer, wrangler. + +FRAYING, "a stag is said to fray his head when he +rubs it against a tree to...cause the outward coat +of the new horns to fall off" (Gifford). + +FREIGHT (of the gazetti), burden (of the newspapers). + +FREQUENT, full. + +FRICACE, rubbing. + +FRICATRICE, woman of low character. + +FRIPPERY, old clothes shop. + +FROCK, smock-frock. + +FROLICS, (?) humorous verses circulated at a feast +(N.E.D.); couplets wrapped round sweetmeats (Cunningham). + +FRONTLESS, shameless. + +FROTED, rubbed. + +FRUMETY, hulled wheat boiled in milk and spiced. + +FRUMP, flout, sneer. + +FUCUS, dye. + +FUGEAND, (?) figent: fidgety, restless (N.E.D.). + +FULLAM, false dice. + +FULMART, polecat. + +FULSOME, foul, offensive. + +FURIBUND, raging, furious. + +GALLEY-FOIST, city-barge, used on Lord Mayor's Day, +when he was sworn into his office at Westminster +(Whalley). + +GALLIARD, lively dance in triple time. + +GAPE, be eager after. + +GARAGANTUA, Rabelais' giant. + +GARB, sheaf (Fr. gerbe); manner, fashion, behaviour. + +GARD, guard, trimming, gold or silver lace, or other +ornament. + +GARDED, faced or trimmed. + +GARNISH, fee. + +GAVEL-KIND, name of a land-tenure existing chiefly in +Kent; from 16th century often used to denote custom +of dividing a deceased man's property equally among +his sons (N.E.D.). + +GAZETTE, small Venetian coin worth about three-farthings. + +GEANCE, jaunt, errand. + +GEAR (GEER), stuff, matter, affair. + +GELID, frozen. + +GEMONIES, steps from which the bodies of criminals +were thrown into the river. + +GENERAL, free, affable. + +GENIUS, attendant spirit. + +GENTRY, gentlemen; manners characteristic of gentry, +good breeding. + +GIB-CAT, tom-cat. + +GIGANTOMACHIZE, start a giants' war. + +GIGLOT, wanton. + +GIMBLET, gimlet. + +GING, gang. + +GLASS ("taking in of shadows, etc."), crystal or beryl. + +GLEEK, card game played by three; party of three, trio; +side glance. + +GLICK (GLEEK), jest, gibe. + +GLIDDER, glaze. + +GLORIOUSLY, of vain glory. + +GODWIT, bird of the snipe family. + +GOLD-END-MAN, a buyer of broken gold and silver. + +GOLL, hand. + +GONFALIONIER, standard-bearer, chief magistrate, etc. + +GOOD, sound in credit. + +GOOD-YEAR, good luck. + +GOOSE-TURD, colour of. (See Turd). + +GORCROW, carrion crow. + +GORGET, neck armour. + +GOSSIP, godfather. + +GOWKED, from "gowk," to stand staring and gaping like +a fool. + +GRANNAM, grandam. + +GRASS, (?) grease, fat. + +GRATEFUL, agreeable, welcome. + +GRATIFY, give thanks to. + +GRATITUDE, gratuity. + +GRATULATE, welcome, congratulate. + +GRAVITY, dignity. + +GRAY, badger. + +GRICE, cub. + +GRIEF, grievance. + +GRIPE, vulture, griffin. + +GRIPE'S EGG, vessel in shape of. + +GROAT, fourpence. + +GROGRAN, coarse stuff made of silk and mohair, or of +coarse silk. + +GROOM-PORTER, officer in the royal household. + +GROPE, handle, probe. + +GROUND, pit (hence "grounded judgments"). + +GUARD, caution, heed. + +GUARDANT, heraldic term: turning the head only. + +GUILDER, Dutch coin worth about 4d. + +GULES, gullet, throat; heraldic term for red. + +GULL, simpleton, dupe. + +GUST, taste. + +HAB NAB, by, on, chance. + +HABERGEON, coat of mail. + +HAGGARD, wild female hawk; hence coy, wild. + +HALBERD, combination of lance and battle-axe. + +HALL, "a--!" a cry to clear the room for the dancers. + +HANDSEL, first money taken. + +HANGER, loop or strap on a sword-belt from which the +sword was suspended. + +HAP, fortune, luck. + +HAPPILY, haply. + +HAPPINESS, appropriateness, fitness. + +HAPPY, rich. + +HARBOUR, track, trace (an animal) to its shelter. + +HARD-FAVOURED, harsh-featured. + +HARPOCRATES, Horus the child, son of Osiris, figured +with a finger pointing to his mouth, indicative of +silence. + +HARRINGTON, a patent was granted to Lord H. for the +coinage of tokens (q.v.). + +HARROT, herald. + +HARRY NICHOLAS, founder of a community called the +"Family of Love." + +HAY, net for catching rabbits, etc. + +HAY! (Ital. hai!), you have it (a fencing term). + +HAY IN HIS HORN, ill-tempered person. + +HAZARD, game at dice; that which is staked. + +HEAD, "first--," young deer with antlers first +sprouting; fig. a newly-ennobled man. + +HEADBOROUGH, constable. + +HEARKEN AFTER, inquire; "hearken out," find, search out. + +HEARTEN, encourage. + +HEAVEN AND HELL ("Alchemist"), names of taverns. + +HECTIC, fever. + +HEDGE IN, include. + +HELM, upper part of a retort. + +HER'NSEW, hernshaw, heron. + +HIERONIMO (JERONIMO), hero of Kyd's "Spanish Tragedy." + +HOBBY, nag. + +HOBBY-HORSE, imitation horse of some light material, +fastened round the waist of the morrice-dancer, who +imitated the movements of a skittish horse. + +HODDY-DODDY, fool. + +HOIDEN, hoyden, formerly applied to both sexes (ancient +term for leveret? Gifford). + +HOLLAND, name of two famous chemists. + +HONE AND HONERO, wailing expressions of lament or discontent. + +HOOD-WINK'D, blindfolded. + +HORARY, hourly. + +HORN-MAD, stark mad (quibble). + +HORN-THUMB, cut-purses were in the habit of wearing a horn +shield on the thumb. + +HORSE-BREAD-EATING, horses were often fed on coarse bread. + +HORSE-COURSER, horse-dealer. + +HOSPITAL, Christ's Hospital. + +HOWLEGLAS, Eulenspiegel, the hero of a popular German +tale which relates his buffooneries and knavish tricks. + +HUFF, hectoring, arrogance. + +HUFF IT, swagger. + +HUISHER (Fr. huissier), usher. + +HUM, beer and spirits mixed together. + +HUMANITIAN, humanist, scholar. + +HUMOROUS, capricious, moody, out of humour; moist. + +HUMOUR, a word used in and out of season in the time +of Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, and ridiculed by both. + +HUMOURS, manners. + +HUMPHREY, DUKE, those who were dinnerless spent the +dinner-hour in a part of St. Paul's where stood a +monument said to be that of the duke's; hence "dine +with Duke Humphrey," to go hungry. + +HURTLESS, harmless. + +IDLE, useless, unprofitable. + +ILL-AFFECTED, ill-disposed. + +ILL-HABITED, unhealthy. + +ILLUSTRATE, illuminate. + +IMBIBITION, saturation, steeping. + +IMBROCATA, fencing term: a thrust in tierce. + +IMPAIR, impairment. + +IMPART, give money. + +IMPARTER, any one ready to be cheated and to part +with his money. + +IMPEACH, damage. + +IMPERTINENCIES, irrelevancies. + +IMPERTINENT(LY), irrelevant(ly), without reason or purpose. + +IMPOSITION, duty imposed by. + +IMPOTENTLY, beyond power of control. + +IMPRESS, money in advance. + +IMPULSION, incitement. + +IN AND IN, a game played by two or three persons +with four dice. + +INCENSE, incite, stir up. + +INCERATION, act of covering with wax; or reducing +a substance to softness of wax. + +INCH, "to their--es," according to their stature, +capabilities. + +INCH-PIN, sweet-bread. + +INCONVENIENCE, inconsistency, absurdity. + +INCONY, delicate, rare (used as a term of affection). + +INCUBEE, incubus. + +INCUBUS, evil spirit that oppresses us in sleep, nightmare. + +INCURIOUS, unfastidious, uncritical. + +INDENT, enter into engagement. + +INDIFFERENT, tolerable, passable. + +INDIGESTED, shapeless, chaotic. + +INDUCE, introduce. + +INDUE, supply. + +INEXORABLE, relentless. + +INFANTED, born, produced. + +INFLAME, augment charge. + +INGENIOUS, used indiscriminantly for ingenuous; +intelligent, talented. + +INGENUITY, ingenuousness. + +INGENUOUS, generous. + +INGINE. See Engin. + +INGINER, engineer. (See Enginer). + +INGLE, OR ENGHLE, bosom friend, intimate, minion. + +INHABITABLE, uninhabitable. + +INJURY, insult, affront. + +IN-MATE, resident, indwelling. + +INNATE, natural. + +INNOCENT, simpleton. + +INQUEST, jury, or other official body of inquiry. + +INQUISITION, inquiry. + +INSTANT, immediate. + +INSTRUMENT, legal document. + +INSURE, assure. + +INTEGRATE, complete, perfect. + +INTELLIGENCE, secret information, news. + +INTEND, note carefully, attend, give ear to, be +occupied with. + +INTENDMENT, intention. + +INTENT, intention, wish. + +INTENTION, concentration of attention or gaze. + +INTENTIVE, attentive. + +INTERESSED, implicated. + +INTRUDE, bring in forcibly or without leave. + +INVINCIBLY, invisibly. + +INWARD, intimate. + +IRPE (uncertain), "a fantastic grimace, or contortion +of the body: (Gifford)." + +JACK, Jack o' the clock, automaton figure that strikes +the hour; Jack-a-lent, puppet thrown at in Lent. + +JACK, key of a virginal. + +JACOB'S STAFF, an instrument for taking altitudes and +distances. + +JADE, befool. + +JEALOUSY, JEALOUS, suspicion, suspicious. + +JERKING, lashing. + +JEW'S TRUMP, Jew's harp. + +JIG, merry ballad or tune; a fanciful dialogue or +light comic act introduced at the end or during an +interlude of a play. + +JOINED (JOINT)-STOOL, folding stool. + +JOLL, jowl. + +JOLTHEAD, blockhead. + +JUMP, agree, tally. + +JUST YEAR, no one was capable of the consulship until +he was forty-three. + +KELL, cocoon. + +KELLY, an alchemist. + +KEMB, comb. + +KEMIA, vessel for distillation. + +KIBE, chap, sore. + +KILDERKIN, small barrel. + +KILL, kiln. + +KIND, nature; species; "do one's--," act according +to one's nature. + +KIRTLE, woman's gown of jacket and petticoat. + +KISS OR DRINK AFORE ME, "this is a familiar expression, +employed when what the speaker is just about to say is +anticipated by another" (Gifford). + +KIT, fiddle. + +KNACK, snap, click. + +KNIPPER-DOLING, a well-known Anabaptist. + +KNITTING CUP, marriage cup. + +KNOCKING, striking, weighty. + +KNOT, company, band; a sandpiper or robin snipe (Tringa +canutus); flower-bed laid out in fanciful design. + +KURSINED, KYRSIN, christened. + +LABOURED, wrought with labour and care. + +LADE, load(ed). + +LADING, load. + +LAID, plotted. + +LANCE-KNIGHT (Lanzknecht), a German mercenary foot-soldier. + +LAP, fold. + +LAR, household god. + +LARD, garnish. + +LARGE, abundant. + +LARUM, alarum, call to arms. + +LATTICE, tavern windows were furnished with lattices of +various colours. + +LAUNDER, to wash gold in aqua regia, so as imperceptibly +to extract some of it. + +LAVE, ladle, bale. + +LAW, "give--," give a start (term of chase). + +LAXATIVE, loose. + +LAY ABOARD, run alongside generally with intent to board. + +LEAGUER, siege, or camp of besieging army. + +LEASING, lying. + +LEAVE, leave off, desist. + +LEER, leering or "empty, hence, perhaps, leer horse, +a horse without a rider; leer is an adjective meaning +uncontrolled, hence 'leer drunkards'" (Halliwell); +according to Nares, a leer (empty) horse meant also a +led horse; leeward, left. + +LEESE, lose. + +LEGS, "make--," do obeisance. + +LEIGER, resident representative. + +LEIGERITY, legerdemain. + +LEMMA, subject proposed, or title of the epigram. + +LENTER, slower. + +LET, hinder. + +LET, hindrance. + +LEVEL COIL, a rough game...in which one hunted +another from his seat. Hence used for any noisy +riot (Halliwell). + +LEWD, ignorant. + +LEYSTALLS, receptacles of filth. + +LIBERAL, ample. + +LIEGER, ledger, register. + +LIFT(ING), steal(ing); theft. + +LIGHT, alight. + +LIGHTLY, commonly, usually, often. + +LIKE, please. + +LIKELY, agreeable, pleasing. + +LIME-HOUND, leash-, blood-hound. + +LIMMER, vile, worthless. + +LIN, leave off. + +Line, "by--," by rule. + +LINSTOCK, staff to stick in the ground, with forked +head to hold a lighted match for firing cannon. + +LIQUID, clear. + +LIST, listen, hark; like, please. + +LIVERY, legal term, delivery of the possession, etc. + +LOGGET, small log, stick. + +LOOSE, solution; upshot, issue; release of an arrow. + +LOSE, give over, desist from; waste. + +LOUTING, bowing, cringing. + +LUCULENT, bright of beauty. + +LUDGATHIANS, dealers on Ludgate Hill. + +LURCH, rob, cheat. + +LUTE, to close a vessel with some kind of cement. + +MACK, unmeaning expletive. + +MADGE-HOWLET or OWL, barn-owl. + +MAIM, hurt, injury. + +MAIN, chief concern (used as a quibble on heraldic +term for "hand"). + +MAINPRISE, becoming surety for a prisoner so as to +procure his release. + +MAINTENANCE, giving aid, or abetting. + +MAKE, mate. + +MAKE, MADE, acquaint with business, prepare(d), instruct(ed). + +MALLANDERS, disease of horses. + +MALT HORSE, dray horse. + +MAMMET, puppet. + +MAMMOTHREPT, spoiled child. + +MANAGE, control (term used for breaking-in horses); +handling, administration. + +MANGO, slave-dealer. + +MANGONISE, polish up for sale. + +MANIPLES, bundles, handfuls. + +MANKIND, masculine, like a virago. + +MANKIND, humanity. + +MAPLE FACE, spotted face (N.E.D.). + +MARCHPANE, a confection of almonds, sugar, etc. + +MARK, "fly to the--," "generally said of a goshawk +when, having 'put in' a covey of partridges, she takes +stand, marking the spot where they disappeared from +view until the falconer arrives to put them out to her" +(Harting, Bibl. Accip. Gloss. 226). + +MARLE, marvel. + +MARROW-BONE MAN, one often on his knees for prayer. + +MARRY! exclamation derived from the Virgin's name. + +MARRY GIP, "probably originated from By Mary Gipcy" = +St. Mary of Egypt, (N.E.D.). + +MARTAGAN, Turk's cap lily. + +MARYHINCHCO, stringhalt. + +MASORETH, Masora, correct form of the scriptural text +according to Hebrew tradition. + +MASS, abb. for master. + +MAUND, beg. + +MAUTHER, girl, maid. + +MEAN, moderation. + +MEASURE, dance, more especially a stately one. + +MEAT, "carry--in one's mouth," be a source of money +or entertainment. + +MEATH, metheglin. + +MECHANICAL, belonging to mechanics, mean, vulgar. + +MEDITERRANEO, middle aisle of St. Paul's, a general +resort for business and amusement. + +MEET WITH, even with. + +MELICOTTON, a late kind of peach. + +MENSTRUE, solvent. + +MERCAT, market. + +MERD, excrement. + +MERE, undiluted; absolute, unmitigated. + +MESS, party of four. + +METHEGLIN, fermented liquor, of which one ingredient +was honey. + +METOPOSCOPY, study of physiognomy. + +MIDDLING GOSSIP, go-between. + +MIGNIARD, dainty, delicate. + +MILE-END, training-ground of the city. + +MINE-MEN, sappers. + +MINION, form of cannon. + +MINSITIVE, (?) mincing, affected (N.E.D.). + +MISCELLANY MADAM, "a female trader in miscellaneous +articles; a dealer in trinkets or ornaments of various +kinds, such as kept shops in the New Exchange" (Nares). + +MISCELLINE, mixed grain; medley. + +MISCONCEIT, misconception. + +MISPRISE, MISPRISION, mistake, misunderstanding. + +MISTAKE AWAY, carry away as if by mistake. + +MITHRIDATE, an antidote against poison. + +MOCCINIGO, small Venetian coin, worth about ninepence. + +MODERN, in the mode; ordinary, commonplace. + +MOMENT, force or influence of value. + +MONTANTO, upward stroke. + +MONTH'S MIND, violent desire. + +MOORISH, like a moor or waste. + +MORGLAY, sword of Bevis of Southampton. + +MORRICE-DANCE, dance on May Day, etc., in which +certain personages were represented. + +MORTALITY, death. + +MORT-MAL, old sore, gangrene. + +MOSCADINO, confection flavoured with musk. + +MOTHER, Hysterica passio. + +MOTION, proposal, request; puppet, puppet-show; +"one of the small figures on the face of a large +clock which was moved by the vibration of the +pendulum" (Whalley). + +MOTION, suggest, propose. + +MOTLEY, parti-coloured dress of a fool; hence +used to signify pertaining to, or like, a fool. + +MOTTE, motto. + +MOURNIVAL, set of four aces or court cards in a hand; +a quartette. + +MOW, setord hay or sheaves of grain. + +MUCH! expressive of irony and incredulity. + +MUCKINDER, handkerchief. + +MULE, "born to ride on--," judges or serjeants-at-law +formerly rode on mules when going in state to Westminster +(Whally). + +MULLETS, small pincers. + +MUM-CHANCE, game of chance, played in silence. + +MUN, must. + +MUREY, dark crimson red. + +MUSCOVY-GLASS, mica. + +MUSE, wonder. + +MUSICAL, in harmony. + +MUSS, mouse; scramble. + +MYROBOLANE, foreign conserve, "a dried plum, brought +from the Indies." + +MYSTERY, art, trade, profession. + +NAIL, "to the--" (ad unguem), to perfection, to the +very utmost. + +NATIVE, natural. + +NEAT, cattle. + +NEAT, smartly apparelled; unmixed; dainty. + +NEATLY, neatly finished. + +NEATNESS, elegance. + +NEIS, nose, scent. + +NEUF (NEAF, NEIF), fist. + +NEUFT, newt. + +NIAISE, foolish, inexperienced person. + +NICE, fastidious, trivial, finical, scrupulous. + +NICENESS, fastidiousness. + +NICK, exact amount; right moment; "set in the--," +meaning uncertain. + +NICE, suit, fit; hit, seize the right moment, etc., +exactly hit on, hit off. + +NOBLE, gold coin worth 6s. 8d. + +NOCENT, harmful. + +NIL, not will. + +NOISE, company of musicians. + +NOMENTACK, an Indian chief from Virginia. + +NONES, nonce. + +NOTABLE, egregious. + +NOTE, sign, token. + +NOUGHT, "be--," go to the devil, be hanged, etc. + +NOWT-HEAD, blockhead. + +NUMBER, rhythm. + +NUPSON, oaf, simpleton. + +OADE, woad. + +OBARNI, preparation of mead. + +OBJECT, oppose; expose; interpose. + +OBLATRANT, barking, railing. + +OBNOXIOUS, liable, exposed; offensive. + +OBSERVANCE, homage, devoted service. + +OBSERVANT, attentive, obsequious. + +OBSERVE, show deference, respect. + +OBSERVER, one who shows deference, or waits upon another. + +OBSTANCY, legal phrase, "juridical opposition." + +OBSTREPEROUS, clamorous, vociferous. + +OBSTUPEFACT, stupefied. + +ODLING, (?) "must have some relation to tricking and +cheating" (Nares). + +OMINOUS, deadly, fatal. + +ONCE, at once; for good and all; used also for additional +emphasis. + +ONLY, pre-eminent, special. + +OPEN, make public; expound. + +OPPILATION, obstruction. + +OPPONE, oppose. + +OPPOSITE, antagonist. + +OPPRESS, suppress. + +ORIGINOUS, native. + +ORT, remnant, scrap. + +OUT, "to be--," to have forgotten one's part; +not at one with each other. + +OUTCRY, sale by auction. + +OUTRECUIDANCE, arrogance, presumption. + +OUTSPEAK, speak more than. + +OVERPARTED, given too difficult a part to play. + +OWLSPIEGEL. See Howleglass. + +OYEZ! (O YES!), hear ye! call of the public crier +when about to make a proclamation. + +PACKING PENNY, "give a--," dismiss, send packing. + +PAD, highway. + +PAD-HORSE, road-horse. + +PAINED (PANED) SLOPS, full breeches made of strips +of different colour and material. + +PAINFUL, diligent, painstaking. + +PAINT, blush. + +PALINODE, ode of recantation. + +PALL, weaken, dim, make stale. + +PALM, triumph. + +PAN, skirt of dress or coat. + +PANNEL, pad, or rough kind of saddle. + +PANNIER-ALLY, inhabited by tripe-sellers. + +PANNIER-MAN, hawker; a man employed about the inns of +court to bring in provisions, set the table, etc. + +PANTOFLE, indoor shoe, slipper. + +PARAMENTOS, fine trappings. + +PARANOMASIE, a play upon words. + +PARANTORY, (?) peremptory. + +PARCEL, particle, fragment (used contemptuously); article. + +PARCEL, part, partly. + +PARCEL-POET, poetaster. + +PARERGA, subordinate matters. + +PARGET, to paint or plaster the face. + +PARLE, parley. + +PARLOUS, clever, shrewd. + +PART, apportion. + +PARTAKE, participate in. + +PARTED, endowed, talented. + +PARTICULAR, individual person. + +PARTIZAN, kind of halberd. + +PARTRICH, partridge. + +PARTS, qualities, endowments. + +PASH, dash, smash. + +PASS, care, trouble oneself. + +PASSADO, fencing term: a thrust. + +PASSAGE, game at dice. + +PASSINGLY, exceedingly. + +PASSION, effect caused by external agency. + +PASSION, "in--," in so melancholy a tone, so pathetically. + +PATOUN, (?) Fr. Paton, pellet of dough; perhaps the +"moulding of the tobacco...for the pipe" (Gifford); (?) +variant of Petun, South American name of tobacco. + +PATRICO, the recorder, priest, orator of strolling +beggars or gipsies. + +PATTEN, shoe with wooden sole; "go--," keep step with, +accompany. + +PAUCA VERBA, few words. + +PAVIN, a stately dance. + +PEACE, "with my master's--," by leave, favour. + +PECULIAR, individual, single. + +PEDANT, teacher of the languages. + +PEEL, baker's shovel. + +PEEP, speak in a small or shrill voice. + +PEEVISH(LY), foolish(ly), capricious(ly); childish(ly). + +PELICAN, a retort fitted with tube or tubes, for +continuous distillation. + +PENCIL, small tuft of hair. + +PERDUE, soldier accustomed to hazardous service. + +PEREMPTORY, resolute, bold; imperious; thorough, utter, +absolute(ly). + +PERIMETER, circumference of a figure. + +PERIOD, limit, end. + +PERK, perk up. + +PERPETUANA, "this seems to be that glossy kind of stuff +now called everlasting, and anciently worn by serjeants +and other city officers" (Gifford). + +PERSPECTIVE, a view, scene or scenery; an optical device +which gave a distortion to the picture unless seen from a +particular point; a relief, modelled to produce an +optical illusion. + +PERSPICIL, optic glass. + +PERSTRINGE, criticise, censure. + +PERSUADE, inculcate, commend. + +PERSWAY, mitigate. + +PERTINACY, pertinacity. + +PESTLING, pounding, pulverising, like a pestle. + +PETASUS, broad-brimmed hat or winged cap worn by Mercury. + +PETITIONARY, supplicatory. + +PETRONEL, a kind of carbine or light gun carried by horsemen. + +PETULANT, pert, insolent. + +PHERE. See Fere. + +PHLEGMA, watery distilled liquor (old chem. "water"). + +PHRENETIC, madman. + +PICARDIL, stiff upright collar fastened on to the coat +(Whalley). + +PICT-HATCH, disreputable quarter of London. + +PIECE, person, used for woman or girl; a gold coin +worth in Jonson's time 20s. or 22s. + +PIECES OF EIGHT, Spanish coin: piastre equal to eight +reals. + +PIED, variegated. + +PIE-POUDRES (Fr. pied-poudreux, dusty-foot), court held +at fairs to administer justice to itinerant vendors and +buyers. + +PILCHER, term of contempt; one who wore a buff or leather +jerkin, as did the serjeants of the counter; a pilferer. + +PILED, pilled, peeled, bald. + +PILL'D, polled, fleeced. + +PIMLICO, "sometimes spoken of as a person--perhaps +master of a house famous for a particular ale" (Gifford). + +PINE, afflict, distress. + +PINK, stab with a weapon; pierce or cut in scallops for +ornament. + +PINNACE, a go-between in infamous sense. + +PISMIRE, ant. + +PISTOLET, gold coin, worth about 6s. + +PITCH, height of a bird of prey's flight. + +PLAGUE, punishment, torment. + +PLAIN, lament. + +PLAIN SONG, simple melody. + +PLAISE, plaice. + +PLANET, "struck with a--," planets were supposed to +have powers of blasting or exercising secret influences. + +PLAUSIBLE, pleasing. + +PLAUSIBLY, approvingly. + +PLOT, plan. + +PLY, apply oneself to. + +POESIE, posy, motto inside a ring. + +POINT IN HIS DEVICE, exact in every particular. + +POINTS, tagged laces or cords for fastening the breeches +to the doublet. + +POINT-TRUSSER, one who trussed (tied) his master's +points (q.v.). + +POISE, weigh, balance. + +POKING-STICK, stick used for setting the plaits of ruffs. + +POLITIC, politician. + +POLITIC, judicious, prudent, political. + +POLITICIAN, plotter, intriguer. + +POLL, strip, plunder, gain by extortion. + +POMANDER, ball of perfume, worn or hung about the +person to prevent infection, or for foppery. + +POMMADO, vaulting on a horse without the aid of stirrups. + +PONTIC, sour. + +POPULAR, vulgar, of the populace. + +POPULOUS, numerous. + +PORT, gate; print of a deer's foot. + +PORT, transport. + +PORTAGUE, Portuguese gold coin, worth over 3 or 4 +pounds. + +PORTCULLIS, "--of coin," some old coins have a +portcullis stamped on their reverse (Whalley). + +PORTENT, marvel, prodigy; sinister omen. + +PORTENTOUS, prophesying evil, threatening. + +PORTER, references appear "to allude to Parsons, the king's +porter, who was...near seven feet high" (Whalley). + +POSSESS, inform, acquaint. + +POST AND PAIR, a game at cards. + +POSY, motto. (See Poesie). + +POTCH, poach. + +POULT-FOOT, club-foot. + +POUNCE, claw, talon. + +PRACTICE, intrigue, concerted plot. + +PRACTISE, plot, conspire. + +PRAGMATIC, an expert, agent. + +PRAGMATIC, officious, conceited, meddling. + +PRECEDENT, record of proceedings. + +PRECEPT, warrant, summons. + +PRECISIAN(ISM), Puritan(ism), preciseness. + +PREFER, recommend. + +PRESENCE, presence chamber. + +PRESENT(LY), immediate(ly), without delay; at the +present time; actually. + +PRESS, force into service. + +PREST, ready. + +PRETEND, assert, allege. + +PREVENT, anticipate. + +PRICE, worth, excellence. + +PRICK, point, dot used in the writing of Hebrew and +other languages. + +PRICK, prick out, mark off, select; trace, track; +"--away," make off with speed. + +PRIMERO, game of cards. + +PRINCOX, pert boy. + +PRINT, "in--," to the letter, exactly. + +PRISTINATE, former. + +PRIVATE, private interests. + +PRIVATE, privy, intimate. + +PROCLIVE, prone to. + +PRODIGIOUS, monstrous, unnatural. + +PRODIGY, monster. + +PRODUCED, prolonged. + +PROFESS, pretend. + +PROJECTION, the throwing of the "powder of projection" +into the crucible to turn the melted metal into gold or +silver. + +PROLATE, pronounce drawlingly. + +PROPER, of good appearance, handsome; own, particular. + +PROPERTIES, stage necessaries. + +PROPERTY, duty; tool. + +PRORUMPED, burst out. + +PROTEST, vow, proclaim (an affected word of that time); +formally declare non-payment, etc., of bill of exchange; +fig. failure of personal credit, etc. + +PROVANT, soldier's allowance--hence, of common make. + +PROVIDE, foresee. + +PROVIDENCE, foresight, prudence. + +PUBLICATION, making a thing public of common property (N.E.D.). + +PUCKFIST, puff-ball; insipid, insignificant, boasting fellow. + +PUFF-WING, shoulder puff. + +PUISNE, judge of inferior rank, a junior. + +PULCHRITUDE, beauty. + +PUMP, shoe. + +PUNGENT, piercing. + +PUNTO, point, hit. + +PURCEPT, precept, warrant. + +PURE, fine, capital, excellent. + +PURELY, perfectly, utterly. + +PURL, pleat or fold of a ruff. + +PURSE-NET, net of which the mouth is drawn together +with a string. + +PURSUIVANT, state messenger who summoned the persecuted +seminaries; warrant officer. + +PURSY, PURSINESS, shortwinded(ness). + +PUT, make a push, exert yourself (N.E.D.). + +PUT OFF, excuse, shift. + +PUT ON, incite, encourage; proceed with, take in hand, try. + +QUACKSALVER, quack. + +QUAINT, elegant, elaborated, ingenious, clever. + +QUAR, quarry. + +QUARRIED, seized, or fed upon, as prey. + +QUEAN, hussy, jade. + +QUEASY, hazardous, delicate. + +QUELL, kill, destroy. + +QUEST, request; inquiry. + +QUESTION, decision by force of arms. + +QUESTMAN, one appointed to make official inquiry. + +QUIB, QUIBLIN, quibble, quip. + +QUICK, the living. + +QUIDDIT, quiddity, legal subtlety. + +QUIRK, clever turn or trick. + +QUIT, requite, repay; acquit, absolve; rid; forsake, +leave. + +QUITTER-BONE, disease of horses. + +QUODLING, codling. + +QUOIT, throw like a quoit, chuck. + +QUOTE, take note, observe, write down. + +RACK, neck of mutton or pork (Halliwell). + +RAKE UP, cover over. + +RAMP, rear, as a lion, etc. + +RAPT, carry away. + +RAPT, enraptured. + +RASCAL, young or inferior deer. + +RASH, strike with a glancing oblique blow, as a +boar with its tusk. + +RATSEY, GOMALIEL, a famous highwayman. + +RAVEN, devour. + +REACH, understand. + +REAL, regal. + +REBATU, ruff, turned-down collar. + +RECTOR, RECTRESS, director, governor. + +REDARGUE, confute. + +REDUCE, bring back. + +REED, rede, counsel, advice. + +REEL, run riot. + +REFEL, refute. + +REFORMADOES, disgraced or disbanded soldiers. + +REGIMENT, government. + +REGRESSION, return. + +REGULAR ("Tale of a Tub"), regular noun (quibble) (N.E.D.). + +RELIGION, "make--of," make a point of, scruple of. + +RELISH, savour. + +REMNANT, scrap of quotation. + +REMORA, species of fish. + +RENDER, depict, exhibit, show. + +REPAIR, reinstate. + +REPETITION, recital, narration. + +REREMOUSE, bat. + +RESIANT, resident. + +RESIDENCE, sediment. + +RESOLUTION, judgment, decision. + +RESOLVE, inform; assure; prepare, make up one's mind; +dissolve; come to a decision, be convinced; relax, set +at ease. + +RESPECTIVE, worthy of respect; regardful, discriminative. + +RESPECTIVELY, with reverence. + +RESPECTLESS, regardless. + +RESPIRE, exhale; inhale. + +RESPONSIBLE, correspondent. + +REST, musket-rest. + +REST, "set up one's--," venture one's all, one's +last stake (from game of primero). + +REST, arrest. + +RESTIVE, RESTY, dull, inactive. + +RETCHLESS(NESS), reckless(ness). + +RETIRE, cause to retire. + +RETRICATO, fencing term. + +RETRIEVE, rediscovery of game once sprung. + +RETURNS, ventures sent abroad, for the safe return of +which so much money is received. + +REVERBERATE, dissolve or blend by reflected heat. + +REVERSE, REVERSO, back-handed thrust, etc., in fencing. + +REVISE, reconsider a sentence. + +RHEUM, spleen, caprice. + +RIBIBE, abusive term for an old woman. + +RID, destroy, do away with. + +RIFLING, raffling, dicing. + +RING, "cracked within the--," coins so cracked were +unfit for currency. + +RISSE, risen, rose. + +RIVELLED, wrinkled. + +ROARER, swaggerer. + +ROCHET, fish of the gurnet kind. + +ROCK, distaff. + +RODOMONTADO, braggadocio. + +ROGUE, vagrant, vagabond. + +RONDEL, "a round mark in the score of a public-house" +(Nares); roundel. + +ROOK, sharper; fool, dupe. + +ROSAKER, similar to ratsbane. + +ROSA-SOLIS, a spiced spirituous liquor. + +ROSES, rosettes. + +ROUND, "gentlemen of the--," officers of inferior rank. + +ROUND TRUNKS, trunk hose, short loose breeches reaching +almost or quite to the knees. + +ROUSE, carouse, bumper. + +ROVER, arrow used for shooting at a random mark at +uncertain distance. + +ROWLY-POWLY, roly-poly. + +RUDE, RUDENESS, unpolished, rough(ness), coarse(ness). + +RUFFLE, flaunt, swagger. + +RUG, coarse frieze. + +RUG-GOWNS, gown made of rug. + +RUSH, reference to rushes with which the floors were +then strewn. + +RUSHER, one who strewed the floor with rushes. + +RUSSET, homespun cloth of neutral or reddish-brown colour. + +SACK, loose, flowing gown. + +SADLY, seriously, with gravity. + +SAD(NESS), sober, serious(ness). + +SAFFI, bailiffs. + +ST. THOMAS A WATERINGS, place in Surrey where criminals +were executed. + +SAKER, small piece of ordnance. + +SALT, leap. + +SALT, lascivious. + +SAMPSUCHINE, sweet marjoram. + +SARABAND, a slow dance. + +SATURNALS, began December 17. + +SAUCINESS, presumption, insolence. + +SAUCY, bold, impudent, wanton. + +SAUNA (Lat.), a gesture of contempt. + +SAVOUR, perceive; gratify, please; to partake of the nature. + +SAY, sample. + +SAY, assay, try. + +SCALD, word of contempt, implying dirt and disease. + +SCALLION, shalot, small onion. + +SCANDERBAG, "name which the Turks (in allusion to +Alexander the Great) gave to the brave Castriot, chief +of Albania, with whom they had continual wars. His +romantic life had just been translated" (Gifford). + +SCAPE, escape. + +SCARAB, beetle. + +SCARTOCCIO, fold of paper, cover, cartouch, cartridge. + +SCONCE, head. + +SCOPE, aim. + +SCOT AND LOT, tax, contribution (formerly a parish +assessment). + +SCOTOMY, dizziness in the head. + +SCOUR, purge. + +SCOURSE, deal, swap. + +SCRATCHES, disease of horses. + +SCROYLE, mean, rascally fellow. + +SCRUPLE, doubt. + +SEAL, put hand to the giving up of property or rights. + +SEALED, stamped as genuine. + +SEAM-RENT, ragged. + +SEAMING LACES, insertion or edging. + +SEAR UP, close by searing, burning. + +SEARCED, sifted. + +SECRETARY, able to keep a secret. + +SECULAR, worldly, ordinary, commonplace. + +SECURE, confident. + +SEELIE, happy, blest. + +SEISIN, legal term: possession. + +SELLARY, lewd person. + +SEMBLABLY, similarly. + +SEMINARY, a Romish priest educated in a foreign seminary. + +SENSELESS, insensible, without sense or feeling. + +SENSIBLY, perceptibly. + +SENSIVE, sensitive. + +SENSUAL, pertaining to the physical or material. + +SERENE, harmful dew of evening. + +SERICON, red tincture. + +SERVANT, lover. + +SERVICES, doughty deeds of arms. + +SESTERCE, Roman copper coin. + +SET, stake, wager. + +SET UP, drill. + +SETS, deep plaits of the ruff. + +SEWER, officer who served up the feast, and brought +water for the hands of the guests. + +SHAPE, a suit by way of disguise. + +SHIFT, fraud, dodge. + +SHIFTER, cheat. + +SHITTLE, shuttle; "shittle-cock," shuttlecock. + +SHOT, tavern reckoning. + +SHOT-CLOG, one only tolerated because he paid the shot +(reckoning) for the rest. + +SHOT-FREE, scot-free, not having to pay. + +SHOVE-GROAT, low kind of gambling amusement, perhaps +somewhat of the nature of pitch and toss. + +SHOT-SHARKS, drawers. + +SHREWD, mischievous, malicious, curst. + +SHREWDLY, keenly, in a high degree. + +SHRIVE, sheriff; posts were set up before his door for +proclamations, or to indicate his residence. + +SHROVING, Shrovetide, season of merriment. + +SIGILLA, seal, mark. + +SILENCED BRETHERN, MINISTERS, those of the Church or +Nonconformists who had been silenced, deprived, etc. + +SILLY, simple, harmless. + +SIMPLE, silly, witless; plain, true. + +SIMPLES, herbs. + +SINGLE, term of chase, signifying when the hunted stag +is separated from the herd, or forced to break covert. + +SINGLE, weak, silly. + +SINGLE-MONEY, small change. + +SINGULAR, unique, supreme. + +SI-QUIS, bill, advertisement. + +SKELDRING, getting money under false pretences; swindling. + +SKILL, "it--s not," matters not. + +SKINK(ER), pour, draw(er), tapster. + +SKIRT, tail. + +SLEEK, smooth. + +SLICE, fire shovel or pan (dial.). + +SLICK, sleek, smooth. + +'SLID, 'SLIGHT, 'SPRECIOUS, irreverent oaths. + +SLIGHT, sleight, cunning, cleverness; trick. + +SLIP, counterfeit coin, bastard. + +SLIPPERY, polished and shining. + +SLOPS, large loose breeches. + +SLOT, print of a stag's foot. + +SLUR, put a slur on; cheat (by sliding a die in some way). + +SMELT, gull, simpleton. + +SNORLE, "perhaps snarl, as Puppy is addressed" (Cunningham). + +SNOTTERIE, filth. + +SNUFF, anger, resentment; "take in--," take offence at. + +SNUFFERS, small open silver dishes for holding snuff, +or receptacle for placing snuffers in (Halliwell). + +SOCK, shoe worn by comic actors. + +SOD, seethe. + +SOGGY, soaked, sodden. + +SOIL, "take--," said of a hunted stag when he takes +to the water for safety. + +SOL, sou. + +SOLDADOES, soldiers. + +SOLICIT, rouse, excite to action. + +SOOTH, flattery, cajolery. + +SOOTHE, flatter, humour. + +SOPHISTICATE, adulterate. + +SORT, company, party; rank, degree. + +SORT, suit, fit; select. + +SOUSE, ear. + +SOUSED ("Devil is an Ass"), fol. read "sou't," which +Dyce interprets as "a variety of the spelling of "shu'd": +to "shu" is to scare a bird away." (See his "Webster," +page 350). + +SOWTER, cobbler. + +SPAGYRICA, chemistry according to the teachings of Paracelsus. + +SPAR, bar. + +SPEAK, make known, proclaim. + +SPECULATION, power of sight. + +SPED, to have fared well, prospered. + +SPEECE, species. + +SPIGHT, anger, rancour. + +SPINNER, spider. + +SPINSTRY, lewd person. + +SPITTLE, hospital, lazar-house. + +SPLEEN, considered the seat of the emotions. + +SPLEEN, caprice, humour, mood. + +SPRUNT, spruce. + +SPURGE, foam. + +SPUR-RYAL, gold coin worth 15s. + +SQUIRE, square, measure; "by the--," exactly. + +STAGGERING, wavering, hesitating. + +STAIN, disparagement, disgrace. + +STALE, decoy, or cover, stalking-horse. + +STALE, make cheap, common. + +STALK, approach stealthily or under cover. + +STALL, forestall. + +STANDARD, suit. + +STAPLE, market, emporium. + +STARK, downright. + +STARTING-HOLES, loopholes of escape. + +STATE, dignity; canopied chair of state; estate. + +STATUMINATE, support vines by poles or stakes; used +by Pliny (Gifford). + +STAY, gag. + +STAY, await; detain. + +STICKLER, second or umpire. + +STIGMATISE, mark, brand. + +STILL, continual(ly), constant(ly). + +STINKARD, stinking fellow. + +STINT, stop. + +STIPTIC, astringent. + +STOCCATA, thrust in fencing. + +STOCK-FISH, salted and dried fish. + +STOMACH, pride, valour. + +STOMACH, resent. + +STOOP, swoop down as a hawk. + +STOP, fill, stuff. + +STOPPLE, stopper. + +STOTE, stoat, weasel. + +STOUP, stoop, swoop=bow. + +STRAIGHT, straightway. + +STRAMAZOUN (Ital. stramazzone), a down blow, as opposed +to the thrust. + +STRANGE, like a stranger, unfamiliar. + +STRANGENESS, distance of behaviour. + +STREIGHTS, OR BERMUDAS, labyrinth of alleys and courts +in the Strand. + +STRIGONIUM, Grau in Hungary, taken from the Turks in +1597. + +STRIKE, balance (accounts). + +STRINGHALT, disease of horses. + +STROKER, smoother, flatterer. + +STROOK, p.p. of "strike." + +STRUMMEL-PATCHED, strummel is glossed in dialect dicts. +as "a long, loose and dishevelled head of hair." + +STUDIES, studious efforts. + +STYLE, title; pointed instrument used for writing on wax +tablets. + +SUBTLE, fine, delicate, thin; smooth, soft. + +SUBTLETY (SUBTILITY), subtle device. + +SUBURB, connected with loose living. + +SUCCUBAE, demons in form of women. + +SUCK, extract money from. + +SUFFERANCE, suffering. + +SUMMED, term of falconry: with full-grown plumage. + +SUPER-NEGULUM, topers turned the cup bottom up when +it was empty. + +SUPERSTITIOUS, over-scrupulous. + +SUPPLE, to make pliant. + +SURBATE, make sore with walking. + +SURCEASE, cease. + +SUR-REVERENCE, save your reverence. + +SURVISE, peruse. + +SUSCITABILITY, excitability. + +SUSPECT, suspicion. + +SUSPEND, suspect. + +SUSPENDED, held over for the present. + +SUTLER, victualler. + +SWAD, clown, boor. + +SWATH BANDS, swaddling clothes. + +SWINGE, beat. + +TABERD, emblazoned mantle or tunic worn by knights +and heralds. + +TABLE(S), "pair of--," tablets, note-book. + +TABOR, small drum. + +TABRET, tabor. + +TAFFETA, silk; "tuft-taffeta," a more costly silken fabric. + +TAINT, "--a staff," break a lance at tilting in an +unscientific or dishonourable manner. + +TAKE IN, capture, subdue. + +TAKE ME WITH YOU, let me understand you. + +TAKE UP, obtain on credit, borrow. + +TALENT, sum or weight of Greek currency. + +TALL, stout, brave. + +TANKARD-BEARERS, men employed to fetch water from the +conduits. + +TARLETON, celebrated comedian and jester. + +TARTAROUS, like a Tartar. + +TAVERN-TOKEN, "to swallow a--," get drunk. + +TELL, count. + +TELL-TROTH, truth-teller. + +TEMPER, modify, soften. + +TENDER, show regard, care for, cherish; manifest. + +TENT, "take--," take heed. + +TERSE, swept and polished. + +TERTIA, "that portion of an army levied out of one +particular district or division of a country" (Gifford). + +TESTON, tester, coin worth 6d. + +THIRDBOROUGH, constable. + +THREAD, quality. + +THREAVES, droves. + +THREE-FARTHINGS, piece of silver current under Elizabeth. + +THREE-PILED, of finest quality, exaggerated. + +THRIFTILY, carefully. + +THRUMS, ends of the weaver's warp; coarse yarn made from. + +THUMB-RING, familiar spirits were supposed capable of +being carried about in various ornaments or parts of dress. + +TIBICINE, player on the tibia, or pipe. + +TICK-TACK, game similar to backgammon. + +TIGHTLY, promptly. + +TIM, (?) expressive of a climax of nonentity. + +TIMELESS, untimely, unseasonable. + +TINCTURE, an essential or spiritual principle supposed +by alchemists to be transfusible into material things; +an imparted characteristic or tendency. + +TINK, tinkle. + +TIPPET, "turn--," change behaviour or way of life. + +TIPSTAFF, staff tipped with metal. + +TIRE, head-dress. + +TIRE, feed ravenously, like a bird of prey. + +TITILLATION, that which tickles the senses, as a perfume. + +TOD, fox. + +TOILED, worn out, harassed. + +TOKEN, piece of base metal used in place of very small +coin, when this was scarce. + +TONNELS, nostrils. + +TOP, "parish--," large top kept in villages for +amusement and exercise in frosty weather when people +were out of work. + +TOTER, tooter, player on a wind instrument. + +TOUSE, pull, rend. + +TOWARD, docile, apt; on the way to; as regards; present, +at hand. + +TOY, whim; trick; term of contempt. + +TRACT, attraction. + +TRAIN, allure, entice. + +TRANSITORY, transmittable. + +TRANSLATE, transform. + +TRAY-TRIP, game at dice (success depended on throwing +a three) (Nares). + +TREACHOUR (TRECHER), traitor. + +TREEN, wooden. + +TRENCHER, serving-man who carved or served food. + +TRENDLE-TAIL, trundle-tail, curly-tailed. + +TRICK (TRICKING), term of heraldry: to draw outline of +coat of arms, etc., without blazoning. + +TRIG, a spruce, dandified man. + +TRILL, trickle. + +TRILLIBUB, tripe, any worthless, trifling thing. + +TRIPOLY, "come from--," able to perform feats of agility, +a "jest nominal," depending on the first part of the word +(Gifford). + +TRITE, worn, shabby. + +TRIVIA, three-faced goddess (Hecate). + +TROJAN, familiar term for an equal or inferior; thief. + +TROLL, sing loudly. + +TROMP, trump, deceive. + +TROPE, figure of speech. + +TROW, think, believe, wonder. + +TROWLE, troll. + +TROWSES, breeches, drawers. + +TRUCHMAN, interpreter. + +TRUNDLE, JOHN, well-known printer. + +TRUNDLE, roll, go rolling along. + +TRUNDLING CHEATS, term among gipsies and beggars for +carts or coaches (Gifford). + +TRUNK, speaking-tube. + +TRUSS, tie the tagged laces that fastened the breeches +to the doublet. + +TUBICINE, trumpeter. + +TUCKET (Ital. toccato), introductory flourish on the +trumpet. + +TUITION, guardianship. + +TUMBLER, a particular kind of dog so called from the +mode of his hunting. + +TUMBREL-SLOP, loose, baggy breeches. + +TURD, excrement. + +TUSK, gnash the teeth (Century Dict.). + +TWIRE, peep, twinkle. + +TWOPENNY ROOM, gallery. + +TYRING-HOUSE, attiring-room. + +ULENSPIEGEL. See Howleglass. + +UMBRATILE, like or pertaining to a shadow. + +UMBRE, brown dye. + +UNBATED, unabated. + +UNBORED, (?) excessively bored. + +UNCARNATE, not fleshly, or of flesh. + +UNCOUTH, strange, unusual. + +UNDERTAKER, "one who undertook by his influence in the +House of Commons to carry things agreeably to his +Majesty's wishes" (Whalley); one who becomes surety for. + +UNEQUAL, unjust. + +UNEXCEPTED, no objection taken at. + +UNFEARED, unaffrighted. + +UNHAPPILY, unfortunately. + +UNICORN'S HORN, supposed antidote to poison. + +UNKIND(LY), unnatural(ly). + +UNMANNED, untamed (term in falconry). + +UNQUIT, undischarged. + +UNREADY, undressed. + +UNRUDE, rude to an extreme. + +UNSEASONED, unseasonable, unripe. + +UNSEELED, a hawk's eyes were "seeled" by sewing the +eyelids together with fine thread. + +UNTIMELY, unseasonably. + +UNVALUABLE, invaluable. + +UPBRAID, make a matter of reproach. + +UPSEE, heavy kind of Dutch beer (Halliwell); "--Dutch," +in the Dutch fashion. + +UPTAILS ALL, refrain of a popular song. + +URGE, allege as accomplice, instigator. + +URSHIN, URCHIN, hedgehog. + +USE, interest on money; part of sermon dealing with the +practical application of doctrine. + +USE, be in the habit of, accustomed to; put out to interest. + +USQUEBAUGH, whisky. + +USURE, usury. + +UTTER, put in circulation, make to pass current; put forth for sale. + +VAIL, bow, do homage. + +VAILS, tips, gratuities. + +VALL. See Vail. + +VALLIES (Fr. valise), portmanteau, bag. + +VAPOUR(S) (n. and v.), used affectedly, like "humour," +in many senses, often very vaguely and freely ridiculed +by Jonson; humour, disposition, whims, brag(ging), +hector(ing), etc. + +VARLET, bailiff, or serjeant-at-mace. + +VAUT, vault. + +VEER (naut.), pay out. + +VEGETAL, vegetable; person full of life and vigour. + +VELLUTE, velvet. + +VELVET CUSTARD. Cf. "Taming of the Shrew," iv. 3, 82, +"custard coffin," coffin being the raised crust over a pie. + +VENT, vend, sell; give outlet to; scent, snuff up. + +VENUE, bout (fencing term). + +VERDUGO (Span.), hangman, executioner. + +VERGE, "in the--," within a certain distance of the court. + +VEX, agitate, torment. + +VICE, the buffoon of old moralities; some kind of +machinery for moving a puppet (Gifford). + +VIE AND REVIE, to hazard a certain sum, and to cover +it with a larger one. + +VINCENT AGAINST YORK, two heralds-at-arms. + +VINDICATE, avenge. + +VIRGE, wand, rod. + +VIRGINAL, old form of piano. + +VIRTUE, valour. + +VIVELY, in lifelike manner, livelily. + +VIZARD, mask. + +VOGUE, rumour, gossip. + +VOICE, vote. + +VOID, leave, quit. + +VOLARY, cage, aviary. + +VOLLEY, "at--," "o' the volee," at random (from a +term of tennis). + +VORLOFFE, furlough. + +WADLOE, keeper of the Devil Tavern, where Jonson and his +friends met in the 'Apollo' room (Whalley). + +WAIGHTS, waits, night musicians, "band of musical +watchmen" (Webster), or old form of "hautboys." + +WANNION, "vengeance," "plague" (Nares). + +WARD, a famous pirate. + +WARD, guard in fencing. + +WATCHET, pale, sky blue. + +WEAL, welfare. + +WEED, garment. + +WEFT, waif. + +WEIGHTS, "to the gold--," to every minute particular. + +WELKIN, sky. + +WELL-SPOKEN, of fair speech. + +WELL-TORNED, turned and polished, as on a wheel. + +WELT, hem, border of fur. + +WHER, whether. + +WHETSTONE, GEORGE, an author who lived 1544(?) to 1587(?). + +WHIFF, a smoke, or drink; "taking the--," inhaling the +tobacco smoke or some such accomplishment. + +WHIGH-HIES, neighings, whinnyings. + +WHIMSY, whim, "humour." + +WHINILING, (?) whining, weakly. + +WHIT, (?) a mere jot. + +WHITEMEAT, food made of milk or eggs. + +WICKED, bad, clumsy. + +WICKER, pliant, agile. + +WILDING, esp. fruit of wild apple or crab tree (Webster). + +WINE, "I have the--for you," Prov.: I have the +perquisites (of the office) which you are to share +(Cunningham). + +WINNY, "same as old word "wonne," to stay, etc." (Whalley). + +WISE-WOMAN, fortune-teller. + +WISH, recommend. + +WISS (WUSSE), "I--," certainly, of a truth. + +WITHOUT, beyond. + +WITTY, cunning, ingenious, clever. + +WOOD, collection, lot. + +WOODCOCK, term of contempt. + +WOOLSACK ("--pies"), name of tavern. + +WORT, unfermented beer. + +WOUNDY, great, extreme. + +WREAK, revenge. + +WROUGHT, wrought upon. + +WUSSE, interjection. (See Wiss). + +YEANLING, lamb, kid. + +ZANY, an inferior clown, who attended upon the chief +fool and mimicked his tricks. + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Sejanus: His Fall, by Ben Jonson + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SEJANUS: HIS FALL *** + +This file should be named sjnsf10.txt or sjnsf10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, sjnsf11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, sjnsf10a.txt + +This Project Gutenberg Etext Prepared Down Under In Australia by: +Amy E Zelmer <amy@zelmeroz.com> +Sue Asscher <asschers@bigpond.com> +With assistance from their Californian co-conspirator +Robert Prince <rkp277@msn.com> + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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