 | The False One |  |
Scena Secunda.
Enter Septinius.Sep.
Heere's a strange alteration in the Court;
Mens faces are of other setts, and motions,
Their minds of subtler stuffe: I passe by now
As though I were a Rascall, no man knowes me,
No eye lookes after: as I were a plague,
Their doores shut close against me: and I wondred at
Because I have done a meritorious Murther,
Because I have pleas'd the Time, does the Time plague me?
I have knowne the day they would have huggd me for it:
For a lesse stroke then this, have done me reverence:
Opend their hearts, and secret closets to me
Their purses, and their pleasures, and bid me wallow.
I now perceive the great Theeves eate the lesse,
And the huge Leviathans of Villany
Sup up the merits, nay the men and all
That doe them service, and spowt 'em out againe
Into the ayre, as thin, and unregarded
As drops of water; that are lost i'th Ocean;
I was lov'd once for swearing, and for drinking,
And for other principall Qualities, that became me,
Now a foolish unthankfull murther has undone me,
If my Lord Photinus be not mercifull
Enter Photinus.
That set me on: And he comes, now fortune.
Pho.
Cæsars unthankfulnesse a little stirrs me
A little frets my blood: take heede, proud Roman,
Provoke me not; stir not my anger farther:
I may finde out a way unto thy life too,
(Though arm'd in all thy Victories) and seize it,
A Conquerour has a heart, and I may hit it.
Sep.
May it please your Lordship?
Pho.
O Septinius!
Sep.
Your Lordship knowes my wrongs.
Pho.
Wrongs?
Sep.
Yes my, Lord,
How the Captaine of the Guard Achillas, slights me.
Pho.
Thinke better of him, he has much befriended thee,
Shew'd thee much love in taking the head from thee.
The times are altered (Souldier) Cæsars angry,
And our designe to please him, lost, and perish'd:
Be glad thou art unnam'd 'tis not worth the owning;
Yet, that thou maist be usefull—
Sep.
Yes my Lord,
I shall be ready.
Pho.
For I may employ thee
To take a rubbe or too out of my way
As time shall serve: say that it be a Brother?
Or a hard Father?
Sep.
'Tis most necessary,
A Mother, or a Sister; or whom you please (sir.)
Pho.
Or to betray a noble friend.
Sep.
Tis all one.
Pho.
I know thou wilt stir for gold.
Sep.
Tis all my motion.
Pho.
There take that for thy service, and farewell:
I have greater businesse now.
Sep.
I am still your owne, Sir.
Pho.
One thing I charge thee; see me no more (Septinius)
Vnlesse I send.
Exit.
Sep.
I shall observe your houre.
So, this brings something in the mouth; some favour,
This is the Lord I serve, the power I worship,
My friends, Allyes, And here lyes my Allegeance.
Let people talke as they please of my rudenesse,
And shun me for my deede: bring but this to 'em,
(Let me be damn'd for blood) yet still I am honourable,
This God creates new tongues, and new affections:
And though I had killd my Father, give me gold,
I'le make men sweare I have done a pious Sacrifice.
Now I will out-brave all: make all my Servants,
And my brave deed shall be writ in wine, for vertuous.
Exit.
| The False One | |