 | Valentinian |  |
SCENE III.
Enter Proculus and Pontius.Proc.
Besides this, if you do it, you enjoy
The noble name of Patrician, more than that too;
The Friend of Cæsar y'are stil'd. There's nothing
Within the hopes of Rome, or present being,
But you may safely say is yours.
Pont.
Pray stay Sir.
What has Æcius done to be destroy'd?
At least I would have a Colour.
Proc.
You have more.
Nay, all that can be given; he is a Traitor.
One, any man would strike that were a Subject.
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Is he so foul?
Proc.
Yes, a most fearful Traitor.
Pont.
A fearful Plague upon thee, for thou ly'st;
[Aside.
I ever thought the Souldiers would undo him,
With their too much Affection.
Proc.
You have it.
They have brought him to Ambition.
Pont.
Then he is gone.
Proc.
The Emperour, out of a foolish Pity,
Would save him yet.
Pont.
Is he so mad?
Proc.
He's madder,
Would go to th'Army to him.
Pont.
Would he so?
Proc.
Yes, Pontius, but we consider.
Pont.
Wisely.
Proc.
How else man, that the State lies in it?
Pont.
And your Lives?
Proc.
And every mans.
Pont.
He did me
[Aretus here.
All the disgrace he could.
Proc.
And scurvily.
Pont.
Out of a Mischief meerly. Did you mark it?
Proc.
Yes, well enough.
Now you have means to quit it;
The Deed done, take his Place.
Pont.
Pray let me think on't,
'Tis ten to one I do it.
Proc.
Do, and be happy—
[Exit Proculus.
Pont.
This Emperor is made of nought but mischief,
Sure Murther was his Mother. None to lop
But the main Link he had? Upon my Conscience,
The man is truly honest, and that kills him.
For to live here, and study to be true,
Is all one as to be a Traitor. Why should he dye?
Have they not Slaves and Rascals for their Offerings;
In full aboundance, Bawds, more than Beasts for slaughter?
Have they not singing Whores enough, and Knaves besides,
And millions of such Martyrs to sink Charon,
But the best Sons of Rome must fall too? I will shew him
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And tho' he bears me hard, yet shall he know
I'm born to make him bless me for a Blow.
[Exit.
| Valentinian | |