University of Virginia Library

SCEN. 2.

Enter Ducas.
Duc.
We are in a sad condition.

Lap.
'Tis as good,
As we deserve, who did carve for our selves
This dainty bit, which we must eat or starve,
Fearing we should by others be undone,
We very wisely have undone our selves.
Panergus now does all, we're made but stales.

Duc.
Curs'd be the day Andronicus came hither.

Lap.
Sure 'twas a night, whilst we securely slept,
Fools Lullabies, and now too late awake.

Duc.
We did too much adore Andronicus,
As if two'd pose the Heavens, as things did stand,
To cure our wounds, save only by his power:

Lap.
'It is the common peoples fault, or fate,
'Men to o're love, or else to hate to hell.
Too greedily we did devour our hopes,
Cordials may choak, if poured in too fast.

Duc.
I had far rather die of the disease,
Then of the remedy:
'Diseases do their kinde, if they do kill,
'And ill that is expected is lesse ill;
But to be kill'd by Physick.—

Lap.
Andronicus,
Did hitch himself by inches up the Throne,
We did not see him grow, but felt him groan.
First, He was chosen but joynt Emperour,
'Twas then Alexius and Andronicus,
(So ran all Patents) then they were transpos'd,
It was Andronicus and Alexius,
They took their place according to their age,
The master first, then the Page followed.

Duc.
When I saw this, I read Alexius doom:

Lap.
And in my private thoughts proclaim'd him dead,
'Twas cunningly contrived and subtilly acted,
Badness will blush at once to be stark naught.
Men climb too't by Degrees.

Duc.
Let Princes stop treason before 'tis broacht,
Nor let them think by granting of requests,
Thereby to quiet mens ambitious minds,
Such condescending to their wills,
Widens their wishes, prompts their new desires,
And teacheth their demands to mount still higher,
Begging like sturdy men, by high-way side,
VVith full intent to take it, if denide.

Lap.
Let us now play an happy after game,

Duc.
That is the worst of Plots, and best of shifts.

Lap.
Paleologus for certain is escaped,
Hath got the Ships, and seized on the Port;
He is expected with an Army of Persians,
Isachius now appeareth for himself,
VVith him wee'l live and dy, h'ath but one fault,
He is a softly too vvell natur'd man.

Duc.
That circle of your vvords describes him weak

Lap.
No, in himself, he is able enough,—
But I'm afraid ill men may inveigle him,
So mild a dove can never prove an eagle.
Enter Cleobulus.
Here comes Cleobulus. Hovv doth the plot please you?