University of Virginia Library

SCENE 4.

Ptolomy, Photinus.
Ptol.
I have observ'd thy Counsel, but find since
To flatter her but swells her insolence.
For with her Pride she did affront me so.
That I at last fell into Passion too.
This Arm enrag'd by her could scarce forbear
(Without a Thought that Cæsar was so near)
Dispatching her (as safe as she does seem)
To have complain'd to Pompey, not to him.
She talks already at that haughty rate,
That if great Cæsar please her Pride and Hate,
And she o're him her boasted Empire have,
Her Brother and her King must be her Slave.
No, no, we needs must Frustrate that intent,
Nor poorly wait the Ills we may prevent.
Let's spoil her of her Power to disdain,
And break those Charmes whereby she hopes to reign:
Nor after such indignities, let's brook,
That she should buy my Scepter with a look.

Photin.
Do not for Cæsar, Sir, pretence provide
That Egypt should be to his Triumphs Ty'd:
For this Ambitious Man which through the world
Hath War and Slavery together hurl'd;
Swell'd with his Conquest and a Rage so smart,
As such a loss writes in a Lovers Heart:
Though you but act what Equity approves,
Will thence ground his revenge for what he loves:
As for a crime, Hee'l you to Bondage bring,
Though you did only what became a King.

Ptol.
If Cleopatra sees him shee's a Queen.

Photin.
But if she die, your Ruine is foreseen.

Ptol.
Who ruines me should on my fall attend.

Photin.
To ruine her you must your-self befriend.

Ptol.
What? must my Crown upon her Temples shine?
No, if my Scepter I must needs resign,
The Conquerour shall rather it command.

Photin.
You'l sooner force it from a Sisters hand.
How great soever now his flames appear,
He must be gone, and leave You Master here.
Love in such Men seldom that room can find
Which to their Interest will not be resign'd.
With Juba, Scipio, and with Pompey's Sons,
Spain, to Revenge, he knows, with Africk runs:
And while that Party are not yet o'rethrown,
He cannot safely call the World his own.
Cæsar's too great a Captain, to o'resee
The pursuit of Pharsalia's Victory:
And leave such fierce Hearts on revenge intent,
To rise from their so late Astonishment.
If he his ends obtain, and them o'recome,
He his gain'd Empire must secure at Rome:
And there the fruit of his success enjoy,
Whilst he at pleasure does her laws Destroy.
Judge in that time, what great things you may do,
See Cæsar then, and strive to please him too.
Resign him all, but yet this Rule intend,
That future things on accidents Depend.
Your Throne and Scepter give into his hand,
And without murmur yield to his Command:
He will believe that Justice he shall do
If he your Fathers Testament pursue;
Besides, this signal service you have done
Will give you still some Title to your Throne.
Entire submission to his Orders shew,
Applaud his iudgment, but then let him go.
That time for our Revenge will be most fit
When we can act, as well as think of it.
With temper let these Passions then be born,
Which were excited by your Sisters scorn.
Boasts are but Aire, and he revenges best,
Who Acts his braver Thoughts, yet talks the least.

Ptol.
O thy Advice my greatest Comfort brings,
A prudent Counsellour's the bliss of Kings.
Come dear Supporter of my Throne, let's go,
And to save all, on Cæsar all bestow.
His Pride lets flatter with an empty State,
And with our whole Fleet on him hither Wait.