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. 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 To a poor flash, as Drusus; but to shine f 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 Eud. Fortunate princess! How are you blest in the fruition Of this unequall'd man, the soul of Rome, [Exit. 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. h Cerussa (apud Romanos) inter fictitiores colores erat et quæ solem ob calorem timebat. vid. Mart. Lib. ii. Epig. 41. Quæ cretata timet Fabulla nimbum, Liv. Nay, now you've made it worse. And but pronounced, is a sufficient charm Liv. What do you now, Eudemus? To touch you o'er withal.-Honour'd Sejanus! 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 To clear your teeth, and the prepared pomatum, Liv. Have not we return'd That with our hate to Drusus, and discovery* Eud. Yes, and wisely, lady. The ages that succeed, and stand far off Το gaze at your high prudence, shall admire, And reckon it an act without your sex :* 8 An act without your sex,] i. e. an act beyond the weakness or fears of your sex. WHAL. 1 Ex qua tres liberos genuerat, ne pellici suspectaretur. Tacit. Ann. Lib. iv. p. 74. * Leg. Tacit. Ann. Lib. iv. p. 76. It hath that rare appearance. Some will think Than mix'd with Drusus; but, when they shall hear Sejanus, whose high name doth strike the stars, They then will lose their thoughts, and be ashamed Re-enter SEJANUS. Sej. I must make A rude departure, lady: Cæsar 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, Upon some natural disease of his : Your eunuch send to me. I kiss your hands, Glory of ladies, and commend my love Liv. My lord, I shall but change your words. Farewell. Yet, this Sej. Excellent lady, How you do fire my blood! The thoughts be best, are least set forth to show. [Exit SEJANUS. Eud. When will you take some physic, lady? 1 Tacit. ibid. et. Dion. Rom. Hist. Lib. lvii. p. 709. Liv. When I shall, Eudemus: but let Drusus' drug Eud. Were Lygdus made,' that's done; Which Drusus' choler had almost burnt up; Liv. Thanks, good physician, I'll use my fortune, you shall see, with reverence. Eud. It attends your highness. [Exeunt. SCENE II. An Apartment in the Palace. Enter SEJANUS. F this be not revenge, when I have done And print my body full of injuries. Thou lost thyself, child Drusus, when thou thoughtst 9 Were Lygdus made, &c.] i. e. prepared for the business. See vol. i. p. 136. m Hi apud Romanos barbari et vilissimi æstimab. Juv. Mart.&c. |