Act 4 — [Scene IV.][1506]
Reading edition
[Scene IV.][1506]
[Enter] Macro, Caligula.
Mac. Sir, but observe how thick your dangers meet In his clear drifts![1507] Your mother and your brothers, Now cited to the senate; their friend Gallus, Feasted to-day by Caesar, since committed! Sabinus here we met, hurried to fetters:5 The senators all struck with fear and silence, Save those whose hopes depend not on good means, But force their private prey from public spoil. And you must know, if here you stay, your state Is sure to be the subject of his hate,10 As now the object. Cal. What would you advise me? Mac. To go for Capreae presently; and there Give up yourself entirely to your uncle. Tell Caesar (since your mother is accus’d To fly for succours to Augustus’ statue,15 And to the army, with your brethren) you Have rather chose to place your aids in him Than live suspected; or in hourly fear To be thrust out, by bold Sejanus’ plots: Which you shall confidently urge to be20 Most full of peril to the state, and Caesar, As being laid to his peculiar ends, And not to be let run with common safety. All which, upon the second, I’ll make plain, So both shall love and trust with Caesar gain. Cal. Away then, let’s prepare us for our journey.26 [Exeunt.]