Act 5 — [Scene VI.][1536]

Sej. Macro! most welcome, as most coveted friend! Let me enjoy my longings. When arriv’d you? Mac. About the noon of night. Sej. Satrius, give leave. [Exit Satrius.] Mac. I have been, since I came, with both the consuls, On a particular design from Caesar.5 Sej. How fares it with our great and royal master? Mac. Right plentifully well; as with a prince That still holds out the great proportion Of his large favours, where his judgment hath Made once divine election: like the god10 That wants not, nor is wearied to bestow Where merit meets his bounty, as it doth In you, already the most happy, and, ere The sun shall climb the south, most high Sejanus. Let not my lord be amus’d.[1537] For to this end15 Was I by Caesar sent for to the isle, With special caution to conceal my journey; And thence had my despatch as privately Again to Rome; charg’d to come here by night; And only to the consuls make narration20 Of his great purpose: that the benefit Might come more full, and striking, by how much It was less look’d for, or aspir’d by you, Or least informed to the common thought. Sej. What may this be? Part of myself, dear Macro,25 If good, speak out; and share with your Sejanus. Mac. If bad, I should for ever loathe myself To be the messenger to so good a lord. I do exceed my instructions to acquaint Your lordship with thus much; but ’t is my venture30 On your retentive wisdom: and because I would no jealous scruple should molest Or rack your peace of thought. For I assure My noble lord, no senator yet knows The business meant: though all by several letters35 Are warned to be there, and give their voices, Only to add unto the state and grace Of what is purpos’d. Sej. You take pleasure, Macro, Like a coy wench, in torturing your lover.39 What can be worth this suffering? Mac. That which follows, The tribunitial dignity and power: Both which Sejanus is to have this day Conferr’d upon him, and by public senate. Sej. Fortune be mine again! [Aside.] Thou hast satisfied For thy suspected loyalty. Mac. My lord,45 I have no longer time, the day approacheth, And I must back to Caesar. Sej. Where’s Caligula? Mac. That I forgot to tell your lordship. Why, He lingers yonder about Capreae, Disgrac’d; Tiberius hath not seen him yet.50 He needs would thrust himself to go with me, Against my wish or will; but I have quitted His forward trouble,[1538] with as tardy note As my neglect or silence could afford him.54 Your lordship cannot now command me aught, Because I take no knowledge that I saw you; But I shall boast to live to serve your lordship; And so take leave. Sej. Honest and worthy Macro: Your love and friendship. [Exit Macro.] Who’s there? Satrius, Attend my honourable friend forth.—O!60 How vain and vile a passion is this fear, What base uncomely things it makes men do! Suspect their noblest friends, as I did this, Flatter poor enemies, entreat their servants, Stoop, court, and catch at the benevolence65 Of creatures unto whom, within this hour, I would not have vouchsaf’d a quarter-look, Or piece of face! By you that fools call gods, Hang all the sky with your prodigious signs, Fill earth with monsters, drop the scorpion down70 Out of the zodiac, or the fiercer lion, Shake off the loos’ned globe from her long hinge, Roll all the world in darkness, and let loose Th’ enraged winds to turn up groves and towns! When I do fear again, let me be struck75 With forked fire, and unpitied die; Who fears, is worthy of calamity. [Exit.]