Enter Sejanus, Macro and Satrius.
SEJANUS.
Macro! most welcome, a most coveted friend!
Let me enjoy my longings. When arrived you?
MACRO.
About the noon of night.
SEJANUS.
Satrius, give leave.
[Exit Satrius.]
MACRO.
I have been, since I came, with both the consuls,
On a particular design from Cæsar.
SEJANUS.
How fares it with our great and royal master?
MACRO.
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 god
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 amused. For, to this end
Was I by Cæsar sent for to the isle,
With special caution to conceal my journey;
And, thence, had my dispatch as privately
Again to Rome; charged to come here by night;
And only to the consuls make narration
Of his great purpose; that the benefit
Might come more full, and striking, by how much
It was less look’d for, or aspired by you,
Or least informed to the common thought.
SEJANUS.
What may be this? part of myself, dear Macro,
If good, speak out; and share with your Sejanus.
MACRO.
If bad, I should for ever loath myself
To be the messenger to so good a lord.
I do exceed my instructions to acquaint
Your lordship with thus much; but ’tis my venture
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 letters
Are warned to be there, and give their voices,
Only to add unto the state and grace
Of what is purposed.