Sejanus: His Fall

by Ben Jonson

EUDEMUS.
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
Use of the dentifrice I prescribed you too,
To clear your teeth, and the prepared pomatum,
To smooth the skin:—A lady cannot be
Too curious of her form, that still would hold
The heart of such a person, made her captive,
As you have his: who, to endear him more
In your clear eye, hath put away his wife,
The trouble of his bed, and your delights,
Fair Apicata, and made spacious room
To your new pleasures.

LIVIA.
Have not we return’d
That with our hate to Drusus, and discovery
Of all his counsels?

EUDEMUS.
Yes, and wisely, lady.
The ages that succeed, and stand far off
To gaze at your high prudence, shall admire,
And reckon it an act without your sex:
It hath that rare appearance. Some will think
Your fortune could not yield a deeper sound,
Than mix’d with Drusus; but, when they shall hear
That, and the thunder of Sejanus meet,
Sejanus, whose high name doth strike the stars,
And rings about the concave; great Sejanus,
Whose glories, style, and titles are himself,
The often iterating of Sejanus:
They then will lose their thoughts, and be ashamed
To take acquaintance of them.

Re-enter Sejanus.

SEJANUS.
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,
As you may lay the subtile operation
Upon some natural disease of his:
Your eunuch send to me. I kiss your hands,
Glory of ladies, and commend my love
To your best faith and memory.

LIVIA.
My lord,
I shall but change your words. Farewell.
Yet, this Remember for your heed, he loves you not;
You know what I have told you: his designs
Are full of grudge and danger; we must use
More than a common speed.

SEJANUS.
Excellent lady,
How you do fire my blood!

LIVIA.
Well, you must go?
The thoughts be best, are least set forth to shew.

[Exit Sejanus.]

EUDEMUS.
When will you take some physic, lady?