ARRUNTIUS.
Finely maintained; good still!
SEJANUS.
But Rome, whose blood,
Whose nerves, whose life, whose very frame relies
On Cæsar’s strength, no less than heaven on Atlas,
Cannot admit it but with general ruin.
ARRUNTIUS.
Ah! are you there to bring him off? [Aside.]
SEJANUS.
Let Cæsar
No more then urge a point so contrary
To Cæsar’s greatness, the grieved senate’s vows,
Or Rome’s necessity.
GALLUS.
He comes about—
ARRUNTIUS.
More nimbly than Vertumnus.
TIBERIUS.
For the publick,
I may be drawn to shew I can neglect
All private aims, though I affect my rest;
But if the senate still command me serve,
I must be glad to practise my obedience.
ARRUNTIUS.
You must and will, sir. We do know it. [Aside.]
SENATORS.
Cæsar,
Live long and happy, great and royal Cæsar;
The gods preserve thee and thy modesty,
Thy wisdom and thy innocence
ARRUNTIUS.
Where is’t?
The prayer is made before the subject. [Aside.]