Within. Lord Maximus is Cæsar, Cæsar, Cæsar;
Hail Cæsar Maximus.
Affra. Oh turning people!
Oh people excellent in war, and govern'd,
In peace more raging than the furious North,
When he ploughs up the Sea, and makes him brine,
Or the lowd falls of Nile; I must give way,
Although I neither love nor hope this:
Or like a rotten bridge that dares a current,
When he is swell'd and high crackt, and farewel.
Enter Maximus, Eudoxa, Senat. and Souldiers.
Sen. Room for the Emperour.
Soul. Long life to Cæsar.
Afra. Hail Cæsar Maximus.
Emp. Max. Your hand Afranius.
Lead to the Palace, there my thanks in general,
I'le showre among ye all: gods give me life,
First to defend the Empire, then you Fathers,
And valiant friends, the heirs of strength and vertue,
The rampires of old Rome, of us the refuge;
To you I open this day all I have,
Even all the hazard that my youth hath purchas'd,
Ye are my Children, family, and friends
And ever so respected shall be, forward.
There's a Proscription, grave Sempronius,
'Gainst all the flatterers, and lazie Bawds
Led loose-liv'd Valentinian to his vices,
See it effected. [Flourish.
Sen. Honour wait on Cæsar.
Sould. Make room for Cæsar there. [Exeunt all but Afra.
Afra. Thou hast my fears,
But Valentinian keeps my vows: Oh gods,
Why do we like to feed the greedy Ravenne
Of these blown men, that must before they stand,
And fixt in eminence, cast life on life,
And trench their safeties in with wounds, and bodies?
Well froward Rome, thou wilt grow weak with changing,
And die without an heir, that lov'st to breed
Sons for the killing hate of sons: for me,
I only live to find an enemy. [Exit.