Aeci. Back, why Maximus?
The Emperour commands me come.
Max. I like not
At this time his command.
Aeci. I do at all times,
And all times will obey it, why not now then?
Max. I'le tell ye why, and as I have been govern'd,
Be you so, noble friend: The Court's in Guard,
Arm'd strongly, for what purpose, let me fear;
I do not like your going.
Aeci. Were it fire;
And that fire certain to consume this body,
If Cæsar sent, I would goe; never fear man,
If he take me, he takes his arms away,
I am too plain and true to be suspected.
Max. Then I have dealt unwisely.
Aeci. If the Emperour,
Because he meerely may, will have my life,
That's all he has to work on, and all shall have:
Let him, he loves me better: here I wither,
And happily may live, till ignorantly
I run into a fault worth death: nay more, dishonour.
Now all my sins, I dare say those of duty
Are printed here, and if I fall so happy,
I bless the grave I lye in, and the gods
Equal, as dying on the Enemy,
Must take me up a Sacrifice.
Max. Goe on then,
And I'le goe with ye.
Aeci. No, ye may not friend.
Max. He cannot be a friend, bars me Aecius,
Shall I forsake ye in my doubts?