[Soft Musick.
SCENE II.
Enter Aper, Camurius, Guard, a Litter covered.
Aper. Your care of your sick Emperour, fellow-souldiers,
In colours to the life, doth shew your love,
And zealous duty: O continue in it.
And though I know you long to see and hear him,
Impute it not to pride, or Melancholy,
That keeps you from your wishes: such State-vices
(Too too familiar with great Princes) are
Strangers to all the actions of the life
Of good Numerianus: Let your patience
Be the Physitian to his wounded eyes,
(Wounded with pious sorrow for his Father)
Which time and your strong Patience will recover,
Provided it prove constant.
1 Guard. If he counterfeit,
I will hereafter trust a prodigal heir,
When he weeps at his Fathers Funeral.
2 Guard. Or a young widow following a bed-rid husband,
(After a three years groaning) to the Fire.
3 Guard. Note his humility, and with what soft murmurs
He does enquire his pleasures.
1 Guard. And how soon
He is instructed.
2 Guard. How he bows again too.
Aper. All your commands (dread Cæsar) I'll impart
To your most ready Souldier, to obey them;
So take your rest in peace. It is the pleasure
Of mighty Cæsar (his thanks still remembred
For your long patience, which a donative,
Fitting his State to give, shall quickly follow)
That you continue a strict Guard upon
His sacred person, and admit no stranger
Of any other Legion, to come near him;
You being most trusted by him. I receive
Your answer in your silence. Now, Camurius,
Speak without flattery; Hath thy Aper acted
This passion to the life?