Geta. I am out at that;
I do not like the sport.
Dio. What's he that is
Owner of any vertue worth a Roman,
Or does retain the memory of the Oath
He made to Cæsar, that dares lift his Sword
Against the man that (careless of his life)
Comes to discover such a horrid Treason,
As when you hear't, and understand how long
Y'ave been abus'd, will run you mad with fury?
I am no stranger, but (like you) a Souldier,
Train'd up one from my youth: and there are some
With whom I have serv'd, and (not to praise my self)
Must needs confess they have seen Diocles
In the late Britain wars, both dare and do
Beyond a common man.
1 Guard. Diocles?
2 Guard. I know him,
The bravest Souldier of the Empire.
Cam. Stand:
If thou advance an inch, thou art dead. [Dio. kills Camu.
Dio. Die thou,
That durst oppose thy self against a truth
That will break out, though mountains cover it.
Get. I fear this is a sucking Pig; no Boar,
He falls so easie.
Dio. Hear me, fellow Souldiers;
And if I make it not apparent to you
This is an act of Justice, and no Murther,
Cut me in pieces; I'le disperse the cloud
That hath so long obscur'd a bloody act
Ne'r equall'd yet: you all knew with what favours
The good Numerianus ever grac't
The Provost Aper?
Guard. True.
Dio. And that those bounties
Should have contain'd him (if he e're had learn'd
The Elements of honesty and truth)
In loyal duty: But ambition never
Looks backward on desert, but with blind haste
Boldly runs on. But I lose time. You are here
Commanded by this Aper to attend
The Emperours person; to admit no stranger
To have access to him, or come near his Litter,
Under pretence (forsooth) his eyes are sore,
And his minde troubled: no, my friends, you are cozen'd;
The good Numerianus now is past
The sense of wrong or injury.