Cha. He dispose of
My Provinces at his pleasure? and confer
Those honours (that are only mine to give)
Upon his creatures?
Nig. Mighty Sir, ascribe it
To his assurance of your love and favour,
And not to pride or malice.
Cha. No, good Niger,
Courtesie shall not fool me; he shall know
I lent a hand to raise him, and defend him,
While he continues good: but the same strength
If pride make him usurp upon my Right,
Shall strike him to the Center. You are well met, Sir.
Max. As you make the Encounter: Sir, I hear,
That you repine, and hold your self much griev'd,
In that, without your good leave, I bestow'd
The Gallian Proconsulship upon
A follower of mine.
Cha. 'Tis true: and wonder
You durst attempt it.
Max. Durst, Charinus?
Cha. Durst:
Again, I speak it: Think you me so tame,
So leaden and unactive, to sit down
With such dishonour? But, recal your grant,
And speedily; or by the Roman ——
Thou tripst thine own heels up, and hast no part
In Rome, or in the Empire.
Max. Thou hast none,
But by permission: Alas, poor Charinus,
Thou shadow of an Emperour, I scorn thee,
Thee, and thy foolish threats: the gods appoint him
The absolute disposer of the Earth,
That has the sharpest sword. I am sure, Charinus,
Thou wear'st one without edge. When cruel Aper
Had kill'd Numerianus, thy Brother,
(An act that would have made a trembling coward
More daring than Alcides) thy base fear
Made thee wink at it: then rose up my Uncle
(For the honour of the Empire, and of Rome)
Against the Traitor, and among his Guards
Punish'd the treason: This bold daring act
Got him the Souldiers suffrages to be Cæsar.
And howsoever his too gentle nature
Allow'd thee the name only, as his gift,
I challenge the succession.
Cha. Thou ar[t] cozen'd.
When the receiver of a courtesie
Cannot sustain the weight it carries with it,
'Tis but a Trial, not a present Act.
Thou hast in a few dayes of thy short Reign,
In over-weening pride, riot and lusts,
Sham'd noble Dioclesian, and his gift:
Nor doubt I, when it shall arrive unto
His certain knowledge, how the Empire groans
Under thy Tyranny, but he will forsake
His private life, and once again resume
His laid-by Majestie: or at least, make choice
Of such an Atlas as may bear this burthen,
Too heavie for thy shoulders. To effect this,
Lend your assistance, Gentlemen, and then doubt not
But that this mushroom (sprung up in a night)
Shall as soon wither. And for you, Aurelia,
If you esteem your honour more than tribute
Paid to your loathsome appetite, as a Furie
Flie from his loose embraces: so farewel;
E're long you shall hear more. [Exeunt.
Aur. Are you struck dumb,
That you make no reply?