ROYAL MARTYR.
ACT I.
SCENE I.—A Camp, or Pavilion Royal.
Enter Maximin, Charinus, Placidius, Albinus, Valerius, Apollonius, and Guards.
Max. Thus far my arms have with success been crowned, And found no stop, or vanquished what they found. The German lakes my legions have o'erpast, With all the bars which art or nature cast: My foes, in watery fastnesses inclosed, I fought alone, to their whole war exposed; Did first the depth of trembling marshes sound, And fixed my eagles in unfaithful ground; By force submitted to the Roman sway Fierce nations, and unknowing to obey; And now, for my reward, ungrateful Rome, For which I fought abroad, rebels at home.
Alb. Yet 'tis their fear which does this war maintain; They cannot brook a martial monarch's reign: Your valour would their sloth too much accuse; And therefore, like themselves they princes chuse.
Plac. Two tame gown'd princes, who at ease debate, In lazy chairs, the business of the state; Who reign but while the people they can please, And only know the little arts of peace.
Char. In fields they dare not fight, where honour calls; But breathe a faint defiance from their walls. The very noise of war their souls does wound; They quake, but hearing their own trumpets sound.
Val. An easy summons but for form they wait, And to your fame will open wide the gate.