Alb. Health and success our emperor attends; The forces, marching on the plain, are friends. Porphyrius, whom you Egypt's prætor made, Is come from Alexandria to your aid.
Max. It well becomes the conduct and the care Of one so famed and fortunate in war. You must resign, Placidius, your command; To him I promised the prætorian band. Your duty in your swift compliance show; I will provide some other charge for you.
Plac. May Cæsar's pleasure ever be obeyed, With that submission, which by me is paid. Now all the curses envy ever knew, Or could invent, Porphyrius pursue! [Aside.
Alb. Placidius does too tamely bear his loss; [To Charinus.
This new pretender will all power engross: All things must now by his direction move, And you, sir, must resign your father's love.
Char. Yes; every name to his repute must bow; There grow no bays for any other brow. He blasts my early honour in the bud, Like some tall tree, the monster of the wood; O'ershading all which under him would grow, He sheds his venom on the plants below.
Alb. You must some noble action undertake, Equal with his your own renown to make.
Char. I am not for a slothful envy born; I'll do't this day, in the dire vision's scorn. He comes: We two like the twin stars appear; Never to shine together in one sphere. [Exeunt Char. and Albinus.
Enter Porphyrius attended.
Max. Porphyrius, welcome; welcome as the light To cheerful birds, or as to lovers night; Welcome as what thou bring'st me, victory.