[21] Kings lackeying by his triumphant chariot.] Running by the side of it like lackeys or foot-boys.—Gifford.
[22] Flesh'd his maiden sword.] These words are from Shakspeare, of whose works Massinger appears to have been a great reader.
[23] Whose power, &c.] An imitation of the well-known line, Divisum imperium cum Jove Cæsar habet.—Gifford.
[24] K. of Epire. We are now
Slaves to thy power, &c.] I have observed several imitations of Massinger in the dramas of Mason: there is, for instance, a striking similarity between this spirited speech, and the indignant exclamation of the brave but unfortunate Caractacus:
——"Soldier, I had arms,
Had neighing steeds to whirl my iron cars,
Had wealth, dominions: dost thou wonder, Roman,
I fought to save them? What if Cæsar aims
To lord it universal o'er the world,
Shall the world tamely crouch to Cæsar's footstool?"
Gifford.
[25] And do 't with safety.] This is admirably expressed: the maxim, however, though just, is of the most dangerous nature; for what ambitious chief will ever allow the state to be "raised to her perfection," or that the time for using "mercy with safety" is arrived? Even Dioclesian has his exceptions,—strong ones too! for Rome was old enough in his time. There is an allusion to Virgil, in the opening of this speech:
Res dura, et novitas regni me talia cogunt
Moliri, &c.
Gifford.
[26] ————as weak Perseus
Did great Æmilius.] It is said that Perseus sent to desire Paulus Æmilius not to exhibit him as a spectacle to the Romans, and to spare him the indignity of being led in triumph. Æmilius replied coldly: The favour he asks of me is in his own power; he can procure it for himself.—Coxeter.