Monologue

Lepidus Monologue from Sejanus His Fall

From Sejanus His Fall by Ben Jonson

male · dramatic · 1:06 min

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Who would depend upon the popular air, Or voice of men, that have to-day beheld That which, if all the gods had fore-declared, Would not have been believed, Sejanus’ fall? He, that this morn rose proudly, as the sun, And, breaking through a mist of clients’ breath, Came on, as gazed at and admired as he, When superstitious Moors salute his light! That had our servile nobles waiting him As common grooms; and hanging on his look, No less than human life on destiny! That had men’s knees as frequent as the gods; And sacrifices more than Rome had altars: And this man fall! fall? ay, without a look That durst appear his friend, or lend so much Of vain relief, to his changed state, as pity!

About this piece

Lepidus reflects on the sudden and shocking downfall of Sejanus, a once-powerful figure, highlighting the fickle nature of public opinion and the fragility of power.

40s · surprise · power · fate · betrayal · ambition

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