Monologue

Sabinus Monologue from Sejanus His Fall

From Sejanus His Fall by Ben Jonson

male · dark · 2:18 min

Yes, those are things removed: I nearer look’d Into his later practice, where he stands Declared a master in his mystery. First, ere Tiberius went, he wrought his fear To think that Agrippina sought his death. Then put those doubts in her; sent her oft word. Under the show of friendship, to beware Of Cæsar, for he laid to poison her: Drave them to frowns, to mutual jealousies, Which, now, in visible hatred are burst out. Since, he hath had his hired instruments To work on Nero, and to heave him up; To tell him Cæsar’s old, that all the people, Yea, all the army have their eyes on him; That both do long to have him undertake Something of worth, to give the world a hope; Bids him to court their grace: the easy youth Perhaps gives ear, which straight he writes to Cæsar; And with this comment: See yon dangerous boy; Note but the practice of the mother, there; She’s tying him for purposes at hand, With men of sword. Here’s Cæsar put in fright ’Gainst son and mother. Yet, he leaves not thus. The second brother, Drusus, a fierce nature, And fitter for his snares, because ambitious And full of envy, him he clasps and hugs, Poisons with praise, tells him what hearts he wears, How bright he stands in popular expectance; That Rome doth suffer with him in the wrong His mother does him, by preferring Nero: Thus sets he them asunder, each ’gainst other, Projects the course that serves him to condemn, Keeps in opinion of a friend to all, And all drives on to ruin.

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