Monologue

Sejanus Monologue from Sejanus His Fall

From Sejanus His Fall by Ben Jonson

male · dramatic · 2:08 min

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And may she burst! Julius, I would have you go instantly Unto the palace of the great Augusta, And, by your kindest friend, get swift access; Acquaint her with these meetings: tell the words You brought me the other day, of Silius, Add somewhat to them. Make her understand The danger of Sabinus, and the times, Out of his closeness. Give Arruntius’ words Of malice against Cæsar; so, to Gallus: But, above all, to Agrippina. Say, As you may truly, that her infinite pride, Propt with the hopes of her too fruitful womb, With popular studies gapes for sovereignty, And threatens Cæsar. Pray Augusta then, That for her own, great Cæsar’s, and the public safety, she be pleased to urge these dangers. Cæsar is too secure, he must be told, And best he’ll take it from a mother’s tongue. Alas! what is’t for us to sound, to explore, To watch, oppose, plot, practise, or prevent, If he, for whom it is so strongly labour’d, Shall, out of greatness and free spirit, be Supinely negligent? our city’s now Divided as in time o’ the civil war, And men forbear not to declare themselves Of Agrippina’s party. Every day The faction multiplies; and will do more, If not resisted: you can best enlarge it, As you find audience. Noble Posthumus, Commend me to your Prisca: and pray her, She will solicit this great business, To earnest and most present execution, With all her utmost credit with Augusta.

About this piece

Sejanus is urgently instructing Julius to communicate a grave political threat to Augusta, expressing his fear of rising factions and the negligence of Cæsar in the face of danger.

30s · fear · power · betrayal · ambition · family

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