Monologue

Silius Monologue from Sejanus His Fall

From Sejanus His Fall by Ben Jonson

male · dark · 1:23 min

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Satrius Secundus, and Pinnarius Natta, The great Sejanus’ clients: there be two, Know more than honest counsels; whose close breasts, Were they ripp’d up to light, it would be found A poor and idle sin, to which their trunks Had not been made fit organs. These can lie, Flatter, and swear, forswear, deprave, inform, Smile, and betray; make guilty men; then beg The forfeit lives, to get their livings; cut Men’s throats with whisperings; sell to gaping suitors The empty smoke, that flies about the palace; Laugh when their patron laughs; sweat when he sweats; Be hot and cold with him; change every mood, Habit, and garb, as often as he varies; Observe him, as his watch observes his clock; And, true, as turquoise in the dear lord’s ring, Look well or ill with him: ready to praise His lordship, if he spit, or but p—— fair, Have an indifferent stool, or break wind well; Nothing can ’scape their catch.

About this piece

Silius critiques the manipulative nature of Sejanus' clients, revealing their deceitful behaviors and the moral corruption within the court.

30s · disgust · betrayal · power · deceit · ambition

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