Monologue

Tiberius Monologue from Sejanus His Fall

From Sejanus His Fall by Ben Jonson

male · inspirational · 2:00 min

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Their choice of Antium, there to place the gift Vow’d to the goddess for our mother’s health, We will the senate know, we fairly like: As also of their grant to Lepidus, For his repairing the AEmilian place, And restoration of those monuments: Their grace too in confining of Silanus To the other isle Cithera, at the suit Of his religious sister, much commends Their policy, so temper’d with their mercy. But for the honours which they have decreed To our Sejanus, to advance his statue In Pompey’s theatre, they have therein out-gone Their own great wisdoms, by their skilful choice, And placing of their bounties on a man, Whose merit more adorns the dignity, Than that can him; and gives a benefit, In taking, greater than it can receive. Blush not, Sejanus, thou great aid of Rome, Associate of our labours, our chief helper; Let us not force thy simple modesty With offering at thy praise, for more we cannot, Since there’s no voice can take it. No man here Receive our speeches as hyperboles: For we are far from flattering our friend, Let envy know, as from the need to flatter. Nor let them ask the causes of our praise: Princes have still their grounds rear’d with themselves, Above the poor low flats of common men; And who will search the reasons of their acts, Must stand on equal bases. Lead, away: Our loves unto the senate.

About this piece

Tiberius addresses the senate, expressing his approval of honors bestowed upon Sejanus, showcasing his trust and admiration while navigating the complexities of political favor and loyalty.

50s · trust · power · honor · ambition · loyalty

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