Monologue

Tiberius Monologue from Sejanus His Fall

From Sejanus His Fall by Ben Jonson

male · dark · 2:17 min

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To leave our journey off, were sin ’Gainst our decreed delights; and would appear Doubt; or, what less becomes a prince, low fear. Yet doubt hath law, and fears have their excuse. Where princes’ states plead necessary use; As ours doth now: more in Sejanus’ pride, Than all fell Agrippina’s hates beside. Those are the dreadful enemies we raise With favours, and make dangerous with praise; The injured by us may have will alike, But ’tis the favourite hath the power to strike; And fury ever boils more high and strong, Heat with ambition, than revenge of wrong. ’Tis then a part of supreme skill, to grace No man too much; but hold a certain space Between the ascender’s rise, and thine own flat, Lest, when all rounds be reach’d, his aim be that. ’Tis thought. (Aside.) Is Macro in the palace? see: If not, go seek him, to come to us.— (Exit Officer.) He must be the organ we must work by now; Though none less apt for trust: need doth allow What choice would not. I have heard that aconite, Being timely taken, hath a healing might Against the scorpion’s stroke: the proof we’ll give: That, while two poisons wrestle, we may live. He hath a spirit too working to be used But to the encounter of his like; excused Are wiser sov’reigns then, that raise one ill Against another, and both safely kill: The prince that feeds great natures, they will slay him; Who nourisheth a lion must obey him.— Re-enter Officer with Macro. Macro, we sent for you.

About this piece

Tiberius reflects on the dangers of favoritism and ambition within the court, contemplating the precarious balance of power as he prepares to summon Macro for a crucial task.

50s · fear · power · ambition · betrayal · revenge

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