AGRIPPA

Meet it was The Roman Empire so should ruled be, As heaven is ruled: which turning over us, All under things by his example turns. Now as of heaven one only Lord we know: One only Lord should rule this earth below. When one self power is common made to two Their duties they nor suffer will, nor do. In quarrel still, in doubt, in hate, in fear; Mean while the people all the smart do bear. Mark it with murders? Who of that can Like? Assurance call you enemies to make? Nothing so much as rigour does displease. What ease to him that feared is of all? Commonly fear does breed and nourish hate. A feared Prince hath oft his death desired No guard so sure, no fort so strong does prove. No such defence, as is the peoples love. Good Gods! what love to gracious prince men bear! Nought more divine then is Benigntie. Gods all forgive. And give their goods. They wreak them not, o Caesar, at each time That by our sins they are to wrath provoked. Neither must you (believe, I humbly pray) Your victory with cruelty defile. The Gods it gave, it must not be abused, But to the good of all men mildly used, And they bethank'd: that having given you grace To reign alone, and rule this earthly mass, They may henceforward hold it still in rest, All scattered power united in one breast. He seems afraid: and under his arm I (But much I err) a bloody sword espy. He hither comes: it's best we stay and see. Why trouble you your self with bootless grief? For Antony why spend you tears in vain? Why darken you with dole your victory? Me seems your self your glory do envy. Enter the town, give thanks unto the Gods. Presumptuous pride of heigh and haughty sprite, Voluptuous care of found and foolish love, Have justly wrought his wrack: who thought he held (By overweening) Fortune in his hand. Of us he made no count, but as to play, So fearless came our forces to assay. So sometime fell to Sons of mother earth, Which crawled to heaven war on the God to make, Olymp on Pelion, Ossa on Olymp, Pindus on Ossa loading by degrees: That at hand strokes with mighty clubs the might On mossy rocks the Gods make tumble down: When mighty Jove with burning anger chafed, Disbraind with him Gyges and Briareus, Blunting his darts upon their bruised bones. For no one thing the Gods can less abide In deeds of men, then Arrogance and pride. And still the proud, which too much takes in hand, Shall foulest fallen, where best he thinks to stand. In Like proud sort he caused his head to lose The Jewish king Antigonus, to have His Realm for balm, that Cleopatra loved, As though on him he had some treason proved. What? Robbing his own country of her endue Triumphed he not in Alexandriae, Of Artabasus the Armenian King, Who yielded on his perjured word to him? Surely the Gods, which have this city built Steadfast to stand as long as time endures, Which keep the Capitol, of us take care, And care will take of those shall after come, Have made you victor, that you might redress Their honour grown by passed mischiefs less. But best we sought into the tomb to get, Lest she consume in this amazed case So much rich treasure, with which happily Despair in death may make his feed the fire: Suffering the flames his Jewels to deface, You to defraud, his funeral to grace. Send then to his, and let some mean be used With some devise so hold her still alive, Some fair large promises: and let them mark Whither they may by some fine cunning slight Enter the tombs. Caesar. Let Proculeius go, And feed with hope his soul disconsolate. Assure his so, that we may wholly get Into our hands his treasure and her self. For this of all things most I do desire To keep her safe until our going hence: That by his presence beautified may be The glorious triumph Room prepares for me.