AUGUSTUS

Thus have we quelled Rebellion; thus (Like smoke) Vanishes hence the name of Anthony: Only some Props remain yet; which I'll rend Up by the roots and scatter: amongst which Ungrateful Herod is a Principal; On whom I'll shower my vengeance. Who, Herod? 'Tis a strange over-daring. Call him in; He dares not come to brave us; Room hath power To shake a stronger building; and his fears Are glasses of his danger: no man look On Juda, but with hatred. This is a kind of braving. Thou art thine own Judge Herod: call a Slave, A desperate Slave; amongst all our Prisoners, Choose him that hath least mercy: you shall find, Your Friendship had a false ground. Well I'll try The utmost of your fortitude: arm that Slave; And Sirrah, kill that Traitor; 'tis a work That brngs you home your Freedom. 'Tis a King. The Slave's afraid to strike him; timorous Coward: Call another. Let that Slave have the weapon: Sirrah, kill That King, and have thy freedom: wilt thou doo't? Stay, what's thy Country? Why then strike. Yet Villain hold; art not amazed to doo't? But a worse Shall fallen upon thy Carcase: bind that Slave, And throw him headlong down into the Sea; The earth's too much infected.— Herod, thus Mine arms gives thee thy freedom: take thy Crown; Wear it with safety; and but be to me Faithful; I'll love thee as did Anthony. For that wretch, Give him his liberty; since th'ast served Virtue, thou shalt serve Caesar; henceforth be Commander over a Legion: Those that know Goodness; by Goodness ever greater grow. 'Tis no more Then what your worth may challenge; only Sir, This violence on your person, by your self, Must crave my reprehension. Why, this is But fancy which torments you; here appears Nothing that's strange about us. This is strange; Nor have I seen Passion more powerful: See you hold him fast. Let him rest. What's thy will? No 'twas enough the countenance languished. Do not afflict your self; 'tis Justice now Shall take the Cause in handling: Captains hark, And hark Niraleus, do as I command; Be vigilant and serious: go, away. This Preparation's honest; so dispatch, And place these mortal Triumphs handsomely: Sirrah, conceal your person; let no fear Make his fear grow too early. Say not so; 'Tis rather comfort well discovered: But peace; see th'are approaching. Labour not for excuses; you have run A strange Career in Villainy; and thrust All goodness from you with such violence, That Mercy dares not help you. No, a King, And thence ordained for Justice; to put back Ought of that heavenly Office, were to throw Mountains ith face of Jupiter; know you're lost, Lost to all Mankind and Mortality: Therefore to make your last hour better seem, Then all that went before it; what you know Of Treasons unrevealed; lay them forth: The work will well become you. Not upon earth; nor for Antipater. Was she assistant to you? Produce her presently. Whence came that deadly groan. The Gods have showed their wonders; some withdraw The Bodies and inter them: that; where none May pity or lament him: th'other so; As all men may admire him: for the Crown, Thus I bestow it on young Archelaus: Room makes thee King of Juda; and erects Thy Chair and Throne within Jerusalem. 'Tis a sweet royal Promise; prosper in't; Make Virtue thy Companion: for we see, She builds their ruins, spring from Tyranny.