Scene the Second. The Palace.
Enter Antonius, Canidius, Photinus.
Can.
For what Sir, must we then prepare?
Thyreus! does he bring us Peace or War?
Anto.
He offers Peace, but upon terms so high,
At the great rate I'd not an Empire buy:
My former gifts I meanly must resume,
And give accounts of all my act to Rome.
My faithful friends from their Commands remove,
And place such as the Senate shall approve.
Canid.
True friends displac't will pardon your distress,
And thô your pow'r—
Anto.
A Pageant pow'r and Empire but in show—
True Empire only those great Souls enjoy,
Who can in what, and whom they please employ,
And without leave from Rome a Crown bestow,
Exalt a Friend, and trample on a Foe:
This by your Love and Arms I once attchiev'd,
Nor will be of it but by Arms depriv'd.
Can.
Ambition is the Dropsey of the Soul,
Whose thirst we must not yield to but controul.
Anto.
Some Drudg of State may a less pow'r esteem,
And ruling many, let a few rule him;
Mean Slave to them, high Tyrant to the rest,
With fear and pride at once defile his breast:
By Hercules I won't, if any here
Think that a Course too desp'rate I steer,
Let him retire, and his own fears obey.
Canid.
The Gods well know my fears are all for you,
And your most daring thoughts shall find me true:
It is not Caesar, nor our blow at Sea,
That to these terms incline me to agree;