_We will present in Action; and are bold,_ _In that which follows, that the most shall say,_ _'Twas well begun, but the End crown'd the Play._ [Exit. SCENE II. _Enter_ Diocles, Niger, _Senators, Guard_. _Dio._ Talk not of comfort; I have broke my faith, And the gods fight against me; and proud man, However magnified, is but as dust Before the raging whirl-wind of their justice. What is it to be great? ador'd on Earth? When the immortal Powers that are above us Turn all our Blessings into horrid Curses, And laugh at our resistance, or prevention Of what they purpose? O the Furies that I feel within me! whipt on, by their angers, For my tormentors. Could it else have been In Nature, that a few fugitive _Persians_, Unfriended, and unarmed too, could have rob'd me (In _Rome_, the World's _Metropolis_, and her glory; In _Rome_, where I command, inviron'd round With such invincible Troops that know no fear, But want of noble Enemies) of those jewels I priz'd above my life, and I want power To free them, if those gods I have provok'd Had not given spirit to the undertakers, And in their deed protected 'em? _Nig._ Great _Cæsar_, Your safety does confirm you are their care, And that howe'r their practices reach others, You stand above their malice. _1 Sen. Rome_ in us Offers (as means to further your revenge) The lives of her best Citizens, And all they stand possess'd of. _1 Guard._ Do but lead us on With that invincible and undaunted Courage Which waited bravely on you, when you appear'd The minion of Conquest; married rather To glorious Victory, and we will drag (Though all the Enemies of life conspire Against our undertakings) the proud _Persian_, Out of his strongest hold. _2 Guard._ Be but your self, And do not talk but do. _3 Guard._ You have hands and swords, Limbs to make up a well proportion'd Army, That only want in you an Head to lead us. _Dio._ The gods reward your goodness; and believe, Howe'r (for some great sin) I am mark't out The object of their hate, though _Jove_ stood ready To dart his three-fold thunder on this head, It could not fright me from a fierce pursuit Of my revenge; I will redeem my friends, And with my friends mine honour; at least fall Like to my self, a Souldier. _Nig._ Now we hear Great _Dioclesian_ speak. _Dio._ Draw up our Legions, And let it be your care (my much lov'd _Niger_) To hasten the remove; And, fellow Souldiers, Your love to me will teach you to endure Both long and tedious Marches. _1 Guard._ Dye he accurs'd That thinks of rest or sleep, before he sets His foot on _Persian_-Earth.