TIBERIUS. 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. MACRO. I heard so, Cæsar. TIBERIUS. Leave us awhile.— [_Exit Officer._] When you shall know. good Macro, The causes of our sending, and the ends, You will then hearken nearer; and be pleas’d You stand so high both in our choice and trust. MACRO. The humblest place in Cæsar’s choice or trust, May make glad Macro proud; without ambition. Save to do Cæsar service.