EROTION, } } _Attendants_. CYDNON, } SCENE--_The camp of Maximin, under the walls of Aquileia_. TYRANNIC LOVE, OR, THE ROYAL MARTYR. ACT I. SCENE I.--_A Camp, or Pavilion Royal_. _Enter_ MAXIMIN, CHARINUS, PLACIDIUS, ALBINUS, VALERIUS, APOLLONIUS, _and Guards_. _Max._ Thus far my arms have with success been crowned, And found no stop, or vanquished what they found. The German lakes my legions have o'erpast, With all the bars which art or nature cast: My foes, in watery fastnesses inclosed, I fought alone, to their whole war exposed; Did first the depth of trembling marshes sound, And fixed my eagles in unfaithful ground; By force submitted to the Roman sway Fierce nations, and unknowing to obey; And now, for my reward, ungrateful Rome, For which I fought abroad, rebels at home. _Alb._ Yet 'tis their fear which does this war maintain; They cannot brook a martial monarch's reign: Your valour would their sloth too much accuse; And therefore, like themselves they princes chuse. _Plac._ Two tame gown'd princes, who at ease debate, In lazy chairs, the business of the state; Who reign but while the people they can please, And only know the little arts of peace. _Char._ In fields they dare not fight, where honour calls; But breathe a faint defiance from their walls. The very noise of war their souls does wound; They quake, but hearing their own trumpets sound. _Val._ An easy summons but for form they wait, And to your fame will open wide the gate. _Plac._ I wish our fame that swift success may find; But conquests, sir, are easily designed. However soft within themselves they are, To you they will be valiant by despair: For, having once been guilty, well they know, To a revengeful prince they still are so. _Alb._ 'Tis true, that, since the senate's succours came, They grow more bold. _Max._ That senate's but a name: Or they are pageant princes which they make; That power they give away, they would partake. Two equal powers two different ways will draw, While each may check, and give the other law. True, they secure propriety and peace; But are not fit an empire to increase. When they should aid their prince, the slaves dispute; And fear success should make him absolute. They let foes conquer, to secure the state, And lend a sword, whose edge themselves rebate. _Char._ When to increase the gods you late are gone, I'll swiftly chuse to die, or reign alone: But these half kings our courage cannot fright; The thrifty state will bargain ere they fight: Give just so much for every victory, And rather lose a fight than overbuy. _Max._ Since all delays are dangerous in war, Your men, Albinus, for assault prepare; Crispinus and Meniphilus, I hear, Two consulars, these Aquileians cheer; By whom they may, if we protract the time, Be taught the courage to defend their crime.