Another Room in the same.
Enter TERENTIUS, MINUTIUS, LACO, COTTA, LATIARIS,
and POMPONIUS; REGULUS, TRIO, and others, on different sides.
Pom.
Is not my lord here?
Ter.
Sir, he will be straight.
Cot.
What news, Fulcinius Trio?
Tri.
Good, good tidings;
But keep it to yourself. My lord Sejanus
Is to receive this day in open senate
The tribunitial dignity.
Cot.
Is't true?
Tri.
No words, not to your thought: but, sir, believe it.
Lat.
What says the consul?
Cot.
Speak it not again:
He tells me, that to-day my lord Sejanus——
Tri.
I must entreat you, Cotta, on your honour
Not to reveal it.
Cot.
On my life, sir.
Lat.
Say.
Cot.
Is to receive the tribunitial power.
But, as you are an honourable man,
Let me conjure you not to utter it;
For it is trusted to me with that bond.
Lat.
I am Harpocrates.
Ter.
Can you assure it?
Pom.
The consul told it me, but keep it close.
Min.
Lord Latiaris, what's the news?
Lat.
I'll tell you;
But you must swear to keep it secret.
Enter SEJANUS.
Sej.
I knew the Fates had on their distaff left
More of our thread, than so.
Reg.
Hail, great Sejanus!
Tri.
Hail, the most honour'd!
Cot.
Happy!
Lat.
High Sejanus!
Sej.
Do you bring prodigies too?
Tri.
May all presage
Turn to those fair effects, whereof we bring
Your lordship news.
Reg.
May't please my lord withdraw.
Sej.
Yes:-I will speak with you anon. [To some that stand by.
Ter.
My lord,
What is your pleasure for the tribunes?
Sej.
Why,
Let them be thank'd and sent away.
Min.
My lord——
Lac.
Will't please your lordship to command me-
Sej.
No:
You are troublesome.
Min.
The mood is changed.
Tri.
Not speak,
Nor look!
Lac.
Ay, he is wise, will make him friends
Of such who never love, but for their ends.
[Exeunt.