The False One by Francis Beaumont;John Fletcher
page 47 of 124 (37%)
page 47 of 124 (37%)
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_Cleo._ He is my conquest now, and so I'le work him,
The conquerour of the world will I lead captive. _Sce._ Still with this woman? tilting still with Babies? As you are honest think the Enemy, Some valiant Foe indeed now charging on ye: Ready to break your ranks, and fling these-- _Cæsar_. Hear me, But tell me true, if thou hadst such a treasure, (And as thou art a Souldier, do not flatter me) Such a bright gem, brought to thee, wouldst thou not Most greedily accept? _Sce._ Not as an Emperour, A man that first should rule himself, then others; As a poor hungry Souldier, I might bite, Sir, Yet that's a weakness too: hear me, thou Tempter: And hear thou _Cæsar_ too, for it concerns thee, And if thy flesh be deaf, yet let thine honour, The soul of a commander, give ear to me, Thou wanton bane of war, thou guilded Lethargy, In whose embraces, ease (the rust of Arms) And pleasure, (that makes Souldiers poor) inhabites. _Cæsar_. Fye, thou blasphem'st. _Sce._ I do, when she is a goddess. Thou melter of strong minds, dar'st thou presume To smother all his triumphs, with thy vanities, |
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