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Sejanus: His Fall by Ben Jonson
page 39 of 352 (11%)
But yonder lean
A pair that do.

Sab. [salutes Latiaris.] Good cousin Latiaris.---

Sil.
Satrius Secundus, and Pinnarius Natta,
The great Sejanus' clients: there be two,
Know more than honest counsels; whose close breasts,
Were they ripp'd up to light, it would be found
A poor and idle sin, to which their trunks
Had not been made fit organs. These can lie,
Flatter, and swear, forswear, deprave, inform,
Smile, and betray; make guilty men; then beg
The forfeit lives, to get their livings; cut
Men's throats with whisperings; sell to gaping suitors
The empty smoke, that flies about the palace;
Laugh when their patron laughs; sweat when he sweats;
Be hot and cold with him; change every mood,
Habit, and garb, as often as he varies;
Observe him, as his watch observes his clock;
And, true, as turquoise in the dear lord's ring,
Look well or ill with him: 6 ready to praise
His lordship, if he spit, or but p--- fair,
Have an indifferent stool, or break wind well;
Nothing can 'scape their catch.

Sab.
Alas! these things
Deserve no note, conferr'd with other vile
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