Tiberius monologue (Act 8) — Sejanus: His Fall

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.—