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| Character | Tiberius | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | |
| Age Range(s) | Adult (36-50), Senior (>50) | |
| Type of monologue / Character is | Persuasive, Descriptive, Mocking | |
| Type | Dramatic | |
| Year | 1603 | |
| Period | 17th Century | |
| Genre | Historical, Tragedy, Drama | |
| Description | Tiberius discourages Sejanus to marry Livia | |
| Location | ACT III, Scene 2 | |
Summary
Sejanus was an ambitious praetorian prefect and close advisor of emperor Tiberius. The play follows the rise and fall of this character as he plots his way to the top by murder and deceit. He plots to murder the emperor's son, Drusus, with his wife Livia. After having poisoned Drusus he tries to marry his widow and become Tiberius' heir. Tiberius, blind to Sejanus' schemes, strongly favors Sejanus, who becomes very powerful. Sejanus and his followers persecute and kill anybody who may threaten his rise to power. Eventually Tiberius realizes what is going on in his court, has Sejanus arrested and executed.
In this monologue Tiberius, after Sejanus suggests that he marry Drusus' widow Livia, argues that he or the senate cannot approve the marriage since Sejanus belongs to a lower social class.
In this monologue Tiberius, after Sejanus suggests that he marry Drusus' widow Livia, argues that he or the senate cannot approve the marriage since Sejanus belongs to a lower social class.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
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| TIBERIUS We cannot but commend thy piety, Most loved Sejanus, in acknowledging Those bounties; which we, faintly, such remember—— But to thy suit. The rest of mortal men, In all their drifts and counsels, pursue profit; Princes alone are of a different sort, Directing their main actions still to fame: We therefore will take time to think and answer. For Livia she can best, herself, resolve If she will marry, after Drusus, or Continue in the family; besides, She hath a mother, and a grandam yet, Whose nearer counsels she may guide her by: But I will simply deal. That enmity Thou fear'st in Agrippina, would burn more, If Livia's marriage should, as 'twere in parts, Divide the imperial house; an emulation Between the women might break forth; and discord Ruin the sons and nephews on both hands. What if it cause some present difference? Thou art not safe, Sejanus, if thou prove it. Canst thou believe, that Livia, first the wife To Caius Caesar, then my Drusus, now Will be contented to grow old with thee, Born but a private gentleman of Rome, And raise thee with her loss, if not her shame? Or say that I should wish it, canst thou think The senate, or the people (who have seen Her brother, father, and our ancestors, In highest place of empire) will endure it! The state thou hold'st already, is in talk; Men murmur at thy greatness; and the noble! Stick not, in public, to upbraid thy climbing Above our father's favours, or thy scale: And dare accuse me, from their hate to thee. Be wise, dear friend. We would not hide these things, For friendship's dear respect: Nor will we stand Adverse to thine, or Livia's designments. What we have purposed to thee, in our thought, And with what near degrees of love to bind thee, And make thee equal to us; for the present, We will forbear to speak. Only thus much Believe, our loved Sejanus, we not know That height in blood or honour, which thy virtue And mind to us, may not aspire with merit. And this we'll publish on all watch'd occasion The senate or the people shall present. |
