Ventidius: O Silius, Silius!
I have done enough; a lower place, note well,
May make too great and act; for learn this, Silius,
Better to leave undone than by our deed
Acquire too high a fame when him we serve's away.
Caesar and Antony have ever won
More in their officer than person; Sossius,
One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,
For quick accumulation of renown,
Which he achiev'd by the minute, lost his favour,
Who does i' the wars mor ethan his captain can
Become his captain's captain; and ambition,
The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss
Than gain which darkens him.
I could do more to do Antonius good,
But would offend him; and in his offene
Should my performance perish.
Act III, Scene 1
I have done enough; a lower place, note well,
May make too great and act; for learn this, Silius,
Better to leave undone than by our deed
Acquire too high a fame when him we serve's away.
Caesar and Antony have ever won
More in their officer than person; Sossius,
One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,
For quick accumulation of renown,
Which he achiev'd by the minute, lost his favour,
Who does i' the wars mor ethan his captain can
Become his captain's captain; and ambition,
The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss
Than gain which darkens him.
I could do more to do Antonius good,
But would offend him; and in his offene
Should my performance perish.
Act III, Scene 1
No comments:
Post a Comment