Sejanus, His fall A monologue from the play by Ben Jonson Essay Example For Students

Sejanus, His fall A monologue from the play by Ben Jonson Essay A monologue from the play by Ben Jonson NOTE: This monologue is reprinted from Sejanus, His Fall (1603). SEJANUS: What excellent fools Religion makes of men! Believes Terentius, If these were dangersas I shame to think them The gods could change the certain course of fate? Or, if they could, they would now, in a moment, For a beefs fat, or less, be bribed t invert Those long decrees? Then think the gods, like flies, Are to be taken with the steam of flesh, Or blood, diffused about their altars; think Their power as cheap as I esteem it small. Of all the throng that fill th Olympian hall, And, without pity, lade poor Atlas back, I know not that one deity, but Fortune, To whom I would throw up, in begging smoke, One grain of incense; or whose ear Id buy With thus much oil. Her I indeed adore; And keep her grateful image in my house, Sometimes belonging to a Roman king, But now called mine, as by the better style. To her I care not if, for satisfying Your scrupulous fancies, I go offer. Bid Our priest prepare us honey, milk, and poppy, His masculine odours, and night-vestments. Say Our rites are instant, which performed, youll see How vain, and worthy laughter, your fears be.