up with spite
   Of all the gods, brought forth; and, as some write,
   She was last sister of that giant race
   That thought to scale Jove’ s court; right swift of pace,
   And swifter far of wing; a monster vast,
   And dreadful.  Look, how many plumes are placed
   On her huge corps, so many waking eyes
   Stick underneath; and, which may stranger rise
   In the report, as many tongues she bears,
   As many mouths, as many listening ears. 
   Nightly, in midst of all the heaven, she flies,
   And through the earth’s dark shadow shrieking cries,
   Nor do her eyes once bend to taste sweet sleep;
   By day on tops of houses she doth keep,
   Or on high towers; and doth thence affright
   Cities and towns of most conspicuous site: 
   As covetous she is of tales and lies,
   As prodigal of truth:  this monster—­

Lup. [within.] Come, follow me, assist me, second me!  Where’! the emperor?

1 Eques. [within.] Sir, you must pardon us.

2 Eques. [within.] Caesar is private now; you may not enter.

Tuc. [within.] Not enter!  Charge them upon their allegiance, cropshin.

1 Eques. [within.] We have a charge to the contrary, sir.

Lup. [within.] I pronounce you all traitors, horrible traitors:  What! do you know my affairs?  I have matter of danger and state to impart to Caesar.

Caes.  What noise is there? who’s that names Caesar?

Lup. [within.] A friend to Caesar.  One that, for Caesar’s good, would speak with Caesar.

Caes.  Who is it? look, Cornelius.

1 Eques. [within.] Asinius Lupus.

Caes. 
   O, bid the turbulent informer hence;
   We have no vacant ear now, to receive
   The unseason’d fruits of his officious tongue.

Mec.  You must avoid him there.

Lup. [within.] I conjure thee, as thou art.  Caesar, or respectest thine own safety, or the safety of the state, Caesar, hear me, speak with me, Caesar; ’tis no common business I come about, but such, as being neglected, may concern the life of Caesar.

Caes.  The life of Caesar!  Let him enter.  Virgil, keep thy seat. 
                             Enter Lupus, Tucca, and Lictors. 
Eques. [within.] Bear back, there:  whither will you? keep back!

Tuc.  By thy leave, goodman usher:  mend thy peruke; so.

Lup.  Lay hold on Horace there; and on Mecaenas, lictors.  Romans, offer no rescue, upon your allegiance:  read, royal Caesar. [Gives a paper.] I’ll tickle you, Satyr.

Tuc.  He will, Humours, he will; he will squeeze you, poet puck-fist.

Lup.  I’ll lop you off for an unprofitable branch, you satirical varlet.

Tuc.  Ay, and Epaminondas your patron here, with his flagon chain; come, resign:  [takes off Mecaenas’ chain,] though ’twere your great grandfather’s, the law has made it mine now, sir.  Look to him, my party-coloured rascals; look to him.