With golden promises, that, were his heart 96
Almost impregnable, his old ears deaf,
Yet should both ear and heart obey my tongue.
[To Æmilius.] Go thou before, be our ambassador:
Say that the emperor requests a parley 100
Of warlike Lucius, and appoint the meeting,
Even at his father's house, the old Andronicus.
Sat. Æmilius, do this message honourably:
And if he stand on hostage for his safety, 104
Bid him demand what pledge will please him best.
Æmil. Your bidding shall I do effectually. Exit.
Tam. Now will I to that old Andronicus,
And temper him with all the art I have, 108
To pluck proud Lucius from the warlike Goths.
And now, sweet emperor, be blithe again,
And bury all thy fear in my devices.
Sat. Then go successantly, and plead to him. 112
Exeunt.
ACT FIFTH
Scene One
[Plains near Rome]
Flourish. Enter Lucius with an Army of Goths, with drum and colours.
Luc. Approved warriors, and my faithful friends,
I have received letters from great Rome,
Which signify what hate they bear their emperor,
And how desirous of our sight they are. 4
Therefore, great lords, be, as your titles witness,
Imperious and impatient of your wrongs;
104 stand on hostage: demand hostages
108 temper: influence
112 successantly: in succession (?)
1 Approved: tried
