_Ach._ How this may
Stand with the rules of policy, I know not;
Most sure I am, it holds no correspondence
With the Rites of _AEgypt_, or the Laws of Nature;
But grant that _Cleopatra_ can sit down
With this disgrace (though insupportable)
Can you imagine, that _Romes_ glorious Senate
(To whose charge, by the will of the dead King
This government was deliver'd) or great _Pompey_,
(That is appointed _Cleopatra_'s Guardian
As well as _Ptolomies_) will e're approve
Of this rash counsel, their consent not sought for,
That should authorize it?
_Achil._ The Civil war
In which the _Roman_ Empire is embarqu'd
On a rough Sea of danger, does exact
Their whole care to preserve themselves, and gives them
No vacant time to think of what we do,
Which hardly can concern them.
_Ach._ What's your opinion
Of the success? I have heard, in multitudes
Of Souldiers, and all glorious pomp of war,
_Pompey_ is much superiour.
_Achil._ I could give you
A Catalogue of all the several Nations
From whence he drew his powers: but that were tedious.
They have rich arms, are ten to one in number,
Which makes them think the day already won;
And _Pompey_ being master of the Sea,
Such plenty of all delicates are brought in,
As if the place on which they are entrench'd,
Were not a Camp of Souldiers, but _Rome_,
In which _Lucullus_ and _Apicius_ joyn'd,
To make a publique Feast: they at _Dirachium_
Fought with success; but knew not to make use of
_Fortunes_ fair offer: so much I have heard
_Caesar_ himself confess.
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