ABSTRACT
After he had in this sort given order for all his affairs, he withdrew himselfe unto Rhodes, intending there to meete with Cd!sar. And as soone as he arrived in that citie, he tooke the Diademe from his head and laid it apart; but as for his other princely ornaments, he chaunged them in no sort; and being admitted to CdJsars presence, he at that time gave a more ample testimony of the greatnes of his magnanimitie and courage: for neither addressed he his speech to intreat his favour (according to the custome of suppliants) neither presented he any request, as if he had in any sort offended him, but gave account of al that which he had done, without concealing or mistrusting any thing. For he freely confessed before Cd!sar, that he had intirely loved Antonius, and that to the utmost of his power he had done him service, to the end that he might obtaine the soveraigntie and monarchie; not by annexing his forces unto his, in that he was otherwaies imployed in the Arabian warre; but in furnishing him both with wheat and money, and that this was the least office which it behooved him to performe towards Antonius; for that being once his professed friend, it behooved him not onely to imploy his best endevours on his so princely benefactor, but also to hazard both his head and happines to deliver him from perils. All which (said he) I have not performed according as I ought to have done, yet notwithstanding I know that at such time as he was overcome in the Actian battell, I did not alter my affection with his fortune: neither did I restraine my selfe: for although I befriended not Antonius with my presence and assistance in his Actian warre, yet at leastwise I assisted him with my counsaile, certifying him that he had but one onely meanes left him for his securitie, and prevention of his utter ruine, which was, to put Cleopatra to death, for that by cutting her off hee might enjoy her estate, and might more easily obtaine his peace, and pacifie thy displeasure against him. And for that he gave but slender regard for these mine admonitions by his owne sottishnesse and indiscretion, he hath hurte himselfe and profited you, because, as I said, he did not follow my counsaile. Now therefore (0 CdJsar) in regard of the hate which you beare unto Anthony, you condemne my friendship also, I will not denie that which I have done; neither am I affraid freely and publikely to protest how much I have loved him: but if without regard of persons, you consider how kindly I am affected towards my benefactors, and how resolute and constant a friend I am, and how mindefull ofkindnesse, the effect of that which
Ant01ry and Cleopatra I have done, may make me knowne unto thee. For if the name be onely changed, the friendship notwithstanding may remaine, and deserve a due praise.
