 | Fragment of The Fate of Capua |  |
SCENE V.
Archon's Palace.Vibius and Fulvia.
VIBIUS.
Yes, Fulvia, 'twas precipitate! O think,
Should she, the last of all our numerous issue,
Thy youth's fair picture, and my age's solace,
Fall into Roman hands!
FULVIA.
Forbid it, Heavens!
The death of all my sons were nought to that!
Petronia seem'd reluctant, and I forc'd her.
[Aside.
Her troop was trusty, and Domitius loves her;
She'll get, ne'er doubt, with safety to Tarentum;
And sure I am she was not safe in Capua.
137
'Tis true, my daughter was not safe in Capua;
My house is most abhorr'd of Rome and Fulvius:
But then I'd ta'en a fitter time to send her.
The Romans know that Hannibal's expected,
And will patrole the passes to Tarentum.
FULVIA.
Yet oft our troops and messengers have pass'd;
Her courser was of Afric's swiftest breed;—
And yet I fear me! would I had not sent her!
[Aside.
I'll to the temple, and implore the gods,
With vows and incense her escape implore.
VIBIUS.
Heaven hear your vows!
| Fragment of The Fate of Capua | |