Julio Romano or, The force of the passions. An epic drama. In six books. By Charles Bucke |
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 | Julio Romano |  |
SCENE I.
Piazzas near the King's Palace.Velutri, walking to and fro in great agitation.
Vel.
The groan he utter'd! As I hope for grace,
I would not hear another such for all
The universe contains. I left him. If the boy
Take pity, it is well. The ducats? Dust!
Not all the wealth of Italy or Spain,
Egypt or India—Would, that I had died!
What though I was beset with ills around;
Steep'd in the gulf of every deep distress;
And my loved infants famishing with want.
Better,—far better,—they had pined, till death
Had lull'd their anguish to forgetfulness,
Than that their father should allay their wants
In banquets, purchased at a rate so dear.
Out on the ducats! I will perish rather
Than touch one counter. Oh my dearest babes!
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With which the world will visit ye? I suspect
Another crime, another secret crime,
Even more vile and horrible than this.
I'll to the king—the only solace left!
I'll to the king, confess my crime, and perish.
[Exit.
| Julio Romano | |