University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

A terrace.
Enter Vivius and Statius from within.
STATIUS.
Fair skies have often clouds. Yonder is one.

VIVIUS.
Who heeds the clouds above, clear way below?
Ha! look you there; there is the Roman galley.
Mark, how she sways uneasy, as she knew
Despatch were writ upon the tidings in her.

STATIUS.
Your key fits easily.

VIVIUS.
So do not all into their fittest place.

STATIUS.
The cloud wears off; no rain will fall to-night.

VIVIUS.
I would there were no night—no sleep,—that we
Might keep for ever on the stir.

STATIUS.
Farewell.

[Exit.
VIVIUS.
Farewell!—key, a good turn; I thank thee.
No, he was ne'er the man to win his way.
Thus it hath always been—no, not so near—
The flower of bright success within a clutch,
He turns and stoops to potter with a weed.
His “silver crown!”—I would that twenty bodies
As hale were at my beck, that I might fill them
With the brimmings of my spirit!—ay, 'twould serve.
Now ends the life-long struggle I have held
To keep the just supremacy of birth.
How have I seen, in the channels of the state—
(Those made to keep alive the general health)
Plebeian blood still stagnate!—I will use
The popular wave—'tis strong; for, left unguided,
Doth it not know the trick of devastation?—
To aid me as I sweep between the banks,
Back to its native marsh, this idle blackness.
I would that Statius had not been so dull:
He is the leader of your cautious flock,
The sheep o' the city,—each going after each,
The known track following,—sure, if he took the leap,
They to leap after—where? No matter, so
He were their leader. Numbers act on numbers,—
Fools help to swell a crowd, like better men.
Well, we must triumph singly—more the honour:
While Vivia waits with ready crown, the Fame,
To breathe undying glory round our name.