 | Virginius |  |
SCENE III.
—Appius's House.Enter Appius.
It was a triumph, the achieving which
O'erpaid the hazard that we ran—though great.
They have made trial of their strength, and learn'd
Its value from defeat. The senate knows
Its masters now; and the decemvirate,
To make its reign eternal, only needs
Its own decree. Ere this the saucy foe
Has met the chastisement he merited;
Which turns his bold assault to shameful flight,
Leaving us, henceforth, leisure to enjoy
The boundless harvest of our glorious daring!
Tyranny thrives in Rome! O Tyranny!
How godlike is thy port! Thou givest and takest,
And ask'st no other leave, than what thy own
Imperial will accords. Jove does no more!
Now, Claudius—
Enter Claudius.
Claud.
We have suffer'd a defeat!
App.
What! The decemvirs fly!
Claud.
The soldiers fight
With only half a heart. The other half
Looks on, and cares not which side proves the winner.
App.
Then decimate them. Traitors! Recreants!
Why, we shall have them at our very doors!
Have we lost ground, my Claudius?
Claud.
None, except
What we've retraced in fame. We strove to teach
The enemy their road lay backwards, but
They would not turn their faces for us. Each
Retains his former line.
Enter Marcus.
App.
What news?
Mar.
The Æqui
Still press upon us. Rumours are afloat
Of new disasters, which the common cry,
Be sure, still multiplies and swells. Dentatus,
That over-busy, crabbéd veteran,
Walks up and down among the people, making
Your plans his theme of laughter. Nought he stints
76
And lower the decemvirate.
App.
A dungeon
Would do good service to him! Once within,
Strangling were easy! We must stop his mouth—
Unwholesome food—or liquor—Where was he
When last you heard him?
Marc.
In the Forum.
App.
So!
He is past service, is he not? Some way
To clear the city of him. Come, we'll hear him,
And answer him, and silence him! 'Tis well
The dog barks forth his spleen! It puts us on
Our guard against his bite. Come to the Forum!
[They go out.
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