University of Virginia Library

SCENE XIII.

Enter Honoria.
Hon.
Ætius, I owe you more
Than words can pay: my brother would debase
Honoria's hand by joining it to yours;
But you, more just, have now convinc'd Augustus
That Ætius is unworthy such alliance.

Æt.
Honoria, no: 'tis not for this you owe
Your thanks to me; 'tis for a nobler service.
You know this arm, that guards Honoria's throne,
Gives her the power to treat me thus with scorn.

Hon.
Indeed I stand indebted much to Ætius,
And 'tis with pain I find the stars compel me,
Spite of myself, to be the messenger
Of fatal tidings to his hapless love.
[to Fulv.]
Fulvia, soon as the morning rises, Cæsar
Will take thee for his bride.

Fulv.
What says Honoria?

Æt.
What do I hear!

Hon.
He gave me now in charge
To speak his purpose. Ætius, yet have comfort,
And learn to exult that she, whom most you love,
Reigns o'er a subject world.

Æt.
This is too much—
Cæsar would tempt too far the faith of Ætius.
What right has he to rule o'er my affections?
To ravish Fulvia from me? To contemn me?
Perhaps he thinks I tamely will endure it;
Or does he wish that Rome, through him, should prove
A fatal scene of blood?

Hon.
Does Ætius threaten?
Is this his truth, his boasted loyalty?

Æt.

[Exit.