University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Rome.
Enter Aurelius, Uter, and Messenger.
Aur.
Our friends in England then have thought it fitting,
That on receipt o'these, your woeful letters,
We should with all speed hie us into Scotland?

Mes.
E'en so did they instruct for weighty reasons.
“Know, Vortigern did alway hate the Scots,
“And hath oft times during your father's reign,
“Fram'd laws, most burthensome unto that people.
“But the keen tooth of hatred and revenge,
“With double fury now will shew itself;
“For every noble Scot then found in London,
“Hath suffer'd under this fell tiger's fangs,
“And this to direst rage, hath stirr'd their blood.”
Your story told, will raise you aid of thousands,
Three years of plenty have, among the Britons,
Sown seeds of luxury and baneful riot,
Therefore, they're unprepar'd, nor think of war.

Uter.
Are vessels ready to convey us thither?

Mes.
Yes, my good lord.

Aur.
Come, brother, let's away then with all speed—
But wer't not better that we change these habits?

Mes.
No! no, your Roman vestments will disguise you,
And may in Scotland greatly aid your cause.

Aur.
Then be it so—farewell to thee, O! Rome;
I ne'er did think that upon quitting thee,
My brimful heart wou'd thus run o'er with sorrow.

[Exeunt.