University of Virginia Library

SCENE V.

Enter Marcus, with Roman Soldiers and Standards.
Marcus.
To thee, Arminius, our brave Roman chief
Sends me with terms of kind and friendly import.
To thee too, Inguiomer, he proffers friendship.
Oft have I seen you in the ranks of war
Enacting prodigies of valour.

Arminius.
Say,
Unfold your purpose. Why approach our camp?

Marcus.
Cæcina means to prove the moderation
That sways his councils, and by me he sends
A present, that he knows will glad your heart.
He sends your wife: Lo! where Veleda comes.

Enter Veleda.
Marcus.
Once more she's yours: (Takes her hand)
—I thus resign her to you.

Arminius.
Can this be possible? Surprize and wonder
O'erpow'r each faculty:—Once more Veleda,
Thus do I see you?—What no God could promise,
We are allow'd to meet again in life.
I shall go wild with joy: And do I see you
Once more restor'd to these fond circling arms?

Veleda.
My brave, my honour'd husband! Once again,
Free'd from captivity, releas'd from bondage,
A German wife, whose hymeneal gods
Form all her bliss, her only joy on earth,
Revisits her lost husband; in his arms
Enjoys her sacred rights—this rapture swells
Above all bounds, and thus in tears of joy
Will force its way.

[Embracing him.
Arminius.
Thou dear, thou tender pledge
Of constancy and love! To fold thee thus,
Is joy and victory. Not ev'n the day,
That saw me triumph o'er three slaughter'd legions,
And Germany reliev'd from proud oppression;
When not a Roman Eagle hover'd o'er us,
And with one loud acclaim consenting nations,
Hail'd me, “the brave deliverer of Germany;”
Not ev'n that day with such sincere delight
Inspir'd my soul, as that which now transports me,
When! Gracious Gods! When thus I call you mine.
[Embracing her.
And did your father, did that haughty rebel
Resign you to me?

Veleda.
No; it was his wish
With pride, and fix'd hostility to you,
To hold me still in bondage; but Cæcina
With mild humanity releas'd me to you.
My brother here! Here in Arminius' camp,
[Seeing Segimund.
The soldier of his country!

Segimund.
Oh! My sister,
Your great example in my country's cause
Inspires my soul with more than common ardour.

Veleda.
Thou brave, thou gen'rous youth!

[They embrace.
Marcus.
Cæcina scorns to wage a war with women.
Though adverse in the field, he still regards
A husband's rights, and sends you back your wife.

Arminius.
To own an obligation to a Roman,
To me is thraldom: Yet he has my thanks.

Marcus.
Cæcina means to give you stronger proof,
That moderation governs all his actions.
If you will listen to his just proposals,
By his ambassador he means to offer
Fair terms of peace.

Veleda.
I had forgot: Your brother,
Who came the leader of a Roman cohort,
To see me safe deliver'd to your arms,
Explain'd the Roman General's design.

Arminius.
Where is my brother now?

Marcus.
Close to yon bank
He halted with his men.

Arminius.
Inform your General,
When hostages in form have been exchang'd,
By his ambassador he then may send
His overtures of peace.

Marcus.
I shall report
Your answer to Cæcina.

Arminius.
Will you grace
Your Roman name by one more liberal act?

Marcus.
Speak your request.

Arminius.
My brother's near at hand;
You Romans call him Flavius: Will you grant
One friendly interview? Though leagu'd with Rome,
He is my brother still.

Marcus.
Withdraw your guards;
To Inguiomer deliver up your sabre,
That no rude outrage may disturb your meeting.

Arminius.
I promise it— (gives up his sabre)
—you have my plighted faith.

Marcus.
Together you may hold a friendly parley:
He shall attend you here.

Arminius.
You have my thanks;
Farewell, Veleda; Segimund conduct her
To my pavillion. You my friends retire.

[They go out.