University of Virginia Library

The following scene in the third act was omitted after the first representation, in compliance with the wishes of many who thought it injurious to the general effect of the play. As, however, there was some difference of opinion upon this point, the scene is here inserted as it originally stood. Lucretia is supposed to be surrounded by her relations,— Collatinus and Lucretius by her side,—her hair dishevelled, —wild in her attire;—and all the other characters in attitudes of deep grief.
Luc.
Bear witness, then, Lucretia's mind is guiltless,—
Yet never can Lucretia smile again!
Lost to herself, her husband and her child,
Lost to the world, her country and her friends.
The arms of love can pillow her no more
And the sweet smile of her dear innocent babe
Would but awaken her to deeper anguish!
And shall she live, bereft of all life's treasures,
The spectre of the past for ever rising
To fright her into madness? Think not, countrymen,
Indignant virtue can survive pollution!
By her own hand a Roman wife can fall.
(Stabs herself.
'Tis to the heart. Tarquin, the blow was thine!
She falls

Col.
Belov'd, unhappy wife! What hast thou done?

Luc.
A deed of glory. Now, my husband, now—
With transport can I press thee to my bosom.
Father and kinsmen, ye can own me now!
My pure soul springs from its detested prison!
Virtue exults! The gods applaud my daring!
And, to our dear, lov'd babe, I can bequeath
A mother's noblest gift,—a spotless name!
(Dies.

Luc.
Staff of my age! Gone, gone, for ever gone!
A wretched father's last and only joy!
Come, death, strike here! Your shaft were welcome now.
Snatch me from earth to my poor, lost, lov'd child!

Col.
My wife! My wife! Dear, dear, wrong'd, murder'd wife!
Let me be rooted here in endless sorrow—
Who, who shall dare to mourn her loss like me!
Enter Brutus.

Br.
I dare, and so dare every honest Roman.
The scene then proceeds as printed in the preceding pages.