University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

A Grot in the Garden of Brutus.
CALPHURNIA, TORBILIUS.
CALPHURNIA.
'Tis near the appointed Hour:

TORBILIUS.
I judge, tis past.

CALPHURNIA.
Then Heaven, that loves its Likeness, wake for Cæsar,

TORBILIUS.
In this Out-Grot, they meet:—In that adjoining,
Curio has close conceal'd his chosen Guard,
Each Moment strength'ning, by admitted Files:
Hence vocal Windings, which pervade the Rock,
Swell whisp'ring Sounds to Loudness.

CALPHURNIA.
How look'd Portia?

TORBILIUS.
Sad—till she heard your animating Name:
Then, like a Sun-beam, radiant thro' a Mist,
She smil'd away her Anguish.

CALPHURNIA.
—At her Approach,
Leave me Torbilius.

TORBILIUS.
—Who then guards you hence?

CALPHURNIA.
I mark'd th' impending Ivy, o'er the Arch—
Grieve, not tho' Pride repell'd thy honest Purpose,
Nor fear the endangering Fate of stubborn Brutus:
My Friendship, in alarming Portia's dread,
Will caution, and preserve him.—Go:—she's here.

[Exit Torbilius bowing to Portia, whom he meets ent'ring.