 | Aetius |  |
SCENE XIII.
Enter Fulvia.Fulv.
Augustus, ease my terror. Is the traitor
Discover'd yet? Say, is your life in safety?
Val.
Can then my safety be so dear to Fulvia?
Fulv.
And can you doubt it? I behold in Cæsar
A lover to whose fate my own must soon
Be join'd (O death to feign) [aside.]
in Hymen's bands.
Max.
What do I hear? Does not her secret heart
Belie her lips' profession?
[aside.
Val.
If my danger
Awaken gentle pity in thy breast,
I prize my safety less. May I then hope
Thy faith unshaken?
Fulv.
Whilst I live, shall Cæsar
Still share my tenderest thoughts. O pardon, Ætius!
[aside.
353
I'm lost in wonder.
[aside.
Val.
Did not Ætius' treason
Claim all our thoughts, thy hand had long ere this
Been join'd to mine; but dear his life shall answer
This outrage to my love.
Fulv.
A crime like his
Demands your just revenge: but who, meanwhile,
Shall guard you from the people's headlong rage?
They dote on Ætius: O! take heed, Augustus,
I shudder at the thought.
Val.
'Tis that retards
My vengeance.
Max.
Now I understand thee, Fulvia.
[aside.
Fulv.
Say, he were innocent, in him you lose
Your great support: behold your life expos'd
To treason's secret aims: behold your name
Hated of all—I tremble but to think it.
Val.
Grant Heaven he were not guilty! but he comes,
And comes by my command.
Fulv.
What do I hear!
[aside.
Val.
Now, Fulvia, from himself impartial learn,
What Ætius is.
Fulv.
Permit me to depart.
[going.
The criminal, who meets his judge alone,
More freely will confess.
354
No, Fulvia, stay.
Max.
Ætius approaches.
Fulv.
Heavens!
Val.
Now, Fulvia, take
Thy seat by Cæsar's side.
Fulv.
By Cæsar's side!
And shall a subject then presume—
Val.
Remember
The maid who holds a monarch in her chains,
No longer is a subject.
Fulv.
Yet, permit me—
Val.
No more—be seated—from this hour begin
To make the throne familiar.
Fulv.
I obey.
[sits on the right hand of Val.
O cruel trial!
| Aetius | |