University of Virginia Library

SCENE XI.

Cæcina, and Dumnorix, one of the Gauls.
Cæcina.
You come resolv'd to join the Roman banners.

Dumnorix.
My name is Dumnorix; the friend of Rome;
I hate Arminius and his wild ambition.

Cæcina.
When did you leave his camp?

Dumnorix.
This very day,
When Inguiomer before your conqu'ring sword
Cross'd the Visurgis. Then Arminius,
Inflam'd to madness, burning for revenge,
Vow'd the destruction of the Roman name.

Cæcina.
Means he this night to try the chance of war?

Dumnorix.
This night his troops must rest: To-morrow's sun
Will light him to the onset.

Cæcina.
For this news
You have my thanks.

Dumnorix.
I came with nobler views:
Say but the word, and ev'n this very night
Arminius may be conquer'd.

Cæcina.
Name the means.

Dumnorix.
By a mix'd goblet dash'd with secret aconite,
Or a barb'd arrow ting'd with deadly poison,
I can dispatch him.

Cæcina.
Would'st thou thus instruct
A Roman Gen'ral in the trade of murder?
A fell design, like yours, in elder times
Was offer'd to the Senate. That august,
That great assembly scorn'd it with disdain,
And caution'd Pyrrhus to protect his life.
Such was the virtue of the Roman state;
It still survives: We conquer sword in hand,
And wage no war by murder, or by poison.

Dumnorix.
My friends from Gaul have sworn—

Cæcina.
Go, seek your friends—

Dumnorix.
The glory may be mine—

Cæcina.
Away: no more;
[Exit Dumnorix.
Detested perfidy!

Marcus.
[Entering.
What ho! to arms;
Muster our forces; sound there, sound th'alarm.