 | Appius and Virginia |  |
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Actus Primus
Scena Prima.
Enter Minutius, Oppius, and Lictors.Minut.
Is Appius sent for, that we may acquaint him
with the decree o'th' Senate?
Lictor.
He is, my Lord, and will attend
your Lordships presently.
Opp.
Lictor, did you tell him that our businesse
was from the Senate?
Lict.
I did, my Lord, and here he is at hand.
Enter Appius, his two Cozens and M. Clodius.
Appius.
My Lords, your pleasure?
Minut.
Appius, the Senate greet you well,
and by us do signifie unto you
that they have chosen you one of the Decemviri.
App.
My Lords, far be it from the thoughts
of so poor a Plebeian, as your unworthy servant
Appius: to soar so high, the dignity of so
eminent a place would require a person
of the best parts and blood in Rome.
My Lords, he that must steer at th'head of an
Empire, ought to be the Mirrour of the times
for Wisdome and for Policie and therefore
I would beseech the Senate to elect one,
worthy of the place, and not to think of
one so unfit as Appius.
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My Lord, my Lord; you dally with your wits.
I have seen children oft eat sweet meats thus,
as fearfull to devoure them.
you are wise, and play the modest courtier right
to make so many bits of your delight.
Oppius.
But you must show, what we have once concluded
cannot for any private mans affection
be slighted: take your choice then with best judgement
of these two proffers, either to accept
the place propos'd you, or be banished Rome
immediately: Lictors make way: we expect
your speedy resolution.
Exeunt Oppius, Minutius.
1. Cozen.
Noble cozen,
you wrong your selfe extremely to refuse
so Eminent a place.
2. Cozen.
It is a meanes
to raise your kindred. Who shall dare t'oppose
himselfe against our Family, when yonder
shall sit your power and frowne?
Appius.
Or banisht Rome!
I pray forbear a little. Marcus.
Marcus., Cl.
Sir.
Appius.
How dost thou like my cunning?
Marcus., Cl.
I protest
I was be-agued, fearing lest the Senate
should have accepted at your fain'd refusall.
See how your kindred and your friends are muster
to warme them at your sun-shine. Were you now
in prison, or arraign'd before the Senate
for some suspect of treason, all these swallowes
would flie your stormy winter, not one sing:
their Musick is the Summer and the Spring.
Appius.
Thou observest shrewdly: well, Ile fit them fort.
I must be one of the Decemviri,
or banish't Rome. Banisht! laugh, my trusty Marcus,
I am inforc't to my ambition.
I have heard of cunning footmen that have worne
shooes made of lead some ten dayes fore a race
to give them nimble and more active feet:
so great men should, that aspire eminent place,
load themselves with excuse and faint denyall,
that they with more speed may performe the trial:
Marke his humility saies one; how far
his dreames are from ambition, saies another:
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should draw him into office: and a third
is meditating on some thrifty suite
to beg 'fore dinner. Had I as many hands
as had Briarius, I'de extend them all
to catch this office; 'twas my sleeps disturber,
my dyets ill digestion, my melancholy
past physicks cure.
Enter Oppius, Minutius, Lictors.
Marcus.
The Senators returne.
Minu.
My Lord, your answer.
Appius.
To obey my Lord, and to know how to rule
doe differ much: to obey by nature comes,
but to command by long experience.
Never were great men in so eminent place
without their shadowes. Envy will attend
on greatnesse till this generall frame takes end.
'Twixt these extreames of state and banishment,
my minde hath held long conflict, and at last
I thus returne my answer, noble friends,
we now must part, necessity of State
compells it so.
I must inhabit, now a place unknowne,
you see't compels me leave you. Fare you well.
1. Cozen.
To banishment, my Lord?
Appius.
I am given up
to a long travell full of fear and danger,
to waste the day in sweat, and the cold night
in a most desolate contemplation,
banisht from all my kindred and my friends,
yea banisht from my selfe; for I accept
this honourable calling.
Minu.
Worthy Appius,
the gods conduct you hither: Lictors, His robes.
2. Cozen.
We are made for ever, noble kinsman,
'twas but to fright us.
Appius.
But my loving kinsmen,
mistake me not, for what I spake was true,
bear witnesse all the gods: I told you first,
I was to inhabit in a place unknown;
'tis very certaine, for this reverend seat
receives me as a pupill, rather gives
ornament to the person, then our person
the least of grace to it. I shewed you next
I am to travell; 'tis a certaine truth:
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exceeds the bodies, so far am I bound
with paine and industry, beyond the toyle
of those that sweat in warre, beyond the toyle
of any Artisan, pale cheeks, and sunk eyes,
a head with watching dizied, and a haire
turn'd white in youth, all these at a dear rate
we purchase speedily that tend a State.
I told you I must leave you, 'tis most true.
Henceforth the face of a Barbarian
and yours shall be all one, henceforth Ile know you
but only by your vertue: brother or father
in dishonest suite shall be to me
as is the branded slave. Justice should have
no kindred, friends, nor foes, nor hate, nor love,
as free from passion as the gods above.
I was your friend and kinsman, now your Judge,
and whilst I hold the scales, a downy feather
shall as soone turne them as a masse of Pearle
or Diamonds.
Marcus.
Excellent, excellent Lapwing,
there's other stuffe closed in that subtle brest.
He sings and beats his wings far from his nest.
Appius.
So Gentlemen, I take it, here takes end
your businesse; my acquaintance, fare you well.
1. Cozen.
Heres a quick change, who did expect this cloud?
Thus men when they grow great doe strait grow proud.
Appius.
Now to our present businesse at the camp:
the army that doth winter 'fore Agidon,
is much distrest we heare: Minutius,
you with the levies and the little corne
this present dearth will yield, are speedily
to hasten thither, so to appease the minde
of the intemperate souldier.
Minu:
I am ready
the levies doe attend me, our Lieutenant
send on our Troopes.
Appius:
Farewell Minutius.
the gods goe with you, and be still at hand
to adde a triumph to your bold command.
Exeunt.
Enter Numitorius, Icilius, Virginia.
Numitor.
Noble Icilius, welcome, teach your selfe
a bolder freedome here, for by our love
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her kindreds wishes. There's not in all Rome
a man that is by honour more approv'd
nor worthier, were you poore, to be belov'd.
Icilius.
You give me (noble Lord) that character
which I cood never yet read in my selfe:
but from your censure shall I take much care
to adorne it with the fairest ornaments
of unambitious vertue: here I hold
my honorable patterne, one whose minde
appeares more like a ceremonious chappell
full of sweet musick, then a thronging presence.
I am confirm'd, the court doth make some shew
fairer then else they would doe; but her port
being simple vertue, beautifies the court,
Virginia.
It is a flattery (my Lord)
you breath upon me, and it shewes much like
the borrowed painting which some Ladies use,
it is not to continue many dayes;
my wedding garments will outweare this praise.
Numitor.
Thus Ladies still foretell the funerall
of their Lords kindnesse.
But my Lord, what newes?
Enter a Servant, whispers Icilius in the eare.
Icilius.
Virginius, my Lord, your noble brother
disguis'd in dust and sweat, is new arriv'd
within the City: troopes of artisans
follow his panting horse, and with a strange
confused noyse, partly with joy to see him,
partly with fear for what his hast portends,
they shew as if a sudden mutiny
orespread the City.
Numitor.
Cozen take your chamber.
What businesse from the camp?
Icilius.
Sure Sir it beares
the forme of some great danger, for his horse
bloody with spurring, shewes as if he came
from forth a battel: never did you see
'mongst quailes or cocks in fight a bloodier Heele,
then that your brother strikes with. In this forme
of orespent horseman, having as it seemes,
with the distracting of his newes, forgot
house, friends, or change of raiment, he is gone
to th'Senate house.
Numitor.
Now the gods bring us safety,
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to'th Senate house, and there enquire how neare
the body moves of this our threatned fear.
Exeunt.
Enter Appius melancholly after Clodius.
Cl:
My Lord.
Appius.
Thou troublest me.
Clodius.
My hand's as ready arm'd to work your peace
as my tongue bold to inquire your discontents.
Good my Lord hear me.
Appius.
I am at much variance
within my selfe, there's discord in my blood,
my powers are all in combat, I have nothing
left but sedition in me.
Clodius.
Trust my bosom
to be the closet of your private griefs.
Beleeve me, I am uncranied.
Appius.
May I trust thee?
M. Clodius.
As the firme centre to indure the burden
of your light foot, as you would trust the poles
to bear on them this airy cannopy,
and not to fear their shrinking. I am strong,
fixt and unshaking.
Appius.
Art thou? Then thine ever: I love.
M. Clodius.
Ha ha he.
Appius.
Can this my ponderous secresie
be in thine ear so light? seemes my disturbance
worthy such scorne that thou deridest my griefs?
Beleeve me, Clodius, I am not a twig
that every gust can shake, but 'tis a tempest
that must be able to use violence
on my grown branches. Wherefore laugh'st thou then?
M. Clodius.
Not that y'are mov'd, it makes me smile in scorne
that wise men cannot understand themselves,
nor know their own prov'd greatnesse. Clodius laughes not
so think you love, but that you are so hopelesse
not to presume to injoy whom you affect.
What's she in Rome your greatnesse cannot awe
or your rich purse purchase? Promises and threats
are statemens Lictors to arrest such pleasures
as they would bring within their strict commands;
why should my Lord droop, or deject his eye?
can you command Rome, and not countermand
a womans weaknesse? Let your Grace bestow
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Appius.
Ask both and lavish them to purchase me
the rich fee-simple of Virginia's heart.
M. Clodius.
Virginia's!
Appius.
Hers.
M. Clodius.
I have already found
an easie path which you may safely tread,
yet no man trace you.
Appius.
Thou art my comforter.
M. Clodius.
Her father's busied in our forreign wars,
and there hath chief imployment; all their pay
must your discretion scantle: keep it back,
restraine it in the common Treasury.
Thus may a states-man 'gainst a souldier stand,
to keep his purse weak, whil'st you arme his hand.
Her father thus kept low, gifts and rewards
will tempt the maide the sooner; nay haply draw
the father in to plead in your behalfe.
But should these faile, then siege her Virgin Tower
with too prevailing engines, feare and power.
Appius.
Go then and prove a speeding advocate;
Arme thee with all our bounty, oratory,
variety of promise.
Enter Valerius.
Valerius.
L. Appius, the Decemvirate intreat
your voice in this dayes Senate. Old Virginius
craves audience from the camp with earnest suite
for quick dispatch.
Appius.
We will attend the Senate. Clodius, Be gone.
Enter Spurius, Opius, Valerius, Numitor, &c.
Opius.
We sent to you to assist us in this counsell
touching the expeditions of our war.
Appius.
Ours is a willing presence to the trouble
of all State cares. Admit him from the camp.
Enter Virginius.
Opius.
Speak the camps will.
Virginius.
The camp wants money, we have store of knocks,
and wounds Gods plenty, but we have no pay,
this three moneths did we never house our heads,
but in yon great star-chamber; never bedded
but in the cold field-beds, our vittaile failes us,
yet meet with no supply; we're fairly promis'd,
but souldiers cannot feed on promises;
all our provant, apparell's torne to rags.
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to fight for Rome like beggars? Noble Gentlemen,
are you the high State of Decemviri,
that have those things in mannage? Pity us,
for we have need on't. Let not your delays
be cold to us, whose bloods have oft been heated
to gaine you fame and riches. Prove not to us
(being our friends) worse foes then we fight with:
Let's not be starv'd in kindnesse. Sleep you now
upon the bench, when your deaf ears should listen
unto the wretchlesse clamours of the poor?
Then would I had my Drums here, they might rattle,
and rowse you to attendance. Most grave Fathers,
shew your selves worthy stewards to our Mother
fair Rome, to whom we are no bastard sons,
though we be souldiers. She hath in her store
food to maintain life in the Camp, as wel
as surfet for the City. Do not save
the foe a labour; send us some supply,
lest ere they kill us, we by famine die.
App.
Shall I (my Lords) give answer to this souldier?
Opius.
Be you the Cities voyce.
App.
Virginius, we would have you thus possess'd,
we sit not here to be prescib'd and taught,
nor to have any suter give us limit,
whose power admits no curb. Next know, Virginius,
the Camp's our servant, and must be dispos'd,
controul'd and us'd by us, that have the strength
to knit it or dissolve it. When we please
out of our Princely grace and clemency
to look upon your wants, it may be then
we shall redress them: But till then, it fits not
that any petty fellow wag'd by us
should have a tongue found here before a Bench
of such grave Auditours. Further,—
Virg.
Pray give me leave,
Not here? pray Appius, is not this the Judgment seat?
Where should a poor mans cause be heard but here?
To you the Statists of long flourishing Rome,
to you I call, If you have charity,
if you be humane, and not quite giv'n ore
to Furs and Metall, if you be Romans,
if you have any souldiers bloud at all
flow in your veins, help with your able arms
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of fair Rome's sons, cold, weak, hungry, and clothless,
would feed upon your surfet. Will you save, them.
or shall they perish?
App.
What we will, we will,
be that your answer: perhaps at further leasure.
We'l help you, not your merit but our pleasure.
Virg.
I will not curse thee, Appius, but I wish
thou wert i'th' camp amongst the Mutineers
to tell my answers, not to trouble me.
Make you us dogs, yet not allow us bones?
Oh what are souldiers come too! Shall your camp,
the strength of all your peace, and the iron wall
that rings this Pomp in from invasive steel;
shall that decay? Then let the forrain fires
climb o're these buildings; let the sword and slaughter
chase the gown'd Senate through the streets of Rome.
to double dye their robes in Scarlet; let
the enemies stript arm have his crimson'd brawns
up to the elbowes in your traiterous bloud;
Let Janus Temple be devolv'd, your Treasures
ript up to pay the common adversaryes
with our due wages. Do you look for lesse?
the rottenness of this misgovern'd State
must grow to some Disease, incurable
save with a sack or slaughter.
App.
Y'are too bold.
Virg.
Know you our extremities?
App.
We do.
Virg.
And will not help them?
App.
Yes.
Virg.
When?
App.
Hereafter.
Virg.
Hereafter? when so many gallant spirits
that yet may stand betwixt you and destruction,
are sunk in death? Hereafter? when disorder
hath swallowed all our Forces?
App.
We'l hear no more.
Opius.
Peace, fellow peace, know the Decemviri,
and their Authority; we shall commit you else.
Virg.
Do so, and I shall thank you; be relieved
and have a strong house o're me, fear no Alarmes
given in the night by any quick perdue.
Your Guilty in the City feeds more dainty
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to be an under Keeper then a Captain;
The gods of Rome amend it.
App.
Break up the Senate.
Virg.
And shall I have no answer?
App.
So farewel.
Virg.
What Slave would be a soldier to be censured
by such as ne'er saw danger? To have out pay,
our worths and merits ballanc'd in the scale
of base moth-eaten peace. I have had wounds
would have made all this Bench faint and look pale
but to behold them searcht. They lay their heads
on their soft pillowes, pore upon their bags,
grow fat with laziness and resty ease.
And us that stand betwixt them and disaster
they will not spare a Drachma. O my souldiers,
before you want, I'l sell my smal possessions
even to my skin to help you, Plate and Jewels
all shall be yours. Men that are men indeed,
the earth shal find, the Sun and air must feed.
Enter Numitorius, Icilius, Valerius, Virginius.
Numitor.
Your daughter, noble brother, hearing late
of your arrvial from the Camp, most humbly
prostrates her filial Duty.
Virg.
Daughter rise.
And brother I am only rich in her,
and in your love, link't with the honour'd friendship
of those fair Romane Lords. For you Icilius,
I hear I must adopt you with the title
of a new son; you are Virginia's chief,
and I am proud she hath built her fair election
Upon such store of vertues. May you grow,
although a Cities child, to know a souldier
and rate him to his merit.
Icil.
Noble father,
(for henceforth I shal onely use that name)
Our meeting was to urge you to the processe
of our fair contract.
Virgin.
Witnesse Gentlemen,
here I give up a fathers interest,
but not a fathers love, that I wil ever
wear next my heart, for it was born with her
and growes still with my age.
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Icilius,
receive her: witnesse noble Gentlemen.
Valer.
With all my heart. I would Icilius could do as much
for me; but Rome affords not such another Virginia.
Virgin.
I am my fathers daughter, and by him
I must be swaid in all things.
Num.
Brother, this happy Contract asks a Feast,
as a thing due to such solemnities.
It shall be at my house, where we this night
will sport away some hours.
Virg.
I must to horse.
Numitor.
What, ride to night?
Virg.
Must see the Camp to night.
'Tis full of trouble and destracted fears,
and may grow mutinous. I am bent to ride.
Val.
To night?
Virg.
I am ingag'd: short farwels now must serve,
the universal businesse calls me hence,
that toucheth a whole people. Rome, I fear,
thou wilt pay use for what thou dost forbear.
Explicit Actus I.
| Appius and Virginia | |