University of Virginia Library

SCENE X.

Enter Varus.
Val.
Varus, is now
My will obey'd?

Varus.
Cæsar, thy will's obey'd,
Ætius is dead.

Fulv.
What say'st thou! Ætius dead!

Varus.
My faithful soldiers in the pass surpris'd him,
Nor had he time for fear, his breast transfix'd
Receiv'd the weapon's point—he groan'd and fell!

Max.
O unexpected chance!

[aside.
Fulv.
O! Heavens! I faint—

[leans against the scene.
Val.
Haste, hide from every eye his bloody vestments,
And let the death of Ætius be conceal'd
From each that owns his cause.

Varus.
It shall be done.

[Exit.
Val.
And still is Fulvia silent? 'Tis thy time
To speak—and wherefore dost thou now forbear
To praise this generous prince?

Fulv.
Inhuman tyrant!
I cannot speak—unhappy, wretched Ætius!

Max.
Permit her, Cæsar, for awhile to indulge
The first impulse of grief.