 | Aetius |  |
SCENE I.
Part of the Roman forum, with an imperial throne on one side. View of Rome illuminated by night: triumphal arches, and other preparations for the celebration of the decennial feasts, and in honour of the return of Ætius from his victory over Attila.Valentinian, Maximus, Varus, Prætors and people.
Max.
No, sacred sir, the offspring of Quirinus
Did never celebrate with greater pomp
The last great day of our decennial rites.
The blaze of torches and the people's shouts
Disturb the shade and silence of the night,
And Rome no longer envies former times
Augustus' happy reign.
Val.
Well pleas'd I hear
My faithful people's vows ascend the sky:
I see the pomp and wait the victor's presence;
All, all is cause of joy—but chief the thought,
That with this profferr'd hand I can bestow
A gift more worthy of thy daughter's love,
306
Max.
From her father
Fulvia has learn'd, with true humility,
Not to desire, nor to despise dominion:
Let Cæsar bid, my daughter shall obey.
Val.
In Fulvia more the lover would I find,
And less the subject.
Max.
Cæsar ne'er can fear
She will not love those virtues which in him
The world admire—But thirst of vengeance only
Inspires the restless soul of Maximus.
[aside.
Varus.
Ætius approaches—I behold already
His foremost ensigns.
Val.
Let us hear the victor,
And, Maximus, be thou partaker still
In every good that Fortune heaps upon me.
[he ascends the throne: Varus takes his place next him.
Max.
[aside.]
Think not for this my injuries are forgot.
| Aetius | |