University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

The Camp before Ardea.
Enter Claudius and Aruns, laughing.
Aruns.
There is no doctor for the spleen like Lucius!
What precious scenes of folly did he act
When, lately, through the unknown seas of Greece
He went with us to Delphi!—But behold!
Where full of bussiness his wise worship comes!

Enter Lucius Junius.
Claud.
Whither so fast, good Junius, tell us whither?

Luc.
To Rome, to Rome—the queen demands my presence.
The state needs aid and I am call'd to court.
Am I a fool? If so, you cannot say
I'm the first fool grac'd by a monarch's favour.

Aruns.
Why, Junius, travel has improv'd thy wit,
Thou speakest shrewdly.

Luc,
Do I so, my lord?
I'm always glad when you and I agree;
You have just such a wit as I should choose.
Would I could purchase such!—though it might split
My head, as confin'd air does—water bubbles!

Claud.
How say you? Purchase? Pr'ythee what would'st give?

Luc.
What would I give?—ten acres of my land!

Aruns.
Thy land! Where lies it?

Luc.
Ask the king, my cousin:
He knows full well. I thank him, he's my steward,
And takes the trouble off my hands.

Claud.
Who told thee so?

Luc.
The king himself. Now twenty years are past,
Or more,—since he sent for me from my farm.
“Kinsman,” said he, with a kind, gracious smile,
“For the black crime of treason which was charg'd
“Against thy father and thy elder brother,
“Their lives have paid: for thee, as I love mercy,
“Live and be happy: simple is thy mind”—

Aruns.
True, kinsman, true—i'faith 'tis wondrous simple.

Luc.
“And that simplicity will be a pledge
“That thou wilt never plot against thy sovereign”—

Claud.
Indeed, for that, I'll be thy bondsman, Junius

Luc.
“Live in my house, companion of my children.
“As for thy land, to ease thee of all care
“I'll take it for thy use; all that I ask
“Of thee, is gratitude.”

Aruns.
And art thou not
Grateful for goodness so unmerited?

Luc.
Am I not? Never, by the holy gods
Will I forget it! 'Tis my constant pray'r
To heaven, that I may one day have the pow'r
To pay the debt I owe him. But stay—stay—
I brought a message to you from the king.

Aruns.
Thank the gods, then, for thy good memory, fool!

Luc.
The king your father sends for you to council,
Where he debates how best to conquer Ardea.
Shall I before, and tell him ye are coming?

Claud.
Aye, or behind, or with us, or stay here—
As thy wit prompts,—as suits thy lofty pleasure.

[Exeunt Aruns and Claudius laughing.
Luc.
(alone)
Yet, 'tis not that which ruffles me—the gibes
And scornful mockeries of ill-govern'd youth—
Or flouts of dastard sycophants and jesters,
Reptiles, who lay their bellies on the dust
Before the frown of majesty!—All this
I but expect, nor grudge to bear;—the face
I carry, courts it!—Son of Marcus, Junius!
When will the tedious gods permit thy soul
To walk abroad in her own majesty
And throw this vizor of thy madness from thee?
To avenge my father's and my brother's murder!
(And sweet I must confess would be the draught!)
Had this been all—a thousand opportunities
I've had to strike the blow—and my own life
I had not valued as a rush—But still—
There's something nobler to be done—my soul!
Enjoy the strong conception. Oh! 'tis glorious
To free a groaning country—
To seek Revenge
Spring like a lion from its den, and tear
These hunters of mankind! Grant but the time,
Grant but the moment, gods! If I am wanting,
May I drag out this idiot-feigned life
To late old age, and may posterity
Ne'er hear of Junius but as Tarquin's fool!

[Exit Lucius Junius.