University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

The Scene opens, and discovers the magnificent Temple of Bacchus, where the publick Entertainments were wont to be celebrated at Athens. The Statue of Brutus being this Day erected, is supposed to be the Occasion of these Solemnities, and must appear in the furthermost part of the Stage.
After the Shews and Songs are over, Brutus, Lucilius, Titinius, and Varius remain on the Stage.
Lucilius.
By these refin'd Diversions, we perceive
This Town retains its old Magnificence.
No wondet Atticus, so nice a Judge.
When he retir'd, preferr'd this Place to all.

Varius.
Philosophy is highly'st honour'd here;
And from that Fountain of superior Wisdom
Flows all this Stream of Arts and Sciences.

Brutus.
Here Poetry, harmoniously divine,
Is most transporting, thus accompany'd
With artful Paintings, and melodious Sounds.
The Muses join in all Athenian Pleasures.

Varius.
But that which has occasion'd these Delights,
Gives the true Taste to all; your matchless Merit.

Brutus.
Hold, Varius; too much has been said already
In Compliment: and I receive it only
As Honour done me for Rome's sake, not mine.
So Prizes, taken but by vulgar Hands,
Are brought in Triumph to the Capitol.

Lucilius.
Yet then, we know, that Leader justly triumphs,
Under whose Conduct those rich Spoils are gain'd.

Brutus.
But were our Conduct equal to our Cause,
In which the noble Cassius and myself
Have here engag'd all Asia on our Side;
Yet the whole World deliver'd, must acknowledge
All owing to this gen'rous Commonwealth.

Varius.
Rome could not fail to find Support in Athens,
Her elder Sister, both in Arts and Arms,
And great Protectress of fair Liberty;
That Liberty to which she owes her Splendor.

Brutus.
Most truly noted: From whence ever came
Good Sense, or Learning, Arts of Peace, or War?
Deepness of Thought, or Nobleness of Nature?
Except where Liberty inlarg'd the Mind?

Varius.
The very Air of Freedom breeds great Souls,
Which Education ripens into Virtue.

Brutus.
And here inspires the usefullest of Virtues,
Tender Affection to our native Country.

Varius.
My Friends and near Relations, when I took
My tender Leave, after a thousand Counsels,
Assur'd me that their greatest Satisfaction
Was, that they sent me to this famous Place,
Where Wisdom, and where Virtue best are taught;
And own'd, when Romans write the most politely,
Their highest Praise is to have copy'd well.

Brutus.
Tully himself confesses Greece superior:
Yet he, of all our famous Wits of Rome,
Shines much the brightest.

Varius.
Such Applause from Brutus,
Is a Reward equal to all his Merit.

Titinius.
To be esteem'd by you, the greatest Kings
Here send their Legions, and have lent their Treasure.

Brutus.
And timely comes this Aid. Advice from Rome
Assures us, all their Force is on the March.

Varius.
I thought Dissension was among their Chiefs,
Each of them striving to set up himself.

Enter Cassius.
Cassius.
Just now is come most unexpected News;
Our Foes have forc'd their Gen'rals to be Friends,
And call'd it Civil War to fight in Quarrels
Between Octavius and Antony;
Yet think their War is lawful against us.

Titinius.
Alas! what Reas'ning can there be in Fools,
Who, bred in Faction, blindly join with Knaves?

Lucilius.
They are for Licence, not for Liberty;
And love those Gen'rals best, who lead to Mischief.

Brutus.
You have describ'd a State just ripe for Ruin.

Cassius.
Small Marches need they make, to meet a Foe
So eager as we are, to free our Country.
Oh the Delay is tiresome!

Brutus.
Yet have Patience;
With Vigour act, but think of all with Caution.

Cassius.
Our Rendezvous is settled at Philippi.

Brutus.
Thither you march To-night, and I To-morrow.
But Junia comes, I fear, to mourn your Absence.

[Exeunt. Manet Cassius.