University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

The upper Hall.
Enter Rapatio and Senators.
Rapatio.
Since you advis'd to this, call in the patriots—
Enter Patriots—
It grieves my soul, to hear the groans of freedom;
And I'm resolv'd, whatever it may cost me,
To heal these wounds and save my bleeding country.
I've struggled hard, to get the cause remov'd.
The soldier goes—and 'tis my fervent prayer—
Each other wrong may find a quick remove,
And prince and peasent join in mutual love.

[Exeunt.
Scene changes to the Senate House.
Enter Brutus.
Brutus.
Patriots all hail! the happy hour approaches,
When vanquish'd freedom rears again her head.
And sweetly smiles. Our constant manly conduct
Has won the day—the sullen foe retires—
[He is interrupted with an universal hout]—
Oh! what a burst of joy was that—there broke
The warm effusion of an heart that feels
In virtue's cause. Gods! what a throb of pleasure!
To look around this vast, this crouded hall
And hail them freemen—what tho' some have bled,
Unhappy victims—what tho' I have wept,
And struggl'd hard to rescue thee, my country,
This glorious harvest richly compensates
For dangers past—nature looks gay around me,
And all creation seems to join my joy.
With transfort now I take my little offspring,
And hug them to my bosom, while they catch
The throbs I feel, and prattle out their joys.
Now I can toil for them contented—freeze
In winter's cold, and burn in summer's heat,
And sing my cares away, while what I earn,
I'll call my own, and leave it their's for ever.
And hence, ye patriots learn an useful lesson—
He who in virtue's cause remain unmov'd,
And nobly struggles for his country's good:
Shall more than conquer—better days shall beam,
And happier prospects croud again the scene—

[Exeunt.