University of Virginia Library

SCENA IIII.

Horatius, Curiatius, Camilla
Horat.
Sister, have you
heard what accompt they make of Curiatius?

Cam.
Alas! my fortune hath much chang'd her face.

Horat.
Arme you with constancy, and shew your self
my Sister: if your Lover by my death
returne a conquerour, receive him not
as murtherer of a Brother, but as a man
of honour, that doth what he ought to do,
that serves his Country well, and shewes to all
by his high vertue that he's worthy of you;
and so, as if I liv'd, finish the marriage:
But if this sword cut off his destiny,
give to my Victory such entertainment:
do not reproach me with your Lovers death;
your tears flow from you, and your heart's oppress'd,
consummate with him all this weakness, Sister,
quarrel with Heaven and Earth, curse envious fortune,
but think no more of death after the combat.
Sir, I will leave you but a moment with her,
since we must go together where bright honour
doth call us.—
Exit Horatius.