 | The Tragedy of Sertorius |  |
SCEN. IV.
Repeated Noises.A Centurion to them.
Cent.
Perpenna, so I was commanded call thee,
For the incensed Souldiers swear to chuse,
From out the Legions, Chiefs, and form a Head
That shall to Osca lead their Warlike Bands.
Metellus, and young Pompey, they despise;
And to Sertorius fame are Proselytes:
Say, whether Concord to the Armed croud
Thou send'st in salutation, or Neglect?
Perp.
If that my memory fails not, thou art he,
When all the Cohorts bent to mutiny
In the Apulian fields, killing the Slave
Ambitious to be heard, didst lay the Storm:
How art thou chang'd! how lost from what thou wert!
Those Silver hairs, wain'd in the Roman Camp,
Should be example of her Discipline;
Not head of factious Slaves against their Lord,
Who made 'em what they are.
Cent.
Thus low, I bow
To great Perpenna, as my General.
VVhen the rash Croud mov'd with the Face of Death,
Lest some Officious Slave, inur'd to noise,
Plebeiac sport, wrought up the mischief higher;
I took this shape upon me, and must beg
13
Relish your sense) you would give way to join
Whom public Fame speaks loud: They all concur,
If you resist, to give you bound and chain'd
Unto the Lusitanian General.
Be speedy, e're the happy hour is fled.
Auf.
Necessity compels; you must obey.
Perp.
Did I not fear (for I'm my self secure)
My Fulvia's harm, th'insulting Slaves should feel
Alcides labors dwelt upon my Sword:
But, since ill Chance sits heavy on my Fate,
Fly hence, my Friends, use all your art and pow'r,
Let Hermes dictate, and the Gods inspire;
Take with you this good man, and tell the Throng,
Perpenna condescends to lead 'em on:
Speak all the taking words that can be thought,
And Reign for ever in Perpenna's brest.
Cent.
Fear not success: this news, like Balm to wounds,
Will lay the anguish, and set free their doubt.
[Exeunt.
| The Tragedy of Sertorius | |