University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Corvus, Mutius, meeting.
Corvus.
Mutius , what Tydings bring'st thou from Valerius?
Say, has he met the Tribunes?

Mutius.
I left him now
Conferring with them;—but they seem as cold,
And wear such distant Strangeness in their Looks,
As if they knew him not.

Corvus.
'Tis what I fear'd:—
The curs'd Return of Regulius has chang'd 'em:
That Man was born to be the Bane of Corvus,
To meet me at each Turn, unwind my Plots,
And baffle every Scheme:—but say, good Mutius,
How was his Coming relish'd by Valerius?
What said he to the News?

Mutius.
A deep Surprize
Dew'd all his Face, and fix'd his out-stretch'd Eye;
His Speech disjointed grew, his Action, wild:
But by Degrees the settled Fibres loosen'd,
Restoring his first Visage—then, reminding him
The Tribunes waited;—with a deep-fetch'd Sigh,
He cried, I fear his Coming will undo us!—
In vain I urg'd the Reasons that calm'd you;
He shook his Head, and with a wav'ring Shrug,
Irresolute and cold, went forth to meet them.

Corvus.
Ha! does he doubt? Nay, then I know my Course:—
Not to proceed with Warmth is to betray—
He shall be taken care of.

Mutius.
Yet his Friendship,
So known, and so approv'd, will keep him steddy.

Corvus.