University of Virginia Library

SCENE IX.

CALPHURNIA.
(Aside.)
Hold firm my frighted Heart! Tis but a Moment!
Suffering with Dignity, disgrace not Glory:
Ev'n, in this dreadful Turn, preserve thy Greatness:
Nor let thy trembling Fears, alarm'd for Cæsar,
Lose the Distinction, due to Cæsar's Wife.
(Advances to Portia.)
Portia! A Change, like this, might prompt weak Minds,
To justify Despair, and give up Virtue.
But I, who trust the Gods, with good Men's Safety,
Know, that, in Cæsar's Triumphs, Heaven but guards
Th' assaulted Greatness, which, Itself, inspir'd:
Rising against Distress, Calphurnia smiles
At Traitor's Threats, and brightens from Eclipse.
Fearless, to persevere her Lord has taught her;
And, from meant Evil, force unwilling Good.
All, Thou must hope, when Cæsar's cloudless Star
Meets, and shines through, and burns above this Tempest;
Is—that my Sentence may remain suspended,
Till the Dictator's never-wearied Mercy
Pours Penitence, on the touch'd Heart of Brutus.

PORTIA.
Slow Blessings come too late, and bring new Curses:
This, but a Moment past, had sav'd us, Both:
Now, Portia rules not, here:—Tis angry Cassius:
The proud Conspirators possess my Gates,
And Brutus, absent, leaves me to their Power,
He flew, to warn those rash, discover'd, Romans:
But hasty Rage makes frustrate every Care.
—Yet, claim what e're my Weakness can:—Tis due
To kind Forgiveness of a Friend's first Fault:
To our past Wishes, and our present Fears:
For, ah! Who knows, what dire Events impend,
To blast eluded Hope, and make both wretched?
—Come, to my Chamber, let us sadly move,
Pensive, from Fear, and terrified for Love:
There, let us mourn Ambition's restless Rage,
And mutual Mise'ry mutual Help engage.

CALPHURNIA.
Warm, from my willing Heart, I join that Prayer,
Ne're may Ambition waste a good Man's Care!
Vain are his Hopes reluctant Foes to bless:
And still, the more his Toils, his Praise the less.